Proposed millage 5.32, drop of 4.5%!

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The biggest news of the evening: After several years of 5.55 millage, the City has proposed a decrease of 4.5% to the proposed 2022/2023 5.32 millage. Allen Owens, Finance Administrator, said that their models also maintain that same lowered millage in their 10 year projections. Council Member Woods expressed concern with the lower millage and looks forward to meeting with staff on the detailed proposed budget. He did point out that after several years of requesting the millage be lowered, Council Member Marciano was not in attendance to vote on the reduction. Vice Mayor Litt asked what homeowners will see and was told even homesteaded properties, capped at 3% increases, will see a reduction. Council Member Tinsley praised the city’s consistent fiscal responsibility. Mayor Reed had to select from all who were eagerly vying to raise and second the motion for Resolution 29, 2022!

Another exciting item brought to the Council by City Manager Ferris, was that FoxBusiness/Verizon recognized Palm Beach Gardens as one of top 10 small cities for small business!  The City came in first in the state and 8th in the nation and is the only small city on the entire east coast to be on the list. Here’s a video specific to the Gardens.

Ordinance 8, 2022 – First reading – requires that landlords give renters 60 days notice prior to rate increases of 5% or more. City Attorney Lohman said that the public will be informed through normal communications channels, as well as providing materials to each of the apartment complexes in the City. Enforcement/penalties will be incident based – eg if a renter has not received the required notice they can bring their complaint to the City.

In other business:

• City Manager Report
  • Introduced Madelyn Marconi as the new Administrative Services Manager
  • Chief Bessette, Division Chief of EMS, was named to Palm Beach County EMS Advisory Council– his seat is the only one representing all the EMS providers in the County
  • The Pickleball center won several grants/awards
  • Sandhill Crane Golf Club ranked 4th in Palm Beach County for local public golf courses
  • FDOT replied to a request submitted by Council Member Tinsley through the City about the Beeline/Northlake intersection – saying that the bike lane (with traffic going on each side of it), could not be moved and separated from vehicular traffic due to lack of sufficient easement.
• Consent Agenda passed 4:0
• All other Ordinances/Resolutions passed 4:0
• Public Comment was made by
  • Gina A. Levesque – Intake and Compliance Manager of the PBC Commission on Ethics giving the Council members information and her card
  • Manolo Calvo, who is President of the Soccer division of PBG Youth Athletic Association gave additional updates since he last spoke at the Council in June.
• City Attorney Lohman gave a short update on the lawsuit between the City and Palm Beach County regarding Mobility fees – briefs are being exchanged.