09-29-2003 VC SP-MMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION
• OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HELD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2003
Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
Charles R. O'Meilia, Vice Mayor
Joseph A. Tringali, President Pro Tem
Dr. Edward M. Eissey, Councilman
Don Noel, Councilman
Doug Smith, Acting Village Manager
George Baldwin, Village Attorney
Kathleen F. Kelly, CMC, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Norris called the emergency meeting of the Council to order at 9:00 A.M. All
members of Council were present except Councilman Eissey, who had a prior
engagement. All members of staff were present.
The purpose of the Special Session was to discuss for possible action the contract to
purchase the property at the Monastery for the north substation.
Mayor Norris summarized the situation regarding the contract to purchase. He explained
that the due diligence period expires at the end of the day, and several issues had arisen
which could affect the cost of developing the property. The lift station on the property
which must be relocated, as well as the wet well, has become cost-prohibitive, with
estimates from Seacoast Utility Authority being between $250,000 and $500,000.
Additionally, the fill requirements would be substantial, since there appears to be a 10 to
15-foot drop from the front of the property to the back. Additionally, phone calls from
residents indicate that there are endangered owls nesting in that area, but that is
unsubstantiated at this time.
Rim Bishop was present, and told the Council that possibly the lib station and wet well
would not have to be relocated, or if so, perhaps Seacoast could help mitigate the costs of
doing so, but much more time would be needed to properly assess what needs to be done.
Mr. Bishop further stated that if the building were constructed as shown, it would be atop
other utilities, i.e. water and electric, which would have to be moved.
Because of the increased potential cost for development of the property possibly
exceeding one million dollars just for the land itself, the decision not to proceed was
reached. New options might be discussed with the Monastery, such as negotiating for
more land to the north of the property. Also, the Village will continue to look for more
• properties that might be available. Two possibilities discussed were the corner gas
Minutes of Special Session
Held Wednesday, September,l~7; 2003
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• station that has been vacated on the west side of U. S. 1, and the Enterprise Building on
the west side.
Councilman Noel moved to withdraw from the deal. President Pro Tem Tringali
seconded the motion, and all present voted aye.
Village Attorney George Baldwin will deliver a letter to the attorney for the Monastery
by the end of the day withdrawing from the contract.
Councilman Noel moved that the committee explore other alternatives with the
Monastery, as well as other sites. President Pro Tem Tringali seconded the motion, and
all present voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:34 a.m.
F. Kelly, CMC, Village Clerk
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