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HomeMy Public PortalAbout01/08/1993REGULAR MEETING HELD BY THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1993 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE TOWN HALL, 100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA. I. Call to Order Mayor Koch called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Armour led the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Roll Call Present and William F. Koch, Jr. Mayor Participating: Alan I. Armour Vice Mayor James E. Cross Commissioner A. Curtis True, M.D. Commissioner Absent.with Notice: Kathleen S. Wallace Commissioner Also Present & Participating: E. Scott Harrington John Randolph Rita Taylor William Gwynn Robert Schultz Joan Orthwein Jean Breazeale Clay Shaw nerry O'Neal Helen Czernowski IV. Additions, withdrawals, deferrals, ar Town Manager Harrington advised that expected to arrive momentarily and requested arrival. There was no objection. Town Manager Town Attorney Town Clerk Finance Director Police Chief Chairman ARPB Chairman GSHHC U.S. Representative Town Resident Mgr. for Westminster .ent of agenda items. entative Clay Shaw is he be recognized upon V. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 11, 1992 Commissioner Armour moved and Commissioner Cross seconded that the minutes be approved as circulated and all voted AYE. VI. Announcements A. Proclamation of Election. The proclamation declared March 9, 1993 as election day in Gulf Stream and stated that any person who is a qualified, registered voter in the Town of Gulf Stream may have his /her name placed on the ballot for Town Commission by filing with the Town Clerk beginning on January 25, 1993 and ending on February 17, 1993. The proclamation stated that there will be five Town Commission positions to be filled and each will be for a three year term. Commissioner True moved that in the event that no more than 5 persons qualify as candidates for Town Commissioner in the election of March 9, 1993, no election be held as is provided in Florida State Statutes, since each candidate is assumed to vote for himself /herself. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cross. Roll Call: Comm. Cross; AYE, Comm. Armour; AYE, Comm. True; AYE, and Mayor Koch; AYE. B. Test of Ballot Tabulating Equipment Commissioner Armour moved and Commissioner Cross seconded the motion to have Commissioner True represent the Town Canvassing Board as a witness to the tests of the ballot tabulating equipment in the event an . election is held. All voted AYE. Regular Meeting -Town Commission January 8, 1993 page 2 C. Date of February Meeting The date of the February meeting was announced to be February 12, 1993 at 9:00 A.M. D. Certification of Election Results -March 12, 1993 at Noon. Town Manager Harrington advised that the results of the election to be held on March 9, 1993 must be certified by the Town Commission and the new Commission members assume the office at noon on March 12, 1993. OIn view of this, he asked if the Commissioners would want to change the time of the regular meeting which would be held at 9 A.M. on March 12. The members of the Commission agreed unanimously that the regular meeting be held at 10:30 A.M. on March 12, 1993 with the certification of results. and the swearing in of the new commissioners to follow at noon. E. Date of March Meeting. This item was covered during the discussion of item VI.D. as detailed above. VII. Site Plan Amendment Review A. Mark Marsh of Digby Bridges, Marsh and Associates, Agent for J.F. & B.B. Vander Wolk, 2801 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf Stream, Florida 33483 -To permit construction of a retaining /privacy wall in connection with the dwelling under construction at this location. Joan Orthwein, Chairman of the Architectural Review and Planning Board, reported that the Board had recommended that the wall be approved with the following conditions: a) the wall be no more than 11 feet above the finished grade on the south side; b) the wall be no more than 25 feet in length; c) the wall be located a minimum of 7 feet from the south property line; d) The existing seagrape and Australian pines be maintained permanently or replaced with other vegetation of equal or greater size and opacity; e) the south side of the wall be painted a shade of green which is substantially similar to the color of the surrounding vegetation. She added that there had been no objections from the neighbors and that Helen Czernowski, Manager of the Westminster, was present. Mrs. Czernowski indicated no objections. Comm. True moved that the site plan amendment be approved as requested with the conditions that were recommended by the Town Manager and the Architectural Review and Planning Board. Commissioner Armour seconded the motion. Roll Call: Comm. Cross; AYE, Comm. Armour; AYE, Comm. True; AYE, and Mayor Koch; AYE. Congressman Clay Shaw was recognized by Mayor Koch. The congressman advised that he had held several positions in municipal government in Ft. Lauderdale in years past and was aware of the importance of municipal government. He noted that his new district stretches from Jupiter to Miami, a total of 91 miles. He stated he intended to operate thru city governments and he is open for guidance from the cities. Congressman Shaw further advised that he is establishing a local office in Lake Worth. He then presented a flag to the Town that had been displayed over the capitol. Commissioner Armour requested that Congressman Shaw lend all possible support with the problem of beach erosion and the re- establishment of the Coastal Construction Control Line. Congressman Shaw stated he was aware of the situation in Palm Beach County and would lend support where possible from the federal government. He went on to advise that he is aware of the proposed legislation regarding the changes in the flood insurance program and will strive to protect impacted areas in Florida, adding that he is also working toward some type of catastrophic aid program to handle such emergencies as Hurricane Andrew. Mayor Koch thanked Congressman Shaw for taking the time to appear in Gulf Stream, and for the flag. Regular Meeting -Town Commission January 8, 1993 page 3 VIII. Reports A. Town Manager 1. Bi- monthly Water Use Town Manager Harrington advised that there has been a slight reduction in consumption and if this can continue, the Town should be able to meet the first goal that was established for reducing O water consumption in the Town. 2. Storm Drainage Update Mr. Harrington reported that the County has offered to furnish their employees and equipment to assist with the drainage improvements on County Road in lieu of a cash contribution. He further reported that St. Andrews had agreed to grant an easement on their property for a retention area and that he is awaiting a quotation from Mr. Harvel for installation of a pipe in front of the Candee property. He expected to have most of this together within the next two weeks. In regard to the the other areas of concern, Mr. Harrington presented the engineers report which in most instances recommended removal of the sod in the areas of the catch basins and the installation of concrete aprons to direct the water into the basins. He stated that this would be in addition to the new catch basins that had been discussed at a previous meeting. Mr. Harrington stated he had some cost estimates but is waiting on some additional proposals before making a recommendation. 3. Right -of -way Policy Update The Town Manager stated he had completed the review of the various specifications for rights -of -way that had been furnished to him from DOT and Palm Beach County and has determined that for the local streets in Gulf Stream, a six foot clear zone on each side of the pavement would be adequate. He stated that within this clear zone, it would be acceptable to plant a very low hedge,and a curb installed at the property owner's expense might also be acceptable if it did not interfere with the storm drainage. Mr. Harrington reported that the deadline for removal of the concrete obstructions from the rights -of -way is January 11, 1993 and that after that time, he would be following up on those that had not been removed. 4. Sewer Survey Report Town Manager Harrington presented a report of the response to the sewer survey that had been mailed recently and advised that the staff had arrived at several conclusions and has made the following recommendations: 1) Septic Tanks - staffrecommends the Town take no further study or action regarding septic tanks. 2) GSHIA System - staff recommends the Town not involve itself in the ownership or operation of the GSHIA System. However, staff recommends the Town continue cooperating with the system. 3) Centralized Collection - staff recommends the Town not pursue the provision of centralized collection anywhere in the community. 4) Sewer Feasibility Study - staff recommends the Town attempt to contact study proponents in two survey districts to see if they have an interest in pursuing a study themselves, but staff recommends the Town not be responsible for the study or contribute any funds to it. Commissioner Armour moved that the report be accepted and the recommendations of the staff be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cross. Roll Call: Comm. Cross; AYE, Comm. Armour; AYE, Comm. True; NAY, and Mayor Koch; AYE. Commissioner True stated that for the record, he is in favor of the installation of sewers now. The Commissioners directed that a letter, advising of the results of the survey, be mailed to the residents. Regular Meeting -Town Commission January 8, 1993 page 4 B. Town Attorney There was no report from the Town Attorney, John Randolph. C. Finance Director 1. Financial Report for December, 1992 Finance Director, William Gwynn, presented the report, commenting that 77% of the tax money has been collected and placed in the interest bearing account. He further called attention to his reply to the Auditor's C� Management Letter of December 11, 1992. Commissioner Armour moved that the reports be approved as presented and the motion was seconded by Commissioner True. Roll Call: Comm. Cross; AYE, Comm. Armour; AYE, Comm. True; AYE, and Mayor Koch; AYE. Town Manager Harrington advised that due to receiving the tax money, it had been possible to make an early payment on the loan principal which resulted in a savings of approximately $600.00. D. Architectural Review and Planning Board 1. January, 1993 Meeting Date Joan Orthwein, Chairman of the ARPB, advised the January meeting would be held on Wednesday, January 27, 1993 at 9:00 A.M. 2. Restricting Parking to Designated Areas. Mrs. Orthwein reported that due to some residents complaints about vehicles being parked on the lawn, rather than in the driveways, the staff had prepared a proposed amendment to the Zoning Code to restrict parking to designated areas. She advised that the ARPB recommended that this amendment be made. Commissioner True noted that the amendment would provide that unenclosed parking areas shall not constitute more than 40% of the front yard. He believed that many of the existing driveways exceeded this per- centage and asked what the status of those would be if this amendment were to be adopted. Town Manager Harrington believed that it would be possible to resurface but any alteration would have to conform to the 40% maximum. The Commission directed that more study be given to this matter and that in the interim, the persons who are parking on the lawns be contacted and encouraged to refrain from this practice. E. North Ocean Boulevard Landscape Advisory Committee 1. Trees and Markers Jean Breazeale, Chairman of NOBLAC, reported that in contacting the Florida Historical Resources Division in Tallahassee with regard to installation of the historical markers for AlA that had been approved at the last meeting, she was advised that they would not be acceptable as they are too large. She further reported that this agency had received funding to erect markers on all State Historical Highways but that the markers they had purchased are very unattractive. She stated that the agency was not really pleased with them either and they hope to get something more acceptable if they can obtain additional funding. In view of these circumstances, Mrs. Breazeale advised that her committee is recommending that Gulf Stream hold Joff for a time on marking AlA. They also recommend that the proposed dedication of AlA as a scenic highway in Gulf Stream be postponed until such time as the markers are in place. The members of the Commission were in agreement with the Committee's recommendation. Mrs. Breazeale reported that at the request of the Commission, the Committee would like to change their name to "Gulf Stream Historic Highway Committee ". The Town Commissioners were in agreement with the Regular Meeting -Town Commission January 8, 1993 page 5 Chairman Breazeale stated that the committee had talked with seven persons in an effort to arrive at a recommendation for a consultant to guide the process of trimming and caring for the Australian pine trees. Of the seven, the committee found two to be qualified and strongly recommend Mr. Hoyt. Town Manager Harrington noted that the fee for a consultant is expected to be approximately $1,000 and it would not be required that the position be advertised prior to entering negotations. Commissioner Armour moved and Commissioner Cross seconded that the Town Manager be authorized to work with the Committee in the selection of an arborist. Roll Call: Comm. Cross; AYE, Comm. Armour; AYE, Comm. True; AYE, and Mayor Koch; AYE. Town Manager Harrington explained that DOT had completed the survey of AlA but that the local office is doing additional field work in an effort to resolve some still existing problems. He added that they would not install a flashing light to warn of the intersection of Golfview and AlA but would install "Blind Intersection" signs. Mr. Harrington stated that DOT still favored making Golfview a one -way street west, but he had been able to comprise with them by agreeing to restrict the intersection to right turns only on to AlA. He advised they had furnished a sign advising of this which will be erected when the stop bars are painted on the street. F. Police Activity in December, 1992. Chief Schultz presented his report which included a criminal activity comparison report between calendar years 1991 and 1992. This reflected a 60% reduction in burglaries and a 20% reduction in crime overall. Commissioner True called attention to a letter of appreciation for police services that had been extended to Betty Felts by the Gulf Stream Police Department. G. Construction in Progress in December, 1992 The report revealed there to be $7,863,688 worth of construction in progress in December, 1992. IX. Items for Commission Action A. Items by Commissioners. There were no items by the commissioners. X. Correspondence A. Resolution 82 -92 supporting further study regarding relocation of the Coastal Construction Control Line -City of Lake Worth. The Commission directed that a similar resolution be prepared for the next meeting. B. Letter requesting participation in "Carenet" communications O system-Palm Beach County Div. of Emergency Management. Town Manager Harrington explained that this system would connect all municipalities with the Div. of Emergency Management in a conference type arrangement during times of emergency. He stated the cost would be $70 per month and he felt that was quite a lot when the system could not be utilized for any other purpose. Mayor Koch noted that Delray Beach dispatches Gulf Stream and the information would be relayed by radio. It was also noted that phone lines are the first to go in a storm and it is probably better to rely on radio communication. The Town Manager was directed to reply to the request. Regular Meeting -Town Commission January S, 1993 page 6 XI. Public Perry O'Neal, Gulf Stream resident, requested that the pavement on Banyon be chiseled out to permit water to flow into the catch basin at the Polo Drive intersection. He complained that he is tired of C waiting for the engineering reports and cost estimates connected with eliminating the standing water. The Commission was reluctant to authorize any pavement cutting since an additional catch basin is to be installed. They asked Town Manager Harrington to make this area a top priority in moving ahead with the drainage improvements. Jean Breazeale advised she had heard that it would be necessary for towns. to adopt historic designation legislation in order for property owners to claim any tax breaks in having their properties given historical designations in connection with the referendum that was passed recently. She asked if the town had any information regarding this. Attorney Randolph stated he had heard that the referendum was about to be challenged and that some type of local legislation would be needed. Mayor Koch asked Attorney Randolph to look into the matter and report to the Commission. XII. Adjournment Mayor Koch adjourned the meeting at 10:35 A.M. on a motion by Commissioner Armour which was seconded by Commissioner Cross with all voting in the affirmative. Rita L. Taylor/ Town Clerk