Regular Commission Meeting

Lake Park Town Commission, Florida Regular Commission Meeting Minutes Commission Chamber, Town Hall, 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL 33403 July 02, 2025 6:30 pm Roger Michaud __ Mayor Michael Hensley __ Vice Mayor John Linden __ Commissioner Michael O'Rourke __ Commissioner Judith Thomas __ Commissioner Richard J. Reade __ Town Manager Thomas J. Baird __ Town Attorney Vivian Mendez, MMC __ Town Clerk PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED, that if any interested person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Commission, with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such interested person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in the meeting should contract the Town Clerk’s office by calling 881-3311 at least 48 hours in advance to request accommodations. __________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 6:35P.M. PRESENT Vice Mayor Michael Hensley Commissioner Judith Thomas Commissioner John Linden Commissioner Michael O'Rourke ABSENT Mayor Roger Michaud PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge was led by Vice Mayor Hensley. Regular Commission Meeting July 02, 2025 Page 1 APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Vice Mayor Hensley requested that item 7 - Town Commission Priorities - FY 2026 Budget be moved to the July 16th agenda. Motion made to approve the amended agenda by Commissioner O'Rourke, Seconded by Commissioner Linden. Voting Yea: Vice Mayor Hensley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Linden, Commissioner O'Rourke. SPECIAL PRESENTATION/REPORT: 1. 2025 State of Florida Legislative Update - State Senator Mack Bernard, State Representative Jervonte Edmonds & Ms. Ellyn Bogdanoff - Becker & Poliakoff. State Representative Jevonte Edmonds provided the Commission with a presentation (Exhibit A). Commissioner O'Rourke thanked Representative Edmonds and staff for their efforts. Commissioner Thomas asked about funds of $900,000,000.00 that have been repealed and where does that money now go. Representative Edmonds stated that this would be revenue that the State would lose and would not affect Counties or Local Government. Commissioner Thomas had additional questions that could not be immediately answered and was directed to review the statutes for details. State Senator Mack Bernard gave a verbal update regarding the Legislative session. Ms. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Becker & Poliakoff gave an update regarding the Legislative session. Commissioner Thomas raised her disappointment and concerns regarding how Lake Park has been treated over the last two years. Town Manager Reade thanked Ms. Bogdanoff for all her efforts. He thanked the Senator and State Representatives and appreciated their efforts. Vice Mayor Hensley thanked everyone for attending. 2. Presentation - Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Mr. Noel Martinez, Ms. Caitlyn Bergman, and Ms. Jacqueline Ramirez presented to the Commission. (Exhibit B) regarding an initiative with Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Commissioner Thomas thanked them for the presentation. Mr. Martinez offered to conduct a community session in Town for residents and small businesses. He reiterated that you do not have to be a Chamber member to benefit from these services. Commissioner Linden asked if Regular Commission Meeting July 02, 2025 Page 2  the services were available to those small businesses that were less under 3-years in operation. Ms. Ramirez stated that as long as the business meets the “small business” criteria, then the services were available regardless of how long they have operated. Commissioner O’Rourke thanked them for the presentation. He agreed regarding the suggestion that the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Administrator meet with them to assist small businesses in the CRA. Ms. Bergman explained that on August 5th they will be hosting their first event, with a focus on starting up your business. Vice Mayor Hensley thanked everyone for attending and their presentation. 3. Proclamation - National Parks and Recreation Month - July 2025 Vice Mayor Hensley presented staff with the proclamation. Special Event Director Riunite Franks and Recreation Supervisor Michael Sloan accepted the proclamation. Special Events Director Franks thanked the Commission, her staff, and the Public Works Facility and Maintenance staff for all they do. Commissioner O’Rourke thanked Ms. Franks for all that she does and considers her an asset to the Town. PUBLIC COMMENT: This time is provided for addressing items that do not appear on the Agenda. Please complete a comment card and provide it to the Town Clerk so speakers may be announced. Please remember comments are limited to a TOTAL of three minutes. Captain Steen Eriksson, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, provided the 2024 Annual Report. He announced that they have an Honor Guard, Pipes, and Drums. He explained what the Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums do for communities. He welcomed the opportunity to schedule their services for any Town events. CONSENT AGENDA: All matters listed under this item are considered routine and action will be taken by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner or person so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Any person wishing to speak on an agenda item is asked to complete a public comment card located on either side of the Chambers and given to the Town Clerk. Cards must be submitted before the item is discussed. Regular Commission Meeting July 02, 2025 Page 3 Motion to approve the Consent Agenda made by Commissioner O'Rourke, Seconded by Commissioner Linden. Voting Yea: Vice Mayor Hensley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Linden, Commissioner O'Rourke 4. Minutes - Regular Commission Meeting - June 18, 2025 5. Proclamation - 14th Annual KidsFit Jamathon Day - July 16, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING(S) - ORDINANCE ON FIRST READING: NONE PUBLIC HEARING(S) - ORDINANCE ON SECOND READING: NONE NEW BUSINESS: 6. Town of Lake Park Strategic Plan - Scope of Work & Funding (Commission Contingency - Budget Adjustment No. 2025-4). Assistant Town Manager/Human Resources Director Bambi Turner gave a verbal presentation to the Commission. Commissioner O’Rourke felt this item should be part of the 2026 budget and priorities process. Commissioner Thomas outlined her understanding of the item and requested that the Commission discuss the item so that they could provide direction to staff. Town Manager Reade explained staff’s need in attempting to discuss this item. He clarified that the $20,000 cost to complete this process was because he knew a professional, who worked for a university, who was willing to do it for this price. Town Manager Reade explained the expectation of the strategic plan and his contract. The annual performance evaluation was conducted on the anniversary of his employment. The Commission discussed the Request for Qualifications process. Town Manager Reade assured the Commission that a contract to hire someone to conduct the strategic plan would come before them before a strategic plan session takes place. Commissioner Linden asked if the scope of work could come back at a future meeting, but lock in the $20,000 during this fiscal year. Town Manager Reade stated that staff would bring back the scope of work for Commission approval. He explained that the Commission could move forward with the budget adjustment, which was separate from the scope of work. Motion to use the contingency funds for funding the Strategic Plan made by Commissioner O'Rourke, Seconded by Commissioner Linden. Regular Commission Meeting July 02, 2025 Page 4  Commissioner Thomas clarified that the motion was to move funds from one account to another for a strategic plan. A future agenda item will come back to the Commission for the Scope of Work. The Commission all agreed. Assistant Town Manager/ Human Resources Director Turner read back her understanding of the Commission’s desire. Voting Yea: Vice Mayor Hensley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Linden, Commissioner O'Rourke 7. Town Commission Priorities - FY 2026 Budget This item was moved to the July 16, 2025 agenda. 8. Discussion Item — 10-Year Roadway Improvement Plan and Pavement Preservation Program Public Comment: Mary Beth Taylor comments presented as an exhibit (Exhibit C). Public Works Director Jaime Morales presented to the Commission (Exhibit D). Commissioner Linden asked if the road study conducted several years ago was used in developing the 10-year roadway plan. Public Works Director Morales stated that the study drove the development of this plan. Commissioner Linden wanted to avoid the Town residents paying for this work. Commissioner O'Rourke asked if the plan could be modified to include specific roads that have been identified as those with the most issues, such as 2nd Street or Park Avenue. Public Works Director Morales explained that the Town was pursuing grant funding for stormwater services. He further explained that as they conduct the stormwater improvements then it would allow to improve the roadway. It was for these reasons that the projects along 2nd Street were moved a few years out, allowing for those funds to be used on other roadways. Commissioner Thomas felt this plan was in line with the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). She thanked Public Works Director Morales for driving her around Town and explaining on-going projects. She tied this plan with the strategic plan for the Town. Vice Mayor Hensley commended staff for putting a plan together and funding it without using ad valorem taxes. Commissioner O’Rourke asked what different surface types and treatments were for the roadways. Public Works Director Morales explained the difference between cape seal and mill and overlay. Commission Thomas expressed traffic concerns regarding the intersection of Palmetto Drive, Flagler Blvd and Second Street. Community Development Regular Commission Meeting July 02, 2025 Page 5  Director Nadia DiTommaso explained that she was made aware, at the end of the day, about the FPL issue at that intersection. Town Manager Reade recapped that the staff goal was to bring back, each year, as part of the CIP and budget, how much it would cost to do roadwork. 9. Discussion - Proposed Amendments to Town Code - Sections 72-2 and 72-3 (Public Infrastructure Maintenance Responsibilities). Public Works Director Morales explained the item. Commissioner Thomas expressed concerns with proper tree maintenance on private property and their impact on the sidewalks. Commissioner O’Rourke supported the draft Ordinance language. Vice Mayor Hensley asked for a program for residents to follow. The draft Ordinance would clarify the responsibilities of the residents versus Town. 10. Florida League of Cities Voting Delegate - Annual Conference - August 14 - 16, 2025. Motion to select Mayor Michaud as the Town’s voting delegate made by Commissioner O'Rourke, Seconded by Commissioner Thomas. Voting Yea: Vice Mayor Hensley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Linden, Commissioner O'Rourke TOWN ATTORNEY, TOWN MANAGER, COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Town Attorney - none Town Manager Read explained the upcoming (July 16) agenda items. Staff would reach out to coordinate a date to conduct a Special Called Park Avenue Downtown District Workshop. He announced that the Library would reopen on Monday. He recognized the Special Events staff for a great Sunset Celebration. He request to close Town Offices on July 3rd at noon. The Commission agreed. He wished everyone a Happy 4th of July. Commissioner O'Rourke recognized the Special Events staff for a great Sunset Celebration. Commissioner Thomas suggested starting an education committee. She suggested a reading club sponsored through the Library. She explained that she was an alternate member of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. She would like to resign from the Council and requested that the Town Manager send a letter notifying them of her resignation and asked that Commissioner Linden take her place. Commissioner Linden agreed, however, he explained that the League appoints its members. Regular Commission Meeting July 02, 2025 Page 6  Exhibit A Florida Legislative Session Recap 2025 District 88 Find Your State Representative & State Senator Legislative Session • 60 days, March – May. • Extended to June 30 • 2000+ Bills Filled, 195 Passed • 2000+ Appropriation projects  Rep. Edmonds Committee Assignments Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee - Ranking Member Education & Employment Committee Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee State Administration Budget Subcommittee Select Committee on Property Relief Legislation HB 17 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program HB 43 Reusable Tenant Screening Reports HB 45 Resident Status for Tuition Purposes HB 119 Universal Free School Breakfast and Lunch Program HB 137 Homeowners' Association Ombudsman HB 191 Instructional Hours for the VPK Education Program HB 635 Candidate Filing Fees HB 104 Education Representative Edmonds Appropriations • Digital Twin for Public Safety – $467,000 • Lake Park Traffic Safety Upgrade - $400,000 • Mangonia Park Street Repavement– $450,000 • Palm Beach State College - Vocational Village – $500,000 • Palm Beach County Australian Avenue Drainage Improvements – $742,614 • Riviera Beach Law Enforcement Training Facility – $1,000,000 • Riviera Beach Utility Special District New Water Plant – $750,000 • South Florida AgriCenter & Emergency Shelter – $350,000 Budget and Taxes Lawmakers extended the session to June 18 to complete the Delayed Session budget and related tax bills Without an approved budget by July 1, a partial shutdown is possible. The budget is around $50 billion, with both chambers Top-Level Spending working through differences in major tax provisions. Deal includes a $900 M business lease tax repeal, $350 M in Tax Cuts sales tax relief, $250 M debt reduction, and $750 M annual rainy-day fund deposits until caps are met. Senate wants a $6 M boost for Schools of Hope charter Education Funding initiative Lawmakers propose reclaiming $400 M allocated last year Recovered Funds for a contested reservoir project and returning it to general revenues. The plan includes tighter financial oversight, with increased New Spending Controls reporting requirements for agencies. A final budget is expected soon. It will include the tax Next Steps package, then head to Gov. DeSantis by late June for approval and possible line-item vetoes. Housing & Insurance Florida leaders are also investigating insurance companies’ Insurance finances to make sure they’re not crying poor unjustly. My Safe Florida Home $481,308,000M added to this program for the next fiscal year. HB913 - Affordable housing through revisions to the Live Local Affordable Housing Act, address the condo crisis by updating structural repair requirements and reducing the cost burden on condo resident Home Town Heroes, Florida Association for Community Programs Action (FACA), State Housing Initiatives Partnership HB948 - If a landlord fails to disclose flood information Renters truthfully, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement within a certain timeframe and the landlord must refund the tenant all amounts paid in advance by the tenant. Property Tax  Taxes help pay for:  Schools  Police  Firefighters  Parks  Roads  Community Initiatives  The Elimination of Property Tax would require voter approval and aims to provide long- term tax relief to Florida residents.  1. Vote to End Property Taxes on Homes  2. Bigger Homestead Exemption Idea: Instead of $50,000 off your home's taxes, you could get $500,000 off. Seniors and longtime owners could get $1 million off!  3. Let Lawmakers Change Tax Discounts  4. Freeze How Fast Your Taxes Go Up  5. No Losing Your Home for Not Paying  Education Sets new uniform standards for apprenticeships and pre- HB681 apprenticeships, ensuring schools and training providers partner correctly Authorizes a municipality to convert a traditional charter school into a ‘job-engine’ charter school and removes the teacher vote from the HB1105 conversion process, leaving the vote solely to parents of enrolled students. School boards are now be required to prohibit the use of digital devices Cell Phones by elementary and middle school students during the school day and high school students during instructional time Type 1 Diabetes, A new Spectrum Alert system for missing individuals on the autism spectrum, youth athletic coaches providing coaching Exams services for an independent sanctioning authority to undergo Level 2 background screening, Cardiac Emergencies You might have heard that back in 2023, a law was passed SB296 requiring middle schools to start no earlier than 8:00 AM and high schools no earlier than 8:30 AM by 2026. Business HB 827 The bill requires the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research (WSER) at the Department of Commerce to study the economic impact of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics on employment in Florida, focusing on job losses and gains due to AI and automation. HB 999 The bill lets certain gold and silver coins be used as legal money in Florida starting July 1, 2026. It removes sales tax on them, allows (but doesn’t require) governments to accept them, and says no one can be forced to use them. It also sets rules for safely handling and storing the coins, and requires state leaders to create and submit guidelines by November 1, 2025. SB 1080 to revise timeframes for counties and municipalities to expeditiously process applications for Permits development permits and development orders, and to require local governments to issue application fee refunds if the approval timeframes in the bill are not met. Energy Utility Workers SB1386 The bill aims to enhance protections for utility workers by increasing penalties for individuals who knowingly commit assault or battery against them while they are performing their duties on critical infrastructure SB 818 To alleviate the financial burden on communications service providers, Relocation particularly in rural areas, by providing a structured reimbursement mechanism for utility relocations necessitated by public infrastructure projects. SB 202 Aims to promote equity by preventing municipalities from charging higher rates to neighboring communities that host their utility facilities HB 1137 This legislation ensures that consumers retain the freedom to choose their preferred energy sources and appliances without local governmental restrictions. SB 700 Provisions collectively aim to enhance Florida's energy infrastructure, promote the adoption of electric vehicles, ensure the safety of energy- related products, and maintain fuel availability during emergencies. Health Care and More SB1808 Requiring health care facility licensees to refund to the patient any overpayment within a specified timeframe; specifying that health care facility licensees who violate certain provisions are subject to administrative fines; requiring health care practitioners to refund to the patient any overpayment within a specified timeframe; revising the list of acts that constitute grounds for disciplinary actions for health care practitioners, etc. The bill creates the State Park Preservation Act, which requires state parks to be managed for conservation-based SB 80 recreational uses and in a manner that provides the greatest combination of benefits to the public and the land’s natural resources. The bill prohibits the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from constructing sporting facilities within state parks Budget Contact Us  Capitol Office  1101 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300  (850) 717-5088  District Office  Suite 206 5725 Corporate Way West Palm Beach, FL 33407-2035  (561) 242-5530  Small Business Exhibit B Resources Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center at Florida Atlantic University  Noel Martinez President & CEO Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce  Chamber Mission & Values “Foster a partnership of private, public, education, and civic organizations working together to ensure Palm Beach North is Florida’s Prosperity Coast®” Prosperous High Quality Regional Resilient & Economy of Life Leadership Connected Region  Caitlyn Bergman Director of Strategic Initiatives Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Local Business Resource Center www.PBNBiz.com Serves as a centralized hub, providing invaluable support and guidance to entrepreneurs and local businesses. One-Stop Hub for: Step-by-Step Business Startup Guide Licensing & Zoning Guides Registration Support Networking, Mentorship, and Local Programming Local Business Resource Center www.PBNBiz.com Resources & Information Scan here for more: Business Plan Guidance Legal Entity Setup Municipal Business Support Programs Tax & Licensing Assistance Funding Navigation (Loans, Grants, etc.) Insurance & Risk Management Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security  Sandra D. Marin Ruiz, Ed.D. Regional Director Small Business Development Center at Florida Atlantic University Palm Beach North Small Business Development Satellite Center Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening the Business Community in Palm Beach North Palm Beach North businesses can request the following consulting services: Expert & Tailored Business Access to Capital & Financial Guidance Resources Targeted Support for Aspiring and Networking & Community Established Small Businesses Connections Mentorship from Seasoned Resources from Startup to Business Professionals Expansion SBDC at FAU The Florida SBDC at FAU is a program of the Small Business Administration and hosted by Florida Atlantic University Our consultants offer no-cost, one-on-one consultations. All businesses are welcome: whether you have more than three years with more than five employees or are a pre-venture individual exploring business feasibility, SBDC can help.  Specialized Network of Partners Services • Government Contracting • U.S. Small Business Administration • Capital Access • U.S. Department of Defense • International Trade • Florida Department of Commerce • Export Marketing • Florida Division of Corporations • Disaster Recovery Plans • Small Business Innovation Center (SBIC) & Register Today! To access our special, no-cost, one-on-one confidential Small Business Technology Transfer consulting services, sign up with the Florida SBDC hosted Commercialization (STTR) by FAU • Organization Development (DiSC) Assessment • Business Tools for Research and Industry Reports sbdc.fau.edu Thank You & Questions Contacts & Information PBN Chamber & Local Small Business Business Resource Development Center at FAU Center Caitlyn Bergman Sandra D. Marin Ruiz Caitlyn@pbnchamber.com smarinruiz@fau.edu 561-748-3954 sbdc@fau.edu 954-762-5235  Exhibit D Department of Public Works 10-Year Roadway Improvement Plan July 16, 2025  Presentation Agenda 1. Background & Purpose 2. Strategic Approach 3. Program Cost & Phasing 4. Public Benefits 5. Commission Input & Discussion  Background & Purpose • Town roadway network deteriorated by ~15% since the 2022 PCI survey • Estimated cost to restore network: ~$7.27M (with striping & contingency) • Historically constrained capital budgets • Need structured, phased, best-practice strategy • Purpose of tonight's discussion: Present Draft Plan for Commission feedback  Strategic Approach Industry Best Practice: • Preservation First: Treat Good/Fair segments early • Targeted Rehab: Address Poor/Very Poor segments where needed • Based on FHWA and AASHTO guidance • Recommended treatments: • Cape Seal • Microsurfacing • Mill & Overlay / Full Depth Rehab (as needed)  Program Cost & Phasing • Updated Total Program Cost: ~$7.27M • Target Funding: ~$500K (Years 1- 3), $750K (Years 4 - 6), and $1M (Years 7-10) Important Note: Some roadway reconstruction costs will be absorbed within larger storm-drainage or utility projects (e.g., 10th Street and future outfall work), reducing the amount that must be financed through the roadway fund.  Funding sources Potential funding sources include: • Local Option Gas Tax revenues, • Mobility fees, • Infrastructure Surtax, • General Fund appropriations, • Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds,  Funding sources • External grants—specifically Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) Local Initiatives and Transportation Alternatives programs, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations, as well as any future grant programs for which the Town qualifies. Important note: This plan is not predicated on raising the ad-valorem millage; it relies on existing revenue streams and external grants.  Public Benefits • Extends pavement life 6–10 years • Reduces long-term reconstruction costs • Improves visible roadway conditions for residents • Enhances safety and mobility • Supports fiscally responsible asset management • The plan is achievable, fiscally  Commission Input Sought • Does the overall strategy align with the Commission’s vision? • Will the Commission endorse the consultant’s PCI-based priority list and allow cost-effective treatments like Cape Seal or microsurfacing?  Commission Input Sought • Is the Commission willing to endorse the proposed funding glide path—$500 K, $750 K, $1 M—recognising that a lower annual allocation would extend the program to 12 years or more? • Upon direction, staff will refine the plan and return with the final Resolution for approval. ANY QUESTIONS?