Email: ddavis@juno-beach.fl.us or DianaDavisJunoBeach@gmail.com

On August 26th, David Dyess submitted his sixty-day resignation letter. David Dyess has left a legacy within his short time as part of our Juno Beach family. He brought a level of candor and openness to our Town's communications that is appreciated. His GIS skills improved the Town's ability to communicate ongoing and proposed development projects through our website. My favorite is "From the Turtle's Mouth" video discussions by David to explain topics of Town interest to residents. David has brought the Town Council together on issues where there were perceived philosophical differences.

The Town Council will decide on a process and procedure for moving forward with the selection of an interim Town Manager and ultimately a new hire at its September meetings. We are grateful for the leadership, experience, and expertise that David Dyess brought to our Town.

The key factors in the decision to approve the moderate density residential zoning change included the property owner's proposal to voluntarily reduce its land development rights from what is allowed in its current commercial general zoning compared to what is allowed in a moderate density residential zoning district and ultimately the reduction in density, lot coverage, and traffic trip generation as outlined in its proposed site plan. The project includes updates to its neighboring property, the Juno Beach Cafe - Thirsty Turtle shopping center. [click here for the Town Council backup materials, site plan and traffic study - not included]

Trip Generation versus Reducing Traffic - Note that the Palm Beach County trip generation report (click here to view) for different land uses tells a portion of the story as to the evaluation of levels of service for traffic. It states that commercial property generates more vehicle "trips." We also know that residential land use causes a huge increase in our traffic congestion during season. In considering land use planning, our existing residents will be on the roadways for less time if goods and services (commercial zoning) are provided locally and our residents are not required to travel over the bridge for basic needs.



Master Plan. Creation of a Master Plan for Juno Beach is in this year's budget. It will provide more information on the correct mix of commercial to residential for development and redevelopment. It is expected to be completed over the next year, so long as funding is approved by Town Council for this important step in planning for our future. A Master Plan will determine how to balance the need for less intensive land use while preserving our commercial areas for goods and services important to our residents, including the businesses that add to our quality of life.

Moratorium on mixed-use in commercial zoning districts. The Town Council approved a moratorium on mixed-use in our commercial areas earlier this year. The application for the Juno Dunes project was received in October of 2023, prior to the moratorium discussion. However, the project application was not considered complete until July 2024. Nevertheless, our Town Attorney did not believe the moratorium applied to the Juno Dunes project, as the proposal is to change the zoning to residential and not for a mixed-use project within a commercial zoned property.

Ban on Private Meetings with Developers. The Town Council requested code language in the first quarter of this year to implement both a moratorium on mixed- use within commercial zones, and for code language to prohibit Council or Board members from having private meetings with developers and land owners regarding development. Public workshops are preferred. The language requested has not yet been approved.

The Town's outgoing Finance Director Michael Ventura presented the Town's proposed budget for 2024-2025.

1. Click here for the latest budget presentation (item 12)
2. Click here for Capital Improvement Plan and funding sources

Michael Ventura introduced Emily Alves, our new Finance Director. We thank Michael Ventura for his work on behalf of Juno Beach and welcome Emily Alves.

The majority vote was for a millage rate of 1.8195, which has been the same since 2022. The millage rate per $1,000 dollars of assessed property at 1.8195, will result in the Town collecting 6.45% higher taxes due to increased property values and new builds, which is an increase of $255,671.00.

My vote was to set the millage rate at 1.7640, where homestead properties would not pay additional taxes to the Town of Juno Beach. I will continue to push for governmental efficiencies and lowering your taxes.

Budget Calendar:

• September 11th - 1st Budget Hearing
• September 25 - 2nd Budget Hearing

Vulnerability Assessment. In order to obtain any additional stormwater improvement grant funding, such as the Town used for the Universe Boulevard project, the State of Florida mandated that local governments participate in Vulnerability Assessments and have provided grant funding for these assessments.

The Town Council approved APTIM to provide these services. There will be public workshops for community input. It is critically important for the assessment to result in prioritized adaptation projects to address risks identified and to include grant funding sources for these projects. The Vulnerability Assessment can address topics such as shoreline protection, stormwater system upgrades, roadway improvements, utility resilience, and code changes needed.

Rebid of the Landscape Contract. Kudos to Town staff who were able to obtain a $50,000 annual savings from the existing contract with our same landscape and maintenance vendor. Resident Aldo Rovere alerted the Town to a math error in the bid documents. Thank you, Aldo!

Sidewalk and Brick Paver Repairs & Maintenance. Staff found a new vendor who can provide a concrete frame around the brick inserts and replace sidewalk brick inserts at a price better than the previous bid on the project. The concrete frame installed around the pavers provides greater stability and better aesthetics. The Town is seeking a grant for future sidewalk and brick paver repairs for Ocean Drive and other areas.

Pelican Lake Cattail Removal - Removal of cattails from the southeast portion of the lake was completed. Sean Patton, our Town environmental consultant, on September 9th is scheduled to plant bull rush in this area to help slow the regrowth of the cattails and to provide habitat. While algae removal occurred over the summer, alternative methods for greater effectiveness will be explored at the September 11th Town Council meeting.

Waste Management. New waste containers for single family homes and town homes and the new trash collection days are anticipated to be rolled out in October. Click here to see presentation from Town Council July's meeting.

The major development and plan amendment to the 700 Ocean Drive Planned Unit Development for a proposed 14,665 square foot home at 714-716 Ocean Drive was removed from the agenda for the Town Council's August meeting. It is anticipated to be brought back before Council at a later date. Thank you for the public comments and citizen involvement for this project.

Your input and opinions: Public engagement is a vital part of the work that Town Council does for our community. Your comments and thoughts are encouraged and welcomed. Happy September!

All the Best to you,

Diana Davis

phone: 561-267-7772 official email: ddavis@juno-beach.fl.us

From left to right, Marianne Hosta Vice-Mayor Pro Tem, Diana Davis (me) Council person, Peggy Wheeler Mayor, Jacob Rosengarten Council person,and DD Halpern Vice-Mayor.

Save the Dates: September 4th 9:30am - Coffee with a Cop, September 11th 8:30am - Remembrance Ceremony,

September 11th 5:30pm - Town Council Meeting,

September 16th 4pm - Planning and Zoning Meeting,

September 20th 4pm - Council Hour and 5:30pm - Art Show, September 24th 3pm - Audit Oversight Committee,

September 25th 5:30pm - Town Council Meeting.

[link to Town Calendar on webpage]

Click here for the agenda and backup materials for the August 28th Town Council Meeting. Click here to see the video of the August 28th Town Council meeting. (link to YouTube, not on Town webpage yet)