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Minutes 03-26-87MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1987 AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Nick Cassandra, Mayor Carl Zimmerman, Vice Mayor Ezell Hester, Jr., Commissioner Ralph Marchese, Commissioner Dee Zibelli, Commissioner Peter Cheney, City Manager Betty Boroni, City Clerk Raymond Rea, City Attorney Mayor Cassandra .called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. The Invocation was given by Reverend John G. Block, St. Mark Catholic Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Vice Mayor Carl zimmerman. AGENDA APPROVAL Mayor Cassandra wished to remove the minutes of the meeting of March 17, 1987 from minutes adoption, since the minutes ere received just prior to the meeting. Commissioner ibelli moved to accept the corrected agenda. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Zimmerman and carried 5-0. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Cassandra announced that the next regular City Co~mission meeting would be held on Tuesday, April 7, 1987. MINUTES Special City Council Meeting Minutes of March 25, 1987 Commissioner Hester moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion, seconded by Commissioner Marchese, carried 5-0. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Request for Neighborhood Improvements Wilda Searcy, 402 N.E. 13th Avenue, hoped that the new Commission would help to rehabilitate her neighborhood. She mentioned the need for new sidewalks. Mrs. Searcy had talked with someone who surveys placement of canals, and she told of various questions she had asked that he was unable to answer. M~s. Searcy stated that she just wanted a better community. She told about visiting a community in New Orleans where Fats Domino lived. She said the people there chose to make improve- ments in their community and continue living there, rather than moving elsewhere. - 1 - MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 26, 1987 Request for Delegation to Bridge Hearings Sam Scheiner, 528 S.E. 27 Terrace, stated that the Town of Ocean Ridge was sending a delegation to the hearings on the Boynton Beach Bridge court case in Tallahassee. He thought the City of Boynton Beach should arrange for a delegation to attend the hearing also. Mr. Scheiner knew the City was being represented, but he felt a larger group attending might be more effective. He felt the judges would know who was being represented. He further stated that having a group present would show that the City of Boynton Beach is indeed interested in having the bridge. ADMINISTRATIVE Approve Wilson Pool Resurfacinq Alternative City Manager Cheney explained that the Commission had awarded a contract to Pride Pool Plastering to resurface Wilson Pool at the last meeting. Since that time, the City staff had trouble in contacting them, and there was concern about the project being delayed. The company had finally been con- tacted, but City Manager Cheney requested that the City Commission still authorize that the bid go to the second bidder, American Eagle Contractors, if this company is unable to get the job done promptly. Gommissioner Marchese moved to authorize giving the bid to the second bidder, if there is some problem with the first ~idder completing the job. The motion was seconded by ~ommissioner Hester and carried 5-0. cept resignation from Leonard Mann, Alternate, Planning and Zoninq Board Commissioner Hester moved to accept the resignation of Leonard Mann from his alternate position with the Planning and Zoning Bbard, effective March 26, 1987. The motion was seconded by C~mmissioner Zibelli and carried 5-0. PRESENTATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF SERVICE TO MAYOR, VICE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Cassandra presented plaques to those who had served on the city council during the past year. Mayor Cassandra stated that, even though there might have been a lot of disagreements, ~ one was ever disagreeable. He knew all of the members had the same concern for the City, and he congratulated them for j~bs well done. - 2 - MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 26, 1987 Mayor Cassandra stated he had been able to work with Vice Mayor Zimmerman for two years on the Board of Adjustment and four years on the City Council. He referred to Vice Mayor Zimmerman as the elder statesman of the Council. Mayor Cassandra then asked the Vice Mayor to make his farewell remarks. Farewell Remarks Vice Mayor Zimmerman commented that he felt like the not-so- wealthy boat owner who was very happy the first day he bought the boat; however, the next occasion he was very happy was the day he unloaded it; all the time in between was nothing but trouble for him. Vice Mayor Zimmerman said there were four years between his first day on the Council and his last. He added that some of those days were not pleasant, but other days were very successful. Vice Mayor Zimmerman said he was proud of and would remember e friendships he had made, not only in the City, but also the County and the State. He said he was also pleased by the successes he had experienced during this time. Vice M~yor Zimmerman commented that a lot of the duties of a public official are ceremonial and said he had enjoyed performing these duties. A~ for the future, Vice Mayor Zimmerman felt the City was in g~od hands with both the newly elected and the returning officials. He added that the recent election and events probably told a story that reminded him of this adage: "If ~ can see which way the wind is blowing, let the prevailing westerly winds hit your sails. The tradewinds have left us ih the doldrums -. Vice Mayor Zimmerman then presented a plaque to Mayor Cassandra for his service to the City of Boynton Beach for the year 1986-87. Remarks by other Commission Members Mayor Cassandra wished Vice Mayor Zimmerman a happy retirement, saying he hoped to see him in the audience in the future. Commissioner Hester remarked that he had enjoyed working with V~ce Mayor Zlmmerman and had learned many beneficial things did not always agree f~om working with him. Even though they , they were never disagreeable. Commissioner Hester said the C~uncil had benefited from his service. He said he would miss attending t.hese meetings, as well as the League of Cities - 3 - MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 26, 1987 meetings, with the Vice Mayor. Commissioner Hester wished Vice Mayor Zimmerman much success in his present retirement. Commissioner Marchese said Vice Mayor Zimmerman could not really retire, because he would be calling on him for help. Commissioner Marchese added that Vice Mayor Zimmerman was the senior member and had a lot of know-how that he hoped to take advantage of. Commissioner Zibelli noted that even though there had been differences, there had also been many things she and Vice M~yor Zimmerman had agreed on that were for the betterment of Boynton Beach. Commissioner Zibelli added that they would all miss Vice Mayor Zimmerman. ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS OF OFFICE The City Clerk administered the oaths of office, first to M~yor Cassandra and then to Commissioners Marchese and Mann. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR M C C o M t ayor Cassandra explained that the Charter declares the new ommission should select a new Vice Mayor at this meeting. ommissioner Zibelli nominated Commissioner Hester for the ffice of Vice Mayor. Commissioner Mann nominated Commissioner archese for the position. Commissioner Hester moved that he nominations cease. The motion carried 5-0. M~yor Cassandra announced that the Commission could vote e~ther by signed ballot, by a show of hands, or by a vocal VQte. The Commissioners agreed to vote by a voice vote. VDting for Commissioner Hester were Commissioners Zibelli and Hester. Voting for Commissioner Marchese were Mayor Cassandra and Commissioners Mann and Marchese. Mayor Cassandra announced there was a 3-2 majority vote in favor of Commissioner Marchese to serve as Vice Mayor. ~ministration of Oath of Office to Vice Mayor T~e City Clerk then administered the oath of office of Vice Mayor to Ralph Marchese. Cgmment by Commissioner Hester COmmissioner Hester remarked that he had been approached that a~ternoon before the meeting by Commissioner Mann, who had t01d him he was sorry he could not nominate Commissioner Hgster for Vice Mayor, because he been ordered to nominate Ralph Marchese. Commissioner Hester wished for the record t~ reflect this fact.* *Commissioner Mann responded at the City Commission meeting of 4/7/87 with the following addition to these minutes: - 4 - MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 26, 1987 "I just want to put on record that the statement made by Mr. Hester was inaccurate. What I said was that I'm sorry that I couldn't endorse you for Vice Mayor." NEW BUSINESS Remarks by Mayor Nick Cassandra Mayor Cassandra complemented the City Clerk and her staff for all their help in the past two years. He also thanked the City Manager and his staff for their help. Mayor Cassandra believed that, during the past four years, the City has grown properly through controlled growth. He stated that, in his opinion, the City of Boynton Beach is the best City in Palm Beach County, due to the excellent staff. Regarding his fellow Commission members, Mayor Cassandra commented that in spite of disagreements, when they walk out, they walk out talking to each other. He added that in every issue there will be pros and cons, and someone must walk away unhappy. To the citizens and constituents that voted for him, Mayor Cassandra said he was honored and privileged to represent them for another two years. He hoped that those who did not vote for him would realize this is one city with one group ~ ' · o~ citizens. Mayor Cassandra added that he would work together with all of them to solve any problems. Mayor Cassandra next introduced his wife, Blanche, his son and daughter and their spouses, and his grandchildren. He said they had taught him during this election and in previous elections what family is all about. Mayor Cassandra presented his wife with a bouquet of roses. AS for the future, Mayor Cassandra mentioned various projects t~at had been started which he hoped to see completed in his l~fetime. He said the tax base monies have also been increased, so there have been no tax increases. Mayor Cassandra closed by noting three issues he hoped the CQmmission would address during their time in office. First, the Charter must be addressed. The City Commission will be asked either to review the Charter on a monthly basis or else to appoint a Committee of citizens with an attorney to review it. Second, Mayor Cassandra would like the Commission to consider using a super majority vote when voting on items concerning the Comprehensive Plan. He believed a referendum requiring a 4-1 vote to make such changes would protect the - 5 - MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 26, 1987 City against vacillations that occur during changes of Commissions when there has been a 3-2 vote on an issue. Third, Mayor Cassandra promoted the use of a "use it or lose it" policy, so that speculators would have to develop their land within a reasonable period of time or else sell it.  ayor Cassandra said he looked forward to working with the ew City Commission. Remarks by Commissioner Ezell Hester, Jr. ommissioner Hester remarked that he and Mayor Cassandra ~ere thinking along the same lines. One of his main con- cerns was al~o the required 4-1 vote. He believed this ~ould eliminate a lot of problems and was for it 100%. ewas also in favor of giving the developers a c specifi time to develop their land or else having the property revert back to its regular zoning. Commissioner Hester added that the Charter definitely needs changing; he men- tioned the fact that the Mayor is in charge of the Police and Fire Departments, according to the Charter. Commissioner Hester said all the Commissioners have the welfare of the City at heart and said he knew he would enjoy working with t~e new Commission. He said if he did not have the welfare of Boynton Beach at heart, he would not have stayed here for 55 years. Remarks by Commissioner Dee Zibelli C t C b d )mmissioner Zibelli felt that it had been a good year. She ~ated that she works for the City of West Palm Beach and is leased that they often compliment the City of Boynton Beach, ~ying how progressive it is and asking her for information order to upgrade policies in West Palm Beach. She said ]at was a nice compliment for the City of Boynton Beach. )mmissioner Zibelli noted that there have been disagreements, ut said that is why there are five Commissioners making the scisions. Commissioner Zibelli agreed that there needed to ~ a change in the Charter. She said such a change was long o~erdue. Commissioner Zibelli thanked the City Clerk and h~r staff and the City Manager for their help. She said she ~s proud to be a part of such a great city. Remarks by Vice Mayor Ralph Marchese Vice Mayor Marchese said Boynton Beach has a great City, a great City staff, and a marvelous group of City employees. He encouraged the Commission to not waste one minute making t~e changes suggested by the Mayor and the other Commissioners. - 6 - MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 26, 1987 Vice Mayor Marchese thanked City Manager Cheney and his staff for keeping the City great. Remarks by Commissioner Leonard Mann Commissioner Mann was reminded of what he used to tell his s~udents: "You now have another opportunty in which to excel." He said he was going to do his best, and he hoped when his report card was written in a few months, it would be agreed that excellence was what he had given. ADJOURNMENT T~ere being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 P.M. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ATTEST: City Clerk Recording Secretary (One Tape) Mayor Commi s s i oner Commissioner - 7 - MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987 AT 5:30 P. M. PRESENT Nick Cassandra, Mayor C~rl Zimmerman, Vice Mayor R~lph Marchese, Councilman Ezell Heater, Councilman Dee Zibelli, Councilwoman Peter L. Cheney, City Manager Betty S. Boroni, City Clerk Raymond Rea, City Attorney Mayor Cassandra called the meeting to order at 5:30 P. M. and read the "Notice of Special City Council Meeting", which is attached to the original copy of these minutes in the Office of the City Clerk. He then drew attention to the corrected result of the recount of votes last night, (also attached to the original copy of these minutes), and,' pursuant to the advice of Attorney Rea, read the final results of the March 24th Run-off Election for Mayor at Large, Councilmember District I, and Councilmember District III. C~uncilman Heater moved, seconded by Councilman Marchese. to accept the results of t~e Run-off Election of March 24, 1987. Motion carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting properly adjourned at 5:33 P. M. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ~~ ~&~~ Mayor v - ~ Vice Mayor ecording S~pr etary Councilwoman !One T~e) ~ O0 0~0 ~-4 ~ -q ;f-'- .~. 0 :::U ,'~ 0 ~ 0 -]