12-10-2009 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
DECEMBER 10, 2009
• Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
William Manuel, Vice Mayor
Edward M. Eissey, PhD., Councilman
T.R. Hernacki, P.E., Councilman
Absent:
ROLL CALL
Jimmy Knight, Village Manager
Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk
Darryl Aubrey, Sc.D., President Pro Tem
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 8:07 p.m. All members of Council were present, except
President Pro Tem Aubrey, who was absent due to illness. All members of staffwere present.
VILLAGE SIGN CODE
Discussion was held concerning the Village sign code with regard to Section 6-112, Exempt
Signs, subsection (L) "works of art that do not constitute advertising" and Section 6-113(H)
definition of advertising. Discussion ensued on how to define art. Mr. Rubin suggested that
subsection L could be deleted in its entirety.
Other suggestions included allowing artwork or murals as a category under allowable signs,
rather than under exempt signs, or deleting any reference to artwork in the sign code and
establishing another process for murals or artwork.
Council consensus was that an ordinance amending the sign code by deleting subsection L be
placed on the next Regular Session agenda. Further discussion on whether to establish a process
for the approval of artwork may be held at another Workshop Session or the issue may be sent to
the Planning Commission for review.
VEGETATIVE DEBRIS CODE
Discussion took place regarding the vegetative debris code adopted in January 2009, which
established requirements and standards for the collection of residential yard waste. Mr. Knight
reported that Village personnel have made diligent efforts to educate residents and contractors
about the regulations; however, it still requires much staff time to measure and document the size
of vegetation piles put out for collection. Mr. Knight suggested eliminating the regulation limiting
the maximum amount of debris that residents are allowed to put out for collection. Mr. Knight noted
that the purchase of an additional grapple truck would allow sanitation personnel to remove all yard
debris put out for collection and would lessen the number of complaints by residents.
Public Works Director Wiley Livingston reported 45 cases of excessive debris resulting in the
assessment of additional charges to the property owner. Mr. Livingston advised there have been
• no repeat offenders. Mr. Livingston noted an increase in residential recycling, and discussed its
impact on the collection of residential yard waste on Thursdays, when the sanitation division
collects both recycling and yard waste. Discussion ensued on the collection process and the cost
of an additional grapple truck.
Council consensus was that staff should continue its educational outreach efforts.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held December 10, 2009 Page 2 of 3
RESIDENTIAL PRIVILEGES
Discussion was held concerning extending "residential privileges" to taxpayers who own real
property in the Village but do not reside within the corporate limits of the Village.
Mr. Knight reported that the Recreation Advisory Board recommended that Council revisit
Resolution 37-83 and consider extending residential privileges to all Village taxpayers regardless
of whether or not they reside in the Village. Mr. Knight suggested that extending residential
privileges to all taxpayers might increase participation in recreation and Country Club programs.
Mr. Knight noted that residential privileges could include both property owners and tenants.
Discussion ensued on boat storage and ramp privileges at the Village Marina. Mr. Knight
recommended against expanding residential privileges with regard to the boat launching area or
rental ofboat storage space.
Discussion took place regarding commercial property owners, as well as business owners whose
lease agreement includes payment of property taxes. Mr. Knight advised that business owners
akeady receive a discount or "business rate." It was suggested that staff consider extending the
business rate to residential property owners who do not reside in the Village.
This item will be placed on a future Workshop agenda for further discussion pending additional
research by staff.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES STATUS
Discussion took place regarding the status of commercial properties and office space vacancies
within the Village. Mr. Knight noted a recent newspaper article listed the office vacancy rate in
Palm Beacli County at 17.7%, with North Palm Beach having the lowest vacancy rate at 11.5%.
Mr. Knight discussed issues raised at the recent North County Economic Development Advisory
Board meeting, including municipal procedures regarding property redevelopment.
Mr. Knight distributed a document titled "Implementation Guidelines of a Village Comprehensive
Economic Development Plan." Mr. Knight discussed six recommendations, which include
combining and redefining the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment to create a
Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals; amending the Appearance Plan to provide for review
and approval of appearance at the staff level; amending land development procedures to promote
a more streamlined process; establishing a Development Review Committee; reducing the size
requirement for Commercial Planned Unit Development (CPUD) to one acre; and implementing
the "Shovel Ready Palm Beach" program developed by the Business Development Board.
Council discussed issues including holding a business forum or charrette, and amending the
Appearance Plan to facilitate approval of items such as colors for buildings and signage.
• Council supported the proposed changes. Mr. Knight will develop a draft form of the
implementation guidelines for further review by the Council, and will arrange a forum for
business owners to provide input on proposed changes.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held December 10, 2009 Page 3 of 3
• SOUTH FLORIDA EAST COAST CORRIDOR TRANSIT ANALYSIS STUDY ~SFECCTA~
Discussion took place concerning the request by the Florida Department of Transportation for
comment by participating agencies on the SFECCTA Phase 2 Purpose and Need and the Phase 2
Draft Environmental Screening Methodology Technical Memorandum.
Mr. Knight noted that because the Village is a participating agency, it may provide input on the
Phase 2 SFECCTA documents. Mr. Knight explained the online process for providing comments.
Council declined to make any comments on the respective documents.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk