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, September 3, 2024 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kane called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Mayor Anita Kane, Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Laura Danowski, Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Robert Shorr, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, 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: Rachelle Litt mentioned she was the former Mayor of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, a pharmacist for 45 years and the current candidate for State House District 94 which includes Loxahatchee Groves. She wanted to introduce herself and to thank Council for the work they do representing the City. Ms. Litt mentioned her understanding of home rule and her fight in Tallahassee for the residents through the electoral process so they can choose their representatives and the type of City they would like to live in. She expressed she is the current Vice Chair for the County’s Water Task Force and that she serves on the Steering Committee for the Housing Coalition of Palm Beach County. She stated she is wanting to bring down the price of insurance and increase access to affordable healthcare. Mayor Kane thanked Ms. Litt for being there. 


       Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Katie Lakeman mentioned three dump trucks arrived on her street before 7:00 a.m. and she was hopeful they were bringing material, however they only dumped one load that did not fill the puddle. Ms. Lakeman asked Council if there was a list to be placed on being that the courtesy grade is no longer available. Richard Gallant, Public Works Director, stated the issue is being addressed and they are waiting on the shell rock that was ordered from the vendor. Robert Austen mentioned the date for an agenda item concerning the RVs was incorrect. Mr. Austen stated the date on the first draft was November 1st to April 1st due to the removal of the year-round camping adding on 179 days. He stated he was hoping that was an error due to the year-round camping being removed due to campers surrounding the Groves at six-month intervals in the summertime. Mr. Austen mentioned the traffic on Southern Blvd west of Fox Trail to Arden. Mr. Austen stated that State Road 8 would be exactly like 595 in Broward within the next 10-20 years. He mentioned commercial businesses and tax revenue will be going to Wellington because commercials are not a waste of time. He mentioned if the commercial tax base on Southern is not enough to support this town, then they will be forced to place commercial on Okeechobee. He feels this would be the reason we lose employees. Mayor Kane thanked Mr. Austen for his comment. Brian McNeil thanked the Fire Department and the Emergency Services Department for caring for him at 2:30 a.m. 6 weeks ago at his home due to a massive blood clot. He mentioned he was alone after driving back from Maine. Mr. McNeil stated the EMTs were unbelievable and that we are in great hands. He called asking why it took 11 minutes to get from Okeechobee to B Road. He was told the ambulance must stop at every pump and with the time he has gathered, it could take 22 minutes for someone else. He stated he sees we are using speed tables now, but asked is that a guarantee now for all future paving particularly on B-Road. He discussed other safety issues that he has mentioned twice, such as the massive water on B Road at the corner. He asked if there was a way to pursue the idea of traffic circulation at the intersection B Road and Okeechobee in the roundabout. Mayor Kane thanked Mr. McNeil for his comment. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Kane adjourned the community meeting at 6:17 p.m. TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: Mayor Anita Kane, Seat 3 Town Clerk Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Seat 5 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 2 


       Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Seat 1 Councilmember Laura Danowski, Seat 2 Councilmember Robert Shorr, Seat 4     Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 3 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING & FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, September 3, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kane called the meeting to order at 6:17 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, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, 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. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS Mayor Kane called for any additions, deletions, modifications or approval of the agenda. Councilmember Danowski requested to move agenda items no. 14 and 15 to the October 1, 2024, agenda. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS MODIFIED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No public comments received. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Shorr requested to pull item no. 1 & 4 off the consent agenda. Councilmember Danowski requested to pull item no. 2 & 5 off the Consent Agenda. 1. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-58: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING SURCHARGE AND COLLECTION OF CREDIT CARD, CHARGE CARD, DEBIT CARD, AND ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICE FEE CHARGES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 1 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-58. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 2. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-60: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AMENDING PERSONNEL POLICIES IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY MANUAL; REPEALING PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED PERSONNEL POLICIES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 2 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-60 AS MODIFIED. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with VICE MAYOR HERZOG DISSENTING). 3. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-61: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERMIT FEE REFUND POLICY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-61. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 2 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 4. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-63: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OTHER APPOINTED OFFICIALS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 4 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion and moved to the September 18, 2024, meeting. 5. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-69: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE TOWNWIDE PAY PLAN; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 5 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Public comment received from Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-69. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). PRESENTATIONS 6. Presentation on Revisions to Section 130-035 ULDC Lisa Tropepe, Vice President of Engenuity Group, Inc. presented the revisions to Section 130- 035 of the Unified Land Development Code. Public comment received from Cassie Suchy, Virginia Standish, and Jane Holding. Town Council discussion ensued. By consensus, the Town Council directed the engineer and attorney to revise the forms and move forward with code changes to be placed on October 1, 2024, agenda. 7. Presentation on RedSpeed's Turnkey Automated School Zone Safety Program by Greg Parks, Senior Vice President, RedSpeed Florida, LLC Mr. Parks presented the RedSpeed program. By consensus, the Town Council directed the attorney to move forward with the ordinance and the contract, which is to be placed on October 1, 2024, agenda. FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING 8. Summary Presentation of the Proposed Tentative Millage Rate and Proposed FY 2024/2025 Budget Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 3 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Jeff Kurtz, Project Coordinator, provided a presentation of the proposed tentative millage rate and proposed FY 2024/2025 Budget. RECESSED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING & CALLED TO ORDER DEPENDENT WATER CONTROL DISTRICT AT 8:23 P.M. FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING 9. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-DD05: A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES WATER CONTROL DISTRICT, A DEPENDENT DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF DISTRICT SERVICES, INCLUDING WATER CONTROL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF DRAINAGE AND ROADWAYS; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT RATE FOR DISTRICT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024; IMPOSING A DISTRICT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF DISTRICT SERVICES; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF THE ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTION; APPROVING THE DISTRICT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 TO BE ADOPTED AS PART OF THE TOWN’S BUDGET BY THE TOWN COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-DD05 into the record. Public comment provided by Ms. Jane Holding. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-DD05. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). RECONVENED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AT 8:28 P.M. FIRST BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING (Continued) 10. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-64: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES IN THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT RATE FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025; IMPOSING A RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION ASSESSMENT AGAINST ASSESSED PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 2024; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF THE ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTION; Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 4 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-64 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-64. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). 11. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-66: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE FOR THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO THE BUDGET SUMMARY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 200, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED; SETTING FORTH THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE FOR THE SECOND AND FINAL PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT THE TOWN'S MILLAGE RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND DIRECTING PUBLICATION OF NOTICE THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-66 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-66. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 12. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-65: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; SETTING FORTH THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE FOR THE SECOND PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE TOWN’S BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, ADOPTING THE FISCAL POLICIES; AND DIRECTING PUBLICATION OF NOTICE THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Resolution No. 2024-65 into the record. Public comment received from Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-65. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 5 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 13. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-11 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE ANNUAL UPDATE TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONSISTENT WITH CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-11 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-11 ON FIRST READING. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). PUBLIC HEARING 14. Approval on Ordinance No. 2024-09 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE MULTIPLE LAND USE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (MLU/PUD) APPROVAL ON A PARCEL OF LAND CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 89.95 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTHERN BOULEVARD AND “B” ROAD, LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A”; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATE REVISIONS TO THE MLU/PUD CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN AND THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-09 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO PLACE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-09 ON FIRST READING ON THE OCTOBER 1, 2024, AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 15. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-10 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TEXT OF ADOPTED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT, SPECIAL POLICY 1.15.2, TO REVISE THE PERMITTED USES, ESTABLISH INTENSITY MEASUREMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED HOTEL USE, AND PERMIT A NON-RESIDENTIAL USE NORTH OF EAST CITRUS DRIVE; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL, CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-10 into the record. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 6 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO PLACE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-10 ON FIRST READING ON THE OCTOBER 1, 2024, AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 16. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-07 on Second Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, REPEALING SEC. 20-050 “RECREATIONAL VEHICLES” OF ARTICLE 20 – “RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS”; AND ESTABLISHING ARTICLE 92 “RECREATIONAL VEHICLES” WITHIN PART III “SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS” WITHIN THE UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-07 into the record. Public comment received from Cassie Suchy and Virginia Standish. Town Council discussion ensued. Town Council directed the Town’s Planner and Attorney to revise the ordinance. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO PLACE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-07 ON SECOND READING ON THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 17. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-08 on Second Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTER 2 “ADMINISTRATION”, ARTICLE III “OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES’, DIVISION 2 “CODE OF ETHICS”, SECTION 2-87 “STANDARDS OF CONDUCT”, PARAGRAPH (10) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND PART V “DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS”, ARTICLE 120 “QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS”, SECTION 120-020 “EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS” OF THE UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES REGARDING HOLDING AND DISCLOSURE OF EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS AND REMOVING ANY PRESUMPTION OF PREJUDICE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-08 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 MANGILIA MOVED TO PLACE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-08 ON SECOND READING ON THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). REGULAR AGENDA 18. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-12 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 “ADMINISTRATION”, ARTICLE II “TOWN COUNCIL” BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 2-20 “ELECTION QUALIFYING” OF THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES CODE PROVIDING FOR THE CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PERIOD; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, THE REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-12 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANGILIA /VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-12 ON FIRST READING. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 19. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-13 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, CALLING FOR A REFERENDUM OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TO BE HELD ON MARCH 11, 2025 AS TO WHETHER THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES CHARTER SHALL BE AMENDED IN THE FOLLOWING RESPECT: AMEND PARAGRAPH (5) OF SECTION 7 “ELECTIONS” OF THE CHARTER FOR THE PALM BEACH COUNTY CANVASSING BOARD TO BE THE TOWN CANVASSING BOARD FOR ALL UNIFORM MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS FOR THE TOWN; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE AND ADVERTISING OF THE REFERENDUM; PROVIDING FOR REFERENDUM CANVASSING; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, THE REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-13 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI /COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-13 ON FIRST READING. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). DISCUSSION 20. Discussion on Civil Citation Ordinance Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to move forward with this item, which is to be placed on the October 1, 2024, agenda. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI /COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING AT 10:28 P.M. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 21. Updates, Items of Interest and Future Agenda Items Town Manager Ramaglia provided an overview on the updates, items of interest and future agenda items. TOWN STAFF COMMENTS Town Manager provided several updates regarding staffing, town operations, and upcoming initiatives. She announced that Mario had resigned, but the town successfully hired a qualified part-time Code Enforcement Officer, John Suarez, who previously worked for Palm Beach County and holds all four required code enforcement certifications. He is set to begin work on Thursday. Additionally, Craig, who has been assisting with code enforcement duties, will be formally certified so that he can continue handling floodplain-related complaints without relying on Public Works Director Richard Gallant for every issue. To improve communication regarding staffing changes, the Town Manager stated that the town will begin sending notifications when employees resign and when new hires, including temporary replacements, are brought on board. She noted that Angela, currently working at the front desk, is a temporary hire pending budget approval, while Sandra is a permanent staff member. Sammie Brown has been assigned dual responsibilities as a Code Specialist for the Magistrate process and as an Assistant to the Town Clerk, though his position remains temporary until the budget is finalized. She praised Brown’s ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently, jokingly referring to him as a "Swiss Army knife." She also took a moment to recognize Wilbur for his contributions to the town, acknowledging his leadership and experience from his previous role at the county. She highlighted his commitment to taking valuable information from council meetings back to the staff. Looking ahead, she mentioned plans for Florida Government Week in October, during which the town hopes to organize events that strengthen relationships between council members, staff, and the community. She suggested incorporating activities that educate residents on the various functions of the town government. The town has already ordered stickers for the event, and there is interest in hosting a chili cook-off or incorporating it into Founders Day, which is set to be discussed on the October 18th agenda under special events. Finally, she addressed concerns about the Community Conversation portion of council meetings, noting that while it was not removed, it may have been overlooked due to recent budget Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 9 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 discussions. She reassured Council members that it remains an important part of the meeting structure and will be explicitly listed on the agenda moving forward to ensure proper community engagement. By consensus, the Town Council authorized the Town Manager to sign grant applications. Town Attorney provided an update to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council regarding Form 1 and Form 6. Public Works Director provided an update on the town’s paving projects. He stated that the contractor was scheduled to begin mobilizing this week for the paving of 161st Street and six additional roads. The process will include final grading and compacting before paving begins. If all goes according to plan, the work should be completed by the end of October. Regarding preparation work for the Collecting Canal and A-Road project, Gallant reported that the purchase order for surveyors has been issued. The surveyors are currently identifying control points to determine the exact location of easements and the necessary scope of work. He expects to receive a call this week to coordinate fieldwork, during which survey markers will be placed. The project will begin with work on the canal bank and progress from there. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA /COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING AT 10:59 P.M. MOTION PASSED (4-1 with COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA DISSENTING). Town Clerk had no report. TOWN COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember Phillis Maniglia had no report. Councilmember Laura Danowski expressed gratitude to the town staff and fellow Council members for their hard work and patience, acknowledging the challenges they face in navigating complex issues. She noted that despite initial concerns about the extensive agenda, significant progress was made during the meeting and praised the teamwork involved. She also congratulated Jack on his retirement from the Village of Wellington and welcomed any new members who may have joined. As she was about to make a third point, she momentarily lost her train of thought and passed the discussion back to the meeting chair. Councilmember Robert Shorr raised concerns about the cost-effectiveness of the town’s legal services, questioning whether hiring an in-house attorney would provide real savings. He initially believed the cost savings would be substantial but, after reviewing salary and benefits estimates, found that the expected savings may not be as significant as anticipated. He requested a more detailed analysis comparing the town’s current legal expenses to alternative models, such as fixed fees or hybrid agreements, to determine the most financially viable approach. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 10 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Shorr expressed discomfort with the current system, noting that multiple attorneys often attend meetings, resulting in high legal costs. He pointed out that while the town budgets around $175,000 to $200,000 annually for legal services, actual expenditures in recent years have been closer to $300,000 to $400,000. He emphasized that if adjustments are needed, they should be made to ensure the town’s legal expenses align with budgeted expectations. To facilitate an informed decision, he suggested that the next meeting include a breakdown of legal costs across all departments, including hidden or miscellaneous legal expenses. The Town Manager confirmed that the contract for legal services is up for renewal, and Mr. Torcivia suggested scheduling one-on-one meetings with council members to discuss potential changes. Shorr and other council members agreed that before holding these discussions, a comprehensive analysis of actual legal spending should be prepared to provide a clear picture of the town’s legal costs. Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog inquired about the progress of securing easements, to which she received confirmation that the process is moving forward. She also expressed relief that the Human Resource manual had finally been voted on and was close to being finalized. Regarding FEMA grants, she asked for an update on the formation of a working group to coordinate efforts. The Town Manager responded that follow-ups had been made on various grant opportunities and that a meeting would be scheduled with Ms. Suchy, Ms. Tropepe, the FEMA representative, and the town’s lobbyist to ensure direct collaboration instead of working through a third party. Herzog also expressed satisfaction with the progress on 161st Street, acknowledging that the paving process was underway. She looked forward to seeing other long-standing road projects move forward, particularly those in the first phase of the town’s comprehensive road improvement plan. Mayor Anita Kane informed the Council that the Transportation Planning Agency had listed Okeechobee Boulevard for future widening in its 2050 transportation plan. She requested Council consensus to draft a formal letter opposing the project, which she would sign as Mayor, ensuring that the town's objection is officially recorded early in the planning process. The Council agreed to proceed with the letter. She then confirmed with staff that the ordinance clarification regarding building heights would be ready for the September 18th agenda to resolve any confusion. Discussion ensued on whether previous changes affected the actual height restrictions or only the reference points for measurement, highlighting ongoing misunderstandings that needed to be clarified in writing. Mayor Kane also raised a request from a Finance Advisory and Audit Committee (FAAC) member who suggested increasing the committee’s meeting frequency and hosting public, recorded meetings at Town Hall without staff involvement. Since this was a request from only one member, Kane suggested polling the full committee to determine broader interest before making any structural changes. The Council debated whether the FAAC should meet before its scheduled November meeting, with some members supporting the October meeting as a trial. The Town Manager reminded the Council that the FAAC is required to operate under Sunshine Law, meaning formal meetings would need minutes and public notice. It was also noted that any expanded role for the FAAC might require revising its governing resolution. The discussion then shifted to training FAAC members on the town’s financial accounting system (Blackbaud), which provides access to invoices, purchase orders, and contracts. The Town Manager suggested that better Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 11 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 training could empower committee members to analyze financial data independently, improving their effectiveness. Mayor Kane then addressed concerns about repeated power outages in certain areas of town. She responded to misinformation circulating on social media, where some residents claimed that the town "ran FP&L out" and caused the cancellation of the underground power project. The Town Manager clarified that FP&L halted the project due to residents refusing to grant easements, not due to any town action. She confirmed that FP&L is still interested in completing the undergrounding but must rework its scheduling and permissions. Additionally, FP&L has been actively maintaining power lines, trimming trees, and replacing poles, particularly on North Road and 161st Street. Further discussion revealed that AT&T and Comcast are also working on utility relocations, which will eventually allow for the removal of outdated poles and infrastructure. The council acknowledged that working with multiple utility providers is a slow process but agreed that progress is being made. The meeting concluded with Mayor Kane requesting a motion to adjourn, expressing appreciation for everyone’s participation, even when discussions became challenging. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, Councilmember Shorr moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 PM, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Herzog 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 Councilmember Laura Danowski, Seat 2 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 12 Docusign Envelope ID: 445F1082-E73F-4C80-996D-A30826FBEF3B Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Councilmember Robert Shorr, Seat 4 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 13