Flat millage at 5.55 and Outdoor Seating Improvements Passed
The Sept 22 PBG City Council meeting began with remarks by Police Chief Clint Shannon, honoring the four Police Explorers who participated in the annual Florida Association of Police Explorers competition. Palm Beach Gardens won first overall, as well as placing well in specific challenges. The City’s team competed against 20 other Explorer Posts from around the state. September 22 Mayor Litt then segued to the topic of the night, the setting... [Read More...]
Same Old Budget Hearing But Innovations on Outdoor Restaurant Seating
The City Council held its first FY 2021/2022 Budget Hearing. Despite compelling arguments from both Council Members Marciano and Tinsley to slightly lower the proposed millage to 5.50 from 5.55, Mayor Litt, Vice-Mayor Reed and Council Member Woods voted to raise taxes. As has been the same every year, since 2015 – which is the last time millage was lowered, various council members pride themselves on holding taxes flat. Except in rare times... [Read More...]
Downtown Takes Center Stage at Council – but Avenir Close Behind
The bulk of the PBG August City Council meeting was spent reviewing the plans for Downtown Palm Beach Gardens (spanning Ordinances 6/7, 2021 and Resolutions 41/42, 2021), all of which passed 5:0. Richard Slifer, of The Landmark and on its board, made public comment stating that Shopcore (the developer) had excellent communications with the community. He also expressed concerns about future traffic impacts and possible height issues should the remaining... [Read More...]
Campus Drive and Aquatic Center Improvements will Impact Residents While Underway
Since it is of immediate impact to residents – Campus Drive will be closing on July 23 – August 6 – in order to put in a roundabout, with future additions to include a new sidewalk on the eastern side of the street, reliever lane for the right turn onto PGA Blvd and a 12′. See City Manager Report section below. Additionally, the Aquatic Complex Renovation project will begin by demolishing the old main pool (built in 1982) and... [Read More...]
Changes to Downtown and Avenir Master Plans, and Several Status Updates
The June City Council meeting began with a presentation of the “Every one goes home seal of excellence award” from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Palm Beach Gardens Fire/Rescue. At every shift change the focus is on serving our customers, constituencies and then to go home safely. June 3 Public Comment: Resident Ilean Zamlut spoke regarding the Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month proclamation in the Consent Agenda. City... [Read More...]
Storm Clouds – both literal and figurative
There was a very heavy thunderstorm during the May City Council meeting which disrupted the meeting briefly so that a system could be rebooted. But the topic of a traffic signal at Northlake and Bay Hill Estates highlighted conflicts between Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County. Finance Administrator Allan Owens, and the Tammy Goldstrich of Marcum LLP kicked off with the first presentation on the audit of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report... [Read More...]
Congratulations to Mayor Litt and Vice Mayor Reed
At the April 2021 City Council Meeting, the results of the Special Election were certified, and newly-elected Council Member Marcie Tinsley was sworn-in. Council Member Marciano nominated Rachelle Litt as the new Mayor and Chelsea Reed as Vice-Mayor and both were confirmed by the Council. Former-Mayor Carl Woods was ill and not in attendance. Congratulations and best wishes to Mayor Litt and Vice Mayor Reed, and returning Council Member Tinsley. There... [Read More...]
Changing the Landscape of Burns Rd – Future Bike Track
The only Resolution on the March 4, 2021 City Council Meeting Agenda was Resolution 16, 2021 – A Resolution supporting an application to the Florida Department of Transportation through the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) for the 2021 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program for the construction of a separated two-way bicycle track on the south side of Burns Road – between Military Trail and Alt A1A. City Manager Ferris... [Read More...]