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Commission seeks broad advisory‑board input on formalizing ordinance adoption procedure
Summary
The commission reviewed a proposed resolution to formalize the town—s process for initiating and adopting ordinances and directed staff to get input from advisory boards and to adjust the draft to allow commission discretion about which boards to involve.
Town staff presented a proposed resolution on Nov. 4 to formalize the Town of Highland Beach—s process for initiating and advancing ordinances. The resolution includes a flowchart for ordinance development and a recommended role for a "champion" or stakeholder to shepherd issues through boards and commission review.
Resident comments, process concerns Resident Rick Greenwald spoke during public comment in favor of community input but raised two process questions: whether formalizing the process as a resolution or ordinance could create legal exposure in an appeal, and whether mandating advisory-board review could delay time‑sensitive items if boards have quorum or scheduling issues.
Commission direction Commissioners agreed the document largely reflected existing practice and directed staff to circulate the draft to advisory boards and committees for input. Staff committed to reword advisory‑board requirements to make review "as appropriate" and to include a waiver mechanism so the commission can expedite items when necessary. The manager said staff will revise the language and return for adoption at a future meeting.
