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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-2026 VC REG-MMINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 9, 2026 Present: Lisa Interlandi, Mayor Orlando Puyol, Vice Mayor Susan Bickel, President Pro Tem Deborah Searcy, Councilmember Kendra Zellner, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk ROIL CAT,I, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held June 25, 2026 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Russ Beverstein, 415 U.S. Highway 1, expressed his appreciation for the article in the newsletter that featured former Councilmember David Norris. Mr. Beverstein recommended paying homage with a long-term plaque, tree or bench dedicated to Mr. Norris. Rich Pizzolato, 1618 Twelve Oaks Way, shared and discussed market dynamics that occur with Country Club membership pricing. President Pro Tem Bickel responded to Mr. Beverstein's comments stating that she agreed with providing an item of dedication to past Councilmembers or other residents who have made a significant contribution or impact on the Village. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding different options for dedications. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 9, 2026 Page 2 of 5 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued Gina A. Levesque, CFE of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics gave an annual overview and information regarding the importance of ethics in local government and discussed the practices and purpose of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics as well as where to find information on ethics and contact information. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Item 5 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 amending the Associated Accounts and Account Numbers for existing Parks Maintenance Contracts for Athletic Turf Maintenance, Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance, and Tree Trimming Management and Maintenance Services. Resolution accepting a proposal from Shenandoah General Construction, LLC for Stormwater Repairs at 312 Northlake Drive at a total cost of $65,381; and authorizing execution of the Contract. RESOLUTION 2026-32 - AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO AMEND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE A motion was made by Councilmember Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Zellner to adopt Resolution 2026-32 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE ADOPTED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET TO AMEND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE APPLICABLE TO BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES TO STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Building Official Valentino Perez discussed and explained that the purpose of the resolution was to comply with House Bill 803 which became effective July 1st. The bill prohibits municipalities from using project value to determine building permit fees. Mr. Perez explained that project value may no longer serve as the basis for calculating permit fees and may only be used for reporting purposes. Mr. Perez discussed and explained how he reviewed prior permit records to determine how he could minimize the impact. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Perez regarding how the new fees would be calculated and the potential impact. Councilmember Zellner asked Mr. Perez to discuss the provision in House Bill 803 that states that single-family homeowners and their contractors can skip building permits for qualifying residential projects valued under $7500. Mr. Perez explained that the provision did not apply to homes located in Special Flood Hazard areas and that parts of the Village fell under those designated areas. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 9, 2026 Page 3 of 5 RESOLUTION 2026-32 - AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO AMEND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE continued Mr. Perez stated that most of the projects that were less than $7500 were minor projects that counties and municipalities were charging for when it was not necessary. Discussion continued between Mr. Perez and Vice Mayor Puyol regarding the current and proposed permit fees. Discussion ensued between Councilmember Searcy and Mr. Perez regarding calculating permit fees for remodels versus new construction or rebuilds. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-32 passed unanimously. Mayor Interlandi asked Public Works Director Girard where the water was collecting from with for the stormwater repair at Northlake Drive. Mr. Girard stated that the water collection would begin at Fairhaven Drive down to an outfall on Northlake Drive. Mayor Interlandi asked Mr. Girard to provide an update on the Buoy Road project. Mr. Girard stated that a meeting with residents was scheduled for July 15th at Village Hall Council Chambers. Assistant Public Works Director Jamie Mount, along with the engineer and contractor for the project, would be at the meeting to discuss and explain the project. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION MATTERS MOTION — Designating a voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities Conference A motion was made by Councilmember Zellner and seconded by President Pro Tern Bickel to designate Councilmember Puyol as the voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities Conference. Thereafter the motion passed unanimously. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff stated that some Councilmembers would be attending the Florida League of Cities Conference which falls on the August 13 Council meeting. Mr. Huff also explained that all Councilmembers will be on vacations at some point throughout the month of August and they would need to decide on new dates in August for the Council Budget Meetings. Discussion ensued between Deputy Manager Sarnia Janjua and Councilmembers regarding vacation days and Council's availability for August. Council came to consensus to schedule the following dates for Budget Meetings in August: • August 13, 2026 Council Meeting would be canceled • August 27, 2026 Council Meeting would be canceled Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 9, 2026 Page 4 of 5 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued • August 25, 2026 Council Special Budget Meeting at 4 p.m. • August 31, 2026 Council Special Budget Meeting at 4 p.m. followed by a Special Council Meeting at 7 p.m. • September 3, 2026 Council Special Budget Meeting at 4 p.m. (if needed) Mr. Huff thanked staff for their work on the 4th of July event and thanked residents for their participation in making it a great event. Mr. Huff gave an update on the meeting that took place on July 8th between FPL and residents regarding the proposed undergrounding project. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Zellner stated that she would like to propose that residents have free access or membership to the Country Club pool for the month of August. Council supported Councilmember Zellner's proposition and asked that it be advertised as a free entrance to the pool not a membership to avoid any confusion or misconception. Country Club General Manager Beth Davis gave an overview of the pool operations and upcoming events at the pool. Discussion ensued between Ms. Davis and Councilmembers regarding events and activities at the Country Club pool. Councilmember Searcy thanked staff for their work on the 4th of July event and thanked residents for their participation in making it a great event. Councilmember Searcy asked Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Shipman to give an update on Park and Recreation Month. Ms. Shipman gave an update on upcoming recreational events. Councilmember Searcy stated that she follows the Town of Palm Beach on Instagram and found out that they were voted one of the best places to work in Florida. Councilmember Searcy recommended that the Village's Human Resources Department research the award and see if the Village could apply for the same. Councilmember Searcy stated that the City of Delray Beach was participating in LEED Certification and recommended that the Village research on how to participate as well. Mayor Interlandi requested that the Village donate a basket for auction to the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County Mayors Ball. Council agreed to donate a basket for auction to the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County Mayors Ball. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 9, 2026 Page 5 of 5 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff stated that a basket would be put together for donation and asked for a dollar value. Councilmember Searcy stated that she has attended the Mayors Ball in the past and the baskets were typically valued between $100 to $500. ADJOURNMENT There bein further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Jess' Green, MC, Village Clerk