[{"_1":2,"_105":-5,"_106":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,95],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6193075,"mediaKeyId","3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485","parentId",3868371,"title","Commission sends comprehensive‑plan evaluation and proposed amendments to planning board for review","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5751000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485&start=5751&end=5751","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485/thumbnail_5751000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6193075/Florida/Commission-sends-comprehensiveplan-evaluation-and-proposed-amendments-to-planning-board-for-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193075-845e7422d96b28e7da58bf4449ea3dc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775139660&Signature=NSF73eibLolcylTbbdPmz7KTjkjwHEZRbF2zh07JbPvLQrhBc5XvJIhIqge-Wf5i3MDUThoWe8250Rd3f4eve7cp9AABXyLJ~rbVS703VbHYCDgINWjrpoYtYEjrXN6Wa6vS5nTPDFzF-muB7D0UPkSkyzGGjLTqCr32dDUtICnV5lhzpKaMsT26freqvwg6qVtE~las3nWqmcRWuiE5AJt8wmZ6pCZas1yunxbEIG9PBROR~9wu~5G51aFPYV2dXirc-AO7gDp7wesXoZ7NLPbtyOmnOMwgTsPdqayvZCC8XKrWNJei5thwWg6~B22ZQ1OBgvkznjPISEUa76wDkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Highland Beach, FL","date","2025-06-19T20:51:59.103Z","article","Town planner Ingrid (planning staff) presented proposed amendments to Highland Beach’s comprehensive plan at the June 17 meeting and asked the commission to send the package to the planning board for the formal review process required by Florida law.

The materials are the product of an evaluation and appraisal review prepared by the consultant Inspire Placemaking Collective. Planner Ingrid said the changes include a new data and analysis section, updated map series (some maps dated to 1988 were replaced), edits to goals, objectives and policies (added text and deletions shown in the draft), and a process flowchart describing the ordinance/transmittal/adoption steps required under state law.

Why it matters: Florida statute requires municipalities to evaluate and, where needed, update their comprehensive plans at least every seven years; the amendments will guide long‑range land‑use and policy decisions and serve as a reference for consistency reviews on future development applications.

Key points from staff: The consultant and staff held a kickoff with department heads in December 2024; the planning board had not yet held a hearing on the transmittal; staff reminded commissioners that the town must transmit the amendments to state reviewing agencies within one year of the December 19, 2024 notice to the State Land Planning Agency. Ingrid described the statutory process: introduction to the commission for conceptual approval, planning‑board review and recommendation, a transmittal hearing to send the draft to state reviewers, receipt of an ORC (objections, recommendations and comments) report, and a final adoption hearing after responses.

Commission discussion and direction: Commissioners and staff discussed the draft’s length and audience. Several commissioners said the draft contained useful data and charts but felt the goals/objectives/policies section included statutory material that made the document lengthy and somewhat boilerplate; they suggested an executive summary or a shortened version tailored for resident readability while retaining the full statutory text for legal compliance. The commission voted to send the proposed amendments to the planning board for review and asked the board to consider whether an executive summary or condensed public version would improve clarity.

Next steps: Staff will transmit the draft to the planning board for its local recommendation; if the board recommends transmittal, staff will forward the package to state reviewing agencies and return later with ORC comments and an adoption hearing date.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 17, 2025 Town Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Town planner introduced proposed amendments to Highland Beach’s comprehensive plan based on the required evaluation and appraisal review; the commission directed staff to forward the materials to the planning board for detailed review and possible condensation or an executive summary for public reference.","taxTitle","Town of Highland Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida","taxId",75679,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193080,"Commission appoints Greg Bobby to planning board; hears two other candidates",584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485&start=584&end=584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485/thumbnail_584000.jpg","/articles/6193080/Florida/Commission-appoints-Greg-Bobby-to-planning-board-hears-two-other-candidates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193080-2060aa9e987c9dd4bc77471589b3a509/orig.mp4?Expires=1775139660&Signature=Gf~E8UKebTFOLxN3F8OBgGCsFmEGRpcgXjwinOO9fxsp3sOAVm4KhYkscLtRE38k62SR5AIpr6JXSFFyDIMpBl92Rt2fpUkAgJmJzNYQuAuOZrSsT5W-DtsyM3k0JV~fHoozNNnE87E0Cunfa4LneTm8Smx5esRbBYBRMvhfh6S-YyhWe7RPrmqQWFgEMd3cv5EJaZ4Kr0YAp2cZ25oASFaBeWgVhbP2ZqqLHhXJRt2Qrhck2InUhenVNN7B5Ikx2IM46mrqxoDpEq~akXELjXCfwFFmm~dYyFjo8TsCEBZgjYif216HNAkTVwboSv1RU1EyUGMk74ZFigIT7AdPGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Commission approved Resolution 2025‑015 on June 17, appointing Greg Bobby to the town planning board to fill a forthcoming vacancy.

Greg Bobby, who introduced himself at the podium as a Highland Beach resident and former vice mayor with a civil engineering background and experience on marine and planning matters, told commissioners he wanted to fill the single‑family homeowner representation on the planning board after incumbent Roger Brown’s upcoming departure. Two other candidates — Barry Donaldson and Robert Lasorsa — also introduced themselves and described prior volunteer service; commissioners thanked all three for applying.

Why it matters: The planning board advises the commission on land‑use matters and site‑specific approvals. Commissioners emphasized the importance of having at least one single‑family homeowner on the board and cited Bobby’s experience on marine issues and prior municipal service as reasons for appointment.

Meeting action: A motion to approve Resolution 2025‑015 appointing Greg Bobby carried unanimously on roll call. The commission accepted Bobby’s remarks, asked questions of other candidates and encouraged continued volunteerism from the applicants who were not appointed.

Ending: The mayor and commissioners welcomed Bobby back to service and asked staff to finalize appointment paperwork and term dates.","The commission ratified Resolution 2025‑015 to fill a planning‑board vacancy, appointing resident Greg Bobby after interviews with three candidates; Commissioners encouraged the other applicants to continue volunteer service.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":42,"_43":88,"_45":88,"_46":89,"_48":90,"_50":91,"_52":92,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":93,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":94,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193083,"Highland Beach commission ratifies FDOT landscape‑maintenance amendment for A1A",303000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485&start=303&end=303","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485/thumbnail_303000.jpg","/articles/6193083/Florida/Highland-Beach-commission-ratifies-FDOT-landscapemaintenance-amendment-for-A1A","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193083-74f3e46ce66dcffa4ac024d219c3f64f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775139660&Signature=Vh~3wzl9N9SX3mjZlQE-bD0VcpfbyqXXi6nUYi5-TrbAuWGCRJPo1dFvFfiJsbS8CId3TddigHs5muOczyrkUJbyyluWSRJLPhOwQB8eDSWehBGzHEXmwGkm1mEABJAYIz4ZubEFJpRuwT5TWrRAFV1jCQWdQ-SyiL-hUg7wvGVPAvqjY4M43C6egUcTKiBo~eW5qb6IqvW8mt2k-0rc0wfEqMzx9KEWFqmrJrslJCaZMv-yMSY~TlAlkW1IsAR7QuMIkAG5aKnz24ITRID99ev9Jyvw2pQdPpcL3jHLQOMfF50WnXMX1Qku4f1os5w8wJz91PO9tAHnFBxDpF07Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Commission of Highland Beach voted unanimously on June 17 to approve Resolution 2025‑016 authorizing the mayor to execute amendment No. 10 to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 4 Landscape Inclusive Memorandum of Agreement for State Road A1A.

Town planner Ingrid (planning staff) told the commission the FDOT amendment adds additional landscape improvements in the A1A right‑of‑way and matches the landscaping the planning board approved earlier in the year. She told commissioners the town code (section 20‑8‑10a) requires property owners to maintain landscaping adjacent to the public right‑of‑way; staff will provide a hold‑harmless agreement to the property owner if the commission approves the FDOT amendment.

Why it matters: The approved amendment clarifies who maintains plantings in the A1A right‑of‑way and allows the town to participate in FDOT’s landscaping program in specific locations where owners seek permits. The planning board had approved the corresponding site changes in March, and FDOT provided its amendment documentation in May.

What happened at the meeting: Planner Ingrid summarized prior amendments and permitted locations (staff packet included the nine previous amendments and associated FDOT permits). Commissioners asked no substantive questions; Commissioner Goldberg moved approval, the motion was seconded and the roll call vote was unanimous in favor.

Outcome and next steps: The approved resolution authorizes the mayor to execute FDOT Amendment No. 10 and directs staff to issue the hold‑harmless to the affected property owner as required by town code. No additional conditions or amendments were added during the vote.

Ending: Staff said the landscaping improvements will be maintained under the terms of the FDOT agreement and the town code hold‑harmless; planners will continue to monitor implementation and permit compliance.","The commission unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑016, authorizing the mayor to sign amendment No. 10 to the Florida Department of Transportation District 4 Landscape Inclusive Memorandum of Agreement for landscaping on State Road A1A, with a hold‑harmless to the property owner required by town code.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":42,"_43":98,"_45":98,"_46":99,"_48":100,"_50":101,"_52":102,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":103,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":104,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193085,"Highland Beach rolls out preliminary FY2026 budget, holds millage and prioritizes capital projects",4673000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485&start=4673&end=4673","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3868371-740f55b97301f56af32e2453d3e5f485/thumbnail_4673000.jpg","/articles/6193085/Florida/Highland-Beach-rolls-out-preliminary-FY2026-budget-holds-millage-and-prioritizes-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193085-034e1c8f62d56168f64ee9da4fccd5eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775139660&Signature=g5CpYZljWepGZQtVMSqt1OM58SR~YUf~K4kneMPBTUCvo7ZtAms4RvAnzzkAg7bwn8UqdSaUHM6IAwRQ2YUgd~JnjVcnYfx2EOUdbBf4uUcrBs23ur6b6~zVN5Snzt5LCSZfHcMVABJoBaerxJ1OWG7cfJCR~Bh2UxZT9AbQMb7WTtY5yml4KZLDdEE1t8Dr3Hc5B-FrE9Iyx7dXPmSKE9fApSzgRkCkUYqYgro8PY5sCMXHywfPFntWwpvMj6ZBkpdyhpDsgA42VNfXgU--7amtBdAmhv7UljztPd5flk-uRcZUGXm9IvQmEYxH1XVjIBCI6hASuEFoEom4FuAKBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town of Highland Beach staff presented a preliminary fiscal year 2026 operating budget on June 17, saying the town would keep its millage rate at 3.5875 while funding a slate of capital projects and modest rate changes.

The finance presentation, led by David (staff member, finance), framed FY2026 as “about capital,” listing a $2.6 million general-fund capital program that includes a marine dock facility, security and entrance work for the police facility, repairs and work on the old fire station, and bridge/road repairs on Bellido. Town staff also proposed a 5% across‑the‑board water and sewer rate increase and a 12.3% reduction in building-permit fees to bring the building fund into a statutorily compliant balance.

Why it matters: Staff said the town’s financial position is strong after a 6.7% increase in property values from the county property appraiser, allowing the commission to fund near-term capital needs without raising the millage. Staff presented a multi‑fund package that combined general, building, water and sewer funds; across all funds staff gave an “all‑in” budget total in the low $30‑million range and said the plan would require drawing on some reserves in FY2026 to accelerate projects that otherwise would be phased later.

Most important facts first: David told the commission that maintaining the current millage level was feasible because property valuations rose more than staff had estimated. The proposed general‑fund budget showed a roughly $1 million increase in total general‑fund spending (staff’s preliminary figure) driven largely by capital outlays; staff plan to use a portion of reserves to pay cash for projects rather than issue new debt. Specific amounts cited included a $2.6 million capital outlay line for the marine dock and related projects and a planned sewer‑lining program financed through the water/sewer fund.

Other details and background: Staff walked commissioners through fund balances and days of cash on hand. The water fund’s net position was described as dropping from about 144 days to an estimated 54 days of cash in FY2026 while still being supported operationally; the sewer fund was shown falling from roughly 417 days to about 125 days in the proposed plan as lining and lift‑station work proceeds. Staff proposed increasing the fire sinking fund from $250,000 toward $500,000 over time to cover future apparatus purchases. Building‑department reserves, which had grown over several years, will be partially spent on capital (roofs, chillers, IT upgrades and entrance work) while permit fees would be reduced 12.3% to meet state expectations on fund balances.

Process, timing and next steps: Staff described the schedule and legal deadlines: the town will transmit a proposed maximum millage to the state by July 15, present the budget to the Financial Advisory Board on June 25, and hold public hearings in September (staff cited public hearings on Sept. 2 and Sept. 18) before a final adoption. David repeatedly described the budget as “preliminary” and said assumptions (insurance, health care and negotiated labor changes) will be revisited as more information arrives. Staff also told the commission they expect to bring a sewer‑lining contract for commission consideration in mid‑July.

What commissioners said: Commissioners praised the presentation’s conservatism and the commission’s ability to fund capital from reserves rather than borrowing. Several commissioners asked clarifying questions about the reserve projections, the calculation of fund‑balance percentages and timing for capital work; staff responded that some projects may require mid‑year budget amendments as designs complete and bids return.

Ending: Staff recommended the commission keep the millage steady and proceed with the preliminary budget process; the commission did not vote on the budget that night but directed staff to continue the public review and to present the formal maximum‑millage resolution and public‑hearing schedule in July.","Town staff presented a preliminary fiscal 2026 budget that keeps the millage rate at 3.5875 while shifting more cash to capital projects including a marine dock, police security improvements and sanitary sewer lining; staff proposed a 5% water/sewer rate increase and a 12.3% cut in building-permit fees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission sends comprehensive‑plan evaluation and proposed amendments to planning board for review

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Highland Beach rolls out preliminary FY2026 budget, holds millage and prioritizes capital projects