and happy new year. Welcome. Welcome. Um, today is Tuesday, January 6th, and it's now 1:30 and I'd like to welcome you to the Town of Highland Beach Town Commission meeting. If we could please call the meeting to order. >> Commissioner Chinotsski, >> present.
>> Commissioner Goldberg, >> present. Commissioner Peters >> present. >> Vice Mayor Stern >> present. >> Mayor Moore >> present. >> Town Manager Laby >> present. >> And town attorney Rubin >> present. >> Thank you. >> Please rise for the pledgece of the
stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Are there any changes uh to the agenda? >> Yes. I'd like to add a presentation by State Representative Gossip Sideman, District 91 with the agenda under
presentation. >> Okay. If we could have a motion for the >> Yes. I I move to uh modify the agenda uh to include uh the presentation to be made.
All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries. So we have one presentation. Hello. Please uh >> step forward for the >> Yeah. >> Right up. >> Welcome and happy new year. >> Happy new year everyone. I wasn't sure
when I'd be leaving this week for two months. So I'm an add to the agenda rather than a pre-ordained one. Okay. >> But I have a very special letter that was uh requested last fall and um it arrived in the last month to my office,
but with holidays things got busy, but it is from Governor Rhonda Santis. And I'll read the letter and then present it to you. Dear friends, congratulations on commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the town of Highland Beach. Highland Beach has evolved from a
small enclave to a thriving residential community known for its small town charm. I commend Highland Beach for thriving during its first 75 years of community and wish you continued success for generations to come. Sincerely, Ronda Sis Governor.
>> Thank you. >> So, I'll leave that with you. Very nice. >> Thank you very much. >> Didn't frame it. I didn't know if you'd want black or white or gold or >> paradise or whatever. I'll leave it with you and thank you very much. Um I'll be
in touch with you all as we I leave this weekend maybe Friday and um we'll be in touch from up there. If you have anything you have my number, my email, my address, everything. >> Okay. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you very much. And thank you for all the work that you do, State
Representative Gosset Sidman. We really appreciate all you do. >> Yes. Yes. Absolutely. Best of luck. >> Thank you. Thank you. Godspeed. >> Oh, nice. >> Thank you. >> Next item are public uh comments. Any
public comments? >> Seeing none, moving on to ordinances. Um, ordinance number 2020 uh 26-00001, an ordinance of the town commission of the town of Highland Beach, Florida, amending article 7, administration and
enforcement of chapter 30 zoning code of the town code of ordinances by adopting a new section 30-124 reasonable accommodation procedure for certified recovery residences, providing for codification, providing for severability, and providing for an
effective date. And this is the first reading. >> This is the first reading. Correct, Mir. So, this came before you um as an introduction a couple months ago and it did go to the planning board. The planning board did recommend approval um
as drafted. Um I'll go back through the background a little bit. The legislature recently amended the statutes to require all municipalities to provide a procedure for approval of certified recovery residences. The certification program was started by the state some
years ago where the actual residents get certified by going through this process. And then there's also a process for a certified recovery residence administrator, the person who administers the home. So our ordinance would require both that anyone applying
to to establish a recovery residence in the town be certified by the state and that it be managed by a certified recovery residence administrator. Um, going back, we kind of covered this last time. Generally, persons undergoing
um, treatment for substance abuse are considered disabled for purposes of the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. So, um, local governments have to provide a procedure where they can seek a reasonable accommodation from whatever regulations might prevent them from establishing
such homes within the jurisdiction. So, we adopted a pretty comprehensive scheme here. So, anyone who wants to apply, they'd have to show proof that the residence is certified, that the administrator is certified. They'll have to tell us what services, if any,
they're licensed to provide because some of these homes might just be um and they can get certified. They're just voluntary. Most of the times they're affiliated with a provider who provides the commercial services in one location and then houses the person's undergoing
treatment in another location. That's typical down here. That's what I've seen the most. But there are some where people get together voluntarily. Um sort of the Oxford House model where they get together voluntarily and establish their own rules in that. But under our code, it they would still have to be certified
by the state. Um so they have to show why they need the accommodation in addition to the service components and the certifications. Um the the statute gives all these time frames which have been incorporated into the into the ordinance about how long we
have to consider it. It's set up so the a magistrate would consider the applications and kind of talked about this before. Kind of makes it a little less political if if there's a magistrate who's qualified to make these types of decisions, making these decisions on behalf of the town. Um so
the magistrate would consider, you know, whatever is presented and either approve it, deny it, or approve it with conditions. And then that order, that order would then be a final order that would get appealed to circuit court if somebody wanted to appeal it. And also there's a procedure and this is also from the statute that it could be
revoked if the applicant violates the condition of approval or the certification slabs and any of that kind of stuff then we are able to revoke the approval and they would have to uh vacate the premises. So if you have any specific questions I'd be happy oh and the other thing that came up at planning
board and I think we might have covered at the commission level too. This does not override any of your condo or homeowners association documents. This is just for the from the town's rules and regulations. So if your if your HOA or your condominium association
restricts the number of occupants, how many times you could rent it, whether you could rent it, when you can do short-term rentals, whatever the case may be, this does not override that. This is just for our regulations. And we what I also explained last time is we don't really have a definition of family, which generally limits the
number of people. where it might come into play within Highland Beach is um there are limits to occupancy based on the housing code about how many people you could have and how much space you have to have and and there's also um there might be some fire chief's not here fire code requirements sometimes
that they ask for accommodation for because under the fire code classifications then they consider it like a group home and then they want it sprinkler you and so that sometimes becomes an issue in other jurisdictions but those would be addressed um you know the and we also talked about planning
board the likelihood in Highland Beach just because we don't really have any well we don't have any commercial office space in order to house these the outpatient part or the treatment part of the program it's unlikely but you know you never know but it is a statuto
requirement so this way if one comes along we'll have the procedure in place and uh we'll be able to process it so if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them. Well, I I do uh just to clarify what you what you did talk about about uh occupancy. >> Yes.
>> Um as to >> would this uh regulation the state regulation supersede uh our municipal rules >> with respect to occupancy. >> So what it does it allows them to seek a re it's called a reasonable
accommodation to seek sort of a waiver from our rules if the circumstances warrant it. I I don't even know, you know, whether it would even come into play. Um, and the occupancy is not really total occupancy. It's it's really more space requirements. You have to have a certain amount of living area, a certain amount
of sleeping area depending on how many residents live within the the home. Um, they're not that strict. So, I don't even know if anyone would even be required to seek an accommodation from those, but it gives a process where they
can seek sort of a variation from our regulations and codes >> because we not only have as far as how many occupants uh but as a day center, it could very well serve as a day center where people are going in and out. I mean, there's no
>> Well, no, this is really just for that. This is really just the recovery residence is just where people reside. It's actually where they reside. Yeah. Because the whole theory, and I think I went through this last time, the whole theory is that um persons undergoing treatment, it's beneficial, therapeutic
um to live in a residential environment in a residential neighborhood, sort of normalizing the day-to-day routines and that kind of stuff. >> It's just that the language does not prevent it or or address any daily use
of it as well. So that >> was a question I had whether or not it should be in this or >> well if they were actually performing services on site it would be a commercial use so it would be prohibited. >> Okay. >> So it's really this is just to allow the housing component. >> Okay.
>> And those as I said generally occur in medical in office and where where you would allow medical office. >> Okay. Len uh most condo documents will handle the situation. Correct. >> Yes sir. >> Yeah. because most condo documents do have limitations on rentals. You know,
they all vary as to what the extent of such limitations, but yeah. >> Yeah. I've never I've never seen a shingle in a condo. I've never seen a a doctor's or a legal shingle in a condo since I've been down here. If they exist, I've never seen it. >> Yeah. And and again, this is just for
the for the people to live there. So theoretically, if your condominium documents allowed it, which I'm sure they don't, um they could house people within a unit within the condo theoretically. But again, with the condos and with the HOAs, it's it's much
easier to restrict or you can restrict, I should say. And and with Judy's point, um I mean I what I hear her saying is is there any restriction for somebody who like
doesn't sleep there? Like is should there be any kind of additional >> they would have to >> that they have they need to sleep there like it really has to be their home as opposed to just a place where they hang out 8 to five. >> That's generally part of the application process. They would say how many
residents and they do. I mean it's it's set up for them to really sleep there and also generally some do some don't. The administrator would also sleep there like you'd have enough rooms to set it up that the administrators there. >> Again it's >> condos it doesn't happen very often
unless they take over a whole building. You know what I mean? >> Single family houses could happen. Um again the property values, the proximity, all those things come into play. But >> right, >> you know, we we have to have it. We're required by statute to have it. >> So if it comes, then we'll we'll be
prepared. Well, even though we have it uh and we've provided uh through this document, um would it not be advantageous for us to also put in um some verbiage or limiting language, just an understanding that this does not
apply to >> Sure, we could do that. I mean, this does not apply to actual treatment or that kinds of stuff. Yeah, I'd be happy to do that. >> Be comfortable with that. >> Sure, no problem. And then I thought the discussion at the planning board was really good and one something that came up um that you said
is once the state required certification that it really did >> weed out uh some of the real problems because the professional homes uh >> seemed to be better. It was the ones
that weren't certified that really caused >> that caused the issues. Um yeah. And so what I did in other cities where we adopted that already have this procedure in place, I went ahead and required that they be certified. So regardless, you know, now, you know, every city's
required to have a procedure for ones that are certified, but in other cities that I represent, North Palm Beach included, it was that they had to be certified in order to apply. And you know, a reputable provider would not have any problem with that. And I
actually in drafting that one, I actually reached out to some there's a couple of attorneys, there's two actually that represent a lot of these um treatment providers. And I actually posed a question to them. I said, "Well, look, if we include this requirement that it be certified, would you have an issue that?" And they're like, "No,
because a reputable provider would be certified. So, we don't have to worry about the uncertified providers." Is there any rule of thumb uh from your experience in other towns that have implemented this as to how much uh the
cost would be to the town? I know it's just it's uh some administrative work, but in the uh salary of the magistrate. I don't know how many hours would be in this. >> It would be the cost. Yeah. Of the magistrate for the hearing would be the cost. Generally, there's no application fee again because it's under ADA, FHA.
It's so no one really charges an application fee. the town. That would be the town's financial liability potentially would be the time of the magistrate to conduct the hearing and prepare the order and assumably there'll be a minimum amount of residential
dwellings. Um so it wouldn't be it would be a nominal impact on us. >> And look, we didn't in Highland Beach, we didn't get any when it was really I mean when it was coming everywhere, >> right? I mean, I did and and in at least
in each of my other cities, we've had at least one or two. I mean, I know, you know, Del Re sort of became the epicenter of it and Bokeh to some extent. Um, but, you know, back when it was really bustling and people were, you know, there were unscrupulous providers
out there perhaps doing things that weren't above board. Um, and we didn't even get any here. So, I don't anticipate it, but again, the procedure has to be in place just in case. I wanted to open up for public comment.
Any public comments? Seeing none, any other discussion? I mean, we have to comply with the laws. So, um I'm in favor of approving this. I imagine everyone else is. >> I am also with the modification.
>> Okay. Yes. Yes. Yes. That modification. >> Yeah. When it comes back on second, I'll I'll make sure to highlight that. So, do we have to do anything? >> Yeah, you have to prove it on first. We still need to have a motion to approve it on first reading, but when it comes back for second, I'll have that additional language. >> Okay. I move to uh approve uh the
ordinance providing reasonable accommodation procedure for certified recovery residences. >> I second it. >> All in favor say I. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much for the thorough presentation. I really
appreciate it. >> Spent way too much time on this. >> Oh yeah. And I I think over the years Yeah. Your experience with the other towns was really helpful for sure. >> Um moving on to consent agenda. Any discussion on consent agenda? If none, we have a motion to accept.
>> Yes. I uh move to accept uh the agenda. >> Second. >> Second. >> The consent agenda. >> The consent agenda. Okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries. Moving on to unfinished business, the Florida Department of Transportation trip project update.
>> So, as we see, uh, the project is kind of winding down. The barrels have been removed. The bike lane turn conflicts with turn lanes have been marked. Um, substantial completion of the project, which is a contract term, um, is
scheduled for the end of next week. So, what you're going to see now is kind of little tiny projects, touch-ups, punch list items. They forgot to elevate this pathway. The grass is dead, the sprinkler is broken, this piece isn't
right. Uh they're still working on the timing down at Linton. I know a lot of people are having issues. What's going on with the timing? They still have to put the rest of the electrical loop together for uh car activation of signals that was removed during that uh
storm water piece that they did. So, um it's just a lot of little things at this point. So, for most people in town, the project's done. You'll just see a lot of little mini projects here and there, like daytime projects. >> Are you still are you getting a lot of
complaints still or has that slowed down? >> No, just the timing. We got a lot of calls on the timing issue. Um, and when uh the team looked into that, basically when they had that storm drain that they had to hit and replace in Delray, they removed what they call the loop, which
is if you see the cuts, that's usually under the concrete where the cars stop on the stop bar and it activates the signal sequence. So, right now, it's not on a on a demand basis. It's just on a prescribed timing that is controlled by the county. So, we're hoping all of the
parties that come to play will fix the final touches and get that signal um appropriately timed if they don't put the loop in or if that's standing out to kind of think of seasonal loading at that turning movement. So, that's about
it. Um we start getting rain, I'm sure we'll get some flooding complaints again, but that's I think that's all we can do is pass those on to ADOT and we're going to have to live with it as we kind of discussed. So, and then uh Representative Gosset Sidman did pick up our appropriation for making
the other improvements to um the light up the crosswalks with the pedestrian activated signal system and to repave uh the remaining portions of the uh pathway. So, we have that in for appropriations and we'll see, you know,
we'll see how that tracks over the next couple of months. If it doesn't go anywhere, we will proceed uh because we have those uh budgeted this year to put the uh crosswalk lighting in. Um and we'll just do it ourselves if it doesn't hatch. I think uh session's going to be
interesting this season. So, I don't know if we'll get a lot of traction on appropriation requests. >> If I may, if I can emphasize, the thing I've been getting most calls on again is the light intersection. At times it's
been built up from Linton Boulevard, the traffic past the Sands. That's how far. And that's the biggest irritation I've been hearing from residents. So, I'm >> I'm with you on that. We got a lot of calls last week. It was really strong. Uh all the visitors of course kind of uh
increases it, but I think we're going to see it for a little while longer because we are in season. So, people are staying. They're not going back up north. So, um we have more car traffic. So that's going to be a little bit more uh front and center if you will, but it should be tied down for substantial
completion over the next couple three weeks. All of these remaining items should be should be worked out. Now if the signal is still a problem, the county can reset the timing. So but it's odd that you know it's a county signal
in the city of Del. So it's takes a little bit longer unfortunately to get the county to jump out on it. Okay, >> thank you for the update. Moving on to building department reertification program update.
>> Good afternoon, commission. >> Hello. >> Hey, >> can you hear me? Yes. Happy new year. Happy >> um to provide the update. So, as of today, January 6, 2026, we have reertified two more buildings. Those are
Bramer Isle Town Homes and then Evon Bay. So that brings our number to 30 total out of 54 which is very good. We have 19 buildings under concrete restoration permit. One building, the Ridge submitted their
phase one report, electrical and structural. So that's currently under review. And we have one building that is overdue on submitting phase one report. So, we are sending out a late notice letter which is going to give them 30 more additional days to submit the
structural and electrical reports to us. Overall, we're in great shape. The number of read reertified buildings continue to increase every time, every month we speak and give an update. So, I'm excited to see just keep on increasing.
>> I have a question. Maybe Jeffrey yourself can answer it. as far as certification once they get approved for certification. So for example at the Coronado uh two years ago we started it then they got certified. When is the next time Jeff that's been asked that
reertification will take place? The state has said 7 to 10 years but when would be the next time we would file that application. >> Okay. >> I can I can speak well. Yes. It's it'll be every seven years depending on the age. >> Is it going to be every seven? So it's
been two years that's passed. So that means what? In five years that Okay. >> When does that clock start? Is it upon issuance of the reertification or the date of the first report? >> We're going off of the date of the
certification because it may take two years. >> Correct. >> Right. Because you're doing all those corrections. >> Correct. >> So while you're doing those corrections, >> it then it's certified. We get a certification letter from the engineering firm. That's the date we're going to use. Otherwise, you're being penalized if it took you two years to do
it because the date it's certified. Now, we have to go another uh seven years. Unless the building's under 25 years of age, and it's every 10, but you only get to 10 one time because then you're at 30, then it's over.
>> Thanks, Jeff. >> Any other questions? Any discussion? Thank you very much for the update. Really appreciate it. Glad we're in good shape. That's excellent. Moving on to item C, continued discussion on the introduction of a proposed resolution adopting procedures
for the initiation and adoption of town ordinances. >> I was like, Lynell, are you taking that? >> Um, so we this is another one that's come back um about the procedure for the adoption of ordinances and there were some changes made following the commission's discussion at the last time
it was considered. Um, and I believe the memo outlines those pretty clearly. Um, the introduction, it'll be introduced to the commission as it is done now, and that the commission may assign one of its members as the sponsor. Um, the it's up to the commission whether you want to
forward to one or more advisory boards, whatever advisory boards you think are appropriate. And as indicated in the resolution, anything that amends the zoning code has to go to planning board by state statute and by the town code. And there was a waiver provision added. I believe uh Commissioner Goldberg
raised this issue that so um it says the town commission the exercise of its discretion reserves the right to wave the requirements when warranted under the circumstances and that the town's failure to follow the requirements of resolution shall not render the ordinance invalid provided that all the statutory requirements have been
followed. So that takes care of that concern that somebody would challenge something saying hey wait you didn't follow your own procedure. Um so that those were the changes. If you have any other questions, either I or Lenelda would be happy to answer them.
>> I do. Um I I did receive an email um with a request um and it has to do with the speed at which it can go through um and to make sure that we have enough public input. And from my perspective,
it's like, you know, this whole thing always takes so long. So, it's hard to imagine that it could ever go so fast because as long as I've been involved, >> I mean, some of these things have taken a year or whatever. >> Been on many >> agenda,
>> many agendas. So, it's hard >> um to fathom that that would ever happen, but I think it does raise a good point. Um so, I don't know. Well, I I guess I was thinking one way to address this concern um and and to articulate the concern a
little bit better. Um it's that potentially because there's nothing specific in there. Um something can be proposed and and perhaps the draft can already be prepared and it can move through
uh too quickly. So, I wonder if there's a statement we can make that says something like the intention is that this ordinance process happens over
um several meetings that have been sufficiently um uh uh you know put out for the public to to provide input like that. The intention is not for this ever to just
happen for this ever to go through in one meeting. That the intention is to properly notice it to the public and to properly get input. I I don't know if there's something a little bit more specific that we can add in there. >> I mean, you guys allow a lot of public
input. I mean, just based on my experience and the the ordinances I've been involved in since I've been here, I I find it hard to believe people are complaining that you go through the process too fast because I think this commission is very cognizant of taking public input and
>> and I think the issue I think maybe the trust does reside in the current commission, but maybe in the future we you know this is a a policy that will live beyond us. I think it wouldn't hurt to say put it in there something in there that says the intention is not for this to happen all in one meeting that
the intention is to >> Yeah. Yeah. We could add something. I mean potentially for a zoning code you have you have three public meetings because you have you would have the planning board then you'd have first reading second reading you'd have at least two on any other ordinance plus
whatever advisory board you wish to but we could put something that >> the intent is to get a lot of because there really isn't >> and I think that's the key I think I think we have to put something the intent is is is to ensure that the public has adequate time >> yes >> to consider and provide recommendations
and comments and okay well something like that to you know to clar you know and and I agree with the sentiment that you know we're trying to be as transparent as possible and and it is our intent to to incorporate as much
public comment as possible and for people to really uh think about these things thoroughly. So >> yeah absolutely. >> Yeah. And and picking up on that, I I note that on page two, subsection D, uh
where it discusses the uh first reading. So perhaps that would be a good place because it says the commission may either adopt the ordinance on the first reading. So I think that's the is that the fear that uh it'll go through so quickly. Mayor, >> I think the fear is that let's say you
we all came to a meeting and you had the idea and it was already actually drafted and so and you could actually approve it in that initial meeting under first read and then there would just only be one more meeting and then you could adop you know adopt it. So
>> I know who sent to the email. >> Yes. So >> thank you Jeffrey Kleman for the I mean you know thinking of the devil devil's advocate um I mean we would never do that but this is to live beyond us >> so perhaps right there you know say uh >> yeah I don't know what's the best we
should do it as a general that language you know so it comes for first >> whereas >> and you don't have to adopt on first if you're still not satisfied it can go back it can you know procedure but >> even even in the workflow document I think a statement in there that says you know the intent is to get a lot of public comment.
>> No, I think that I think that's the way to address it. The overriding intent is to obtain as much public input as possible. >> Yeah. And I think the individual their concern is that in the past, maybe not in the the recent past, but in the past,
um because of, you know, we have a very talented planner, sometimes when things are asked, she develops almost a perfect first read for you. when we presented even though we called an introduction the reader of a packet would be like where did this
ordinance come from who spent all this time who authorized it where u you have somebody like Ingred on staff that's just how she thinks so it comes off real quickly off the pen in a structure for you to consider and I think that's that frightens folks from time to time like it never went through any things you
guys are almost like presenting your intro as a clean version and I I think that just speaks to the the talent of staff half presenting it, but it does spook the public a little bit from time to time when it's like, oh my god, this is perfectly set up. Who authorized you to work on this when it's just, oh, to
make this change, you just got to do X, Y, and Z, and it takes staff 20, 30 minutes, and it's not like we went to len for 12 hours. >> So, you know, it was quick. So, that's the some of the the scare, too, is that when we intro it, it looks almost like a first read. Um, so yeah, I think the the
language to temper that a bit um is good, but I'd be cautious to limit yourself to say we shall never on first read, >> right? You don't want to limit yourself, right? It's more a statement of intent. >> Yeah. >> Okay, perfect. I'll do that.
>> Any other comments on that? Public comments? No. Any other discussion? No. >> We'll bring it back. >> So, what do we need now on on this? I don't think I don't think >> sending it through the other boards and commissions to review. So the next time
we'll we'll keep it on a monthly track and just give updates if there is anything new. But we want to get the planning board uh natural resource advis uh the uh the B baa to take a look and give us their thoughts and stuff. Y
>> thank you very much. Okay, moving on to new business discussion of fiscal year 2025 2026 strategic priorities plan. This is one of my favorite topics. >> Yay. Me, too. Um because this again, these are this is like a a foundational element along with our five-year
forecast that allows us to start moving our budget forward and keeping us on task and allows us to some people will say it's like priority based budgeting. Everyone gets all freaked out, you know, but it's just a comment that this is now what we build our budget upon. What are
the things you wish to move forward? Again, what it does not include today is the CIP. I got to work with Sergio and Susie a little bit better, too, to kind of fine-tune what those capital projects, the finance side of stuff so we could see. Um, the hard part is is we
haven't finished a few projects from last year are still the finishing touches. We kind of wanted to close out a few. Um, so we'll add the CIP. So there will be a a a supplement to that as you see in the body of it that there is the CIP that comes along kind of
noting progress. So what you have before you is the full document edited and then you have just the list and you'll also find I believe four new projects under the unranked that we have to keep it on there. And again what I do is when you guys have conversations you're like you
know we should really think about working on that. kind of take that and bundle it up until the next strategic plan to say is this something we need to work on. So again, we're still making uh kudos to the staff for their hard work. We've been able to accomplish a lot.
Your leadership, support, and financing and resourcing of those um allows us to accomplish uh those initiatives and priorities. So we made some good progress. Few things you could see from there is kind of changing around. The legislature this year is going to throw
us for a few loops. So, we're going to have to be a little bit flexible and I have spoken with David on that five-year model as to how we start modeling out potential changes if something is going to go to the voters uh related to advalor property tax. So, uh he's
already been notified that we need to start structuring that. So, that being said, here is kind of our, you know, our kickoff for this year. So, you'll see the projects, you know, like uh signed vehicle program and then um I will talk
about the comp plan at the end because that's one of our projects. I don't know where the states at, but uh we'll talk about that on on a side thing, but you'll see we made a lot of progress. Things are moving forward. Um and then again, we added those. So, now is are
you comfortable with the projects that are on there? And then we begin over the next few meetings, you know, what is number one, you know, uh, and some of it, I think Milani has always been our number one for a while. I think that's going to come to closure
uh, this summer. So, that's going to close that main issue. So, where do we start reranking sanitary sewer project? Man, we should probably the next time we talk about this, we might be done with that or pretty pretty far along. So, um,
again, things move quickly, but we're kind of, you know, tracking here. Um, >> suggestion. Okay. Sure. Um, before we talk about the current projects, should we talk about some of the new projects and then that might help with the ranking of all the projects because >> then there's holes. We could start moving these into
>> um Sure. >> So, I think it's actually on the last page of the agenda if we want. >> Page 66. Um, those following at home. >> Yeah. So, I thought we could um maybe look at some of the new ideas and then if anyone on the commission has some additional items like brains I thought
we could just brainstorm. >> Well, the first one we're almost done with. >> You know, we had the reasonable accommodations thing. So, when I started doing this, we hadn't really got very far outside of we need to tackle it. And you just did first read, second read. So, the next time we come back, that one will probably be knocked off. >> Yeah.
>> So, don't spend too much time ranking or considering it's going to be done. Right. >> But it was critically important. It was a it was a mandate. So, >> y >> um so then you've got the ebikes, scooters, and motorcycles. You know, those conflicts and some of the communities are really starting to wrestle with. Um,
>> you just comment on I I think that's a a priority issue only because I understand there was an incident here and basically now with the traffic on the on the walking path, the new bike path, I really think we have to come up with
clear regulations of who can, who can't, what speed, etc. It's just a safety issue. Uh I agree and it's posing a very challenging or being a very challenging topic for many municipalities.
Um because sometimes it is a bicycle and then they push a button and then now it's a scooter and they're moving at a high speed. Um they're quiet. So yes, we need to start talking about that. Um I'm not even sure what you would what board you
would recommend it. I think it even has to stay here for a few few discussions to see what generalized direction you want this to take. Um, and there'll be some research. So, I mean, there's going to be a little bit like and there's limitations too um
under statute that what we can or can't do. Um, but our pathways, the size of our pathways can't accommodate the speed of these electric devices, especially when you have walkers and multi-path directional dogs,
kids, we just can't accommodate electric speed. We can't, you know, outside of about four or five miles an hour after that, you're almost in an uncontrollable environment. Um, >> yeah. So, I agree that's a high priority item. Does everyone else agree? Yes. And
um how much authority do we have in in what respect? You know, how much uh on the home rule can we exert with regard to our paths? >> Right now we have some room. I think in time maybe the legislature will jump us
on that and preempt it at some point when the industries feel that they can't um sell and utilize those things. Um it's tricky. >> Yeah. the legislation does give a little
bit of leeway for local regulation as pertaining to age and pertaining to where they could be operated, but you know, I'd be happy to bring that all back to you to show exactly what we can and cannot do. >> Now, that's with respect to our sidewalks.
And while this is a little off subject, I I just I was taken with the uh the uh the cover of the Coastal Star uh the bicyclists, you know, here we have on our new roads to a breast riding the line
uh obstructing the drivers. So we we have uh well the print I love I I love this paper. I think it's grand. >> Yeah. >> Um but um that is a major concern too. So with respect to that, do we have
anything to say about that >> with riding bikes in the road? I >> no the two of brass the maybe just the traffic maybe it's >> they can occupy a lane the whole lane >> they can go to >> you know the chiefs aren't the chiefs are not here today but >> you know safety and health has been the
mantra for this past couple of years and the residents relate well to it. So, a lot of this will fall under whether it's speeding on the sidewalk, it falls under safety and health. Uh, and we've never had a problem speaking to a resident that we're it's in your best interest for us to make this motion because it's
in the best interest of your health and your safety. I hear this quite a bit. So, um, I think we'll probably continue this mantra, especially with some of the ideas that are coming up of what to take place here at town hall and the future and so forth. people are coming down here to live a
better life for safety and health and they would truly understand if we were to tighten up things as far as the sidewalks and things of that nature. I don't think anyone's going to argue with that. >> Yeah, I completely agree. Um projects that have to do with safety and health
are would definitely be a high priority. And I know it's hard, but I think we should just talk about the projects themselves instead of digging into them because um you know um I think right now we should probably just brainstorm what projects we want. So the GIS inventory
of built assets um I mean that sounds I mean I'm in favor of that too. I mean it's basically taking an inventory. So, we have a uh a GIS system that we pay for. >> Um, and we have built assets that we
have that have geographic locations, a physical presence on the ground, but we haven't mapped everything. Um, I know the building department's got a GPS unit where we can go out and mark. We have to start using the tools we have um to map,
manage and inventory maintenance on our built infrastructure, water, sewer, any other types of components where drives are hazards. Um, and the reason why we want to do that too is if we go to response, because eventually we'll
fold in condo plans, entry procedures, so when we do respond, we have everything digitized so we know where it is, what is it, where is it going, when's the last time we maintenance this meter. Where is it when they come up and we find that the homeowner is landscaped
over it? Where might it be when if we have a GPS unit, we could just there it is and know exactly where to dig. When's the last time it was maintenance? when was the meter replaced or on the pathway if we have hazards this and that we can mark conditions. I just think the tool
is so useful we don't use it so we need to to make it a priority a strategic priority to start doing this one way or another we need to start doing this. >> Yeah I think infrastructure is
>> part of the mission of what we're even here for. So I I think this totally fits. >> I don't know what you guys what >> I agree. Yeah, >> I totally agree. >> And we have it on paper. We just need to digitize it thenably on all your mobile devices. We >> absolutely pick it up.
>> I think that makes uh total sense. >> Okay. So where would we think a high, medium, low priority of if we you know give me some zones and I could place it and bring back a cleaned up list a little bit. >> High high priority kind of in the
middle. You know when someone asks uh in business what of our priorities a common answer is everything is a priority. That's a very very common. So trying to mayor trying to prioritize it um how does it affect our residents is usually the way I prioritize it.
>> That's fair. >> How does it affect my residents and I have to look at my audience. If our audience is has a need, they have some desires, they have affordability issues, I have to put those in place. And I would look at what are our needs right now for our residents, what are their
desires and what are our affordability issues to make it all happen. >> So I would probably just be a little bit lower, medium, low. >> You have it. You have it on >> you got to start doing it, right? Um we just need to put a focus and again day-to-day lives most residents you know
what's more of a tool for public works building department public safety now what could come to health right >> when we get to you know we've got your access plans digitized and we can go in and know where everything is. So but yeah I bring it down a little bit. Okay.
>> Do you have a do you have a a dollar number on that? >> Well we have all of the equipment. So, it's one it's uh we have a hard time finding labor, oddly enough, to do lower-end tasks within the organization. So, we got to
find either staffing a consultant. So, there could be dollars associated if we need to move it off center because using a GPS unit, you got to be out there. If you go to an engineering firm, it's going to be really expensive. So, we got to find we got to find that that spot that lands where it's cost effective and
gets to our goals. I'm not recommending doing this, but it'd be interesting if we took that information right now and put it into perplexity or one of the AI artificial intelligence. I really wonder what it would come back with. I don't know the answer. >> Well, you know, the interesting thing and I'll go off on a little AI thing. You know, AI is only good as the data we
have. Most of our data related to infrastructures on paper. So AI doesn't it's just going to be on a spin cycle looking for stuff, >> right? In the future once we get a digitized locations then we can use AI for analysis prioritization
uh cost-effective maintenance programming it can go through all of that and say here are the meters this many years old or placed at this it could do more but we haven't fed the data systems yet so we don't have good data to use AI yet
so that that's really we're going to get there but I've got it's a gonna be a crawl because I got to get the data into a digital format. I would expect Scander to put that together within the next 12 months. >> He could be, you know, >> put on the GPS backpack, go for a walk.
>> All right. >> I I would suggest putting it um closer to the top because it's something that we'll just be looking at because it seems like an administrative labor intensive project. So, I would start it. >> Yeah.
>> And we'll just keep checking it. Mhm. >> What is this waterfront seaw wall dock clarification? >> So, this one uh came out of the Belo neighborhood. Uh we do have a champion on this when Mr. Bobby who championed it last time.
>> Um as Ingred had portrayed, we go and spend all our time working through this, we're going to miss something. Well, what we missed was, and you guys approved um this is where you have to go waterward, right? So, there's it's a
common place, not common, but more common than you would think to go waterward. You have an existing failed seaw wall, you can't rip it out without land collapse. So, you go waterward and then you establish the the new seaw wall dock. Well, the way the ordinance reads,
there's a space that has to be maintained between your patio or pool deck and the dock, seaw wall. So, it goes, it reads, is it property line or further? Whatever is further away. So, then you get these gaps. So,
conceivably you could have all your water, your boat equipment, you have your dock, your patio, and then you have to walk across two feet, maybe three feet of grass in between. So, the problem is is if you're going to your boat, this and that. It's a real pain. >> Address that. I thought we
>> we did not close that gap because we had a resident um I can't remember their individual's name. So, if they're watching, I apologize, but they had it they were comfortable with it. It didn't bother them because we said you could put fake grass down. It didn't but you had you couldn't take your patio up to the back of seaw wall because that seaw
wall and the new extension was beyond your property line. So, you were out further than your property would allow. So there were some limitations that you can't go beyond your property to say a certain amount. So it was it was a little bit wonky because of a property
line and they went waterward. It's a small cleanup >> of something else. We used to have their their need I thought there needed to be at some point like some space. >> I know what you're talking about but I don't think we did.
>> Okay. And then we thought, well, we could clean this up real quickly with the strike of the pen, real quick language. Okay. >> And then we found, well, what if it's not waterward? And then you had a patio up to your property. So, there was some landto land interface issues. >> Um, I think it's relatively a quick
cleanup. >> Okay. >> Uh, we can use some levels of discretion, uh, but the champion wants to move it through. So, I I don't know. It's not a high cost. We kind of work through it. Um, I'm thinking it's something both
that this uh commission and the planning board are not going to have many issues to to kind of work through a language piece. But that's really what it is is we have a potential in some situations where we would have forced grass or
landscape between your use element and then the next active like there's a weird gap or separation. >> I'm in favor of that. >> Yeah. Are there residents now uh that are facing undue uh delays? >> Well, we had one and they said they were
comfortable with it. So, they were like, "That's fine. We'll just put in the fake grat. It doesn't there's no difference to us." They It didn't bother them. >> Okay. >> However, uh one of the planning board members that won a champion said, "Boy, this is it's not really what we wanted or see or visualize. It's kind of an
unnecessary burden to use." >> And he's really on it. So I, you know, I don't want to stand in the way, but it made some sense to CLA. It was just a gap >> that we just didn't catch in all of that process time on this one >> sentence, if you will, in the ordinance. So,
>> well, I I would keep that in, but I think it's lower priority. >> Okay. >> But it's an easy I think >> even if you make it low priority, it's kind of got legs. It's just that push comes to shove. That's not going to be Marshall, what are you working on today with staff? Mhm.
>> If I have a choice, this this takes a takes the lead. But luckily, we have a great staff here, a great team. We could have a lot of capacity. >> Yeah. >> Um I mean, outside of the leaf blower, which we've done absolutely nothing, but >> the other issues, we do work on them
simultaneously. Maybe it just doesn't happen as quickly. And again, as a priority task, it doesn't affect many people, but >> we got a planning board member that's >> Yeah. No, I agree with it. >> Running with it. So, why stand in the way? let them do the leg work and the
research has been simple. >> I thought we had addressed it. So, I I'm totally in favor. >> Okay. >> Any other brainstorming ideas on items to add to the list? >> I with the list. Okay. I was just going to jump in. Do you think something on
there is >> I have >> misappropriated as far as the number ranked, misranked or >> I do have an addition, but I just wonder if anyone else anything. Yep. Okay. Um, should we add the sign ordinance with the Villa Magna issue? >> That's in there. >> What was that?
>> I put it as a description that >> temporary >> Oh, temporary signage. I think I put it in there and kind of broaden >> it was different. >> It has to wait in any event suspended due to limitations 180 consideration can resume in 2017. Initial scope expanded
to include permanent signage size. >> So I think it should be a different we can move forward with that one. >> Yeah. Yeah. So separated. Okay. >> Yeah, >> it should be a new I think it should be a different >> Yep. >> priority. >> There were a number of items that are
really essentially on hold because of the uh financial nature and the uncertainty of what the legislation legislature is going to do with respect to the advalanche. >> So how will that affect us with as far
as ranking and strategic plan? I don't think it really changes the priority which we schedule our work. I think your biggest impact is going to be capital will take the first probably the bigger hits maybe. >> Mhm.
>> Followed by Yeah, we can work on that but it's might take us a couple I mean if we don't have the revenue to maintain staffing, you know, because we're basically at baseline staffing, which is fine. It works. We're doing a really
great job. If you have to remove staff, you're going to it basically the system slows down right now. If you have no cash to to buy concrete, this that your capital can't move forward. So a lot it's almost it comes to a screeching
halt. Your strategic priority plan doesn't mean you have to re not work on it. just the time at which we can do it takes longer and certain certain things, you know, you and it's mostly capital like, oh, we need to fix this. No, we don't. We don't have the
money to fix it. I mean, it's that clear. Can we just go back a step to the signing? Um, >> sure. >> I was under the impression that when we talked about the legislature and so forth, the size of signing and so forth was not necessarily part of the concern.
Len, is that true or not true? I'm I'm not sure I understand your question. >> The as far as signing and and what the uh >> we're able and not able to do. I was under the impression that when we talk about
>> locally the size of the signing and so forth that was not necessarily part of that piece of the legislature that we were able to move forward in setting whatever standard we want in the town. >> Yeah. Well, no. the legisl the legislation says we can't do anything that's more burdensome or restrictive.
So that's why we have this dichotomy between we can't move forward on reducing the temporary signs but we can move forward on allowing greater signs greater in size than what we currently allow because that is less burdensome and restrictive. So in in hearing that I
would I would think that it is an important thing to do is to address that issue with the villa magnet and so forth and and and let's come up with the what we feel is the proper standard. >> Yeah, it's on the it's on the planning
board agenda for Thursday initial discussion. These are permanent signage temporary sign. It definitely needs to be a new one and we'll >> separate it. I just threw it in there because it kind of started that way then it
>> so I create a new project for permanent signage. >> Permanent signage. >> And again with that restrictive and burdensome that could be on a process and that's something that we'll have to watch as it moves through the planning board. They may say yes you could have more size but you have to go through
five more steps. That would be considered more burdensome. So we just have to be careful of how we craft that language. That's why I I was I kind of directed Ingred a little bit and said here like just let's keep it simple. >> Yeah. >> Keep it simple because if you get too complex from what I'm seeing at the
Department of Commerce, you add a step even if it's in their favor, they find it another another step is burdensome. So I would keep it simple to just signage size. >> I can I can direct you to the picture in the current coastal star of my condo.
>> Yeah. and which the signs were from the time the building was >> built and I guess technically it may be a foot or two uh larger. So it comes to an issue now where parts of it are degrading and they have
to be either fixed or replaced. So the only choice would be is to fix it and not replace it unless we want to downsize what is there. >> Correct. Correct. And if you touch it then Mr. police officer is waiting for you. No, just kidding. Uh, >> that's an example,
>> right? It's it's a non-conforming. So once you once you start to rebuild it, then you would have to conform. >> And I agree with the vice mayor. It's I think it's a high priority. >> I think it's high. >> Yes. Agree. >> I have a question with regard to uh
number five, the police marine docking. Uh, we're waiting for the the grant to find FIND. Is that state or federal? >> Um, I believe that's all state dollars because we received the appropriation
and we got preliminary approval from find be nice. Our engineers just aren't missing are missing deadlines and have reassured us. Sister C. Skinner, you not if I use the wrong
language, reassured us that this will not happen again. So, we should be meeting the deadlines that are forthcoming March and September moving forward that they missed last year and their inability to anticipate
state process. >> Yeah. Is there any likelihood probability of this being pulled back or not acted upon because of um the the current uh agenda before the legislature? No.
>> Uh I think we're okay with the fine grant appropriation so long as we get the permits we're supposed to get in hand and been promised before to get. So as we've been reassured, right, I'm going to leave it there. um very disappointed, but we've been
reassured that it won't happen again. So, uh we're moving and making that progress to getting those cuz that's about 1.25 on the table. We don't want to lose that. Um so, we're we're making those strides now to to clean up the permits that
should have been done before. I would also uh move up in um uh preference the um >> So do you want to move that up? >> No, no, except moving on. >> Okay. >> I'm looking at um 10 and 11 that has to
do with the fire station annex. So you did say the engineering >> uh the referendum passed design engineering 50% complete. Is that um >> that 50% is is correct. We're supposed
to be 60% in the next week or so. Um as promised. So, uh we're making those steps forward. I think we've passed some hurdles and now we're in a more forward moving trajectory to finish the design
and give biddable plans. So, I'm guessing in February, if I was comfortable, in February, I should have something to present to you all on the designs of both, so you can really get a handle on what it is that we're moving forward with, make
any minor tweaks or adjustments, and then we'll go out to bid to see what the money is is going to cost us, and then you guys would authorize the expenditures. Yeah, Marshall, the only um comment I have is that um when I spoke about needs and desires, there's a
big difference. I tend not to personally put affordability with a desire. If there's a need for the project, >> okay, then I set it up as a priority. Uh and the affordability has to be there. But it's simply a desire
of someone. I have to move that aside a little bit. And I'm not sure that the desire sometimes fulfills the need. So my concern is always are these definite needs right now and do we want to employ our affordability issues to it.
So uh need yes uh the need grows over time as these facilities fall apart. Um and you will see need over desire in the designs. We didn't overdo it originally. If you remember the fire annex that we were doing, we're
going to do something quite elaborate, a kitchen, this and that. And that's been scaled way back to the need, which is to store apparatus to store the the fire equipment because we don't have enough room in the station. And that's why we made a smaller station here or could get
this to fit is premised on having two parking. But again, that's parked for 1972 equipment, >> right? >> We don't use that small stuff anymore. or our equipment's bigger and our needs. So, we've when you see the design, it's it can be used for other things, but
it's very basic, simplistic, a really pulled back version to one begin to address the affordability issue, but then to address focus on the need, what it is exactly. Now um the police stuff is they're kind of
overgrown some of the space and we have the new equipment for surveillance which has become a de need and demand safety and health for our residents. So that one really starts to grow. And when you see that design for the structure itself, very simplistic. We're not It's
just adding a couple walls in there, cleaning up some inside stuff. It's not exotic. And then we have uh some of the outside landscaping, this and that, and that's pretty parsed down, but we have uh the alternate funding source for some of that. Uh so it's not as much a
general fund uh cost on that project. Fire Annex 100% general fund. coming back here. It's a shared with the enterprise. So, >> thank you. >> And so, as far as the priority on our list, I would rank both of those as a
high priority. Mhm. >> And I would guess as we move through like the the sanitary sewer lining project stuff, some of those numbers will naturally increase and those >> if if holding place would be moved up three to four spots on the rankings uh because the other projects are going to
uh fall off as we move forward in the year. >> So the A1A highwayr project, >> it's going to drop. >> You're going to take it off. Okay, that's >> probably the next meeting when we come back to it, I'm going to cross it off because they'll be substantially complete. >> Yeah. >> And then you'll see the supplemental
project. Do I have that in here? >> I may not have that project. The appropriation request is not that's more of a capital project. Um, >> you have uh nine state appropriations. I thought that's where that went. >> Yep. Uh I think I did. Yes, that's in
there and it's discussed. Yep, it is number nine. So, that'll move up a little bit too. Yep. No. Uh, no. >> Which is for that the in the inroad lighting along with the repaving. I I don't know where that's going to track, but um that is our request this year as we discussed.
>> And then 21 the charter review. Um should that roll off? Does does that need to >> We can reduce it. It's just a a an annual discussion. Is there something we want to revisit? Is there anything in
the charter? Again, we're only required every decade to have a formal charter review committee. Uh I think this came this priority came out when we a couple of them failed, right? >> And it was to should we reorganize those requests or move those requests off.
>> Um so it's kind of in out there as an annual discussion if it's just becomes tender a nature of business or is there something specific that grows out of it? So that could come down a little bit until we pick a charter amendment me we
may wish to pursue. Uh I'm not aware of any at the moment but that usually comes out of that discussion. >> I mean I I'm in favor of reducing the number of projects unless you know they really obviously should be on there. I would be in favor of removing the
charter review amendments. I don't know what everybody else thinks about that. Um >> do we need it now? Is there anything? It sounds like there isn't anything specific that we have. >> I have nothing on the plate to do, but it's just we we
added this originally because we had a lot going on and we said we need to annually talk about our strategy for charter amendments. Do we continue to pursue this one because a couple failed but that after the the March of 25 approval, everything seems seems to be
moving in the right direction. I I don't think it needs to be part of our strategic priorities, but >> I I would agree. >> Um >> or in the alternative, put it >> part of you don't put every project that you do
on the strategic priorities. >> These are like the bigger picture, the bigger targets on the wall versus the little stuff. I mean, there's a lot of day-to-day stuff that's on here. Yeah. >> That's important things. It's part of your regular >> these are special projects things that we work above and beyond the day-to-day
activities to maintain the operation. These are >> right >> these are the reaches. These are the goals or >> what I don't see here and I question I didn't know if it was the purview only of um the operations in the police
department but we had spoken about the drones. >> Yep. and the security and the ability uh the future ability to connect uh with >> true >> the security I don't know the technical term so help
me out here but I think you know >> the issue um so that our community can plug in to the security that is offered by the monitoring >> or maybe the >> does this go on this I think it's so
important And I don't see >> I think some of it is in the the real time operations center is the construction of that. Yeah. >> I think a secondary project which you make a good point because we have discussed it is uh implement implementing that capability into the
community. We don't really have that. We have a a drone grant to test it out. We have a drone that we got via grant not a DFR which is that drone first responder. We haven't built that out. And while we've you have procured the core elements to create the
real-time operations center, if you remember the stuff we got through Axon. Yes. We expanded that contract. >> Yes. >> A big priority is is how do we once we have it and it's sitting here and it's it's live. How and what does that look like and how do we expand it out in the community? You're probably right.
probably is well suited for something that's going to be a strategic outside of your day-to-day operations to to put that in place and visualize it. >> The chief's words were prevention, >> right? >> Mhm. >> I mean, I think that was the foundation of a lot of it was prevention.
>> Uh and I think if we if we look at that word and say, listen, what do they need to prevent any future situations? It'll keep us in a safe haven. But that was his word. Uh I I wasn't sure it was Craig or Lim, but they said we're here
basically to prevent uh any any problems of the future. And what we need to do that is the following, but I'm not sure exactly where I would prioritize that. >> And there well we have a game plan. It hasn't been formalized. So maybe that would be a good project to put in that something we have to work on for the next few years. I don't know that we
need to specifically mention drone, but like something like um continue to look at technology that would improve on the prevention of crime, criminal activity or something like that. >> Right. Right. I think something
>> you know with some examples the security the policing. >> Yeah. Maybe some examples might be consider drones or you know what whatever other technology they come up with because we we don't want to limit it. Um it's really that goal of prevention and applying technology the
latest technology to implement the prevention. >> You know we see from the crime statistics that we are very fortunate in that this is one of the safest towns um uh in the state. they're scared of the commission >> and um however the uh having this
ability the technology to do even better >> uh I think would uh really cushion any anxiety that members in our senior population um have with respect to their own
personal security >> whether you're behind the gate or not there's a perception and I think it's just looking looking at the news, reading, watching TV, going to all the uh the little social information that we get. So I was very excited about the
implementation of what we could be doing and uh uh my opinion would be to put it as a um you know on the higher scale for us to continue to look at look at the finances look at the u when it can be implemented you know particularly when
we're we're looking at so in so much insecurity with the ad valorum the property taxes that finances to me are very important here. So, if there's something that we can do before we get slammed by the state, I'd want it done. >> Sure. Sure.
>> Yeah. The the chief is also to I guess he's going to make a presentation. The uh he's got Homeland Security and the sheriff's department putting a camera on our building, Villanova, and they'll be getting tied in on the whole coast so they can see what's out there. Uh so
that's uh he's going to present that soon. That's great. So the temporary sign ordinance we want to keep on there basically just as a holding >> push it down. >> Yeah, I mean it is pretty low. It is one of the lowest. So I mean I guess we just keep it on there because uh at some
point we'll revisit it. >> Um and then so the A1A right ofway beautifification project. I actually thought this might be increasing in urgency and I'm curious to see what what
everybody else thinks um now that this uh project is done. Uh maybe giving a little bit more attention to the aesthetic of >> of our strip. Um, and I don't know what we can do. And I'm not looking to spend
a lot of money or anything like that, but I don't know if there are some additional things we can do to beautify our our stretch. And I didn't know. I just wanted to throw it out there, see what everybody else thought. Um, if it's worthwhile. >> Totally. Back then, totally.
>> We were waiting for this to be finished. It's finished. And that perhaps Well, we have to deal with the sidewalks. So, what are we doing? Do we have this about the sidewalks here? >> Yeah, >> you have it under >> the appropriate.
>> Okay. So, um while it would be separate from the beautifification, >> right? >> Um that's going to be part of it or but yes, uh if if we need money for it, if if we're going to do anything the
town, I'd like to look at that. So, how would we proceed? I guess so. We would maybe set up a committee to do this. >> Move it up. It sounds ahead. You had a comment. >> Yeah. >> I would um I think the road has made a big difference in the look
>> and as long as we don't have rain, I am very very happy. >> The road looks beautiful. People who are coming down say, "Gee, it looks beautiful." And so forth. But I'd like to see um the landscaping that the owners are actually going to complete before I would do anything because I
think over the next few months a number of the residents are going to actually take action. We're going to have a good feel looking down the strip as far as what they put in. They they've already started with pavers and so forth. And we'll get a pretty good feel of what the entire strip is going to look like when
there's more completion. Once that completion takes place, I think we'll be able to drive down and say, you know, maybe we should recommend the following in certain areas. But right now, if you were to say to me, um, do I believe that Villa Magna might need a new sign? I
know it's an issue. Um, you know, I could have a comment about that because I'm looking at it quite often. And I could say I could understand why a new look and fear would be good for Villa Magna, but there's a number of places on the strip right now that could use a little bit of polishing, but I'd like to
see what the residents are going to do as far as finishing off their lawns and things of that nature. Um, but so far the road looks beautiful and if we don't have rain, we'll be in beautiful shape. >> Um, yeah. So like the trees for me like
as I drive down I I think we had we entered in some sort of contract for for fertilization of the trees I you know I guess I would like to see the trees look a little better. Um >> the trick with that is royal palms don't do well with high salt environments.
That's why you see a lot of burnout come this time of year where we don't get a lot of rain to wash the salt off but we get a lot of wind off the ocean. that's been kind of the trick that you know they put those in and they're probably not the best for the environment. Um, so
I think they're still going to look a little stressed over time and that may be part of this to think, okay, when the royal palm passes or all of a sudden you just have one leaf at the top, what is it we want to replace it with? Maybe there's a suggestion and then maybe we
assume some of that responsibility again and what's the next level of palm we want to see or type of palms we want to see put back in those same location and that could be a transition over time how we envision because it is they're stressed you know
as much as we can fertilize them they're just stressed from the salt blow so it's just we got to figure that out a little bit >> I'm just suggesting a move it a little higher not high or anything not The last one. >> Yeah, I agree. Last item. >> I agree. Just that canopy that beautiful
the trees, but also now is the um the grass um that's probably the homeowner, >> the sud >> just either they obtain the easement, the okay on on on doing some improvement
on the easement. Um whether or not they are going to do it again, I don't know whether they have to go through the easement process again if that will delay >> we the rightway. >> Yes. You know where they had hedges. >> Well, that's we're going to have issue.
Everybody decided soon as FDOT took off they're going to put it right back the way it was and they can't. >> So we've had a few conflicts. We've sent that letter out. I don't know if everyone received it. I guess not. >> I did. I didn't. I don't recall. >> I think I did. I don't know. Maybe I
don't pay attention to the math, but >> so we said it right away like be mindful that you can't put the hedges back on the road edge again. You got to be several feet off and we kind of set those parameters out. So like you still need to get a permit from FDI can only
grow to a certain height. So we just kind of communicated that doesn't mean people are going to listen. Uh but we're doing our best to just say just just be careful. We don't mind you doing stuff but there are certain limitations. You can't park up. You can't plant right against the bite path either. You need 2 ft of clearance. So, there's some
clearance areas that have to be maintained. Um, and heights of shrubs, this and that. So, uh, folks are going to, you know, some residents aren't listening, are not going to listen to us. I'm just letting you know. So, you'll get some calls from time to time where we're like, you can't do that or you have to
procure a permit from the state to do certain things. So, >> so this would be, you know, an example of the the discussions that we'll have once we deal with that priority, everything surrounding >> and some aren't going to wave and listen. So, they're just going to do
what they want to do, which is fine. I God bless. I'm glad they're taking the initiative to do it. I just we have to remind them like >> not up against the road even though, well, it's the UPS, but you have to do something different on that that edge so your grass doesn't get crushed. You can still have a hedge, but it's got to be,
you know, like almost three feet off the edge of the road, which is a good distance. So, or two feet, two and a half feet, I think. Then put some rock or there's going to be some other >> So, I guess we would be discussing uh along that line as um to what extent do
does the town go financially? >> Oh, to help. Yeah, that's Yeah, that would be like the Royal Palms because we had a grant to do it. So those were natural connections that we're responsible to maintain them. >> So we may want to see if we can't look at maintaining them with something else
when it dies or needs to be removed. Can we put something else in that can withstand the environment a little bit better? >> So we'll move that up a little. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Any public comments on items? Yeah. Come on.
>> And again, as Dr. Greenwall comes up again, the the next one will get capital with it. So you'll see the CIP projects which are of always big concerns you too. >> Uh Rick Greenwald, uh Alto,
couple of comments just based on the on the discussion. Uh the first item that Marshall brought up regarding uh digitizing our infrastructure. It seems to me that that's something that should be done and that's something
that you guys should just delegate to Marshall and say, "Hey, >> get it done." Apparently, we already have the technology and the resources and it's seems like not necessarily simple, but an administrative thing to get the appropriate members of public
works, fire department, building department, whoever else is needed to uh get that done. So that's that's how I would and then just hold them to get it done within a reasonable period. Uh second, real briefly, I didn't know this was was really coming up today and this
is just initial thoughts. Um and it'll go through planning and it's long process uh in in terms of the seaw walls moving further into the waterways and then paving over with concrete in terms of
some instead of something more temporary. Um I don't know enough about it to to raise objections at this point. I think it should be looked at in the appropriate processing fashion. I would just put out
the precaution that we need to be careful about anything in the rules that allows increasing property encroachment on the waterways in terms of inadvertently, if you will, extending people's backyards and living
space out into the waterways. And again, I don't want to get into a long discussion with it now, but something needs to get looked at. I don't even remember whether we how we measure things, whether the 25 ft of of boat and total space you're supposed to
have is from the outside edge, the water edge of the seaw wall or the property line or where it's from. But we need to be a little bit careful about everything just being pushed further and further out in the waterways in a sort of a
workaround. but legal kind of a fashion. Again, not not a judgment on this, but just when it was brought up, it's like, wait a second, we need to just at least think about some of these things. Uh, that's all for me for today. >> Just with the planning board, the planning board's probably the best move
that they made over the years when they raised the height of the seaw wall. And as you look out at the inter coastal, you can see those that raised the height even though a foot have actually had more success than those as the tides have risen. You can see it going over
some of the lawns. And when the planning board made the decision uh to raise the height, they saved a lot of the lawns uh that have been out there. And it's very easy to see that especially when in certain days when that tide starts rising, but I thought they did a fabulous job in addressing the issue. I
agree with you doctor. >> Well, yeah. And there are two issues. One is the height of the seaw wall and the other is the extent of the seaw wall in the opposite direction uh out into the waterway as seaw walls get replaced >> and it it all just has to get looked at. That's all. Thank you again.
>> Thank you. >> Happy New Year everybody. >> Thank you. Happy New Year. >> Yeah. And um to members of the public, please suggest your uh make your suggestions as to additional projects that you know maybe people think we should include as our strategic
priority. Um, I mean this is a living document, so I mean we can always add things but I always like to look at it at the beginning of the year. Um, so yeah, really good discussion. Oh, did you have a comment? Oh, sorry. >> That's my first time. So,
>> state your name. State your name where you live. >> Martinez. I'm with Bokeh Highland Beach Club. Been here for 5 years. Um, originally from Weston Muta on the bike path. City of Weston has been dealing with that for a while. So, if you guys want to reach out to them, they've done a great job in ebikes as well as the
bike lanes as well as the what I like to call is the whole swath of bikes that control both lanes. They dealt with that for a few years and then they finally were able to manage it. You don't see it that often anymore. >> So, it might be something if you guys want to reach out to them.
>> Um, I also have a a an issue here with the pedestrian light in front of Bokeh Highland Beach Club. It's been out for, in my opinion, three months. Couple of people almost got hit a couple of days ago. Talk about safety. That's a
priority. It's probably your most visible, most traffic of pedestrians, especially we just got past these two weeks, which is high traffic. But I just keep hearing it the uh part is on order, back order, back order. I did my own due
diligence, called F DOT, did a whole bunch of different things. I'd like to talk to you on the side, but I think it has to be more of a priority. And Pat, when I come to talk to him, shouldn't be aggressive and raise his voice and maybe a little anger management for Pat, you
know, um because what I fear is someone's going to get hurt. You know, it's an elderly community. They're going to the beach. They're coming back at night. that light, especially over the little hill as we like to call. Um, so whatever we can do to get that done, it
would be great. And I know that everybody said that the FTO is finished, completed. In my opinion, it's not because you have an eyesore right in front of our community, which is that big lot full of all of that. So, do we have a timeline on when you think that's
going to be completed where all that equipment is going to be gone and the mound of tar and 8 a.m. >> At 6:00 a.m. they start and what I've noticed is for the last few weeks
>> around 6:30 7 a.m. they're bringing in a dump truck. They fill it with dirt and that dump truck doesn't stay here. It goes on 95 and goes somewhere else. So, they're kind of using I don't know if they're transferring it or what they're doing. >> Yeah. So, they got to get rid of it. So, they're probably trucking it off. Again,
the contractor on this job, but means and method, your guess is as good as mine. But on the timing issue, um that's part of substantial completion. They have to clear that lot out. And when that lot is cleared out, it'll be followed by construction of a
condo development that's proposed right behind it. So, >> um and then what you see there is the sewer connection. And so they cut back into the road for the sewer connection to go back over. Um, not the best timing, but they chose their own timing. So, uh, I'm guessing in the next month
it should be out of there. I mean, if they're going to get payment, >> FO won't release payment unless they're >> completely out. >> Yeah. Completely out. Yeah. Got it. Yeah. So, I'm guessing they'll try to start getting >> barricade companies are slow, too. So, you see all the barrels stack. It's more the dirt, you know, it's Yeah, the mound
of dirt's pretty high and then, you know, of course they're not picking at 3:00 in the afternoon to fill the trucks. It's 6:30, 7 in the morning, sometimes on Saturdays and, you know, it echoes and so the whole community hears it constantly. >> Um, so we just want to see, you know, that completed because it's great that
the road looks beautiful. It does. Um, but it's not completed till all of that leaves in my opinion. As a frequent visitor to Boca Highlands, I would say this was the busiest season. Yes. >> Over the last couple of weeks I've seen down here. Yeah. >> As far as young children and people
crossing the street. >> Um I know even myself going down the Spanish River as I was stopping the Spanish River to take a right turn. Um down as I was going that anyway to take a right turn, a cyclist came whizzing by
me on the right hand side. If I had not looked at my mirror in the side, I would have hit him. >> Sure. >> I would have hit him for sure. So that area and the amount of traffic going over the street is more than I've ever seen before. >> So I do empathize with it because I've been more careful now driving down there.
>> Yeah, absolutely it is. And you know, we're not having that light or that flood light and the bloom light and you have a lot of out oftowners, they just don't know to stop and so whatever you guys can do to get that done, that would be great. So appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Okay. So, you'll revise the list >> next month. We'll have a cleaner and we'll add CIP to it so we can see some of the progress on the CIP side. >> Awesome. Perfect. Thank you for the discussion. Very good. Moving on to town uh commission comments. Commissioner Shnoski,
>> I think 2025 was a fabulous fabulous year. I think the staff did a fabulous job. The events were great. It was just an exciting year. uh and appreciate the comments from the public sector, doctor. I mean, I think uh we've had good input. We've we've we've talked about it. Um
Rich and the Press has been fabulous. So, I'm I'm looking forward to 2026 replicates in every possible way. Len, you've been a joy explaining the legal side to me in layman's language. I really appreciate that and I thought it's been just a fabulous time. But thank you, mayor. >> Thank you.
>> Well, I concur in those eloquent uh remarks. it there it has been and I look forward to again a uh uh an exciting year. We have a lot of um changes perhaps happening in Florida
um as it should as it grows as it um um gets more and more headlines throughout the country. Uh and I'm very proud to not only be in the town but in this state. Thank you to all the commission, mayor, vice mayor um and the press for
great coverage uh of of our town. Thank you. >> Yeah, I would just like to say um A1A looks nice and as I went down the path today uh of course I got stuck in the traffic. That's the septic the sewer
line. What's that they're doing? Yeah. >> Yeah, it's a >> it's a sanitary sewer connection for the Milani project. Oh, okay. But it was a pleasure seeing bikes and the bike path and all the sidewalks which was really helped me there. And uh Len, I I watched the uh planning board there and I know
everything about sober homes. That's why I had no questions and I probably could have answered everything for you, but you did a great job and I just want to wish everybody happy new year, health, and happiness. And uh it's been a great commission. I'm glad I'm working with everybody. Thank you.
>> I concur with all those remarks. I'd like to wish everybody a healthy, happy, and a prosperous year. Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, David. >> I agree. And I have no further comments. Um, town attorney, >> just one thing, there's going to be another ordinance statemandated coming through. It has to do with platting.
It's a very minor thing, but and we don't really have that many plats in the town of Highland Beach, but um the legislature said that you can no longer require plats have to be approved administratively now. They can't go before any board. So just I know that we
like to advise everybody what's coming up. So that'll be coming up in the next couple of months. And uh happy new year and I appreciate the kind words. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh friends and residents, uh Golden City, uh that's the the project
you see next to Tuscana just to the south. Um Marshall, stop it. It can't happen. Where are they coming from? Again, that's all mangrove. They have permits under the state. The state preempts us from getting involved. So there's nothing we can do to stop the
clearing of that site. They start bringing in fill. They build the seaw wall. They try to, you know, build something. They can't until they go through all of our normal processes, that being going to the planning board for any type of authorization for new development. They have to uh get a seaw
wall permit and then they would have to come to the commission for a landfilling permit if they start filling. And there's a lot of fill that's got to go in there, but right now they're just clearing and we are preempted by the state from stopping. >> So that site will be cleared. So the envelope for which they want to build
something will be clear by the end of the week, I'm guessing. Uh which is like 187 by 130 is all they got authorization from the Army Corps and the South Florida Water Management District. Um but moving beyond that, they would have to then go through our permits. There's
nothing we can do to stop. I know. Um I've been working a lot uh with Tesana answering some calls through the the president of their board at we're just stuck under those uh preeemptions. So uh that's what you'll be seeing there. Uh
comp plan. Boy, this is fun. Uh so we go through the state says every seven years you have to go through your comp plan exercise. We get a consultant on board go through the exercise. Then 180 comes and they have found provisions that are
more burdensome or restrictive and hence have denied our comp plan as null and void and gave us the list of provisions that are questioned by the department of commerce. So, we're going to staff kind
of reconsider what do we do to meet one the statemandated deadline at the same time not being more restrictive and burdensome. Some of them I think were warrant us to push back that they really aren't more burdensome. Some I can see where they're kind of
coming from from a legislative perspective. our um our coastal plan on more of the environmental side of things seems to be a big piece to them that they don't like, but then other things like, you
know, make sure people maintain sanitary sewer connection is restrictive or burdensome. Not really sure I buy that. So, we're going to work through these exercises, but it's kind of that catch22. You got to fix it, but you can't do that. And a lot of it was clarifications. One of them I think we
got clarified. It seems to have been addressed was for some reason we had an error in our old comp plan that it was right away and we said, "Oh, it's actually 100 foot." That was whatever the staff at the time put in the wrong number. Well, that's more burdensome or restrictive. And I was like, "Well, that's just a matter of fact.
>> That's a fact. How it's not." So, I think the state's struggling with the um House Bill 180. So, I'll work with Len and Ingred. We'll come up with a game plan to >> my frustration is we never really wanted to work on our comp plan. We were fine
with the way we worked on it. They said it's more restrictive or burdensome when you make clarification. So this is kind of like a really like twilight zone on this. So um we'll continue to work on it and maybe we'll just parse it back and take out those things. But there's some things that warrant us to push back like
I don't want a condo to have a septic field kind of thing. Like that's why we have a sanitary sewer system. So, some of it's kind of strange where they found restrictive or burdensome. Um, but I get it. The um coastal resiliency planning, I could kind of see where they're coming from from what you hear or read that
that might be a little bit much. Even though we just said consider, we didn't say we're going to do anything. We just said consider the recommendation. So, um that's the uh comp plan issues that take you back one sec, Marshall. Um and there was a hearing they didn't the court did
not grant the injunction. So >> still >> unfortunately it's still in play. So they had uh the Weiss wrote a firm is representing a number of municipalities um and the court denied the motion for temporary injunction. Doesn't mean they won't prevail ultimately but it's still in play for now.
>> We just have to wait one more year. I mean we're like 26th, right? >> Well, you think it's going to renew? >> Oh, I don't know. We'll see. But >> when does it officially expire? Is it >> 2027? like what January like a year >> uh no I think it's October of 2027
September 30th or October 1st I can't remember which one but yeah 2027 and as far as the Florida Commerce letter we're not alone in that either um North Palm Beach got the same letter and a number of other jurisdictions got the same letter so >> and I thought we moved away from
restrictive and burden I'm surprised here like >> and I really they they've they parsed ours to death because when we were going through this process this I kept telling Ingred, well, you know, like we got to go through this, make sure it's not more burns and restrictive. We don't want to get caught up. >> Yet, they managed to find new things to
catch us up. So, >> we'll see what happens. >> Which is weird. When we say resiliency, then there's state initiatives to address resiliency and they said lifting, they said addressing our lift stations for which they funded, >> right, >> is more burdensome or restrictive. So, I mean, it's really strange.
>> Not encouraging sewer connections. >> Don't Yeah. Don't encourage people to connect to the >> which is a state mandate. So, I mean, it's these are weird, peculiar things. We're just work our way through it, but it's going to take a little more time. So, um >> bizarre >> it is. It's kind of like uh just to let you know, I know the mayor knew about
it. Not sure if I told you guys in an update on the audit. Um our auditors forgot to assign, and this comes from the state auditor, forgot to assign a a number to the finding in their their
audit. there was a finding under grammar under English you know you when you have a singular finding you don't have to label or number it but because they had a rule they said we were non-compliant we went before JAC that if we didn't take care of this we would be fined or found in you know proceedings and it was
like there was nothing wrong we just didn't assign like a number to a singular finding like they reviewed everything and the only finding is how we distributed interest income amongst the funds you didn't let didn't give us a number. Well, there was a finding. So,
it was just so the state's kind of up in in turmoil as well trying to figure out how to implement certain things, but uh we'll get through it. >> Well, thanks for your patience. >> Trust me, I >> that is uh extremely frustrating for
sure. Uh moving on to announcements. Uh board vacancies. There is one vacancy for a three-year term on the code enforcement board and there is another vacancy on the natural resources resources preservation advisory board. Upcoming
meetings and events on January 7th at 11:00 a.m. there is a me a regular meeting of the natural resources preservation advisory board. On January 8th at 9:30 in the morning there's a planning board regular meeting. January 13th at 1 p.m. is the special magistrate
hearing. January 19th, the town hall is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and our next meeting of the town commission is on February 3rd at 1:30. There are no board action reports. And with that, I'd like to adjourn. Oh,
we do one more thing. >> Just for the record, the special magistrate meeting has been um cancelled. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah, the agenda was already published. >> Cancelled the January 13th. Okay. >> We we just cancelled. Sorry. the January 13th um special magistrate hearing.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Not ours. Ours is still on February 3rd.