Town Council Regular Meeting




           TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY OPEN DISCUSSION WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, April 2, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Danowski called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. ROLL CALL: Mayor Laura Danowski, Vice Mayor Robert Shorr, Councilmember Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Marianne Miles, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, Director of Public Works Richard Gallant, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, Town’s Financial Consultant Chris Wallace (of Munilytics) and Interim Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. OPEN DISCUSSION: Town Manager Ramaglia provided an update regarding the upcoming workload and planning schedule for the Council. She noted that the Council’s agenda schedule, which was included in the current meeting agenda, would need to be revisited due to the volume of planning items coming in. She mentioned that several applications, such as Community of Hope and a preschool on Okeechobee, have been pending for years. Additionally, the PK property, which is currently closed, is being actively reviewed through meetings with the applicant to move the process forward. There are also new property owners along Southern Boulevard requesting conceptual meetings with the Council. Due to the growing number of planning-related matters, Francine suggested the Council would need to select additional dates for special meetings or workshops specifically focused on planning, separate from regular business meetings. She emphasized the need for at least one planning-focused meeting in May. Ms. Ramaglia also recommended holding a drainage workshop that would include an update on the Resilient Florida Grant project and a discussion of possible code changes affecting the district. This may include provisions related to 


       ŷƒƚƑŃŦƒƘƑƆƌƏŃŶƓƈƆƌƄƏŃŰƈƈƗƌƑƊŃ ŰƌƑƘƗƈƖŃ ŤƓƕƌƏŃŕŏŃŕœŕŗ culvert restoration and water use permits. She stated that additional meetings in September would also be necessary and will be discussed further in the appropriate agenda item. Additionally, she brought up the debris management site and asked the Council for direction on whether the item should go directly to the Council or be routed first through the Planning, Zoning, and Building Board. She emphasized that the Council has a significant increase in workload ahead due to these planning and policy matters. Mayor Danowski stated that following the last Council meeting, she received multiple emails and phone calls from residents expressing concern about the recent tree removal activities. She noted that the feedback included significant unrest regarding the disturbance of wildlife, including owls. In response to the concerns raised, she called for an emergency meeting to address the issue. Director of Public Works Richard Gallant addressed a concern raised via Facebook and shared in an email from Mayor Danowski regarding the alleged removal of a tree on B Road that was believed to contain an endangered species of owl. He clarified that no trees being removed have any nests, and the town has never intended to remove trees with active nests unless they have already fallen or are obstructing roadways or waterways. The specific photo in the Facebook post was identified as originating from a 2017 article about owls in North Carolina, not from Loxahatchee Groves. He explained that the eastern screech owl shown in the post is classified as “least concern,” meaning it is not endangered or threatened. He suggested the town could consider building owl boxes, potentially with the help of a local Boy Scout working on an Eagle project, to support the species’ presence in the area. Mr. Gallant addressed a follow-up claim that the species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, confirming that while this is true, the town has no intention of violating that law either. He reiterated that no protected trees are being removed and requested the source of any claims to the contrary so the record could be corrected. He encouraged residents to contact Public Works directly with concerns, stating that the department is committed to making informed, careful decisions with respect to safety, travel, and environmental impact. He stressed the importance of transparency and discouraged reliance on social media as a means of governance or information. Roxana Coleman shared that it has been 40 years since she moved to the area, coinciding with her grandmother’s birthday, which is also the day they closed on their property. She reminisced about the original schoolhouse that once stood on the site, noting that it was used for various community events including elections, party meetings, and water control landowners’ meetings. When the school board planned to tear it down, she was part of a large group that worked to save it and ultimately succeeded in relocating it to the fairgrounds. Ms. Coleman has been involved with the schoolhouse for over 20 years and shared that the building will be 90 years old next year. She noted that the town does not currently have a picture of the schoolhouse on display and suggested that it would be meaningful to add one. She mentioned that Roy Berger built both the school and the packing house, and his son, Clifford Berger, was also a notable builder in the county and remains interested in local events. She emphasized the historical importance of the schoolhouse, highlighted the annual reunions still attended by former students, and encouraged the town to consider commemorating the building with a photograph or display, especially given its age and significance. ŷƒƚƑŃƒƉŃůƒƛƄƋƄƗƆƋƈƈŃŪƕƒƙƈƖŃ ųƄƊƈŃŕŃ 


       ŷƒƚƑŃŦƒƘƑƆƌƏŃŶƓƈƆƌƄƏŃŰƈƈƗƌƑƊŃ ŰƌƑƘƗƈƖŃ ŤƓƕƌƏŃŕŏŃŕœŕŗ Cassie Suchy addressed the Council to express concerns regarding the town’s handling of her public records requests. She explained that she received multiple emails from the town stating that her requests were closed because the town was “unable to contact [her] to assist in making a focused and effective request reasonably described and identifiable.” She noted that while she has received documents for a few cases, the majority of her requests remain unfulfilled. She shared that the Town Manager contacted her asking to connect in order to fulfil the requests, but instead of working through the records, she continued receiving closure notices. She emphasized that she has been patient and has already submitted a 5-day notice of intent to sue, though her goal is to obtain the records, not to pursue litigation. She also explained that she had been asked several times to meet with a town staff member but was unable to do so without taking time off work and did not believe a meeting was necessary to fulfill her request. Ms. Suchy stressed that under Florida law, it is not her responsibility to assist with fulfilling public records requests—the burden lies with the town as the custodian of records. She stated that a proper response should be that the record doesn’t exist or cannot be found, not a generic closure notice. She added that one of her future records requests will be for all internal communication regarding the closure of her current requests, as she suspects they were closed using a blanket response rather than being individually reviewed. She highlighted a specific past request about signed easement documents tied to a building permit discussed publicly on December 6th, reiterating that her requests were reasonable and not overly complex. She concluded by stating her disappointment in how the matter was handled and urged the town to provide more appropriate and lawful responses. Town Manager Ramaglia responded to the public records concerns raised earlier. She explained that before former Town Clerk Lakisha left, she had implemented a new system called NextRequest for handling public records, which had been approved by the Council. All public records requests, including those from the resident in question, Ms. Suchy’s request was entered into that system. When Town Clerk Oakes joined the team, she printed out all of Ms. Suchy's requests from the system. Town Manager Ramaglia stated that she advised Town Clerk Oakes to pay particular attention to Ms. Suchy’s records and suggested inviting her in to help clarify which requests had been fulfilled and which had not—since former Town Clerk Lakisha did not leave documentation indicating what had already been completed. Town Manager Ramaglia emphasized that the town has been transparent about the challenge they face without knowing what was fulfilled prior to former Town Clerk Lakisha’s departure, and without sufficient detail from Ms. Suchy on what was still outstanding, they were unable to determine which records were missing. She acknowledged the frustration, especially in cases where there was no record of any responses. She also clarified that the town is not required to create records it does not already possess, referring to a recent request for easements which are maintained in the Palm Beach County official book of records—not necessarily by the town. However, she assured that they could provide what is available and mentioned her efforts to communicate directly with Ms. Suchy, including sending an email earlier that day reiterating their willingness to fulfill her requests, but again requesting clarification on what records she had not yet received. She mentioned previous examples, such as phone records, that they had attempted to fulfill but couldn’t retrieve due to system limitations. Town Manager Ramaglia reaffirmed that the town has consistently acted in good faith, regularly reached out for clarification, and expressed appreciation for Ms. Suchy’s follow-up, particularly regarding ongoing code enforcement cases. ŷƒƚƑŃƒƉŃůƒƛƄƋƄƗƆƋƈƈŃŪƕƒƙƈƖŃ ųƄƊƈŃŖŃ 


       ŷƒƚƑŃŦƒƘƑƆƌƏŃŶƓƈƆƌƄƏŃŰƈƈƗƌƑƊŃ ŰƌƑƘƗƈƖŃ ŤƓƕƌƏŃŕŏŃŕœŕŗ Lisa El-Ramey addressed the Town Council, Town Attorney, and Town Manager on behalf of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners Association (LGLA). She read a formal statement to inform the town of LGLA’s internal conflict of interest policy. The policy was created to ensure transparency and to address any potential conflicts that may arise from elected officials serving on the LGLA board or participating in membership. She explained that the LGLA board requests all elected officials to recuse themselves from participating in any discussions or decision-making at LGLA board meetings, general membership meetings, or events if the matter may later come before the Town Council for a vote. “Recuse” was defined as completely removing oneself from the discussion and decision-making process. Ms. El-Ramey closed the statement by inviting any questions about the policy to be directed to the association’s email: info@mylgla.com. MOTION: MAYOR DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE DOCUMENT PLACED ON RECORD. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). ADJOURNMENT Mayor Danowski adjourned the community meeting at 6:31 P.M. ATTEST: TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ________________________________ ________________________________ Valerie Oakes, Interim Town Clerk Mayor Laura Danowski ________________________________ Vice Mayor Robert Shorr ________________________________ Council Member Margaret Herzog ________________________________ Council Member Phillis Maniglia ________________________________ Council Member Marianne Miles ŷƒƚƑŃƒƉŃůƒƛƄƋƄƗƆƋƈƈŃŪƕƒƙƈƖŃ ųƄƊƈŃŗŃ Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, April 02, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Danowski called the meeting to order at 6:33 P.M. ROLL CALL: Mayor Laura Danowski, Vice Mayor Robert Shorr, Councilmember Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Marianne Miles, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, Director of Public Works Richard Gallant, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, Town’s Financial Consultant Chris Wallace (of Munilytics) and Interim Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Danowski led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. AGENDA APPROVAL - ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS: Mayor Danowski called for any additions, deletions, modifications, or approval of the agenda. MOTION: VICE MAYOR SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER HERZOG MOVED TO Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: No public comments received. ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNITY/SPECIAL EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: 1. Presentation of March 2024 Election Results for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves Candidates Interim Town Clerk Oakes presented the March 2024 Election Results. 2. Recognize Outgoing Council Member Mayor Danowski recognized the outgoing Council Member. 3. Oath of Office for New Council Member Interim Town Clerk Oakes read the Oath of Office for the New Council Member. 4. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-17 to Appoint the Mayor Interim Town Clerk Oakes read into record Resolution No. 2024-17. MOTION: VICE MAYOR SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER HERZOG MOVED TO APPOINT ANITA KANE AS MAYOR. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 5. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-18 to Appoint the Vice Mayor MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/MAYOR KANE MOVED TO APPOINT MARG HERZOG AS VICE MAYOR. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Interim Town Clerk Oakes called a short recess to change seats for the newly appointed members. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE SEATING. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI DISSENTING). Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 2 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 RECESSED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING & CALLED TO ORDER DEPENDENT WATER CONTROL DISTRICT AT 6:49 P.M. 6. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-DD01 to appoint Chair of Board of Supervisors MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-DD01 APPOINTING ANITA KANE AS THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD SUPERVISORS OF THE WATER DISTRICT. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 7. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-DD01 to appoint Treasurer of Board of Supervisors MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-DD01 APPOINTING MARG HERZOG AS THE TREASURER OF THE BOARD SUPERVISORS OF THE WATER DISTRICT. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). **** Short Recess: Cake will be served after the swearing-in ceremony. **** RECONVENED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:03 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA: 8. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2024-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ACCEPTING EASEMENTS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO BRING BACK RESOLUTION 2024-13 TO THE NEXT MEETING. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). Public comment received from Cassie Suchy. REGULAR AGENDA: Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 3 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 9. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2024-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA APPROVING THE SCOPE AND PRICING FOR INSTALLATION OF A BRIDGE CULVERT AT 12th PLACE NORTH AND F ROAD; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TOWN MANAGER AND TOWN ATTORNEY TO IMPLEMENT THE INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER AN THE TOWN ATTORNEY TO TAKE SUCH ACTIONS AS ARE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Attorney Torcivia read the title of Resolution No. 2024-14 into the record. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-14 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR JOHNSON-DAVIS TO INSTALL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A BRIDGE CULVERT AT 12TH PLACE NORTH AND F ROAD WITH A TOTAL COST OF $136,640.00. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 10. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2024-15 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES WITH ATLANTIC SOUTHERN PAVING AND SEALCOATING, LLC, FOR TOWN FY24 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TOWN MANAGER AND TOWN ATTORNEY TO IMPLEMENT THE INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER AND THE TOWN ATTORNEY TO TAKE SUCH ACTIONS AS ARE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director of Public Works Richard Gallant read the title of Resolution No. 2024-15 into the record. Interim Town Clerk Oakes read into record the email from Rodrigo Godoy. Public comment received from Annie Lemaster, Cassie Suchy, and Mike C., Jo Siciliano. Town Council discussion ensued. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 4 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-15 AWARDING OF A CONTRACT TO ATLANTIC SOUTHERN PAVING AND SEAL CODING LLC FOR THE TOWN FY 2024 ROAD PAVING PROGRAM IFB # 2024-01 PROVIDING THAT NOTICE TO PROCEED FOR SEGMENTS BE ISSUED UPON INCLUSION IN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF THE DESIGNATED FUNDING WITH GIVING MR. GALLANT, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE ROADS AT HIS DESCRETION REGARDING THE NEED AND IT MUST BE SIGNED BY FRIDAY AT 2 P.M. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 11. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2024-16 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING THE MEMBERS OF THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES SCHOLARSHIP FUND COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICT, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ------ OR ------ A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2021-26; PROVIDING FOR USE BY DONATION OF FUNDS HELD IN THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES SCHOLARSHIP FUND; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICT, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Item removed from the agenda. 12. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03 – FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ADOPTING CHAPTER 2 “ADMINISTRATION”, ARTICLE VII “TOWN ADVISORY BOARDS” TO PROVIDE FOR APPLICABILITY, COMPOSITION, QUORUM, ELIGIBILITY, QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENT, TERMS, REMOVAL, VACANCIES, OFFICERS, COMPENSATION, AND PROCEDURES REGARDING TOWN ADVISORY BOARDS; REORGANIZATION AND REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 34 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH NEW TOWN ADVISORY BOARD ARTICLE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Attorney Torcivia read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-03 into the record. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 5 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 Public comment received from Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: MAYOR KANE/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPOINT MANISH SOOD TO FAAC, LISA EL- RAMEY AND TODD MCLENDON TO PLANNING & ZONING, AND ROBERT SULLIVAN TO AGRITOURISM. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO EXTEND SUNSET OF THE AGRITOURISM MEETING UNTIL APRIL 11TH. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Councilmember Maniglia made a motion and later removed her motion. There was no second for the motion. By consensus, the Town Council directed the staff and attorney to bring back both options for discussion to a future agenda now that they have a legal opinion on the conflict. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 13. Discussion on Rules of Procedure for the Town Council (Resolution No. 2019-65) and Boards and Committees (Resolutions No. 2015-18) Town Manager Ramaglia provided the Rules of Procedure for the Town Council (Resolution No. 2019-65) and Boards and Committees (Resolution No. 2015-18). 14. Discussion on Town Council’s Meeting Schedule Mayor Kane asked if other councilmembers wanted to add any water grants to the May 21st meeting. Councilmember Maniglia suggested adding discussion on the TPA grant to one of the June meetings. 15. Discussion regarding Roadway & Drainage and CIP Updates Director of Public Works Richard Gallant provided the Roadway & Drainage and CIP updates. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 6 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 Public comment received from Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. 16. Updates and Items of Interest Town Manager Ramaglia presented the Updates and Items of Interest. REPORTS BY THE TOWN ADMINISTRATION: Town Manager commented positively on the meeting, noting the smooth transition, good energy, and celebratory atmosphere with the cake and recognition. She reminded attendees that this time of year is considered special event season due to the favorable weather. She mentioned receiving a late afternoon call regarding a potential event at Southern Palms, though details were unclear. Ramaglia emphasized that special event permits typically require a 30-day advance application, though a short-form permit may be available. She encouraged anyone aware of upcoming events to notify the town office so staff can assist and ensure compliance with necessary permits and traffic or safety considerations. Town Attorney welcomed everyone, and the new line-up made him feel like he was watching the Yankees. Town Clerk had no report. Public Works Director welcomed the Mayor to the Council and thanked Marianne for her service. STATEMENTS BY THE TOWN COUNCIL: Council Member Phillis Maniglia (Seat 1) thanked everyone for participating in what she described as an unprecedented election. She expressed gratitude for the support, especially recognizing Anita. She shared that the election was particularly challenging for her due to personal health matters and encouraged everyone—regardless of age or gender—to visit the doctor if something feels wrong and not to delay medical checkups. She concluded by thanking voters for allowing her to serve another three-year term on the Council. Council Member Laura Danowski (Seat 2) stated that the last review of the HR manual occurred in August 2022. She shared that she recently had an impromptu conversation with the Director of Engineering at the Transfer Path Analysis (TPA) regarding Okeechobee and the related grant. She mentioned that she passed the information from that discussion along to the Town Manager and the Project Coordinator, who confirmed they followed up. She concluded by saying she is looking forward to seeing what direction the town takes with the matter. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 Council Member Anita Kane (Seat 3) expressed his gratitude and honor in serving on the Council and now sitting as Mayor, noting that it was not something he anticipated three months ago. She commented that it was a great meeting and thanked everyone for their participation, including the residents who attended, as well as the staff for their preparation and continued work in supporting upcoming meetings. Council Member Robert Shorr (Seat 4) asked how are tracking the appropriations of $750,000.00 and what is the status of requesting the refund funds and spending the money. Town Manager Ramaglia provided an update on drainage-related funding and upcoming projects. She noted that the agreements with the state have been signed, and the first report is due on April 20th. The town plans to fund one of the culvert bridges not covered by FEMA. Additionally, an estimated $400,000 will be allocated for culvert replacements at canal intersections, requiring a formal bid process. That would leave approximately $250,000, which the town plans to use for connecting catch basins to culverts installed the previous year. She mentioned that drainage will be discussed further at an upcoming meeting due to the complexity and number of moving parts. Ms. Ramaglia stated that the town remains in the Governor’s office to review for another $750,000 in funding this year. A question was raised about whether some tree removal efforts could be funded using tree mitigation money. This confirmed the town has collected such funds and acknowledged that Article 87 of the code isn't very clear on how it can be spent. However, she believes there may be a logical connection that could allow its use and added that Richard had already suggested this possibility. Councilmember Shorr addressed his fellow council members regarding the historic silos on D Road. He acknowledged that the silos are located on private property and that the town currently has no control over them. He noted that the structures, believed to have been erected around 1918, are historically significant to the town. Councilmember Shorr expressed interest in exploring future opportunities, such as obtaining grants, to restore the silos or otherwise incorporate them into the town's heritage. He invited feedback from the council on the idea. Council Member Margaret Herzog (Seat 5) was concerned about the roads as to when they’re being done, surveyed, or staked and if anything will be added to it. Director of Public Works Richard Gallant explained the process used for preparing roads for paving. It begins by identifying property locations and determining the road center. Depending on the road, the alignment may be shifted slightly to one side to create an open space for equestrians to ride safely off the main road surface. Shell or similar material is used in these areas. He explained the team uses transits and equipment to shoot elevation grades after laying down the rough shell rock, which serves as the base layer. Final grading is done based on those elevation measurements before paving begins. ADJOURNMENT Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda April 02, 2024 There being no further business before the Council, Councilmember Maniglia moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 PM, which was seconded by Councilmember Danowski and passed unanimously (5-0). TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: Mayor Anita Kane, Seat 3 Interim Town Clerk Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Seat 5 Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Seat 1 Councilmember Laura Danowski, Seat 2 Councilmember Robert Shorr, Seat 4 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 9