In memoriam – observed a moment of silence in honor of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away on December 1.
 
Retirements – acknowledged and thanked Director of Airports Bruce Pelly and Information Systems Services Director Steve Bordelon, who are retiring.
 
Promotions – ratified the appointments of Laura Beebe as Director of Airports, Archie Satchell as Director of Information Systems Services, and Ramsay Bulkeley as Director of Planning, Zoning & Building.
 
Impact Fees – approved on first reading and to advertise for public hearing on January 15, 2019, an ordinance amending the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) regarding countywide impact fee amounts and certain benefit zones. Based on the impact fee study, fees would be increased or adjusted to the full amount allowed under the ordinance (95 percent of the amount calculated in the methodology) with the exception of general office which would be phased in over a two-year period up to the 95 percent amount allowed under the ordinance. Staff was directed to work with Associated General Contractors, the Economic Council and the School District prior to the January 15 meeting.
 
Heron Estates – approved IFAHAP funding in the amount of $153,804 for HTG Heron Estates Family, LLC (HTG). The project is located at West 17th Court in Riviera Beach and will have 79 rental units. All units will be rented to households with incomes no greater than 140% AMI and will be deed-restricted to remain affordable for 20 years. These funds are from interest earned by the Impact Fee Fund.
 
SHIP – granted consent for nine Palm Beach County employees and three relatives of county employees to receive State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds under the Purchase Assistance Program, the Veteran’s Homeownership and Preservation Program and the Emergency Repair Program as administered by the Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability (HES). These are state funds that require no local match.
 
Opioids – directed staff to prepare a draft resolution for inclusion in the 2019 legislative agenda supporting establishment of a statewide opioids task force.
 
Airports – received an update on the master plan for Palm Beach International Airport intended to address the future facilities required at PBIA for a 20-year planning horizon.
 
Youth Services – approved a contract in the amount of $216,667 with the Children’s Home Society through June 30, 2020, with two one-year options at the county’s discretion. The contract includes funding for a family visitation/exchange program to be housed in a remodeled former group home. Youth Services Director Tammy Fields announced that Palm Beach County was named statewide County of the Year by the Guardian Ad Litem program for its support of the Florida Guardian Ad Litem program.
 
Homeless Resource Center – discussed estimated costs associated with establishing a second homeless resource center in Palm Beach County and directed staff to move forward with a detailed proposal.
 
Traffic Engineering – approved a license agreement with Traffic Technology Services, Inc. (TTS) to gain access to Palm Beach County’s real-time traffic data and traffic signal timing plan data. This agreement supports the advancement of connected vehicle initiatives in the county.
 
Parks & Recreation – approved on first reading and to advertise for public hearing on January 15, 2019, an ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Palm Beach County Code (Ordinance 2011-003) pertaining to Parks and Recreation to conform to state law and provide better management of park property.