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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2026 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 12, 2026 Deborah Searcy, Mayor Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor 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 The winter Business of the Season Award was awarded to Hobo's Gourmet Kitchen. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held February 12, 2026 and the Minutes of the Special Session held February 19, 2026 were approved as written. ADMINISTRATION OF COUNCILMEMBER OATHS Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to re-elected councilmembers Deborah Searcy, Orlando Puyol and Lisa Interlandi. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION Mayor Searcy opened the floor to nominations for the office of Mayor. Deborah Searcy nominated Lisa Interlandi for Mayor. With no other nominations for Mayor, Lisa Interlandi was declared Mayor. Lisa Interlandi nominated Orlando Puyol for Vice Mayor. With no other nominations for Vice Mayor, Orlando Puyol was declared Vice Mayor. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 12, 2026 Page 2 of 7 COUNCIL REORGANIZATION continued Deborah Searcy nominated Susan Bickel for President Pro Tem. With no other nominations for President Pro Tem, Susan Bickel was declared President Pro Tem. Thereafter, the names of Lisa Interlandi, Orlando Puyol and Susan Bickel were entered into Resolution 2026-06. RESOLUTION 2022-21 — APPOINTING COUNCIL OFFICERS A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Vice Mayor Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2026-06 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPOINTING THE MAYOR, VICE MAYOR AND PRESIDENT PRO TEM FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-06 passed unanimously. Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Interlandi, Vice Mayor Puyol, and President Pro Tem Bickel. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Judy Pierman, 560 Greenway Drive, thanked Village staff, elected officials, candidates and residents who attended the "Meet the Candidates" event. Mrs. Pierman stated that everyone who participated and attended spoke and listened with dignity and decorum. Mrs. Pierman thanked all again for making the Village the "Best Place to Live Under the Sun." Ron Okolichany, 417 Northlake Drive, congratulated the newly appointed Mayor, Vice Mayor and President Pro Tem. Mr. Okolichany expressed his concerns regarding the drainage issues on Lorraine Court. Kendra Zellner, 604 Laurel Court, stated that there was a guest speaker, Josh Mills, from Native Shorelines at the last Environmental Committee meeting who spoke about opportunities to stabilize the shoreline at Lakeside Park. Mr. Mills requested scheduling a tour of the park with Councilmembers to discuss options. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, announced Bingo Night at the Library on March 17th and discussed where and when to buy tickets. Kendra Zellner also announced Garden Fest on March 28th and Earth Day on April 25th Vice Mayor Puyol spoke about the Library and its events for the Village's children and residents. Mayor Interlandi addressed the comments regarding Lorraine Court stating that there was a short term fix but the long term fix was related to joint efforts with Seacoast Utilities. Public Works Director Chad Girard discussed and explained what has been addressed at Lorraine Court for a short term fix and what would take place within the next 9 months to provide a permanent fix. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding drainage issues at Lorraine Court and how and when they would be addressed. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 12, 2026 Page 3 of 7 REPORTS (SPECIAL COMMITEES AND ADVISORY BOARDS) Recreation Advisory Board Chairperson Rita Budnyk gave a report on behalf of the Recreation Advisory Board. Ms. Budnyk announced the Heritage Day Festival the weekend of April 10, 11 and 12 and encouraged everyone to look at the information regarding the event online. Ms. Budnyk explained the schedule of events. Ms. Budnyk stated that items that the Recreation Advisory Board were working on were the Community Center parking lot, undergrounding of the power lines at Anchorage Park, landscaping and vegetation at the Dry Storage yard, new fitness equipment, pathway and kayak launch improvements as well as updating the facilities and outdoor areas of the Community Center and Osbourne Park. Ms. Budnyk stated that improving the Dry Storage Yard was also an item that the board was wanting to address. Ms. Budnyk stated that a recycled bench would be installed at Lakeside Park and the board was reviewing designs. Ms. Budnyk asked that Council make the improvements of recreational facilities a priority when creating the next budget. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Item 8 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: Resolution approving and ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding with the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, IAFF, Inc. to amend Article 2, Section 1 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to allow promotions to the rank of Lieutenant; and authorizing the Village Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding. Resolution approving an Agreement for Vote Processing Equipment Use and Elections Services with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections; and authorizing execution of the Agreement. Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meeting held 1/13/26. Receive for file Minutes of the Planning, Zoning, and Adjustment Board meeting held 2/3/26. RESOLUTION 2026-07 — COMPREHENSIVE PAY PLAN AMENDMENT A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PAY PLAN ADOPTED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET TO MODIFY THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PAY GRADE FOR PART-TIME CAMP COUNSELOR; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Vice Mayor Puyol requested that the proposed minimum and maximum be raised. Director of Human Resources Jennifer Cain explained the purpose of the resolution stating that the Camp Counselor position's range had not been adjusted with the Fiscal Year 2025 Comprehensive Pay Plan adjustments. Ms. Cain discussed and explained how she and staff came up with the proposed pay range. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Ms. Cain regarding pay ranges for certain staff positions and what minimum and maximum pay grade to give for part-time Camp Counselor. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 12, 2026 Page 4 of 7 RESOLUTION 2026-07 — COMPREHENSIVE PAY PLAN AMENDMENT continued A motion was made by President Pro Tem Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Searcy to adopt Resolution 2026-07 with the change of making the minimum and maximum pay grade for part-time Camp Counselor $17.04 to $25.07. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-07 as amended passed unanimously. President Pro Tem Bickel asked Ms. Cain to provide a future discussion or workshop to discuss the pay ranges of lower tiered employees. PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2026-03 — CODE AMENDMENT — OVERNIGHT ANCHORING OR MOORING LIMITATION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Bickel to adopt and enact on second 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 available means of enforcement. Mr. Rubin discussed and explained changes that were made to the ordinance between first and second reading stating that based on concerns from Council at the first reading, whereas clause was added to state that "in adopting the Ordinance, the Village Council was exercising additional regulatory authority granted by the Florida Legislature and was not granting any additional rights applicable to the anchoring or mooring of vessels. Mr. Huff asked what type of citation would be given for anchoring or mooring violations. Mr. Rubin stated that he and the Police Department would need to work together to create a notice. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Rubin regarding enforcing anchoring or mooring violations. Mayor Interlandi opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Interlandi closed the public hearing. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 12, 2026 Page 5 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2026-03 — CODE AMENDMENT — OVERNIGHT ANCHORING OR MOORING LIMITATION continued Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding anchoring and mooring regulations and the proposed ordinance. Thereafter, the motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2026-03 passed unanimously. ORDINANCE 2026-04 — CODE AMENDMENT — LIMITED USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Searcy to adopt and enact on second 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 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. Mr. Rubin explained that the Florida Legislature has preempted the regulation of artificial turf for single-family residential properties one acre in size or less. Once the Florida Department of Environmental Protection finalizes its standards, the Village will be required to amend its Code accordingly. Mayor Interlandi opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Interlandi closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding the proposed ordinance. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 12, 2026 Page 6 of 7 ORDINANCE 2026-04 — CODE AMENDMENT — LIMITED USE OF ARTIFICIAL TURF continued Thereafter, the motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2026-04 passed 3 to 1 with Mayor Interlandi, Vice Mayor Puyol and Councilmember Searcy voting aye and President Pro Tem Bickel voting nay. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Village Manager Evaluation Form Ms. Cain provided copies of the current and draft Village Manager Evaluation forms and scoring sheets that were previously emailed to Councilmembers for review. Ms. Cain discussed and explained how the forms were previously emailed to Council for their review and feedback. Ms. Cain asked if there were any additional changes to the draft form. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the draft Village Manager Evaluation form. Council came to consensus to remove Category #9 Organizational Technology Strategy & Oversight from the Village Manager Evaluation form. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding weighting and scoring. Ms. Cain stated that she would update the categories on the form and email the new form to Council the next day for them to complete and return to her by Monday. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS President Pro Tem Bickel discussed her concerns with the state's requirements and regulations regarding artificial turf. Councilmember Searcy announced that the Country Club will be celebrating its 100tn birthday the weekend of April 30th, May 1st and 2nd. Councilmember Searcy thanked everyone who participated in the "Read for the Record" event and also encouraged everyone to vote in the upcoming Village Special Election and the Special General Election for State Representative District 87 on March 24th. President Pro Tem Bickel asked residents to vote on March 24th and to strive for a greater turnout than the City of Delray who had a 17% voter turnout. Vice Mayor Puyol asked everyone to attend Bingo Night at the Library on Tuesday, March 17tn Mr. Huff thanked former Mayor Searcy for the work she did as Mayor in the past year. Mr. Huff congratulated Mayor Interlandi, Vice Mayor Puyol and President Pro Tem Bickel on their appointments. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 12, 2026 Page 7 of 7 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff stated that the Communications Department had provided a flash card with a QR code that gives updates on ongoing projects. Mr. Huff stated that there were cards provided on the back table and thanked Communications for creating and providing the cards. Mayor Interlandi and Mr. Huff gave updates on the traffic changes that would be taking place on U.S. Highway 1 in relation to the bridge reconstruction. Mr. Huff stated that former Councilmember, Kristin Garrison's memorial and bench dedication had been scheduled and invitations have gone out. Vice Mayor Puyol asked everyone to keep Darryl Aubrey in their prayers as he is going through some health concerns. ADJOURNMENT There being nirther business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Jessie Green, MMC, Village Clerk OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Deborah Searcy, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of Councilmember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of March, 2026, by Deborah Searcy, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm* HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 a J. reen Notary 'u.1ic — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Orlando Puyol, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of Councilmember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of March, 2026, by Orlando Puyol, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 sssica J. reen otary lic — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ) ) ) ss. I, Lisa Interlandi, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of Councilmember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of March, 2026, by Lisa Interlandi, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN h�- Notary Public 0 ssica J. Green State of Florida Notar) ublic — State of Florida Comm# HH483482 My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Lisa Interlandi, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Florida, and the Charter and Code of the Village of North Palm Beach; and that I will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge my duties as Mayor during my continuance therein, so help me God. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence this 12th day of March, 2026, by Lisa Interlandi, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida r Comm* HH483482 iNCE Expires 3/7/2028 ssica J. Green tary PitlSlic — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Orlando Puyol, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Florida, and the Charter and Code of the Village of North Palm Beach; and that I will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge my duties as Vice Mayor during my continuance therein, so help me God. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence this 12th day of March, 2026, by Orlando Puyol, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Commit HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 J5----- ena J. Green Ndtary Public — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Susan Bickel, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Florida, and the Charter and Code of the Village of North Palm Beach; and that I will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge my duties as President Pro Tem during my continuance therein, so help me God. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence this 12th day of March, 2026, by Susan Bickel, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jec J. Green ry Pub State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482