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, June 04, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kane called the meeting to order at 6:22 P.M. ROLL CALL: Mayor Anita Kane, Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Laura Danowski, Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Robert Shorr, Public Works Director Richard Gallant, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Tanya Earley, Public Works Director Richard Gallant, Public Works Superintendent Craig Lower, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, Town’s Planning Consultant Kaitlyn Forbes (of Complete Cities), Town’s Financial Consultant Chris Wallace (of Munilytics) and Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. OPEN DISCUSSION: 


       Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 Virginia Standish raised several concerns. First, she emphasized the dangerous traffic conditions on the east side of B Road near Southern Boulevard, particularly due to construction activity and lack of oversight at the intersection by the new hotel or commercial development. She requested that PBSO monitor the area during peak traffic hours for public safety. Second, she asked the Town to coordinate with the fire department to assess the functionality and readiness of local fire hydrants, citing recent fires in the area and the importance of ensuring they are operational. Third, she questioned why business tax receipts (BTRs) are being issued to properties that are in continued code violation or have not addressed longstanding compliance issues. She pointed out that some of these properties contain hazardous materials and stressed that the BTR process should involve proper inspection before approval. Doug Schaper requested an update on ongoing issues at 1032 H Park Road, describing the situation as an ongoing battle for the past two to three years. He cited numerous code violations, continuous dump truck traffic, and open sewage problems, for which he has contacted the health department but received no response. He also raised serious concerns about animal mistreatment, stating that the property owner attempts to hide violations by planting hedges. He emphasized that he has previously addressed these issues in past meetings and is seeking a status update from the Council or staff on actions being taken. Mayor Kane stated the property he mentioned was currently in code violation so therefore they are unable to speak on that issue and then directed Town Manager Ramaglia to respond. Town Manager Francine Ramaglia acknowledged his concern regarding the property at 1032 H Park Road and expressed appreciation for his assistance in monitoring the situation. She confirmed that there are active code violations on the property related to the issues he mentioned, including the presence of a new arena. Ms. Ramaglia noted that the town is currently fining the property owner $250 per day, with plans to issue repeat violations that would increase the fines to $500 per day. She emphasized the town's limited access to the property and credited the speaker and other neighbors for helping provide critical information that the town has been unable to obtain directly. Doug Schaper expressed deep frustration with the Town’s handling of persistent code violations at 1032 H Park Road. He contrasted the leniency shown toward this property with the swift action taken against a neighboring property at 832 H Park Road, where a red tag and cease-and-desist order were promptly enforced. He questioned whether enforcement is being selectively applied based on perceived citizenship or cooperation. He recounted a disturbing incident on the previous Thursday at approximately 1:10 p.m., when four individuals in unmarked vehicles, who appeared to be SWAT team members, attempted to access the property. He implied this indicates criminal activity or unsafe behavior occurring on the premises. He emphasized that he moved to the area for peace and quiet and is now facing what he described as a deteriorating neighborhood environment. He urged the town to stop allowing the property owner to hide behind hedges and visual blockades and demanded that the Town use the enforcement authority available under the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) to put an end to the ongoing violations. He closed by pleading with the Town to take decisive action, stating, “It’s getting old.” Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 2 


       Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 Frank Standish raised concerns regarding a 700-foot stretch of pavement on North B Road, stating that the paving is not a full two inches thick as expected. He questioned how the Town could sign off on such a project, noting that the road is frequently used by heavy equipment, specifically referring to approximately 16 to 18 trucks per week already travelling the road. He warned that the current section of pavement “isn’t going to last,” and further expressed concern that B Road is deteriorating under such heavy use. He asked two questions: Why was that section accepted if it does not meet the expected two-inch thickness and is the Town planning to redesign the paving specifications for B Road to handle the truck traffic more effectively? He ended by pointing out that residents paid for two inches of pavement but did not receive it, implying accountability is needed. Paul Coleman thanked the Town Manager and staff for quickly addressing water level concerns after he raised the issue, joking that “God did that” due to the timely rain. He echoed Virginia Standish’s concern about fire hydrants, clarifying that most dry hydrants that rely on canal water— so maintaining water levels is crucial for fire safety. He then shifted roles, announcing as Vice President of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners Association that they awarded eight $1,000 scholarships this year, supported by local donors like Swank Farm and Red Barn. He expressed pride in the effort and hopes to expand it next year. Robert Austen followed up on Doug's earlier comment, stating that the same property received multiple truckloads of block and brick over Labor Day—when staff likely wouldn’t notice—and he regrets not getting photos. He spoke with a resident moving from the property who found another lot just blocks away to relocate their camper, highlighting what he described as a persistent issue. He criticized the lack of a full-time code enforcement officer due to limited tax revenue, stating it's evident by the number of rundown trailers and people living in RVs long-term. He emphasized that Loxahatchee Groves is “not a trailer park” and warned that allowing year-round RV presence—especially if not strictly tied to equestrian season—would degrade the town's rural character. He concluded by stressing that people are simply rotating campers between lots, and that this behavior must be addressed. Cassie Suchy addressed the Council by referencing the Town Charter, emphasizing that Loxahatchee Groves was incorporated to protect its rural character, low density, open spaces, agriculture, and equestrian ties. She thanked Council members for intervening on issues related to 161st but criticized what occurred the day after the last Council meeting, calling it a “travesty.” Describing how, despite a cease-and-desist order issued after a resident’s comment, a Public Works employee used an excavator to remove trees from that resident’s easement as well as trees behind her own fence. The incident was later blamed on a “rogue employee,” but the speaker rejected that explanation, asserting that no low-level worker would make such a decision independently and suggesting the employee was covering for someone higher up. She continued the issue back to the evening’s developer presentation, arguing that town staff should have informed the developer of the community’s values, culture, and Charter before any investment was made. Ms. Suchy expressed concern that staff do not fully understand or represent the town’s vision, leaving Council at a disadvantage. She urged greater accountability not just for frontline staff, but also for leadership, insisting that the Council, who were elected as the community’s voice, must ensure they’re setting the direction, not being led astray by staff influence. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 3 


       Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Kane adjourned the community meeting at 6:42 p.m. TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: Mayor Anita Kane, Seat 3 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 4 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY OPEN DISCUSSION WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, June 04, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kane called the meeting to order at 6:43 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Kane led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. ROLL CALL: Mayor Anita Kane, Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Laura Danowski, Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Robert Shorr, Public Works Director Richard Gallant, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Tanya Earley, Public Works Director Richard Gallant, Public Works Superintendent Craig Lower, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, Town’s Planning Consultant Kaitlyn Forbes (of Complete Cities), Town’s Financial Consultant Chris Wallace (of Munilytics), Building Official Jacek Tomasik and Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS Mayor Kane called for any additions, deletions, modifications or approval of the agenda. Councilmember Maniglia requested to move item no. 11 before item no. 8. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/MAYOR KANE MOVED TO APPROVE Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 ITEM NO. 11 BEFORE ITEM NO. 8. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS MODIFIED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Public comment received from Alysa Daly, Mickey Isaacson, and Candice Rojas. Town Council discussion ensued. PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation from the Commission on Ethics by Gina Levesque, Intake and Compliance Manager Gina Levesque, Intake and Compliance Manager presented the Commission on Ethics. Public comment received from Todd McLendon. Town Council discussion ensued. 2. Updates on the Building Department by Jacek Tomasik, Building Official Jacek Tomasik, Building Official gave an update on the Building Department. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Danowski requested to pull item no. 5 & 7 from Consent Agenda. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS NO THREE A-D, ITEM NO. FOUR, AND ITEM NO. SIX. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5- 0). 3. Consideration of Approval of Meeting Minutes: a. January 9, 2024 - Town Council Regular Meeting b. January 23, 2024 - Town Council Community Discussion Workshop Meeting c. January 23, 2024 - Town Council Regular Meeting d. February 6, 2024 - Town Council Community Discussion Workshop Meeting 4. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-31: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ENTRY BY THE TOWN INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH STEFFEN & SONS STRIPING, LLC FOR ROADWAY STRIPING AND PAVEMENT MARKING SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TOWN MANAGER AND TOWN ATTORNEY TO IMPLEMENT Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 2 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 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. 5. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-32: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ENTRY BY THE TOWN INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH ODUMS SOD, INC., FOR GOODS AND SERVICES PURSUANT TO VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON ITB202312; 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. Agenda item no. 5 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-32 into the record. Public comment provided by Virginia Standish. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-32. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 6. Approval on Resolution No. 2024-33: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ENTRY BY THE TOWN INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHEAST HIGHWAY GUARDRAIL AND ATTENUATORS, LLC, UTILIZING THE PALM BEACH COUNTY PROJECT NO. 2022054: GUARDRAIL CONTINUING SERVICES CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT; 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. 7. Approval on Resolution No. 2024-35: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ACCEPTING EASEMENTS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 7 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-35 into the record. Public comment provided by Cassie Suchy. Vice Mayor Herzog recused herself from item no. 7. Town Council discussion ensued. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 3 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-35. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (4-0). REGULAR AGENDA 8. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-34: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE SEVENTH ADDENDUM TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND SHERIFF RIC L. BRADSHAW AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-34 into the record. Public comments provided by Todd McLendon and Marianne Miles. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-34. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). PUBLIC HEARING 9. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2024-03 on Second Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTER 2 “ADMINISTRATION”, ARTICLE II “TOWN COUNCIL” TO REORGANIZE ITS PROVISIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR ADOPTION BY RESOLUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL RULES OF PROCEDURE, DECORUM, AND ORDER FOR MEETINGS OF THE TOWN COUNCIL AND TOWN BOARDS, AND TO REPLACE REFERENCES TO CITIZEN REQUESTS WITH REFERENCES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-03 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03 ON SECOND READING. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA DISSENTING). 10. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2024-06 on Second 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, Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 4 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 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 Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-06 into the record. Public comment provided by Cassie Suchy and Marianne Miles. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-06 WITH CONTINUED CHANGES SUMMARIZED ON SECOND READING TO BE DISCUSSED ON JULY 2ND. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 11. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2024-05 on Second Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, PROVIDING THAT IN THE EVENT THERE IS NO CONTRACT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN EFFECT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (“PBSO”) OR AN ADJOINING MUNICIPALITY, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN THE TOWN WILL BE THE STANDARD LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PBSO; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-05 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-05 ON SECOND READING WITH THE CORRECTIONS. MOTION PASSED (3-2 with COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI & COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). 12. Consideration of Ordinance No. 2024-04 on Second Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AMENDING THE UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 10-015, DEFINITIONS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND SECTION 20-015, RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS, PERMITTED USES TO CLARIFY THE SPECIAL EXCEPTION CATEGORY FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES, AND TO ADD DEBRIS MANAGEMENT SITES AS A SEPARATE ESSENTIAL SERVICE Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 5 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 USE, SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC APPROVAL CRITERIA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-04 into the record. Public comment provided by Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO MOVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-04 ON 2ND READING TO THE JULY 2ND AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). DISCUSSION 13. Discussion on Recreational Vehicle Ordinance By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to move this item to June 18th agenda and then a further discussion will be held. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO REVISIT THE OLD RV ORDINANCE AND THE 2023 ATTEMPTED RV ORDINANCE AS PART OF THE DISCUSSION ON JUNE 18TH FROM 5 P.M. TO 6 P.M. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (4-0). Councilmember Maniglia was away from the dais during this vote. 14. Discussion on the Sign Code Updates and Interim Enforcement MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO SEND THE SIGN CODE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE RE- ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ULDC. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 15. Discussion on Committees and Committee Appointments MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE THE CURRENT ORDINANCES FOR THE ULDC, RETGAC, PLANNING AND ZONING, FAAC, ALL OF THE CITIZEN COMMITTEES IN ITEM NO. 15 TO COME BACK WITH A 2024 RESOLUTION NO. AND TITLE. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5- 0). 16. Discussion on Roadway & Drainage Updates Director of Public Works Richard Gallant provided discussion on Roadway & Drainage. Public comment provided by Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. 17. Updates, Items of Interest and Future Agenda Items Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 6 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 Town Clerk Oakes provided Updates, Items of Interest and Future Agenda Items. Public comment provided by Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. TOWN STAFF COMMENTS Town Manager Francine L. Ramaglia had no report. Town Attorney - Torcivia, Donlon, Goddeau and Rubin, P.A. had no report. Public Works Director Richard Gallant responded firmly to prior concerns and clarified several issues. He emphasized that he does not do special favors for anyone and treats all residents equally. He reiterated that his efforts are focused on improving the safety, health, and welfare of the entire town—residents, wildlife, and environment included. Addressing ongoing concerns about canal water levels, Gallant clarified that canal levels on the north side of town are higher due to elevation differences, not negligence. He reaffirmed that water seeks its own level and that the town has been pumping daily for the past three months—verified by increased electric bills. He explained that dredging cannot proceed without proper equipment and a place to dispose of the material. The town needs a dump truck to transport the dredged sediment, and he is already considering legal placement options once the truck is available. He addressed a specific concern about tree removal near a resident’s property. Gallant said they visited the property with an arborist who identified a small number of exotic trees for removal. These trees were marked, and the residents were cooperative. Regarding a mistakenly damaged oak branch, he stated that it occurred during the removal of a melaleuca tree and would be repaired. Responding to a misconception, he clarified that all fire hydrants in Loxahatchee Groves are “wet hydrants” connected to the Palm Beach County water utility system and the not canals. None of them are dry hydrants. While he wasn’t sure of the testing schedule, he noted that Palm Beach County Fire Rescue historically tested them every five years. He concluded by stating that these systems are under broader county jurisdiction and are not maintained by the town itself. Town Clerk Valerie Oakes had no report. TOWN COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember Laura Danowski (Seat 2) raised two points during the meeting. First, she asked the town attorney whether failing to update ordinance numbers—such as not assigning them a correct "2024" designation—could present legal or procedural issues. The attorney clarified that while such discrepancies might not trigger an official audit finding, they could create confusion in future recordkeeping, making it difficult to trace legislative history or decisions accurately. Clear and consistent documentation was emphasized as best practice. Second, the councilmember shared information from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regarding House Bill 7063, which became effective on July 1, 2023. This bill prohibits certain special assessments—such as fire protection, garbage disposal, emergency medical services, street improvements, and drainage—from being levied on land classified as agricultural. She then questioned how this change might impact on the town's revenue or operations and provided the material for further review. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 Councilmember Phillis Maniglia (Seat 1) had no report. Councilmember Robert Shorr (Seat 4) provided a personal update regarding past ethics accusations, stating that all charges were dismissed and they received a "clean bill of health." He further clarified it was actually “dismissed with instructions.” The instruction from the administrative judge stated that the speaker, acting as mayor, had volunteered to substitute for a town employee—an action deemed outside the scope of mayoral duties and not to be repeated. He emphasized there was no finding of corruption or misconduct. Reflecting on the experience, he advised that legal representation isn't always necessary until a case reaches trial, as third-party judgment often shifts outcomes more effectively than pre-trial arguments. Additionally, the speaker briefly addressed road improvements, specifically noting that the road slope on Grober Road appeared, exceeding the 2% grade limit. He expressed concern that such slope could affect paving thickness and drainage. He closed by complimenting the town’s staff for their efforts and the progress being made. Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog (Seat 5) raised concerns about ongoing illegal net fishing in the town's canals, specifically mentioning that many of the individuals involved appear to be Spanish- speaking and may not understand English. She attempted to communicate using a phone translator to explain that net fishing is not allowed, particularly due to the harm caused to smaller fish left to die after the larger ones are taken. Vice Mayor requested clarification on the legality of net fishing and suggested the town post clear signage in both English and Spanish stating that net fishing is prohibited in local waterways. Mayor Anita Kane (Seat 3) thanked everyone for their patience in getting through the agenda and all the different things that needed to be worked through. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, Vice Mayor Herzog moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:15 PM, which was seconded by Councilmember Maniglia and passed unanimously (5-0). TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: Mayor Anita Kane, Seat 3 Town Clerk Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Seat 5 Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Seat 1 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 4, 2024 Councilmember Laura Danowski, Seat 2 Councilmember Robert Shorr, Seat 4 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 9