Highland Beach public meetings in 2023
6 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Commissioners
The Highland Beach Board of Commissioners reviewed an amended FY2023-2024 budget, which will be voted on at the next meeting. The amendment includes a new capital budget and totals $184,950 in expenses and $235,008 in income. The board also discussed ongoing items like the Bruce Avenue litigation and pier permit, and committee updates.
- Amended FY24 budget: $184,950 expenses, $235,008 income, net $50,058
- New capital budget: $62,500 expenses, funded by $73,746 in grants (pavilion and ARP)
- Bruce Avenue litigation on appeal; town brief filed Sept. 16
- Bruce Avenue pier rebuild permit pending at state level
- Tree trimming on town property to be researched
Commissioners
The Highland Beach Board of Commissioners discussed the town's poor financial state, including a $284,000 budget overrun for FY2023 and unappropriated spending from reserve funds. The mayor outlined plans to enforce charter requirements, amend budgets, and seek citizen input on large expenses. The board also approved forming citizen advisory committees and discussed the Bruce Ave. pier replacement.
- FY2023 budget overrun of $284,000
- $311,784 spent from reserve funds without appropriation
- FY24 budget ordinance appropriated $83,175; $96,841 spent as of Aug 18
- Treasurer resignation; new treasurer being sought
- Citizen advisory committees approved for Building/Maintenance, Security/Traffic, Beach Erosion
Commissioners
The Highland Beach Board of Commissioners held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected commissioners Linda Holmes Newton and G. William Hunter, followed by an informal general meeting. The board discussed scheduling changes, including shifting meetings to 10:00 a.m. and using Zoom or hybrid formats. Mayor Chissell proposed a community survey to identify resident skills, an anonymous grievance system, and updating town technology. No formal decisions were made; the next meeting date is to be determined.
- Swearing-in of Commissioners Linda Holmes Newton and G. William Hunter
- Meetings to be held at 10:00 a.m., with Zoom or hybrid format
- Mayor proposes community survey for resident expertise and skills
- Anonymous grievance collection system to be established
- Town technology update prioritized by Mayor Chissell
Commissioners
The Highland Beach Board of Commissioners met on June 17, 2023, and discussed interim reservation procedures for the newly completed pavilion, including a $50 deposit and resident responsibility for damages. The board also reviewed the treasurer's report showing total assets of $91,231.18, noted the pavilion's solar panels awaiting BGE net meter installation, and approved the May 2023 journal. No formal votes were taken on the pavilion procedures, as they are interim.
- Pavilion substantially complete; final electrical and solar inspections expected this week
- Interim pavilion reservation procedures include $50 refundable deposit and resident responsibility for damages
- Pavilion open house and solar demonstration scheduled for June 24 at 11:00 AM
- Town reports $0.00 debt for 2023
- Museum chair lift passed final inspection; state required front door installation
Commissioners
The Highland Beach Board of Commissioners held its March 25, 2023 meeting, covering the first reading of the FY 2024 budget, museum repairs, solar battery installations, and various maintenance updates. The board approved a $20,080 project for four bronze plaques honoring five former residents, despite one commissioner's concern about timing. The meeting also included approval of grounds maintenance and snow removal contracts, and a report on four zoning applications.
- Approved $20,080 for four bronze plaques honoring Charles & Laura Douglass, Dr. Millard Dean, Dr. John Washington, Mary Church Terrell, and Dr. E. B. Henderson
- First reading of FY 2024 budget ordinance; second reading at next meeting
- Approved grounds maintenance contract at $15,125 and snow removal at $700 for first plow
- Zoning applications approved: 1324 Douglass Ave. (shed, max 10' high), 3210 Bruce Pl. (new home), 1337 Douglass Ave. (porch/kitchen extension), 3205 Walnut Dr. (10' easement and new home)
- Museum condition assessment found more corrections than expected, including attic work, skylight replacements, and foundation cracks
Commissioners
The Highland Beach Board of Commissioners met on January 21, 2023, approving the December 2022 journal and renewing the Comcast franchise agreement for 10 years at a 5% fee. They discussed the treasurer's report, legal fees for Bruce Ave. litigation, and a request from the Beach Erosion Committee for support, but no vote was taken on the latter.
- Approved renewal of Comcast franchise agreement for 10 years at 5% fee
- Treasurer's report: $198,630.86 in checking and savings
- Discussed $15,000 payment to Marvin's Landscaping for drainage plan and $60,000 to Fifthroom.com for gazebo
- Legal fees for Bruce Ave. litigation total over $52,000
- No vote taken on Beach Erosion Committee's request for letter of support