Congratulations to Mayor Mark Marciano and Vice Mayor Rachelle Litt
After the meeting was called to order and the results of the election were approved, Vice Mayor Woods asserted himself to talk first and nominated Mark Marciano for Mayor and Rachelle Litt for Vice Mayor, and both were unanimously selected. Congratulations to them both! Comments from the Public included a speech by Weiss School student and former Mayor for the Day (in March) James Delano summarizing the highlights of his experience. He was followed... [Read More...]
Elections, NCNC Annual Meeting and March City Council Mtg
Elections: Vice Mayor Carl Woods was re-elected to the Council Group 4 in a relatively low turnout election. Congratulations to Mr. Woods, and thanks to his opponent, Howard Rosencranz for running. We of PBG Watch believe that every incumbent should have an opponent, and understand how much effort it takes to campaign – not just for the candidates but for their families. We will have a details precinct analysis when the Supervisor of Elections... [Read More...]
Both City Hall and Tennis Center 1-Cent Sales Tax Projects Revised
Tennis Center Plans Construction bids for the City Hall Renovations (Resolution 7, 2019) and Tennis Center Renovations (Resolution 8, 2019), both funded by the 1% sales tax, exceeded the budget for the projects. So the City downsized the ambitious plans somewhat to fit both projects within their original budgets and worked with the lowest bidders to adjust plans and materials. These resolutions provided for the City Manager to negotiate and execute... [Read More...]
Avenir and $64 Million in City Projects the ‘Big Ticket’ items at the 1/10/19 Council Mtg
The first meeting of 2019 included several presentations, a progress report on Avenir, an update on City Projects, and the usual first budget amendment of the year. City Projects David Reyes, CS Administrator/Dir. of Emerg. Mgmt, gave a comprehensive update on City Improvement Projects including those funded by the 1 cent sales tax. The over $64 million in projects are project managed by the team of Mr. Reyes, Angela Brown, Deputy Community Services... [Read More...]
More Development; City Coffers up $10+ Million; Actual Workforce Housing – ZIP!
The topic of Workforce Housing received the bulk of the discussion at the December 6th City Council Meeting, coupled with the addition of new development projects. November 6th New Development and Workforce Housing: Arcadia Gardens, on the Amara Shrine Center site on RCA Blvd. will be an Independent Living facility of 163 units. See the Palm Beach Post description here. Resident Peter Banting expressed concern that RCA Blvd is a 2 lane road, and... [Read More...]
Out with the Old, In with the New
The Nov 1, 2018 City Council meeting had a fairly short agenda and was lightly attended. Save the date, December 6 at 6PM however as the December agenda is already long and will begin an hour earlier.
The meeting began with a revenue-sharing check presentation by Solid Waste Authority in the amount of $739K for several years worth of recycling by Gardens’ residents and businesses. The representatives also wanted the public to know about “Celebrate America Recycles Day With the SWA!” Open House on Saturday November 17 from 8am to noon. Here are more details about this opportunity to know what happens when you recycle. Interesting for children and adults alike!
Former Mayor David Levy gave his quarterly report as the City’s representative to the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council, of which he is Secretary.
The City Manager’s report included:
- An update by Police Chief Clint Shannon:
- on the Canine Training Facility shared with with neighboring agencies
- Officers assisting with security in our local schools
- Assistance provided to Mariana FL/Panama City after Hurricane Michael for 7 days
- Deputy City Manager Steve Stepp described Operation Sister City – where Gardens’ Police, Fire-Rescue and Public Works sent to trailers of equipment and supplies to Bay County and the City of Calloway. Also described were the efforts to provide donations by City employees and the public. See Operation Sister City for more information on how you can help.
November 1stThe Council approved Resolution 67, 2018 – approving the site plan for a 469 single-home Age-Restricted subdivision on a 195 acre site in Avenir. They also approved the sale of the Burns Road Property for $3.8 Million to Stor-All Acquisitions LLC. The proceeds from the sale will be earmarked for use in the City’s capital improvement projects
All other items on the agenda were approved 5:0 with little discussion.
City Attorney Lohman gave a brief update on the two Sears lawsuits. Sears-1 is pending and the City added outside council in negotiating on attorneys’ fees. Sears-2 – since Sears has filed Chapter 11 there is much disruptiong at the company and theypaln to dismiss the case without prejudice so that it can still be refiled in the future…
City Council Approves a New Residential Development
Much of the Council’s agenda for the evening consisted of 2nd reading and adoption of procedural rezoning ordinances and associated resolutions for areas annexed last year: Carlton Oaks, Osprey Isles, Star of David Cemetery and Northlake CLF. These all passed 5:0. Also passing without comment was the Carl’s Plaza voluntary annexation. Council Member Lane pulled Resolution 66, 2018 from the Consent Agenda regarding the delegation of authority... [Read More...]
Hilltop Property Sale Resolution Cried Out for a Workshop
The September 20th City Council meeting was the second of the month, primarily due to the need for the final hearing on the Budget. Budget related items went quickly, all passing 5:0. Comment was made by resident Barb Grossman regarding the money spent on the Charter Referendum campaigns. For more on the budget see “$2.5 Million Increase in 2019 Budget“. September 20th Last on the listed agenda was Resolution 60, 2018 – Sale... [Read More...]