Town Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingLoxahatchee Groves, FL · October 1, 2024
Minutes
TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES
TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY OPEN DISCUSSION WORKSHOP
TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS — 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
CALLED TO ORDER
Maxor Anita Kane called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Anita Kane, Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Phillis Maniglia (arrived at
6:16 p.m.), Councilmember Laura Danowski, Councilmember Robert Shorr, Town Manager
Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, Public Works Directors Richard Gallant,
Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, and Town Clerk Valerie Oakes present.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Kane opened the floor for community discussion on non—agenda items.
Mary McNicholas began by expressing her gratitude to Public Works Director Gallant, the
public works staff, and the Town Administration for their efforts in mowing, cleaning, and
maintaining the banks of the Folsom Road canal. She remarked that it was the best it had ever
looked, and as a result, residents can now enjoy the surrounding wildlife. She also requested
that the cleanup efforts continue to address trash in the area. Regarding Costal and the vegetation
cleanup, she expressed her appreciation for the timely and thorough removal of vegetative
debris and other materials.
Cassie Suchy began by bringing several code enforcement cases to the Town Council's
attention, referring to an email she had previously sent to town staff seeking clarification on
specific cases. She expressed concern about the approach to code enforcement, noting that while
there seems to be proactive enforcement for smaller issues, larger and more obvious violations
often go unaddressed or await complaints before any action is taken. She questioned why Town
Staff can submit some complaints proactively but not all and suggested that the town review
Town Cauncil Workshop Meeting Minutes October 1, 2024
what code enforcement offlcers are allowed to report. Ms. Suchy also mentioned an email she
sent to the Town Council and staff regarding a resident's code enforcement violation involving
a fence. After reading the ordinance and noticing trees overhanging the fence, she took pictures
and sent them to the town. However, she did not believe the situation constituted a violation
based on the relevant code sections she reviewed. She requested that the Council and staff
consider discussing the role and responsibilities of code enforcement officers in a future agenda
item. While she commended the quality ofthe cases handled during special magistrate hearings,
she maintained concerns about proactive enforcement efforts and reiterated her belief that the
fence issue was a civil matter between two neighbors. Town Manager Ramaglia stated that it's
important to note that the council is not supposed to intervene in code cases. While we can listen
to comments and take them into consideration, issues like the civil dispute between two property
owners remain between those owners. In this particular case, a complaint was made, and we
clarified that it was a civil matter between the two parties. One ofthe property owners ultimately
removed their trees. We try to avoid getting involved in such disputes, but as you know, many
property owners bring these issues to us, and we do our best to remind them that they are civil
matters. There are also some longstanding complaints in the system, many of which date back
to when we had a code officer from an outside company. At that time, citations were issued for
issues like overgrown grass. However, the approach to code enforcement has since evolved,
focusing on more significant concerns. The Council has directed staff to be proactive about
life, health, and safety issues, and we strive to prioritize those areas. Additionally, we are
methodically reviewing site plan amendments and development order requirements to ensure
compliance. For example, we're checking that newly planted trees remain intact for at least a
year and verifying adherence to other conditions approved by the council. As for recreational
vehicles (RVs), we are proactive by sending out a mailer to residents explaining RV regulations.
We've also created a detailed FAQ for our website and redesigned the necessary forms. Later
tonight, we'll discuss upcoming open houses where we hope to increase community engagement
and provide clarity on these rules. One moming will be dedicated entirely to building and code-
related questions to address residents' concems directly. We recognize there's always room for
improvement and are committed to continuous progress. For instance, tonight's agenda includes
solutions that could reduce the number of code violations, particularly those related to FDAs
and unpermitted activities. By refining how we process FDAs, we hope to resolve many issues
more efficiently. Another item on tonight's agenda involves nuisance abatement assessments
and voluntary assessments for urgent repairs. These initiatives are particularly relevant to
smaller subdivision neighborhoods with properties under five acres. Many of these properties
have drainage systems reliant on ditches, SWEs, and road slopes, which require significant
attention. These measures will help us better support property owners while addressing these
long—standing challenges.
Mayor Kane asked if there were any additional public comment cards received for the
Community Discussion Workshop. Town Clerk Oakes advised that at that time, no further
Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 2
Town Cauncil Workshop Meeting Minutes October I, 2024
public comments had been received, subsequently concluding the Commission Discussion
Workshop meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kane adjoumed the community meeting at 6:12 p.m.
TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES,
FLORIDA
ATTEST:
._ _ R
Mayor Amta Kane Seat 3
Town Clerk 7/ // r%/ f § N r /;
argaret Herzog, Seat 5
Counc1l e ber Phillis Mam eat 1
Counc1lmember Robert Shorr Seat 4
Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 3
Agenda
TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES
TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
OCTOBER 01, 2024 – 6:00 PM
Community Open Discussion Meeting Precedes Meeting from 6:00-6:30 PM
(on Non-Agenda Items)
Anita Kane, Mayor (Seat 3)
Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember (Seat 1) Laura Danowski, Councilmember (Seat 2)
Robert Shorr, Councilmember (Seat 4) Marge Herzog, Vice Mayor(Seat 5)
Administration
Town Manager, Francine L. Ramaglia
Town Attorney, Torcivia, Donlon, Goddeau, & Rubin, P.E,
Town Clerk, Valerie Oakes
Public Works Director, Richard Gallant
Civility: Being "civil" is not a restraint on the First Amendment right to speak out, but it is more than just being polite.
Civility is stating your opinions and beliefs, without degrading someone else in the process. Civility requires a person
to respect other people's opinions and beliefs even if he or she strongly disagrees. It is finding a common ground for
dialogue with others. It is being patient, graceful, and having a strong character. That is why we say "Character Counts"
in Town of Loxahatchee. Civility is practiced at all Town meetings.
Special Needs: In accordance with the provisions of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons in need of a
special accommodation to participate in this proceeding shall within three business days prior to any proceeding,
contact the Town Clerk’s Office, 155 F Road, Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, (561) 793-2418.
Quasi-Judicial Hearings: Some of the matters on the agenda may be "quasi-judicial" in nature. Town Council
Members are required to disclose all ex-parte communications regarding these items and are subject to voir dire (a
preliminary examination of a witness or a juror by a judge or council) by any affected party regarding those
communications. All witnesses testifying will be "sworn" prior to their testimony. However, the public is permitted
to comment, without being sworn. Unsworn comment will be given its appropriate weight by the Town Council.
Appeal of Decision: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Town Council with respect to any matter
considered at this meeting, he or she will need a record of the proceeding, and for that purpose, may need to ensure
that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes any testimony and evidence upon which the
appeal will be based.
Consent Calendar: Those matters included under the Consent Calendar are typically self-explanatory, non
controversial, and are not expected to require review or discussion. All items will be enacted by a single motion. If
discussion on an item is desired, any Town Council Member, without a motion, may "pull" or remove the item to be
considered separately. If any item is quasi-judicial, it may be removed from the Consent Calendar to be heard
separately, by a Town Council Member, or by any member of the public desiring it to be heard, without a motion.
Town of Loxahatchee Groves October 01, 2024
Town Council Regular Meeting Page No. 2
TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments for all meetings may be received by email, or in writing to the Town Clerk’s
Office until 12:00 PM day of the meeting. Comments will be “received and filed” to be
acknowledged as part of the official public record of the meeting. Town Council meetings are
livestreamed and close-captioned for the general public via our website, instructions are posted
there.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-76: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF
THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, RATIFYING EXPENDITURES
IN EXCESS OF $25,000, AS SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED COMPOSITE EXHIBIT “A”
AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT FOR SUCH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
2. Receive & File: Vendor Payments in FY 2024 between $10,000 and $25,000
PRESENTATIONS
3. Presentation on Resilient Florida Project Work Plan Status and Update
REGULAR AGENDA
4. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2024-74: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN
COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING
THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH COASTAL WASTE & RECYCLING OF PALM BEACH
COUNTY, LLC; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
DISCUSSION
5. Discussion of Proposed Culvert Ordinance (Revised)
Town of Loxahatchee Groves October 01, 2024
Town Council Regular Meeting Page No. 3
6. Discussion on Town Council Priorities:
Review of the Legislative Calendar
Review of Agenda Item Schedules (forthcoming)
Review of Annual Special Events & Approval of Resolution No. 2024-67:
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING CERTAIN DATES
SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND APPROVING ANNUAL
SPONSORSHIPS AND EVENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Review Annual Proclamations & Approval of Resolution No. 2024-68:
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE DESIGNATION
OF CERTAIN DAYS, WEEKS, AND MONTHS FOR ANNUAL
PROCLAMATIONS TO BE ISSUED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
Review of the Florida City Government Week Schedule & Approval
of Resolution No. 2024-75:
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA,
RECOGNIZING FLORIDA CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK, OCTOBER 21
THROUGH 27, AND ENCOURAGING ALL CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THE
CELEBRATION AND CORRESPONDING ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
7. Discussion on Roadway, Drainage and Emergency Management
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-11 on Second 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 of Loxahatchee Groves October 01, 2024
Town Council Regular Meeting Page No. 4
9. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-12 on Second 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.
10. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-13 on Second 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.
11. Approval of Ordinance No. 2024-14 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN
COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING
SECTION 130-035 “ADEQUACY OF DRAINAGE FACILITIES,” OF ARTICLE 130
“CONCURRENCY REVIEWS” of Part V “Development Review Procedures and
Requirements,” OF THE UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO UPDATE
STANDARDS FOR DRAINAGE SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT,
SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARING
None.
TOWN STAFF COMMENTS
Town Manager
Town Attorney
Public Works Director
Town Clerk
Town of Loxahatchee Groves October 01, 2024
Town Council Regular Meeting Page No. 5
TOWN COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Phillis Maniglia (Seat 1)
Laura Danowski (Seat 2)
Robert Shorr (Seat 4)
Vice Mayor Marge Herzog (Seat 3)
Mayor Anita Kane (Seat 3)
ADJOURNMENT
Comment Cards:
Anyone from the public wishing to address the Town Council, it is requested that you complete a
Comment Card before speaking. Please fill out completely with your full name and address so that
your comments can be entered correctly in the minutes and give to the Town Clerk. During the
agenda item portion of the meeting, you may only address the item on the agenda being discussed
at the time of your comment. During public comments, you may address any item you desire.
Please remember that there is a three (3) minute time limit on all public comment. Any person who
decides to appeal any decision of the Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting
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 included testimony and evidence upon which the appeal
is to be based. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate should
contact the Town Clerk’s Office (561-793-2418), at least 48 hours in advance to request such
accommodation.
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