Accomplishments
-Approved the decision to end an agreement for the last 30 years with Delray Beach.
Why? It was poor service availability while Delray got nearly half the Town’s budget.
-Pursuit of the $10 Million Referendum that was approved by the Town. Great Town Support!
Supported all stages for approvals of the establishment of our first Fire/EMS Department in Town history. Presented to the Palm Beach County Commission and County Mayor reasons to support our Fire/EMS initiative.
-Secured approval - what is called a COPCN - of our Fire/EMS Department with support from the firefighters and EMS unions, and other county and state officials.
-Supported and approved new crosswalk signs with flashing lights and spotlights for the walkways. Long awaited safety initiative.
-In the last two years, we did not raise taxes and passed common-sense Town Operating Budgets. We have one of the lowest millage rates in South Florida.
-Approved the ordinance that details building certification required to ensure the safety of all our threshold structures. Another safety initiative.
-Created a new Tab on the Town Website in support of our "Heroes of Highland Beach" - our Military Veterans. Designed to recognize the heroes in our midst.
-Personally met with Highland Beach Veterans and wrote articles telling their experiences and posted them on the Veterans tab.
-A major supporter of our Police Department that has made Highland Beach one the safest towns in all of Florida. Recently they earned accreditation which is given by an independent reviewing authority confirming it has met specific requirements and prescribed standards.
-I was pleased to sign the check to pay for our new Marine Police Boat to ensure our safety and security on land and water.
-Supporting the construction of a Veteran's Memorial along with groundbreaking for our new Fire House in the First Quarter of 2023. The Military Memorial will honor ALL veterans from all services and to be funded in part by donations.
-Supported Sea Turtle protection with a new ordinance for nesting Leatherbacks, Greens, and Loggerheads.
-Contributor of articles to the Manager's Minutes to enhance transparency and communications with all residents.
-Support our Food Truck Events to promote small-town spirit and camaraderie.
-Member of the most successful and effective Commission in decades for the Town of Highland Beach with the leadership of our Mayor, Doug Hillman, and supported by our Vice Mayor, Natasha Moore, and Commissioners Evelyn David and Peggy Gossett-Seidman (Peggy was just elected in 11/2022 to be our State Representative in Tallahassee).
- Nominated as the Official Contact for “Veterans Affairs” for the Town of Highland Beach and for our participation in the “Hidden Heroes Program” which is dedicated to strengthening and empowering the nation’s military and veteran caregivers.
WHY IS OUR COMMISSION THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN YEARS?
COMMITMENT. INTEGRITY. TEAMWORK. COMMUNITY FOCUS. FINANCIAL SENSIBILITY. DECISIVENESS. DIVERSITY OF SKILLS.
See Actions Accomplished Below
L-R: State Rep & Former Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Mayor Doug Hillman and Vice Mayor Natasha Moore.
Completed Actions Since Elected
Fiscal Year 2020
1. PBA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2020 - 2023
2. FOP Collective Bargaining/General Employees 2020-2023
3. Sanitary Sewer Collection System Evaluation -- CCTV
4. FY 2020-2025 Water & Sewer Rate Study
5. Crosswalk Enhancement Project – Pedestrian Activated Signs/Flashers
6. Install ERP IT System: BS&A Modules Permitting, GL, Fixed Assets, Cash Receipting, AP/AR, PO, Utility Billing
7. Define Purchasing/AP/AR Process, Roles & Responsibilities
8. Update Building Administrative Code Section -- 7th Edition of Florida Building Code:
9. Complete Salary Table & Job Description Update
10. Implement Geographic Information System (GIS) & Expand Capacity
11. Southeast Palm Beach County Coastal Resiliency Partnership & Climate Vulnerability Assessment
12. Bucket Tree Pilot Program
Fiscal Year 2021
1. Charter Review Process
2. Study Alternate Fire Rescue Service Models
3. Building Recertification Ordinance/Program
4. Crosswalk Enhancement Project – Overhead Lighting
5. Police Department – Marine Unit Formation
6. As-built drawing for the Municipal Complex project
7. Right-of-Way (ROW) Disruption Ordinance
8. Town Hall Building Improvements
9. Fire Rescue Services Implementation
PR Campaign, Retain Fire Rescue Services Consultants; Retain Medical Director and Assistant Medical Director; Election; Retain architect for fire station design; Commenced fire station design process; Development of Medical Protocols; EMS vehicle selection; Execution of fire services dispatch agreement; Preparation of COCPN and State EMS application documents
10. FY 2020-2025 Water & Sewer Rate Study Update
Fiscal Year 2022
1. Veterans’ tab on Town’s website
2. Police Department Accreditation (inlc. Marine Unit)
3. Fund Balance Guidelines/Policy Revision
4. Property Rights Element – Comprehensive Plan Update
5. Building Permit Discount
“Hidden Heroes Town”
We are proud to announce that we have officially become a “Hidden Heroes Town”, an initiative of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation that offers health and wellness resources and aid to veterans and their caregivers. For more information, please visit www.hiddenheroes.org and www.highlandbeach.us/veteranheroes or contact Commissioner John Shoemaker by phone at (561) 859-2686 or via email at jshoemaker@highlandbeach.us or Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins at (561) 278-4548 or lgaskins@highlandbeach.us.