09-30-2010 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 30, 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
Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Manuel called the meeting to order at 9:03 p.m. All members of Council were present. All
members of staffwere present.
NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT FOR VILLAGE GARBAGE/WASTE COLLECTION
Mr. Knight reminded Council that should it elect to impose anon-ad valorem assessment
through the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office, preparations must begin by
December 2010, in order for implementation to occur in FY 2012.
Mr. Knight detailed the estimated cost of a solid waste non-ad valorem assessment, including
capital expenses and fees associated with collection of the non-ad valorem assessment. If a flat
rate for sanitation was initiated, Mr. Knight reported the cost for single-family homes would be
$26.31 per month and $9.90 per month for multi-family.
Mr. Knight reviewed a table depicting the taxable value of residences in various locations within
the Village, along with the total in ad valorem taxes due to North Palm Beach in FY 2011 for
these residences, and the cost per year, month, and day for sanitation services. Mr. Knight
reported that at $9.91 per month, the break-even point for multi-family would be a residence
with a taxable value of $200,000. For single-family, Mr. Knight reported the break-even point
would be a home with a taxable value of $531,000. Mr. Knight noted that the Village receives
30.75% of the total FY 2011 tax bill. Mr. Knight reported that Public Works comprises 24.06%
of the Village's overall budget, and Sanitation comprises 35.44% of the Public Works budget.
Mr. Knight provided a table detailing the total taxable value of properties in the Village broken
down by multi-family, multi-family apartment complex, and single-family, both with and without
homestead exemption, along with the average taxable value for these categories and the
percentage of parcels above and below the average value.
Discussion on advantages and disadvantages ensued as follows:
• citizens should know the facts concerning what they pay for the sanitation services they
receive and what it costs the Village to provide these services
• anon-ad valorem assessment would free up millage, which could be advantageous if there are
further reductions in property values and further constraints on the ability to raise ad valorem taxes
• aligns the cost with the service provided; it increases transparency, so that residents see what
they are paying for the services they receive
• would fall more heavily on owners of residences that have lower property values
• gives the perception of a tax swap; adversely affects 87% of the residences
• affects the rolled back rate ,which impacts the collection of ad valorem revenue
Council determined to take no further action on this item.
Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held September 30, 2010 Page 2 of 2
• CODE AMENDMENT -ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR VACANT LOTS
Discussion took place concerning a proposed ordinance implementing standards for the
maintenance, condition, and use of vacant residential and commercial lots within the Village and
ensuring the consistency of Village Code provisions.
Mr. Knight explained efforts to distinguish between vacant lots that have never been developed
and vacant lots that previously had structures on the lot.
Mr. Rubin detailed specific provisions of the proposed ordinance, including ensuring consistency
in Code Sections 14-80 and 15-2 regarding the maximum height of grass allowed, and requiring
that undeveloped properties must have grass or ground cover and regular maintenance.
Mr. Rubin reviewed provisions for formerly developed vacant lots regarding applicability;
allowable ground treatment; removal of foundations, driveways and accessory structures
(including swimming pools); preservation of existing trees and vegetation; removal ofnon-native
and exotic species of vegetation; submittal of a planting plan with application for demolition;
conditions for existing docks or piers; and exemptions pertaining to redevelopment within
specified timeframes. Mr. Rubin noted the Planning Commission suggested including some
hardscape, by allowing non-living landscape materials such as mulch, pebbles, or rocks.
Discussion ensued regarding irrigation systems; electrical service; location of fences; removal of
pools, driveways, and parking areas; seawalls, docks, and piers, and limitations on vessels.
It was suggested that the ordinance provide for enforcement. Council consensus was that
irrigation systems shall be allowed to remain; swimming pools must be removed or filled, in
accordance with health regulations; use of docks or piers shall be limited to the property owner
and one vessel; fences are permitted, but not required; and fences may be installed the length of
the seawall, but not more than five feet inland from the seawall.
This item will be placed on the October 14, 2010 Regular Session agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
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Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Cler
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