everyone and welcome uh welcome to the town of Highland Beach Town Commission meeting. Today is Tuesday, March 3rd and it's now 1:30 and I'd like to call the meeting to order. If we could have the roll call, please. >> Commissioner Chinowski, >> present. >> Commissioner Goldberg, >> present.
>> Commissioner Peters, >> present. >> Vice Mayor Stern, Mayor Moore, >> present. Town Manager Laby, >> present. >> And Town Attorney Rubin. Thank you. >> If we could all rise for the pledge. I pledge algiance 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. Um, if we can move to the agenda. Are there any changes to the agenda? If
none, if we could have a motion to approve. >> Yes. Motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Moving on to presentations and proclamations. Um, I do have one proclamation, a government finance
professionals uh week proclamation uh which is for March 16th through the 20th. Um, and this has to do uh with the Florida Government Finance Officers Association. Um, and it's a it's um it's government
finance professionals week and it's a week-long series of activities aimed at recognizing government finance professionals and the vital services that they provide. Um, so on behalf of the town commission, I recognize the week of March 16th through March 20th as
government finance professionals week. And we extend appreciation to our finance department and to all government finance professionals through Palm Beach County. And I think here to accept it is Susie. Do you want to come on?
>> Thank you very much, Susie, and your department and all the hard work that you do. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, S. on Thursday. >> But if I could for a minute to piggyback on there, it's very timely. As I had indicated to you, we did receive GFOA
certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting. Yet again, uh thank you Susie uh for keeping us in great standing for excellence in financing. >> Yes, thank you. Thank you very excellent result. >> Moving on to public comments. I'd like
to open up for P chief Mayor, commissioners, Glenn Joseph, fire chief. I'd like to introduce to you your newest member of our leadership team, Mr. Michael Ben. He's the captain here with us, been with us from the beginning. Uh we went and did a search
after Tom McCarthy departed and uh we went all over the state, got 21 applicants, narrowed it down to six that we wanted to interview, and guess who came up? Guy was guy next door. So, uh, three of the applicants were, you know, employees and he ended up, uh, being
chosen to replace Tom McCarthy. A little bit about him, he's a captain, lots of experience both as a law enforcement officer and a paramedic and a firefighter. Uh, finished since he's been here, master's degree in business. He's uh, been accepted to and halfway done with the executive fire officer
program at the National Fire Academy. Very prestigious achievement. And he's almost done with it in two years. Makes me look bad. and he's already been accepted into the post devil college graduate school for homeland security. So definitely a mover in the shaker
going in the right direction. I think he's going to be a great addition to our leadership team. He has the the right attitude, the right credentials and the right uh work ethic to continue making the fire rescue serve the three miles of paradise in the way you've become
accustomed to. Mr. Michael Denmark. >> Hey, welcome. I'm honored uh for this incredible responsibility and I look forward to serving the department and the town for many years to come. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Congratulations.
Good to have you. Thank you. >> Any other public comments? >> Seeing none, moving on to uh the consent agenda. any um issues with the consent agenda? If not, could we have a motion to approve? >> Yes. Motion to approve consent agenda. >> Second. >> All in favor say I.
>> I. >> Moving on to unfinished business, uh Florida Department of TransportationR project update. >> As I was uh going to inform the mayor and the vice mayor, as I was uh bantering about about FDOT, um
I would say that the project's done. Uh but we've been uh told, you know, 3 to four more weeks. Uh the frustration with that, not only have they now been 9 months past due and a million and a half over budget, but they won't let us start our sanitary sanitary sewer lining
project until this project is complete. So, we have to wait another month for our sanitary sewer lining project uh to commence. So, a month, I guess. Um but that would be the deadline. Uh they said they would allow us to start but not until the contractor's out who's taken
nine extra months uh to finish the project. So um >> we have no recourse. >> Well uh all the things that I've been sending you, we've been uh a lot of recourse is necessary with some of these
state agencies which is unfortunate. Um so I'll make a few calls. I don't know that it's going to speed it up at any process. I mean, it there it tends to make sense except for when the contractor takes 10 months. We award a contract on the premise of the original
contract and now we're hung out to dry. Uh but the contractor's been good to date. How much longer? I don't know. Um hopefully they won't walk from the project. Then we have to rebid and go through that. So, um we'll make some calls, but a month is when they said they'll be done with the
project. >> Okay. All right. Well, thank you for the update. Uh, moving on to the building department reertification program update. >> Hello. Good afternoon. >> Afternoon. >> So, Highland Beach Club located at 3594
and 366 South Ocean Boulevard are now reertified, which brings our total number of reertified buildings to 33. Tuscana West phase one reports are currently under review, both structural and electrical.
We have the ridge located at 3401 South Ocean Boulevard. Their phase 1 reports have been reviewed and it's been determined that they are required to proceed to a phase 2. They are still within the time frame to secure the concrete restoration permit.
And then we have 16 buildings under permit for restoration as they continue work. Overall, we continue to stay in a steady and positive position. >> So, nobody nobody um is um like delayed
or anything. Everything everyone >> very well. We're in a great place. >> Perfect. Okay, great. Thank you for the update. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay, moving on to item C. Discussion on increasing the maximum square footage
requirements for permanent signs. Okay, good afternoon. Uh, for the record in Great Allentown Planner, um, I figured I'd start off with a brief history of this item. I've kind of lay out all this information for you starting on page 80. Uh, on November 4th
of 2025, uh, there was a public comment made at the commission meeting from the president of the board of trustees for the Villa Magna condominium. Uh basically they want to replace their signs, their permanent signs that are on A1A. Uh the only issue with the replacement of the signs is that they
want the signs to be bigger. Um I provided for you a table on page 81 of your packets that shows the different size uh uh of the signs again, what they're proposing and what our code says. Um, so at that uh November 4th meeting, the commission uh you made a or
provided consensus that you wanted the item to be placed as a discussion item uh on the December 2nd commission agenda. Again, this was just a public comment that was made. Um on the December 2nd, 2025 commission or at that commission meeting, uh the commission,
you did give direction to the planning board uh to consider uh the following items. Um, and again, these are all listed on page 80 of your packets. Uh, the appropriate standard for maximum sign size. How large is too large? Should larger condominiums have larger
signs? Color and illumination of signs. What is the right signage look and size for Highland Beach? And does it fit the town's aesthetic? Safety of pedestrians and roadway, including visibility and sight lines. Appeal of variance process, an appeal or a variance process for
signage and review of other municipal sign codes. Now, the planning board did consider all these items at their January 8th, 2026 meeting, and they made the following recommendations to the commission. Say they want to increase the sign size using Boca Raton signing
code as a reference and you'll see the Boca Raton code uh starting on page 101 in your packets. They also recommended allowing for a variance procedure for dimensional requirements so that you could if you want a larger sign, you can now go for variance. Right now, you
can't do that. and adding in a universal rule uh across all condos subject to the criteria that the sign should fit in with the overall property and the building and use uh similar materials. Now um on these item on the uh November
excuse me December 2nd items that the commission asked the planning board to consider several of these items are already addressed in the code and on pages 81 and 82 I've provided you the you know what our sign code currently says. um about a lot of these items. So
included um here uh you have uh again we already have regulations about the color of a sign, the illumination of signs. We have a regulation about traffic safety, about pedestrian safety. We have regulations um specific to uh visibility triangles, again how they pertain to
signs. And we also have an appeals process in our sign code, but it's not to get a larger sign. It's not to change the size of the sign. It's specific to an error in any order, interpretation, requirement, decision, or determination. So, it's it's a bit limited. Um staff
did prepare a comparison table. Again, this is on page 101 of your packets. And here you'll see the sign regulations for Delray Beach, um Deerfield Beach, and Boca Raton as well as Highland Beach. U we looked at municipalities that have, you know, the high condos. So, it was, you know, kind of fits in what what's
the scenario here in the town. Um, now our previous uh uh code compliance officer prepared a spreadsheet with the approximate height and width of current condominium signage that you see here in the town. That's on page 103 of your packets. And he also provided some corresponding photos of
some of the of the current signs that you see in some of these condos. That starts on page 104. Uh so I'll be glad to address any questions that you might have. >> I have some thoughts I wouldn't mind sharing um to open it up a little bit. Um uh I thought the discussion at the
planning board was was really good, really helpful. Um and also I want to take into consideration lens guidance that we can't do anything um more restrictive. Um, so I guess I'd throw out there, um,
just to start off the discussion, um, to follow the planning board's direction to kind of look at Boca Raton's, um, rules, uh, they I kind of see it as, you know, they they say 72 square ft if
there's a minimum of 50 units or 32 square ft um, if there's five or more. I think 72 is a huge big difference for us. Um so I guess I would say uh maybe for us to consider 32. Um Bill Magna's
asking for 24 uh square feet. So I think 32 is more than what they're even asking for. So what they're proposing would fit within there. Um it would it's not less restrictive. So we should be able to um
fit in with that. And then another point of input that I thought the um was a good idea that the planning board made was to have a universal size, not differentiate. So I would recommend 32 square ft
um for for each of the items. Like right now we have 10, 10, and three. Um so just make them all 32. And then the other recommendation I would throw out there for us to consider is to allow for
the variance. So that was another consensus item from the planning board is to allow people to apply for variance if they needed to. And then I think any of the those other discussion items would end up being more restrictive than
we currently have. So um you know like applying a maximum height applying set back you know because we don't have it's silent on that stuff now. So and I think if we only made those
changes hopefully this would proceed pretty quickly. Um right so that's what I would throw out. Yeah. >> Um I had a few concerns. Uh I agree with increasing the size. Uh but and I
watched the planning board meeting. I thought they did a very good job on it. Uh however, using Boca Raton as a reference, a reference is only part of it. If you drive down and I called you and talked to you about that, if you
drive down A1A and you get towards Palmetto, you see huge signs on the west side for different areas. So, we got to be careful that when we put our ordinance together that we're looking at everything and that we don't allow beyond
what the number the mayor had suggested and uh go to just copy what's in there. We have to look at every line on that. That would be my point of view. >> One other comment, one other comment if I may. >> My my only comment is that I would like to have seen the planning board come
back with more specifics. Um I think the mayor's suggestion obviously I understand um but I would have expected them to say listen these are the measurements these are the size of the signs and be more specific to simply say we're going to follow in the footsteps of Boker a much larger uh geographical
area. I understand it, but I'm lacking those specifics. And I think what the mayor just suggested puts us in the right path, but I would have expected the planning board to have said, "Yes, Bill and Magna deserves this or this XYZ condo deserves this, but these are the
signs that we'd like to put in place." Uh my observation is that well the uh the appeal is too restrictive the way we have it. Uh and while we have the appeal, I think that it would be helpful
if we had uh perhaps a maximum that it could extend to. At least we should have more discussion about that. If someone came in and we had already decided on a 32 square ft and uh as a variance they wanted um 72
or they wanted 110, would we do that? Are we leaving it up to um that committee, that board that's hearing that uh or do we set a maximum or certain other considerations? Um secondly,
I want I questioned what would let me just see I think it's Ocean Cove when you have a monument when you have a large wall when where is the measurement? Is it the
letter or from uh you know each each side? >> Yeah, the whole structure. >> Then there's also what it sits on. So some of them have um a a stansion in the middle, others have it on the side.
Where is it measured from? So I think it it just has to be tightened up in that regard where we're doing it. But do you have a in in saying it was I think 18 um how was that measured? >> I want to put a sign right on the wall
in the front. Uh so that 10 square feet it's based on what that those less. We'll measure it that way. Someone's putting a freestanding sign then you know we'll measure obviously the 10 square feet based on signage. So, a
condo for instance, uh they could build a wall arbitrarily as large as they want. Is that right? And for as a monument, a decorative monument and have um the requisite measurements of the letters, are we going to have a limitation on the wall if it's not part
of the >> Yeah, I would think the wall would have to serve a purpose outside of housing the signage. So, it's a retaining wall. It's it's holding a staircase. that's part of the structural wall. If it's just a wall built to put letters on, that's a freestanding sign.
>> Yeah, that I mean that was Villanova's problem. We had we had a waterfall so we had the wall already. Um and then we wanted to put 20 foot sign on. They wouldn't let us. We had to go to 10. We didn't want to change the rules. Uh but yeah, my thing was what happens if you
take that wall down that your signs on now you can't build it as big. Could you keep maybe grandfathered in and they could build that wall back to the same dimensions? >> No. Generally with a nonconformity,
you'd have to conform if you disc >> and uh for Commissioner Goldberg's questions, we don't have a lot of we don't have any well barely any commercial signs on the beach, but generally as Ingred said, you put a box around the letters. Usually when you're doing wall signs because they're on a bigger structure, you'd kind of box
around the letters and then you measure that area so it doesn't include the entirety of the whatever it's located on. >> But we have um such as the uh Ocean Cove, I think that was it's on a and and the Villanova. >> Mhm.
>> There is uh it's it's on a um a monument. Are we calling it a monument? Is that how is that how we're defining it? And not a structure. I don't know if you would necessarily call it a monument because usually when you see a reference line, but maybe just
part of the wall of the retaining wall just a wall. >> Well, I think it might be beneficial uh to be able to define those items. Um I was I was puzzled by it. I didn't know for sure what we're what we're
measuring. >> The planning board was addressing the sign. I mean, they were actually addressing the sign. They were not addressing the structure. Uh, and when you listen to it, then they were addressing the sign itself. So, I mean, right now, and I think the mayor in her
opening remarks was addressing the size of the sign. I mean, that's what we're really talking about. And that's the request by uh, Villa Magna, the size of the sign. And again, I'm not sure if the planning board was sitting here right now and we were to say, "What is
appropriate right now? What would you recommend for the size of the sign?" I'm not exactly sure right now what they would recommend. And that's where and I would I would like to have an answer from them on that specific point from the planning board. The mayor is making a great suggestion,
but did they really address the size of the sign? >> So, could we I I guess I'll throw in another idea. Could we um I guess I'd throw out 32. Just throw out there 32 just to kind of get the
ball rolling and then see what the planning board, you know, whatever our consensus is, right? That's just my idea. You know, we need all of us. Um, and and I guess I'll I'll say the other reason why I got comfortable o other
than it's what Book Raton uses, which was a recommendation by the planning board to kind of follow um what Book Raton uses, but just not the larger one, the smaller size of 32. Um, if you look at some of our other current signs in
Highland Beach, >> other than Ocean Cove, which is massive, but all the other ones, um, they're like 28 square ft, 25 square ft, uh, 24 square ft. So 32,
um, would, you know, all these signs would would fall within the 32. And also it falls nicely with the request from from Villa Magna. So
I don't know if that would speed things along if I I don't know. I wonder if um if the commission if that's the consensus of the commission perhaps start drafting it with a number and I'll throw out there 32 but we can come to a
consensus and then the variance and then they can go and then she can go to the planning board and get their input on that. Would that help speed things along because I know uh Villa Magnus's been waiting for a while.
Right. >> Right. And it will go back to planning board as part of the process. So >> may I ask you a question? Are are you suggesting right now across the street on the inter coastal side the size is 10 square feet. Are you suggesting we also
raise that to the same guidelines on the same side of the street as the unit? >> I am. So, so basically the the chart that has all the municipalities and and one of the rows is for Highland Beach. >> So, right now Highland Beach um it's
it's basically 10103. So, my recommendation is to make it 32 32 32 and then add the ability to ask for a variance. That is what I I'm throwing out there for discussion
>> with a guard rail for a maximum height. Is that what I heard too? Do you want to use the bokeh number as the maximum? >> That's a good one. >> So that's a good one. >> So you could do 32 uh as a permit and then move your your appeal zone because I don't know that we really want to call it a variance. The appeal zone would be
from 32 to 72, but you can't go more than 72 like that. >> And that kind of does put that maximum guard rail >> right >> in place. Do you like 7 ft? 7 feet is tall. >> Yeah. Not to get into the weeds here, but >> but the height does include the
pedestal. Okay. I'm sorry. >> We do. If we say uh but in no event larger than 72 square feet, does that automatically get us to 72 on every one, which would defeat what we're trying to do. So perhaps there's a way council if
you could just think. >> Yeah. Well, I was can we >> I was just curious. I mean, do you want a variance? You know like the legal standard for variance is very high. You have to show a non-self-imposed hardship has to be unique to the property special condition circumstances or do you want
some sort of appeal process where they can provide the justification for a larger and if you did such a process would you want it it can come back here it can come back to commission um it doesn't have to go to board of adjustment appeals you know you can structure it any way you would like to
structure it >> len would the appeal process be to us or to the planning board >> well that's what I'm saying you can set it up any way you want, but if you want it to come to you, then it should come to you, >> I think. So, >> what I have done >> planning board first and then us. >> There you go. >> Yeah. I would recommend
>> recommendation the variance. >> Planning board first and then us. >> Now, when while we're doing this, um I think that we should look at the entire statute. I had a question. I thought it was uh interesting. The definition of garishness.
>> Yeah. But remember, we can't be more restrictive. Not. >> Yeah, >> we can't be more restrictive or burdensome. >> So, >> and it's but showy >> light bulbs >> glaring.
>> Well, it says like no intermittent, no, you know, we have the sea turtle lighting rules. And I think for in the interest of time and what we can actually do, maybe we should just keep it simple and just address the size.
>> Um, Well, I'd suggest perhaps we can get a red, send it back, a reddraft, and then um perhaps look at that, discuss it a little more, even if it's just a tweaking the language. We can't make it
morely brilliant. >> What is that? What is >> So, they discussed this at the planning board, too. Um and I think they ultimately said just, you know, leave it the way it is. Um maybe we could do that
make that as a more long-term project to revisit. Okay. >> Um but I just think in the interest of time um let's just adjust the maximum size and the variance issue. >> Now what happens this is probably just
fundamental but let's put it on the record. What happens to the existing signs? >> They're non-conforming. So, if they don't meet whatever regulations the commission ultimately adopts, they'd be non-conforming. They'd be allowed to stay. They'd be allowed to be repaired. They just if they're destroyed more than 50%, they'd have to
comply >> with the code requirements or Yeah. or 100%. If you knock it down, you'll have to comply with the code. That going back to your garish, I think the thing that saves the garish, cuz I agree with you, it's it's an interesting word. I don't know if I've ever seen that in a code before, but it does say garage signs are
not in harmony with and are not compatible with the building or adjacent surroundings. So, you can kind of use that because most sign codes will have a provision that um the materials be compatible, which only makes sense with the main structure. And I think I think we can use that garish. I I understand
it's a strange word and the definition doesn't help that much, but I think that last sentence is what helps us the most to ensure that the signs are compatible with the primary building. >> Okay. Okay. I'm in agreement with that. >> And for what it's worth, Delray Beach
also has the word garish. They happen to have it as well, but yeah. >> Well, they may all be copying from each other with hopes that someone will define it or contest reinvent the wheel. Right. Right. >> Okay. All right, good.
>> So, can I make the motion then? I guess. Um, I move that staff drafts an ordinance to increase the maximum area size to be 32 square ft for each of the three scenarios we have. and
then add a process for variance where it goes to the planning bird board first and then to the commission for ultimate decision. >> I'll second that. >> Should we do a roll call? >> All right. Can I one clarification
before you vote? So, do you really want a variance or you really want more of an appeal? Because a variance, those are established standards. That's what I thought. I just I just want to make sure before you voted. Thank you. modified to be appealed. Good. Okay.
>> Mayor Moore, >> yes. >> Commissioner Chinowski, >> yes. >> Commissioner Goldberg, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peters, >> yes. >> And Vice Mayor Stern, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you everyone. Thank you. Okay. Good. Yes. Yes. I hope that makes it go
along faster. Moving on to item D, consideration of fiscal year 2025 2026 strategic priorities plan. >> Okay, so this is your final plan again that this is a dynamic uh document. So
uh it changes over time with updates. Uh there was a comment or co or suggestion that we create a dashboard. I have a draft one here that we're Madison's still working the kinks out. uh where basically we would have a visual display
of the progress on the strategic priorities. I would think that we would look at uh updating that on a quarterly basis for the website. So you could see that and also we're going to be adding on larger scale say uh capital improvement projects that aren't really a strategic
priority but could be a large investment for the water plant let's say and we should be tracking that progress as well. um something that's around, you know, $100,000 or more, you know, not, you know, we got to replace this motor at
$28,000, that's really not so strategic. But if it's we have to study well 8 to make sure it produces water over the long term and it's 150,000, you should want to know how are we tracking on that because it's critical. Uh so we're going to be adding some of those uh uh capital improvements and it's just a colored
dashboard that you could flip through. Uh I just printed this out quickly. I will share this after the meeting back to an email with you. Again, this is draft. We're working on that to to see how that looks, but it has much of the same information, a little bit more tool, so you don't have to go through a a document. And then on a quarterly
basis, we'll bring it back to the commission, go through the dashboard at any point in time. Anything changes that's critical, we'll change uh the dashboard as we go. So, it'll be a little more visual and you can kind of uh uh work your way through that. So,
um, and again, the plan that you have in front of you does capture, >> um, all of our main priorities. I know there's going to be a, uh, front page story on our strategic planning process in the Coastal Star. Page 12, you know, whatever, you know, like one, but 12
will work. >> Uh, our strategic priority is to get on the cover. But no, um, >> uh, this is kind of encapsulates all the work, the rankings that you guys put in place. It also tracks the progress from the prior years. And again, um, as I've
said in the past, I try to keep it very simple. If you get bogged down in a strategic planning process, that's what you're do. That's that uh analysis paralysis concept where you just get lost in paperwork and nothing happens. We'd like to stay focused on the outcome side. So, this is kind of just a a a
series of uh strategic guidance uh document kind of moves us forward and we'll report back. So, uh, this has it again next quarter it'll come in. It'll be updated. Um, I think I'm going to tie it cuz I see Susie in the back. We're going to tie that with our quarterly financials. So, then again, we're
starting to bring all the pieces together so you'll see where we're at with strategic priority. We'll have a var a quarter our quarterly variance report or financial report, however Susie wants to call it to kind of show how we're progressing through the year and any changes or highlight anything that kind of seems to jump off the page
on on our budget. So, it's slowly coming together to be this one huge dynamic process. And then again, that all ties in with that 5-year forecast that we do kind of in May to start to think about our budget process through the summer.
>> I think that is a fabulous idea. Great plan. Great. >> Excellent. >> Good. >> Any other If no, yes, absolutely. >> No further discussion on that. Moving on to new business. Item A, approve and
authorize the mayor to execute a professional services agreement between the town and South Florida Engineering Services Incorporated to provide ongoing engineering consulting services. >> So, what we we're doing is is kind of part of our succession planning over on
the public works side of the house. Um, and what challenges us as a small time is we can't really justify the expenditure, if you will, to have a full-time engineer on staff. We just don't have the volume of work to justify
paying and hiring and keeping busy at PE, a professional engineer. So, uh, there's an engineering firm that we've worked with over the years. Um the gentleman that runs South Florida Engineering had worked prior with Baxter and has worked here for about 15 16
years on most of our construction projects. Um he started his own engineering firm. So in effect this is not CCNA. So if we design something new a new fire station or a new front end we'll have to go get an engineering firm to do that. This engineer will help us
with the technical side of review and recommendations. help you and myself when we have a real technical plan uh engineering issue. How do we tackle that? And also to help with some elevated uh building engineering, water
sewer reviews through the development process that comes here and there. So, the idea is to bring South Florida engineering in on is kind of like our in-house engineer on an hourly basis. Um not a ton of work, but it it's going to help. And what I say with succession is
um you know with Pat hitting his retirement Sergio's coming in Sergio's skill set slightly different but highly valuable to us. So we need that technical piece to help with that true professional engineering decision making and
guidance. So this what this firm would do so uh we continue to move forward and then we have that to queue up and on. We'll be consistent with state statutes with CCNA. So, we're not going to violate any of the engineering statutes of the state. This is mostly for an
internal house consulting, uh, plan review, construction, inspection as we build stuff. We have a technical professional engineer representing our interests in the hole, if you will, kind of watching things get done. So, uh, that's what I'm asking for today. So, if
I could answer any other questions, I'd be glad to. >> What might be a upcoming project that you would use him for? Um, well, we had a few that kind of triggered it. We had a very technical uh new home construction with some movements of
meters and uh sewer leads, things of that nature. Milani Park has a lot of technical engineering where they're doing new taps, this and that. We've never uh in our time here developed what we call standard detail sheets. What is it exactly? How we want people to tie
into our water? Who's going to sit there and watch them do this? uh experiences I've had I've I've done this in my last employer where you know we didn't have the dough or couldn't find a professional engineer. We had to work for them. We just couldn't do it. Uh but we had a firm that would uh advise us
you know hey this is what you should do. Put those standard details. We want stainless steel fittings. We don't want fernco. We want this type of connection. We might want a standard thread on our our hydrants. We should have that detail on it. So when a a new developer or somebody comes in or something changes,
here's what what our expectations are. They then would we also have a fee schedule in here too at some point, right? >> Yes. >> Yep. On the resolution C, they post an escrow. They pay the hourly basis for us to sit and watch that connection be made rather than running Pat ragged where
he's looking in the hole running over to another project misses something. We'll have that full-time inspection capacity and that technical review whatever that project may be. Milani Park stuff that's being done by our design engineer that we hired. It'd be nice to have an engineer on our side saying, "Ah, he's
kind of going a weird way with that. You should try this." And said just another expert at the table, too. Helps us >> that that represents us. >> It represents our side of it. So, we hire a design engineer. We hope their best interests are ours, but it's nice to have somebody that we're paying to to
make sure uh some people may call it like an owner's rep in the private sector. You have an owner's rep if you're building some large scale stuff. kind of that Kaufman Lin model where we have somebody kind of watching us and uh as we move through the process. >> Marshall would be helping us in our
projects. We have like uh >> already he's already uh Aaron uh who does this he's great. He's good to work with got a good head on his shoulder. He has a stable of engineers that work for him. So if he needs a structural or somebody with sewer or an environmental
person, they have that uh available and will be on point. and they've already looked at a couple plan reviews. I already told them I need standard detail sheets. So, uh, they did a cross, you know, like we want to add a couple crosswalks which will be in the manager stuff. We have for for Belo. We want to
get them to their beach access, not getting hit by cars or, you know, playing leaprog. Aaron and his team quickly put together a typical crossing in those locations and are going to FDOT on our behalf. We could have done that, but we're not as skilled as him and his
transportation engineer that can have that language and move it forward for us. >> Good. >> I love the idea of Marshall and I I think whether it's construction, whether it's safety, whether it's health, preventative, I would give you a badge
that would say Marshall Levati preventative. And I think this is another step towards that >> and I support that. And and again, we we we've kind of come to that point where we need this, you know, we just can't bridge the gap without having a
PE. It's just sometimes it's a comfort blanket. Sometimes it's just the the expertise. CAD, we don't even have CAD here. We don't want to spend all the licensing to get CAD writers and start doing. It's just good to have a firm that can do some of these things as needed and kind
of represent you and snow help uh you know share ideas with and help move projects forward. And for Sergio in the future or myself in the future or the commission in the future, hey this seems kind of odd. How should we tackle this? Well, at least we have an engineer to be like here are some options um you know
best practice stuff like that. I like this particularly >> the um that you could see from the billing rates the uh the addendum here u they have a variety of engineers whether it be electrical civil etc. It's hourly
uh so we're not under any retainer where we're not using the cost. Um question. Can any of these fees uh uh be put towards the um uh the build the >> Yep. So >> public.
>> So that goes into the the fee stuff. We'll get a greater detail for those that are interested. Not the group that's leaving that doesn't seem to be fee schedules related to engineering. But um so if we have say for Milani Park, right? So we're going to put this in place. They're going to want to do um a
sewer connection. We want them and they they got a whole bunch of county details. There's a few things that were missing that we would require say like a stainless steel fitting that we want on the ocean front, things of that nature. Well, they they're going to have to make and pay for that connection. They're not
waved from connection fees. So, they would pay the connection fee and then place an escrow based on their uh estimation of cost into escrow, which will cover the hour-to-hour basis for the construction inspector to be on site filling out the notes and doing it. So, that cost isn't carried by us on the
construction side. It's them. We would take it through the fee schedule on the plan review. We pay that directly to them to say, "Hey, take a look at the plans. What questions might you have or changes you want to see?" But when it goes to the construction and we have somebody camped out watching and observing all of the work that would be
carried by the developer, the homeowner, the whatever that's doing or requesting that permit to make the connection. >> All right. So, a good part of this would be the homeowner >> or the developer, whoever. >> Right. Sure. >> Where does it say that?
>> In the fee schedule in item 11 C. So, it's a two-part. One, we got to get them on contract. Even if you didn't pass the fees, I need them on contract. >> Yes. >> The fee schedule identifies those two unique items now as >> if it's 4 in and larger. You know, we're doing it and you're going to pay our
cost to do it for you. Basically, think a big condo needs a 6 in water or 6 in or 4 inch fire. We're going to put it in because we're having problems of homeowners hiring a plumber out of the yellow pages to start yanking around on our infrastructure, which one isn't
permitted by ordinance. two can be very dangerous and subject our system to failure early. So, we're we're going to start differentiating that if it's smaller residential stuff, say a 2 inch or 3 in line, homeowner, you could hire whoever you want, but we're going to
watch you put it in and make sure it follows all of our details. So, >> so this is our fee schedule. >> Yeah. >> Um in our ordinance, >> it's going to be Y >> on on item 11 C, we'll be making that correction. Okay,
>> I'm I'm looking at these fees and they're I wish I had them at my uh waterproofing. They're much more practical than >> diesel. >> I was looking at their feet, >> but um yeah, I mean the rates have
really gone up. Uh South Florida has a special rate structure. It looks very California-like, but um >> uh it's not that bad. I mean comparative >> uh Aaron and his team those are pretty reasonable rates uh for engineering much
like our in-house attorney >> offers us a very fair rate structure. >> Yep. >> I'm taken with even clerical the the billing for it. >> Well, a lot of that stuff a lot of that stuff doesn't happen or pop up. Um >> no,
>> it's mostly it's very minor. It's usually like a tenth of an hour for them to mail something. It's not really common. Most of it you'll be senior associate or project engineer or construction inspector. Those are more where we're going to be camped out in.
Um higher level stuff maybe with the crosswalks and some of those elevated meetings trying to convince a state agency to say yes. That probably comes up a little bit. >> Okay. >> Any additional comments? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. I'm in favor. Sounds uh it's a
good idea. So, um I guess we need a motion. >> Yes. Make a motion to approve to approve uh the professional services agreement. >> I'll second that >> as presented. >> Commissioner Goldberg,
>> yes. >> Vice Mayor Stern, >> yes. >> Commissioner Chinowski, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peters, >> yes. >> And Mayor Moore, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Moving on to item B, resolution number 20266-00002, a resolution of the town commission of
the town of Highland Beach, Florida, approving an application for financial assistance under the Florida Inland Navigation District waterways assistance program and providing for the certifications and assurances and providing for an effective date.
So, the fine grant program that we applied for and you did this last year, we have to renew it because that got delayed because of our permitting issues uh that I have communicated to you uh via email. We can I I was going to talk about it more in the manager report, but
it relates to this, but this is so we can qualify for the grant for the marine docking facility. Um uh they've been good to work with. The fine commissioner is even going to help us with our permitting situation, if you will. Uh help us try
to figure out why, uh the South Florida Water Management District's taking such a very strong, unusual, irrational position on our project. So, um but this just allows us so we can qualify for the grant and get that money. Uh which they
committed last year. uh Major O and went to was that last month, 3 weeks ago, went to the fine commission. They're very excited about this project. They are just as frustrated and confused as us over the permitting issues. Uh but they're fully embracing this project and
its importance here and the south part of the inter coastal waterway uh for public safety operations, which you would think would be important to everyone except for the South Florida Water Management District. >> Do we have to resubmit until we get an open.
>> So, we submitting we submitted for the grant. So, everything's good and we just can't technically get the grant unless we have permits in hand. Therein lies the rub where we got lost last year in the wash. Um they became very difficult to work with.
Our engineers initially messed missed a few steps along the way, but once we got into the process, now we're finding the permit agency is again quite irrational >> and not outcome focused. We want to protect the environment. We believe we're doing so and any impacts we have
is dimminimous to a lowquality seabed structure, which means low density. and they're putting their heels in as though we're wiping out mangroves for a marina gas facility or a a liqufied natural gas transfer station. That those are the
type of projects where they should be digging in uh 32.6 square ft for a public safety operation supported by multiple agencies. The state legislature, this commission is, you know, we're we're hitting uh maybe a crusader in the permit side or some kind
of we're just lost in the wash, if you will. So, uh, as I indicated in the email, uh, we've reached out to our lobbyists. I've reached out to, uh, Representative Gasset Sideman. I'm going to be reaching out to Moore and anyone that, uh, will hear. Uh, we sent out a
refreshed letter kind of stating our case to the director of the South Florida Water Management District. I I'm I'm at a loss. Um, so we are going to keep pushing >> but at the same time on the back side of
that I am unwilling to spend >> right >> endless taxpayer dollars to design stuff that really doesn't result in a tangible improvement into the environment or to the habitat for the manatees, >> right? >> Or without a guarantee that the dollar
spent will result in a permit in hand. You can't we can't do that. That is terrible >> governance >> governance financial prudent. It's just it's not there fin. It's terrible. So we've put a hold cuz our engineer said, "Hey, you
want me to design all of this extra stuff for which they're not saying would work for the impacts. I'm not giving him money to start working on stuff if it doesn't result in a yes." And I believe the $200,000 of extra work for the 32.6
square feet and then endless years of trying to recreate seaggrass, which a seaggrass expert says is like chasing a unicorn. It doesn't work and the state never has. Why are we in this condition or position? So, I have a lot of concerns with the South Florida Water Management District. I hope we get this
straightened out once maybe uh the management side kind of hears some of this and they start putting their head around it. I I hope uh we find ourselves in a better position here um over the next month because we got to April is
the resubmission date. We've done two seaggrass surveys. My guess is they're going to ask us to do a third for which I'm not going to spend another 25 grand to look at the same seabed that's one to five% density. It just doesn't make any sense. We're we're spending money. We're throwing good money after bad for what
purpose? I they have not or where is that improvement to the environment? So, um or to the habitat, especially when the water's a foot deep. That's where you hear manatees getting stuck. Why are we trying to save a an area where they can't even eat the seagrass? So, we're
going to work through this. And unfortunately, we have to work up the food chain at this point. It's so unfortunate that with a a due date in April, >> is there um any after you
go along the steps that you've spoken about, is there any legal redress? >> I I don't I don't know. I mean >> I mean that's another cost of course, but >> to do that what Well, here's the problem with that is we actually would we'd have to go through the administrative remedy type scenario. We would have to let them
deny or demand and make it final. At which point in time then we could possibly considered some type of specialized legal action to appeal it or fight it or to create a have Peggy draft a bill to the legislature to try to get
them to take um I've heard some weird things that uh you know some of the legislator governor's office is not really happy with the South Florida Water Management District. I don't know what's going on. I it seems like every time this little town jumps into a project, we find ourselves into these
larger state issues. Um I'm hoping, but yeah, I think we could legal would be when so basically we formally requested and said we're asking for a dimminimist mitigation waiver, which they grant. They grant this all the time, but not
us. But they grant it all the time. I am baffled at all points, especially when I have experts telling me it appears they have it out for Highland Beach. That's shocking. It's not me saying that. I would say that normally by reading all this like, "Boy, it seems like somebody doesn't like us." Now, I'm having experts tell us this. That's that's
shocking. I have a fine commissioner that's going to go on a visit. Fine commissioners generally don't get involved in a project like this. They just say, "We'll give you money, not money. Review it." They're actually going to make point to go see some people at the South Florida Water Management District. Like, this is critical
for the protection of the waterway. Why why are you doing this over 32.6 ft? Now, if it was thousands of square feet, we're ripping out mangroves. Yeah, I would probably have to mute my frustrations. But this is very simple. It's wide open. It's grally sand kind of
sediment and 1 to 5% density seaggrass. So, if you take an area this side, 1% it's got seaggrass in it. >> That's crazy. >> It kind of sounds like a front page coastal star. >> Well, that'd be good.
when you know when we're trying to do something right and willing to follow the process and we're you know we're at this point with it where we have to move through it you know I know the state says local governments take you for a for take residents for a long walk on short bridges but this sure does seem
like it to me from a state agency just like EPOT you know what's going on where is the accountability where is the professionalism on that they'll probably say to the opposite we're protecting every last square branch, I guess. Um, but again,
they've offered mitigation waiverss for dimminimous impacts like this on a lot of other projects, even private projects, not just public projects. So, I >> mean, this is a safety issue, >> right? Well, I mean >> I mean, we're not we we don't want to redecorate. >> I've never heard of a thing where the
state appropriation bill gets passed. I know there's some politics involved finding this project valuable enough more so than Delray got zero projects. We got our project, you know, we were, you know, we found an earmark where the legislature, both parties signed off, the governor, which likes to veto
everything, signed off on this project in the inter coastal waterway for the South County, South Florida area, and we just we're stuck, you know. >> So, what happens if um April deadline passes?
Are we restricted from continuing the fight? Can we term, so to speak? No, I'm going to go through the administrative options. I'm going to go complete the process without okay >> creating any more design. We've done everything. We've changed the surface of
the dock to to allow to minimize the shadowing to allow light to penetrate. Realigned it to the I guess you can if you could find lower densities than 1% but we you know move the pathway around. So, we've done everything we can do or
are going to do at this point because the spending the money hundreds of thousands of dollars for stuff that won't improve the seaggrass, nor should we have to uh here's another wild one, right? So, they said, "Well, you've got to for that
impact 32.6 ft, we have to go find a marginalized area dredge zone where seaggrass is poor. Find it. They won't help us or tell us where that might be. So, I have to go find consultants to go find this area, okay? And then create improve it with
seaggrass, which has never worked in the state of Florida, but we're going to be the first ones to get it to work and then monitor it for 5 years to ensure its success over a 5-year period for something that's never worked. I mean, if if you if you start to think your way through this, and it's just not me. It's like talking to these experts,
it's so irrational that there is no positive outcome. And it's not like it's a private project in any fashion. So for public safety, it's it's it's baffling, but we're going to move through. So >> seems to me to be going to send the letters. We're going to work our way through it and get them to a point where
they say, "You're denied if that's what they really want to say, and then we could take a fight a different direction >> if we need to." >> Yeah, I I agree with that approach. Keep going. This is a top strategic priority for us. >> Yeah. Um, it's obviously a public safety
issue. Yeah. Let's keep going to until we get this approved. So, yeah. Okay. So, I guess we need a motion to approve the resolution. >> Yes. Motion. I move to approve resolution 2026-002.
>> I second it. >> Okay. >> Commissioner Goldberg. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peters. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Chanovski. >> Yes. Vice Mayor Stern, >> yes. >> And Mayor Moore, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Moving on to item C,
resolution number 2026-00003, a resolution of the town commission of the town of Highland Beach, Florida, amending resolution number 2025-024 to revise exhibit C of the fiscal year 2025 2026 schedule of fees establishing
fees and charges for the for the town services, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. >> Yep. So again from our prior conversation establishing a consulting town engineer this item C that you'll
see under uh 10 and 11 on exhibit C you see the installation cost those were the changes that were made and again 4 in and larger they do it but they have to set an escrow for us to manage the project if it's wait no yeah yep if it's if it's
a commercial size project basically they give us an escrow we watch it if it's smaller residential in nature. We're going to do it. We're going to do it so they don't get a plumber. And again, there's great plumbers, but they're bad plumbers, and you have to have certain licenses in the state of Florida to work on public infrastructure. So, we'll do
the smaller stuff because the cost will come down. Uh, but on larger projects, say like a Milani Park or a new condo development, this or that, they can do it, but they're going to set an escrow for us to watch them do the work. So, just to visually inspect it, make sure
it's done properly. >> Makes And that's both on the water and on the sewer side. >> Perfect. Okay. >> If we all agree, we have a motion to approve. >> I move to approve resolution number 2026-00003.
>> I second it. >> Commissioner Goldberg, >> yes. >> Commissioner Peters, >> yes. >> Commissioner Chinowski, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Stern, >> yes. >> And Mayor Moore, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you very much. Moving on to town commission com uh comments. Commissioner
Chabnowski, >> uh in keeping with our theme of health and safety, um March and April uh are going to be interesting months because the foundation, the police and fire foundation have moved forward in
supporting an effort to have all condos, high-rise condos do training for AEDs and CPR. uh we are paying for that uh with the help of the fire department and the EMTs and uh we're really excited about it. I
think within the first few hours of us putting out an email and nine organization, nine associations have signed up uh to have the team be there. Uh it's a wonderful program and I think it's going to spread through the entire area during these couple of months.
Also, uh, I was notified that the town of Del Rey has passed an ordinance of putting in high-rise condos every other floor. So, 135 in high-rise condos, and they're going to be putting in AEDs in all those floors. It's going to be
interesting if Boer and other communities actually look at it the same way. But again, it's our theme of health and safety and it seems to be pretty standard and and the buzz is outstanding about it. >> Great. But thank you. >> Well, that's wonderful foundation. Thank you.
>> Yes. >> That's wonderful work. >> Thank you. I don't have any further comments today. >> Yeah, I'm looking forward to that. Chief, you'll be doing the CPR too and all that for us. Uh looking forward I haven't did that since you want to come up in there.
>> We had a hundred people actually and Eric Goldenberg. >> I was going to ask you because I were looking forward our >> commissioners again. Yeah, we've been doing a CPR program here since the beginning. and anybody condominium or residents that want to get about 12 people together will provide an
instructor the equipment and it's at no cost to them. Mhm. >> So, this would be just an extension of that program and uh we'll do the scheduling. >> Yeah, I think I read if we don't have 12, maybe we can >> Yeah, you can mix and match. Yeah, you can mix. Just >> brought to you by the fire and police
and fire foundation. >> Is that what he said? You guys are the the foundations covering the cost. >> Funding the consultant that comes in, outstanding lady who's been running the course. Uh and um this is coming from the foundation. We're going to continue
to support it and uh working obviously uh the chief and his team have been the catalyst in this and um we're getting tremendous response from it. >> Beautiful. Beautiful. >> Any other questions? >> Very good. >> Thank you, Chief. Thank you. Thank you. Looking forward for that. Yes.
>> Only thing I want to end with remember it's turtle season everybody. So, uh dim those lights and >> watch the beaches there. I look forward to seeing all the people that they uh out there in the mornings early in the mornings. Um thank you for all their
hard work. Thank you. >> Don I forgot one thing to congratulate the gentleman who looks a lot like me his promotion. So my brother I'd like to congratulate him. >> Question came up. Do we need to make a motion on the strategic plan to officially approve it? No, >> no,
>> we're just keep on moving it. So, it'll constantly change when we bring it back. >> But thank you for asking the question. >> Just an update. We're continually looking at the uh walking path as it relates to uh battery operated vehicles. I met with the chief and some other
people and I'd really like the town to begin to put together some kind of guidelines. And the more I look at it, the more I personally believe that uh the walking path should be restricted uh and not have battery operated vehicles.
They should be on the bike path. I also am led to believe that um this is FDOT property. And so what I'm suggesting a is that we put something together that's good for Highland Beach, present it to them to try to get approval. And
secondly, if that happens and once it happens, I would reach out to uh Del Rey and Bokeh to see if we can get them to comply to Spanish River and to Linton Boulevard so the whole strip would be uniform and put the appropriate standing
sign. >> Great idea. >> Great. >> Yeah, I think that's a great idea. And uh yeah, thank you to the Police and Fire Foundation. I I think that is such a great idea, this training that you're doing. Um that's going to be really impactful. that's going to save people and I think that's really fantastic. So,
thank you for all that work. Really appreciate it. >> Nothing more from me. Moving on to town attorney. >> No, ma'am. Thank you, >> man. >> So, we've moved beyond save the date to it's happening on March 24th from 4:30 to 6:30. We are having our employee
excellence recognition. What is it called? >> 30. >> Excellence and service awards. Thank you. We trying to come up with something catching. and I'm not catching on. Um, excellence in service awards where we will recognize police officer,
firefighter, paramedic, and employee of the year. And that's going to be on March 24th here at the fire station. Um, we've vote uh invited all of the condo presidents in our boards uh and committees to all come uh with with a
guest uh to attend. If you think of anybody you want us to invite, just let Madison know and we'll make sure we get them on the list. But it'll be similar to last year. Really nice event. uh going forward, we have a little bit of an issue with this uh event as I've been informed and we can't really solve
the problem and it's kind of concerning. So, I've been informed that the foundation is doing something very nice for the police, firefighter, and paramedic of the year. They're going to be giving them some some money to honor their commitment and success. We cannot
do it for employee of the year. Um because state statute prohibits us from giving special compensation without creating a bonus program that's outward or forwardlooking performance this and that. I worked with our labor attorney.
There are really no means to do it. We have ordered um a nice glass um specialty. Can >> it be a private donation? Lon, >> it sure can. I I >> It could be. It's just uh there's
>> Right. We >> No, you can private statute about it, >> but it can be a private donation. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, I I just feel I feel terrible. Um because it is Tyrone Powell. If no one's met him, he's awesome. Um, I feel bad
that, you know, he'll see police, firefighter, paramedics get a check and while he's getting a fabulous award, right? >> Uh, in the honor of working with such a cool boss, um, I think he might feel a little bummed out or a little bit or
excluded from something. So, I'm just a little concerned just going to leave it out there. um that again if we could find a a a private, you know, somebody to help out just until we could figure something else out or create a program or find something, but it requires an act of twothirds of the legislature
for us to give a an award like a monetary award. So, and then the other requirements are the IRS contribution. So, it's it's just we can't do it. It's I so now I'm starting to remember everything uh that Lara told us back in 2022 when we did that bonus program. It
had to be for forwardlooking progress. Had to be available to all employees that met a certain So we're just kind of stuck. Uh I just want to you know put that out there that I'm I'm concerned it might create some unease if you will even though Tyrone's pretty chill but I it it could
you know >> this is the first time you're doing an employee. he'll be the inaugural employee of the year. Uh which is cool, right? So, and we just wanted to do that because it's, you know, the event is we should start recognizing the rest of our employees along with police and fire who
do great work. So, um I think it's going to be a great event. I mean, it's going to be it's going to be awesome. Um you know, food. >> What is the number? What would we'd like to give him? I >> I would probably just match what you're giving the police and firefighters. Okay. And it's again, it's whoever that
employee is. Um I think whatever that number is, I've been told it's a number, but I you know, you'd be more attuned to that than I. Um >> we'll get that number. >> Okay, cool. So I think that I I appreciate that. Um I just, you know, I can't do anything from my end for us or
give you suggestions or motions or res. I just can't do anything. So I just wanted to to put that out there. Also, uh a unique story. Um I forgot some of the other commendations. I'll get those in the next uh next meeting. We had some good
stuff in the fire department. Uh but I got one from uh from Bill uh Officer Simple from Ken McNammy. Uh if you do remember, right, everybody knows uh Ken and if you're out there, Ken, how you doing? um
very a very very strong willed community activist, very strong opinions. Uh well, he got pulled over um and he was very complimentary to the experience uh of working with uh with Simple. So, I
thought that was cool cuz he's he was he's very opinionated and strong willed and a man of many words that sometimes aren't always the nicest, but he had nothing but kind words for the entire experience for which then he said he went and got resolution because his
registration had expired and how quickly he went to do it and how wonderful the experience was. So, I just wanted to share that, you know, our our officers out there doing uh great work even in those type getting pulled over and they're still happy to be with the experience of being pulled over. It's
nice nice to hear. Hard to do. >> Yeah, >> I think that deserves a >> thank you very much. >> That's excellent. Really excellent. Thank you to the police and our fire.
Um, moving on to announcements. Board vacancies. Code Enforcement Board, one vacancy for a three-year term. Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board, one vacancy for an unexpired term ending April 27. Upcoming meetings and events. Tomorrow at 10 a.m., we have the
Financial Advisory Board regular uh regular meeting. March 12th at 9:30 in the morning, we have our next planning board regular meeting. Uh March 24th at 1:30, we have our town commission special meeting. and swearing in ceremony.
And that evening we have the uh excellent service award >> 4:30 to 6:30. >> 4:30 to 6:30. >> Yeah. So that'll be a nice day. >> You're invited as well. I know you're skeptical, but you could come and enjoy the wonderful experience. >> All right. All right. >> You came last year, right? Did you Did
you come >> anything for the friend Paige? >> Just think that would be a great story. >> Yeah, we'll be there. And >> I'm still I'm working I'm angling here. >> And then April 7th is uh the next town
commission meeting. There are no board action reports. And with that we can adjourn. Thank you very much everyone.