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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2025 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 9, 2025 Deborah Searcy, Mayor Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor Kristin Garrison, President Pro Tem Susan Bickel, Councilmember Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Mayor Searcy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council were present. All members of staff were present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Interlandi led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Mayor Searcy read a Commendation for Louis Giarusso commending Mr. Giarusso for his 35 years of volunteer service as Volunteer Deputy Chief in the North Palm Beach Fire Rescue Department. Mr. Giarusso accepted the Commendation and thanked Council. Representatives from Ranger Construction presented the 2025 District 4 Roads and Streets Building of the Year Award that they received for their work on the milling and resurfacing project they did for the Village. An award plaque was also presented to Assistant Public Works Director Jamie Mount for his engineering services work on the project. Council thanked Ranger Construction for presenting them with the awards. Mayor Searcy read a Proclamation for Florida City Week. Mayor Searcy thanked everyone for participating in Florida City Government. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held September 25, 2025 were approved as written. Minutes of Village Council Meeting held October 9, 2025 Page 2 of 7 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., expressed his concerns regarding the Country Club's budget and finances and made suggestions for the proposal of additional Country Club parking. Mike Morris, 751 Jacana Way, expressed his concerns regarding the proposed Village Place Project and concerns regarding additional employees added to the payroll over the past seven (7) years. Councilmember Puyol addressed Mr. Ryder's comments and stated that the Country Club Finances needed to be reviewed and the correct information given to residents. Councilmember Puyol stated that when residents ask questions, staff and Council should address and not ignore their questions. Mr. Huff clarified information that was presented by Mr. Ryder stating that employees who make repairs to the Country Club are paid their salaries out of the General Fund since the Country Club building is considered a Village facility. Mr. Huff stated that the majority of the employees that have been hired over the past few years were part-time and seasonal part-time employees for the Country Club and the Recreation Department. Councilmember Bickel recommended having a workshop to discuss the Country Club's budget and finances. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the Country Club's budget and finances and how to address comments and answer questions from residents. Deputy Village Manager Samia Janjua gave an update on the year end financials process and stated that the final numbers would be available in March. INTRODUCTION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE APPLICANTS The following applicants were introduced to the Village Council: John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke RESOLUTION 2025-50 — APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE By written ballots, the originals of which are attached to the minutes of record, the Council appointed members to the Audit Committee as follows: Audit Committee: John T. Campbell and Francine Mantyh A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Vice Mayor Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2025-50 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The Council thanked everyone who applied. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held October 9, 2025 Page 3 of 7 RESOLUTION 2025-50 — APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE continued Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-50 passed unanimously. Mr. Huff introduced Kate Pokorny as the newest Communications Specialist hired by the Village. Councilmembers welcomed Ms. Pokorny. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Councilmember Bickel moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Puyol seconded the motion, which passed with all present voting aye. The following item was approved: Receive for file Minutes of the Waterways Board meeting held 7/22/25. RESOLUTION 2025-51— IN 1'ERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH SEACOAST UTILITY AUTHORITY A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-51 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH SEACOAST UTILITY AUTHORITY FOR JOINT PARTICIPATION AND PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE MARINA DRIVE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained that the project was originally a Village initiated project that focused on roadway and drainage improvements along Marina Drive, with minimal subsurface construction requirements planned. Seacoast Utility Authority (SUA) identified an opportunity to replace a significant portion of their aging water and force main infrastructure along the same corridor. Mr. Girard explained that since the removal and replacement of the aging SUA utility infrastructure constituted the primary scope of work the Village and SUA agreed that it would be beneficial for SUA to take the lead role in managing construction. SUA proposed to replace aging water and force mains along Marina Drive, from Yacht Club Drive to the northern cul-de-sac. Mr. Girard stated that the Village's total price for the work with contingency would be $266,859.61. Mayor Searcy asked how much of the project cost was Seacoast Utility Authority covering. Mr. Girard stated that SUA would be covering about three-quarters of the total project cost. The total project cost was approximately $900,000 and SUA would be covering $733,000. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Girard regarding the project's scope of work and the Village's scope of work versus Seacoast Utility Authority's scope of work. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-51 passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held October 9, 2025 Page 4 of 7 RESOLUTION 2025-52 — POLICE VEHICLES PURCHASE A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-52 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF SEVEN VEHICLES FOR THE VILLAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT; AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF FIVE 2025 CHEVROLET TAHOE PATROL VEHICLES FROM BRANNEN MOTOR COMPANY AND WAIVING THE VILLAGE'S PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE 2026 CHEVROLET TAHOE DETECTIVE VEHICLE FROM GARBER CHEVROLET AND ONE 2026 TOYOTA SEQUOIA DETECTIVE VEHICLE FROM SEMINOLE TOYOTA PURSUANT TO PRICING ESTABLISHED IN AN EXISTING FLORIDA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION CONTRACT; AUTHORIZING THE OUTFITTING OF THE VEHICLES BY DANA SAFETY SUPPLY PURSUANT TO PRICING ESTABLISHED IN AN EXISTING CITY OF MIAMI CONTRACT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Girard explained that the purpose of the resolution was to purchase seven (7) Police Department patrol and detective vehicles. Five (5) Chevrolet Tahoe patrol units would be purchased from Brannen Motor Company and two (2) detective vehicles, one Chevrolet Tahoe LS would be purchased from Garber Chevrolet and one Toyota Sequoia Hybrid would be purchased from Seminole Toyota. All vehicles would be outfitted by Dana Safety Supply. Discussion ensued between Mr. Girard, Chief Coliskey and Councilmembers regarding the colors and painting of the police vehicles. Mayor Searcy asked why the vehicles were being purchased and not leased. Mrs. Janjua explained that the interest rates for leasing had increased and it was more feasible for the Village to purchase rather than lease. Mr. Girard provided a timeline for the purchase, delivery and outfitting of the police vehicles. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-51 passed unanimously. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Discussion — Country Club Parkinu Mr. Huff began a presentation regarding a proposal to expand the parking at the Country Club. Mr. Huff discussed and explained the reasons for the discussion which were that the parking was identified as the Club's #1 weakness, was the #1 threat on the Village's SWOT Analysis, and there was not enough parking during busy times especially during season (Oct -May). Mr. Huff discussed and explained the current parking challenges. Mr. Huff showed a conceptual rendering provided by Peacock & Lewis that showed the tennis courts and parking lots at the Country Club. Mr. Huff proposed taking tennis courts 1 & 2 and shifting them to the north end and use the location for parking. Mr. Huff discussed the areas on the rendering that were currently being used for parking. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held October 9, 2025 Page 5 of 7 Discussion — Country Club Parkin continued Mr. Huff continued the presentation by discussing Staffs initial conceptual design revision and next steps which would be professional design and engineering which would refine details such as circulation, drainage, lighting, landscaping, fencing, parking building, & ADA compliance. Policy needed to fund the project and final design would ensure that parking and the facility was functional, safe and sustainable. Mr. Huff stated that moving the tennis courts 1 & 2 to the north side would cost approximately $200,000 and another $250,000 to $300,000 would be needed to build the new parking lot. Mr. Huff asked for Council direction on how to proceed. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, Mr. Huff and Mr. Bowman on how to proceed with adding parking to the Country Club. Mr. Huff asked if he could take the presentation and Council's suggestions to the Country Club Advisory Board and the Audit Committee for their input. Discussion ensued. Council agreed for Mr. Huff to get feedback from the Country Club Advisory Board and the Audit Committee on the proposed addition of parking at the Country Club. Discussion ensued between Council, Mr. Huff and Mr. Bowman regarding trees that have been removed and added to the Country Club. Mr. Huff thanked Council and stated that he would bring all feedback regarding the proposed addition of parking at the Country Club from the Country Club Advisory Board and the Audit Committee. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff announced "Boo Village" at the Community Center on October 25th and reviewed the festivities and events of the evening. Recreation Department Director Ashley Shipman gave an update on the Village's recreation activities, leagues, sporting events and upcoming Halloween and holiday events. Mr. Rubin began discussion regarding the proposal to shift the Village's Ad -Valorem Assessment to Non -Ad Valorem Assessment in the event that the legislature eliminates property taxes. Mr. Rubin explained that the two services that can be shifted to Non -Ad Valorem were Fire Rescue and Solid Waste. If the Village decides to move forward with switching those two services to a Non -Ad Valorem Assessment for the FY 2027 Budget, the Council would need to adopt a resolution signifying its intent by the end of the current year. The resolution would not commit the Village to the Non -Ad Valorem Assessment but would be a placeholder if it is decided to move forward with the Non -Ad Valorem Assessment for the FY 2027 Budget. The resolution would have to be noticed for four (4) consecutive weeks before adoption and would have to be adopted before January 1, 2026. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held October 9, 2025 Page 6 of 7 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff began discussion on whether Council would like to move forward with adopting the resolution for the Non -Ad Valorem Assessment. Mayor Searcy stated that she was in favor of adopting a resolution for the Non -Ad Valorem Assessment before the end of the year. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding the proposal to adopt a resolution for Non -Ad Valorem Assessment and the process that it would entail and implications it may have. Councilmember Bickel stated that she wanted to gather more information and speak with residents and employees before making a decision on whether to move forward with adopting a resolution for the Non -Ad Valorem Assessment and would prefer that Council waited until the next Council meeting to decide whether or not to move forward. Council agreed to discuss the item further at the next Council meeting on October 23`d Councilmember Bickel recommended that the Village have scholarship awards for Village residents. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers on what type of scholarships to offer and who they would be offered to. Councilmember Puyol stated that commercial properties should be allowed to install artificial turf and recommended that Council adopt a policy to allow it. Mr. Rubin explained what the Village's current ordinance allowed for artificial turf stating that it was only allowed for single-family residential and not any other zoning districts within the Village. Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding a request by Austin Republic restaurant for artificial turf brought to the Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board. Discussion continued regarding allowing artificial turf in other zoning districts besides single- family residential and the waiver process. Mr. Rubin stated that staff would discuss with the Planning Department and bring something back for Council to consider. Councilmember Puyol stated that he was riding his bike on Anchorage Drive and Lakeside when he came upon street dividers on the turn. Councilmember Puyol asked if the Village was using the street dividers. Mr. Girard stated that the dividers were installed to mitigate damage that was occurring to a resident's lawn from construction and other factors. Council asked Mr. Girard to remove the dividers as they were not consistent with rest of the Village's roadways. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held October 9, 2025 Page 7 of 7 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Councilmember Puyol discussed expansion from neighboring municipalities from the south and north side of the Village. Councilmember Puyol discussed the potential to encourage developers to bring expansion and height to the Village particularly to the condominiums located behind the Brass Ring Pub. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that Council needed to establish parameters and guidelines for any developers that were interested in building developments within the Village. ADJOURNMENT There being ner business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Jess 'c: Green, MMC, Village Clerk OCOTOBER 9, 2025 VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES TALLY EET Attorney Village Clerk Name (I=Incumbent) John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke Vote for 2 ) I I II AUDIT COMMITTEE Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 * Applicants for Multiple Boards VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES BALLOT OCTOBER 9, 2025 AUDIT COMMITTEE Name (I=Incumbent) John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke Vote for 2 v v Round 2 Councilmember Puydl Round 3 Round 4 * Applicants for Multiple Boards VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES BALLOT OCTOBER 9, 2025, AUDIT COMMITTEE Name (I=Incumbent) John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke Vote for 2 Round 2 Round 3 (President Pro Tem Garrison Round 4 * Applicants for Multiple Boards VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES BALLOT OCTOBER 9, 2025 AUDIT COMMITTEE Name (I=Incumbent) John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke Vote for 2 Councilmember Bickel Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 * Applicants for Multiple Boards VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES BALLOT OCTOBER 9,c1)25 AUDIT COMMITTEE Name (I=Incumbent) John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke Vote for 2 r/ Round 2 Vice avor ln6 Vice ayor Interlandi Round 3 Round 4 * Applicants for Multiple Boards VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES BALLOT OCTOBER 9, 2025 AUDIT COMMITTEE Name (I=Incumbent) John T. Campbell Francine Mantyh Rich Pizzolato David B. Rendina William J. Zanke Vote for 2 / / Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 May. Se rcy *Applicants for Multiple Boards