Good morning everybody. I welcome everybody in this room for a workshop meeting of the Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board. This is a workshop meeting. We only have three members present. one member um Karen Jones had a medical emergency with her
family so unfortunately had to excuse herself literally at 11:00 and then um Kiki Baxter has a work a work meeting that so she couldn't make it. So we're going to make it a an efficient workshop meeting just that we can discuss things
and then the next meeting would probably be um after the summer um when people are back or whenever the town wants to schedule it. Don't we have a scheduled meeting date? Was it the next meeting in August? I believe
>> it's in August. Oh, September. Yeah. >> Oh, September. Okay. >> So, I'm calling the meeting um to order. Um so, sorry. >> We can still do >> I'm trying to find the um the actual
>> Yeah, I'm trying to find their actual paper. I had the one from last one. Um so basically kindly silence your cell phones. The roll call I give um the word please to Mrs. Dehart. So
member Newman, >> Vice Chair Sharberg >> here. >> Chairperson Nestle >> here. Thank you. I agenda item three, pledge of allegiance. Please rise for the pledge
of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you for coming to the agenda. Item number four, approval of the agenda. We cannot make that motion today. So I would just defer that um to the next meeting. Public comments, that's agenda item five. Public comments are now open.
There is nobody here. So that agenda item will be closed as well. So we're moving to the agenda item number six, presentations. Town planner Alan, please um update us. Thank you so much. >> Very good. Good morning. Uh so I did
want to provide some updates uh based on some inquiries that were made at your last board meeting which was on January 7th of 2026. Um the board had asked that for any future food truck events that you all wanted to have a more visible location
for your booth and you did not want to be in the corner and you wanted to be near the food area. So I've provided an email to the town manager's office. They are the department that puts together all the food truck events. So they are aware of that and they will try their best to accommodate that those requests.
Uh the board had also asked for a QR code of your board web page. You all had some laminated QR codes that were specifically for that be beach restoration uh study that was done in 2023. So again, I advised the town manager's office um that those uh you
know QR codes, you would like those for future food truck events and it's not going to be a problem to get those. Um, two other items that were brought up. Um, you wanted a list of the future food truck events for 2026. Um, I did reach out to the town manager's office. They
told me uh that right now they don't have any dates uh confirmed, but uh once the dates are confirmed, I will obviously advise the board, but there's no December date yet or anything like that. And um you had also indicated at that January meeting that you want to
make uh an annual uh event at the Delway Sands regarding dune restoration. Um I did hear back from the town manager's office about this and the town manager did agree to go ahead and do another event at the Dune at the Delway Sands in November of 2026. So I I know we don't
have a full quorum, but um therefore you'd have to have um someone on the board volunteer reach out to Delray Sands as the chair did this uh in 2025. Uh choose a date um you know a menu item. We need an agreement uh that has to be signed by the town manager. So
this is something that the board, you know, should be discussing. Again, it will be hard today because you don't have a quorum, but at your next meeting. >> Yes. I think what would be great if we could schedule that particular um item, Mrs. Start if you could put that one on the agenda for the next meeting. My
recommendation would be Kiki Baxter because she's she's a marketing lady and she is an event manager. So, she would be perfect to take on the role of um of organizing the event. And also, um if you remember, Kiki said she had I think
it was 60 people on the wait list. So, um I don't know the board when you discuss this in the future, maybe you want to consider just opening it up to those people rather than if you open it up to the town where I see the benefit of opening up to everybody to be fair, but you want new people to come. You
don't want to have the same people >> come once again. So, there there could be the discussion from the board on how you want to handle that just to be mindful that she has a very long list of weight listed people. So something to think about for the future. >> I think that's an amazing point and I think that's that's that's a great idea.
>> Yeah. How you how you'll how you'll figure that out. Again, the board can discuss it. >> Absolutely. I think that's a great that's a great idea. >> Yeah. And that's all I had um as far as updates. >> That sounds great. Thank you so much. So we can move to agenda item number seven, approval of minutes, which obviously we
also cannot do, which would have to be deferred to the next meeting probably in September. And these are all formalities. So we can still it's actually good you know that we having this meeting as a workshop meeting. Um then we we are going to the
next agenda item number eight unfinished business review of marketing educational and promotional materials. So this um also um this would be referred to member Baxter. First of all, we have a workshop meeting, so we can't make decisions anyway. And member Baxter today is
excused because she has an other urgent actually business event for her job that she has to attend. So unfortunately we have to um defer this to the next meeting and this will go hand inhand with the delra ants because then we can you know
if the people from the work from the wait list come then obviously that's great and there's not much marketing to do but if there is um not enough attendance then it's always good to have good marketing tools to um create awareness for dune restoration and
nature related topics. So that was item number 8A a marketing educational materials. Item 8b future June restoration management related events. So here the first item is the beachfront
condo associations. Um what I can report um I have to say unfortunately there is not a lot of progress. um what I can report for Parker Highland. Parker Highlands is still
continuing to um restore the dunes and dune restoration is not a process that finishes instantly. It's basically an ongoing process and that brings me to the to the Delray Sands Resort. Delray Sands Resort had a perfect dune I would say four or five years ago. They
restored it. They had all the right plants but they didn't manage it. I don't know how well it was done at the time obviously but they still had Brazilian pepper and other invasive species in there which are now totally overgrowing the dune. So when I have lunch there or dinner I can see mainly
the invasives. It looks beautiful. They take really good care of it. So the guests are happy. Um the people think it's a beautiful dune but it's very unhealthy. So um I have reached out um to the manager who was the manager of the event and they're super busy at
season. So we've deferred this to end of season which is pretty much now. So which would also be something that um I would be taking care of. I would be contacting the um the Delray Sands and just to make sure that we're getting a
meeting or a call with the management. I was referred actually to the management to the CEO um or the general manager of the hotel um and maybe get a call with him in the slower season um and that could also then be linked to
Kiki Baxter's efforts if she agrees to do it um for the November event. So that's the the the bigger items. Then there's a couple of other condos that are working on it. Um I'm not going through the list. A lot of them are aware. They're all on this on the spreadsheet. Um, some are really
difficult to reach like Ambassador East. I'm still working on them. Um, I think it's just during the season if you email or or leave a message there. It just goes under the these managers are so incredibly busy and um, they promise you a call back, but then they don't. And I
I know it from our own manager. They're just super busy. You're here. Good morning. workshop meeting. We didn't have enough people when the meeting started, so we can't vote on anything. >> Could we Could we now fix this? It's
only 14 minutes. >> Oh, really? But >> so then I can actually go back and welcome our newest board member, Joseph Leler, which I did not do because you were not here. So I wasn't sure when I read it. I wasn't sure whether anything
happened or um but that's good. So you took the wrong dates. That's can happen. >> You've already made a decision forward. We can't switch it back. >> Complicated rules in Highland Beach.
But no, it's okay. So, so yeah, so basically we started the meeting. We just went through the the usual formalities um and um town planner Alan gave us an update and we're now have moved to um the the agenda item 8B future June restoration management
related events and we're discussing the beachfront condo association that's item 8B1 where I just um to summarize um said that I'm going going to call Delray Sands the resort the hotel to um talk
about the Dune restoration that they're hopefully are doing and also about an event that we're going to do again in November which um hopefully Kiki Baxter will organize um because she's not here obviously we can't make that decision
other condos what I realize when I'm calling them during the season it's hopeless managers are incredibly busy they they're willing and they're they're wonderful but they're just so busy that this is really not a you know if they get a call from a person like me they never heard heard of or they don't know.
It's much harder than if you know somebody who knows somebody who's on the board. So again, I think we can go through the list of the oceanfront condos. I think now is the time for the summer for all of you to really think who do I know in the oceanront condos or
the condos that do have a private beach and get to the board. I think once you have one board member um I saw it actually in the it's already in Boca Highland Club for example they have started their so-called dune restoration
but it's very sad all they've done is put these um pink flags to basically it's good at least people are not trampling through the dunes and putting their chairs there anymore so that's good but they haven't planted any sea oats and it's such a big club and it
really have the funds and it really doesn't cost much money and they haven't done it. So that's another one where I can I can get active. Colleen, she's um she's the Bremer president. She's my contact that I have. But if anybody has
a contact at Boca Highland Club, please call them. Even if it's just residents, they should speak up at the board at their board meetings and bring it to the board. And then the board brings it to the manager. The managers when I call them, they're just so busy. They Yes.
and then uh it goes forgotten. And it's not bad will, it's just they're so busy. They're literally struggling to keep their head above the water in the season. So, I have my action items here. And I think what we can do is we can just go through the list and just make
sure that that we have um a plan on who contacts whom. So, 45 ocean, that's the first one on the list. That is actually a great success story. They've done the the planting session in January and it was finished for the phase one and the
plants they had 30 students from high school. I think I reported that in the last meeting 30 students from that from high school by our charity planting everything. They had a watering action like they had to water it. Um they did actually grill events. The
people came it was really fun. And um and Dan Belante the the the consultant who is helping with this and he actually made a video and he presented it. He presented it in one of the town events we saw actually the dune restoration at 45 ocean was on the video.
>> That is 45 ocean. So that's very south. That's used to be the two pink orangey towers. Now they're white. Yeah. So they they have that plants are doing well and now we're just coming into turtle season and we're hoping that the turtles are kind because this wall is notorious for
the the turtles to they like that wall for whatever reason. They really dig right at the wall. They usually have a lot of nests there. >> Yeah. Well, they they right in front of the wall. That's where the where now we have the the plants. So let's hope that
the turtle season will be kind. Um, so yeah, so that's that's 45 ocean. Super success story. I'm very proud of John Kotulo, the president and the the team there, the manager and the the board. Ambassador East on my to-do list. Um,
then um every everything that's on the Bokea Highland Club like Bremer, I'm going to I'm going to contact them. Um, then we have Kazorina and Clarendon. Um, does anybody know anyone there? Um, Kazu
Arena or Clarendon. Kaza Kazu Arena. Yeah, it's at number 3450. >> Oh, you can just look it up on Google. I don't I don't have the phone number. Yeah, I don't have the phone number.
Um, then we have Highland Place. Highland Place I think is do is doing well. That's Chris. And they're contracted with Dan Balante. So that should be that should be on its way. Chris is obviously no longer a member, but the good news is she's moving back
to Highland Beach. So can share a secret with you. So she might be back. Um Ocean Dunes is another one that she's covering. So that I think they're they're also ongoing that which is great. Um, then we have, does anybody know
anybody in Villa Magna? No, >> that would be great if you could put that on your list. Villa Magna is is is um pretty much at the beginning. Yeah, it has a big new sign. >> Yes,
>> if you you're an attorney. You can you can sell. Well, I think it would be great if you can call Va Magna. the class action. >> Yes, exactly. Sounds good. >> The class action. We're going to bring their class over and get some action. >> That sounds great. That sounds that's
that's >> that that's actually really good. I like that. >> I think I like that. I think that's really good. I really like that. And we have the kids. You >> So that's Villa Magna. >> Yeah. And John Cotula is the president at 45 Ocean. He works with the charity.
And maybe you can use the same kits. You can obviously >> what's the other one? >> Um, so John Cula is the president of 45 Ocean. Yeah, the two orange used to be orange towers. So he has the contact to
the charity and all these kids. So and they're obviously they like the to have the work to to for community service hours. So they all would be just nice and see. Well, I'll leave this up to you. So,
that's then Trafalgar Karen is covering. So, that's that's an action item for her. Um, then we have Villa Mari. Does anybody know anyone in Villa Mari? M A R E. No, you want to call them >> Google? Yeah, you can just go on Google
actually on Google Earth and then you can click on it >> Villa and then Mar like the like the C M A R E and then we have Van Nova that's that Karen um Karen knows somebody there so that's covered. Um
then we have a couple of private homes that um Karen myself are watching. there in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, they were restoring the dunes and um everything we talked about was not done. And actually, the dunes is done. The sand is there and guess what they
planted? Does anybody want to take a guess? Yes. Sea grapes. I cried when I saw it. I thought like, you're actually bringing in sand. You're spending $100,000 and you're planting sea grapes. I couldn't believe my eyes. And I saw the
contractor, you know, like a regular landscaper from >> there. >> They would be I mean, but you know, I'm Yeah. >> The plants are already >> Yeah, they were planted. All done. The contractor left. >> Yes. Yes.
>> Don't they have to submit a document saying what they're going to do? What they're going to plant? >> They they need a permit, but if it's depends on what's there was couple of years ago, but it's it depends on the inches. if you take down um sea grapes only a few inches. I think if you go
below 40 in or something >> I don't remember the exact >> but it's roughly there when you go below then it's not maintenance and then you need a permit to be honest with them what I remember it was just a really awful deal with with invasive species and it was really not much to cut. They
always kept it really short and they they pretty much just replaced it. Um and I think they brought sand in. I saw big trucks on the A1A site, but I'm not even sure what it was, so I couldn't even confirm that. But it definitely was
an expensive project because because Yeah. And then >> it was just private. It's just one house that did that. And the other house um is still work in progress in terms of the convincing. That is a very dire situation. And all they need is se is a couple of sea oats.
And um yeah, >> there was someone at the w at the wine tasting that said they were going to go ahead one of those private houses and they talked to it Dan. >> Oh to Dan. Yeah. >> Yeah. When they spoke with Dan and they
seem pretty enthused about using him to to coordinate that. >> Yes. And I think it's that's always good if we take numbers. So when you when you have when we have events in the future of those people take numbers and follow up because often we then talk and they're gone and we don't we cannot contact them. Okay. And if they don't
call Dan, then we have a problem. >> I mean, do you know the address of the home that you're referencing or No. >> Um, no. But I can walk by it again and let you know, but I don't want to be >> Yeah. >> a problem, you know. I I don't know um
whether they have permits or not, you know. I I don't >> It's an existing home. There was no construction of a new home. Is that correct? Or >> um No, it's I next time I I didn't even look at the home itself. Like I mean it's it's an villa but it's not in con
it's not a new construction >> because we have some new homes on the beach and some of them >> Oh it's not no it's not no it's not a new I I think it was in renovation but honestly I have to go back and check on that >> but it's just like it really is not about this specific home it's more about in general it's sad and this brings me
to the topic I think we can work with the owners and the and the condos as much as we like if we are successful and could convince them to plant seats That's great. But we really need to get to the contractors, the contractors, the general contractors
and the landscapers. They need to be educated and but they're not in Highland Beach. So, I think this is above and beyond what we can do here. But this is really um I think what needs what needs to be done. >> What about producing some sort of a handout with guidelines of what it would
take to do a dual reserv? we could get that made out by Dan and we could pass that out to people that would at least tell them, you know, this is the approved way or this is the best way to preserve the dune and this is the >> we actually if you go on our website um
we have a lot of material. We have the Palm Beach County like literally a fire which is excellent. >> But I'm talking about handouts. >> Yeah, it's literally >> Where did you hand them on the beach? Well, we hand them out to the to the director to the boards and they could bring it up at their meetings or right to the buildings themselves.
>> I don't know. >> Yeah. So, we do have we do have materials. Um, we have longer materials from like the Pentar towers is a really good example where they totally restored the dunes. There's pages and pages on dos and don'ts and how they did it. Um,
we also have shorter papers. I mean, if we were visiting, if you're going to visit some of the uh the uh uh managers, that would be a good thing to be able to hand to them, wouldn't it? >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So, I would say if you if you have time because you're you're retired now officially. I think what would be great if you could work
with Kiki. So, please review everything on the website that we have. >> Yeah, because it's on it's on our website. we have a lot of materials um and review it and come up with literally like a one pager or a two pager that is in and Kiki has to help us draft
>> because it's really >> sometimes when you get something physical. >> Yeah, >> it's a lot different than us going there and talking to them, you know. >> Yeah, that would be great. If you could work with her on that as as a as a as um and prepare that with her for the next meeting.
>> Okay, sure. I would do that. >> But if you because a lot of it is already in existence. So you don't have to reinvent the wheel, >> right? >> Because obviously you're >> print it. >> Yeah, of course. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. At least when when someone goes to visit somebody, we'd have more than just, you know, we're here to produce a
dune and this is But if we had something that shows the the formation and the way it's done, the proper way to do it, it might help even with the contractors. >> Yes, absolutely. So that's great. If if you could >> Okay, >> Chair Nestle, if I may make a
suggestion, uh Mr. Lafa, if you want to maybe come up with just like a rough draft once you look at all the resources that we have on the natural resource page and maybe come up with a rough draft. Okay. And then we could put it on the next agenda so that way all the board members could kind of look at it.
Kiki could give her, you know, >> yes, >> amazing uh >> comments on just the formatting and the aesthetics of it >> and we could simp it very simple and I would suggest one page cuz you know there's something about that one page. You're right.
>> Once you start flipping, you kind of lose people's attention. So, >> that's just my suggestion. The one pager is a very good suggestion. The key message is really remove the invasives. >> That's number one. And then and then you obviously decide what belongs where. You
need to answer for that. But in general, remove invasives. Plant sea oats on the bottom of your dunes. You can even keep the sea grapes up there, right? >> But the bottom the toe has to be sea oats, >> right? and and that's that's the only thing. And then you need to water them
and you obviously need a you need a permit and David Kik push is our contact and he's really great. You email him and you get the permit the next day and it's not like a lengthy process. >> Right. Right. >> Um so it's Yeah. >> Okay. >> So that's kind of it's literally those
bullet points and I can help you too. >> Yeah. You know like I said >> but if you review the material >> definitely help us. >> You will see it's all there. It's just like maybe we haven't gotten a one pager. We have the official documents from the Palm Beach County which is like
a leaflet which is very good. Um and then we have our our you you'll see. >> Okay. I was going to make a comment. Um uh we I uh in our condominium notice that a
lot of the beach the beach chairs that are left on the beach are right up against the dude. And so um I went through the process of moving them further away from the doom and I had I did it two or three times. Eventually they kind of caught on and
they kept the chairs away from the from the doom and the seagape and other things started just filling up the space. So it so it's something that we could encourage when we're talking to the condo is for them to keep the chairs
away from the dune assuming they if they have chairs there is an easy thing to do. They just tell their staff please don't or their guests please you know and and eventually they get the idea and the staff just starts filling in. >> But on the ocean side you're limited to this. Right now the seaweed is so in you
talk about invasive. Oh my god it's so big out there. um that limited space that they have to use is >> it's it's true. That's true. But still, unless they're in a very narrow beach and the tide's not coming up very much now because the weather is not too rough. So, right,
>> it's we've we've moved up I think it's supposed to be 10 feet. Is it 10 feet or 15 feet that the chairs are supposed to be apart from the from the uh >> edge of the dune? >> It's like a law that the chairs are I think it's a law that the chairs have to
be this much distance and some of the condos push them right up against it. >> Yeah. >> And and I think you can educate them. Doesn't cost them a penny. It's just a matter of doing it. And after and then if they we could just take it on ourselves just to go around and just
start moving the bid shears away. Of course, we might probably get arrested, but >> I just that may not be the best idea in the world. >> Oh, you can do it at your own condo. I did. And they >> Oh, yeah. >> And they didn't they didn't say anything and I didn't say anything and I kept
moving it. Actually, I think I did something to say something to the director and then the staff stopped moving them back. I guess they want to make the beach fighters, so they're going to push it right up against the D. So, it was an easy way to do it ourselves.
>> Well, in Poker Island Club, it was successful because we did talk to them and at least now they have they have these summaks or whatever they call this little flax and they don't put the chairs back there. So that was already it's already a success but they haven't planted new seats yet
>> so far. So but yeah it does help talk to talk to the people and convince them and then they talk to staff >> but I think that's that's a good task um >> to do for the next meeting and welcome. It's great that we have new energy and ideas that's that's very good. Um and
the the the last thing I wanted to say is really also maintaining the dune as you said the grapes they grow and they overgrow and then nothing all the natives cannot really um cannot grow and so basically what you need is really also a maintenance program. So you keep if you have sea
grapes you keep cutting them back. Ideally, you don't have any sea grapes because then you don't have to cut them back and spend literally 10,000 if you have a big condo. It's 10 20,000 a year. Just budgeted to cut the sea grapes. Once you have sea oats, that's it. You
need to do absolutely nothing for the next 30 years. >> What do you do with the people that make a living cutting back se? >> They have other jobs. There's plenty of other plants to cut. So, I'm not worried about landscapers in Florida anyway. Yeah. So, I think I think that's that
was the list. Does anybody know anyone in a condo or maybe with >> Highland Towers? I know >> that would be great. That is not on the list. Um, obviously that list is just from a search which ones have ocean access. >> Well, Highland Towers does >> that would be great. So, if you if you
could um could call whoever you know, get that would be great >> and just be active. Sounds great. Um then the next next does anybody have anything um to report regarding the
condos or shall we move to the next item future events? Good. Vice President said yes. So we can move to future events which is um agenda item 8B2 continue discussion on future events.
So, we already mentioned the hotel event in November that's in the um hotel. >> The hotel was >> the one here. Yeah. >> Latitudes. >> Latitudes is the restaurant or
>> just the name is um >> Delray Sands. No, I knew that >> the restaurant's called >> Latitudes. Exactly. Delray Sands. Yeah. Exactly. So, we're having that one in in November. Um,
we're open for other ideas. We obviously will have food truck events that that we're going to get the dates from town planner Allen as soon as we have them. So, we're going to be present at all these food truck events with our stand. That's when it's good to have marketing
materials to speak to people, go around. What I also did when I went to get the food and was standing in line, I was talking to people, but that needs a little bit of if you have social anxiety, then you're not the right one. But we got a lot of people to the to our
stand just by talking to them while we were waiting for the food. So, that's always a great great opportunity to um for awareness, the food truck events. Anything else?
Any other ideas? >> I think last last time we we discussed that uh we have food truck events, the uh Delray Sands, and then the W. Thank you. And then the wine tasting. Uh
I think that was >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And the wine tasting. We're going to wrap up. And I think when we speak about the wine tasting, it goes into we probably end up having another wine tasting because it was a really big big success. So we can talk about that. So
for now are we in terms of events good that we're doing the Delray Sands hotel event in November and then we're going to attend the food trucks. I think usually one is around October and the other one is usually just before Christmas Hanukkah in December.
I think that's pretty good. And then then we can move to the next item 8 C wrap-up discussion on past library wine tasting event. So that event was in February if I'm not mistaken. We had the last meeting in January. It was in
February. Um so I have to give all the credit to member Jones who unfortunately can't be here today. Um it was fantastic. >> Yes, it was. >> It was absolutely fantastic. Um, it was really not just about wine. I was
actually surprised. We had amazing food. Absolutely most amazing wine even though it's super expensive. I ordered six bottles and and now we're and now we're clients. So, we keep ordering um amazing wine from Italy. It was fantastic. The
atmosphere was fantastic and it really was good because people were asking questions and we had long discussions, really long discussions in between the the courses. We were heavily delayed and I'm I'm still apologizing for the late night
>> um for the for the staff because I think the staff left around 9 or whenever the way after the official closing time of the library. We really had to kick people out >> maybe a little earlier. >> This is not a bar. This is not a restaurant. this is a library and the staff has to go home. They have children
at home waiting and um it was fantastic. That's all I can say. And we could really use it to educate people because the atmosphere was so nice and welcoming. That's and I would highly vote for doing the same thing maybe with
the same vendor. He's a local. He's keen to do events. Um that would be a Karen Jones item together with whoever. We just did a wine tasting not that long ago in one of the restaurants. >> Yes. And that's another one. This has nothing to do with this commission, but I happen to be there. And that new
Bocaraton restaurant is fantastic. It's just over the bridge. >> Yeah. >> H what is it called? >> What's the name of it? >> Um >> not casa. Casa Kasa something. But because this is a town meeting, we can't really
advertise for restaurants. So um yeah but but it was a great event. The food was amazing and the wine was again amazing and um and Highland beach people got together. >> What what what was the total count of attendees >> there? It was a lot I would say. I would
guess maybe it was a room twice the size of this and it was I would guess maybe 60 people. 60 I would say. Right. Were you were you there? Right. >> Yeah. >> About 60. >> Yeah. the Pomodoro.
>> They had I believe it was 30 RSVPs. So, >> I don't know if there were some additional people that paid on the >> We're talking about the one. >> So, here. So, yes. So, basically in um in the library we had 30. Yeah, it was probably 30 30 to 40 um residents,
right? >> I don't think it was up to 40. I I I know that Madison had had the list. Um, I think there may have been like two walk-ins because a lot of people had already pre-registered. They didn't prepay, but they pre-registered, right? >> Maybe it was about 32, maybe one or two
here and there extra, but um, I'd have to double check with, >> but it was good and and it's it's about spreading the word. All these people will spread the word. So I think um obviously we can't vote here but I think from what I hear is we want to redo this
and I'm guessing again February is probably a good time frame just for big planning purposes and then I would say we can give this item to Karen Jones and whoever wants to work with her.
Okay. So that brings us to item eight D, dog waste stations. And I will hand over this with pleasure to vice chairperson Ken.
>> Okay. Thank Thank you. Thank you. Okay. And thank you uh chair. Um, so what what I did is uh I put together
a basic packet of information and uh today it'll be just for discussion purposes. Um and we can have common feedback, right? Yeah. Okay. So um basically there
there's a who, what, why, where, when, and and uh how um in the in the who category basically that uh um
this is drafted for the board to discuss and then um upon a future meetings um further discussions and and vote. Uh we would make a recommendation request
um for the town manager's review and then submittal to the town commission for possible um approval. And and
as far as the what element um if you look at the at the sampling um from world worldwide janitors there were they were actually I was I was
originally looking at another company that their pricing was similar to this worldwide janitors and then the other company's pricing went up by about 30%. %. So when I was doing the numbers, it was
it was uh coming out a lot more than than uh what I had expected. So then I found the uh the worldwide janitors actually had very reasonable pricing. Uh the these particular dog station uh
dog way stations um for 14 of them are actually not way stations. They're they're uh just the sign with the with the uh the bag
dispenser. And each bag dispenser holds uh three separate row uh rolls of bags in that if one roll of bags goes, you know, is completed, you still have two rolls of
bags and it's easy for people to see that that um one roll needs to be replaced rather than the whole dispenser being empty. Um some of the other units are just one one uh
one exit for the bags and then and then nobody knows whether they need to maintain adding additional rolls. So these these particular ones are very easy to to keep maintained. Um,
and the good thing is that the the signs are recyclable plastic units, uh, similar to the current benches and trash cans that are out there. And if you look at
if you look at the map, um, this is pretty much Uh each page is kind of uh to to the same scale and it's page one starts on North Linton
uh right right above and then the the pink dots are existing ben uh park benches well street benches um with the trash cans that are both
recyclable um plastic similar And if you go through each page, page two is is a good spread of of three of them, three uh three sets, and then page three is is two.
Um and then on page four, if you notice, there's uh there's an orange dot in the middle, and that's kind of what I would call a dead zone. It was a far distance in a heavy condo
uh section of the street, condo building section of the street with uh without any trash can, park bench or or um if we were to install these way stations. So, uh, figured that that that would be a
good location to add an additional station with a trash can, which would service also for small little trash uh, in that area since there's nothing there. And then you go to page five
and similarly um, on page five there was nothing and there's two major condo buildings there. um condo communities. One one with three very high towers and the other one one high tower and then
some smaller buildings. >> Is that Tuscana? This one? >> That's Tuscana. Correct. >> There is no trash. >> Yeah, there's nothing. >> That is crazy. >> Nothing. Yeah. Yeah. And then, you know, you you also have to wonder people who are carrying a a bag
that they already picked up from their pet, if there's no trash, >> they're walking quite a long ways >> without any trash dispenser. >> Yeah, for sure. >> So, that's uh a sanitary issue on top of everything else being a little
uncomfortable, especially in a heated day. >> Yes. Um so those two those two locations it'd be nice to add um a full station uh which will also give the additional uh trash receptacle
uh opportunity. And then page six and seven shows continuation a nice spread of three on each page. And then on the last page is is uh showing the one of the existing park benches and uh trash
cans and where we could locate it conveniently next to each trash can. Um and you see that the trash cans already have lids, which is good because um that's where people are dispensing the dog uh waste anyways is at these trash
cans. So supplying the bags, one of the nice things is that the the bags um come 200 per roll and you put three rolls in the dispenser. There's a um
uh specifications on page it says page 15. Um uh you can see that it has uh three dispensers out of one unit. And so that basically holds 600 bags. And
they also have um uh 100% compostable rolls. Uh the the bags are 100% compostable. So that also uh goes goes well with the natural resources.
And um the as far as uh as far as the maintaining of the units, they they could the trash bags dispensers as well as um the two units that have
trash cans can be conveniently ly maintained uh at the same time that that u the town staff service the the existing trash cans. So there's really very minimal
additional time or or cost associated with maintenance there. And the units themselves being recy recyclable plastic should be pretty much maintenancefree. the signs.
Um there were different options for signs and kind of went with the the the uh base one that that that they suggested is is is not really obtrusive with wording, but it's just a visual. Um
and and um on the on the um bag dispenser itself uh it it it just has some some basic wording. So there were some signs where it was kind of instructive
and uh f found that this is this is more of a a visual um easy uh tone uh to to to follow the the actual I I I let me see
it's actually in the Highland Beach code of ordinances um under animals. Um so this if we were to proceed forward uh to a recommendation
then uh it could fall under the existing uh code of ordinances without requiring any additional mandates. And um as far as the pricing
uh we have >> how many stations were you would you recommend? >> Yeah. So so existing locations that have um the park benches and trash cans together. There's 14. So, we'd have 14 of these stations that are just the
post, the sign, and the dispenser next to those trash cans and and park benches. And those are approximately $342 each uh for total of uh $4,788
for 14 of them. And then the enhanced units, the ones that have the trash, the small little trash cans attached to the same unit, those are uh approximately $533 each for two of them as noted with the um the
orange dots. And that's a total of $1,66. And then each unit um that I mentioned of the 16 units automatically come with 400 of the compostable bags, two rolls
each. So that um that would only require for the first set of of uh filling the dispensers with with three rolls, it would require one additional roll. So, you're talking uh about 16 additional
rolls to make the first fill. And what I did is I added in the initial order for uh one complete uh replacement set of
three bags and all uh 16 units. And uh so the total of that would be a case of uh uh each case of bags is 2,000 bags. It's uh
20 uh let me see uh it's uh 10 10 roll uh yeah 10 rows. Uh I'm sorry.
Uh se seven cases. Yeah, seven cases of 2,000 bags. And then each case is is only $63 for the compostable bags. you you could get a little bit better price for the regular plastic bags,
non-compostable, but for seven cases of the uh compostable bags is uh $63 each case is $442. So, the total initial investment including the shipping is
approximately uh uh just under $6,500 for the total project. That's for one year. And then obviously then you have recurring costs of the trash bags. >> Then you have recurring costs of the trash bags. And um uh
uh for every case of 10 rolls is 2,000 bags. It's It's roughly uh $62 down to $55 uh uh per per uh 10 rolls of 2,000 bags.
And in the initial order, so just just to give you a a bigger picture of the amount of bags, the initial order for the original first set plus one full replacement set is
20,000 bags. Mhm. >> Um so the bag the bag cost um you know a fair amount of people do bring I regularly see people obviously bringing their own bag. So it's more of
a it's a dual purpose here. It's it's it's one of convenience when they're forgetful or their dog uses more bags than than they may have brought with them. But most importantly, it's
educational. It it's it's a nice way of reminding people of of the uh code of ordinance on on on carrying a bag >> in and picking up a uh after your after your animal.
>> I have one question. >> Yes, sir. >> Is it really necessary to get it? Seems like an awful lot of bags to start with anyway. Why not just order them when you start running around? It just seems like it's >> good good question. I was looking at the same thing and however
um because we're ordering the units, we get a heavy discount at 6%. Um so getting a full set of replacements get into a total quantity of 20,000 bags
uh gives you that heavy 6% discount. um where seven cases of 2,000 bags would would only be $442. That's going to probably last into about I I would think about one to three years.
>> Yeah. So, it seems to me even though there's a 6% discount that just taking up storage space to have all those bags, the city has to store those trash bags. It seems like in a year or two they could order them and pay 6%
more. I mean that's and it's also a little little sweeter pill to have $600 less on the >> big deal. I think as a uh as a dog owner of two dogs and I walk them every day at least twice a day maybe three times a
day. um from the buildings that allow dogs. 45 Ocean I know does and so does Tuscana certain size dogs and then all the homeowners between there between the town line and Tuscana probably has one
of the highest concentration of animals. Might I suggest that we do a trial period and maybe put in three of the units and see how they work um before we go and put them in places where they're not going to be any use. Compat the the
the fact that the bags are uh uh recyclable only works if they're put into recycling bags that go to compost. >> Right now everything goes into a black plastic bag. the gentleman picks it up out of it and it goes right into the trash. >> Yeah.
>> So there's the compass the the compat the bags are of no difference or use. >> Yeah. >> Because we're not recycling. >> You know, I'm just just pointing out some issues. >> My concerns because you brought up condos who have it. We are a dog friendly condo. we have such a trash
station and I can tell you so I appreciate all the work you did and and I think all the arguments I agree with but having done it our maintenance guy I mean we're we're residents always say the trash bag is full the bags are everywhere kids are pulling them out and
playing with it we're not happy with our dog station and we're just having it because we have a dog park and there's nothing there so we have to have it my concerns are I know how much work it is because I'm the one sometimes on the weekend literally doing it. Gross.
Beyond gross. That thing to take out. Oh my god. A horrendous job. To add this to the job of the staff of Highland Beach who has to take the regular trash bags. That's different. They're in this big black. You you take them out. There is dog poop in there because people throw
it now in there. But the stink of this you were all welcome to do the job at my condo. We all hate it and we always refer it to our poor maintenance guy who then on Monday morning gets a text message and has to do it. I'm just warning everybody this is not a fun job
to do for the person who has to do it because it's way beyond stinky than you can ever imagine especially in hot Florida. >> You can imagine in the hot sun it is when you have the benches next to the trash container. Yeah, people don't sit there because don't put don't put the
don't put the >> So these dog waste stations, I'm telling you, they stick. >> They're hard to maintain. >> So pe people now are not sitting at the benches because >> because of the smell. Yeah, >> they should be further apart. I mean, the benches the the cans get full.
People put all sorts of stuff in those cans. If if they're not going to make the the recycling bin or they miss it, their garbage goes into those cans. They take the top off, they put I mean I live right there. >> Yeah. >> You know, and and I think
I I can't during the daytime, everybody walks their dog with a with a It's at night when somebody's walking their dog and he does something in the grass and you don't want to look for it. You don't have a flashlight. It gets left. Well, if you have a little dog, everybody thinks the little dogs have little poops
and it's not a big deal. The majority of dog owners in in Highland Beach are very responsible. >> Yes, >> they really are. or I I can, you know, and if I see somebody that's having a problem, I give them a back or they'll or, you know, it's this is a lot of money and I don't think it's going to
cure any problem that we have. >> I do a lot of work on this. >> My point is it's it's $6,000 is not the problem. The main investment, I mean, obviously it has to go to the town manager. They have to discuss it. I mean, they're on their parties. They're spending a lot more money. So I would
say if we had a real problem I would the 6,000 is not the issue. I think the issue is the poor gentleman who actually has to do the job and I think every member who's voting yes and I welcome them to my condo and do the Monday morning dog emptying job just once then
you know what I'm talking about. And the other thing is you need to know when the bags are empty and it's literally like going to a bathroom and there's no toilet paper. It's just not it's annoying and then the the person who has to do the check the the trash person from the town has to also check are
there still plenty of bags or refill the bags. I think it will complicate matters. We do not have a problem in Highland Beach. We did a study in January. We reported so you you were not here. We did a study. A lot of us were reporting. I have still my spreadsheet on the phone. Um, literally I was
struggling finding problems other than trash from construction and from the the landscapers. And I don't like them. I have to say that here publicly. I don't like them with their leaf blowers and their trash mentality. How they leave their own trash behind, their food trash. That's a problem in this town.
But not our wonderful dogs, my wonderful residents. I think they're not creating a big enough problem to trouble the town with this effort. >> 100%. >> That's my issue. But I agree if this was in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, absolutely we need to do this and I think Ken did
an amazing job in finding all the arguments in court. This would win. Absolutely. I think it's a brilliant analysis and it's really not expensive for for what it does. But I'm just worried about the town and this is my chairperson hat, not my Barbara walking
my dog selfishly. >> So So what do you think? Well, as far as your your concerns, um your first one um as as far as the the staff um
and it being a horrendous thing that they have to go through uh for for emptying the trash bags, they're doing that anyways on 14 of the 16 total stations. So nothing's going to change there except for two stations. If
we put two stations in the in the dead zones, um everything else is equal. Um regarding concern about the stations being empty because they hold 600 bags and each dispenser
has three outlets. Um it it's it's less It's a very easy layout that that um it's going to be easy for anybody just to walk by. They don't even have to touch the dispenser and they're going to know if a roll is empty. So with the
quantity of 600, there's hardly any maintenance effort. Um and it's it's more, you know, we look at this more as does it create a nuisance? Does it create an inconvenience or does it adds
anything of value? Um, I would think other than the concern about the smell next to the benches, but that's happening anyways at at >> which should be addressed. >> That should be addressed. >> They should move away from the benches.
>> Move it away from the move the trash can away from the benches and then you can put these right next to the trash canes. >> Right. Um, as as as the packet noted, it is it it it's not a necessity, but it's more of a
of a amenity and an educational element because as as you had found out as well, initially we thought there was no concern with people not picking up after themselves and not carrying the bags
even though it's in the ordinance. Um, there are people who are in the community short term. Uh, they're visiting. They're walking their dogs and I've seen all too many times where they're not carrying bags. They're not picking up
after themselves. Now, >> you know, the police are not going to obviously get involved in reprimanding somebody for that. >> So, how can we do it from a proactive standpoint? We can do it through education, which is what we tried. Why
not why not do a test though? Buy three units >> and then we can monitor the how many bags. >> Yeah. Listen, I >> I mean I I don't that's an easy sell to the >> I have that in the two locations where there's nothing, >> right? That would be Yeah.
>> And the areas where there's nothing there. It would definitely be a >> The only risk you take is that then the the little container gets filled with regular trash because people want to dump. >> Well, I wouldn't use the the ones with the container. You still need the garbage bail because they're not they're not comp they're not going to comp
they're not compostable anyway. The bags are but what they >> but you would put it a regular garbage can next to the dog waste station. >> Well, we had How about we just put the the way stations near the Well, that one down there we >> maybe we need cans there.
>> Yes, that's my point. Yeah. Who who um if I may ask who who if you know originally installed the or or purchased the um the benches and and uh >> and determine their location >> trash cans that are there now.
>> Yeah. I I I don't know if the town has paid for that. Keep in mind this is one thing I wanted to bring up all those trash cans that were current there B the benches those are in the rightway. That's FDOT owned rightway. So on your maps I see you have a pretty big dot but
it looks like a lot of the proposed locations for these dogway stations are in the right of way. >> Definitely. >> So as a proactive step because that's their ride ofway and if you have to get approval from FDOT to put anything in their right ofway. So I just did a proactive email because I have contacts
at FDOT and said hey this is just very preliminary. How are you guys feeling about dogway stations in the ride ofway? They said that they are okay with it. Um that this is all very preliminary of course there's a lot of nuance um but they would require a maintenance
agreement between the town and FDOT. Yeah. To put it because >> um Yeah. >> If it's on the right of way. Yeah. >> A maintenance agreement. >> Yes. >> That the bags will be continually refilled that they >> right now that now the town would maintain it. We have our public works
department that would ma maintain it. And actually on page 27 of your packets, um, I made the public works department aware of that you're having these discussions. Again, just you make sure everyone is aware of what's what's going on. And they provided this page on 27 of
some just sort of um issues that they've cons may that you may see with the bags. Now, a lot of the the points that they make, they talk about like sea turtles, and I let them know that the where you're proposing these dogway stations are obviously on the on the west side,
but um you know, they talk about loose and windblown bags. You know, they've seen um even without the dogway stations, people, you know, for whatever reason, you sometimes see bags out out on A1A. Um they talk about attracts predators and scavengers. Odor from
waste bags can draw raccoons, birds, other pred predators. Um they also talk about on the on page 28 maintenance burden requires frequent servicing overflow or poor upkeep increases litter and wildlife interaction risks risks.
Um, also I was advised by the public works department the trash cans that are currently there, uh, those trash cans are corrosion resistant. You know, obviously with the beach and the salt and they have to replace those every 5 years on these are corrosion resistant.
So they're replacing them every 5 years. And I showed them the um the detail that you have uh that Mr. Shri Brick provided and it's very important that they told me um like the screws and all of that have to be um again as corrosion resistant as possible because those
things rust and there will be out there consistently changing out those screws. All those things have to be corrosion resistant. So I don't know if that would increase the cost because those types of nails or screws may be a little bit more money. >> That's actually an excellent point. I can report in our condo this happened
and this is really not environmental and you can't fix it. You just dump it and buy a new one for $350. Not very environmental. >> No. >> The the one you're talking about um is that a metal? >> It's metal. Yeah. Metal and green coated
metal, but it's not aluminium. It's >> plastic. >> And for a condo, you know, it's cheaper to buy one on Amazon for $300, a new one, then fixing it with your maintenance guy, and then it breaks again the next day, and then you have a resident complaint. And that's not
environmental. And we're the nature advisory board. So >> So the these uh the these are all it's all the recycled plastic. There's no metal there. >> That's very excellent. >> Yeah, >> that's excellent. I >> I know the ones you're talking about. We
have one there, too, and it's terrible. >> It we got a pretty decent one and it's it started being a problem after two years. You're right. So, and that's why you can actually get those units for about $150. >> Yeah, maybe it was.
>> These ones are, you know, they're almost more than double the price because of the recycled plastic and and they give extra warranty on on these particular types of units. Um, yes, you you might need to maintain the screws, but the the
um I I think they let me see. You know, the only thing with the container, it doesn't seem that the waste container is capped. It looks like an open container. Now, somebody's going to see that if they throw a sandwich in there, so throw something else in there, then there's the rodent problem. The
bird does have a lid. It has a It has a flipping They have a lid. >> They have a lid. Do they have a lid? >> But it's true. A bird can open it with their peak. They can they go they they do it. And um and then if there if it's full, obviously. I mean, if we if we're going to make a suggestion, I mean, I I think if we did three of them and tried
it out, otherwise don't see the value. >> I agree. >> Chair, if I may, also, um, I did get some preliminary maintenance costs from our public works department. These are just rough estimates just to include in your discussion and just to get a, you know, more comprehensive approach, uh,
review on this. Uh so uh they're quoting $500 um for installation of the stations um that includes uh obviously the installation has to be to code uh cement installation etc.
>> per station. >> Yeah. Per station. And then $500 to $750 per year for maintenance. This includes any type of rehabilitation that may be needed. Um and then they put $500 to $750 per year for bag purchase. Um, again, I don't know the vendors that we
use. We may we may be getting a comparable price that uh Mr. Shriberg provides. Again, this is just very preliminary just to give you some ideas. And then $500 to install all of them, including the concrete >> per bag. >> Per station
because otherwise I to install per station. >> How much did your did yours have? >> You didn't have an installation, right? An installation. That's just for the actual station itself. >> Yeah. >> I didn't expect it to be anywhere near five. >> Again, this is as cement. So,
>> they have to do it in concrete. >> Uh, yeah, that's what they meant. Cement >> hurricane resistant. >> Yeah, it's a cement and a pile. So, and those have to be per code, certain wind. They have to, you know, live up to a certain wind strength.
>> 500 a station. Can I be for higher? No, but you have if you have to pilot I mean honestly this main concern >> if you're using maintenance also >> for 30 years. Yeah. I >> I >> Well, I could I could talk to the public works director given you all were like
wow that's a lot and you know kind of finesse that if that's the case or maybe that that's his true estimate. >> Um there was one more estimate he gave. >> You're going to put concrete down and prepare the thing. I don't know how you get it. >> More. >> There was one more estimate. >> Yes. Just one more. Um we got to move on.
>> No, no worries. Um it was $50 to $100 uh hours or no I'm sorry 50 to 100 hours per year for maintenance. Um not specific to rust rehabilitation but just for cleanup cleaning up the stations and what have you. >> 50 hours per year.
>> 50 to 100 hours one week of work >> to maintain just the dock stations. That's that sounds >> for you. Put 50 to 100 hours per year for maintenance and cleanup of stations with an S. >> Obviously, they're not recommending we do this. >> Yes, I think I think conscious of time.
It's 12:15. We have a lot of other items. I think um members did an amazing job outlining all the pros and some cons. Um we we we had a discussion so we're going to vote on this um >> in the next meeting but I think what
would be good for the next meeting if we had the estimates by the town what you just uh read to us in paper that people see what this will cost the town and then this would have to go to the commission and they would have to approve it right you you will make a recommendation and then um whether it's
Mr. Shriberg or yourself the chair would could present it. Um also if I just may real quick I know your time short. Um there I did some research there are municipalities who put out very cute little outreach we could put in the manager's minute. We could put it on the town website. Um cute little things like
this about dog poop. Scoop it, bag it, put it in the trash. That's from the city of both in I'm not sure which state that is. >> Is that is that to be attached to the station? >> No, this is to educate. These are just outreach, just some flyers. You could
put them at the um food truck event. Um and then here you have the county of San Diego. You know what to do for for clean feet and a clean yard and clean water. You know, please be responsible with your pet waste. And here you have one. I could pass them around. This is from the
city of Weston. Your dog, your poop. Did you know there are bacteria and viruses and parasites in your dog poop? Yuck. Um you know, please pick up. So, I'll I'll just pass these real quick while you're continuing your discussion. >> I think that's a great idea. I would actually I don't I I we can't vote here,
but could we put this as an agenda item to discuss like if we're not going for the dog waste stations, what would be the educational outreach because it's true. I mean, this the dog poop it goes into the nature. it goes into the the grass and it has all sorts of consequences for the regular cycle of
nature because it's not an you know it's not just >> I I don't know anybody that composts here >> I've never seen a facility even compost >> that's yeah >> there is no >> you know and I don't know if the bags that I buy from Petco >> are compost they're just plastic bags I
don't know >> I mean it's a great idea if you had a if you really were into environmental issue with composting and you people bringing their vegetable in a way and it really was productive. I could see it but I I >> yeah the the bags were about $10
difference um >> between compostable. >> Yeah. So I mean >> wasn't negot certainly the the the lower price would be better if that's acceptable for regular >> it might be nice to have a sign like one of these little signs like with a dog a
picture of a dog or cat or whatever. >> I just learned something. It's actually >> just have a little plastic sign so it >> where people would >> I think that's a good idea and and I just learned something. It's EPA EPA labels dog waste as actually as a source pollutant. So it's actually a pollutant
just like a herbicide. So it's actually federal law. So really it's interesting. So so this is actually Weston. This is Weston here in Florida, right? Yes. >> That's that's very impressive. I would say if we could uh put this on the agenda item and maybe you canclude
include those >> understand what the point of it is. >> This is just educating people that dog waste is not just gross if you step into it but if it's on the grass >> doesn't everybody already I thought we found that people are using >> people are people are doing it. Yeah. I think people are are doing I I
personally would disagree. I mean you know I I've seen dog poop that that's true. Um, but in the whole study I've seen one or two and I've done it once a week and I went all the way to LinkedIn and back. I've seen a lot of trash and I have it all on my phone. I have all
>> throw away bottles and cans and stupid things that get >> it's stupid things but it's not from the residents. It's always by construction site and then the wing blows it away. It's not residents throwing old cans into the bush. >> Are there recyclable cans on the street?
Are there recyclables? No. Well, that seems to me like if we're in >> But that's a new topic. Let's not let's not derail from the topic, but that's something you could recommend for another meeting to have >> recommend it for another meeting. >> Um you you can recommend that as a as an
agenda item, but right now we cannot uh we cannot vote on it. >> You can't vote either one. >> Um Jacqueline, did you get that? >> The next what was the topic? I'm sorry, I missed the topic that you >> No, we would have recycling containers next to the trash container. So having recycled >> a lot of things on the ride of way.
>> Sorry, >> that's a lot of things on the ride of way. >> Sorry. >> So just something to think about. >> No, we just have a few, you know. >> Well, if you want to do that, you would have to do the same research. Just the like the same um same research that um members can did. >> Well, first I think we should find out
if the members are in favor of doing that. >> So then why don't we just have that discussion next time and then you could work on it. Sounds good. If I if I may ask it, um those numbers that you that you gave from the um uh public works. Yeah. >> Could you just email that to me, the
details? I I didn't get to write everything down and I just want to add that to the packet in case it comes up again. Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Can I ask one other question? Um I know in in Belo on our our crossover into uh
the beach, we have a post with buckets on it and they're trash buckets. Is that a town of Highland Beach does that? >> I mean that seems to be very successful. >> Yeah, that this board initiated that program. Um the town actually constructs
the bucket trees and provides the buckets. Yeah. And um I didn't know who did. >> Yeah. And uh if every once in a while we get a calls of buckets missing or we get the now they provided some of the grabbers to our public works department will go ahead and provide new buckets.
But it was our public works department that not only created the bucket trees but actually installed them. >> Okay, that's a good idea. >> Is it the city the city of Highland Beach that picks it picks takes the stuff out of the buckets because I see a little van going by picking up the
>> they don't take things out of the bucket that the >> pour they pour it out of the not out of the bucket out of the out of the can. >> There's a trash can. There are trash cans on the beach that are the towns. the town staff, public works does pick them up, but then there are some condos have their own private trash cans. They
pick up their own trash. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> So, well, can we go on because I think we had a couple other things to discuss. At least
I did. you know u the percentage for the >> we have we have those agenda items now added today we can't we can't um >> vote on it anyway >> anything else because this was your your um item Ken do you want to add anything
>> no no thank you >> so that would mean um we can move to the next agenda item which is board members updates. So I think it was on the original draft agenda the beach rakers. I'm not sure but I have an update on the beach
rakers. >> Oh I'm so sorry. >> Oh I'm so sorry because I thought I saw it as a draft. Perfect. So then any other board member updates? Um, okay, that's good. So, then we have no other board member updates. Thank you so
much. Which means we would come to the agenda item number nine, new business. We can't really do this because this is a workshop meeting. So, we can't nominate a chairperson or a vice chairperson, but we can. Oh, we can.
Very good. So, I have to make an announcement here. um a sad announcement from a Highland Beach perspective with bittersweet feelings. I'm leaving Highland Beach because this town couldn't give me a house that I could afford. So, >> did it happen? >> No, I'm I'm leaving Highland Beach
because I'm I'm moving from a condo to a house, a single family home. We did not want to be in a town home or condo anymore just because we found out we rather be in our own home where our dog can actually poop in our own yard. We don't need a dogway station or having
discussions with neighbors. So, we're moving to a house and um we're moving to Delray Beach. We'll still be walking distance from the ocean, everything, nature, and I'll be very active there with nature as well. Um it's a bigger city, much bigger city, but um I will
find a role. But, um I will I will be we will be moving as a family over the summer. So, come the next school year, we will be living out of Delray Beach. And I was just unfortunately told that even knowing that I still have a condo here and I still come and swim here and use the beach and love Highland Beach
and will always love Highland Beach, I'm not allowed to be on this uh board anymore. And I'm informing you now even though I'm still here um as a resident that uh as of the new school year September onwards um
>> you will have to do this without me. So >> be easy. Oh, you're here now, Joseph, which you give. >> I see how much how I see how much time you put into this board. Believe me, and I know how strong how how difficult boards are. And and I I think you've
you've done a fantastic job. I've read about it. >> You guys have really did for an educational board. You've you've done >> I think it's a team effort. Literally, we have amazing amazing team members. That's what this is. And this board is not difficult. You're you're actually joining the first board in my life.
That's not difficult. >> Yeah. This is a great great great and also the town staff everything here in this town is amazing. So um >> yeah have a great time even at the like the mingle jingle those events >> you know the wine tasting
>> but now there will be no more wine if you do the dogway stations there will be no money for wine >> so choose your bottles no so we can basically discuss this this is great but we cannot nominate right we can only discuss it okay so obviously
I'm not going to be here I would I would love to be the chairperson for until I'm gone Um, and then I can still do my homework over the summer. I will actually be in Europe, but I can still make all these calls and be working from Europe to finish or I can step down now.
Whatever. Whatever is the preference. I was told I can still do it until I'm actually not a resident. >> Let's have you stay till the last breath. >> Agreed. Second that. >> So So then, so that basically means the
this it stays the same. So with me as a chairperson and then Ken as my vice chair >> until the next meeting >> to the next meeting. Okay, I think that sounds like a good plan. >> So then the next item is your permit.
>> Yes. So we can now go to item B trading permits. So this is a topic I I'll try to keep it brief because I think this has been a topic over the last 20 years since this board is in existence. Um it's very frustrating and I actually met
the resident in the elevator coming here taking my bicycle and she said oh I'm meeting with the beach rakers I said what do you yeah they're not raking and they're horrible and said yeah please talk to them that's great that residents are reaching out so we have to as a town
everybody has to talk to them and be active because here's the sad news um Ingred Allen has kindly um referred me to our wonderful David Kikbush of the FDP I did email him And I did get a message, an email back, and it's not
great news. Basically, in a summary, they're confirming that all the beach raers have to do is rake the seaweed. They do not have to pick up trash. Because I couldn't believe it myself. I actually studied the license um myself, but I'm reading the um the email that I
got from Shira Ginger. She works with David Kickbush at the FTP. Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the mechanical beach cleaning in Highland Beach. I can certainly understand the frustration with trash left on the beach. However, the FD the D
permits that are issued to beach cleaners do not require that they pick up trash. Rather, the permit authorizes the mechanical beach cleaning activity to take place. It is true that in many places in Florida, beach raking occurs to deal with seaweed accumulation rather
than trash pickup. I am not sure what license you are referring to in your email. I was basically referring to an license that um obliges them to pick up the trash. But if there are local ordinances that are not being followed
or contractual obligations that are not being fulfilled, I have no authority to enforce either of those. What we require of the beach cleaners is expressed in their DP permit conditions which is attached for reference. These conditions are clearly communicated to all permites
and are included with the permit package. >> Please let me know if you have any further questions. So basically, and then if you read the >> page you >> um I am on sorry I'm on page 42 of the document that you have. That's the
letter um that was sent to me or the email. And then on page 46 onwards is the beach cleaning permit conditions for marine turtle protection um 2026 version. If
you read it, I'm not going to read it to you to you. It's a couple of pages, but it actually only deals with raking and protecting sea turtles. So the main ratio, so the reason for the ordinance and the law is actually to protect the
sea turtles and not to protect residents from trash. And unfortunately, even if we took this to court, whatever, I think we would look really badly. Unfortunately, this ordinance is pretty clear. It only asks them to remove
actually um dig in the seaweed, so mix it with the sand. And also there's a lot of rules on uh on where and when and what with the with the turtle nests and that's it. And it's it's it's really really bad news. But I think we have a
very bad case against these beach raers when it comes to the trash. Um and um I'm literally at the end of this. I I don't know what to do. So I think the residents just have to complain. um ask them nicely to pick it up or call
the town if it's a big item like this item that I sent to them. This is just like an example of one day every day something like this that the the town can pick it up when they do their trash, but it's heavy. Usually it's very heavy.
Yeah. For big items like that, I would suggest you reach out to the public works department and they could pick it up. >> Yeah. But often it's interesting like often these big that the sea is so strong that two days later they're gone. So they're they go back to the sea. It's not like they're there forever. Either
they they go they go they dig themselves into the sand or they go back out in the water. It's just not environmental. >> Does each oceanront property pay for the raking? >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Yeah. If they if they hire >> the town then >> No, the town all the beaches are
private. So each property owner if they so choose has a individual contract with the beach raking company. Has nothing to do with the town. The town is not part of it. That is between the property owner and the beach raker. >> Okay. Now the the eastern boundary of property is the high
watermark. >> Right. >> So these guys rake on the west side of the high watermark. Is that how it's done? I >> I don't know the specifics of the permit. Um, but I typically that's where you see them at. Yeah. >> Okay. And then the town of Highland
Beach controls. >> Nothing. >> No. Nothing. >> They're all private beaches. It's all private. >> They don't get permits from the city. >> They get the permit from FDP. >> They're not from Oh, >> FTP is >> the I'm sorry. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection. That's a copy
of the permit um that you'll see on part on starting on page 46 of your packets. Is this typical of all the the oceanfront Del Rey and and and Bokeh? >> Well, Del Rey has, you know, public beach areas. Public uh believe Bokeh
Bokeh has public beach area. So, that's different. It's um not all private. Town of Highland Beach is all private beach. >> Yeah. >> Up until we change until the park is open. >> It's still owned by the county though.
It's owned by the county. Okay. >> The the so-cal Milani Park that the part on the east side is owned by them. >> It's not owned by the town. >> Yeah. >> That is the ownership. >> Right. >> And a lot of homeowners have not hired those beaters. So that's why they're
there's nothing. >> They they actually skip away from >> Oh yeah. They Yes. You have to pay them. They cost a lot of money. They're 300 to $400 a month. They're they're expensive. Yeah. >> A lot. >> Yeah. >> Our condo pays more than >> Oh, yeah. Of course. If you have be Yeah. If you have like I'm I'm talking
residences. If you have a condo then it's might be six seven. >> Yeah. On the front hitch depending on the >> Yeah. Depends on the footage. The linear footage. >> The seaweed is very bad for the lungs when it fresh. And apparently in fact
one of our residents is very upset because she can't she can't go to the beach. >> No, you cannot. I tried this morning and even my my dog refused until she found a dead fish. Yeah. >> And I think tomorrow I might have to go to the vet for antibiotics. She ate the
whole gross thing. >> Anyway, we're coming off topic here. Sorry, apologies. I think with the beaching permits, I think this is just anformational information, but I feel feel like
I leave it up to you what for next year what you want to do. But unfortunately, I've done my legal analysis. I've researched it. I don't think we can do more um than call calling the public uh work department if there's something big that they need to remove. Um there's
really just up to us with our hands picking up the trash, putting it to the trash cans as we've done before. >> So that would mean we come to the last um item discussion of proposed resolution adopting procedures for the initiation and adoption of town
ordinances. Um, this is a really really great ordinance that the town of Island Beach has um has worked on. We cannot vote on it today. We can only discuss it. I would basically um recommend that we putting this item as an agenda item
to the next meeting because people will need to read this. And I really recommend um I appreciate you send a re a um reminder that there's some new items on the agenda so that members know they should study it. It's a really
really I've I've studied it I think legally from a lawyer perspective if my lawyer hat on. I think it's it's a great way of actually making sure that everybody gets gets a chance whether you're citizen or a commissioner or a
staff member or a board like us, you can initiate an ordinance and introduce it to the town commission and this paper, this document on this is really what you should study. This is really the process that they recommend. There's a lot of legal language obviously in the
recommended um ordinance. That's the very last one. Sorry. Page 56. It's on the very very last page. It's basically the back. If it was a book, it was on the back. >> Yeah. >> Um I think p personally I I read it and I
feel I have no nothing to add. I think it's a great ordinance. Obviously, we can't vote on it today. Um, I feel like this, for example, could be a perfect way to initiate as a as a resident or as a board, say the leaf blower ordinance
that I've done this in Newton, Massachusetts. Um, I've worked on a leaf blower ordinance. Unfortunately, I won't be a resident anymore to do this work, but I've actually rewrote it and I have it and I could draft one for Highland Beach. Um I was at the commission twice
or three times with the leaf blowers and um it ended up nowhere. Um it's a really tough topic because we have a lot of wealthy people with big property. Um but that's something that I would you know I won't be able to do it any longer but I think with you on this board and and
with um you um so David and Joseph you could maybe work on the leaf blower topic. I think this is an horrendous horrendous problem in Highland Beach and this ordinance >> just read something in the Coastal Star about Delray doing something about the uh >> I hope so. I'm I was at my new property
at the pool and I had to go inside because all my neighbors were blowing and I said I have the same problem in Delray Beach. I cannot believe it. >> The article was not favorable of putting an ordinance in to regulate it. That's the you know dear of it. Yeah. No, I
don't think that other municipalities that have put in certain ordinances with reference to noise, not regulating the specific item, but making a a noise rate. But to do that, you also have to set standards. You need decibel. You
need machines to me measure decibel. You need people trained to use the machine piece of equipment. >> So in the north, it's all >> over California. It's not it's not >> Yeah, it's it's in there. It's basically it's a noise and it's a it's a it's an it's an emission issue. I mean literally
it's hor horrendous. Like if you blow like 20 minutes it's like driving from here to Seattle. It's it's pollution is horrendous. And these poor people kill themselves. The people who actually do the work are paid $12 an hour. >> They're they're killing themselves with
this job. And everybody breathing it the noise the emissions it's horrendous. It should not be allowed. And there there's there's solutions. There's electric blowers. And so this is something I'm I'm coming off topic here, but I like this um ordinance
because it would give us everybody the power to initiate an ordinance >> based on citizen concerns. Just come up and >> Oh, no. No. Of course. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. I was going to reintroduce
the uh dogway stations as a citizen. >> So we have we have to make a recommendation to >> right. So this is how it would work for the dog stations. If you make a recommendation again whether it's Mr. Shriber or the chair would go before the commission as
as a discussion item. It wouldn't even be you know per se an intro but possibly could. I would have to talk to town manager how how we'd want to proceed. Um, and then if the commission is good with it, then maybe they would then ask staff to provide a draft or maybe they'd
want to have some other advisory board take a look at it. Let me give you an example because I process a lot of ordinances in the town and let me say from the I'm part of the building department. I'm the planning office. I've utilized this ordinance process flowchart since I've started. This is
over six years. Um, I have two ordinances in the pike pipe right now. Um, one of them is about signage. So, we had a condo that came before the commission. They want to have a larger sign than what our code allows. They went before the commission, made a
public comment. The town commission said, "Okay, um, we want to put it officially on our on our agenda for discussion. They discussed it. They didn't give direction for staff to initially provide an ordinance." They wanted it to go to the planning board for just a recommendation. planning
board provided their recommendation, went back to the commission as a true intro meeting, and then they went ahead and um gave direction to staff to provide a draft ordinance. Now, it's going to the planning board in May. So, that's typically how it, but we've been again the planning office has been
utilizing this flowchart for many years now. It's just now it needs to be adopted via a resolution. So, it's, you know, on the books. I I've been watching that one on the on the uh signage and that that does flow. It's been flowing very well. >> Yeah. >> How long does it take to go from the
recommendation to the >> Well, it really depends again >> 100 years. >> No. Well, we do have some ordinances here in the town that have taken three years. Uh the accessory marine facility took about three years. We had a rideway ordinance that took maybe two years if I
remember correctly. So some things can move quicker, you know, just depends depends on the topic. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Are there any topics that go like in six months or less or >> and an ordinance? I haven't necessarily seen that in six months because again it
goes to uh a lot of the you know the commission will have the planning board look at it preliminarily before it goes before them as an actual ordinance. So that's a meeting in and of itself. Then it goes back to the commission and then then it'll come back to the planning board for an actual recommendation. So
that takes and the planning board only meets once a month. So it's not like they're meeting multiple times a month. So I don't I don't recall ever having an ordinance adopted within six months. Don't hold me to it. >> Six months to one year. >> Could be. I mean could be.
>> But now we're already diving into the topic. So this this agenda item will be referred um to to Mrs. Alan in the next meeting. I just wanted to give you my quick overview um that I really support this because I'm not going to be here for the next meeting. Um and yeah, so
but this will be completely deferred to the next meeting this and and then um it will it will be referred to town planner Alam to lead this. C >> can I ask another question? Do you have an uh an organizational meeting once a
year? That will be in the next meeting. The >> next meeting? >> Yes. Because it would have been today but we cannot do it because this is a workshop meeting. >> But we would have done it today but unfortunately we were not didn't have the quorum when we started. So then we can actually move to announcements. Um
the um special mistr hearing is on June 9 at 1 p.m. and on June 11 we have the planning board meeting at 9:30 and then we can adjourn this meeting at 12:41. Thank you so much. Thank you.