Council weighs interlocal agreement, patrols or litigation to address unauthorized docks

Staff and the town attorney presented options to address an unauthorized dock dispute after an earlier permit was issued in error. The town attorney outlined three options: take no further action, enter an interlocal agreement with South Palm Beach to clarify authority and permitting, or sue the condominium owner for injunctive relief. "Another option is to enter into an interlocal agreement with South Palm Beach," Max said, noting that the interlocal would be complex and the litigation route would be the most time-consuming and costly.

Town staff told the council the initial permit had been issued in error because surveys showed the water boundary differed from prior documents; they said the town now has confirmed survey information. Council members asked about enforcement capacity; the chief said the town does not routinely patrol the Intracoastal and residents were asked to report suspected unauthorized construction. The council did not take immediate action at the workshop but asked staff to bring options and cost estimates to a regular meeting.