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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-2026 VC REG-MMINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 Present: R(1TT CATT Lisa Interlandi, Mayor Orlando Puyol, Vice Mayor Susan Bickel, President Pro Tern Deborah Searcy, Councilmember Kendra Zellner, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk 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 ALLEGIAN Vice Mayor Puyol led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Mayor Interlandi announced an Employee Recognition Award for Public Works employee Carl Willis. Mr. Huff read an email sent from Village resident Peter McGrane commending Mr. Willis for purchasing lemonade from two young girls selling lemonade on Pelican Road and Westwind Drive. Mr. Willis also purchased lemonade for other Public Works employees and encouraged residents to also purchase lemonade. Peter McGrane gave his account of the event and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Willis and presented him with the award. Mr. Willis expressed his appreciation and thanks to Mr. McGrane, residents and employees that attended the Council meeting. Vice Mayor Puyol read and accepted a Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 24, 2026 Page 2 of 7 APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Special Budget Session held August 25, 2026, Minutes of the Special Session held August 31, 2026 and Minutes of the Regular Session held September 10, 2026 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, stated that the vertical oyster garden event that took place last Saturday was very successful. Ms. Phillips thanked all Village employees that were involved in helping with the event. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns regarding the East Alley Wall Replacement Project stating that a cost benefit analysis was not conducted. Eddie Garcia, 401 Oyster Road, expressed his concerns with speeding traffic along Eastwind Drive. Mr. Garcia asked for speed bumps to be installed. Rod Francis, 1020 Country Club Drive, expressed his concerns with speeding traffic along Eastwind Drive. Mr. Francis asked for speed bumps to be installed. Mary Garcia, 401 Oyster Road, expressed her concerns with speeding traffic along Eastwind Drive. Mrs. Garcia asked for speed bumps to be installed. Monique Belanger, 725 Nighthawk Way, expressed her concerns with speeding traffic along Nighthawk Way and Tradewind Drive. Ms. Belanger asked for a traffic study and traffic calming measures. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, Chief Coliskey and Mr. Huff regarding the possibility of traffic studies and traffic calming measures for Village streets that had speeding traffic issues. Mr. Huff concluded that staff would have a meeting with the traffic engineer to come up with a game plan. The findings would be brought back to a future Council meeting. Blake Boesel, 804 Anchorage Drive, expressed his concerns with the 30% increase in rates for the Village's wet slips. President Pro Tem Bickel discussed the Village's decision to increase the rates for the Village's wet slips stating that the wet slip rates were significantly lower than neighboring communities and the wet slips were not self-sufficient which meant taxpayers have been subsidizing the wet slips for a few residents. The goal of the rate increase was so that the wet slips would pay for themselves rather than be taxpayer subsidized. Councilmembers continued to explain and discuss the 30% wet slips rate increase. Kris Bie, 544 Flotilla Road, expressed his concerns with the 30% increase in rates for the Village's wet slips. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 24, 2026 Page 3 of 7 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks provided a property tax update for the Village of North Palm Beach and spoke about the effects of the proposed Amendment 3 ballot question for the upcoming November 3`d election. Ms. Jacks began the presentation by reviewing the Village of North Palm Beach's Market Value, Total Taxable Value, Net New Construction Taxable, Percent Increase (taxable value), Total Parcel Count and Total Tangible Accounts. Ms. Jacks continued and explained the Assessment Differentials that gave the Assessed Value of properties within the Village and then explained the Exemptions that go toward the Assessed Value which gave the Taxable Value for properties within the Village. Ms. Jacks continued the presentation by giving an overview of the proposed 2026 Property Tax Amendment explaining that if Amendment No. 3 were to pass there would be a $150,000 exemption starting January 1, 2027 and then a $250,000 exemption starting on January 1, 2028. The amendment would be indexed to inflation beginning in 2029. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities including schools; remaining portion applies to non -school levies. New residents (starting January 1, 2027) receive $25,000 school and $50,000 non -school exemption for the first 5 years. Non -homestead assessment cap lowered from 10% to 5% (non -school). Ms. Jacks reviewed a breakdown of the Village's Homestead Property Counts. Ms. Jacks stated that the potential revenue loss to the Village with the $150,000 exemption would be approximately $4,698,705 and the potential revenue loss with the $250,000 exemption would be approximately $6,872,974. The $250,000 exemption would cause a 23% loss of total taxes. Ms. Jacks concluded her presentation with an overview of the proposed 2026 Property Tax Amendment stating that it would go before the voters at the November 3, 2026 election, must pass by 60%, taxpayers would not need to re -apply for a Homestead Exemption and the amendment would be become effective January 1, 2027 if approved. Discussion ensued between Property Appraiser Jacks, Councilmembers and Mr. Huff regarding the property tax presentation and questions and answers ensued regarding the proposed Amendment No. 3. Ms. Jacks reviewed and explained a property tax calculator that she implemented on the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's website that residents can use to determine what their tax savings would be if Amendment No. 3 was passed. Councilmember Searcy asked Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Shipman to give an update on Recreation events and programs. Ms. Shipman gave an update on upcoming events and programs for the month of October. Ms. Shipman gave an explanation regarding sales taxes that are charged to residents for items purchased from the Village. Richard Pizzolato, 1618 Twelve Oaks Way, discussed information related to Amendment No. 3 and how it would affect schools. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 24, 2026 Page 4 of 7 CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Vice Mayor Puyol moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Zellner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Motion approving a Final Payment/Retainage Release in the amount of $96,986.81 payable to Lox Construction LLC for the East Alley Wall Replacement Project. Resolution approving the submission of an application for State Aid to Libraries Grant Funding; providing the required Assurances and Certifications; and authorizing execution of a Grant Agreement. Resolution accepting a proposal from First Florida Insurance Brokers to provide Property, Casualty and Workers' Compensation Insurance Brokers to provide Property, Casualty and Workers' Compensation Insurance through Public Risk Management of Florida; and authorizing the Village Administration to take all actions necessary to implement such coverage. Resolution approving a Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Chen Moore & Associates, Inc. to increase the total amount of compensation for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 to 170,000 and approving an Amendment to the Professional Services with JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture, Inc. to increase the total amount of compensation for Fiscal Year 2026 to $55,000. Resolution approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with NPB Aquatic Group, Inc. for Operation and Management of Country Club Pool Operations at a total cost of $56,620 per year for the first two years; and authorizing execution of the Agreement. Receive for file Minutes of the Country Club Advisory Board meeting held 7/13/26. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 7/21/26. Receive for file Minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held 8/3/26. Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meeting held 8/11/26. Receive for file Minutes of the Charter Review Committee meeting held 8/20/26. PUBLIC HEARING AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE A motion was made by Vice Mayor Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Searcy to adopt and enact on second 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 24, 2026 Page 5 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued A motion was made by President Pro Tern Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Zellner to adopt and enact on second 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 thanked Council and staff for their work on the FY 2027 Budget. Mr. Huff stated that a Budget and Brief Document was provided to Council for their review. Mr. Huff began a presentation for the 2°a Public Hearing of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY 2027 Digital Budget Book that was provided on the Village's website. Mr. Huff reviewed and discussed the contents of the digital budget book which included all information that had been covered in budget meetings over the past six (6) months. Mayor Interlandi opened the public hearing on the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2027 Budget. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Interlandi closed the public hearing. Councilmember Searcy thanked staff for their hard work on the budget and for keeping the Village fiscally conservative. Councilmember Zellner discussed the possible effects to future budgets and projects if Amendment No. 3 passed. Vice Mayor Puyol thanked Mr. Huff and stated that the FY 2027 budget process was very informational, accessible and transparent. 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 and enact on second reading Ordinance 2026-06 approving the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate passed unanimously. The motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2026-07 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 24, 2026 Page 6 of 7 RESOLUTION 2026-46 - CIP BUDGET AMENDMENT AND PURCHASE - POLICE RADIO REPLACEMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Zellner and seconded by Councilmember Searcy to adopt Resolution 2026-46 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF POLICE RADIOS AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION CONSORTIUM; APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER $1,385,153.00 FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT TO THE POLICE - MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT CAPITAL ACCOUNT TO FUND THE PURCHASE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Huff discussed and explained the purpose of the resolution stating that the purchase of the police radios and related costs was not planned for another two (2) years, but the program had been moved up to 10/1/26. Funds had been set aside since 2023 for the purchase, and to date $827,700 had been set aside for the purchase. Since the purchase had been moved up by two (2) years, it resulted in an additional $557,453 needed to fund the purchase. A Budget Amendment was necessary to transfer the funds from the Capital Reserve Account to the Police Machinery and Equipment Capital Account. The additional funding needed in the Capital Projects Fund would be replenished through a General Fund transfer as part of the year-end closing process. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-46 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2026-47 - IMPROVEMENTS TO PUTTING GREEN AND HOLE NO. 11 GREEN AT THE COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE A motion was made by Councilmember Zellner and seconded by Vice Mayor Puyol to adopt Resolution 2026-47 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH NMP GOLF CONSTRUCTION CORP. FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PRACTICE PUTTING GREEN AND THE HOLE NO. 11 GREEN AT THE COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; WAIVING THE VILLAGE'S PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Head Golf Professional Allan Bowman discussed and explained the issues with the practice green and Hole #11 on the Country Club Golf Course stating that because the golf course was a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, improvements that impact play or modify the original golf course design must be reviewed and approved by Nicklaus Design. Nicklaus Design recommended and selected NMP Golf Construction Corp. to perform the work in accordance with the approved design. Due to the circumstances surrounding the integrity of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, staff requested waiving the applicable competitive purchasing requirements and awarding the contract directly to NMP Golf Construction. Rich Pizzolato, 1618 Twelve Oaks Way, discussed the Country Club Golf Course and future potential changes and improvements. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2026-47 passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 24, 2026 Page 7 of 7 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff stated that he met with Veronica Frehm and the new Park Ranger for John D. MacArthur State Park. Mr. Huff discussed the amenities of the park and its size of 492 acres. Mr. Bowman gave a report on events at the Country Club stating that BMW and Shane Lawry filmed a commercial at the Country Club and the PGA tour paid $10,000 to the Country Club. St. Claire's School was able to raise money by utilizing the Country Club for a golf outing at a preferred rate. It was so successful that the Conservatory School reached out to do the same. Mr. Bowman stated that Mia's Miracles Foundation also had their walking event at the Country Club two weeks ago. Mr. Bowman also named some golf industry names that had visited the Country Club. Lastly, Mr. Bowman stated that the 18th hole was featured in a book called "Spectacular Golf Holes" and the golf course was voted the best of the best golf courses by Jupiter Magazine. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Zellner discussed the upcoming proposed 200 Yacht Club Drive project and asked if additional shade trees could be requested and incorporated into the project. Planning and Economic Director Dodi Glass explained that there would be eight (8) trees that would be preserved and relocated on site and that she could not ask for any additional since they have already been through the approval process. Ms. Glas discussed potential revisions to the code that could allow the Village to make those additional types of requests for future projects. President Pro Tem Bickel discussed an article she read regarding the growing distrust in government and expressed her concerns with the rising issue. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Huff regarding the issue and how it could be addressed. ADJOURNMENT There bein her business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Jessic Green, MMC, Village Clerk