NEWS UPDATE FROM TOWN HALL
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I will open by wishing our Muslim residents and friends Ramadan Mubarak, or Blessed Ramadan. As you know, Ramadan is the Islamic Holy month of prayer and fasting. It began with the sighting of the new moon last night and will continue until the next new moon.
On the international stage, we are witnessing events that none of us and most folks in the world thought we would see and all hoped would never happen – war with the level of destruction rising to the level of that seen in the world wars. And the accompanying that human dislocation is on an equally disturbing level. Not far behind and perhaps most troubling to us in the United States is the associated economic dislocation. While it is hard to watch and read about the war and refugee situation, they have little impact on our daily lives. The associated economic issues are an entirely different story. They touch almost everyone's life, both in the U.S. and the entire world. While the magnitude of this impact is not yet quite apparent, it is clear enough to know that it will be significant and will impact many, if not most, aspects of our daily lives: Inflation is here. Supply shortages, already troubled by COVID, are now even worse. I am old enough to vividly remember World War-2 rationing. We seldom had cookies – no sugar. Ladies painted their legs, and my mom included; no nylon or silk. Using the car was rare, trips by car even more rare - gas rationing, only a few gallons per month. But no one complained. All, even kids four and five, knew what was at stake. Things are not yet to that point, but we all need to accept that our lives of plenty will be a bit different in the days immediately ahead, including Town business. In our personal lives and our professional lives, we all will do what we can to mitigate the impact of current events, but they will be lurking in the shadows and occasionally will be front and center. Understanding and patience needs to be our watchword for the immediate future. And always remember little Orphan Annie's refrain: "The sun is gonna shine tomorrow."
Turning to town business: It is hard to believe two years have passed. It seems like just the other day that I assumed the responsibilities of Mayor. But, on Monday evening, March 28, 2022, the annual town reorganization meeting was held. I took the oath of office for a second two-year term. Also, Scott McCranels and Brain Tyler took the oath of office for their second term as Commissioners. Scott was again selected to serve as Vice Mayor. As you all know, we had no challengers qualify as candidates, so there was no Town election this year. On behalf of Scott, Brian, and myself, thank you all for your support and confidence. We will continue to work hard to keep the Town headed in a positive direction and on solid financial footing.
The Town Clerk, Jude Marie Goudreau, and the Town Treasurer and Administrator, Wendy Wells, were confirmed for another one-year term at the same meeting. (The town Charter required that these offices be reappointed annually.) Planning and Zoning Board members were also appointed. Four of the current members, Jerry Cohn, Tim Blash, Kevin Banks, and Steve Smith, were reappointed to a new one-year term. Tony Lembo, who had been an alternate member, was appointed to the fifth position. Tom Martin was again appointed as an alternate member.
The March Commission meeting followed the reorganization meeting: The agenda was very light. There were two items of new business:
- Reading and approving a proclamation recognizing and thanking Grace Sterrett for her seven-year leadership of the POA's Environmental Committee and service to the Town. Grace spent untold hours working to beautify the Town, arrange for the planting of new trees, and maintaining our regionally famous walkway and inlet park.
- Confirming the number and price of Beach Parking lot passes to be sold to non-town residents this year. It was agreed to keep the number of passes sold at 40 and the cost per pass at $350. Last we sold 30 passes at the $350 price for a total income of $10,500, which is more than was made by selling 40 beach parking passes at the old $200 price. At the new, higher price, we sold fewer passes and netted more revenue, which was the outcome we had hoped to achieve.
In the staff reports, Steven Langevin reported that the St. Patrick's Day Parade came off quite well, with a good time had by all who attended or participated. On the law-and-order side, he reported that all was well. (See his comments for Detail)
Chief Stedman reported that the purchase of the new fire truck is proceeding. The Truck is currently being outfitted with the appropriate radios, computers, and graphics. The expected arrival date is early May. The old Truck is listed for sale. (See his comments for Detail).
Public work Director Alan Welsh reported the following:
- The water main replacement project on Lake Drive and Inlet Way is nearing the starting gate. (The later in the Season it starts, the better for all.) We will send out special notices 72 hours before the digging begins. Special traffic arrangements will be made and published via email blasts
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AT&T is nearing completion of the underground infrastructure on the south half of Town. They have a few more junction boxes to install and a conduit to place for service to the Community Center. (By one-time special exception, this work will be done on Sunday, April 3. AT&T is bringing in crews on overtime to get this accomplished.) Once this is completed, they will start installing the fiber cable. The service should be available for hook-up in early summer.
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Good news! In the north half of Town, all but one AT&T customer have converted to the new service, and this home is in the process of converting. This means that as soon as the south half work is completed and conventions are made, we will be able to remove the remaining wires and poles.
- The painting of Town Hall is nearing compilation, with our Public Works team has done all work. Next will come painting the floor of the Community Center's first floor and then building drainage swales on the Edwards and Lake and Claremont and Lake intersections. (To see what the swales look like, take a look at the Lake and Cascade intersection. To see how they perform, go to the same intersection during a hard rain.)
And that's all folks!
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Mayor Fiers recognized Environment Committee Chair Grace Sterrett's selfless contribution and achievements with a Proclamation. |
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Attorney Keith Davis (L) at the
Re-organization meeting swears in Vice Commissioner Scott McCranels (R)
and Commissioner Brian Tyler (M)
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Mayor Alan Fiers being sworn in
by Attorney Keith Davis (3.28.2022)
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TREVOR STEEDMAN
PBS FIRE CHIEF
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OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
The Palm Beach Shores Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they are received. The Florida Department of Health has established a dedicated COVID-19 call center (866) 779-6121 for the public to call 24 hours a day. In addition, the public can email COVID19@flhealth.gov for more information.
Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season: We’re only a couple of months away from the official beginning of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. It’s time to dust off the preparation checklist, begin stocking up the emergency supplies, check the generator, fill up the fuel cans, etc. As supply chain challenges persist and the costs of goods and services are rising, it’s good to get an early start.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Thank you to all those who attended and supported St Patrick’s Day Parade. The partnership between the many individuals and organizations to make the parade a success was amazing. Thank you to Bryan Cheney and the Sailfish Resort and Marina for their overwhelming support and generosity. Our many Town civic groups and organizations, Town departments and Staff, Sheriff’s Office, Marriott Ocean Pointe, event coordinator Elizabeth Keuchenmeister and Parade Organizer / Roll-out Coordinator Richard Salmon did outstanding work and made things look easy! We look forward to continuing with these types of community-based events – Keep an eye out for the Town’s / PBSO’s Easter Egg Hunt information!
Replacement Fire Engine: The Mayor and Commission approved the replacement of the Town’s main fire engine. In addition to selling the old fire engine to reduce the remaining cost, we are happy to accept donations (financial or in-kind) to further offset the cost and replace older firefighting tools and equipment. In addition to these cost-saving measures, we were fortunate to be able to pay over half of the purchase price with previously donated funds earmarked specifically for replacing the old fire engine. The PBSFD will announce the date and invite the community to attend a traditional “Housing Ceremony” once we take delivery of the new Fire Engine.
OCEAN RESCUE:
Beach Safety: Our Lifeguards want to remind everyone of the dangers of rip currents. Please use extra caution if you choose to enter the ocean outside of the guarded beach or before/after guarded beach hours. “It’s best to keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard is in the stand.”
Beach Wheelchair: The Beach Wheelchair is a wonderful mobility asset that helps more people enjoy our beautiful beach. Please see the Lifeguard to sign out the beach wheelchair during guarded beach hours (10 am – 5 pm.)
As always, please reach out with questions or if we can be of any assistance. tsteedman@pbsfire.org or (561) 296-3380
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ALAN WELCH
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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AT&T may be working at the location of Ocean Ave, and Edwards Lane on Sunday, April 3, 2022, starting at 9:00 am. They will be installing underground conduit to the Community Center to provide Wi-Fi and communication Services to the building. There may be some expected minor disruption on the roadways and the Beach service access road. The proper signage and safety protocols will be applied in the work zone areas.
Thank you for your patience, and be courteous to the workers and your neighbors when entering the work zone.
Alan Welch
Director of Public Works
Office (561) 844-3457
Cell (561) 644-9542
awelch@pbstownhall.org
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STEVE LANGEVIN - SGT. - DISTRICT #20 |
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Please let us know when you are going for those who will leave us for the season for parts north. If you wish, let us know when you believe you will return and if anyone has a key and is authorized to enter your home. Our deputies will keep extra checks on your home while you are away.
The St. Patrick’s parade went very well. I believe everyone had a great time, and the traffic flow went well. We had a few hiccups from the Ocean Mall Jeep music event, but we made it work.
Please remember the perimeter road is 25 MPH; this is also for the roads that the large semi-trucks must use to deliver to our businesses. New signs have been installed, and calls have been made, even with this, as new truck drivers are trained, they follow their GPS guidance until we remind them.
There have not been many violations of the recently passed slow-moving vehicles on the helicopter pad. Please keep in mind working trucks are still there, coming and going. One slow-moving vehicle driver decided to drive it to the pump house on the sidewalk and fish from the vehicle. Obviously, this cannot happen. Thank you for being so helpful with this and all traffic concerns.
April 16th will be the return of the Easter Egg hunt. The Sheriff’s Department has purchased the four-thousand eggs, and Sailfish Marina has provided the hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream. I know everyone joins me in thanking Joan Mills, who is retiring as our Easter Bunny but allowing her suit to be used for the event. The suit is wonderfully sewn together but also extremely hot. I have no idea how she has done it all these years, but she has sure done it well!
On April 16th at 11 AM sharp, the hunt will begin according to age groups, from Tacoma Lane to Linda Lane. We do not wish to separate any family members, so you can pick one if you have kids of different ages. It is just a tool to give the little kids a fighting chance. However, if you have ever seen the mom of a 1-year-old trying to navigate to get the most eggs, it is a sight!
Hope to see you there and know we are here when you need us.
Sergeant Steve Langevin.
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ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ- CODE OFFICER |
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Important Flood Safety Information for Residents and Business Owners
There is no substitute for advance planning and preparation for flood events for your safety. Do not drive around road barriers. Roads may not be distinguishable from canals. Do not walk through flowing water. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Evacuate the area as soon as the order is given or sooner if possible! If evacuation becomes necessary, turn off all utility services at the main connection.
Call the Town at (561) 844-3457 to find out
- If your property is located in a flood zone or susceptible to coastal erosion.
- If your property is in an area that has flooded previously or is located near an area that should be protected due to its natural floodplain functions, and if an elevation certificate is on file.
Orlando Rodriguez
Code Enforcement Officer/ CRS Coordinator
Grants Coordinator/ Building Department
Phone: 561-844-3457
Cell: 772-302-6485
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TOWN HALL MEETINGS - 2022
PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING
APRIL 27, 2022 @ 6:30 P.M.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
APRIL 6, 2022 @ 2:00 P.M
COMMISSION MEETING WORKSHOP
APRIL 11, 2022 @ 7:OO P.M.
COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 25, 2022 @ 7:00 P.M.
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THE EASTER EGG HUNT IS BACK!!!!
After a two-year hiatus, The Easter Egg Hunt is back!! Mayor Alan Fiers has announced. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Youth Council, the egg hunt will take place on Saturday, April 16. All families should gather at Town Hall,
Edwards Lane, at 11am with their baskets.
Upon a signal from Sgt. Steven Langevin, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office,
The Easter Egg Hunt will begin on the parkway, from Edwards Lane to Linda Lane. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance and there will be a
Bounce House.
For this special event, parking will be permitted on Edwards Lane on the south side of Edwards Lane going east and on the north side of Edwards Lane going west. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s officers will be on site to assist with parking and public safety.
Following the egg hunt, there will be a barbecue featuring hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, soda and ice cream. The barbecue is generously provided by the Sailfish Marina. The lunch is free and donations are appreciated. All families are welcome.
Volunteers are needed the morning of the Easter Egg Hunt at 8:30 am to distribute eggs and to assist the set up and serving of the BBQ lunch in the bay of the Palm Beach Shores Fire Department. The special event will end around 2:00 pm.
If you wish to volunteer, please email Elizabeth Kuechenmeister
keykenmystir@aol.com
For more information contact:
Palm Beach Shores Town Hall 561-844-3457
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The Environmental Committee celebrated
ArborDay on March 18 by planting 3 trees - a first!
On the Parkway between Blossom and Cascade we planted:
1.A clerodendrum or Starburst -- (Purple & Green leaves with purple & white blossoms) generously donated by BrightView and
2.A stemmadenia litoralis or Milky Way (shiny green leaves with fragrant white flowers ) thanks to financing by the POA and the generous donations of Mary & Bob Stanton and Peg & Jim Homburger.
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Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with the Rotary/POA Breakfast. It was a success and you helped the Rotary raise funds for their scholarship program for high school seniors. |
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, May 1st. Sunset Cruise with departure from Sailfish Marina. Details TBA.
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Property Owners Association’s Spring Fling is quickly approaching. Details below. A fun evening for all. Please sign up early. This helps us greatly with food & beverage ordering. |
"CRUISING THE SHORES"
DINNER DANCE
APRIL 9, 2022
6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
COMMUNITY CENTER UPPER LEVEL
$40.00 PER PERSON
PLEASE PUT PAYMENT IN AN ENVELOPE INCLUDE NAMES & NUMBER OF PEOPLE
DROP IN POA BOX AT TOWN HALL
This is one of our most popular events of the year so please reserve quickly!
RESERVATIONS NEEDED BY APRIL 5, 2022
FOOD CATERED BY THE ISLANDER BAR AND GRILL
CASH BAR
BEER, WINE AND SPECIALTY DRINKS
DESSERT AND COFFEE
**PHOTO BOOTH ** DANCING ** RAFFLE ** 50/50 **
MUSIC PROVIDED BY DJ BRIAN JAKOBS
ATTIRE: DRESSY CRUISE -Please no shorts
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Founded in 1951
www.Seasiderspbs.com
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Palm Beach Shores POA/Seasider Spring Golf Outing:
Save the date of Thursday, April 21 for the inaugural POA/Seasider Golf Outing! We have a committee working on a location and time. Our plan is to have a friendly golf tournament for all experience levels of golfers, from beginner to scratch handicap! So the format will be a scramble. Afterwards we will gather for food and drinks and camaraderie. We have many people signed up already, but if you haven’t and are interested, contact Dave Stevens, POA President at dstevens51@gmail.com or Lori Kollmeyer, Seasiders President at seasiderpres@gmail.com.
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Donate to St. George’s Food Pantry:
If you are leaving PBS for any length of time, please check the expiration dates on your food (can and dry goods such as pasta, etc.) to see if any will expire before you come back. The Seasiders can transport any food that is unopened and still in date over to St. George’s food pantry, a charity that we strongly support.
Please bring the food to the Seasiders April or May luncheons, Thursday morning Seasider Community Service meetings at the Community Center (9:30-noon), or email Chris Mielke (cmielke26@hotmail.com) or Cindy Stevens (cstevens52@gmail.com).
Thank you for your continued support!
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Town Hall will be mailing in April, its annual Sewer Bill and would appreciate an update of your billing address if it has changed or if you are a new home owner.
Thank you.
Email your information to - slue@pbstownhall.org
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COST: $20
LOCATION: FIRE DEPT. ANNEX
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PALM BEACH SHORES FIRE DEPT.
MORALE T-SHIRT Sale
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THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS......
the purchasing of uniforms, fire gear, and equipment for the volunteers. Also for the dinners at the Volunteer Association meetings, the holiday dinner, and also anything needed in the living space of the annex.
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