Town Council Regular Meeting

Docusign Envelope ID: 0BE6307A-9E9C-407B-B867-A2F2393AAADB TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY OPEN DISCUSSION WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, March 18, 2025 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 (absent), Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Robert Shorr, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, Public Works Director Gallant Richard Gallant, and Town Clerk Valerie Oakes were present. OPEN DISCUSSION: Robert Austen mentioned the complaints regarding the Paddock Recreational Vehicle Park on Southern Blvd. There are over 300 illegal tenants living in their recreational vehicles (RVs) in town, which will cause the town to ban all RVs as has been done in Wellington. Properties are purchased in town to store heavy equipment, storage or camping. He completed the affidavit and still received a certified letter of regarding his RV. If the property on Hyde Park is not foreclosed, then they will continue to break the rules. The Town cannot ignore the issues due to little or no enforcement of the code. Mayor Kane thanked Mr. Austen for his comments and noted that they are working to implement a sustainable, user-friendly program that offers the desired effect. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Kane adjourned the community meeting at 6:10 p.m. Docusign Envelope ID: 0BE6307A-9E9C-407B-B867-A2F2393AAADB Town Council Workshop Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 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 2 


          TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 155 F. Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 Tuesday, March 18, 2025 TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kane called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor Kane led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for those who are suffering around the world. ROLL CALL Mayor Anita Kane, Vice Mayor Margaret Herzog, Councilmember Laura Danowski (absent), Councilmember Phillis Maniglia, Councilmember Robert Shorr, Councilmember-Elect Paul T. Coleman II, Councilmember-Elect Lisa El-Ramey, Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, Town Attorney Glen Torcivia, Public Works Director Richard Gallant, Town Clerk Valerie Oakes, Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz and Public Works Superintendent Craig Lower were present. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS Mayor Kane called for any additions, deletions, modifications, or approval of the agenda. Town Manager Ramaglia requested to add item 8A – Nominations for Town Board and Committee Appointments. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS MODIFIED TO INCLUDE ITEM 8A. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (4-0). 


          Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No public comments on non-agenda items. 2025 STATE OF THE TOWN 1. 2025 State of the Town Address by Mayor Anita Kane Mayor Kane provided the 2025 State of the Town Address. CONSENT AGENDA 2. Approval of the Minutes MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER SHORR/COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (4-0). REGULAR AGENDA 3. Acceptance of the March 11, 2025, Election Results for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves Town Clerk Oakes read aloud the official election results of the March 11, 2025, Municipal Election. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA/VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MARCH 11, 2025, OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (4-0). 4. Recognition of the Outgoing Town Councilmembers Mayor Kane recognized Mr. Robert Shorr and presented him with a plaque for his tenure and service to the Town. Ms. Laura Danowski was absent. 5. Administer the Oath of Office - Lisa El-Ramey, Seat #2 Town Clerk Oakes administered the Oath of Office and Ms. Lisa El-Ramey was sworn in as a Town Councilmember for Seat #2 and she took her seat on the dais. 6. Administer the Oath of Office - Paul Coleman II, Seat #4 Town Clerk Oakes administered the Oath of Office and Mr. Paul Coleman II was sworn in as a Town Councilmember for Seat #4 and he took his seat on the dais. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 2 


          Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 7. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2025-14: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, ELECTING A MAYOR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR 2025-2026 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA /VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-14 ELECTING ANITA KANE AS MAYOR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR 2025-2026. MOTION PASSED (4-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER EL-RAMEY DISSENTING). 8. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2025-15: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, ELECTING A VICE MAYOR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR 2025-2026 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA /VICE MAYOR HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-15 ELECTING MARGARET AS VICE MAYOR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR 2025- 2026. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 8A. Nominations for Town Board and Committee Appointments This item was added to the agenda at the meeting. x Project Coordinator Kurtz introduced the item. Town Council discussion ensued. By consensus, this item will come back to the Town Council for formal approval on April 1, 2025, and Agritourism will remain sunset. Town Manager Ramaglia committed to creating a structured plan to keep committees accountable and ensure timely progress on all projects. PRESENTATIONS 9. Presentation on Code of Ethics by Gina Levesque, Intake & Compliance Manager, Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Ms. Levesque presented the Code of Ethics. 10. Presentation on the Sunshine Law, Public Records Law, and a Review of the Town Council's Rules of Procedure by Glen Torcivia, Town Attorney Mr. Torcivia presented on the Sunshine Law, Public Records Law, and a review of the Town Council's Rules of Procedure. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 3 


          Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 Mayor Kane called for a short recess and reconvened the meeting at 7:42 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA 11. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2025-16: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, APPROVING A SCHEDULE FOR THE REGULAR AND WORKSHOP TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS DATES FOR MARCH TO DECEMBER 2025; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. For the record, the meeting on September 17, 2025, is on a Wednesday, not Tuesday. MOTION: COUNCILMEMBER MANIGLIA /COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-16 AS CORRECTED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). RECESS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING & CALL TO ORDER DEPENDENT WATER CONTROL DISTRICT AT 7:43 P.M. DISTRICT'S REGULAR AGENDA 12. Consideration of Approval of Resolution No. 2025-DD04: A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES WATER CONTROL DISTRICT, A DEPENDENT DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA, ELECTING THE DISTRICT PRESIDENT AND PROVIDING THAT THE PRESIDENT SHALL SERVE AS CHAIR AT MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: ELECTING THE DISTRICT SECRETARY AND PROVIDING BOND AMOUNT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, PROVIDING DOR SEVERAILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Supervisor El-Ramey nominated Treasurer Herzog to sit as Chair. Treasurer Herzog declined the nomination. MOTION: SUPERVISOR MANIGLIA /SUPERVISOR COLEMAN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-DD04 ELECTING ANITA KANE AS DISTRICT PRESIDENT. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 4 


          Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 13. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2025-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, APPOINTING THE DISTRICT TREASURER AND PROVIDING BOND AMOUNT AND COMPENSATION; DESIGNATION THE TOWN MANAGER AS FISCAL AGENT FOR THE DISTRICT AND PROVIDING FOR COMPENSATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: SUPERVISOR MANIGLIA /SUPERVISOR COLEMAN MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-DD05 ELECTING MARGARET HERZOG AS DISTRICT TREASURER. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). 14. Consideration of Approval on Resolution No. 2025-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 ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF ITS REGULAR MEETINGS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: SUPERVISOR COLEMAN /TREASURER HERZOG MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-DD06. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0). RECONVENE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:45 P.M. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 15. March 2025 Calendar Town Manager Ramaglia reviewed the March 2025 calendar. 16. March Approved Proclamations for Recognition: - Flood Awareness Week Proclamation (March 3-7, 2025) - Employee Appreciation Day (March 28, 2025) Town Manager Ramaglia announced the previously approved March proclamations. By consensus, the Town Council decided to host a pot luck luncheon on April 3, 2025, to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day. 17. Future Agenda Items Town Manager Ramaglia provided an overview of the future agenda items. Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 5 


          Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 TOWN STAFF COMMENTS Town Manager Ramaglia provided the following report 1) announced that Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council will facilitate a conversation with landowners and residents regarding the Southern Corridor on April 8th (not yet advertised). The morning portion of the day will include discussion on large undeveloped land, and later in the day will offer residents the opportunity to discuss water connection needs (including whether it includes septic-to-sewer conversion). 2) Palm Beach County has water availability and may have grants for septic conversion. 3) Congratulated the returning and newly elected council members, as well as the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and other officials. Town Attorney Torcivia welcomed the new and returning council members and looked forward to a great year ahead. Public Works Director Gallant congratulated the new and returning council members. Roadway standards were provided months ago and will provide copies to the new members for review. Town Clerk Oakes reported that on Election day that there was a power outage at the polling location. Public Works responded immediately to assist in relocating voting equipment. Despite the issue, the election went smoothly. Congratulated new council members Lisa El-Ramey and Paul Coleman II, and stated that the Council Member Handbook will be distributed next week, which will include a full day of orientation to meet with staff, and tour the facilities and Town. TOWN COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember - Seat 5 – Vice Mayor Herzog inquired about the Treasure Coast meeting and Council representation at this meeting and other external meetings. Councilmember - Seat 4 – Councilmember Paul Coleman thanked voters for their participation; congratulated Councilmember El-Ramey on her election, and hopes to guide town growth while maintaining rural character. Councilmember - Seat 3 – Mayor Kane welcomed new members, announced that trails on Gruber and East Citrus are open, attended Palm Beach County Days for legislative discussions, and attended the Mayor’s Ball, where the town’s auction baskets successfully raised funds for the Homeless Coalition. Councilmember - Seat 2 - Councilmember Lisa El-Ramey praised the State of the Town Address for setting accountability and transparency priorities and suggested the following priorities: 1) stricter agenda deadlines for Council and committee meetings; 2) consequences for failing to meet deadlines; and 3) setting three measurable goals for the year. Furthermore, she Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 6 


          Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 noted that a sign permit was issued that does not meet the Town’s code. Town Manager Ramaglia will research and investigate the sign permit referenced. Councilmember El-Ramey also suggested that the fireworks ordinance be should be addressed before July 4th to address the concerns regarding fire hazards and animal safety, but also to address meaningful consequences and enforcement. Councilmember - Seat 1 - Phillis Maniglia supports eliminating annual elections, as it divides the town and disrupts productivity. Additionally, noted that Wellington successfully banned fireworks in equestrian zones, and suggested working with Ann Gerwig to sponsor a local bill. Additionally, expressed concern over a push for septic-to-sewer conversions, and wants assurances that no one will be forced to connect. Town Manager Ramaglia confirmed no forced connections; residents will be involved in the decision-making. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, Mayor Kane adjourned the meeting at 8:54 PM. 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 Lisa El-Ramey, Seat 2 Councilmember Paul T. Coleman II, Seat 4 Town of Loxahatchee Groves Page 7