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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-2026 VC REG-MMINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 11, 2026 Present: Lisa Interlandi, Mayor Orlando Puyol, Vice Mayor Susan Bickel, President Pro Tern Deborah Searcy, Councilmember Kendra Zellner, Councilmember Sarnia Janjua, Deputy Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk ROLL CALL Mayor Interlandi 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 Puyol led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Communications Specialists Olivia Suarez and Kate Pokorny were recognized for receiving two Florida Municipal Communicators Association Awards for Outstanding Newsletter and Outstanding Social Media Campaign. Mrs. Suarez and Mrs. Pokorny thanked Village Council for their support. Mayor Interlandi presented Lifesaving Award Certificates to Country Club Lifeguards Kelly Mark and Louis Rosado. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held May 28, 2026 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns regarding changes to the Village's noise ordinance and basketball hoops that were installed close to and overhanging the street at certain residences. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 2 of 8 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff and Councilmembers regarding the installation and location of basketball hoops throughout the Village. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED President Pro Tern Bickel moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Puyol seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Resolution adopting a Quality Leave Award Policy to be incorporated into the Personnel Rules and Regulations Manual. Receive for file Minutes of the Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board meeting held 3/3/26. Receive for file Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held 3/11/26. Vice Mayor Puyol asked for an explanation of the Quality Leave Award. Human Resources Director Jennifer Cain explained that the purpose of the award was to provide additional leave time for employees who have demonstrated a high degree of dedication and outstanding performance, above and beyond expectation of the normal duties of their position. Ms. Cain explained that it was the first benefit that she would like to implement as part of an Employee Recognition Program. RESOLUTION 2026-28 - BUOY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CONTRACT A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Zellner to adopt Resolution 2026-28 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA ACCEPTING A BID PROPOSAL FROM TCLM ENTERPRISE INC. FOR THE BUOY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR SUCH SERVICES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained the project was put out to bid and the Village received eight (8) bids. TCLM Enterprises, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid in the amount of $449,397. The project was inclusive with an Interlocal Cost Sharing Agreement with Seacoast Utility Authority for utility replacement. Seacoast Utility would cover approximately $125,000 of the $448,397 cost. Discussion ensued between Mr. Girard and Councilmembers regarding the scope of the project. Jeannine Henrion, 712 Buoy Road, expressed her concerns regarding the proposed Buoy Road project and stated that she would appreciate the issues on Buoy Road finally be taken care of Patrick Hansen, 730 Buoy Road, asked for a timeline for the Buoy Road project and asked if it would also be repaved. Mr. Girard stated that he expected the project would begin within the next thirty (30) days and the road would be repaved as part of the project. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 3 of 8 RESOLUTION 2026-28 - BUOY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CONTRACT continued Marshall Gillespie, 731 Buoy Road, asked what type of disruption there would be to the residents of Buoy Road. Mr. Girard stated that there would be downtime for the water lines to swap things over, but there would not be any boil water notices because Seacoast is required to clear the line before putting the new line in service. Mr. Girard stated that a community meeting could be scheduled to educate and inform the residents of what would occur. Councilmember Searcy expressed her concern regarding the funds needed to fund the project and whether the stormwater assessments should be re-evaluated. Councilmember Searcy stated that she would like metrics on what roads have the same issues and that they would need to be addressed in the future. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Huff regarding re-evaluation of stormwater assessments. President Pro Tem Bickel asked why trees would have to be pulled for the Buoy Road project. Mr. Girard explained that since the Village had swales where water is collected, the trees in those swales need to be removed. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Girard regarding trees, stormwater assessment and the Buoy Road project. Councilmember Zellner asked that when trees need to be removed for a project that an equal number of trees be replaced even if it is in a different location within the Village. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-28 passed unanimously. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff asked Mayor Interlandi if they could discuss updates on the FPL undergrounding project before moving forward to the next agenda item. Mayor Interlandi reordered the agenda for the next topic of discussion to be an update on the FPL undergrounding project. Mr. Huff gave a background on the FPL undergrounding project. The undergrounding project was supposed to be done in the year 2030. FPL recently began reaching out to residents regarding the project but had not contacted the Village. Mr. Girard reached out to FPL and received the plans and had a subsequent meeting and learned that the majority of Lakeside Drive would be undergrounded and US Highway I all around the Anchorage Drive loop to Lighthouse Drive and to the south. Mr. Huff continued and explained the process that FPL would be taking to move forward and stated that there would not be a cost to the residents. Mayor Interlandi clarified that there would be no cost to the residents and that FPL would be undergrounding the main lines and connecting individual homes to the main lines. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 4 of 8 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff agreed and stated that it was why FPL was seeking to obtain rights to the easements. Mr. Huff stated that there were still unknowns about the project and that was why he and Mr. Girard are keeping the lines of communication open between the Village and FPL. Mr. Huff stated that there would be a meeting held by FPL at the Village for residents to get informed and have their questions answered. The meeting will take place on either June 24th or July 8th at 6 p.m. at Village Hall. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff and Councilmembers regarding the meeting between FPL and residents and whether there will be undergrounding in the remaining areas of the Village. Mr. Huff stated that messaging will go out once they have more information and when the meeting with FPL will take place. Discussion continued between Councilmembers and Mr. Huff regarding the transformers, poles, easements and right of ways as they related to the undergrounding project. RESOLUTION 2026-29 - ANCHORAGE PARK AMENITIES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Searcy to adopt Resolution 2026-29 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA ACCEPTING A BID PROPOSAL FROM DILIGENT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC FOR THE ANCHORAGE PARK AMENITIES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR SUCH SERVICES; APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER $40,469.00 FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT TO THE SPECIAL REVENUE RECREATION GRANT FUND AND AMENDING THE SPECIAL REVENUE RECREATION GRANT FUND TO REFLECT THE TRANSFER OF THE CIP FUNDS AND THE RECEIPT OF RECREATION TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT REVENUE TO FUND THE PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Parks Manager Stephen Poh discussed and explained the purpose and scope of the project. The first phase of the project would include repaving the trail system along the southern portion of Anchorage Park, the second phase would include stabilizing and re -grading the kayak launch area and the third phase of the project would include the installation of new outdoor fitness equipment. The project is a Recreation Trails Program Grant where 80% of the project would be funded by the grant and 20% would be funded through the Village's Capital Improvement Program and staff were recommending the contract be awarded to Diligent Construction Services, LLC as the low bidder of the project. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, expressed her support for the Anchorage Park Amenities Improvement Project and for the Village keeping environmental sustainability goals with Village projects and expressed her concerns regarding the utilization of artificial turf. Councilmember Zellner expressed her support for the Anchorage Park Amenities Improvement Project but stated her concerns regarding the use of artificial turf and should consider other alternatives for Village park projects. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 5 of 8 RESOLUTION 2026-29 - ANCHORAGE PARK AMENITIES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CONTRACT continued Mr. Poh discussed and explained the alternative grass options and stated that the turf that would be installed at Anchorage Park was considered safe for pets and the environment. Mr. Huff stated that he spoke with the contractor regarding possible alternatives for artificial turf and other environmentally safe options. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Ms. Shipman regarding the grant that was funding the project. Mr. Rubin stated that the budget amendment stated in the resolution was incorrect and needed to be revised to reflect the amount stated in the agenda memo. Mr. Rubin asked that Council provide a motion to amend the resolution with the correct budget amendment amount. A motion was made by Councilmember Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to amend the resolution with the correct budget amendment amount that was provided in the agenda memo, which passed unanimously. President Pro Tern Bickel asked if any trees would be lost in the project. Ms. Shipman stated that no trees would be lost. Ms. Shipman asked that the alternative chosen for the athletic equipment flooring was a soft material for people to exercise on. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the proper circumstances or applications for plastic or artificial turf. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-29 as amended passed unanimously. GE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS NPB Insider Series — Recreation / General Government Mr. Huff introduced the NPB Insider Series for Recreation and General Government and began the presentation. Mr. Huff discussed the General Government Divisions, Village Manager's Organizational Structure and Department Highlights. Mrs. Suarez and Mrs. Pokorny continued and completed the presentation with additional Department Highlights. Human Resources Director Jennifer Cain gave and discussed a presentation which featured the Human Resources Department's Organizational Structure, Department Highlights and Current Year Accomplishments, Completed Projects, Department Current and Upcoming Projects, and a "Looking Ahead" of Upcoming and New Projects. Village Clerk Jessica Green gave and discussed a presentation which featured the Village Clerk's Organizational Structure, Department Highlights and Current Year Completed Projects, Department Current and Upcoming Projects, and a "Looking Ahead" of Upcoming and New Projects. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 6 of 8 NPB Insider Series — Recreation / General Government continued Finance Director Erica Ramirez gave and discussed a presentation which featured the Village Clerk's Organizational Structure, Department Highlights and Current Year Completed Projects, Department Current and Upcoming Projects, and a "Looking Ahead" of Upcoming and New Proj ects. Information Technology Director Michael Applegate gave and discussed a presentation which featured the Village Clerk's Organizational Structure, Department Highlights and Current Year Completed Projects, Department Current and Upcoming Projects, and a "Looking Ahead" of Upcoming and New Projects. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY 2026 General Fund Mid -Year Budget Summary. Mr. Huff stated that all Departmental budgets should be at the 50% mark and over all they were at 51.14%. The Village Council budget was over at 67% and that was due to spending more than budgeted for donations and for Council travel reimbursement. Extra donation funds were spent for former Councilmember Garrison's memorial and a Councilmember traveled to Tallahassee for the Palm Beach Day Event which was a trip that has not been historically budgeted for. Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Shipman gave and discussed a presentation which featured the Village Clerk's Organizational Structure, Department Highlights and Current Year Completed Projects, Department Current and Upcoming Projects. Ms. Shipman concluded with an overview of the FY 2026 General Fund Budget Summary for Parks and Recreation. Mr. Huff thanked all Village Departments for their hard work on their budgets. Mr. Huff stated that there would be a discussion regarding the Country Club as an agenda item at the next Council meeting on June 25th MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Zellner stated that she had concerns regarding hat racking of trees around the Village and asked if the Village code could be revised to include the prohibition of hat racking in residential neighborhoods. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding educating residents regarding the hat racking of trees. Councilmember Zellner asked that residents be educated regarding what is allowed or not allowed regarding construction materials placed in bulk trash. Mr. Girard explained the price differences between different trash types and pickups. Councilmember Zellner gave an update on her recent "Meet and Greet" events at Anchorage Park and stated that feedback from residents indicated that they did not feel safe crossing due to speeding on Juniper, Allamanda, Ebbtide and Lighthouse Drive. Councilmember Zellner asked if the issue could be investigated. President Pro Tern Bickel stated that she was receiving a lot of complaints regarding e -bikes on sidewalks and asked if it was illegal. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 7 of 8 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Rubin explained that e -bikes were legal on sidewalks, the same as regular bicycles. President Pro Tern asked if the state was working on regulations for e -bikes. Discussion ensued regarding municipalities that have passed ordinances based on county regulations for e -bikes. President Pro Tern Bickel asked if Florida House Representative Emily Gregory had been invited to speak at a Council meeting. Mr. Huff indicated that Village Clerk Jessica Green's office had reached out and was waiting for a response. Mr. Huff stated that Mrs. Green was also reaching out to Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks to invite her to a Council meeting and that Gina Levesque from the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics would be attending the July 9th Council meeting to give an annual overview. President Pro Tern Bickel asked Mrs. Green if she was responsible for providing a proclamation for a resident's recent 100th birthday celebration. Mayor Interlandi and Mrs. Green stated that a proclamation was created and signed and presented to the resident for their 100th birthday. Mayor Interlandi and President Pro Tern Bickel encouraged giving proclamations for residents who have reached their 100th birthday and invited residents who were turning 100 years old to reach out to the Village for a proclamation. President Pro Tern Bickel asked if Mr. Huff had any details regarding Coach Cavanah's celebration event. Mr. Huff discussed and explained information regarding the details of Coach Cavanah's 50th year of coaching at the Village's Country Club swimming pool. President Pro Tern Bickel stated that the host of the event was asking for donations and asked if Council would like to make a $1000 donation. Council came to consensus to donate $1000 to the host of Coach Cavanah's 50th year celebration event. Mr. Huff asked for clarification from Mr. Rubin regarding the non -ad valorem assessment resolutions that were recently passed and what the next steps would be. Mr. Rubin explained that the resolutions were passed in case it was necessary to collect special assessments for the next fiscal year, but the potential impacts would not affect the upcoming fiscal year but the following fiscal year. The resolutions would still remain in effect for the fiscal year that would be impacted. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed property tax question on the upcoming General Election ballot and the potential impacts and next steps. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held June 11, 2026 Page 8 of 8 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mayor Interlandi stated that she attended the Lake Worth Lagoon initiative meeting where she sits on the Steering Committee and the Village received accolades from the Town of Palm Beach for their marine law enforcement operations that keep the lagoon clear of derelict and illegally moored vessels. The Town of Palm Beach had been utilizing the same methods as the Village and through their efforts have cleared their waterways from 170 vessels down to 10 vessels. Mayor Interlandi stated that there was also praise regarding the Village's vertical oyster gardens and the Village was identified as a partner with the Fishing Foundation who is continuing to promote the VOGs throughout the county. Mayor Interlandi thanked the Environmental Committee and residents for implementing the VOGs. ADJOURNMENT There bein further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Jess i a Green, C, Village Clerk