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Minutes 03-29-84MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, MARCH 29, 1984 PRESENT James R. Warnke, Mayor Carl Zimmerman, Vice Mayor Nick Cassandra, Councilman Joe deLong, Councilman Samuel L. Wright, Councilman Peter L. Cheney, city Manager Betty S. Boroni, City Clerk James W. Vance, City Attorney Mayor Warnke welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. He announced the Invocation this evening will be given by Pastor Charles Brannon, First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Councilman Joe deLong. He requested everyone to please rise. AGENDA APPROVAL Councilman Wright stated he wanted to add a comment which possibly would be appropriate under Public Audience. Councilman deLong moved the adoption, seconded by Councilman Cassandra. Motion carried 5-0. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Warnke acknowledged the presence of immediate past mayor Marty Trauger, past mayor Ed Harmening and past mayor Dave Roberts. The Mayor announced a public reception will be held at the civic Center following this meeting and everyone is invited. Mayor Warnke announced the next regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 1984, at 7:30 P. M. Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Brendan Shortle¥ Mayor Warnke presented Mr. Brendan Shortley with a cer- tificate of appreciation for his significant contribution pertaining to the city street signs throughout the city done to earn a badge in the eagle scouts. He also congratulated Mr. Shortley on attaining the honor of eagle scout. ELECTION CERTIFICATION Councilman deLong moved to accept the correction of cer- tification for the March 13, 1984, City election, seconded by Vice Mayor zimmerman. Motion carried 5-0. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of March 20, 1984 Councilman Cassandra moved to accept the minutes as pre- sented, seconded by Councilman deLong. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Mrs. Connie Burgess, 1314 N. W. 8th Court, told about construction in the Sky Lakes Subdivision creating problems with blowing sand for the people living in Laurel Hills. Mayor Warnke informed her that some things came up today which may possibly take care of this problem and Mrs. Burgess replied that she spoke to the City Manager, but her concern is they have serious damage to their homes. She continued that this has been going on for a year and she thinks they should have taken precautions sometime ago. A buffer should have remained, fences installed or the area watered. They are meeting with the developer tomorrow, but she would like to know if the city will help. She continued with describing the damage with sand having to be shoveled out of swimming pools, drifted sand covering back yards, etc. There should be some protection for them from the city. Mr. Cheney informed her that as a result of the wind blowing problem, the Sky Lakes developers have been told if they do not resolve the problem tomorrow, their permission to con- tinue construction will be cut off. He suspects the damage to their homes would be a civil matter for them to discuss with the developer and is glad they are having a meeting with him. Mrs. Burgess stated that she feels the city has an obligation to protect the residents. Mr. Cheney responded that the city has an obligation for whatever the laws call for and he will be glad to have city represen- tatives attend the meeting tomorrow. The developers have been told to control that area, but we are not in a position to put in watering lines. Mrs. Burgess stated they should not have been allowed to start construction until doing everything required. There should be stringent regulations to protect the homeowners. Councilman Cassandra asked if someone from the city could attend the meeting tomorrow and Mr. Cheney replied affir- matively and added that he was just told about the meeting. He told about a gentleman from Laurel Hills calling about three weeks ago~and again today and advised the city has notified the developer about this problem. He fully expects Sky Lakes will be watering the area tomorrow or they will have a financial hardship if construction must be stopped. - 2 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 Mrs. Burgess stated she really believes the City Engineer should look into the situation if watering is the only thing which can be done. Mr. Cheney advised the Building Official will be at the meeting tomorrow if he is told the time and place. He explained that some things are guided by law and some are guided by moral persuasion. Vice Mayor Zimmerman asked if she had heard the developer was considering putting up a snow fence along that property as a temporary measure and Mrs. Burgess replied that about year ago, a snow fence was installed, but it was not left up very long. Vice Mayor Zimmerman asked if that would help and Mr. Cheney replied negatively, not with the fine sand. Mrs. Burgess stated there should have been a buffer of vege- tation left. Mayor Warnke then ascertained nobody else in the audience wished to speak on any item not on the agenda. Comment by Councilman Sam Wright Councilman Wright referred to newspaper articles regarding the Boynton Beach Child Care Center and explained that the city funds the After-Care Program and funds are received from United Way. There have been some internal problems, but Lena Rahming has done her best to help the poor families and children in Boynton Beach. Ms. Rahming has been there for years and became the director when Mrs. Sally Costin retired. The city is behind Ms. Rahming and is proud of her efforts. Councilman deLong added that if there are any irregularities, they are not known and he will attest to Ms. Rahming's honesty. He has known her for fourteen years and she runs the place well. Without her, the city would be at a total loss. PRESENTATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF SERVICE TO MAYOR, VICE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Warnke presented a plaque with appreciation for his service to the City of Boynton Beach to Councilman Joe deLong. Councilman deLong thanked him and added that he will certainly consider this one of his prized memoirs. Mayor Warnke referred to it being hard to know what. to say when a man is leaving who has served over fifty years in city government both here and other places and stated he certainly does not need a brief case and has a key to the city. So, the City Council felt a plaque would be - 3 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29 , 1984 appropriate to be permanently placed in the halls of city hall in honor of Joe deLong, Councilman, Vice Mayor and Mayor, in recognition of his special contribution to the City of Boynton Beach and the citizens. Councilman deLong thanked him and requested the Council to approve of the fact that he can come in and take a picture of it. Vice Mayor Zimmerman presented a plaque to Mayor Warnke and read the inscription. He added that he thinks he has done a swell job. Mayor Warnke thanked him. Farewell Remarks Councilman deLong stated upon leaving public office, he finds our city in a far greater improved and upgraded con- dition than when he first accepted a council appointment in 1970 as the City Council's liaison to the Chamber of Commerce when obtaining state approval for our city's enga- gement in the industrial bond program. Since that time, the list of public improvements is too lengthy to enu- merate. Boynton Beach has come into its own and has gained the recognition of respect which was once so sadly lacking. A review of the public record during his time of service is ample proof of his involvement and contributions to our city's welfare and progress. His reward has been complete gratification for the many accomplishments which have occurred. He extends to incoming Mayor Carl Zimmerman, Vice Mayor Bob Ferrell, re-elected Councilman Jim Warnke, Councilman Nick Cassandra and Councilman Samuel Lamar Wright his best wishes for a successful tenure of office and God's speed in every endeavor. He then introduced his wife and members of his family present in the audience. He then publicly thanked Administrative Assistant Ruth Finne for her pleasant and competent secretarial service rendered on his behalf. He added that he will never run for public office again, but intends to be deeply involved in politics. Councilman Wright referred to when he was elected, he didn't know if Councilman deLong wanted to support him or not, but he has served with CoUncilman deLong and has seen a sincere commitment in how he has represented the constituents in the City of Boynton Beach. He also saw how Councilman deLong made it difficult for him, but as he leaves, he is proud to say he is not bitter, but it has made him better. He referred to Councilman deLong giving a lot to the city and the people and wished him the very best of luck. Councilman deLong thanked him and added there was no offense meant, but it was part of the training. - 4 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS OF OFFICE Mrs. Boroni administered the oaths of office as Councilmen to Mr. Ferrell and Mr. Warnke. She then administered the oath of office as Vice Mayor to Mr. Ferrell and the oath of office as Mayor to Mr. Zimmerman and presented him with a gavel. NEW BUSINESS Remarks by Mayor Carl Zimmerman Mayor Zimmerman referred to being reminded all day to come to the Council meeting and stated it has been a strange evening. The good mayor stepped down as if he is very tired of his job. However, he will not get off that easy as his two years of experience is badly needed here. Second, the new member of our body is Lt. Ferrell of the Police Department. He is giving up that position taking his vice mayor's chair. That is like jumping out of the skillet into the fire. Third, Councilman deLong made the most drastic move. He gave up his connections with the City Council altogether. We will miss him and wish him well in his retirement. Fourth, Councilman Cassandra is back in his old seat, but he suspects if the debate gets heated, he will be out of his seat rising to a point of order. And, Councilman Wright, our senior young man with a tenure of three years on this body won't have to convince anybody of anything right now. He does have trouble keeping all his papers in order; but in his thinking, he is right there, out front. This makes him your Mayor! He thanked everybody who has had anything to do with his being here tonight and giving him that honor and responsibility. He would like to predict that this is going to be a good year, but the people's help is needed. Mayor Zimmerman continued with referring to the pro- fessionals on the dais and thanked them for having the uncanny ability to figure out what is right or wrong before they ask us. They can make mistakes once in awhile and get by with it; but as a Council, we do not enjoy that privi- lege. In his humble opinion, he thinks they have done quite well at their very important jobs. Mayor Zimmerman then introduced the members of his family present in the audience. He also requested his neighbors from Leisureville to stand. - 5 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 Mayor Zimmerman referred to this normally being the time for a public servant to point with pride to all that we have done in the past and view with alarm all the problems that we see coming in the upcoming year. He really believes that the decisions that he has helped make that may have been wrong for you certainly were not wrong for everybody. His decisions during this year, as your mayor and if he wants to sleep well, will also be made on sound merits. If we can work together at this goal, he believes the public and the good City of Boynton Beach will benefit. This is a very sticky job. The Mayor then invited everyone to the Civic Center before they go away. Remarks by Vice Mayor Robert Ferrell Vice Mayor Ferrell referred to still trying to figure out why he was unopposed in the election and is trying to figure out what is going to happen now. He is looking forward to it. During the ten years he spent with the Police Department, he worked his way up from patrolman to lieutenant and now he is a rookie again. He would like everybody to stop calling him lieutenant now. He would also like for people to stop reaching for their driver's license when he walks up and thinking of excuses. During the ten years of service with the city, he thinks it was a unique opportunity to be part of the family - all the city employees and the City Council. He had the opportunity to work with them which nobody else has had yet and maybe now will have the opprotunity to help guide the family a little bit. He feels small that he had that opportunity. It is strange and humbling to come up here and not know what to say. He has to learn. The final goal is the growth of the city and the potential of seeing that it grows how the people want it to grow. He appreciates the trust placed in him by the people and sincerely appreciates the opportunity to serve with the people that he has watched over the years and tried to learn from. He then introduced his wife and son present in the audience. He added that he is eager to serve for the next two years and help guide the city in its future and work with the Council. Remarks by Councilman Nick Cassandra Councilman Cassandra stated he was sorry to see Councilman deLong go. He thanked the people of Boynton Beach for the support given him for the programs he has sponsored this - 6 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 year. The city staff and board members have done a job well done on many sensitive issues. Come next year, he will look at the boards' action even closer. He bought a bigger magnifying glass to look even closer at the line items in the upcoming budget. To the new and incoming Council, this upcoming year will be the most exciting and challenging ever confronted a council body due to the way the timetable of events will occur. This Council will have the chance to mold and shape, if they so desire, a new and beautiful Boynton Beach. This Council will have presented to them this year downtown development and this Council has to decide and direct the new downtown image, what they want or don't want. This Council will decide about an updated comprehensive plan, cluster developments, growth and effects on water. We have a test well being developed now and its productivity will decide through the South Florida Water Management District the amount of water that is available. This Council will have to decide and direct our future water expansions and that will determine the future growth of Boynton Beach internally as well as its boundaries. The theme for this year could be Boynton Beach, the year of the new or old look. This is the year to step out and be counted. Councilman Cassandra then introduced the members of his family present. Remarks by Councilman James R. Warnk~ Councilman Warnke first introduced his wife and members of his family present. Councilman Warnke expressed sincere appreciation to the three people who have helped him the most during the past two years: City Clerk Betty Boroni, City Manager Peter Cheney, and City Attorney Jim Vance. He added that they have helped him more than anybody else and also all the department heads of the city. Councilman Warnke stated in 1956 when he moved here, Boynton Beach had a population of about 6,000 and he was the only telephone man in town. Today, there are almost 50,000 citi- zens and we are not sure who the telephone company is. Growth is both a curse and a blessing. He looks for the people's help during the next two years to make the right decisions for our future and quality of life. He thanks everyone for their support of this Council in the past. - 7 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 Remarks by Councilman Samuel L. Wright Councilman Wright stated the people should give themselves a handclap because they have shaped the city. They determine what happens and guide our thought process. It makes life interesting to hear from the people. It is important for the people to let us know how they feel on certain issues. He has enjoyed having served for three years. It has been a sacrifice on him and those close to him, but he has enjoyed it and has tried to serve as a councilman with dignity but has tried to remain humble. He wants to be able to com- municate with everybody. He has tried to be a person serving people. When he can't be that kind of person, then he would not want to exist. When he was elected to the City Council, he was supportive of good government and still is. We have much to be proud of here in the City of Boynton Beach. He told about other people in Palm Beach County haying positive things to say about Boynton Beach in addi- tion to the people in the city. We are pleased with the new City Clerk, who has done a beautiful job. He campaigned on mahy things and he is still interested in seeing some of those things come to fruition. We have made some progress tr'fing to improve blighted neighborhoods and we are still wolfking to improve North Seacrest Boulevard. Another con- cei~n of his is that we must do something for our young. We still do not have a gymnasium for the children of our com- mul~ity. We must work for our young people. Co~lncilman Wright stated it was a pleasure to serve with Mayor Warnke. He did support a friend of his, but is pleased that Mayor Warnke has served the city well and is honest in representing his constituency. He has known Councilman Cassandra for awhile and he is interesting and says what he feels and he respects him. In reference to Mayor Zimmerman, he has served as a quiet person, but is on toi~ of what is happening in the city and he is pleased how he handled ~imself as our Vice Mayor in the City of Boynton Be~ aft pl~ an, la~ Coz pre ca] gui Lch. It Ks a pleasure to have Vice Mayor Ferrell with us ~er his service with the Police Department. It is a ~asure to have such a fine group of gentlemen to work with · he looks forward to a bigger and better Boynton Beach in .e 1984 and early 1985. .ncilman Wright concluded that many of his friends are sent in the audience tonight, but there are too many to 1 by name. He thanks them for their support and dance. - 8 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 29, 1984 ADJOURNMENT Councilman Cassandra moved to adjourn and go for cookies and punch at the Civic Center, seconded by Councilman Wright. Motion carried 5-0 and the meeting was properly adjourned at 8:25 P. M. CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Mayor Vice Mayor ATTEST: / ~/- ' City Councilman ~ .~°unc 1 lC~an Clerk Recording Secretary (One Tape) - 9 -