Village Council

Village of Wellington 12300 Forest Hill Blvd Wellington, FL 33414 Action Summary - Final Tuesday, December 8, 2015 7:00 PM Village Hall Village Council Bob Margolis, Mayor John Greene, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, Councilman Anne Gerwig, Councilwoman John T. McGovern, Councilman Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Margolis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Margolis led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. INVOCATION Deacon Bob Rodriguez, St. Therese de Lisieux, Wellington, delivered the Invocation. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Schofield presented the agenda recommending approval with one amendment: Add a Proclamation and Presentation of Key to the City under Presentations and Proclamations. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gerwig, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) approving the agenda as amended. 5. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS A. PROCLAMATION AND KEY TO THE CITY RECOGNIZING TONY FRANSETTA FOR HIS LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Ms. Rodriguez read the Proclamation. Council presented the Key to the City and the Proclamation to Mr. Tony Fransetta. Council expressed their appreciation to Mr. Fransetta for his service to the Village of Wellington, particularly the seniors. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Schofield introduced the Consent Agenda recommending approval as presented. There were no public comments on the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A. 15-871 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR WELLINGTON COUNCIL MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 13, 2015, OCTOBER 27, 2015 AND NOVEMBER 10, 2015 Village of Wellington Page 1 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 This item was approved on Consent. B. 15-844 AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE A CLAY COUNTY CONTRACT WITH MUSCO SPORTS LIGHTING, LLC, AS A BASIS FOR PRICING TO PROVIDE SPORTS LIGHTING FOR OLYMPIA PARK BASKETBALL COURTS This item was approved on Consent. C. 15-839 REVIEW OF CODE COMPLIANCE FINE REDUCTION FOR 13730 STAIMFORD DRIVE This item was approved on Consent. PUBLIC FORUM A. 15-903 REQUEST FROM MR. RICHARD COSOLA TO SPEAK FOR 15 MINUTES TO COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF THE COVENTRY GREEN ASSOCIATION REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF A BARRIER ALONG FOREST HILL BLVD FACING THE NORTH COURSE 1. Mr. Richard Cosola. Mr. Cosola had submitted a request to speak for 15 minutes during the Public Forum. He presented a petition on behalf of the Coventry Green Association who would like Council to consider installing a barrier along Forest Hill Blvd. They feel the barrier will act as a deterrent to unwanted pedestrian traffic entering from the road onto the Coventry Green property. Mr. Schofield advised Mr. Cosola that Mr. Barnes would be contacting him to discuss this matter. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 15-834 RESOLUTION NO. R2015-93 (PBIEC SEASON EQUESTRIAN SPU - TEMPORARY ACCESS TO LOTS 8, 9 AND 10 OF GRAND PRIX FARMS) A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL APPROVING A SEASONAL EQUESTRIAN USE PERMIT FOR GRAND PRIX FARMS, LOTS 8, 9 AND 10, LOCATED AT 3256 GRAND PRIX FARMS DRIVE, FOR TWO (2) TEMPORARY ACCESS DRIVEWAYS TO GENE MISCHE WAY FROM DECEMBER 14, 2015 TO APRIL 30, 2016; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Ms. Rodriguez read the resolution by title. Since this was a quasi-judicial hearing, Ms. Cohen administered the oath to all those people who indicated they would be speaking on this item. Council each disclosed their ex-parte communications. Village of Wellington Page 2 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 Mr. Bob Basehart presented the item. Ms. Cory Cramer was also available to address Council questions. Mr. Dan Rosenbaum, Attorney for the applicant and Mr. Michael Sexton, Engineer for the applicant, spoke on this item. Public Hearing A motion was made by Councilman McGovern, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to open the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, a motion was made by Councilman McGovern, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene and unanimously passed (5-0) to close the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (4-1) with Councilman Willhite dissenting to approve Resolution No. R2015-93 with the contingency that prior to the issuance of the permit, a surety bond is posted, the Village Engineer has signed off; and that it meets all the LDR requirement. B. 15-890 ORDINANCE NO. 2015-17 (APPROVING REFERENDUM QUESTION AMENDING THE VILLAGE CHARTER) AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 8 OF WELLINGTON’S MUNICIPAL CHARTER BY AMENDING SECTION 8, SUBSECTION G ENTITLED “VILLAGE CANVASSING BOARD” TO INCLUDE THE APPOINMENT OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO THE CANVASSING BOARD WHEN NECESSARY TO AVOID TIED VOTES; PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT TO THE ELECTORS OF WELLINGTON AT THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 15, 2016; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Ms. Rodriguez read the ordinance by title. Ms. Cohen presented the staff report noting that this was the second reading of the ordinance. She noted that Mr. Asnani had submitted a memorandum regarding the ordinance that had previously been approved regarding filling the vacancy of the Mayor and Councilmember. She said Mr. Asnani's memo inidicated that the title and summary are confusing and may mislead the voters. Mr. Asnani submitted a card to speak on this and would do so during the Public Forum. Councilman McGovern suggested that they could possibly have the Canvassing Board be just the Clerk or an even number of members. He suggested that they add language that says "appointing community members Village of Wellington Page 3 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 to the Canvassing Board to avoid single or even membership." Council directed staff to forward a letter to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections requesting that she direct any concerns or questions to the Village Clerk should any arise pertaining to Wellington during the election process. Public Hearing A motion was made by Vice Mayor Grreene, seconded by Councilman Willhite, and unanimously passed (5-0) to open the public hearing. There being no public comments, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to close the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to approve Ordinance No. 2015-17 with the question reading as follows: Shall Council appoint community members to the Canvassing Board to avoid single or even membership? C. 15-889 ORDINANCE NO. 2015-21 (CANVASSING BOARD) AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL AMENDING ARTICLE I, CHAPTER 2 BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO BE NUMBERED 2-2 ENTITLED CANVASSING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Ms. Rodriguez read the ordinance by title. Council discussed this and thought the item should be postponed and brought back to Council in April after the election and the Charter questions are presented to the electors. Public Hearing A motion was made by Vice Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to open the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, a motion was made by Vice Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to close the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Councilman McGovern, seconded by Councilman Willhite, and unanimously passed (5-0) to postpone Ordinance No. 2015-21 to the first meeting in April 2016. D. 15-757 ORDINANCE NO. 2015-12 (SOLICITATION) AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL, AMENDING CHAPTER 62 “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES”, REPEALING Village of Wellington Page 4 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 SECTION 62-15 “HITCHHIKING OR SOLICITATION FROM ROADWAY PROHIBITED” AND REPLACING WITH SECTION 62-15 “HITCHHIKING, SOLICITATION AND DISTRIBUTION ON PUBLIC ROADS”; PROVIDING FOR PROHIBITION OF HITCHHIKING; PROVIDING FOR REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF SOLICITATION AND DISTRIBUTION ON WELLINGTON’S LOCAL ROADS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Ms. Rodriguez read the ordinance by title. Mr. Basehart presented the staff report. Councilman Willhite raised the concern that someone may be hailing a cab or flagging down a bus in proximity of the roadway and not hitch hiking. He felt that section needed further clarification. Ms. Cohen said the language may be too broad, and said she would compare the ordinance with the County's version and bring back any changes at Second Reading. Public Hearing A motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to open the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, a motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to close the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gerwig, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to approve Ordinance No. 2015- 12. E. 15-832 ORDINANCE NO. 2015-13 (FISCAL YEAR 2015/2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ELEMENT UPDATE) AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL, UPDATING THE WELLINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BY INCORPORATING THE ANNUAL REVIEW AND REVISIONS TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT TO REFLECT THE 2015/2016 THROUGH 2020/2021 FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR LEVEL OF SERVICE PROJECTS; AND UPDATING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY; AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO UPDATE THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Ms. Rodriguez read the ordinance Village of Wellington Page 5 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 by title. Mr. Basehart presented the item. Public Hearing A motion was made by Councilwoman Gerwig, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to open the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, a motion was made by Councilwoman Gerwig, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to close the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Councilwoman Gerwig, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to approve Ordinance No. 2015-13 on First Reading as presented. F. 15-827 INTENT TO CONTINUE USING THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS FOR WELLINGTON, FLORIDA AND ACME IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (a) RESOLUTION NO. R2015-86: A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF WELLINGTON TO CONTINUE TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AS AUTHORIZED AND PERMITTED BY SECTION 197.3632, FLORIDA STATUTES; EXPRESSING THE NEED FOR THE LEVY OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AND SETTING FORTH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN WELLINGTON’S JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES THAT MAY OR SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE LEVY OF WELLINGTON NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (b) RESOLUTION NO. AC2015-13: A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ACME IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE DISTRICT TO CONTINUE TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AS AUTHORIZED AND PERMITTED BY SECTION 197.3632, FLORIDA STATUTES; EXPRESSING THE NEED FOR THE LEVY OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AND SETTING FORTH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE DISTRICT’S JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES THAT MAY OR SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE LEVY OF DISTRICT NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. Mr. Rodriguez read the resolution titles. Councilman Willhite felt that since this agenda items included one resolutions Village of Wellington Page 6 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 for Wellington and one for Acme, that the two items should have been separated. Mr. Schofield pointed out that these resolutions do not set millage rates, tax rates or establish tax rates, but only inform people the method that the Village will use to do both which is legally required. Public Hearing A motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Councilwoman Gerwig, and unanimously passed (5-0) to open the Public Hearing for both resolutions. There being no public comments, a motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and unanimously passed (5-0) to close the Public Hearing for both resolutions. Approval of Resolution No. 2015-86 A motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Vice Mayor Greene, and unanimously passed (5-0) to approve Resolution No. 2015-86 as presented. Approval of Resolution No. AC2015-13 Approving as members of the Acme Improvement District Board of Supervisors, a motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Councilman Gerwig, and unanimously passed (5-0) to approve Resolution No. AC2015-13 as presented. 8. REGULAR AGENDA A. 15-893 AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE 14022 VERONICA COURT At this point, Ms. Rodriguez needed to leave the meeting, and Ms. Callovi sat in for her. Mr. Schofield introduced the agenda item. At this point, Mr. Poag presented the agenda item. Councilman Willhite suggested that the property be redesignated from residential to a park when it is purchased. Ms. Cohen noted that would have to go through other required processes before that could happen. He said he wanted that to be part of the thought process when such property is purchased. Mr. Schofield said that if the Village successfully purchased this that they could bring back a Master Plan Amendment to redesignate the property to OSR (Open Space Recreation). He noted that would have to go through PZAB and Council because that is done by ordinance. Councilwoman Gerwig voiced her disagreement to take such action because she was concerned that the demographics may change and a park might not be needed in the future. Vice Mayor Greene said that could always be changed by future Councils. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Greene, seconded by Councilwoman Gerwig, and unanimously passed (5-0) to authorize the staff to move forward Village of Wellington Page 7 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 with the purchase of 14022 Veronica Court. 9. PUBLIC FORUM 1. Rick Asnani, Cornerstone Solutions, 1617 Vista Parkway North, West Palm Beach. Mr. Asnani said that he was presenting as a friend of the Council referring his memo previously sent. He said that he was a consultant and expert in the field of ballot issues and referendums. He said that he represents residents of Wellington who asked him to review the ordinance that was approved regarding filling the vacancies for Council relative to the Mayor's position. He spoke of the problems relating to the Charter Amendment, i.e., problem with clarify of title, and long term vacancy. He raised concern that this would open the door to exceed term limits. He felt it required more study. He said residents will appreciate the opportunity to have a clear understanding of what they are voting on as well as what the outcome will be. Ms. Cohen said that she reviewed Mr. Asnani's memo and case law. She said that he correctly pointed out that the title referenced the Mayor; however, the summary was clear that the chief purpose was to align how a vacancy is filled for a councilmember. She thought that a technical defect like that would not invalidate the entire ballot question. She also did not view this as extending the term limits noting that she did not feel that Councilwoman Gerwig could run in the special election.She said that she could not be assured that it would not be challenged, but thought if there was a challenge it would be defensible as it informs the voters of what the chief purpose is which is to align the filling of vacancies for the Mayor and Councilmembers. She said that Council had the ability to withdraw the consideration of this question if they agree with Mr. Asnani that the public needs to weigh in more fully to develop the ramifications. Ms. Cohen that Council could move for reconsideration and it could be brought back for a later time. Council discussed this item and some members of Council felt that there could be some confusion for the public. Concerns were also raised that there was no mention about the appointment process being removed, and the lack of clarity with that word not being included. Ms. Cohen stated that if Council felt there could be some confusion regarding this question for the public, then she thought it might be better to wait until it was better vetted. She felt that some of the comments made by Council gave credence that there may be some ambiguity, and she recommended that Council reconsider whether this should be brought before the voters. A motion was made by Councilman Willhite, seconded by Councilman McGovern, and died (3-2) with Councilman Willhite and Councilman McGovern voting against, to reconsider putting Ordinance No. 2015-15, Filling of Councilmember VAcancies) the on the March 15, 2016 Ballot based on the conflicting information being received, conflicting attorney opinions and the impact on the Village in the future. Mayor Margolis asked if they would not be having this conversation if Mr. Asnani had not submitted his opinion. Ms. Cohen said that she did not believe they would be having the discussion and she believed even the previous day that the way it was written it was defensible. However, Council has made some statements that now led her to believe that they are confused and therefore the voters may be confused. In her opinion, she believed they should withdraw Village of Wellington Page 8 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 the question from the election. She said that she did not believe there would be sufficient time to revisit the ordinance. Mayor Margolis believed that Council had voted and Ms. Cohen's recommendation had died, and they were moving forward. Ms. Cohen said that was correct. 2. James Williamson, 9657 Worswick Court, Wellington. Mr. Williamson said he appreciated what the Council was trying to do, but he said that sitting in the audience, he was nothing but confused on the whole process. He also thought some of Council was confused. He did not know how in good conscience Council could move this forward. He wanted to ensure that this would not be eliminating the term limits and people can't move from seat to seat. As a resident and voter, he asked that Council respectfully reconsider putting this on the ballot. He felt that it should be pulled until it can be carefully looked at so that the ballot is clear and the voters know what they are voting for. 10. ATTORNEY'S REPORT Ms. Cohen presented the following report: • She reported that the Village had been served with a new damages complaint related to some property along Belmont Trace. She explained it is a claim under 42 U.S.C. 1983 Deprivation of a Constitutional Right. • Ms. Cohen said that in a related lawsuit also related to the property along Belmont Trace, the Village was supposed to have a hearing on an injunction; however, they cancelled the hearing at the last minute and informed the Village that they were no longer seeking an injunction. She said that case would move ahead in the normal course of litigation. Ms. Cohen noted that was the Class Action. • With regard to the access case regarding the North Course, she indicated they were gearing up for trial and that discovery was in process. Ms. Cohen said that they are on a docket for the trial; however, that does not necessarily mean that it will go, but they are preparing for it. • Ms. Cohen announced that the Legal Department has a new Assistant Village Attorney, Aaron Dunlap. Mr. Dunlap came to the Village from the Department of Economic Opportunity. She indicated that she was thrilled to have him on board. 11. MANAGER'S REPORTS Mr. Schofield presented the following report: • The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. There will be no second Council meeting in December. • Wellington’s Annual Holiday Parade will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2015 starting at 1:30. He noted that Forest Hill Blvd will be closed from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way at 1:00 p.m. • The Annual Children’s Fishing Classic will take place on Saturday, December 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Pond in front of Village Park. • The Fourth Annual Wellington Holiday 5K Run starts at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 20th. Participants are encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys for donations to families in need. • Mr. Schofield said that the Village is rapidly approaching its 20th Anniversary of incorporation on December 31st. There will be a series of celebrations between that date and March the actual day the Village actually incorporated. Village of Wellington Page 9 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 The first celebration will be a Breakfast on the Green on Thursday, December 31, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Amphitheater. The event is free to the public. 12. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilwoman Gerwig presented the following report: • Councilwoman Gerwig was sorry that because of the heavy rain the tree lighting could not be take place. • She asked Mr. Schofield if the Village has experiencing any difficulties because of all the rain. Mr. Schofield explained that they have been able to keep up with the rain and had not experienced any difficulties. He said that the biggest problem with the continuing rain is that there are more mosquitoes than normal for this time of the year. The Village is spraying more regularly and responding to resident complaints regarding mosquitoes. He noted that the projections are for a wetter than normal dry season. • She said that the Relay for Life Kick-Off event was very well attended. She looked forward to the event in April, and hoped there would be participation from the staff. Councilwoman Gerwig asked if there was any interest in the Village selling raffles at the event, i.e., summer pool pass, tennis pass, etc. She asked that Council consider that and give her any ideas they may have regarding fundraising at the event. • Councilwoman Greene was happy to announce that Ahmmon Richards of Wellington High School was awarded the Lou Groza Award as Player of the Year. She noted that she sponsored four students from Wellington High School who would not have been able to attend the banquet. She was excited that someone from their community may be a future NFL player. • Councilwoman Gerwig pointed out that there are audio disturbances when watching Council meetings. She said they have tried to cure the audio problems, but have not been able to successfully cure them. She said that her preference was that they don’t bring devices to the dais which she felt caused that type of disturbance. • She wished everyone Happy Holidays. Vice Mayor Greene presented the following report: • Vice Mayor Greene announced the Employee Service Awards would be held on December 17th. He felt that was a great way to recognize the hard work of the Village employees. Mr. Schofield advised Council that along with the Employee Recognition, the Village will hold its Reindeer Games which is an annual competition. He said that they would like the Village Council to participate in those games, Vice Mayor Greene said he would preliminarily commit to participate and Mr. Schofield said he would participate along with him. • Vice Mayor Greene indicated that he saw in the Weekly Report that there was an Equestrian Safety meeting which he was not aware of. Mr. Schofield said that the initial request went to PBSO, and that he was only made aware of it the day of the event and received an email from Dean Turney immediately prior to the meeting. Mr. Schofield noted that there were about 15-20 people in attendance. Councilwoman Gerwig indicated she had received Village of Wellington Page 10 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 an invitation from Dean Turney and had attended the meeting. The other members of Council indicated that they had not received invitations to attend. Councilwoman Gerwig said that at the meeting PBSO addressed security. Vice Mayor Greene questioned if there is something where a member of Council, PBSO and the Manager is invited and there is a public safety concern, then why was that not communicated to all of Council. He thought it was important for Mr. Schofield make them aware of such a meeting and extend the same invitation. Because of the late notice he received, Mr. Schofield said that he did not have time to send invitations out to Council. Vice Mayor Greene thought the email could have been forwarded to them. He found it disturbing that there was something going on that some members of Council were invited to as well as the Manager and PBSO; however, he did not hear of it until after the fact. Vice Mayor Greene said in the future if invitations are sent to the Manager that involve public safety or items that all of Council should be involved with, he wanted to be made aware of them before and not afterwards. Mr. Schofield said that can be done. • Vice Mayor Greene wished his Jewish friends a Happy Hanukkah and wished everyone Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. He wished everyone a safe New Year. Councilman Willhite presented the following report: • He thanked everyone who had attended the Veterans Day ceremony which went well. • He asked that everyone support the Toy Drives. He said he appreciated staff’s efforts to help meet the needs of the community. • Councilman Willhite said that the Village’s 20th anniversary is a milestone. He said that in just a short period of time, the Village has done a lot of good things and has many good things in place. • He felt that the Employee Luncheon is a great way to recognize the employees. He was happy to see that it is done twice throughout the year. • He congratulated Councilman McGovern on his re-election and Mr. Napoleone on his election to Council. • He appreciated that the Village was being recognized by the School Board the next week, and hoped all Council can attend. He felt that solidified the Council’s position to support the public schools with the grants the Village gives to them. • Councilman Willhite asked Mr. Schofield if the Village could include contractors having apprenticeships programs in its RFP/bid process. Mr. Schofield said he did not know, but would look into it. Councilman Willhite thought there are a lot of skilled trades; however, many are being lost. He said that apprenticeships provide jobs for those people who are not able to attend college. He thought that providing additional points to people who offer apprenticeship programs would be a potentially beneficial thing for the workforce. Mr. Schofield said that he would look at this similar to how the local preference is given whereby there would be a preference for a verifiable apprenticeship program for those trades and professions that normally have such programs. Councilman Willhite said that was correct. • He said it was his understanding that under State law candidates for office are allowed to carry forward a $5,000 balance for office supplies once they get elected. He asked that the Village research that to see if it is a viable option, Village of Wellington Page 11 Village Council Action Summary - Final December 8, 2015 and one which he believed could save the Village money. • He announced that the Horse Parade would be taking place on Saturday, December 12th at Noon. • Councilman Willhite said that the Florida Department of Transportation was looking for interested parties to come in and speak on SR80 on December 16th and 17th in Royal Palm. He indicated that at this time, he and one County Commissioner were the only ones to have scheduled appointments to speak. He noted that no one from I95 and Southern Blvd to Belle Glade have expressed an interest for an appointment. He asked Council if they could try to find some time on one of those dates to speak on this issue. He also said they could give their opinion to Mr. Schofield to speak for them. Councilman Willhite felt that this was important because the issues surrounding SR80 greatly impact the Village. • He extended wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and a safe and Happy New Year. Councilman McGovern presented the following report: • He thought there were two major events that he hoped would be attended by the constituents. The first was the Holiday Parade which is scheduled to take place on Sunday which has been a hallmark event for the Village. The second event was the first celebration of the Village’s 20th year anniversary of incorporation. The event will be held on New Year’s Even Day at the Amphitheater from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. He hoped people will celebrate the Village and how far they have come and where they are headed. • He congratulated Councilman-elect Michael Napoleone who he believed will be a great addition to the board; he looked forward to serving with him. • He thanked Council for appointing him as well as the people of Wellington who supported his campaign and encouraged him and his family to allow him to serve. He thanked everyone for electing him back to this seat without opposition. Councilman McGovern hoped to make everyone proud. • Councilman McGovern wished the Mayor and the residents a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mayor Margolis represented the following report: • He thanked Council for indulging him in recognizing Mr. Fransetta with the Key to the Village. He said Mr. Fransetta has given so much to the community, and it was worthwhile to be able to give a little back to him. • He announced that the season for Wellington’s basketball team has started. He noted that they were the State Champs last year, and he looked forward to them repeating that achievement this year. Mayor Margolis said the Coach was confident they can repeat that. Mayor Margolis encouraged everyone to go out and support the team. • Mayor Margolis wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza and a Happy and Healthy New Year. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Village Council, the meeting was adjourned. Village of Wellington Page 12