The very first monthly Palmetto Bay Council meeting conducted in the new Village Hall Council Chambers took place on Monday, Jan. 11, and all 84 of the chamber’s seats were filled with residents and special guests.
Coming after the holidays and following the big move into the new facility at 9705 E. Hibiscus St., the meeting was short, with only the approval of minutes for the November and December meetings and two items on the consent agenda as official business. The rest of the evening was given over to welcomes and special comments, the cutting of a large cake in the lobby for everyone, and just getting settled.
Village Mayor Shelley Stanczyk clearly was pleased with the new facility and the turnout for the special first council meeting.
“The effort that it took to move here was monumental, but the benefits for our residents will be great,” Stanczyk said. “You may come here to conduct needed business, see our staff and hold meetings in our special rooms. We’ll be here for you.”
District 3 Councilmember Joan Lindsay also was impressed and praised the efforts of village manager Ron Williams and his staff.
“I want to thank everyone for being here tonight,” Lindsay said. “I also want to thank the manager and everyone for doing a great job in making the move here from the old location.”
District 2 Councilmember Howard J. Tendrich echoed those comments, as did District 1 Councilmember Patrick Fiore and Vice Mayor Brian W. Pariser, who praised the prompt way things were unpacked and the moving crates removed.
Among the special invited guests were former Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr., former Vice Mayor Linda Robinson, former council members Ed Feller with his wife, Arlene, and Paul Neidhart with his wife, Lois.
The consent agenda items involved approving attorney’s fees and costs for the village’s legal firm, Figueredo and Boutsis, in the amount of $21,626.40, and approving a contract with Metro Parking Corps/Parksafe Systems for valet parking services at Thalatta Estate and other village parks as needed for special events for an initial three-year term. Both were approved.
There also a was test of a new computerized system of recording council members’ votes on resolutions and a chance to see the chamber’s video cameras and two large display screens in action. Flyers were distributed inviting everyone to the formal Grand Opening Ceremony for the new municipal complex, which will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m.
