07-26-2018 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 269 2018
Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
Mark Mullinix, Vice Mayor
Susan Bickel, President Pro Tem
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc.D., Councilmember
Deborah Searcy, Councilmember
Andrew D. Lukasik, Village Manager
Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 8:52 p.m. All members of Council were present. All
members of staff were present.
ARTIFICIAL TURF
Mr. Lukasik stated Village resident Chris Harris had submitted a landscaping site plan request
composed primarily of artificial turf, and staff's perspective was that restrictions within the Village
Code did not allow for approval. He explained at the May meeting, Council had directed staff to
discuss the matter with the Planning Commission and conduct research, and the purpose of this
meeting was to share that information.
Mr. Lukasik shared images of Mr. Harris' proposed project and discussed applications of artificial
turf in the Village and other communities. He addressed environmental concerns, noting some
reduction in pesticides and water, potential issues regarding chemicals, permeable areas on
residential lots, and heat absorption.
Mr. Lukasik reviewed the decision points requiring discussion:
• Residential and nonresidential rules
• Whether to allow artificial turf
• Any limitations, including location
• Percentage of impervious area, performance standard specifications
Mr. Lukasik noted staff had provided Council with examples of language from other
municipalities.
Chris Harris, 764 Waterway Drive, explained his request and provided background on what he
wanted to do on his property. He noted a drainage plan was included in the plan he had submitted
and stated he had brought his landscape architect in case of technical questions.
Councilmember Searcy read a section from a position paper regarding the impact of artificial turf
on the waterways, and discussion ensued regarding installation and toxins, and what product
standards might be appropriate to implement.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held July 26, 2018 Page 2 of 3
Vice Mayor Mullinix asserted that alternatives to grass which looked good and handled water
appropriately should be an option. They discussed the current requirements and alternatives to
grass that were allowable within the Code, as well as the process and precedent for granting special
exceptions.
Discussion continued regarding utilizing artificial turf in front and side yards versus back yards
and how to remain equitable. They discussed ratios for permeability and whether the material
should be restricted to places out of public view.
Councilmember Bickel asked if there was consensus that artificial sod not be used in commercial
applications. Discussion ensued, and a consensus was not reached.
Council and staff discussed whether artificial turf could be considered pervious material, and what
percentages should be considered.
Mr. Harris argued that other properties were already using artificial turf, and not allowing him to
install the material was singling him out because he followed the correct process and brought his
plan in for approval. Vice Mayor Mullinix stated that Council was trying to come up with a Code
that would work for Mr. Harris.
Councilmember Searcy stated since none of the members of Council were experts, she would like
further research before making a decision.
Council and staff discussed conducting further research and asking the Planning Commission for
a concrete recommendation before adopting a Code change. They discussed the comments
submitted by the Planning Commission following their discussion.
Lori Rainaldi, member of the Planning Commission, stated she was not speaking on behalf of the
Planning Commission, but could share feedback from the discussion. She stated the Commission
had come to the conclusion a lot more research was necessary before making a recommendation
and had suggested utilizing another municipality's Code to spare the costs of developing a new
policy. She noted they had agreed there should be standards in place to disallow materials which
might be hazardous. Ms. Rainaldi stated if the item came back to the Commission with specific
guidelines, it could be discussed further. She noted maintenance standards were also important.
Discussion ensued regarding how current residents with artificial turf would be impacted by a
newly written Code, as well as Mr. Harris' proposed application of the turf and whether applicants
should go through an exception process.
Suzie Mehregan, 422 Harbour Road stated she had spoken with Code Compliance before installing
artificial turf around her backyard pool, and she was told there was nothing in the Code prohibiting
the installation. She expressed concern that she was now out of compliance and advised that her
artificial turf has no issues with drainage or heat.
Councilmember Aubrey asserted that other residents may have gotten the same advice.
Council and staff discussed the percolation rate of the proposed material and whether it should be
considered an impervious material, as well as restrictions for the quality of backing and material
installed underneath the turf.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held July 26, 2018 Page 3 of 3
Mr. Rubin explained the process for allowing Mr. Harris' project and for moving forward with
drafting an Ordinance.
By consensus, Council directed staff to draft a Code to allow for artificial turf in the backyard and
to address pervious versus impervious materials. Mr. Lukasik asserted that staff would need time
to put together the necessary research.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.
Corrpl!eted by Jessica Green, MMC, Village Clerk