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