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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2026 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 12, 2026 Deborah Searcy, Mayor Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor Susan Bickel, Councilmember Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Marquetta Fells, Deputy 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 Proclamation for 211 Awareness Month. Mr. Ty Barnes, CEO of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, accepted the proclamation and thanked Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held January 22, 2026 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Ron Okolichany, 417 Northlake Drive, announced his candidacy for the Village's Special Election on March 24th and stated that any contributions leftover from his campaign will be donated to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County in memory of Kristin Garrison. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., expressed his concerns regarding the Country Club financials and stated that there was no agenda backup material related to the item. Mr. Ryder expressed his concerns regarding the proposed ordinance regarding mooring limitations. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that Mr. Ryder was welcome to make an appointment to meet with staff to get his questions answered regarding the Country Club's financials Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 2 of 8 CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Item 3 was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda. Thereafter, the Consent agenda as amended was approved unanimously. The following items were approved: Receive for file Minutes of the Waterways Advisory Board meeting held 9/23/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 10/21/25. Receive for file Minutes of the General Employees' Pension Board meeting held 11/20/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meeting held 12/9/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held 1/5/26. RESOLUTION 2026-04 — INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH SEACOAST UTILITY AUTHORITY FOR JOINT PARTICIPATION AND PROJECT FUNDING FOR THE BUOY ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Vice Mayor Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2026-04 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 BUOY ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Assistant Director of Public Works Jamie Mount gave a history of the issues and complaints received regarding Buoy Road and explained that the purpose of the resolution was to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Seacoast Utility Authority to address and alleviate the flooding issues through significant drainage upgrades. The project scope accounts for a successful interagency coordination to include necessary water main replacement by Seacoast Utility Authority. Mr. Mount continued to discuss and explain the logistics of the project. Councilmember Puyol asked if the funds for the project were coming from Stormwater Assessment Funds. Mr. Mount confirmed that the funds for the project were coming from Stormwater Assessment Funds. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., expressed his support for the infrastructure improvement project on Buoy Road. Mr. Ryder gave recommendations for correcting drainage issues throughout the Village. Ron Okolichany, 417 Northlake Drive, asked why the drainage issues on Lorraine Court were not being addressed. Vice Mayor Interlandi and Mr. Huff stated that the issues on Lorraine Court had been addressed. Mr. Huff stated that a Vulnerability Assessment had been completed to identify areas with drainage issues within the Village. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-04 passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 3 of 8 REPORTS (SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND ADVISORY BOARDS) Kendra Zellner, 604 Laurel Court, on behalf of the Environmental Committee reported that the Environmental Committee will be celebrating Earth Day on April 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. ORDINANCE 2026-03 — CODE AMENDMENT — OVERNIGHT ANCHORING OR MOORING LIMITATION A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-03 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE I, "IN GENERAL," OF CHAPTER 5, `BOATS, DOCKS AND WATERWAYS," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING A NEW SECTION 5-26, "OVERNIGHT ANCHORING OR MOORING LIMITATION;" PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND FINES; PROVIDING FOR REMOVAL, TOWING AND DISPOSAL; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin provided a history and explanation regarding anchoring or mooring within Village waters. Mr. Rubin stated that the Florida Legislature recently amended the Florida Statutes to authorize counties with a population of more than 1,500,000, including municipalities within those counties to regulate overnight anchoring or mooring within the waters of their jurisdiction. The proposed ordinance would implement the authority granted by prohibiting any boat or vessel from anchoring or mooring overnight within the jurisdictional waters of the Village for a period of one (1) hour or more between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise for more than thirty days within any consecutive six (6) month period. Mr. Rubin explained and discussed what the limitation would apply and not apply to and the code enforcement procedures. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., discussed sovereign land and rights of navigation which include the right to anchor or moor a vessel. Mr. Ryder discussed his concerns regarding the proposed ordinance. Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding anchoring and mooring regulations and the proposed ordinance. Thereafter, the motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-03 passed unanimously. ORDINANCE 2026-04 — CODE AMENDMENT — LIMITED USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-04 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX C (CHAPTER 45), "ZONING," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, "DISTRICT REGULATIONS," SECTION 45-36, "GENERAL PROVISIONS," TO ALLOW FOR THE Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 4 of 8 ORDINANCE 2026-04 — CODE AMENDMENT — LIMITED USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF continued LIMITED USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF FOR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, MIXED -USE, AND MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin explained that the Village Code currently limits the use of artificial turf to lots improved with a single-family or two-family dwelling. The Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board previously considered a request by Austin Republic to install artificial turf in an outdoor seating area but was prevented from considering the request based on the current Code language. The Village Council subsequently discussed the issue and directed Staff to draft an Ordinance allowing the limited use of artificial turf for non-residential, mixed -use, and multifamily projects. The proposed ordinance would amend the code to allow both the Village Council and Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board to approve the use of artificial turf for industrial, commercial, mixed -use, and multi -family projects subject to additional requirements. Mr. Rubin reviewed and explained the requirements. The Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board reviewed the proposed ordinance and voted five to one to recommend approval with the condition that applicants seeking to install artificial turf provide a description of the proposed materials, the product specification and data sheets, and the installation details, including treatment of transitions from existing hardscape and landscape materials. Mr. Rubin concluded by explaining the reasoning behind The Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board's condition. Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding the proposed ordinance. Thereafter, the motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-04 passed with all present voting aye. RESOLUTION 2026-05 — LIBRARY HVAC REPLACEMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt Resolution 2026-05 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM S&R ENGINEERING GROUP, LLC D/B/A AIR CHANGES MECHANICAL FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE VILLAGE LIBRARY HVAC EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR SUCH SERVICES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Facilities Manager, James Anthony explained that the original HVAC equipment at the Village Library was installed in 1969. Approximately three (3) months ago, the equipment failed and due to the age of the system the option of sourcing parts was not available and replacement became the only option. A Request for Proposals was issued and five (5) proposals were received. An Evaluation Committee reviewed and scored each proposal. The proposal by Air Changes Mechanical was the lowest proposal and scored the highest. Mr. Huff explained that the unit needed replaced for the last twenty (20) years. The units to be installed will be package units. Mr. Huff explained that the new units would not be of the same mechanical grade as the original units and their lifespan would be approximately five (5) to seven (7) years. The units will only air condition the second floor and not the first floor of the library. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 5 of 8 RESOLUTION 2026-05 — LIBRARY HVAC REPLACEMENT continued Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-05 passed unanimously. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Mayor Searcy asked Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Shipman to give an update on upcoming events. Ms. Shipman stated that a "Sniffs and Kisses Event" at the Anchorage Park dog park was taking place on Friday, February 13 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be live music and food at "Beats and Eats" afterward from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mayor Searcy announced "Read for the Record" taking place on February 26th and encouraged everyone to participate. Mayor Searcy stated that Performance Evaluation forms for the Village Manager and Village Clerk needed to be reviewed and revised. Mayor Searcy asked Human Resources Director Jennifer Cain to give an update. Ms. Cain stated that the Village Clerk's evaluation was not due until August and the Village Manager's latest evaluation was due on February 9th. Ms. Cain stated that she had reached out to other municipalities to gather information on what they use for their Village Managers and Village Clerks. Ms. Cain stated that she formed a draft evaluation based on the information she received. Mayor Searcy asked if the evaluation form had to be brought before Council to be voted on. Mr. Rubin stated that Council could give individual feedback to Ms. Cain and the form would not have to be formally brought back to a Council. Mayor Searcy asked Ms. Cain to forward Council information regarding the draft evaluation by the next day and Council could provide their feedback by the following week. Ms. Cain stated that she did not receive a separate evaluation form for the Clerk position from the municipalities she reached out to. The municipalities she heard back from stated that they used the same evaluation form they use for a Supervisors or Managers to evaluate the Clerk. Ms. Cain stated that if Village Council wanted to create a different or separate form for the Clerk position, that they were welcome to do so. Mayor Searcy asked if 360 performance evaluations were performed on employees as part of the evaluation process. Ms. Cain stated that the Village did not currently do 360 performance evaluations. Ms. Cain stated that if the Village Council was interested having those type of evaluations to email their interests to her. Discussion ensued regarding the review and revision of performance evaluations for the Village Manager and the Village Clerk. Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers discussed the need for a Charter review and the formation of a Charter Review Committee. Mr. Rubin stated that he would put information together to bring back to Council. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 6 of 8 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Ms. Cain gave an update on the request for a donation in memory of Jeremy Scott. Ms. Cain stated that the family requested a donation to Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Cain recommended a donation of $500 to Habitat for Humanity. Council came to consensus to approve a $500 donation to be made in memory of Jeremy Scott to Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Cain also gave an update regarding a donation and memorial service for former Councilmember Kristin Garrison. Ms. Cain stated that a check for a $1000 donation in memory of Kristin Garrison to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County was mailed on January 15th and a memorial bench has been installed outside Village Hall. A memorial plaque has been ordered and is anticipated to be received by February 24th. Once the plaque is received, a date would be determined for a memorial service dedicating the bench and plaque in memory of Kristin Garrison. Councilmember Bickel asked if Mrs. Garrison's mother would be notified of the memorial and dedication service. Ms. Cain stated that staff would reach out to Mrs. Garrison's mother once a date has been determined. Mayor Searcy acknowledged the recent passing of Father O'Shea who served as the Pastor for Saint Clare's church for many years and who was a very important part of the Village. Mayor Searcy stated that she wanted to do a better job of recognizing staff. Mayor Searcy stated that the Police and Fire Department has ceremonies or appreciation events that recognize them for all they do. Mayor Searcy recommended having a similar event for all other Village employees or departments within the Village. Mayor Searcy recommended an appreciation certificate or write up for any staff that does something significant or noticeable for acknowledgement. Councilmember Bickel recommended giving a gift certificate to the Country Club as an acknowledgement. Councilmember Puyol announced March 17th as Bingo Night at the Village Library. Mary Phillips on behalf of Friends of the Library gave the details for the upcoming Bingo Night at the Library. Councilmember Bickel stated that Mr. Huff mentioned a kickball challenge between Village Council and Village Staff and recommended that Council think about it. Councilmember Puyol thanked Mr. Huff for reaching out to the residents on the Fairhaven Place cul-de-sac and for addressing the issues. Mr. Huff expressed his appreciation. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 7 of 8 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continz.ced Councilmember Puyol gave an update on an algorithm from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's office that he shared with Mr. Huff. The program is used for entering upcoming legislative bills that can be entered into the system to get feedback on potential financial impacts to the Village. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that she judged at the most recent Hot Cars and Chili event. Vice Mayor Interlandi recommended that Council make chili and have a chili cook off with Village staff as the judges. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Country Club FAO Demo Mr. Huff stated that the Communications Team put together a document related to the Country Club that they would be reviewing. Mr. Huff stated that the presentation would shed light on the dynamics and facts of the Country Club. Communications Specialists Kate Pokorny and Olivia Glowala introduced themselves. Ms. Pokorny stated that "Know your Community" was a communications campaign that would provide transparency and highlight the Village's facilities and staff. The campaign would be in a printed and digital format. Ms. Pokorny discussed and explained the leaflet or printed version of "Know your Community" campaign. Ms. Glowala continued by discussing and explaining the digital version of the campaign. Ms. Glowala showed the campaign on the Village website and walked through the pages and information. Ms. Glowala stated that a "Know Your Community" website page would be done for each Village Department. Mr. Huff and Council thanked Ms. Glowala and Ms. Pokorny for the presentation and work they have done on the "Know Your Community" campaign. Discussion ensued among Mr. Huff and Councilmembers regarding upcoming Strategic Planning workshops. Mr. Huff announced that Ms. Dodi Glass was hired as the new Director of Planning and Economic Development and would begin employment on February 23rd. Mr. Huff thanked Mr. Rubin and Kim Delaney for their assistance in searching and recruiting someone for the Director of Planning and Economic Development position. Mr. Rubin requested an Attorney Client Session to be scheduled to discuss the results of the Bozzuto vs. Village of North Palm Beach court case. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Rubin regarding when to schedule the Attorney Client Session. Council came to consensus to tentatively schedule the Attorney Client Session for Thursday. February 19 after 5 p.m. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 12, 2026 Page 8 of 8 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff requested that the next Council meeting for February 26th be canceled due to a lack of agenda items. Council discussion ensued regarding the scheduling of Council meetings in February and March. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjoumed at 7:35 p.m. Jes . Green, MMC, Village Clerk