David Newman, a resident of Highland Beach and retired attorney, took the podium to voice his concerns about environmental issues, specifically the impact of gas-powered leaf blowers and beach maintenance practices. Newman advocated for transitioning from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers, citing noise and pollution as primary concerns. He shared his personal experiences, including how the constant noise from gas-powered blowers had disrupted his peace in a previous residence. Newman pointed out that California has enacted laws to transition away from gas-powered models and expressed a desire to see similar regulations in Highland Beach. He emphasized the health risks for workers operating these machines without hearing protection and the environmental impact of their emissions.

Additionally, Newman criticized the aggressive beach cleaning practices, particularly the use of tractors that leave grooves in the sand. He described the current maintenance as unsightly, especially after storms when the beach is otherwise pristine. Newman suggested better coordination among the multiple companies involved in beach raking to minimize disruptions and improve the beach’s appearance. The commissioners expressed appreciation for Newman’s volunteer efforts and acknowledged the value of community involvement in maintaining the beach environment.

The fiscal year 2024-2025 budget presentation highlighted the town’s strong financial position but acknowledged potential challenges ahead. The budget, exceeding $28 million, aims to maintain fiscal responsibility while preparing for future capital and special projects. The financial model includes updates based on current data, adjusting estimates for interest income and insurance costs. Key points included the elimination of the Debt Service transfer from the general fund to the water fund, redirecting those funds to support the fire department instead. This change reflects a broader goal of ensuring that water and sewer funds operate independently.

The budget discussion also covered the financial health of various departments. The building department reported a 23% increase in its fund, primarily from charges for services, despite a potential slowdown in construction activity. The water fund saw a 13.7% increase in revenue, with usage rising nearly 12%. An 8% rate increase for water services, supported by a reduction in debt service payments, allowed the water fund to become self-sufficient. The sewer fund also showed positive indicators, with revenue growing by almost 12%.

The town’s sewer treatment responsibilities were discussed, including a contract with Delray Beach for the treatment of sewer systems. The town maintains responsibility for sub lines and lift stations. The discussion also touched on the potential need for interfund loans and alternative financing options like the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to support future sewer projects.

A critical agenda item was the proposal to approve a surface agreement with Pantropic Power for the maintenance of the town’s generator, amounting to $133,200. The generator, approximately 17 years old, requires substantial refurbishment. The agreement includes a contingency generator to ensure power reliability during outages, particularly during hurricanes. The motion to proceed with the agreement was passed unanimously.

The commission also reviewed a resolution terminating the town’s 401a defined contribution plan, transitioning to a new financial planner, Sage View, for managing the town’s retirement accounts. This change aims to close out old accounts and ensure better management for employees’ retirement funds, with improved customer service under the new plan.

Another important resolution discussed involved annual training for members of town boards, covering topics like the Sunshine Law, public records, ethics, and procedural rules. The aim is to ensure all board members are well-informed, with training sessions to be conducted during regular meetings and recorded for those unable to attend in person. Concerns about the specifics of the training, such as duration and mandatory nature, were raised, and the commission agreed on the importance of defining these details further.

The building department’s recertification program was also updated, with 53 buildings qualifying under the Milestone program, 10 currently certified, and several others in the review process. Efforts to ensure compliance and ongoing communication with building owners were emphasized.

Lastly, the commission discussed community engagement initiatives, including the planning of the town’s 75th anniversary celebration. The importance of maintaining a good financial state for the town was reiterated, with plans to incorporate a financial committee into future event planning to ensure effective use of resources.