Town Council Regular Meeting

TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY OPEN DISCUSSION WORKSHOP TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS — 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, November 12, 2024 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kane called the meeting t0 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 Gallant Richard Gallant, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, Town’s Flaming Consultant Kaitlyn Forbes (of Complete Cities), Town’s Flaming Consultant Jim Fleischman (of Land Research Management, Inc.) and Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. OPEN DISCUSSION: Cassie Suchy introduced a proposal for the creation of an Ad Hoc Volunteer Committee aimed at improving government efficiency and fmancial transparency that would operate without decision-making authority and outside of the sunshine law. Town Attorney Glen Torcivia opined that any committee providing advice to the Town Council is'subj ect to the Sunshine Law requirements. Mayor Kane suggested an alternative approach by advertising open committee positions to create a pool of volunteers and allowing the Council to select participants for specific projects. Virginia Standish submitted written comments addressing concerns about Marcella Boulevard regarding the repaving schedule and whether flood mitigation measures for south-side properties were planned. Public Works Director Richard Gallant explained that Marcella Boulevard is not scheduled for repaving unless specific damage is reported. Councilmember Maniglia clarified that previous paving projects on Marcella Boulevard were funded by grants and Town resurfacing efforts, not by residents. Public Works Director Gallant detailed the existing design, which directs water from the south side of the road to the north side Via culverts. However, unmaintained swales obstruct water flow, exacerbating flooding issues. Public Works cleared several swales after recent storms but Town Council Warkshop Meeting W Minutes November I2, 2024 \ encountered challenge in areas where tree obstructions required vendor assistance. Councilmember Dan ski advocated for providing support to elderly or financially constrained residents unablet aintain their swales and urged Public Works to evaluate specific cases and explore potenti assistance programs. Virginia Standish praised the Town’s tornado response, commending staff and Public Works for their efficient handling of debris cleanup and emergency management. Additionally, concems were raised about utility coordination during emergencies, noting that FP&L linemen unfamiliar with the area had difficulty locating addresses. Additionally, suggested assigning staff or volunteers to assist linemen during such events and moving PBSO and Fire Department reports to the beginning of Town meetings. Also, requested more transparency in Code Enforcement case resolutions, particularly regarding asphalt paving violations. Town Manager Ramaglia responded by explaining the varied nature of such code cases and provided examples that included underground storage installation and project delays, illustrating the Town’s enforcement of regulations. Brian McNiel echoed praise for the Town’s tornado response, emphasizing the impressive speed and effectiveness of debris cleanup. However, he raised concems about the uniform six- cubic-yard limit for debris collection, suggesting a prorated system based on property size to account for larger properties generating more debris. Town Manager Ramaglia clarified that during tornado recovery, there is no limit on debris collection. Residents are encouraged to place all debris curbside by December l, 2024, to ensure grinding and disposal can be completed before the January 2025 compliance deadline. Additionally, community pile arrangements could be scheduled for larger collections. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Kane adjoumed the community meeting at 6:29 p.m. [THIS PORTION INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 2 Town Cauncil Workshap Meeting Min utes November 12, 2024 TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: v Mayor Anita Kane, Seat 3 1M fag Town Clerk 7////;./}5 / ? Margaret Herz é ( ,l/ 'CB‘May‘g “I Counci ber Phillis n1 ia, Seat 1 Councilmember Laura Danowski, Seat 2 MW Councilrgember Robert Shorr, Seat 4 Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 3  TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS — 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, November 12, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kane called the meeting to order at 6:36 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, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, Town’s Flaming Consultant Jim Fleischman (of Land Research Management, Inc.) and Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Kane led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for the Veterans. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS: Mayor Kane called for any additions, deletions, modifications or approval of the agenda. Town Clerk Oakes requested to pull items no. 4, 5 and 14 off the agenda. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS MODIFIED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Tawn Council Regular Meeting Minutes November I2, 2024 COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation of Health Insurance Renewal The Gehring Group provided a presentation 0n the renewal 0f health insurance. By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to move forward with the health insurance renewal. 2. Presentation of Hurricane Milton Post Storm Update Public Works Director Gallant provided an update on the post—storm efforts due to Hurricane Milton. Police Captain Turner and Fire Chief Vomero provided additional information regarding the storm. Town Manager Ramaglia thanked the staff. 3. Presentation of Quarterly Reports (Receive & File) The quarterly reports were presented to the Town Council. MOTION: VICE MAYOR HERZOG/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO RECEIVE AND FILE THE QUARTERLY REPORTS. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 4. Presentation of Proclamation on Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Agenda item no. 4 was pulled off the agenda. 5. Presentation of Proclamation for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative Agenda item no. 5 was pulled off the agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Danowski requested to pull items 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12; additionally, Vice Mayor Herzog requested to pull item no. 13 off the consent agenda for further discussion. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE ITEM NO. 7 & 11 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 2 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes November I2, 2024 6. Approval of Resolution N0. 2024-77: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH KIEL TREE SERVICE, INC. TO PROVIDE TREE REMOVAL SERVICES TO THE TOWN AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item n0. 6 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to bring this item back at a later date. Approval of Resolution N0. 2024-79: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE PROCUREMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF CONSULTANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION PLAN; SUPPORTING THE FORMATION OF A TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE SAME; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 7 was approved on the Consent Agenda. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-80: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA APPROVING REMOVAL OF SPECIMEN TREES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 8 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Public Comments were received from Nina Coming and Cassie Suchv. By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to bring this item back at a later date with additional information about the landscape plan. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-81: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR THE FORECLOSURE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT LIENS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 9 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Public Comment received from Nina Coming. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 3 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes November I2, 2024 10. Approval ofResolution N0. 2024-82: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO DECLARE A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY AND LAWFUL MEASURES TO CONDUCT TOWN BUSTNESS AND SAFEGUARD THE TOWN; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 10 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Public Comments were received from Nina Corning and Cassie Suchv. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA /COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-82. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 11. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-83: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ACCEPTING A DEED FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 11 was approved on the Consent Agenda. 12. Approval 0f Resalution N0. 2024-84: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. l TO THE SCOPE AND PRICING FOR INSTALLATION OF A BRIDGE CULVERT AT 11th TERRACE AND D ROAD; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER 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. 12 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for thither discussion. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-84. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 4 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes November I2, 2024 13. Approval 0f Res0luti0n N0. 2024-85: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPOINTING THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIFIED LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICT, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item n0. 13 was pulled off the Consent Agenda for further discussion. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER SHORR MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-85. MOTION PASSED (4-1 WITH VICE MAYOR HERZOG DISSENTING). After agenda item n0. 13, there was a short recess. l4. Approval of Resolution N0. 2024-86: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA APPROVING REMOVAL OF SPECIMEN TREES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Agenda item no. 14 was pulled off the agenda. RECESS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING & CALL TO ORDER DEPENDENT WATER CONTROL DISTRICT Mayor Kane adjourned the Town Council meeting and called to order the Dependent Water Control District at 7:32 p.m. DISTRICT'S CONSENT AGENDA 15. Approval to Recommend to the Town Council the Adoption 0f Ordinance N0. 2024-16 Public Comments were received from Nina Coming and Cassie Suchv. By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to bring this item back at a later date. 16. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-DD06: A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES WATER CONTROL DISTRICT, A DEPENDENT DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TO PROVIDE FOR USE OF TOWN STAFF, RESOURCES, AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ENFORCEMENT, ASSESSMENT, AND COLLECTION OF DRAINAGE WORKS NUISANCE ABATEMENT SERVICES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT, FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A VOLUNTARY CULVERT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to bring this item back at a later date. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 5 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes November I2, 2024 RECONVENE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Kane adjourned thc Dependent Water Control District and reconvened the Town Council meeting at 8:08 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA 17. Consideration of Approval on Ordinance N0. 2024-15 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING ITS CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 26 “MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS AND OFFENSES” BY ADOPTING ARTICLE II “SCHOOL ZONE SPEED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM”; PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF A SCHOOL ZONE SPEED DETECTION SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, DESIGNATION OF SCHOOL ZONES, AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-1 5 into the record. There were no public comments. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-15 ON FIRST READING. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 18. Consideration of Approval ofOrdinance N0. 2024-16 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING ITS CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 46 “SPECIAL DISTRICTS” TO REORGANIZE AND UPDATE ITS PROVISIONS, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS CITED FOR DRAINAGE WORKS VIOLATIONS, TO PROVIDE LEGAL PROCEDURES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF ABATEMENT COSTS, TO PROVIDE A VOLUNTARY CULVERT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND/OR MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATELY OWNED CULVERTS, CULVERT CROSSINGS, AND/OR CULVERT BRIDGES, TO REMOVE HAULING PERMITTING PROVISIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. By consensus, the Town Council directed staff to bring this item back at a later date. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 6 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes November I2, 2024 l9. Consideration 0f Approval on Ordinance N0. 2024-I7 on First Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 “CODE ENFORCEMENT” OF ITS CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING ARTICLE I “IN GENERAL” TO INCLUDE EXISTING SECTIONS 14—1 THROUGH 14-4, AND BY ADOPTING ARTICLE II “CIVIL CITATION PROCEDURES” TO PROVIDE CITATION PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakas read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-17 into the record. Public Comment received from Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-17 ON FIRST READING. MOTION PASSED (4-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER SHORR DISSENTING). 20. Discussion on Approving a Schedule of Violations and Associated Penalties for Civil Citations Public Comments were received from Cassie Suchv and Nina Corning. By consensus, the Town Council decided that they would review the schedule further and provide their comments to the Town Clerk, so that staff may bring this item back at a later date. PUBLIC HEARING 21. Approval of Ordinance N0. 2024-I4 on Second Reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 130-035 “ADEQUACY OF DRATNAGE 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. Town Clerk Oakes read the title of Ordinance No. 2024-l4 into the record. Public Comment received from Cassie Suchy. Town Council discussion ensued. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 2024-14 ON SECOND READING. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 7 Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes Navember 12, 2024 DISCUSSION MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER DANOWSKI/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING AT 10:16 P.M. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 22. Discussion on Water Control Plan Update / Assessment Methodology Proiect Coordinator Kurtz provided an updato on the water control plan and assessment methodology. 23. Discussion on Road & Drainage Update Public Works Director Gallant provided an update on the roads and drainage. 24. Discussion on Future Agenda Items Town Manager Ramaglia reviewed the future agenda items. TOWN STAFF COMMENTS Town Manager reported on the request for an over-the-weekend event at a residence. Treasure Coast Regional Flaming Council was contacted for any available grants regarding traffic on Southern Blvd. Town Attorney had no report. Public Works Director Gallant reported on the post-storm efforts. Town Clerk reported that the qualifying period had begun for seats no. 2 and 4. Gratitude baskets will be distributed on December 13m. Additionally, the Veteran’s Day parade was a success where the Town’s Founders were introduced. Furthermore, announced the details for the Farm City luncheon. Lastly, the Town is registered for Wellington’s 40th annual holiday parade TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Phillis Maniglia expressed concerns over the Town’s website. Councilmember Laura Danowski thanked the staff for their efforts during the storm, for a successful Veteran’s/Founder’s Day event, and wished everyone a happy holiday. Councilmember Robert Shorr stated that the parade was a success and was able to distribute 46 medals, and that FDA and RV permits are user-friendly. Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog expressed concerns with the mailing and stated that the event was a success. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 8 Town C0uncil Regular Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024 Mayor Anita Kane thanked the staff for their efforts during the storm and for a successful Veteran’s/Founder’s Day event. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, Vice Mayor Herzog moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:47 PM, which was seconded by Councilmember Maniglia and passed unanimously (5—0). TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA ATTEST: ./ Mayor Anita Kane, Seat 3 t , “7 / */////y/f/$>%/ta Town Clerk ViceMayo Margaret HerZbg‘j:/Seat 5 \ ouncil ber 13hii1‘ iglia, Seat 1 WWM; unciliq er Laura Danowski, Seat 2 W Councilmember Robert Shorr, Seat 4 Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Page 9