January 2012 Meeting Recap

Palm Beach County League of Cities
January 20, 2012

The City of Delray Beach hosted us at the Arts Garage, "a multi-disciplinary cultural hub for musicians, performers, and visual artists."  Special thanks to Gerri Bauer, Assistant to City Manager David Harden, and Matt Farmer, Arts Garage Facilities Manager, for working together to put on a great event.

Board meeting  The Board made several committee appointments: Stephen Waldman, Academic Advisory Committee (School District); Highland Beach Mayor Bernard Featherman, Reentry Task Force Sex Offender Committee (Criminal Justice Commission); North Palm Beach Mayor Darryl Aubrey, Regional Hazardous Materials Oversight Committee (Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue); Boynton Beach Interim Asst. Manager Carisse LeJeune, Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact (Palm Beach County).  All appointments were ratified at the General Membership meeting.  We thank all appointees for volunteering to represent their League of Cities.

The Board approved the Associate member application from the League of Women Voters Palm Beach County.  Welcome to the League of Cities!

There was discussion on the William A. Cruickshank scholarship program.  The consensus of the Board was to revive the Programs Committee to explore options for raising funds to support the program.

First Vice President and Jupiter Councilor Todd Wodraska reported that the Legislative Committee met and added two issues to the League's legislative priorities:  local business taxes and residential group homes.

Delray Beach Police Captain Thomas Mitchell gave an update on the County's Vehicle for Hire Advisory Committee.

Village of Wellington Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore announced that due to term limits, he is leaving office in March.  February's meeting will be his last as a member of the Board of Directors.

Village of Tequesta Councilmember Calvin Turnquest announced that Congressman Allen West has been confirmed as the featured speaker at the February meeting, hosted by Tequesta.  Due to the space constraints of the Tequesta Country Club, RSVPs will be required.

General Membership meeting  An added treat this month: our membership was serenaded by talented singer and guitar player Kaylynn Garritty while lunch was served.

Delray Beach Vice Mayor Angeleta Gray welcomed everyone to the city, and introduced Commissioner Adam Frankel and former Commissioners Jon Levinson and Tom Lynch.

President Tropepe's 'Random Acts of Introduction' featured our Associate members.

"Earning More, Spending Less" was presented by Delray Beach. Assistant City Manager Doug Smith addressed liquidating assets and on-line auctions; Acting Finance Director Milena Wilinski spoke on the city's e-payment program; and Sustainability Officer Richard Reade explained the city's green and sustainability programs.  Lantana Manager Michael Bornstein presented on the Property Assessed Clean Energy program.

Executive Director Richard Radcliffe reported that the annual installation gala is scheduled for May 25th at the Airport Hilton.  Hel also thanked donors to December's Tri-Cities Barbecue:  Corbett and White, Geoffrey Sluggett and Associates, Lake Worth Drainage District, PNC Bank and Florida Crystals.

CLICK HERE for Delray Beach's presentation on their Environmental Scorecard

CLICK HERE for Delray Beach's presentation on On-line Auctions and their E-payment Program

CLICK HERE for Delray Beach's presentation on the Solar Powered Trash Compactors