BCC Briefs

At the Dec. 20, 2011, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Slot machines – agreed to place a countywide referendum on the November 2012 ballot to allow slot machine gaming at licensed pari-mutuel facilities, such as the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

Redistricting – approved new BCC district boundaries based upon the 2010 Census. Changes include moving Phil Foster Park from District 1 to District 7 and dividing Peanut Island between District 1 and District 7.

Legislative update – received an update from state Rep. Mark Pafford on local legislative issues and funding requests to be addressed at the 2012 Florida Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

MSTUs – approved on preliminary reading and to advertise for public hearing on Jan. 24, 2012, amendments to the county’s municipal services taxing unit (MSTU) ordinance. The board also continued to the Jan. 24 meeting consideration of assessments and award of a contract for paving and drainage improvements on Michlar Drive, Tamis Trail and 105th Avenue South.

Okeechobee Boulevard – approved a funding agreement with the city of West Palm Beach and FDOT to provide median landscaping on Okeechobee Boulevard between the turnpike and State Road 7.

Fire codes – adopted the updated Florida Fire Prevention Code, effective Dec. 31, 2011.

Lobbyist registration – amended the lobbyist registration ordinance in order to match language in the Code of Ethics and to allow the ordinance to apply to municipal employees and elected officials.

Vehicles for hire – approved a series of amendments to the county’s vehicles-for-hire (VFH) ordinance. They include adding a luxury sedan category; establishing a special master enforcement process; and no longer allowing VFH companies to deduct fees paid to municipalities from the amount the county collects for application/renewal and vehicle decal fees.

PBIA – amended airport rules and regulations to allow vehicle-for-hire companies to drop off customers at Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) without having a ground transportation permit or decal. Companies must still have a permit or decal in order to pick up customers at PBIA.

Business Development Board – authorized a commitment of $200,000 with matching funds from the private sector for the Business Development Board’s new marketing initiatives intended to enhance visibility of the county’s business environment and attract new businesses to the county.

Medical Home Day – approved the county’s participation in Medical Home Day on Feb. 11, 2012, and authorized spending up to $5,600 to pay for bus pass vouchers and informational material.

Inspector General – approved the addition of six new positions for the Office of Inspector General to accommodate expansion of its jurisdiction.

Facilities – approved a change order to the contract with Moss & Associates in the amount of $2.3 million for expansion and renovation of court facilities at the West Detention Center in Belle Glade.