No Mention of an Election or a Lawsuit at March 1 City Council Meeting

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The March City Council meeting began on a somber note as all stood for a moment of silence for those lost and affected by the Parkland shooting.  While there were no presentations on the agenda, Mayor Marino read a proclamation to Remember and Honor the Vicitms (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – Parkland, FL).

Council  Member Litt, during Items of Resident Interest and Board/Committee Reports discussed how she (and other on the Council echoed her comments) was approached by folks asking what is she going to do about guns.  She decried the City’s inability to act – even on whether or not there could be a gun show at the Amara Shrine Temple, as well as the continued assault on Home Rule.  See the Palm Beach Post article here.

Public Comment was made by Louis Satriano of Lake Catherine.  He was concerned about a meeting that was held with residents by the developers of Northlake Gardens, saying that they were going to change the plans for the center to include more stories and apartments.  Director of Planning and Zoning, Natalie Crowley, assured him that there have not been such plans submitted or approved yet.

The Purchase Award for Banking Services for $675K was pulled by Council Member Lane so that Purchasing Director Km! Ra would do an update.  That item and all on Consent Agenda passed 5:0. All items on the Regular Agenda – Ordinances 2, 4, 5 2018 and Resolution 13, 2018 passed 5:0.

During Items for Council Action/Discussion – Council Member Litt suggested and the others on the Council agreed, for City Manager Ferris to look into what it would take to be certified as  Sun Safe City – which both she and Mayor Marino learned about during a meeting on Melanoma.  Council Member Marciano lamented the anger that is being directed to the Council (presumably about the election/ballot questions) and suggested that while it was good to be involved locally that the anger should be directed elsewhere since Palm Beach Gardens is a wonderful city and because there are so many much bigger issues on the state and national levels.

The City Manager did not mention the emergency hearing about the lawsuit;  even more surprisingly – City Attorney Lohman had no City Attorney report.  While one would not have expected a detailed discussion – the suit was not even acknowledged.  The judge in the case made a ruling on Friday, the next day.  See Judge tosses half gardens ballot questions but election go on .  Nor did anyone on the Council encourage those in attendance to vote on March 13, 2018!

So Gardens’ voters – Please VOTE ON MARCH 13!