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Minutes 03-13-96MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1996, AT 5:00 P.M. PRESENT Gerald "Jerry" Taylor Matthew Bradley, Vice Mayor Lyrme Matson, Mayor Pro Tem Shirley Jaskiewicz, Commissioner Carrie Parker, City Manager Michael Pawelczyk, Asst. City Attorney Sue Kruse, City Clerk I. OPENINGS: A. Call to Order - Mayor Gerald Taylor Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. He announced that anyone wishing to take photographs during the swearing in ceremonies was welcome to move forward at that time.. B. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Vice Mayor Matt Bradley Vice Mayor Bradley led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. Agenda Approval - Additions, Deletions, Corrections, Adoption Mayor Pro Tern Matson moved to approve the agenda as presented. Vice Mayor Bradley seconded the motion which carried unanimously. II. ELECTION ISSUES Canvassing and Declaration of Certified Election Returns from General Election held on March 12, 1996 City Clerk Sue Kruse announced the following: District I District IV David Katz - 1,800 Jo Helo 859 J. R. Pineau - 437 Gene Moore III 954 Malcolm Scharf - 504 Henderson Tillman 3,023 Jamie Titcomb - 3,201 Jim Warnke 1,192 Winner in District I - Jamie Titcomb Winner in District IV - Henderson Tillman MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 Proposed Charter Amendment Yes - 4,187 No - 1,693 The election results have been certified by the Supervisor of Elections. III. PUBLIC AUDIENCE: Jeanne Pilgrim, 25 Faulkland Circle, said she has had the pleasure of knowing Mayor Pro Tern Matson for the past five years. She respects her for the way she honors her promises to her constituents. She feels Mayor Pro Tern Matson is truly a "what you see is what you geti' kind of person. Mrs. Pilgrim spoke for a multitude of Mayor Pro Tem Matson's constituents when she stated that she wishes she could reelect this five-year Commissioner. She congratxflated and pledged to support Henderson Tillman. As a thank you from the residents of Boynton Lakes, she read the following: "From day one you said you cared. True to your word, you were always there. When we spoke, you opened your ears; we can't thank you enough for the past five years. Your service and dedication to your constituents and to our City of Boynton Beach is greatly appreciated by all. We wish your successor the best, as they have a pretty tough act to follow. We wish you the best of the best in your future endeavors, and hope you will continue in public service. Lynne, there are too few like you out there. Keep representing us. May God always bless you. Enjoy". David Helwig said he has known Lyrme for the past 1½ years. She is his church sister. He values her as a friend and as a sister in the Lord. He wished her ail the best and asked that she keep the light shining. He congratulated Mr. Tillman and looks forward to working with him. Dorothy Walker thanked Mayor Pro Tem Matson for providing the north area task force which became a voice to the Commissioners. It was a good vehicle for mobillzing that area. She thanked her for supporting activities in the north end of the City regardless of their location or the weather. IV. PRESENTATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF SERVICE TO VICE MAYOR MATT BRADLEY & MAYOR PRO TEM LYNNE MATSON At the podium, City Manager Parker said she was privileged to make the formal presentation and acknowledgement to the outgoing Commissioners. She read a short poem known as, "The Athenian Oath', which she felt exemplifies the qualities set forth by 2 MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 both Commissioners. The poem reads as follows: "We will never bring disgrace to this our City by any act of dishonesty or cowardice; nor ever desert our suffering comrades in the ranks. We will fight for the ideal and sacred things of the City, both alone and with many. We will revere and obey the City's laws and do our best to incite the like respect in those among us who are prone to annul or set them at naught. We will serve unceasingly to quicken the public sense of civic duty, thus, in all these ways, we will transmit the City not only, not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us." City Manager Parker presented a plaque to Vice Mayor Bradley in appreciation for his dedicated service as Vice Mayor for 1995-96. She also presented Mayor Pro Tem Matson with roses from her fellow Commissioners, and a plaque for dedicated service as Mayor Pro Tern for 1995-96. A. Remarks by: Mayor Jerry Taylor Mayor Taylor thanked Commissioner Matson and Bob Matson for their help when he ran for Mayor of this City. They worked very hard for him and he appreciates their help. This is a time of joy and sadness because it is hard to walk away. He feels Commissioner Matsou did her best. The comments from the residents are well deserved. She represented the north area and her community well, and her heart was in all of Boynton Beach. This was a tough job, as well as a fun job. Commissioner Matson made both hard and easy decisions, and the community is grateful. He pointed out that Commissioner Matson will now be able to watch the things she worked on and helped achieve. He thanked Commissioner Matson for himself and on behalf of all of the residents of Boynton Beach. Vice Mayor Bradley Vice Mayor Bradley met Commissioner Matson a number of years ago during a Leadership class sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Matson took the bull by the horns during a time when politics in Boynton Beach was limited to professional politicians. She ran a grassroots campaign and was in touch with the people at the level of individual and family. She has done much to help the City. He will miss her. He wished her good luck and Godspeed. Commissioner Shirley Jaskiewicz Commissioner Jaskiewicz met Mayor Pro Tern Matson when she was running for office over five years ago. It is hard to believe that this polished elected official leaving office is the same person she met back then. So much has been accomplished. Many of the things MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 she hoped to accomplish at the beginning have been accomplished. This Commission got together at the beginning of this administration and focused on what should be accomplished. One of the goals was neighborhood revitalization. Some of that vision has come true. She wished Mayor Pro Tern Matson many years of success and Godspeed. Mayor Taylor read two letters, which were received today, wishing Mayor Pro Tem Matson success. One letter was from Representative Lois Frankel, and the second was from the Florida League of Cities. Mayor Pro Tern Lynne Matson Mayor Pro Tem Matson acknowledged the two most important beings in her life - the Lord and her husband Bob. Mayor Pro Tern Matson said she and her husband moved here in 1987 and they found that their developer was going to leave them with no sod or irrigation in their common areas. She began to attend Commission meetings, became president of her homeowners' association, and became the community spokesperson so that she could make a difference. After being appointed to a City board, she began regularly attending City Commission meetings. She ran for a one-year term in 1991, and was elected by 73 percent of the vote. The first Commission she sat with consisted of Lillian Artis, Jose Aguila, Arline Weiner, and Edward Harmening. The 1991 City Commission was quite progressive for Boynton Beach. Some of the accomplishments that first year were several new advisory boards, planning of five new parks in the City, the development of Poinciana School as a magnet school, the planning of the high school, public transportation, the development of Quantum Park as a special taxing district, many Code revisions, and Charter amendments. She is grateful to have been instrumental in bringing the North Federal Highway medians to fruition. The Boynton Beach Boulevard, Woolbright Road, and Congress Avenue medians have helped beautify the City. She is proud to have served for three years as Chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Florida League of Cities, chair of the South County Council of Governors, secretary of the Sewer Board, advisor to the Dick Webber Child Abuse Prevention Center, chairperson and fund raiser for the Boynton Beach Centennial Celebration, recipient of the National Black Police Association Bridge Builders' Award, and recipient of the Victims' Rights Award. She is hopeful that Boynton Beach will one day have a women's shelter. This is a dream that has not come to fruition. Mayor Pro Tem Matson was pleased to have been able to touch so many lives, and to have been touched by so many lives. She leaves knowing that she has made a difference; however, you are only as good as the people you serve with. She is grateful to have worked with the current Commission. This year was as pleasant as her first year. She will be present at future Commission meetings, and she will be vocal. She is proud to have held 4 MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 the line on taxes, and still preserve and enhance our quality of life. She wished the new Commission the very best, and thanked the Commissioners for their kindness. She thanked City Manager Parker for being an exemplary City Manager. She thanked City Attorney Cherof and his partners for their wonderful representation of the City. She thanked the City Manager's staff for being like family. She thanked City Clerk Sue Kruse and her staff for their assistance. She stated that the City Manager's Office and the City Clerk's Office are the backbone of the City. She wished Police Chief Gage much success, and commended Chief Jordan for the wonderful things he has done in a short time. She feels our Police and Firefighters are the best in South Florida. Mayor Pro Tem Matson will continue to fight as a resident and for the City of Boynton Beach, and offered the following: "Dare to dream, for the dreams of today are the the realities of tomorrow." She thanked everyone for making her feel at home for the last five years. She looks forward to serving as a County Commissioner. Mayor Pro Tem Matson left the dais. V. ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS OF OFFICE A. Commissioner Matt Bradley With the American Flag as a background, City Clerk Sue Kruse administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Matt Bradley. As the Commissioners congratulated Commissioner Bradley, Mayor Taylor pointed out that he was very pleased Commissioner Bradley was unopposed in the election because it speaks of the fine job he was doing. Commissioner Bradley took his place at the dais. B. Commissioner Jamie Titcomb Commissioner Titcomb was joined by his wife, daughter, and son in front of the American Flag as City Clerk Sue Kruse administered the Oath of Office. Commissioner Titcomb was congratulated by the Commissioners, and took his place at the dais. C. Commissioner Henderson Tillman 5 MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 Commissioner Tillman was joined by his wife, son, and mother in front of the American Flag as City Clerk Sue Kruse administered the Oath of Office. Commissioner Tillman was congratulated by the Commissioners, and took his place at the dais. VI. REMARKS BY COMMISSIONERS A. Commissioner Matt Bradley Commissioner Bradley announced that he was thrilled by the outcome of the election. He did not have to p~rticipate, and that was a ixemendous expression of the belief the voters have in what he is doing, and the cou~rse the Commission has taken. Although there has been divisive and disruptive politics that have hu~rt the City, there still were people in the past that did a good job. He believes this Commission lxuly represents a new era. He feels this marks a new point in time. He looks forward to cooperativeness and knows it will not be a rubber stamp. We have hired a new Police Chief that everyone believes will turn the force into the kind of men and women we want to see in the City. There has been an African-American forum that has been meeting over the last few months that is an exciting trend. An African-American sitting on the Commission speaks volumes to the importance the City places on equality and fairness. There is much to be done in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard, and it is exciting to see and feel the community come together through the African-American forum. The bridge project is coming along, and we have the first real evidence in the form of a playground that things are changing in Boynton Beach. There was a turnout among the population of Boynton residents and other that had the feel of cooperation and coming together that this City needs. It is a pleasure to be part of this progressive change. He is anxious to see the good things that are about to happen. B. Commissioner Jamie Titcomb Commissioner Titcomb thanked everyone who worked on his campaign and supported him. He stated that he tries to do positive things for others he comes in contact with. He appreciates that people noticed this quality in him and had the faith to put him in this position as Commissioner. He thanked his wife and children who have given of themselves to allow him to accept this position. He echoed Commissioner Bradley's remarks relative to the coming together of the community. He feels the City is poised to move forward and do good things. His style is to work with consensus, and he will not be a rubber stamp. He is pleased with the selection of the new Police Chief. We have excellent Police and Fire Departments. He acknowledged the Library as the place where his wife is employed. He shares the opi~ons and philosophies of the Commission relative to the revitalization of neighborhoods. He appreciates the opportunity to give his all to 6 MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 make this City work. On behalf of his campaign contributors, he presented the City with a $1,000 check for the "Let's Build a Playground" project, and a $1,000 check for the Boynton Vision 20/20 project. He thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve. C. Commissioner Henderson Tillman Commissioner Tillman thanked God, his mother, and his family for this opportunity. He thanked the staff that worked with him. He said he stayed on course with what they wanted to do and ran a clean campaign. The main issue for him was moving forward. He sees Boynton Beach growing up. He has a job to do and will Work for District 1V and the City. He is anxious to see the downtown area revitalized, the high school come to fruition, and the neighborhoods revitalized. He wants to move in a positive direction. He thanked everyone for their support, and looks forward to their support in the future. Mayor Taylor reminded all of the Commissioners that they did not get into office on their own. It is important to remember the people who helped, supported, and believed in them. They must also never forget that they are now representatives of every citizen in the community. He urged them to be open and ready to listen to everyone. He welcomed all. VII. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM Motion Commissioner Bradley moved to appoint Shirley Jaskiewicz as Vice Mayor. Commissioner Titcomb seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Mayor Taylor advised that it has been brought to his attention that the position of Mayor Pro Tem may not be necessary. Mayor Taylor stated that the normal procedure is that if the Mayor is not available, the Vice Mayor takes over. In the absence of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the next senior person runs the meeting. Since this position was added by Ordinance, if a decision is made to eliminate it, there will be an item on the next City Commission agenda to abolish the title of Mayor Pro Tem. Commissioner Bradley would like to see this title abolished. He recalled that it was put in place when there was a very divisive Commission. The people in power wanted to make sure they stayed in power. He does not feel this is necessary any longer. In addition, by keeping this title in place, there are three titled Commissioners rather than two. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz also feels this title is unnecessary. Consensus MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 There was a consensus of the Commission to bring this to the attention of the City Manager/City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance to abolish this term. This item will appear on the next City Commission agenda. VIII. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO VICE MAYOR With the American Flag in the background, City Clerk Sue Kruse administered the Oath of Office to Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz. She was congratulated by the Commissioners, and took her place at the dais. IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS Joint Workshop Meeting Between the City Commission and the Chamber of Commerce on Monday, March 18, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., in the Library Program Room Mayor Taylor made this announcement. In response to Commissioner Bradley's question, City Manager Parker advised that no agenda has been organized yet, but she will accept topics for that purpose. In the past, the Chamber has set forth suggested topics. Town Meeting on Thursday, April 18, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. - City Commission Chambers Mayor Taylor advised that during his campaign, he promised to have Town Hall Meetings where citizens could pose questions or speak on any topic. City Department heads will be present at this meeting to address questions or concerns. This meeting will be advertised. Commissioner Bradley reminded Mayor Taylor of the Sewer Board meeting planned for this same day at 5:30 p.m. Visioning Conference Thursday, Friday, Saturday, May 2, 3, 4, 1996, at Indian River Plantation One hundred people will attend this Visioning Conference for two and one-half days to plot the future of Boynton Beach for the next three to five years. A selection committee is working on choosing the attendees. There will also be a list of alternate attendees. The letters should be going out within the next three to four weeks. MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 X. NEW BUSINESS Set date for workshop meeting reference Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) for the Comprehensive Plan City Manager Parker advised that there will be at least two workshops with the Commission and the commm~ity on the Comprehensive Plan update. It is necessary to have three meetings before the end of May. The workshop meeting was set for Monday, March 25, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. The second meeting date will be set during the first meeting. B. Set date for City Commission Orientation Session City Manager Parker advised that this is a new procedure which was put in place last year. The process took one and one-half days. Commissioner Tillman suggested planning this orientation session during Spring Break, which is the first week in April. The orientation session was set for a full day on April 3, and a half day on April 4, 1996, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on each day. Commissioner Bradley feels there is never enough a Commissioner can learn about this job. This is very important training for everyone, and he will attend. Mayor Taylor feels this training provides good one-on-one interaction with department heads. City Manager Parker advised that City Commission meeting agenda packets are available by 4:30 p.m. on the Fridays before the regular meetings. Please contact her office if there is need for delivery of the packets. Mayor Taylor advised that the Commissioners' mail boxes are located in the City Clerk's Office. All mail is placed in those boxes, and the agenda packets are placed there also. The packets can be picked up any time after 4:30 p.m. on Friday. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting properly adjourned at 6:15 p.m. MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 1996 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ATTEST: erk - R~Jcording Secretary (Two Tapes) C~j~ssioner 10