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
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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
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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
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