Town of Highland Beach

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion points included the adjustment of the agenda to include a matter regarding blue-green algae under new business. The commission addressed the consent agenda, which involved the sole source acquisition approval for new Neptune non-moving part sonic water meters, totaling over $25,000, with discussions focusing on their reliability and life expectancy. Significant time was devoted to the continued discussion on building recertification ordinances, specifically addressing procedural language regarding inspection notice timelines and proposing a five-year rollout plan based on the building's year of construction, prioritizing the oldest structures. There was also a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed insignia for Fire Rescue, where the use of red for EMS was opposed by consultants based on industry standards, leading to a decision to utilize blue for EMS and fire insignias.

The primary discussion revolved around a proposed ordinance to allow accessory marine facilities, such as docks, to remain on a property after the principal structure has been demolished or removed. The Board reviewed specific conditions proposed to govern this exception, including requirements for the structure to be sound, the owner's intent to rebuild, maintenance of the lot (landscaping and fencing), and timeframes for completing the new principal structure (initially set at one year with a total maximum of four years before the dock must be removed). Concerns were raised regarding potential abuses, transferability of the allowance, and enforcement mechanisms if conditions are violated, particularly concerning the dock's use if a new home lacks a certificate of occupancy. The Town Planner, new to the role, provided context based on her previous experience, noting that generally, accessory structures must be removed upon demolition of the principal structure.

The meeting proceeded in a workshop format due to a lack of quorum initially, with updates on attendance provided periodically. Key discussions centered on a detailed financial review, including revenues and expenditures for the year by department, comparing budgeted amounts to actual performance. Specific attention was given to the strong performance of tax revenue, significant interest income driven by rising rates and investment strategy consultation, and the transfer of funds from reserves and ARPA funds to support the fire department construction, as mandated by previous referendums. A detailed financial presentation regarding the fire department's budget-to-actual performance, construction expenditures, and labor changes was added to the agenda as new business. The committee also reviewed the building department's strong performance, partly due to an interlocal agreement with Gulf Stream, which influenced staffing decisions. Expenditures showed the General Fund operating under budget, while Solid Waste costs were over budget due to a significant increase (over 100%) in trash service costs following a recent RFQ process, though some transition costs were absorbed by the general fund rather than immediately passed to residents. The Finance Director confirmed that trial balances were being released to auditors for the financial audit.

The Code Enforcement Board meeting addressed several cases. For Mandalco LLC, the violation concerned exterior work on a balcony railing without the required permit, leading to a recommendation of a fine of $250 per day until compliance. For AJR Grand Island Beach LLC, the case involved an open permit and unsafe structure status related to a 40,000-pound platform boat lift installation, with the town recommending a fine of $250 per day until removal. The case involving Barbara Fontabella and Jonathan Nelson (4502 South Ocean Boulevard) regarding a dirty pool was noted as corrected after the notice of violation was served, resulting in a recommendation for assessment costs of $250. The final discussed case, CC 2022-10-011 for Michael and Anne Romano regarding lighting restrictions for sea turtle protection, was still under review regarding necessary actions.

The meeting covered several agenda items requiring action. The Commission ratified Resolution 2023 regarding the selection, appointments, and term of office for members of the Planning Board, including an interview and appointment process for a vacancy, with Eve Rosen being appointed. A second resolution appointed Harris Rosen and Michael Thornson to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Two ordinances were considered: the first adopted administrative amendments to the 8th Edition 2023 of the Florida Building Code, and the second was a housekeeping item to update Section 30-7 of the zoning map code to reflect a prior rezoning decision from 2022. A third proposed ordinance aimed to incorporate lighting regulations for new and existing coastal structures to minimize the effect of artificial light on sea turtle populations, involving revisions based on prior commission comments where the 45% light transmittance requirement was limited only to new construction.