News Update from Town Hall - May 28, 2021
|
|
For most of us, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and is a time for that first trip to the beach or swimming pool and family cookouts and picnics. But for a select few it is the most difficult day of the year – the day to honor their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our County. So, to me, knowing folks have died for our Country, Memorial Day is always a bitter-sweet holiday. Like most, I enjoy the cookout and parties, but always in the back of my mind is the pain that the day brings to those honored few who are mourning the loss of loved ones. As you go about enjoying the holiday, take time to reflect that its purpose – To remember and honor those who have given their lives for our freedom and wellbeing.
On a related somber note, as most residents are aware, former Mayor, Commissioner, volunteer firefighter, and friend to many, Tom Mills, passed away on May 9th. Since his passing, the Town flag has been flown at half-mast and mourning banners have been draped on the Town fire station. A Celebration of Life open house will be held for Mayor Tom at the Town Community Center from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on June 4th. All who wish to pay their respects are welcome.
As we all know, the day after Memorial Day is the first day of Hurricane Season. We never know what nature will serve up, but the watchword is the Boy Scout motto: BE PREPARED. The Town has purchased a storage container and will store enough food and water to supply our residents during the first three days of post-hurricane recovery. This will cover the period of chaos that immediately follows a storm and provide essential supplies while the Emergency Operations Center is getting organized. Call Chief Steedman, if you want more details.
As the May workshop and Commission Meeting had similar agendas with the Commission meeting taking formal action on items discussed at the workshop, I will combine this month’s report.
-
New Trees: The workshop discussed the issue of the Town replacing trees in the Town ten-foot strip (right of way). They agreed that because of the underground conduit and other utility piping that has been placed in the first five feet of the right of way, no tree should be planted there. It was further agreed that no hardwood tree should be planted in the right of way, as these trees have “traveling root” systems which will ultimately wrap around the conduit and piping. Planting of palms, replacing those that have died, will be discussed at 21-22 budget workshops. Funds in this year’s budget will plant palms in the Town pathway, replacing those that have died because of disease or storm damage.
-
Randi Frick Bequest: As some residents are aware, Town resident Randi Frick passed away over a year ago after a long illness. He left 10% of his estate to the Town to be used solely to support the Community Center. The funds amount to approximately $200,000. The Commission agreed by resolution that we should use these funds only for capital purchase items; meaning they cannot be used to cover recurring operating costs such as cleaning, electricity, and other such bills. The vote was 5-0 for the resolution.
-
Impact Fees: Since 2006 the Town has been collecting Impact Fees from newly built square footage that is air-conditioned. The fees are to pay for capital improvement in four categories: Fire Department, Police Department, Park, and Public Facilities. Given that we no longer have a Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department covers all town policing costs, the Commission voted to eliminate this police Impact Fee. The existing Police fund balance will be retained for approximate usage. This action requires the passage of an Ordinance. Accordingly, Ordinance O-2-21 passed the first reading on a 5-0 vote.
-
Community Center: For over a year the Commission, current and previous lineup, has been discussing ways to eliminate the annual $30 to $40,000 Community Center negative budget impact. Frank Zizzamia has been chairing a committee to discuss how to address this issue and bring the negative number to at least a break-even, which would have the impact of making an additional $40,000 available to cover other desirable budget expenditures. The concept presented by the Committee was to contact a professional event planner and have them sponsor up to 30 events a year. These events would be scheduled so as NOT TO INTERFERE WITH ANY TRADITIONAL Town Civic GROUP EVENTS. When this concept was presented to the Commission, it was met with considerable concern and opposition from some Town residents. Other residents have voiced their support. The Commission was asked to table the proposal, which has been done. The Commission and the concerned residents have agreed to form a second Committee, chaired by Frank Zizzamia and composed of two members who oppose the event planner concept and two who are positively disposed towards it. The goal of this group will be to find a consensus approach that brings the Community Center to a break-even financial posture and does not disturb or disrupt the use of the Center by residents or Town Civic Groups. All of the Commissioners and I hope that this approach will find a path forward that meets the above-stated objective. So, stay tuned.
Finally, the Town has an opportunity to host a COVID-19 vaccination event. If we did this, we would have the choice of either Pfizer or J&J vaccine. Please call or email Sandi Lue (slue@pbstownhall.org) if you are interested in getting vaccinated. If more than 20 folks voice their interest, we will move forward with planning the event.
And that’s all the news folks!
|
|
TREVOR STEEDMAN - FIRE CHIEF
|
|
Good News: The COVID-19 daily lab positivity rates for Palm Beach County and the State remain below 5% (2.65% and 3.75% respectively). After almost a year-and-a-half and 140 Municipal Emergency Manager Conference Calls later, Palm Beach County Emergency Management is in the process of standing down the Emergency Operation Center’s COVID-19 workgroup. PBC Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation as County Health Officials shift their vaccination efforts to focus on younger age group populations and a few remaining “Hot Spots” for new COVID-19 cases in the County. COVID-19 Census Tract data for Palm Beach Shores continues to reflect “Not Enough Data” (few if any cases currently in our Community). State and County-run mass vaccination sites in PBC are demobilizing except for the PBC Senior Center. The County Health Department is directing those who wish to get vaccinated to the pharmacy chain store locations. It looks like we are pretty much out of the woods with COVID-19 – However, I reflect on sage advice that General George Patton penned about celebrating triumph in battle. In his writings, he cautions: “All glory is fleeting”. As we steadily see our lives returning to some semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy, please continue to evaluate your risk and govern yourselves accordingly.
On the topic of a return to normalcy, I am pleased to announce the following items and events:
· Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Programs:
o We are working with our community groups and organizations to begin scheduling our Home Fire Extinguisher Selection, Use, and Maintenance program and CPR/AED training offerings.
· St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration:
o Tentative date of Saturday, March 12, 2022
o Elizabeth Kuechenmeister will be reaching out in the very near future to all the stakeholders, previous committee members, and participants to schedule planning and logistics meetings.
o I have been tasked to represent the Town as Co-Chair of this Committee with the directive that it will be a great event with ideal weather conditions…I’ll do my best as part of this team to meet those expectations!
This upcoming week marks the official start of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Town took delivery of our steel shipping container that will house the PBS Community Emergency Supply Cache. It will be stocked with basic food and water needs for our residents for the initial, critical days following a hurricane. It will also contain essential hurricane supplies and equipment of the various Town departments. For your hurricane planning purposes, it is important to know that the County announced that PBC shelters will still operate at ½ capacity, citing COVID-19 prevention concerns. Also, some pet-friendly shelters require pre-registration. Helpful hurricane preparation links are listed below:
or
An extensive, one-page preparation checklist can be found at:
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend as we honor the memory and sacrifices of the men and women of our Nation’s Military. As always, please reach out with questions or if we can be of any assistance. tsteedman@pbsfire.org or (561) 296-3380
|
|
STEVE LANGEVIN - SGT. - DISTRICT #20 |
|
Summer is about here, please remember to pick up your Hurricane reentry pass from Mary or myself, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You will still need to go through the checkpoint on the Riviera Beach side, in the event of an after hurricane entry but will speed you along. Also, it will be a big help in Town after the event, hopefully, they will just stay in your glove compartment unused.
The new CCTV camera project is installed and running, each required a special Motorola license yearly fee. The camera at the Town’s beach parking lot has a view of the community center and entire parking lot, care was taken to not intrude on our Mayan Towers neighbors.
The other camera in that project is the first-floor community center, it has a view of all corners of the downstairs area.
The third phase was Inlet Way and Ocean Avenue, it also has great clarity and will help us immensely.
The new traffic laser is on its way and the two new 4X4 pickup trucks are having the decals and emergency equipment installed.
All these items were not charged to the Town.
I have received calls from folks regarding cars speeding on Claremont Lane and Bamboo, we have been moving the traffic trailer around and asked our deputies to frequent these areas.
The deputy that was injured while making an arrest is on the mend, but will be out for a while, he has been temporarily assigned to light duty in the Detective bureau with special attention to any cases involving our Town. In the meantime, his shifts will be filled with overtime with deputies’ from here and elsewhere, so the midnight shift will have other faces from time to time.
As usual, we are here for you when you need us, please stay safe and stop by for coffee.
Sergeant Steven Langevin
|
|
ALAN WELCH - DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS |
|
|
|
Exciting News!
The Stormwater Outfall Tidal Valve and extension pipe located at Lake Drive and Bamboo Road was installed on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. The purpose of the Tidal Valve Project is to prevent Tidal flooding and saltwater intrusion not only on the Town Streets but also on the surrounding properties. The valve will require minimum maintenance that will be provided by our Public Works and Fire Department Staff. The Town Staff will continue to find solutions and funding for stormwater drainage on the Towns Streets. As a reminder please keep Pollution out of our waters everything flows downhill.
|
|
EVYONNE BROWNING - TOWN CLERK |
|
BEACH PARKING STICKERS
RENEWALS BEGIN JUNE 7TH FOR RESIDENTS!
We are getting prepared to begin the beach season with the "new" stickers! The stickers will be available June 7th for residents and July 1st for non-residents. As in the past, please only one person or couple in the office at the same time. We thank you in advance for your patience and being respectful of others.
Please be sure to bring a photo ID as well as your tag numbers and registrations.
Note: If you are a renter, you must rent on a yearly basis, and you need to bring a copy of your one-year lease.
PLEASE BE SURE YOUR STICKER IS PLACED ON YOUR CAR’S RIGHT REAR BUMPER! THAT IS WHERE THE DEPUTIES WILL LOOK TO SEE IF YOU ARE REGISTERED. IF YOUR DECAL IS NOT THERE, THEN THEY WILL ISSUE YOU A TICKET.
**THE GUEST PASS NEEDS TO BE PLACED INSIDE THE BACK WINDOW SO IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN BY THE DEPUTIES.
MISCELLANEOUS
Our notary services are still available, but only to Town residents. IF YOUR DOCUMENT REQUIRES WITNESSES, TOWN HALL CANNOT ASSIST YOU AS WITNESSES, so please bring your own witnesses (only 2 people in the lobby at one time). AS A NOTE: THE LOCAL BANKS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.
TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE.
Wendy, Evyonne, Laura, and Sandi
|
|
HELLO FROM TOWN HALL!
We hope everyone is doing well. Last night's Commission Meeting was the beginning of the new normal for us at this time as were able to have 15 seats available for "in person" attendance. Thank you to the residents who joined us for this milestone into returning to a "normal" meeting setting. We are still maintaining social distancing and if you are not vaccinated, we asked that you wear a mask. It was a wonderful feeling to see people attending in person as well as online! To me, staying home and tuning in virtually would be the perfect way to attend the meeting. However, we do know it is important to many of you to be able to attend in person as well. Now, you will have a choice (in person or virtually) and be assured that however you attend, you will be able to attend each meeting (Commission and Planning and Zoning) and ask questions or voice your concerns and thoughts. Thank you to everyone for your patience and encouragements as we have worked effortlessly to make this process a top priority. Because the set up for each meeting is a little different, the number of in person attendance will vary, so please check the agendas for each meeting to see how many in-person attendees that meeting will allow. The doors will open 15 minutes before the start of each meeting to allow those who wish to attend in person to do so. Once the number of persons has reached the maximum number, then no one else will be allowed in. Thank you in advance for helping us to adhere to these safety guidelines.
BUILDING PERMITS
The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Building permits will be accepted 8:30 am to 4:00 pm only. The building department will close for lunch between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm each day. Please make sure that you have everything you need before you come to Town Hall. If you are not sure if your submittal is complete, please speak with Laura ahead of time and she can walk you through the requirements on submittals.
|
|
Do's & Don't of Trash Collection |
|
"Please do not place any yard debris in the street for pickup. This blocks traffic and creates a safety hazard.
Also, yard debris pickup is limited to one pile measuring no more than approximately four feet wide by four feet tall. If your yard debris is more than the allowed amount, then it is required for your landscapers to remove the excess amounts of yard debris. As per Town Code Sec. 38-5."
Thank you,
Orlando Rodriguez
Code Enforcement Officer
CRS Coordinator
Grants Coordinator
|
|
Important Flood Safety Information for Residents and Business Owners
For your own safety, here is no substitute for advance planning and preparation for flood events. 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 be sure to turn off all utility services at the main connection. READ MORE
|
|
Waste Management Fire Safety Social Media Posts |
|
Yoga on Hiatus Until the Fall
As fewer and fewer students are in town, Lori Kollmeyer and Maimi Taylor have decided to place the yoga classes on hiatus until the fall.
I know that we are all appreciative of Lori and Maimi's generosity and knowledge of yoga and fitness. Their classes created a true sense of community in Palm Beach Shores and were challenging and fun.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE!!
SUMMER SURVIVAL PARTY!
WHEN: JUNE 27, 2021
WHERE: LOWER LEVEL AT THE
COMMUNITY CENTER
TIME: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW
|
|
|
|
|
There be a trash pickup on Monday (Memorial Day) in Palm Beach Shores.
|
|
CODERED Emergency Notifications
(Particularly useful during hurricanes)
- Follow the instructions to create an account.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
