HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 02_01/10/2019 (2) MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP December 3, 2018
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CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. A roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk, Mary Ann
Grieser. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice-Mayor Tom Paterno, Council Member Vince
Arena and Council Member Laurie Brandon. Council Member Kristi Johnson was absent.
1. Community Center Update by the Negotiation Committee Chair Frank D'Ambra
Resident, Mr. Frank D'Ambra informed Council of a recent meeting between the Negotiation
Committee and residents who resided in the immediate area of the proposed Community Center.
During the meeting, pros and cons were discussed as well as suggestions and ideas from Village
residents. Mr. D'Ambra revealed to Council the results from several surveys, including a recent
one conducted at TequestaFest.
Mr. Greg Corbitt, Director of Parks and Recreation, offered his experience in speaking with
residents about the proposed Community Center. He felt that the vast majority of feedback was
very positive with many people asking how soon the center could be built.
Mayor Brennan asked the committee members to remember to poll the older residents in order
to have feedback from all ages that reside within the Village.
Mr. D'Ambra advised keeping Village residents as the main users of the facility, with the ability
to have occasional guests.
Vice Mayor Paterno asked how much the facility would cost, as he had heard several different
cost estimates. Mr. D'Ambra answered that the architects were currently speaking to contractors
in order to zone in on a close estimate. Currently the price range for such a building was
approximately $230 per square foot. This translated to just over $5 million dollars based upon
the current drawing; including exercise equipment and furniture.
Vice Mayor Paterno preferred to have the cost estimates for review, prior to deciding on whether
or not the topic should go to a referendum.
Attorney Keith Davis reminded Council that any games such as Bingo were highly regulated by
the State. Additionally, if Council wished to regulate access to residents only, there could be no
grants involved. Lastly, Council would need to decide if this was a yes/no vote for the proposed
center or if it would have a bond attached to it.
Council discussed the timeline for replacing the Village's current fire trucks, in relationship to the
costs of building the proposed Community Center. Village Fire Chief James Trube stated that a
Village Council Workshop Minutes
December 3, 2018
Page 2
new ladder truck would cost approximately$1.2-1.3 million and would be needed within the next
year or two.
Mrs. Pat Watkins, 167 River Drive, addressed Council and admitted that she had no objection
to the facility. However, she was concerned with having funding available to take care of the
roads and sidewalks that were in need of repairs.
Mr. Chris Quirk, Director of Finance commented that$414,000 had been received this year from
the one-cent sales tax and had already been spent.
Mr. Tom Bradford, 44 Chestnut Trail, opined that there was much work to be done before taking
the referendum to the voters in March of 2019. He believed that outside grants should be utilized
and questioned what would be done with the old recreation center.
Council Member Arena reminded Council of the fact that the project architect would be speaking
to contractors next week in order to obtain estimates on construction costs. He felt that time was
of the essence to at least get the referendum started and move towards a first reading.
Mrs. Marcia Nielson, 94 Beachwood Trail, felt the project was being rushed and had heard some
negative feedback as well. She recommended a survey be sent to every single resident in order
to have all voices heard.
Council Member Arena responded by reminding Council that the project had been in the
discussion phase for almost a year. There had been approximately 20 meetings thus far with
thoughtful discussion and feedback. Additionally, the Constitution Park building was in need of
repairs to walls, roof, electrical, plumbing and more.
Council Member Brandon asked why the referendum needed to be on the March 2019 ballot.
Mr. D'Ambra felt that there was adequate time to gather the pertinent information needed, and
there was simply no reason to delay, as the residents were eager to have it built. Additionally,
if Council waited until August, many residents would not be in town for a vote.
Mr. Chris Quirk reminded Council of rising interest rates when putting together their projected
costs.
Council Member Brandon stated she was agreeable to moving forward with bringing the
referendum to the first reading.
Vice Mayor Paterno disagreed with moving forward at least until cost estimates had been
submitted and reviewed.
Mayor Brennan was agreeable with moving forward to bringing the referendum to a first reading
status, with the understanding that it would not go further, unless Council had the recommended
figures in hand.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
December 3, 2018
Page 3
2. Discussion on the Police Department Pension Plan and Actuarial Valuation Report
Acting Manager Weinand acknowledged that the Police and Fire pensions must be the same,
and that Fire must now match the 2.35% Police pension increase, regardless of whether other
changes would be made or not. Bonni Jenson of Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen 8� Levinson
answered questions and offered insight on several of the options available to the Village. Several
different scenarios were discussed with Council in Consensus of moving towards an Executive
Session as soon as possible.
3. Review Inspector General Audit Report Findings and Management Response
Acting Manager Weinand revealed that the Inspector General (IG) had spent many hours over
the past 3 months investigating allegations. In summary, the report stated that the right hand
did not know what the left hand was doing in regards to contract administration, payments and
permitting. There were 21 recommendations within the report, which the Village would adopt
and implement.
4. Discussion on Possible Funding Sources
Mayor Brennan advised looking for funds thru the Palm Beach Planning Organization, which
could possibly help fund the Village's private roads and sidewalks. She believed there were also
other funding opportunities available for the Village, which would be beneficial in funding
upcoming projects. Acting Manager Weinand announced that Mr. Doug Chambers was going
to be part of the Local Mitigation Strategy Board, which helped in planning projects. He promised
to keep all Council Members up to date on future funding sources.
Pendin Tasks:
Item: Assi ned:
Commmuni Center Referendum read for first readin Keith Davis
Schedule Executive Session for Public Safe Pension Lori McWilliams
Cost Estimates for Council on Communi Center Actin Mana er Weinand
Lori McWilliams, MMC
Village Clerk
Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not
verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the o�ce of the
Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.
MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
�REGULAR MEETING December 13, 2018
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CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken
by Deputy Village Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice
Mayor Tom Paterno, Council Member Vince Arena, Council Member Laurie Brandon, and
Council Member Kristi Johnson.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Paul Beresford gave the invocation after which Vice Mayor Paterno led the pledge
of allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Arena moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice
Mayor Paterno; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of Proceeds of the 8t'' Annual Chili Cook-Off
Fire Chief Trube credited Firefighter Dave McGovern with the original idea of a Chili Cook-
Off/Beer Tasting to support veterans then remarked on how it had grown. Firefighter
McGovern thanked Council for their support of the event that benefitted Operation 300,
Southeast Honor Flight, Tequesta Friends of Public Safety and The Renewal Coalition.
He reported that over 2000 people enjoyed great music, fly-overs, and out of 25 teams,
The Tequesta Fire Department won first place. Mr. McGovern acknowledged the
sponsors, volunteers, and Public Works Department, and announced the date of the next
Chili Cook-Off as September 9, 2019. To resounding applause, he presented each charity
with $13,000.
At 6:15 p.m. the meeting temporarily recessed, then reconvened at 6:22 p.m.
2. Recognition of 2018 Nautical Club
Police Chief Medina introduced Sergeant Ray Korkowski who presented awards to the
Austin Blu foundation, the family of Carly Black, Jerry Carroll and his wife of Jupiter Dive
Center and Bill Taylor of Black Dog Fishing Charter who explained that they taught the
children responsible fishing. Mayor Brennan thanked the Sergeant and all the volunteers.
3. Conceptual Presentation by Gentile Glas Holloway O'Mahoney � Associates,
Inc. to Propose a Residential Townhome Project