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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 110173REGULAR MEETING CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS NOVEMBER 1, 1973 The Regular Meeting of the City Council of Palm Beach Gardens was called to order by Mayor Kiedis at 8:00 P.M. in the Assembly Room, 10500 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL: Roll was called by the City Clerk and present were: Councilman DeLonga, Councilman Martino, Vice Mayor Dunbar and Mayor Kiedis. Councilman Wiley was absent because he was out of Town. Attorney Brant was present. MINUTES: The minutes of the Workshop Meeting of October 25, 1973, as modified, were unanimously approved by the Council. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Kiedis made the following announcements: A Real Estate School would be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Council Room. -� A Recreation Advisory Board Meeting would be held on Tuesday, November 6, 1973 at 8 :00 P.M. A Youth Athletic Association Meeting would be held Wednesday, November 7, 1973 at the Garden Lanes Bowling Alley at 8 :00 P.M. The Junior Orange Bowl Queen Contest would be held on Wednesday, November 7, 1973 at 8:00 P.M. at the Palm Beach Gardens High School Auditorium. Councilman DeLonga questioned whether the Real Estate School was a non - profit organization and if not, suggested the Council rev&ew the use of the room by this group. The City Manager will look into the situation. OUTSTANDING The Outstanding Employee Award was presented by Mayor Kiedis to EMPLOYEE WAS RD: Dana Mack in recognition for his outstanding service on a continuing basis and recently when he worked many hours to help eliminate flooding Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 2 conditions during a heavy rain storm. RRSOLUTION Resolution #54, 1973 - 11701 Local Planning Assistance" was read by the City Clerk in full and unanimously adopted by the Council. 11701 Local The City Manager explained the Resolution is required to apply for Planning Assistance: 701 Local Planning Assistance which the Council had agreed to at the October 25, 1973 meeting. It requests Federal Funding under this grant program for the purpose of obtaining consulting work in planning assistance in areas of management, land planning and overall addressing the needs assessment of the City. Councilman DeLonga commented it had come to his attention that any Community that wanted to be eligible to receive State aid would have to impose a personal property tax on its citizens. He agreed the necessary application should be filed but that the pitfalls involved in accepting these funds should be explored. The City Manager stated the Council would have an opportunity to listen to a representative from the State explain the program in detail, and he will advise the Council of the calendar of events. ORDINANCE Ordinance #23, 1973 Annexation of lands in Sec. 24 -42 -42 (Nothstine #23# 1973: and Merchant petition) was read by title only, on second reading, by the City Clerk and unanimously adopted by the Council. ORDINANCE Ordinance #24, 1973 Rezoning of lands in Section 5 -42-43 (Soverel #24 , 19 3: Marine, Inc. petition) was read by title only, on second reading, by the City Clerk and unanimously adopted by the Council. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Kiedis acknowledged receipt of communications from: 1. Thank you note from Vice Mayor Dunbar for the gift he received from the City during his illness. Vice Mayor Dunbar stated he was glad to be back and thanked everyone for their kindnesses. Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 3 REPORTS: Mayor Kiedis reported he had attended the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting held October 30, 1973 which consisted of an Organizational PLANNING AND ZONING meeting whereby Clair Andersen was appointed Chairman, Charles Breder tbwrms appointed Vice Chairman and Mrs. Nancy Laurie appointed Secretary. Mrs. Laurie was sworn in as a new member to the Board. Mr. Joe Arbree made a preliminary presentation for annexation of 7 acres of land located on the Southwest corner of PGA Blvd. and U.S. #1 which will be considered at their next meeting. A member of the Area Planning Board will address the Board at their meeting to be held November 13, 1973 and they will also interview applicants to fill the vacancy on the Board at that meeting. The Council requested the City Manager contact Mr. Andersen to arrange for a fair representation of those who have been on the list as applicants for some time. PUBLIX The City Manager reported on a meeting between the store managers SHOPPING I ENTER in the Publix Shopping Center and the representatives from Meridian Park Homeowners Assoc. regarding the unsightly condition behind the Publix Market. He stated the meeting was sucessful and he will follow through on the results. EMERGENCY The City Manager reported he was having difficulty obtaining estimates GENERATOR: for the repair work on the emergency generator, and had been in contact with Howard Kuhns but had received only one estimate. Councilman DeLonga suggested that he contact the Florida Power and Light Company and the Telephone Company for recommendations. PACKER: The City Manager advised that the Packer had arrived this date and the radio would be activated on Monday. After a trial run is made, a weekly trash schedule will be prepared. Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 4 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: BICYCLE AND Mr. Joe Lobrutto who resides on Ilex Drive and is a teacher at the PEDESTRIAN Howell Watkins Junior High addressed the Council expressing concern about students traveling on the City streets, both on foot and on bicycle!} in an unruly manner, making it impossible for the citizens to drive on the streets. He warned if something is not done to enforce the laws regarding bicycle and pedestrian traffic, a fatal accident could occur. He stated these same students obey the rules in his school room, yet disobey the laws when on the streets, simply because they know they will not be enforced. The Council and the City Manager assured Mr. Lobrutto the City recognized the problem and were taking steps to improve the situation, bid proposals were being prepared for sidewalks for Lighthouse Drive and MacArthur Blvd.; consideration was being given to a priority list for the use of Federal Revenue Funds to provide sidewalks on Holly Drive, a walkway for Howell Watkins Jr. High and the widening of Lighthouse Drive. Councilman Martino stated this problem was discussed last year at a meeting he had initiated between the three school principals and it was agreed at that time the problem involves the school and the City but really rests with the parents of the children. Another meeting has been scheduled again this year in November with the three principals and this will be an agenda item. Vice Mayor Dunbar stated he had volunteered and would initiate in the near future a Bicycle Court to enforce the rules for bicycle traffic. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: FEDERAL 1. The Council briefly discussed the list from the City Manager REVENUE SHARING dated October 2, 1973 of the recommended priorities for the use of the FUNDS Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 5 The following is the disposition of the items as they appear on the list: The Council agreed the first four items - Police Dept. Motor Vehicles, Fire Dept. Hose Dryer, Public Works Dept. Account #314 and the Emergency Generator Plan, are essentially committed and the budget adjusted in that manner. Item 6 - Sidewalks on Lighthouse Drive - are being prepared for bid by Howard Searcy. Item 7 - Sidewalks on Holly Drive - Council agreed to wait until the Lighthouse Drive project is resolved before starting on Holly Drive. Item 9 - Drainage - Reed Drive - By unanimous motion, the Council agreed that the City Manager be authorized to immediately proceed with the Reed Drive Drainage Project. Item 11 - Road Resurfacing - A report from the Public Works Director is due in November on this project. Item 12 - Handball Courts - Plans have been drawn up and after the location is determined they will be let for bid. Item 13 - Beautification and Environmental Projects - The B & E Committee have purchased trees which will be planted in the median strip on Holly Drive and MacArthur Blvd. Item 10 - Clay for Ballfields - The Council suggested the clay be o rdered in plenty of time before the ball season starts. RESTROOMS & The City Manager will report on the amount of money received from PRO -SHOP: membership dues for the use of the tennis courts to determine if these funds can be used toward providing restrooms and pro shop. BALLFIELDS The City Manager will determine the cost of ballfields for the FOR PBGYAA: PBGYAA on the 10 acres adjacent to the City Hall. At Councilman Martino's request discussion on the use of the 10 acres was delayed to a future meeting. Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 5 DRAINAGE DITCH The Council agreed to strike consideration of the drainage ditch MERIDIAN PARK: at Meridian Park and to advise North Palm Beach of this action. WALKWAY FOR The City Manager will determine the cost of walkways for Howell HOWELL. WATKINS JR.- Watkins Jr. High and a walkway on Holly Drive south of the Elementary RIGS School. Councilman DeLonga requested that the walkway along Northlake Blvd. to Crestdale and Town Hall Homes area be kept in a good state of repair. Vice Mayor Dunbar stated his first thffee priorities wee : 1. Reed Drive drainage 2. Street lighting 3. Sidewalks for the entire City. Councilman DeLonga stated his first two priorities were: 1. Reed Drive drainage 2. Street lighting (one plat at a time) COLLATE The City Manager will collate each Council members list and report COUNCIL'S LISTS: what priorities have been set, what action has already been taken and what is a matter of scheduling for further discussion when a full Council is present. MAINTENANCE 2. The City Manager reported since the City was having a problem CONTRACT FOR COMMUNICA- obtaining good communications service without a contract, he recommended TIONS SYSTEM: a maintenance agreement be made with a qualified firm for 24 hour service. This would include service for the mobile radios, base radio stations and all communications for the Public Works, Police and Fire Departments. One proposal had been received in the amount of $292.00 a month and he is waiting for a second proposal to be returned. Councilman DeLonga suggested contacting the Sheriffs Department and the West Palm Beach Fire and Police Departments to determine who they have contracts with. PAGE 3. The City Manager reported the Page Communications System have COMMUNICATIONS YSTEM: presented an agreement to each City and he had given a copy of the agreement and a copy of the State Law to the City Attorney for his Regular Meeting, November 1s 1973 Page 7 review and opinion. This agreement establishes a division of Communications at the State level. Under this act the Division of Communications has the authority and responsibility for establishing a nd implementing a State wide system plan. The Page Communications System ha4 been contracted to set up this system. In PalmBeach County it establishes three central dispatching offices .. west Palm Beach, Belle Glade and the Sheriffs Office. All the Communities in the North End are being asked to give up dispatching on a local Municipal level and have central dispatching out of the Sheriffs office. The Sheriffs office would be eligible for an LEAA Grant that will fund 90590 of the needed equipment to implement this plan. The Communities would be responsible for 10% of this. Association and several The City Manager stated the Chiefs of Police /in the area have passed Municipalities a Resolution to the effect that this plan be turned down. The City Manager concurs with Chief Pecht and is opposed to the plan as it is now. �- Councilman DeLonga stated he was against this plan and would like to make the Council's views known to the Legislative Delegation. In answer to Councilman Martino's question would the City be forced to comply, Attorney Brant replied there are no penal provisions. Councilman Martino noted that the Bill was passed in 1972 and no one had contacted the City from the Legislative Delegation telling them what was going on. A motion was made and unanimously carried that the City Attorney be authorized to prepare a resolution expressing the City's opposition to this plan. DOG PENS: 4. The City Manager asked for authoriziation for the expenditure, which would be shared with North Palm Beach and Lake Park, in the amount of $860.00 to construct six dog pens. This amount is for materials; the labor would be provided by the City. i Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 8 Councilman DeLonga asked for a status report from North Palm Beach regarding the activities of the dog catcher before any authorization is made to expend money for the dog pens. The Council concurred. MERIDIAN PARK 5. This item was disposed of earlier in the meeting. DRAINAGE: ITEMS BY CITY MANAGER: CONTINGENCY 1. The City Manager requested the following amounts of money be FUND: allocated from the Contingency Fund which is under the Mayor and Council Budget: a. $130.00 for venetian blinds for the City Managerts office - Motion was made and unanimously carried authorizing the City Manager to spend $130.00 for venetian blinds. b. $300.00 for dues to the Palm Beach County Municipal League - Motion was made and unanimously carried authorizing the City Manager to spend $300.O0 for this item. EMPLOYEES C. $1,256.00 for employees gift certificates for Christmas - this is GIFT CERTIFICATES: a budgeted item under Account 416 - General Government. Motion was made and unanimously carried that the City Manager be authorized to spend $8.00 per employee for gift certi.ficatesfor Christmas. COMPUTERIZED The City Manager requested authorization to use the services of a MAILING SYSTEM: bank for a computerized mailing system at a cost of between $15 -$20 per month. This sytem would replace the use of addressograph plates in sending the newsletter. The Council, at Vice Mayor 1Dunbars request, by unanimous vote tabled this item until next weeks workshop Meeting. PUBLIC 2. The City Manager acknowledged receipt of a letter from the SERVICE COMMISSION: Public Service Commission regarding the fire hydrants advising they will send an Engineer down to thoroughly investigate and document the situation of the fire hydrants. �. 3. The City Manager advised that Gerald Sleeter had resigned from the Recreation Advisory Board. Regular Meeting, November 1, 1973 Page 9 4. The City Manager advised of three resignations in the Police Department and a termination in the Public Works Department. ITEMS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL: MAYOR KIEDIS: Mayor Kiedis asked the status of the improvements to Lighthouse Drive and was advised by the City Manager that Howard Searcy was preparing this project for bids. Mayor Kiedis asked the status of the Fire Code Ordinance and the City Attorney advised he was waiting for the receipt of an ordinance from another City. The Council concurred with the City Attorney's suggestion that he prepare a draft of an Ordinance which could be compared to the other ordinance when it is received. The City Manager advised the basketball courts at Plant Drive would be completed next week after the sealer has been applied. The City Manager will contact the Chairmen of the Beautification and Environmental Committee and the Recreation Advisory Board to determine the status of the planting of Australian Pines around the new tennis courts. COUNCILMAN Councilman DeLonga noted there was a swimming pool behind a vacant DE LONGA : home on the northwest corner of Holly Drive and Dahlia where the screen enclosure was completely gone and the pool filled with water. The City Manager stated the Building Department and the Police Department were aware of this and the Real Estate Company handling the sale of the home had been contacted. Councilman DeLonga asked that the Public Works Department be cautioned about the area near the lake behind Hickory Drive that the dirt is not pushed into the lake as new homes are being constructed. Mr. Chan Clark spoke from the audience asking where the new dog pens would be located and was advised by the City Manager they will be on City property in the same general area as the existing pens. Mr. Clark asked the status of Burns Road and was advised by Mayor Kiedis that the Council is waiting for the results of Attorney Regular Meeting, November 19 1973 Page 10 Brant's survey, which in turn will then be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Board for their recommendation. ADJOURNMENT. No further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. M or John K'iedis /"-. ice-Ma Vdfdon Dun7 Alice Jean Kerslake, City Clerk "Councilman Walter Wildy Councilman James DeLonga- Lk Councilman Michael Martino