Palm Beach North Sports - January 2022

J a n u a r y 2 0 2 2 | P A L M B E A C H N O R T H SPORTS 19 EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR Jupiter Town Council Corner By Ilan Kaufer, Councilman POLICE STAFFING Public safety is my top priority and the reason I have long advocated for all budgeted police department positions to be filled. While some had advocated for unfilled positions to remain vacant or unfilled police positions to be removed from the town budget, I remained steadfast in my commitment for a fully funded, fully staffed police department. I am pleased to report that our efforts have been successful and the police department has now been authorized to fill all budgeted positions, including filling vacancies that were created due to retirements, as well as budgeted positions that were not previously being filled. This is an important victory that reflects our commitment to public safety and the fine men and women who wear the uniform and answer the call daily to keep Jupiter safe. TOWN MANAGER UPDATE In November, the town separated with our town manager. The public testimony from our town employees and the concerns from our police department is something I took very seriously. It was clear that the situation was no longer tenable and it was important to move on to new leadership. I voted against the severance package concerning the town manager’s resignation because the amount required in the contract already constituted 20 weeks of pay and I did not believe we should be adding an additional $40,000 of taxpayer dollars to go above what is required in the contract. Going forward we need to conduct a transparent and cost- effective search for new leadership. INDOOR GYM AND EMERGENCY SHELTER FACILITY I continue to hear from families and community members about the lack of facilities for both recreation (basketball, volleyball, pickleball) and community meeting space. Over the last few years, I have advocated that the council move forward with identifying possible solutions. In November, I asked again that the Town Council discuss this issue at a Council meeting. This type of facility could also be used as an emergency storm facility, which according to population data, is needed in our area. It is time that we discuss this as a council and receive public feedback so that we can move forward with a plan for our community. Please let me know your thoughts on this or other issues here or feel free to email me at ilank@jupiter.fl.us Jupiter Town Councilman Ilan Kaufer lives in Abacoa with his wife Stephanie and their two children. Ilan was elected to the Jupiter Town Council in 2013 and was re-elected in 2016 and 2019. He is the youngest person ever elected to the Jupiter Town Council. During his time in office Ilan has focused on public safety, environmental protection, government transparency, fighting waste, and the cost- efficient delivery of government services to Jupiter residents. Some of his initiatives that have been passed by the council include: increase in Police and Fire Rescue staffing, construction of the town’s first Veterans memorial, advancing construction of athletic fields, solar-powered waste and recycling containers in our parks and beaches, and the creation of both an education and environmental advisory committee, all the while lowering the Town's tax rate. COMMUNITY CORNER Email: Tim@thehybridchef.com visit: www.thehybridchef.com Services: Meal Prep & Delivery Personalized Menu Plans In-Home Dining Corporate and Office Catering Cooking Classes Culinary Education call: (561) 677-0596