02-13-2014 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
Present: William L. Manuel, Mayor
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc.D., Vice Mayor
Robert A. Gebbia, President Pro Tem
David B. Norris, Councilman
Doug Bush, Councilman
Ed Green, Village Manager
Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Manuel called the meeting to order at 8:33 p.m. All members of Council were present.
All members of staff were present.
COUNTRY CLUB DIVE PLATFORM
Mr. Green discussed the need to demolish the Country Club dive platform. Mr. Green reported
proposals from demolition contractors range from $57,000 to $75,000. Mr. Green advised the
demolition process varies between contractors, based on proposal methods and equipment, but
would generally take about two weeks. Mr. Green reviewed the impact to pool, restaurant, and
golf operations. Mr. Green discussed options and timetables as follows:
1. proposals and staff recommendation for contractor selection (would require waiver of
purchasing policies); tentative for 2/27/14 agenda.
2. issue formal Request for Proposals (RFP); tentative for 4/10/14 agenda.
Public Works Director Brian Moree reported that he issued a Request for Information (RFI) to
contractors soliciting information on how the tower could be taken down. Mr. Moree explained
the logistical challenges in removing the structure and the difficulty in locating a contractor with
the requisite experience and equipment for the job. Mr. Moree requested Council direction on
how to proceed.
Discussion took place concerning the condition and security of the dive platform. Mr. Moree
stated the dive platform is not in a deteriorated state and all of the ladders on every deck have
been removed.
Mr. Rubin reviewed the measures that must be instituted to allow public use of the dive platform.
Discussion ensued on these issues: liability; cost to prepare an RFP; length of time the pool
would be out of service; cost of upgrades necessary to keep the dive platform; input from the
pool manager; and feasibility of keeping the tower structure and /or modifying it for use as
something other than a dive platform.
Council consensus was in favor of issuing a formal RFP. This matter will be brought back for
further discussion at the next Workshop Session.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held February 13, 2014 Page 2 of 3
UTILITY EASEMENT FOR 536 OVERLOOK DRIVE
Mr. Green and Community Development Director Chuck Huff reviewed the issue. Mr. Green
requested Council guidance concerning entering into an agreement with the property owners of
536 Overlook Drive, whereby the owners would grant the Village a utility easement for an
existing sewer line in exchange for the Village compensating them for construction costs of the
driveway approach and sidewalk, as well as clearing vegetation on the east side of the lot.
Discussion took place regarding encroachment into the easement, as it was noted that portions of
the patio, pool deck, and air conditioning unit are located in the easement area. Mr. Rubin
advised the easement would specifically allow these encroachments. Discussion ensued on the
age of the existing sewer line and its relocation in future, should repairs be necessary. Mr. Rubin
confirmed the easement would extend to the property line and exist in perpetuity.
By consensus, Council forwarded this item to an upcoming Regular Session agenda.
CODE AMENDMENT FOR DOCK/PIER CONFIGURATIONS ALONG EARMAN RIVER
Discussion took place regarding the Waterways Board recommendation to eliminate the Code
requirement for "L" or "T configuration of docks and /or piers in the Earman River. Mr. Green
distributed photos depicting dock configurations along the Earman River, including the dock at
572 Anchorage Drive.
Community Development Director Chuck Huff reported that Village Code requirements for
certain dock/pier configurations are specified only for the Earman River and not for any other area.
Attorney Whitney Carroll represented Michael Meives, the property owner at 572 Anchorage Drive.
Ms. Carroll stated that when Mr. Meives moved to the property there was an existing dock, to
which he made two additions without permits. Ms. Carroll advised that Mr. Meives obtained a
permit from South Florida Water Management District for the dock; however, he could not
complete the Village permitting process because his dock does not comply with the code
provision regarding configuration.
Councilman Norris reported his firm represents Mr. Meives on other matters and questioned
whether this matter is site specific requiring him to declare a conflict. Mr. Rubin advised it is not
site specific. It was noted the "L" or "T" dock configuration requirement applies to both sides
(residential and commercial) of the Earman River.
Mr. Huff advised that Village Code stipulates piers may not extend more than 25% of the width
of the Earman River. Discussion ensued on preserving the requirement that "L" and "T" dock
configurations must reduce the maximum allowable length waterside by 12 feet. Mr. Rubin will
develop language to address dock configurations other than "L" or "T."
By consensus, Council forwarded this item to an upcoming Regular Session agenda.
MARKET ANALYSIS QUESTIONS
Mr. Green requested Council direction regarding additional issues and questions for the Village's
Market Research Analysis consultant in preparation for an upcoming Special Workshop.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held February 13, 2014 Page 3 of 3
MARKET ANALYSIS QUESTIONS continued
During discussion, the following suggestions were made:
• have the consultant review the data and look for answers to the generic questions "why"
(what reasons may have been given for being for or against an issue) and "how" (what
ideas or solutions to issues were offered) so that Council can determine whether changes
are necessary or a communication plan is needed;
• have the consultant look for any underlying pattern in the dissatisfaction levels;
• during the Special Workshop, discuss which research findings the Council wishes to open
up a dialog with the residents about; and
• confer with staff regarding areas of most concern to see what can be done.
Council will meet with the consultant in the Conference Room for a Special Workshop on a
Wednesday in early March.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk