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HomeMy Public PortalAbout12 09 16 Meeting MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE TOWN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016 AT COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM ON 9:00 A.M. IN THE WILLIAM F. KOCH, JR. COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE TOWN HALL, l00 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA. I. Call to Order. Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Roll Call. Present and Scott W. Morgan Mayor Participating: Thomas M. Stanley Vice Mayor Paul A. Lyons, Jr. Commissioner Joan K. Orthwein Commissioner Donna S. White Commissioner Also Present & William Thrasher Town Manager Participating: John Randolph Town Attorney Edward Nazzaro Staff Attorney Edward Allen Acting Police Chief Rita Taylor Town Clerk IV. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 10, 2016. Vice Mayor Stanley moved for the approval of the Minutes of November 10, 2016 that was seconded by Commissioner Orthwein with all voting AYE. V. Additions, withdrawals, deferrals, arrangement of agenda items. There were no changes in the agenda. VI. Announcements. A. Regular Meetings and Public Hearings 1. January 13, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. 2. February 10, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M 3. March 10, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. 4. April 14, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. 5. May 12, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. 6. June 9, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. VII. Communication from the Public (3 min. maximum) Christopher O’Hare stated that he felt the choice for Police Chief is excellent and in recognition of that he would delay comment on several items he had intended to address until the January meeting. Martin O’Boyle commented about the deposition of Mr. Graziano. The President of the Place Au Soleil Homeowners Association, Chet Snavely, pointed out that the car dealer to the south of Place Au Soleil is planning a 30 foot tall parking building and he asked support from the Commission in obtaining a buffer between this and the residential area of Place Au Soleil. Town Commission Regular Meeting & Public Hearing December 9, 2016 @ 9:00 A.M. Anthony Graziano advised that since his deposition had been mentioned he wanted to advise that his deposition was given in early June and he has yet to receive a copy to read and correct any errors it may contain which should be accomplished prior to any discussions taking place. VIII. Reports. A. Town Manager There was no report. B. Architectural Review & Planning Board l. Meeting Dates a. December 15, 2016 @ 8:30 A.M. b. January 26, 2017 @ 8:30 A.M. c. February 23, 2017 @ 8:30 A.M. d. March 23, 2017 @ 8:30 A.M. e. April 27, 2017 @ 8:30 A.M. f. May 25, 2017 @ 8:30 A.M. The Mayor called attention to these dates. C. Finance Director l. Financial Report for November 2016 Mr. Thrasher reminded about the long range planning meeting that was held last year at which the top item on the list was to build the reserve in the general fund and the retained earnings in the water fund. The goal for the water fund was 1.5 million and for the general fund, 2 million. He added that the general fund goal has been exceeded and $450,000 has just been transferred into an existing interest bearing water fund account. He suggested this may be the time to start planning for the capital improvement projects. Mr. Thrasher reminded that also at the top of the planning list was the establishment of a permit department which would require an addition to the town hall building. He said that if this is still one of the goals, the town is financially in a position to move forward. He further reminded that the maintenance building is also in need of attention and it may be possible to do both at the same time with the fund balance that is expected at the end of the 2016 fiscal year. Mr. Thrasher reminded that very soon the Town will begin receiving its share of the 1 cent tax that was approved. He further reminded that these funds must be used for road improvements and that there is estimated to be as much as a quarter of a million dollars available for work in the off-season. He thanked the Commission for recognizing these needs and taking action that has made it possible for him to bring the Towns financial position to this point. Mayor Morgan thanked Mr. Thrasher for his good work. 2. Water Usage as of November 30, 2016 D. Police Chief l. Activity for November 2016 Acting Chief Allen asked that the report be accepted as presented if there are no questions. There being no questions, the Mayor 2 Town Commission Regular Meeting & Public Hearing December 9, 2016 @ 9:00 A.M. declared the finance reports and the police report accepted as submitted. IX. Items for Commission Action. A. Agreement for Election Services-Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections The Town Clerk explained that this agreement is to cover the expenses of the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections for providing equipment and materials that are necessary to conduct a municipal election. She added that this is done each year, that all has reviewed the document. Commissioner Orthwein moved that the agreement be approved and the Mayor be authorized to execute the agreement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner White and all voted AYE at roll call. B. Appointment of Police Chief Town Manager Thrasher stated that he had spoken with Barbara Ward, Chief Ward’s wife, and she advised that Gary would be unable to return to his position as Police Chief and would retire on December 1, 2016. With this knowledge, Town Manager Thrasher said he is honored to be able to recommend to the Commission, the appointment of Edward Allen. Mayor Morgan said that this is a time of conflicting emotions in that many know Chief Ward well and consider him a friend. He added that best wishes are extended to Chief Wards family and our prayers and hopes go out to him. The Mayor said that, with regard to the opening of police chief, he can whole heartedly support the appointment of Edward Allen. He remarked that since he has been Acting Chief he has had the opportunity to observe him more closely and has found him to be a man of excellent managerial skills who oversees things very well and also communicates very well. Mayor Morgan said he is loyal to his staff, the men who serve under him, and is decidedly loyal to the residents of the Town of Gulf Stream. Christopher O’Hare, a Gulf Stream resident, commented that what happened to Chief Ward is a tragedy but that Chief Allen is great for this position. Commissioner Orthwein moved to appoint Edward Allen to the position of Police Chief of the Town of Gulf Stream and Commissioner White seconded the motion with all voting AYE at the roll call. Chief Allen expressed his appreciation to the Commission for being given this opportunity to serve the residents in Gulf Stream and to those who responded here, residents, family, friends and employees, to support him. Town Clerk Rita Taylor administered the Oath of Office of Chief of Police to Edward K. Allen. C. Items by Mayor & Commissioners 3 Town Commission Regular Meeting & Public Hearing December 9, 2016 @ 9:00 A.M. Mayor Morgan stated he has given thought to the process of searching for a Town Manager and had spoken to Bill and Rita with regard to this. He believed advertising in the Association Journals should begin after the holidays and, as resumes are received, they would be reviewed jointly by Bill, Rita and himself to screen them. After an appropriate number of resumes from qualified candidates had been reviewed, they would then be distributed to the Commissioners for their review and selections for interviews made. He suggested that it would most likely require a special meeting, or perhaps more than one. He said it was his inclination to look for a Town Manager with a governmental and accounting background who is skilled in overseeing personnel, but is decisive and has the ability to make difficult decisions when necessary. Commissioner Orthwein believed a new person should be brought in to overlap with Mr. Thrasher so they could be well informed about the issues at hand. Commissioner Lyons mentioned the possibility of using Mr. Thrasher in a consulting position and Mayor Morgan agreed that all options should be left open and his expertise, especially in the financial aspect, could be very beneficial to the Town. All Commissioners were in agreement with the Mayor’s suggestions. X. Adjournment. Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 9:40 A.M. Rita L. Taylor Town Clerk 4