The most newsworthy item was the adoption of Ordinance Number 2024-25, which involves amendments to the town’s floodplain management regulations. This ordinance updates the flood insurance study and maps, extends the cost accumulation period for improvements from three years to five, and aligns with FEMA requirements to ensure the town’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The second reading and public hearing of the ordinance were held, with the Town Manager confirming that all necessary questions were addressed and emphasizing that the ordinance would impact flood insurance discounts rather than taxes. The motion to accept the ordinance was carried unanimously, with no public comments recorded during the hearing.

Another topic was Resolution Number 2024-8, which pertains to adopting a merit increase policy for non-union employees and amending the town’s salary table. The resolution ties salary adjustments to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to account for inflation. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive salaries to retain valued staff, noting that the adjustments aim to align with local market rates and inflation. A commissioner remarked, “this is just how you keep good employees,” underscoring the necessity of competitive salaries to prevent turnover and attract potential candidates. The adjustments primarily apply to non-public safety positions, with police and fire personnel governed by independent contracts. The goal is to position Highland Beach as a preferred employer among similar municipalities.

Discussions on the salary adjustments revealed that while some positions may be above average, others are close to average, necessitating regular salary surveys and adjustments to keep pace with the market. A 6.5% merit increase was proposed, which, while slightly lower than some counties, remains competitive. The commission acknowledged the need to address compensation proactively, especially in the police department, to attract “second career officers” and prevent them from seeking employment elsewhere.

The meeting also addressed the update on the sanitary sewer lining rehabilitation project. The commission discussed strategies to focus on side streets first due to anticipated delays from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding approvals. The next three to four weeks are expected to provide more concrete pricing information and a clearer budget, with previous authorizations of $3.5 million likely covering the costs. The Chief noted that while some gas lines had been damaged, traffic disruptions were managed well. However, a concern was raised about the apparent lack of coordination in the FDOT’s work sequence, prompting the Chief to seek a better understanding of the FDOT’s work plan to manage traffic effectively, particularly around Linton Boulevard.

In new business, the commission introduced a resolution regarding employee compensation in relation to competitive market salaries and the rising cost of living in South Florida. The resolution emphasized aligning local salaries with those of surrounding communities and indexing salary increases to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm inflation rate. The commission requested more detailed documentation to outline how Highland Beach’s salaries compare to those of other communities, particularly for select positions. This comparative data would help the commission feel more comfortable with future increases.

Another resolution addressed code enforcement procedures, delineating responsibilities between the code enforcement board and the special magistrate. Class One and Class Two violations were assigned to the board, while Class Three violations, including serious infractions such as construction without permits and zoning regulation breaches, would be handled by the magistrate. The resolution included provisions to maintain flexibility in assigning cases if quorum issues arose and addressed the process for seeking foreclosure on unpaid code enforcement liens. Training for the code enforcement board was also highlighted, with an annual training requirement included in the resolution.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon community engagement and upcoming events, particularly the town’s 75th Anniversary. The Town Manager noted plans for extensive celebrations throughout the season, with potential attractions like fireworks and drone shows. Concerns were raised about the impact of fireworks on pets, and the need for sponsorships to fund these events was mentioned. The commission also discussed the importance of training for the Board of Adjustment and Appeals to ensure compliance with regulations, proposing that this training be formalized into the town’s policies.