AUGUST 28, 2020
ALAN FIERS - MAYOR
As I stare at the keyboard to draft my comments for the August newsletter, a picture from the past came to mind. 

I am sitting in the backseat of the family car as it flies down old two-lane US route 40, the road that used to be called “the National Road”. The telephone poles along the side of the road are whizzing by almost one a second. That is exactly how the days are passing, clipping by at an unbelievable rate, like those poles. But then, it is said, “time passes quickly when one is having fun.” I hope you all are enjoying your summer. Labor Day is fast approaching and that signals the traditional end of summer, BUT, that is not a big deal to us, as we live in the land of Endless Summer. To steal a line from the Beach Boys, “we will have fun, fun, fun until Daddy takes the T-bird away.”  Well, maybe COVID-19 has already done that, at least for a while longer!

Now to Business: At the Monday, 24 August Commission Meeting, four Ordinances passed first reading, all unanimously.
 
They were:
  • Update of the Town fee schedule, increasing parking tickets by $10.00 to cover the County Clerk processing cost; and increasing Site Plan review fee by $150 for any project the cost of which is great than 50% of the property value. This will cover the cost of a pre-project planning meeting with the Town Zoning Official. A few other fees were also adjusted to reflect increased costs.
  • Updated parking ordinance, the biggest change is forbidding any parking in the ten-foot right of way strip in front of houses. (The exception is for special events by residents and then for the short term, with prior approval.) And the code was updated to allow for enforcement by Palm Beach County Sheriff (PBSO) deputies.
  • Updated and modified the Town Code Enforcement and Special Magistrate ordinance to allow for enforcement by PBSO deputies, and in certain cases authorize the Town Code Enforcement Officer to issue a citation.
  • Eliminated the requirement for venders who have paid their business tax in other municipalities to register with Town Hall before working in Town.  The current code required ALL folks working in Town who have paid their business tax in other municipalities to register. According to the Town Commission, this is an all or nothing proposition: Either ALL register or none register.   The Commission unanimously voted for the later.

In the September Commission workshop, an ordinance to reregulate the use of storage PODS in the Town will be discussed.  At this point, the Town Code is silent on this issue.

As I wrote in last month’s Newsletter, the P&Z and the Commission are considering a modification of the District C zoning code. Specifically, the change would allow for parking at street grade, as an option to depressed parking. The building height would be increased by four feet to compensate for the vertical space lost by eliminating depressed parking. The number of inhabitable floors would remain at three, and the parking would be two feet below the building grade (which is two feet above the crown of the adjacent road). This would give the parking area the appearance of being slightly depressed, although it is actually at street grade. This change was approved by the P&Z sitting as the LPA (Local Planning Agency). It will be on the September Commission meeting Agenda for the first reading. In my view, this modification is good for the Town. It will reduce costs and complications for the builders and thereby stimulate the redevelopment of the older District C buildings, while at the same time preserve the current height profile, ambiance, and feel of the Town. As you all know, I personally ardently oppose anything more than three-story building in District C. But I also support the redevelopment of the older properties, for reasons of aesthetics and finances. This code modification will stimulate such development while preserving the three-story essence of this district.  But to move forward, we need to have a solid town consensus.  Please let us know your thoughts and contact us if you have any questions.

Finally, the FPL portion of the undergrounding is slowly moving toward completion. The last step to FULL UNDERGROUND SERVICE is to switch the south (Inlet) feeder to the underground transformer. FPL has told us this will happen within two weeks.   After this, we will work on the automated switching of feeder lines and removing wires and transformers from the poles. Removing the equipment from the poles is not yet a sure thing, but we are pushing for a two-step pole removal process: First, take down the wires and equipment, and then after Comcast and (hopefully) AT&T finish their portion of the project, take down the poles (and declare victory!).

Comcast is beginning to energize and test its distribution nodes. They will then begin to convert customers, working from north to south. BUT, a problem has been identified. No Comcast conduit was run on the southern part of Ocean (Cascade to Inlet), or the eastern part of Inlet (Atlantic to Ocean). To complete the conversion process, this conduit must be run. We are working with Comcast to get this done expeditiously. 

Finally, there is no news yet from AT&T. We expect to hear from them sometime after Labor Day.  
TREVOR STEEDMAN - FIRE CHIEF
COVID-19: DEFINING AND DECIPHERING THE DATA – FIRE CHIEF

As we continue to trudge through the COVID-19 pandemic, Palm Beach County is fortunate to see a steady downward trajectory of the virus within our collective community. Although this is positive news, many folks are either thoroughly confused or have lost confidence in the seemingly endless stream of data that we receive about the virus. Informational transparency and empirical data are wonderful attributes but fall short in useful value if we do not know “How” and “Why” the information affects us. Some data “dashboards” appear to show ominous reports while others indicate improvement. Between official and unofficial databases, multiple statistical dashboards, social media, television, and the endless stream of forwarded emails, few people feel assured that they have accurate and timely information. 

Please allow me to lend a virtual machete to this data thicket:

Total Positivity Rate is the percent of positive tests out of the total tests performed. In other words, a cumulative rate of all people who have been tested since the beginning of the COVID-19 testing process. Palm Beach County has been hovering in the 13% range.
Daily Lab Positivity Rate is the percent of virus currently within the “Community”. This is the most important number to follow as it gives the most up-to-date measurement of how we are doing in the fight against COVID-19. Above 10% is cause for concern and is the catalyst for adaptive changes such as restrictions and mandates. Below 10% is where the Department of Health feels we are getting a handle on the virus but need to stay the course. Below 5% (The “Gold Standard” of percentages) is where the Department of Health is confident the community spread is controlled and potentially waning. The most recent multi-week trend has Palm Beach County between 3.7% – 4.2%. In other words, the facial coverings and social distancing have been effective, we are going in the right direction, don’t let down your guard and keep up the great work!

Phase I Re-Opening - Playgrounds are anticipated to re-open on or around Thursday, August 27, Restrictions on Community Pools may also be relaxed…More information to come as it is received.


Phase II Re-Opening – The PBC Board of County Commissioners (BCC), at their August 25th meeting, tasked the County Administrator to develop a conceptual Phase II re-opening plan for review and discussion at the September BCC meeting.

As always, please call or email me with any questions or concerns: [email protected] (561) 296-3380
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EVYONNE BROWNING - TOWN CLERK

HELLO FROM TOWN HALL!
We hope everyone is doing well and continuing to practice social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing your masks! If this trend continues, we will need to get the official “Town of Palm Beach Shores” masks! Hmmm, should we add this to our available items for sale with the Town’s logo? 

VIRTUAL MEETING PROCESSES
The overhaul of our sound and recording system is moving towards completion with just a few minor tweaks and kinks to be ironed out! For those of you who use it or will use it in the future, if you use the audio-only (meaning, you call in) the “raise a hand to speak” function is not available. This is only available if you use video. Using audio only makes it more difficult to know when someone would like to make a comment or ask a question.  My suggestion is to review the meeting agendas before the meeting (all of our meetings: Commission, P &Z, and LPA information are available on the Town’s website before every meeting) and if you have a question or comment on anything on the agenda or something not on the agenda, please send me an email with your question or comment and it will be read at the meeting.  It is very important to continue to keep you involved in these meetings and be able to address issues that are important to each of you, our residents. 

RESIDENT BEACH PARKING STICKERS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
You will still need to make an appointment so we can maintain safety for everyone. 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. 

Appointments will be made in 30-minute increments. We will also require everyone to wear a mask and have it on before you come inside the building. If you do not have a mask, you will not be allowed inside. 

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.

Unfortunately, we have no more Non-Resident Beach Parking Stickers for this year!

 
MISCELLANEOUS
Our notary services continue to be available by appointment only.  IF YOUR DOCUMENT REQUIRES WITNESSES, TOWN HALL CANNOT ASSIST YOU AS WITNESSES AND YOU CANNOT BRING ANYONE WITH YOU, AS THE FRONT OFFICE AREA CANNOT ACCOMMODATE 2 PEOPLE AND MAINTAIN THE 6 FOOT SOCIAL DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS. AS A NOTE: THE LOCAL BANKS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.
TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE! 


Contact:
561-844-3457
LAURA BROWN - BUILDING DEPT. SUPERVISOR
As a reminder, the Building Department intake hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, by appointment only.  Please ensure that you have all of the required documents and fees when you arrive for your appointment and that your contractor has registered their State or County contractor’s license and their Certificates of Liability and Workers Comp with us prior to submitting for your permit. 
 
For questions regarding what types of improvements require permits, we’ve added two new links on our webpage that provide some useful information. If you are planning on making substantial improvements to your property that will require P&Z approval, we strongly encourage you to meet with our Zoning Official prior to expending time and money on Architects, Engineers, and Contractors to ensure the best probability to see your project come to fruition. We will be happy to coordinate that meeting for you at a fee of $150.   



As always, please feel free to contact me at 561-844-3457 or [email protected] with any questions.
STEVEN LANGEVIN
SGT. COMMANDER, DISTRICT 20

Hope your summer is going as well as it can be with COVID19 hanging around.
 
Please be aware of the many scams that have come our way by phone, email, and sometimes in person. In the last 7 days, 4 people have reported that scammers had attempted to lure their cash away in a variety of methods. The most prevalent is the IRS scam where they say you will go to jail if you do not wire them money, another is the FP&L scam where they threaten they will turn your power off, the grandkids in jail and need bail money scam. Some have requested cash while others want you to purchase gift certificates from various retailers. They know what they are doing and are looking to use a time when you have your guard down to catch you into their web. Remember, they would not keep doing this if folks did not engage them, as I mentioned they try to catch you when you are off your game, so we need to be on top of ours.

We have been asked to pay special attention to the beach lot about the always ongoing issue of folks with no parking permits or those that have expired. In the last 45 days deputies have written 33 parking tickets for no parking pass, 4 for expired permits along with one for parking in the fire lane. Please call the Town Hall to set up a time to renew your beach parking pass. Also, the rules indicate where the permits should be displayed.

  • Code 82.34 (8). All parking permits issued under this section shall be affixed to the right-rear bumper of the registered vehicle or the right-rear window with tape. The police department shall record permit numbers. Guest cards shall likewise be prominently displayed in the vehicle’s right-rear window.

We know that the sticker may be elsewhere on the car and we make every attempt to find it, but as in last week’s case, the sun shield was up and the sticker was kinda sticking out of the bottom of it……. 

We do not enjoy writing our residents' tickets, so please make every effort to remember your parking passes and a reminder to STOP at the STOP signs, please!

We have issued 134 Hurricane reentry passes for the Fire department, if you have not received one please call Mary at the district and set up an appointment. Mary is here Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Also, if you know of an elementary school-aged child that is in need of a backup we have about 6 left from a county-wide grant the Sheriff received. 

Please call 561-844-9269. This number is only for the hurricane passes and backpacks. It does not get you to dispatch, and Mary cannot dispatch, a deputy from that number.

Non-emergency numbers are 561-688-3400 and the old 561-844-3456 that still transfers. Best results would be the 561-688-3400 and as always 911 in an emergency.

Also, in the last 45 days, we have responded to 5 different events involving folks with immediate mental health needs. In these cases, we were forced to use the Florida Statute Baker act, which allows for a person who is deemed a danger to him/herself or others to be brought to a facility for a 72-hour mental health observation period.

In the last case, 6 deputies had to undergo hazmat procedures to remove the blood which came from the person who had hurt themselves. There were about 20 thousand dollars of damage to the resort room, caused by the subject before our arrival. 

In these cases, at least 5 deputies and a supervisor respond to ensure the least harm to all involved, the Sheriff’s office has several mental health personnel who can respond also.

Please, if you know of someone who needs help, let us know, you can also call 211 and remain anonymous.

As always, we thank you for your support and are here for you.

Sergeant Steve Langevin
PBSO Commander, District 20
Town of0Palm Beach Shores.
ALAN WELCH - DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

COMPLETED PROJECTS FOR AUGUST 2020
  • Painted the interior and exterior of the beach bathroom building.
  • Painted the PBSO ATV shed located at the beach.
  • Installed the wiring for the new video and audio equipment Town Hall Commission Chambers.
  • Installed the concrete retaining wall on the East Gazebo located at the Inlet Park.
  • Assisted PBSO with the installation of the new security cameras on Inlet Park.
  • Installed new drainage rock in the street drainage culverts.    
  • The invasive vegetation on the north side of the beach service road has been removed and 500 pots of dune grass have been planted in its place. The tall vegetation was also removed due to safety reasons to deter unwanted visitors that were congregating late hours of the night. The tall sea grapes on the south side of the beach service road were trimmed to the height of 4 feet to also deter unwanted visitors camping and congregating. Please stay clear of the newly planted dune grass as they are in the early growing period.
  • In the process of providing a video to the Town’s Engineer of the Stormwater Outfall Pipes located at Lake Drive and Bamboo Road and Inlet Way and Atlantic Ave. The video will determine the next phase of installing tidal valves in the pipes facing the Lake Worth Lagoon to assist with saltwater intrusion onto the streets from High King Tides and storm surge.                                                                                
                                                                         
SCHEDULED PROJECTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2020
  • Applying asphalt sealer on the Inlet Park Pathway. This project will begin the middle of September, starting at the west end of the pathway and proceed east to the concrete pad. This project will take a week for completion. The work area will have safety cones and caution tape for your safety. Pedestrian traffic will be directed to walk on the grass areas. Bicyclists, please use caution during this project. 

  • Street light maintenance will begin following the Inlet Park asphalt sealer project. The maintenance will consist of repairing any cracks and defects of the poles and fresh paint and sealer applied. There is a total of 196 streetlight poles along the streets and the parkway. Please be alert while on the Town streets and the parkway for your safety and Public Works Staff safety.