HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 110702 WorkshopCITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP MEETING
November 7, 2002
The November 7, 2002 Workshop Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida, was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex,
located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
ROLL CALL: The City Clerk called the roll and the following elected officials were found to be in
attendance: Vice Mayor Sabatello, Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Russo, and
Councilmember Delgado. Mayor Jablin was absent from the meeting due to illness.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
LaRue Management — Charter Review /Referendum — Mr. Jim LaRue explained that some charter
changes would be by referendum and others would be administrative changes. City Attorney Len
Rubin explained that items adopted by referendum could only be changed by referendum, and in
1996 several items had been adopted by referendum. Mr. LaRue indicated that staff had
recommended changes to the boundaries of the city so the legal description would not be required,
reviewed recommended changes to the City Manager section, including placing the City Engineer
position under the City Manager. Mr. LaRue referred to a matrix which included items such as the
manager executing contracts; department heads appointed and removed by the manager; and
residency requirement for the manager. Mr. LaRue noted that it was suggested to change "appoint'
to "hire" in the attorney section. A revision was proposed to make clear that the personnel
department was under the City Manager. Obsolete language in Section One was proposed to be
deleted. Compensation of Mayor and Councilmembers was changed to a different section. Powers
and duties of the Mayor were clarified. Powers and duties of the City Clerk were reviewed. Powers
and duties of the City Treasurer was to be removed since it was obsolete language. Circumstances
under which removal of a Councilperson could take place were vague and the City Attorney
indicated he would suggest more specific items. Mr. LaRue commented the language regarding an
incumbent officer turning over records to a successor and creation of officers was obsolete.
Language regarding bonds by City employees was also antiquated. The election section would be
deleted because elections were governed by Florida statutes. Councilmember Clark requested it be
verified that a voter in City elections must reside in the City. Regulations for ordinances were
covered by Florida statutes. Mr. LaRue pointed out that qualifications of electors was obsolete
language that would be removed. Ordinances and resolutions items were reviewed. The City
Attorney reviewed other recommendations not covered by Mr. LaRue, some of which were governed
by statute. Councilmember Russo indicated he opposed term limits, districting, direct election of the
Mayor, or strong Mayor form of government. The City Attorney indicated those items were
discussed except having a separate election for the Mayor, and all those things would have to go to
referendum. Councilmember Clark disagreed regarding term limits. It was noted that all items
requiring referendum had been discussed; remaining items could be changed by ordinance.
Suggested recommendation was for Board appointments to be made upon staff recommendation.
Councilmember Russo requested the cost and need for current advisory boards be reviewed. The role
of Council liaison to advisory boards was discussed and Mr. LaRue recommended one
Councilmember not have more information than the others. Some members of the Council indicated
they did not believe Council liaisons were necessary. Councilmember Russo suggested evaluating
the reason for specific advisory boards and indicated he believed liaisons were important. Other
language in reference to boards and suggestions for changes were discussed. Transfers between
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS REGULAR MEETING, 11/7/02
funds were discussed. Deletions such as design/build were noted. The City Attorney indicated at the
next meeting an ordinance covering the changes would be presented and any specific problems
debated at that time. Vice Mayor Sabatello read an announcement at the request of the City Clerk
that "Charter changes will be placed on the March 2003 referendum. The Supervisor of Elections
office will meet with the city clerks in December to identify and do ballot wording. The ordinance
will be placed under public hearing and must be done consecutively. Staff will bring the ordinance
to City Council at a future date." The City Manager noted salary items had not been discussed;
recommendation had been to adjust Councilmembers' salaries to $15,000 per year and in order to
keep those salaries from falling behind from year to year to utilize the same cost of living increases
given employees, and to allow Councilmembers to purchase health insurance at the rate given to City
retirees upon leaving office after serving one full term. Discussion ensued regarding an additional
stipend for other items, and whether to give the Mayor a higher salary than other Councilmembers.
It was agreed to further discuss this item at the time the ordinance was presented.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to discuss, the meet Rg was adjourned at approximately 6:40 p.m.
APPROVAL:
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ATTEST: i
PA"TRICIA SNIDER
CITY CLERK : r