HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 111678CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
NOVEMBER 16, 1978
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Palm Beach Gardens was called
to order by Mayor John Kiedis at 8:00 P.M. in the Assembly Room, 10500
North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and opened with the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL: The roll was called by the Deputy City Clerk and present were: Mayor
Kiedis, Vice Mayor Laurie, Councilman Martino, Councilman Aldred, and
Councilman Feeney. Attorney George Baldwin and City Manager John Orr
were also in attendance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Kiedis made the following announcements:
A meeting of the "701" Citizens Advisory Committee will take place on
Tuesday, November 20, 1978, at 7:30 P.M..
The Municipal Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November
23, and Friday, November 24, in observance of "Thanksgiving ".
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
HENRY SKOKOWSKI The duly advertised Public Hearing and consideration of final reading of
ORDINANCE 11, Ordinance 11, 1978, rezoning parcels of land from R -5, Mobile Home Resi-
T977- dential District, to R -3C, Medium Density Residential, and C -2, General
Commercial, was recessed by the Council at their Regular Meeting of June
15, 1978, until December 7, 1978, per the request of the petitioner, Mr.
David Hendel of H.G.G.S. Associates, enabling him to prepare plans for
a PUD zoning request.
Mr. Henry Skokowski, President of Urban Design Studio, addressed the
Council representing Mr. Hendel requesting a 90 -day extension for the
t submittal of the plans for the Planned Unit Development, adding that Mr.
Hendel will provide the City a letter stating that he would not do any-
thing with the property until after that date.
City Council Regular Meeting, 11/16/78
Page 2
If was the consensus of the Council that they didn't have any objections
to the 90 -day extension requested.
RESO''LUTIONS: Resolution 60, 1978, authorizing persons to sign and counter -sign checks
RESOLUTION 60, and access to safety depository boxes, was read in full by the Deputy
i9l/u City Clerk by a unanimous vote of the Council. Resolution 60, 1978, was
unanimously adopted by the Council.
ORDINANCES: Ordinance 31, 1978, prohibiting commercial
ORDINANCE 312 streets of the City except for deliveries,
T97U-- City Clerk on first reading by a unanimous
31, 1978, will be further workshopped at a
a Public Hearing and consideration of secoi
Regular Meeting of December 21, 1978.
vehicles from residential
was read in full by the Deputy
vote of the Council. Ordinance
meeting in December, prior to
id reading to take place at the
ORDINANCE 32, Ordinance 32, 1978, prohibiting the parking of vehicles in road rights -
T97U- of -way (swale /drainage areas), was read in full by the Deputy City Clerk
on first reading by a unanimous vote of the Council. Ordinance 32, 1978,
will be further workshopped at a meeting in December, prior to a Public
Hearing and consideration of second reading to take place at the Regular
Meeting of December 21, 1978.
ORDINANCE 33, Ordinance 33, 1978, providing for a "bonus" in density within a Planned
T 7 - Unit Development, was read in full by the Deputy City Clerk on first
reading by a unanimous vote of the Council. A Public Hearing and consider-
ation of second reading of Ordinance 33, 1978, will take place at the
Regular Meeting of December 7, 1978.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
EMPLOYEE BENS- At the City Council Workshop Meeting of November 9, 1978, Councilman
7[J!°7TTTET`
C Aldred proposed an "Employee Benefit Steering Committee" of the City,
which was favorably received by the audience and has generated letters
from residents requesting its immediate implementation. At that meeting,
the Council recognized the proposal; and a majority of the Council felt
it required additional study.
Mayor Kiedis offered that since that meeting the City Council has given
the proposal considerable thought; and with the guidance of the City's
legal staff they have prepared statements, which he read for the benefit
of the audience, as follows:
City Council Regular Meeting, 11/16/78
Page 3
"The City of Palm Beach Gardens is under certain legal constraints,
statutes, and regulations that govern our activities. The City Officials
will continue and must in accordance with Florida Statutes observe and
abide by the rules and regulations set forth for proper negotiations
between public employers and recognized bargaining units. The elected
officials of the City of Palm Beach Gardens are charged with the responsi-
bility of adhering to the legislative mandates of the State of Florida.
The officials of Palm Beach Gardens will not interfere in any manner with
the rights of any employees to seek affiliation with a recognized bargaining
unit or of that bargaining unit to represent and negotiate on behalf of
their membership. The City Council and the administration are prepared to
negotiate t.ith any properly certified bargaining unit as stipulated in the
Florida Statutes which constitute the laws of the State of Florida. The
City Council of Palm Beach Gardens is further charged with the responsibility
of providing for the salaries and benefits of all employees. We recognize
this responsibility to the employees and to the trust placed upon us by the
taxpayers of the City to ensure that their supporting tax dollars receive
the fullest measure of professional performance. To achieve this end, we
shall continually strive to ensure that all employees are treated fairly
and that alternative measures are examined closely for the benefit of
employees and residents. In so doing, however, it must be clearly empha-
sized that the elected officials and the administration will always abide
by the laws of the State of Florida and not become participants in any
citizens movement, however perceived, that violates any legal restraints."
For the benefit of those present, Councilman Aldred read a statement he
prepared regarding his proposals for the Fmployee Benefit Steering Committee
and Quarterly Employee Meetings as follows:
"On Thursday, November 9, 1978, 1 presented two proposals to the City
Council. The Council members elected to take these matters under consider-
ation for study, before acting upon them. This approach is, in my estima-
tion, a very wise one for the Council to take. Any proposals for change,
regardless of how appealing they may at first glance appear, must undergo
careful examination before they are considered for adoption. Consideration
must be given to the effect of proposals on existing governmental systems
as well as any possible future effects. Care must be given, to be certain
that any proposal adopted will be truly beneficial to the conduct of City
government and equitable for all persons who may be affected by them.
City Council Regular Meeting, 11/16/78
Page 4
As to the first proposal, labelled an "Employee Benefit Steering Committee ",
I shall state once again, that its purpose is to provide the Council with
additional, objective data for consideration in setting the City's budget.
While its proposed organization-is designed to encourage fresh, new ideas
and input into the established governmental process, it was not intended,
is not to be used, nor will it be allowed to, in any way, affect the right
of any employee or any group of employees from selecting the bargaining
unit of his or her choice, I will, and feel certain the other Council
members will join with me in protecting and defending the right of these
employee units to select whatever representatives they feel will best serve
their needs.
As to the second proposal, the "Quarterly Employee Meetings ", it is a
variation of a technique previously used by the City, which I wish to see
reimplemented. In my case, it is designed to serve my need to know the
City's employees. Since I work full time, as do the other Council members,
it is difficult for me to get to know the City's employees in any other
manner.
Once again, it is necessary to state that a mature, objective approach to
�. these proposals is necessary. Emotional "over- reaction" is to be avoided
at all costs, because it usually results in someone's significant disad-
vantage. One of the reasons we have rules, which admittedly seem laborious
and time consuming, is to protect the rights of all persons who may be
affected by adopted legislation. The best results are achieved in those
situations where open and reasonable dialogue is maintained.
In making the proposals, I did not view them as "stop -gap" or temporary
measures. Rather, I look upon them as long -range measures, beneficial to
the City over the next 25 years, as the City grows. I have every intention
of pursuing the adoption of these proposals, but will pursue them in an
atmosphere of care and thoughtful reflection, working within our established
governmental system.
Finally, as was stated last Thursday, the proposals presented were not,
are not, and will not be ultimate solutions in and of themselves. They
instead represent, only, a framework within which open, honest, and mature
dialogue can be maintained. Anyone who states or infers otherwise, does
` so at his or her own risk."
City Council Regular Meeting, 11/16/78
Page 5
Councilman Feeney offered that he had examined Mr. Aldred's proposals
and was personally in total agreement with them.
Vice Mayor Laurie conveyed that he personally was opposed to adding
another committee to the established governmental process of the City.
However, he would not be adverse to adding an employee(s) to the City's
existing Merit System Board.
Mr. Gordon Hunter of 4388 Elm Avenue, PBG, presented the Council a 656 -
signature petition stating "We the undersigned residents of the City of
Palm Beach Gardens are against the contract with the Palm Beach County
Sheriffs Department or the abolishment of the City Police Department.
We support the Palm Beach Gardens' Police." Discussion and comments
from members of the audience followed.
A majority of the other members of the Council concurred with Councilman
Feeney's recommendation that Councilman Aldred, City Attorney William
Brant, and City Manager John Orr prepare a draft of a Resolution creating
the Employee Benefit Steering Committee for the Council's consideration
at a future workshop meeting. Councilman Martino suggested that during
the preparation of the Resolution the elements contained within the proposal
that conflict with the City's Charter and Merit System Ordinance be taken
into consideration; and some consideration be given to the City Administration.
Councilman Feeney announced that a Special Meeting of the Council has been
scheduled to take place Thursday, November 30, 1978, for the purpose of the
Council discussing with Mr. Richard Wille, Palm Beach County Sheriff, the
proposed Law Enforcement Services Agreement between the City and his
department.
The members of the audience were assured that there would be public meetings
before any decision is made by the Council on the future of the City's
Police Department.
Councilman Aldred acknowledged a notice posted in the City's Police Depart-
ment, which was authored by Patrolman Ken Riley and signed by ten ether
members of the Police Department, stating "Councilman Aldred outlined an
'Employee Benefit' proposal on 11 -9 -78 which would be used to the advantage
of all City employees when properly implemented. It seems that this pro -
posal could be worthy of consideration by us, no matter what union affili-
ation our department decides to agree upon. I would be interested in listen-
ing to Mr. Aldred elaborate on this matter - anyone else ? ". The Council
City Council Regular Meeting, 11/16/7B
Page 6
felt this was not in the best interest of the City since it violates
the intent of the Sunshine Law and could possibly subject the City to
an unfair labor practice.
CURBING OF By a vote of 3 -2, the Council authorized the placement of asphalt curbing
H.7LY around the medians on Holly Drive, to be substituted with concrete at the
intersections; monies to be taken from Federal Revenue Sharing Funds.
Mayor Kiedis, Councilman Feeney, and Councilman Martino voted aye; Vice
Mayor Laurie and Councilman Aldred voted nay.
P9GHS GIRLS The Council authorized the PBGHS Girls Softball Team permission to utilize
TAT-
the: Plant Drive field for regularly scheduled games and the Burns Road
y
field for practice games. The Public Works Department will be requested
to prepare an area for Soccer practice at Lake Catherine. The Recreation
Director will be requested to coordinate the games.
PETITIONS AND
COMMUNICATIONS:
CHARLES WAL-
Vice Mayor Laurie acknowledged receipt of a communication from Mr. Charles
RIB.
7OUNTY
R. Walker, Director of the P. B. County Traffic Division, advising that
TtArFIC,DIV.
they intend to place the traffic signal at the intersection of Burns Road
and Military Trail in full operation in the near future. The City Manager
1
was requested to obtain from the department traffic counts for the inter-
sections of Military Trail and Holly Drive and Military Trail and Burns
Road; and ascertain whether or not the lights could be functional during
certain hours and flashing the rest of the time.
JOYCE HIL-
Mayor Kiedis acknowledged receipt of a communication dated November 6, 1978,
DTE777E.
RED
from Joyce P. Hildreth, Chairman of the Medical- Dental Wives of the N. P.
ffRCOURS
Beaches, Inc. re: Heart Parcours; and advised that he relayed to her and
Mrs. Virginia McVey, Chairman of the P. B. County Chapter of the Heart
Assoc., that the Public Works Department will be starting the program for
the installation of the exercise stations as time /workload allows.
D. STEWART
Mayor Kiedis acknowledged receipt of a communication from Mr. D. Stewart
BR77__
Barg, 4271 Althea Way, PBG, requesting appointment to an advisory committee
of the City.
REPORTS:
Councilman Aldred, liaison to the City's Beautification and Environmental
PLANTS
Committee, was requested to advise the Committee the plants located at
READY FOR the
Public Works Department are in readiness for installation upon their
11UN
selection of a sate.
City Council Regular Meeting, 11/16/78
Page 7
COUNCILMAN Councilman Martina reported he had talked to Mr. Luke Thornton, PBGHS
MARTI' Principal, re: the landscaping of the school grounds along Holly Drive;
LANDSCAPING OF and he is willing to assist the City in this effort. Mr. DiVosta's land-
'
P G DS
scaper will be requested to provide the City cost figures in purchasing
trees similar to those in his development, Garden Lakes /Square, for the
school grounds; and Arthur Nelson will be requested to provide a cost
figure for a landscape plan for that area.
ITEMS BY CITY MANAGER:
ANNEX. OF LANDS City Manager John Orr reported that first reading of Ordinance #21, 1978,
OF PGA RESQR annexing
�IFfD1�'!TY-
the lands of the proposed FGA Resort Community, has been scheduled
L'€i1
to take place at the Council's Regular Meeting of December 7, 1978; and the
Public Hearing and consideration of second reading of Ordinance X621, 1978,
has been scheduled to take place at the Regular Meeting of December 21, 1978.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M..
MAYOR KIEDIS COUNCILMAN ALDRED
VICE MAYOR LAURIE COUNCILMAN FEENEY
COUNCILMAN MARTINO
CITY CLERK