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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-2026 VC REG-MMINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 Present: Lisa Interlandi, Mayor Orlando Puyol, Vice Mayor Susan Bickel, President Pro Tern Kendra Zellner, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Alyssa Salman, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Absent: Deborah Searcy, Councilmember ROLL CALL Mayor Interlandi called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council were present except for Councilmember Searcy. All members of staff were present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Puyol led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Mayor Interlandi read a Proclamation for Hunger Action Month. Allyson Vaulx of Feeding South Florida accepted the proclamation and thanked Council. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, stated that the vertical oyster garden building event was taking place on September 19th at Anchorage Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ms. Phillips gave updates on donators who have supplied oysters and other services for the event. Ms. Phillips gave statistics and goals regarding the VOGs. Karen Caskey, 641 Lighthouse Drive, expressed her concerns regarding e -bikes in the Village and recommended that the Village provide education on e -bike safety. Police Chief Robert Coliskey gave an update on the Police Departments efforts to educate the public regarding e -bike safety. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 10, 2026 Page 2 of 5 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding vertical oyster gardens and e -bike safety laws and education. State Representative Emily Gregory — FL House of Representatives, District 87 provided a presentation on the Amendment 3 ballot question for the upcoming November 3rd election. The presentation gave an explanation of how the property tax system works, what the proposed amendment would change and what the potential impacts would be for homeowners, renters, local government and essential public services. Discussion ensued between Representative Gregory, Councilmembers and Mr. Huff regarding the Property Tax Update presentation. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Vice Mayor Puyol moved to approve the Consent Agenda. President Pro Tem Bickel seconded the motion, which passed with all present voting aye. The following items were approved: Resolution authorizing the Village Manager to update and modify the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual for Internal Controls to confirm with current practices. Resolution approving and ratifying Memorandums of Understanding with the Federation of Public Employees, the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association and the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County Local 2928, to amend the paid vacation provisions of the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements to incorporate the Quality Leave Policy, and authorizing the Village Manager to execute the Memorandums of Understanding. Resolution approving a Thirteenth Amendment to the Agreement for Grant Services with RMPK Funding, Inc. for a total compensation not to exceed $20,000; and authorizing execution of the Thirteenth Amendment. Resolution approving and ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of Public Employees to amend Article 36 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement pertaining to wages to provide a Cost of Living Adjustment; and authorizing execution of the Memorandum of Understanding. PUBLIC HEARING AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tern Bickel to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-06 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING THE FINAL LEVY OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2026 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2027; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 10, 2026 Page 3 of 5 PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Zellner to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-07 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2026 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 AND AUTHORIZING ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET AND AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW; APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PAY PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO MAKE TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO BUDGETED POSITIONS; APPROVING A MASTER FEE SCHEDULE; PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS WHEN NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR THE RECEIPT OF GRANTS OR GIFTS; PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR BUDGET AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE LAPSE OF OUTSTANDING ENCUMBRANCES AND THE RE -APPROPRIATION OF UNEXPENDED APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Huff began a presentation for the 1St Public Hearing of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY 2027 Council Budget Process, Phases in the Municipal Budget Process, Budget Public Meetings, and Budget Considerations. Mr. Huff continued and reviewed a comparison of taxable value increases in Palm Beach County which showed that the Village had one of the lowest taxable values. Mr. Huff reviewed the Budget Priorities and the Tentative Budget Summary for all funds. Mr. Huff reviewed the Village Organization Chart stating that the Village had 175 Full - Time positions, 102 Part -Time positions, I Independent Contractor, 5 Elected Officials and 1 Contracted Legal Counsel. Mr. Huff reviewed the General Fund Summary of Revenues and Expenses. FY 2027 General Fund Revenues would be $42.14 million which was an increase of 5.37% over FY 2026. The General Fund Total Expenditures would be $42.14 million, which was an increase of 5.37% over FY 2026. Mr. Huff reviewed a pie chart of the FY Budget Summary General Fund Revenues which totaled $42,144,032 and stated that property taxes are the Village's largest revenue source providing approximately 68% of General Fund Revenues. Mr. Huff reviewed the General Fund Expenditure Summary by Function and stated that nearly 44% of the General Fund supports Police and Fire operations, reflecting the Village's continued investment in public safety. Mr. Huff reviewed the General Fund Expenditure Summary by category stating that the General Fund is primarily a service -oriented budget, with approximately 66% of expenditures supporting personnel who provide essential municipal services. Mr. Huff reviewed the taxpayer impact showing a breakdown of taxes on residents' property tax bills. Mr. Huff discussed in explained where property taxes go stating that for the Village of North Palm Beach approximately $0.37 of every property tax dollar supports Public Safety, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Library, Community Development and General Government. Mr. Huff continued and reviewed the Country Club's Revenues and Expenses. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY2027 Enterprise Budget Summary indicating that the Country Club total revenues would be $9,617,380. The Country Club's total Budget would be $9,617,380. Golf related expenditures account for approximately 71% of the Country Club budget and include golf operations, golf -related debt service, and renewal and replacement funding. Mr. Huff reviewed the Country Club's expenses by category. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 10, 2026 Page 4 of 5 PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued Mr. Huff began reviewing the Stormwater Utility Fund Budget stating that the total budget would be $500,000. The ERU equaled $7.78 monthly and $96.36 annually. Mr. Huff reviewed and explained the FY 2027 -FY 2031 5 -Year Capital Improvement Plan Summary stating that the total over the five (5) years would be $121.2 million. The total CIP for FY 2027 would be $7,018,080. Mr. Huff concluded the presentation by requesting the Council action of approving the FY 2027 Millage rate and budget on first reading. Mr. Huff reviewed the next steps in the budget process stating that the Millage rate and budget would be considered for final approval and adoption at the second budget hearing scheduled for September 24th Mayor Interlandi opened the public hearing on the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2027 Budget. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns regarding the FY2027 proposed budget. There being no further comments, Mayor Interlandi closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Huff regarding the proposed budget and the budget process. A motion was made by President Pro Tern Bickel and seconded by Vice Mayor Puyol to establish an ad valorem tax millage rate of 7.4000 mils. Thereafter the motion passed 4 to 0. Mayor Interlandi announced that the rolled back rate was 7.1204 mils, the percentage increase over the rolled back rate was 3.93%, and the millage rate to be levied was 7.4000 mils. The motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-06 approving the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate passed 4 to 0. The motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2026-07 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget passed 4 to 0. RESOLUTION 2026-41 - NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ASSESSMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Zellner and seconded by Vice Mayor Puyol to adopt Resolution 2026-41 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING AND CERTIFYING THE NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ASSESSMENT FOR PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained that the purpose of the resolution was to approve the 2026-2027 Non -Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for the Stormwater Utility Assessment. Mr. Girard stated that there were no changes to the assessment from the previous year. This year there were 7,221 parcels and a total assessment value of $485,030.80. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-41 passed with all present voting aye. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 10, 2026 Page 5 of 5 RESOLUTION 2026-41 -NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR STORM WATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ASSESSMENT continued Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, Mr. Huff and Mr. Girard and the possibility of raising the rate for the Stormwater Utility Fund next year. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff stated that just under 1000 residents used the Country Club pool in the month of August, which was advertised as a month to utilize the pool for free. Council discussed expanding the free month to utilize the pool next year for the months of July and August. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Zellner discussed the tree fund and how code was monitoring the illegal removal of certain trees throughout the Village. Mr. Huff and Planning and Economic Development Director Dodi Glas gave an update on the code enforcement procedures that were put into place to monitor illegal tree removal throughout the village as well as efforts and ideas for educating the public. Discussion ensued between Ms. Glas regarding an update on the revision of building permit fees to be in compliance with state requirements. President Pro Tern Bickel stated that Coach Cavanah's 50 -year celebration was great and thanked Council for making a donation. President Pro Tem Bickel encouraged the Village to put together a food drive for the community. President Pro Tern Bickel asked if the Village was still doing their Annual Art Show and stated that the Village's monastery reached out and stated that they would take over and host. Mr. Huff stated that he would reach out and make a connection regarding the Art Show. Councilmember Zellner stated that residents had complained that they felt unsafe crossing Lighthouse Drive due to speeding cars. Councilmember Zellner stated that Council and staff were reviewing possible solutions to resolve the issue. Mayor Interlandi announced that a coyote expert would be giving an educational speech on coyotes at the Country Club on October 3`d at 10 a.m. and encouraged residents to attend. ADJOURNMENT There bei no rther business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Jessa Green, MC, Village Clerk