NEWS & UPDATES
JULY 31, 2020
|
|
Dear Residents, Friends, and Visitors:
I want to open my remarks with an observation.
Over dinner, last night, my wife Grazyna (who as many of you know immigrated to the US from Poland by way of a ten-year stop in Finland) shared a very thought-provoking Polish language video with me. I will summarize its message:
“Imagine you were born in 1900. At age 14 you confronted a war in which 22 million people died. Immediately afterward came the Spanish flu. It lasts two years and 50 million people died. You are 20 years old. Then came the great depression with its dislocation and poverty, which lasted until 1938. You are now 38 years old. A year later came World war II, and it lasted 6 years and another 70 million people died. You are now 45 years old. And then came communist repression, which lasted the rest of your life. By comparison, our lives are easy, a blessing.”
Our parents and grandparents lived through all of that except the repression of communism. They came home from war and built the greatest country the world has known. As we continue to confront COVID-19 and its death, dislocation, and inconvenience, we need to follow their example, confront the problem head-on and heads up, and when it is over, work together to build a more prosperous and better society. And as we live through the pandemic, remember the words of little orphan Annie - “The sun’s gonna shine tomorrow, and tomorrow is only a day away. “
As I sit at the keyboard to draft this month’s comments, my thoughts drifted to the old Northern term –“Dog Days of Summer”: the hottest days of the year from late July to Mid-August. But here in South Florida, the term has no meaning. It is hot all summer and fall. Rather, we refer to HURRICANE SEASON! For sure, that term has real meaning. When we hear these words, we all take note. As I write, Hurricane Isaias may head our way. While it is projected to pass by off-shore, it still means preparations. As of this writing, it doesn’t look like it will be a heavy storm, just a good test run for the rest of the season.
There are several items to cover this month, so I will address them as a series of bullet points:
ALARM PERMIT
· Many of you may have heard rumblings about a requirement in the PBSO contract calling for residents with a house
alarm system
to pay an annual permit fee of $25. It is true. Embedded in the contract is a paragraph that incorporates by reference the Palm Beach County alarm ordinance, which mandates an annual permit fee of $25 for each house alarm system served by PBSO. To date, we have not enforced this requirement in our Town. However, a false alarm called in by a resident to PBSO dispatch brought this issue to the fore. As you know, the Town has never had such a requirement and we are working with PBSO to have this stipulation waived or eliminated. For the next three months, while working through the issue, by mutual agreement with the PBSO, we have suspended its implementation.
2020 CENSUS
· The
2020 CENSUS
count continues. The Town’s response rate is 42.9%, as opposed to 40+% in 2010. The question which comes immediately to mind is: percent of what? The answer is the percent of available living units. We have 877 “living units’ in our Town. There are 448 condo units and 429 single family, and multi-family units (Districts A and B units); 376 of the 877 units have responded to the digital census call. Given the part-time nature of our residents, this is not an unreasonable response. HOWEVER, WE ENCOURAGE ALL WHO HAVE NOT YET RESPONDED TO DO SO BY USING THEIR PALM BEACH SHORES RESIDENCE. There is no requirement dictating that one must fill out the Census where they are domiciled for tax and voting purposes. If one has two homes, they can choose which location they use for their census response. (Technically, one is supposed to file using their actual location as of 1 April 2020) So, given that the census response is important in the calculation of future federal emergency aid to the Town, we are hopeful we will push our response higher. Please help if you can. The link to use is:
2020census.gov
.
UNDER-GROUNDING
· The Under-Grounding project continues to move forward. In fact, by the time you read this, they may have completed the FPL portion, except for a few punch-list items. The last housing units, those on the south side of Inlet Way and east of the pathway have been converted. We are awaiting approval to switch the last of three primary feeder lines. The remaining line is on the southwest corner of the inlet pathway, by the Anchorage. When completed, it completes the electrical conversion. We are trying to get this done before the sunsets this Friday 31 July. All overhead lines except the run along the Inlet path have been de-energized. They carry NO electricity. The Inlet line cannot be de-energized until the feeder line discussed above is converted. Comcast continues to press forward. Soon they will energize all their node boxes (the bigger Comcast boxes along the streets and the smaller pedestal). They will run full signals for these lines for a while to make sure they work correctly. Then they will connect the service drops to their customers. This conversion requires NO action by Comcast customers and the service outage will be short. We are waiting for AT&T to complete its project plan and costing. They are now telling us they will have the plan and numbers for us in the first half of August. We will inform you all as soon as we have them.
SKYFALL PROJECT
· This is the redevelopment of the three old motels on Inlet Way, 150, 200, and 206 Inlet Way.
Immediately following the Town election, the owners/developers were told that anything more than a three-story building was out of the question. There followed some heated exchanges with the developers.
During a Commission workshop, the concept of eliminating the flood prone tuck-under parking in district C and replacing it with street grade parking was discussed. This would require raising the building height by four feet to compensate for the effect of eliminating the below grade depression. This concept is currently being discussed and reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board. The specific issue under discussion is the modification of District C code to eliminate below grade parking and compensate by increasing building height by 4 feet, which is the maximum allowed without requiring a referendum. This concept with be discussed and debate over the next several months.
This concept was communicated to the developer as a possibility. He has now submitted concept plans for three separate three story, five-unit condos – one on each of the lots- utilizing street grade parking and increased height of the building by four feet. This means that the building would be 46 feet high as opposed to the current 42 feet allowed in the code. The proposed buildings are similar to the new units at Ocean 18 in architecture and the Addison at 224 Inlet in floor plan layout. They are ready to begin building as soon as possible and have commitments for 7 of the proposed 15 units.
It is my view that the concept of eliminating the flood prone below grade parking is a responsible move and that the developer has now submitted very attractive concept drawings for a project which would be a real plus for the Town. Please let us know your thoughts. All the members of the P&Z and the Commission are familiar with this issue.
2021 BUDGET
· The Commission, having reviewed projected 2021 Town revenue and 2021 expenses, voted to maintain the millage at the current 6.350 and the special under-ground debt millage at the current .4290. In the August newsletter, we will present a complete proposed budget summary. However, we can report now that the Town will use none of its undesignated reserve funds to balance the 2021 budget.
GOVERNANCE ISSUES
· At the August Commission workshop, we will discuss two governance issues. The First will be whether to consider an ordinance regulating the placement of storage PODs in Town. At present, we have no ordinance addressing this issue. The second is the requirement for ANYONE working in Town to register with Town Hall. The current code has this requirement, but we have not enforced it since mid-decade, (around 2015). Please let us know your views on both issues.
I apologize for the length of this month’s report, but a lot is taking place and we want to make sure you all are well informed. In their comments, Chief Steedman and Clerk Browning will address COVID-19 issues.
|
|
TREVOR STEEDMAN - FIRE CHIEF
|
|
The Town of Palm Beach Shores is re-instituting
Hurricane Re-Entry
passes for our residents to gain access onto the Island and their property following evacuations (Please see the sample). We anticipate receipt of the passes on Friday, July 31. Notification will be sent to the residents that outline where, when, and how to pick up their re-entry passes. Most of our residents are very experienced in hurricane preparation. Please take the time to review your hurricane plan, prepare, make accommodations, gather important documents and whatever else is part of your routine should the need to evacuate arise. Please keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the capacity and capabilities of the public hurricane shelters. If any of our residents plan on potentially using one of the public shelters, please call or email Chief Trevor Steedman (561) 296-3380
tsteedman@pbsfire.org
for more information
.
|
|
WEATHER UPDATE
Storm Update from 10:00 AM PBC Emergency Management Conference Call with the PBC Emergency Operations Center:
National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane
Isaias
will remain a hurricane as it passes up the Atlantic Seaboard toward the Carolinas...
We are under a Tropical Storm Watch...
We expect tropical Storm conditions beginning tomorrow morning to mid-day and diminishing on Sunday. Windy conditions with rainfall potential of 3-5 inches are expected. Forecast confidence is high as the storm has become more organized. They predict coastal communities to feel more effects than inland communities. PBC Emergency Management does not consider the storm a major threat at the time of this update...
They expect no significant storm surge or flooding and have issued no evacuation orders. There is a “Low” potential for an Emergency Declaration to be issued.
Shelters are not open but are on standby...COVID-19 considerations will limit shelter capacities if opened...
PBS personnel have completed 96 & 72-hour preparation checklists and are finalizing the 24-hour preparation checklist.
Latest Tropical Weather Update. Please see the link below.
|
|
Although the number of COVID-19 positive cases continues to rise, the latest 21-Day data cycle shows that the percentage of positive cases per day is slowly trending downward. Another cautiously optimistic note is the hospitalization rates including ICU admissions have dropped slightly.
• Palm Beach County’s Emergency Order requiring the wearing and use of facial coverings was extended for another 30 days beginning on July 24th.
• A complete list of Palm Beach County public testing sites, including government and public-private partnerships, is available online a
t
http://discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus/Pages/testing-sites.aspx
.
COVID-19 testing for Homebound individuals is also available through Palm Beach County. Requests for this service may be made by contacting Chief Trevor Steedman at (561) 296-3380.
|
|
EVYONNE BROWNING - TOWN CLERK
|
|
HELLO FROM TOWN HALL!
Your Town Hall staff (Sandi, Laura, Wendy, Orlando, and Evyonne) are here every day and ready for business… but, you
must have an appointment
, as
no walk-ins
are being allowed so we can maintain a sanitary condition for everyone. You can make an appointment by calling us a 561-844-3457. Only one (1) person at a time can be in the foyer area of the office because of the social distance requirements.
VIRTUAL MEETING PROCESSES
The overhaul of our sound and recording system is almost complete! Thank you, Mayor Fiers, and all the Commission for allocating the funds for this much-needed project. We are right at 90% and are waiting on the new TV monitors and a couple of other pieces of the equipment to arrive, hopefully, this week. But this past week we noticed a vast improvement during the July Commission meeting.
Once it is all up and running, you will be able to sit in your living room, by the beach, or anywhere and attend the Town meetings! Our target date for the work to be completed has been for the August 2020 Commission Meeting, and I believe we are almost there! This will be a significant benefit during this current “pandemic” era; also our “snowbirds” can virtually attend meetings as well! Thank you, Wendy Wells, for doing the research and hiring the right team to get this installed!
2020- 2021 BUDGET HEARINGS
As most of you know, this is the time of year where the Commission schedules the budget meetings and hearings for the upcoming fiscal year 2020-2021. These meetings have always been open to the community, but as with so many other meetings for us and other municipalities, the COVID-19 has affected how these meetings are held and managed.
Governor DeSantis included these types of meetings and hearings to be held virtually in his Executive Order 20-179 which was issued July 29, 2020. We must also meet the legal requirements for public participation at any virtual meeting or hearing with the same requirements for public participation that an “in-person” meeting would provide. Since our Commission Chambers cannot hold more than 10 persons for any meeting (and the 10 includes officials and staff), we must continue to use the virtual meeting process we now have in place. Our upgraded sound system and the virtual process is on target to be up and ready for these meetings. However, we understand that not everyone has the capability, tech “know-how,” or desire to participate in this manner. Therefore, it is more important for this year’s meetings that everyone should review the budget information to be presented at each meeting BEFORE each meeting (all information will be uploaded onto the Town’s website before the meeting). This way, if you have any questions, you can submit them
in advance
of the meeting by emailing them to me at
ebrowning@pbstownhall.org
and they will be read into the meeting records. The Mayor, Commission, and Town Treasurer and/or staff will respond to your question(s) “on the record.” To ensure that we receive your questions, the cut-off time will be at 12 noon on the day of each meeting.
The meeting process containing the information on how to join via telephone (call in only) or virtually for every meeting will be noted on each agenda and posted on the Town’s information boards. It will also be on the Town’s website and will contain the information to join via telephone (call in only) or virtually.
If anyone has questions on the process or needs assistance, please call Town Hall and someone here will assist you.
RESIDENT BEACH PARKING STICKERS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
The decals are teal-colored this year, which reflects the beauty of your gorgeous beach! You will 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.
We will be taking appointments 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.
Non-Resident Beach Parking Stickers
We are completely sold out on the non-resident beach passes! Thank you to everyone who patiently waited in line to get one!
BUILDING PERMITS
The Building Department is open
for permits
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, but
you must call Laura Brown at 561-844-3457 to schedule an appointment
. Please make sure 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 for submittal.
MISCELLANEOUS
Our notary services continue to be by
appointment only
. IF YOUR DOCUMENT REQUIRES WITNESSES, TOWN HALL STAFF 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.
We hope that everyone is staying safe, but also enjoying this piece of paradise you call HOME! If you have to be quarantined, I cannot think of a more beautiful place to be!
Please stay safe, wear a mask, and wash your hands!
|
|
STEVEN LANGEVIN
SGT. COMMANDER, DISTRICT 20
|
|
As we prepare this newsletter, we are closely watching the Caribbean for storms; I am sure you agree we have been through enough disasters and do not wish any further! We are watching and are prepared for the season to come.
I hope some of you saw Sheriff Bradshaw’s’ mounted unit in Town on Wednesday evening. Sgt. Israel and his partner rode two of the horses through the Town and talked to the folks along the way. I have been at their unit and can tell you it something to see, the Clydesdales, the pigs, and other menageries that are there. The mounted unit property is amazingly kept and equipped with all needs, and the unit does not just attend parades but is at large gatherings and searches for young children and all others that may get lost in the woods and marshes. They are an impressive bunch of deputies looking to do an outstanding job for all of us.
The new enhanced cameras are operational and already solved a hit and run with one of our light poles that occurred in our town on Sunday. The video showed the car entering and leaving town and who was driving the vehicle. The driver was issued various citations, and the car towed.
Another set of cameras is almost completely installed. The system cost of over $16,000.00 and monthly access fees are fully paid for by Sheriff Bradshaw.
As many folks have heard, one of our deputies was assisting in a search warrant of a home in Town; a few days after the warrant was issued, 2 of the occupants of the home stalked our deputy while off duty driving home on Lake Drive. The driver and his companion first followed him to the Sailfish marina and 2 more times later in the afternoon to his home in town. Sheriff’s detectives arrived and after a lengthy investigation arrested two of the individuals for the crime.
I spoke with the owner of the home who was renting to the individuals; he stated he was unaware of any concerns at the property and has since placed the residence for sale. Thank you all for the many calls, notes, and food you dropped off for us and the deputy.
Our Segway is back from repairs and is in use. The ATV is being used to ensure the turtle nests are left alone and any other suspicious activity.
Your deputies conducted 1,981 business and private home checks in June.
Please remember we are here for you and as always, thank you for your support.
Sergeant Steven Langevin
Commander, District 20
Town of Palm Beach Shores
Palm Beach County Sheriffs’ office.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|