Minutes_Special Meeting_04/19/2010 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 19, 2010
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 5:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice Mayor Tom Paterno,
Council Member Vince Arena, Council Member Jim Humpage, and Council Member Calvin
Tumquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Attorney
Keith Davis, Village Clerk Lori McWilliams and Department Heads.
1. Council Discussion of Resolution 11 -10 Opposing the Fire Sales Tax Referendum
Village Manager Couzzo advised the legislature had approved granting the county the ability to
impose a one -cent sales tax if approved by referendum; the County Commission had approved
it by 5 -2 vote. The concept was to generate revenue to support fire rescue by addition of a
one -cent sales tax, and to go away from the Municipal Services Taxing Unit. This meeting had
been called to discuss whether the Council wanted to adopt a resolution opposing the tax, wait
for additional information as it came out, or support the sales tax as an option to the traditional
Municipal Services Taxing Unit.
Mayor Watkins provided information from two meetings she had attended, expressing concern
there were so many unknowns and it was being done too quickly, and questioned if a city
could opt back in. The Village Attorney advised there was nothing in the legislation preventing
a city from opting back in. Issues involved with raising the millage rate were discussed, and
the fact that this was an alternate mechanism for 9 eneratin 9 revenue; and the reason the fire
rescue departments wanted it was that it would be more stable since it would not be
dependent on fluctuations in property values. Also, support of fire rescue would not be totally
dependent upon property owners but would include tourists and shoppers from nearby
counties.
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of Resolution 11 -10, seconded by
Vice Mayor Patemo. During discussion of the motion, Council Member Tumquest expressed
concern with voting when all of the details were not yet known, Village Attorney Davis advised
that time was running out and there might not be time to get all the information; and there was
nothing in the legislation that would prevent a city from opting back in. Motion carried 4 -1 with
Council Member Tumquest opposed.
Council Member Tumquest requested that Commissioner Marcus be invited to attend the next
Council meeting to speak on this issue.
2. Council Discussion Regarding Pending Changes on Proposed Pension
Legislation
Village Manager Couzzo reported at the beginning of the legislative session there had been a
number of initiatives regarding State and local public pension reforms; however, very few of
these items were still at the forefront. In view of the difficulty of sustaining pensions in the
Minutes – Special Council Meeting – 4/19/10
Page 2
future, he suggested a position paper in support of legislation supporting future sustainable
pensions for employees.
Consensus of Council was to send a position paper that Council would support legislation
supporting sustainable pensions for employees.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Arena;
the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 5:24
p. M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Lori McWilliams, CMC,
Village Clerk