03-25-2010 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
• MARCH 25, 2010
Present: William L. Manuel, Mayor
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc.D., Vice Mayor
David B. Norris, President Pro Tem
T.R. Hernacki, P.E., Councilman
Robert A. Gebbia, Councilman
Jimmy Knight, Village Manager
Len Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Manuel called the meeting to order at 8:55 p.m. All members of Council were present. All
members of staff were present.
DOGS IN VILLAGE PARKS
Mr. Knight referred to Ordinance 2009-06, which amended the Village Code of Ordinances to
allow dogs in certain portions of Village pazks that do not have a dedicated area set aside for use
as a dog park. Mr. Knight related that formerly, dogs were prohibited in all Village pazks.
Mr. Knight noted that some residents are seeking modification of the current ordinance so that
they may walk their leashed dogs at Anchorage Park and not be limited solely to the dog park area.
Mr. Knight advised that this issue was presented to the Recreation Advisory Boazd on 3/9/2010,
and although the Board was sympathetic to the residents, it was reluctant to recommend any
change to the current ordinance.
Five residents spoke in favor of allowing dogs in Anchorage Park, on leash, on the pathways,
with proper disposal of waste.
During discussion of the issue, the following concerns were expressed: dogs off-leash, dogs in
the playground azea, dogs in the sand volleyball area, dog waste not being picked up, impact on
the Movies in the Park programs, and affording a park area for children and adults who don't
wish to be around dogs.
The Council asked for additional information and statistics. Mr. Knight will prepare a survey
and provide the results to the Council prior to additional discussion of the issue.
VILLAGE BOARDS -COMPOSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Discussion took place conceling the General Employees Pension Board, Audit Committee,
Code Enforcement Boazd, Planning Committee, and proposals for a Development Review
Committee and an Economic Development Boazd.
• General Employees Pension Board: Discussion was held concerning the composition of the
General Employees Pension Boazd, as well as establishing specified terms for the members.
Mr. Knight noted a conflict in serving as a boazd- member, due to collective bazgaining
negotiations. Village Attorney Len Rubin reviewed service of elected officials on pension boazds.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held March 25, 2010 Page 2 of 3
VILLAGE BOARDS -COMPOSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES continued
• Mr. Rubin reported that some municipalities have afive-member pension board comprised of
two representatives selected by the governing body (Council), two representatives elected by the
employees, with the fifth member being selected by the other four members. The Council
discussed this option, as well as the manager's continued attendance at the meetings regardless
of membership status. It was requested that dates of the General Employees Pension Board
meetings be added to the Council's rotation schedule for attendance at board meetings.
Discussion ensued on changes to the pension plan. Mr. Knight clarified that only the Council
has the authority to change the pension plan. Mr. Knight advocated engaging athird-party
administrator and an attorney with pension experience. A proposed ordinance will be brought
back to another Workshop Session for continued discussion.
Audit Committee: Mr. Knight asked Council to consider appointing a member with experience
in the area of commercial insurance and to expand the focus of the Audit Committee to include
review and assistance with the Village's property casualty insurance coverage. Mr. Knight noted
the Council could engage an insurance broker or firm to prepare Invitations to Bid and cost
comparisons, as is done for health insurance; however, it could cost $10,000 - $15,000 for these
services. Mr. Knight clarified that he is not requesting any change in the Code of Ordinances as
it pertains to the Audit Committee. By consensus, Council agreed to have the Audit Committee
review the Village's property casualty insurance coverage and to consider appointing a member
with expertise in commercial insurance.
Code Enforcement Board: Mr. Knight briefly reviewed the progression of code enforcement
hearings from Municipal Court to Code Enforcement Board and noted that in 1999, the
legislature provided for the use of a special master (now known as special magistrate) to hear
code enforcement cases. Mr. Knight advised that most municipalities in Palm Beach County use
the special magistrate system. Mr. Knight stated that the Village would not incur any additional
cost by using a special magistrate, because the Village currently engages an attorney to represent
the Code Enforcement Board.
Code Enforcement Board Chairman Eric Hoecker addressed the Council in support of continuing
the present system of enforcement using the Code Enforcement Board. Additionally, Mr. Hoecker
submitted a letter to Council from Vice Chairman Ryder.
Mr. Rubin explained the advantages of the Special Magistrate system.
This issue will be brought back to another Workshop Session for further discussion, pending Council
obtaining further information regarding the Special Magistrate system from other area municipalities.
Planning Commission: Mr. Knight recommended changes to streamline and update the
development review process,`such as establishing a color palette and design criteria for
residential and commercial development, to be identified by the Planning Commission and
applied by Village staff; eliminating the Certificate of Appropriateness procedures and adopting
new procedures and standards for approval of site plans; and requiring site plan review and
• recommendation by the Planning Commission, with final approval of site plans by the Village Council.
By consensus, Council agreed to move forward with the suggested changes.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held March 25, 2010 Page 3 of 3
• VILLAGE BOARDS -COMPOSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES continued
Development Review Committee: Mr. Knight stated the proposed Development Review Committee
would consist of representatives from all agencies involved in the approval process for
development applications, including Village departments and divisions, such as Community
Development, Building, Planning, Public Safety, and Public Works, as well as public utilities
and local and state agencies, as necessary. Mr. Knight explained this would enable applicants to
prepare project plans that are complete, comply with Village code, and meet technical
requirements before being presented to the Planning Commission for review.
Council consensus was to approve the formation of a Development Review Committee.
Economic Development Advisory Board: Vice Mayor Aubrey suggested establishing a board to
advise the Council on methods to encourage economic development in the Village.
Discussion ensued on the proposed membership composition of the Board, and whether it should
be a permanent board or an ad hoc committee.
Discussion took place on the number of businesses in the Village. Mr. Knight estimated there
are 3,000 businesses in the Village, including home-based businesses.
Council determined to hold a business forum to identify issues, suggestions, and potential
members, before taking action to establish a board or ad hoc committee. Mr. Knight will initiate
plans for a business forum and send invitations to area businesses.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m.
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Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk