12-12-38 Regular
:lOse
COUNcn CHAMBER
December 12, 1938
,
The Council met in regular session at 7:30 P.M.
with the City Attorney and the following members pre-
sent: Mr. Hall, Mr. Hill, Mr. Miller and Mr. WOdischek.
The minutes of the regular meeting held November
28th and the special meetings of December 5th and 7th
having been read, it was moved. seconded and carried
that those of November 28th be corrected to show that
the roll was called on Mr. Hall's motion to adopt
ordinanoe 254, providing regulations for garbage dis-
posal, and that on such roll oal1 the vote was as
follows: Mr. Gwynn yes. Mr. Hall yes,Mr. Hill yes.
Mr. Miller no and Mr. Wodisohek yes.
c:_ A communioation fromWm. Needham and a petition.
signed by sixteen Salina Avenue property owners. pro-
testing the issuanoe of a permit for a 2-family apart-
ment in the rear of the present 2-story dwelling on
Lot 20 B100k 2 Ooean Park, was read by the Clerk.
Mr. C.Y. Byrd appeared. also, in the interest of said
property owners, asking that the petition be referred
to a committee to see if an ordinanoe couldn't be
drawn embodying the things requested in the petition;
a1s~ requesting that, should suoh a permit be applied
for it be referred to a oommittee, and that the
petitioners be given an opportunity to appear and dis-
cuss the issuanoe of same with said oommittee. It was
finally moved by Mr. Hall that the petition be filed
with other such requests and given oonsideration at
suohtime as an amendment is made to the zoning ordin-
anoe. Mr. Wodisohek seoonded the motion which carried
unanimoUSlY.)
A request was read from K.M. Davis. Trustee of
the Local Sohoo1 Board. asking that a dry-well be dug
to eliminate the pool of stagnant water in front of
the high sohool bUilding. It was moved by Councilman
Miller that Mr. Baker do whatever is necessary to pro-
vide drainage at this plaoe. Mr. WOdisohek seoonded
the motion which carried unanimously.
A written request from George Smith and S.D.
Spady that they be granted permission to operate a
Bingo Game for the benefit of the Colored Sohool was
reoeived, whereupon it was moved by Mr. Wodisohek that
permission be granted subjeot to the same oonditions
,."
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COUNCIL CHAMBER - December 12. 1938
,
as stipulated in previoua permit, viz. that it be
operated under the supervision of Professor Spady,
same to be disoontinued at any time, upon request of
the Council, and that the applicants be required to
olean up the lot afterwards.
A petition was submitted from Delray Beaoh
sohoo1 children requesting the Council to issue permit
for the operation of a roller skating rink at the Fire-
men's Hall, also a oommunioation from the Christian
Schienoe Churoh asking that same be not operated during
hours of church service. The Fire Chief assured the
members that the hours of operation would be so rest-
ricted and it was intended to run same only on Thursdays,
Fridays and Saturdays; further that said permit was
being given with the understanding that, if at any time,
thecitizens needed the hall for any purpose on those
partioular nights. that upon one day's notice the hall
would be left free for such purpose. He reported, too,
that Same would close, each night, at 11:00 o'clock
and that there would be a release drawn by an attorney,
freeing the City and the Fire Department of all
liability in case of accident. Should the floor show
signs of damage as a result of its use as a skating
rink, Mr. Cook said such use would be discontinued. It
was finally moved by Mr. Hall that the Fire Department
be permitted the use of the hall every Thursday, Friday
and Saturday, up unti1\ ~1:00 P.M.. for the purpose
and under the terms stated by Mr. Cook. Mr. Wodischek
seoonded the motion. which carried unanimously.
The following report by Engineer Cromer on the
Beaoh Boulevard project, was read by the Clerk.
December 12th, 1938
TO THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL:
.
By co-ordinating the efforts of four govern-
ments i.e., the Federal Government through the
W.P.A., the State Government through State High~
way Department maintenance, the County through
Mr. C.Y. Byrd and the City, we have completed
the widening of South Ocean Bou16vard, construoted
2000 feet of reinforced concrete curbing and
constructed an eight foot sidewalk from Miramar
Drive to South City limits.
The immediate cash outlay on the part of
the City amounts to $652.95. From this amount
could be deducted several items whereby the City
has benefited suoh as, the fill on the North side
of Atlantio Avenue which the City would ultimately
received thirty (30~) cents per cubic yard, a large
108~
COUNCIL CHAMBER - December 12, 1938
amount of Gleason Street fill. and about 3000
board feet of used 2x6 which is being used to
reconstruot the boardwalk.
It is particularly called to your attention
that at current prices a contract for the work
involved in this improvement would have undoubtedly
been in excess of $12,500., thus making the City's
cash outlay amount to only about 5% of the value
of this improvement.
Yours truly,
H. Cromer
Mayor Hill said he considered a vote of thanks
should be extended The State Road Department, the
County and to the W.P.A. for the help rendered in
effecting this improvement which had greatly improved
the appearance of the whole South Beach. It was
therefore moved by Mr. Hall that the Mayor's rGmarks
be incorporated within the fallowing resolution and
oopies of same sent to these authorities. Mr. Miller
seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 254 ~
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL EXTm\;DING
A VOTE OF THANKS FOR ASSISTANCE RENDERED IN
PERFECTING THE WIDTH OF SOUTH OCEAN BOULE-
VARD FROM MIRAMAR DRIVE, SOUTH, TO THE CITY
LIMITS.
.,c:
John Adams, in the interest of his clients.
C.H. & Mrs. Edith E. Parker, came before the Council
asking consideration in the settlement of Street Pav-
ing lien of $122.67 assessed against Lot 1 B100k 2
Ocean Park. He contended that this lot had been
assessed out of proportion to other Salina Avenue lots.
considering the benefit derived therefrom, and there-
fore requested that some adjustment be made on said
assessment. If the Council did not see fit to cancel
the entire lien he asked that the same basis of settle-
ment be allowed as accepted in payment of delinquent
improvement liens in Ward 2. After consideration it
was moved by Mr. Hall that the owner be permitted to
settle said lien, without penalty, on the Same basis
as permitted on property lying West of the Canal,
viz. for twenty-five percent of the outstanding amount.
Mr. Hall explained his motion was predicated on the
fact that Mr. Parker had deeded 2 feet 8 inches of
valuable Atlantic Avenue frontage to the City for such
street widening. Mr. Wodischek seconded Mr. Hall's
motion, whioh on roll. oarried unan~ously.
1083
COUNCIL CHAMBER - Deoember 12, 1938
The Building Inspector submitted requests for
special permits which were disposed of as follows:
Application of Miss Lewis to erect a 4x4 sign
tn the public Parkway outside the Green Hen was, by
motion of Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Hall and unan-
imously carried granted, on condition that sign be
removed, at any time, by order of the Council.
The Building Inspector was further authorized
in future to issue permits for signs to be erected
on public right-of-way with the proviso "that same
shall be removed at any time by order of the Council."
/~ Application by Mr. Mack1e for permit to build
(/ a 14x18.6' addition of an office room on the West
side of the present building located in the N.W.
Corner of Block l41, was granted by motion of Mr. Miller.
seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously carried, said
permit being granted subjeot to the same rentrictions
and conditions incorporated in permit No. 774 issued
May 17th, 1938.
Permit for an addition to the frame filling
station located on the Northwest Corner of Block 29;
same to be used as a hotdog Etand, was by motion of
Mr. Hall, second~d by~. Miller and unanimously
carried granted, subject to installation of plumbing
satisfactory to the Sanitary Inspector and on condition
that said temporary structure be torn down in May,
as previously agreed.
Mr. F.E. Mack1e then addressed the Counoi1
asking the members to reconsider its previous motion
of October 14th by which it was agreed to allow him
to settle all taxes and liens against Lots 15 to 24
Block 74 for $500.00. He said that, after two months'
endeavor to get the title of this property straightered
out, it was evident that he would be unable to acquire
title to lots 23 and 24, and for this reason would like
the settlement pro-rated accordingly. He therefore
asked the Council to accept $400.00 in settlement of
the other eight lots and also that said property be
assessed on the 1939 roll as vacant lots because it would
be impOSSible, a~ this late date, to start any con-
struction until after the first of the year. It was
moved by Mr. Hall that the settlement apply only on the
lots to which Mr. MackIe will get title and that the.
condition of the previous settlement, viz. that these
lots be assessed on the 1939 roll as improved property
be stricken out. Mr. Miller seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Wodischek. seconded by Mr.
Miller and unanimously carried that the following
resolution be ad&pted:
1084
COUNCIL CHAMBER - December l2. 1938
WHEREAS Mrs. Jane Cremata, peputy Clerk
of the City of Delray Beach, has occupied this
position since July, 1935 without bond and
it is now our desire that she be bQnded in a
bonding company acceptable to the City of Delray
Beach; and it further appears that the said Mrs.
Jane Cremata has made application to the Glens
Falls Indemnity Company of Glens Falls. N.Y.
for bond in the penalty of $1000.00 and said
Glens Falls Indemnity Company desires a cut-off
from any previous liability from the date of
their bond to-wit, January 1st.
NOW THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED that the
said Glens Falls Indemnity Company of Glens Falls,
N.Y. is relieved of any liabilitywhatsoever from
any acts of comission or commission or shortages
of any of Mrs. Jane Cremata, Deputy Clerk prior
to the date of their bond January 1st, 1939.
The Clerk presented a request by Matt Gracey
tnat the City put a price on its lot located in Del-
Ida Park, viz. Lot 22 Block I. It was moved by Mr.
Miller, seconded by Mr. WOdischek and unanimously
carried that applicant submit to the Council appraisals
on said lot by three lioensed realtors. Mr. Wodischek
seconded the motion whichcarried unanimously.
The City Clerk reported that sale of Lot 7
Block 2 Ocean Park had been duly advertised for
December 5th, but that no bidders had appeared at
said sale.
A Communication was read from E.A. Nessler in
regard to assessment of $86.00 for street improvement
in front of his property, whioh he claimed Mr. Helland
had no right to authorize. Upon being questioned,
the City Engineer stated that unless this filling and
paving had been done, a pocket would have resulted,
from the raising of surrounding lots. and allowed water
to drain and stand on Mr. Nessler's property. It
was reoOmmended that the City Engineer write and
explain the situatiQn and ,the need of this work, to
Mr. Nessler.
y
Mr. Tackaberry made some objection to construct-
ion of the proposed Atlantic Avenue sidewalk adjacent
to his Seabreeze Park property, stating that the land
was undeveloped and he saw no need for such a walk.
but that he was willing to do whatever the City and
adjoining property owners considered necessary. He
stated, also, that he hoped the City could proceed to
have certain vacant lots cleaned in the vicinity of
his property.
.1.085
COUNCIL CHAMBER - December 12, 1938
),
Grover Baker came before the Council asking
what the members proposed to do about the East
Atlantic Avenue sidewftlk construction. stating that
his contract called for the building of the walk as
a whole and not by piecemeal construction. He asked
that the members instruct him as to whether he should
proceed at onoe with his contract. The City Attorney
explained the hold-up was due to the fact that he had
been unable to find where the City owns the right-of-
way over which they propose to build the sidewalk.
A long discussion then enslled as to the City's rights
by reason of recorded and unrecorded plats, present
location of sidewalk on South side of Atlantio
Avenue &c. after which Mr. Hall moved that the entire
question of sidewalk be laid on the table pending
further information and data as to just where the
City stands in the matter of right-of-way. Mr. Miller
seconded the motion which carried unanimously. It
was recOmmended that the City Attorney find out what
he can about same and Grover Baker agreed to assist
him unofficially.
C.A.B. Zook came before the meeting asking
that the Council take some action in forcing the Govern-
ment to bulkhead the canal to prevent overflow by the
Canal and erosion of abutting lands. He stated he
had suffered ten thousand dollars' damage in palms
and nursery stock as a result of the flooding of his
lands by canal waters. Mr. Hall said this was a big
question to be considered and not one that could be
taken up casually. He said the City was not prepared
to go into it until some survey and report could be
made by the City Engineer.
The Clerk reporte~hat Mrs. H.A. Hunt had
requested a light at her place on the Ocean Boulevard.
In discussing same. 'Mr. Senior said the placing of
such a light would necessitate the cutting down of
some of her pine trees, therefore no action was taken.
The light Committee was authorized to have five
additional lights, as previously recommended, put into
service at once; also to have the four extra white-
way posts removed at the intersection of Atlantic
Avenue and the Dixie Highway.
The City Attorney reported that he had investi-
gated the title on acreage which O.D. Priest claims to
own inside the Municipal Golf Course, and had found
that the Lake Worth Drainage District has title to
3k acres, aoquired through drainage tax foreclosure.
He said probably Mr. Priest held an unrecorded deed
from the Drainage Distriot for same. It was recommended
that the City Engineer ascertain, for certain, just
where this land lies.
t
108{
COUNCIL CHAMBER - Deoember 12, 1938
Mr. Nowlin reported he had started tax fore-
closure proceedings on all properties, as previously
instruoted several months ago, with the exception of
the oemetery and Lake Ida properties. He said these
foreclosure instructions had been in the form of a
motion and aocording to the charter a resolution was
required, therefore he submitted the fOllowing reso-
lution and on motion of Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr.
Wodischek and unanimously carried, same was adopted.
RESOLUTION 253
BOOK 4
A RESOLUTION INSTRUCTING THE CITY ATTORNEY
TO INSTITUTE FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS FOR
COLLECTION OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATES HELD
BY THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH.
No one having appeared to protest or object
to the assessment plaoed against Lots 8 and 28 and 29
Block l25 for street improvement, the following ord-
inanoe, submitted by the City Attorney, was upon
motion of Mr. Wodischek,seoonded by Mr. Hall and
unanimously carried, placed on its first reading.
ORDINANCE 256
BOOK 4
...,
AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING AND EQUALIZING ASSESS-
MENTS FOR THE GRADING AND PAVING OF SOUTHEAST
EIGHTH AVENUE (PALM AVENUE). IN THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, BET'."lEEEN ATLANTIC AVENUE
AND FIRST STREET, AND LEVYING SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT
ASSESSMENTS AS SHOWN BY THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR
SAID SPECIAL IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING THE METHOD
BY WHICH SAID SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE MADE;
THE TIME WHEN THE SAME SHALL BECOME PAYABLE;
T1i<\.T SAID ASSESSMENTS TO BE LEVIED SHALL BE
A LIEN FROM THE DATE OF THE ASSESSMENT UPON THE
RESPECTIVE LOTS DESCRIBED IN SAID ASSESSMENT ROLL
AND SET FORTH HEREIN; THE MANNER IN WHICH SAID
ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE COLLECTED AND PROVIDING
FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL CERTIFICATES OF
INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE AMOUNT SO ASSESSED AGAINST
THE ASSESSABLE RROPERTY AND PROVIDING THAT THE
CITY MAY TRANSFER AND DELIVER A PORTION OF SAID
SPECIAL CERTIFICATES OF INDBTEDNESS TO THE
CONTRACTOR IN PAYMENT OF SAID SPECIAL IMPROVEMENTS.
(Palm Avenue Improvement.
The ordinanoe having been read in full, it was moved by
Mr. WOdischek that the ordinance be passed on its first
reading. Mr. Hall seconded the motion and on roll oal1
the vote was as follows: Mr. Hall yes, Mr. Hill yes
Mr. Miller yes and Mr. Wodischek yes. The motion was
declared carried.
1087
COUNCIL CHAMBER - December 12, 1938
Mr. Nowlin reported he had drawn a form of
contraot between the City and the Tennis Association
for operation and management of the courts if the City
desired to enter into such an agreement. The Council
considered a contract unnecessary, and recommended,
instead, that the requirements and conditions be em-
bodied within a resolution, which the City Attorney
agreed to draw and submit for passage at next meeting
of the Council.
It was further recommended bv Councilman
Wodischek that the City Clerk write" the various
recreation clubs connected with the City aSking
them to submit an annual report of their activi-
ties, as previously suggested by the Council.
Councilman Miller reported that Dr. Farber
had asked if there was any possibility of the City
helping the Tennis Association in the matter of pro-
viding lights. In view of the City's financial oon-
dition, the members were unwilling to promise any-
thing in this regard, but stated anything the
Association did along this line would be agreeable
to the City. Mr. Wodischek said he had told the
Association the City would try to hemp with
additional courts if a P.W.A. project could be gotten
through for same.
Councilman Hall asked the Council to go into
the matter Of lot-cleaning at its first opportunity.
stating it was unfair to those who had willingly
cleared their property, to allow immediately adj~in-
ing lots to remain in jungle and brush. Upon enquiry
of the City Attorney as to what procedure was now
necessary to force the cleaning of remaining lots.
Mr. Nowlin advised that Section 163 of the City charuer
gives the City the power to clean lots, where the
necesE'ity exists, and to assess a lien against suoh
lots just as in other special improvementsj also
that there is an ordinance on the City Statute books
making it a criminal offence to permit such a condition
to exist on properties.
Mr. Jacobs, President of the Recreation Club,
again brought up the matter of lawn bowling, stressing
the fact that this feature could be provided at a very
low cost, and would fill quite a need for additional
amusement at the club which had been overtaxed during
the busy season last year. Mr. Hall stated he would
prefer to withhold action in this regard until after
election and reorganization of the Council. Mr. Cromer,
who had been instructed to prepare an estimate of the
cost of building such a bowling link reported he had
not had the opportunity to go to West Palm Beach to
study this construction but belieVed, from what he had
1U~~
COUNCIL CHAMBER - December l2, 1938
learned, that it would cost about $100.00 per link.
It was recommended by Mr. Miller that the Council defer
action until more was known about it. Mr. Wodischek
suggested that the City Engineer go ahead and prepare
the necessary data in case the City decides to build
these links, and Mr. Hall said this report of Howard's
would be in by next meeting, at which time the matter
could be acted upon.
Councilman Hall requested that the second read-
ing of the ordinance regu~ing garbage disposal and
sanitary inspections be deferred until after organiz-
ation of the new Council.
By motion regularly made, seconded and carried
the following ordinance was placed on its second
reading:
ORDINANCE 252
BOOK .
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TRAFFIC UPON THE
PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH,
FLORIDA, AND REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES
AND SECTIONS OF ORDINANCES mN CONFLICT
HEREWITH, AND PROVIDING A PENALTY FDR THE
VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS THEREOF.
The ordinance having been read in full, the
second time, it was moved by Mr. Miller that same
be passed on its second reading. Mr. Hall seconded
the motion and on roll call the vote was as follows:
Mr. Hall yes, Mr. Hill yes, Mr. Miller yes, Mr.
Wodischek yes. The motion was declared carried.
Mr. Hall recommended that said regulations be
printed in pamphlet form, the police to be provided
with a supply of same, and when minor violations
of the City's traffic regulations occur that the
officer suggest to the offender that he purchase one
of these pamphlets at a price of 25 cents. After
discussion it was moved by Mr. Hall that the Clerk
be authorized to have five hundred of such pamphlets
printed, for sale ~t 25 oents a copy. Mr. Miller
seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Councilman Hall en~uired as to the activity
of the Citizens Advisory Committee, stating that since
it was necessary for the City Attorney to answer the
pendi~~ndamus suit on December 22nd, he believed
the COdOCi1 should have some recommendation from said
Committee before that time, in order that Mr. Nowlin
may be advised as to what answer he shall make at that
time. Mr. Hall suggested that the Mayor call a meeting
for 7:30 P.M. Monday, December 19th. in order to disouss
this matter and instruct the City Attorney as to what
action shall be taken.
1089
COUNCIL CHAMBER - December 12, 1938
It was moved by Mr. Hall seconded by Mr.
Wodischek and unanimously carried that the City
Clerk be authorized to pay $50.00 on each of the
two pending - , j suits ~s a deposit for court
costs. to..:;.iturt'e.to"V'f'e
"
Councilman Hall brought to the members'
attention the broken sidewalk running from the alley
at the rear of Lot 6 Block 100 to the Thpatre,
stating same was in a really dangerous condition,
and should be rebuilt. It was finally recommended
that the City Clerk write Mrs. Burd, advising that
the City will reconstruct said stretch of sidewalk
on a fiftY~fifty basis, the work to be done immediately,
if agreeable to said abutting property owner.
Mr. Wodischek reported, also. that Mr. White
had asked that the City level the sidewalk in front
of the Bon Air Hotel, and question arose as to whether
this walk was entirely on City or private property.
Councilman Miller said that before building
any more sidewalks, specifications should be provided
that will insure a more durable type of construction
than has been used in the past as the sidewalk curbs
were being broken allover town by cars bumping into
them, he said.
Mr, Wodischek was appointed as member of the
Finance Committee in place of Mr. Gwynn, resigned.
It was moved by Mr. WOdischek, seconded by
Mr. Miller and unanimously carried that bills 3665
to 3709, having been O.K'd by the Finanoe Committee
be returned to the Council and ordered paid.
Mr. Gwynn appeared at the meeting enquiring
of the members if they intended to go ahead with the
painting of the beach pavilion, and asking that the
City again advertize for bids on this work, whereupon
it was regularly moved, seoonded and carried that the
Clerk run another ad calling for bids, same to be
opened Monday, December 19th, at 7:00 P.M.
The Council discussed a complaint of Mrs. H.S.
Deming, who threatened to sue the City for taking a
cocoanut palm which Mr. Deming had planted in front of
his Ocean Park property, It was explained that the
removal of the tree was necessary, it being in the
City's right-of-way over which the new sidewalk
had been built. It was recommended however, that Mrs.
Deming be notified that she may have one of the trees
to be removed from an easement on Dan Smith's property
in lieu of the one taken by the City, providing she
will pay the cost of removal.
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1090
COUNCIL CHAMBER
Deoember 12, 1938
..,
There bing no further business, the meeting
regularly adjourned.
Yk <L'1 uJ. r;, ~
City Clerk
APPROVED :
~ut)J<v
Mayr
....