HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_3/30/2020 MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL MARCH 30, 2020 6:00 PM TEQUESTA FACEBOOK LIVE 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 Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Johnson, Council Member Arena, Council Member Brandon, and Council Member Stone. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Discussion on Village Procedures and Polices Related to the Coronavirus (CoVid- 19) Mayor Brennan explained how the meeting would be run, with Manager Allen and Council taking turns speaking and then addressing citizen comments. This was the first meeting of Council using Facebook Live and Zoom, as the Village was adhering to the new social distancing parameters. Manager Allen discussed the estimates of Covid-19 spread, and was expecting the virus to surge thru April or May before it started to flatten out. It was possible that it could even continue on into the next flu season. Village businesses were expected to be in compliance with state regulations and would be given a warning if necessary. Most all businesses had been agreeable to the new mandates. All capital projects would be halted (including the Community Center project) with the exception of the Country Club Drive sidewalk project; although the sidewalks could be delayed depending on the progression of the virus. After May, a reallocation of funds for essential services could be necessary on a daily and/or case by case basis, and revenues were projected to be much lower than initially predicted. Sales tax, and ad -valorem revenues would be discussed when more data was available. Council Member Stone asked about any confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the Village. Manager Allen mentioned there was a confirmed case of an employee that worked within the Village boundaries, but the individual was not an employee or resident of the Village. Manager Allen indicated the State of Emergency needed to be renewed every 7 (seven) days and it was beneficial because it gave some leniency in regards to contracts and payments. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and Fire Department essential employees would receive a 5 percent (5%) increase on their base salary during this emergency. However, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the Village had not come to an agreement over the emergency pay rates. Manager Allen revealed the additional costs due to the pandemic would exceed $100,000 at the end of the next 4 weeks. The Village was currently at $1.7 million in unallocated operating funds, but needed to be at $2.2 million. Council Member Brandon asked about revealing the identities of those that may be sick from Covid-19 in our community. Manager Allen believed there could be several privacy issues involved and did not believe identifying individuals would be prudent. Vice-Mayor Johnson inquired about future plans should the virus remain a threat several months from now. Manager Allen believed there could be organizational changes, although he felt it was premature to discuss at this point. Mayor Brennan asked about the CWA negotiations during the pandemic emergency. Manager Allen explained that the Village had offered to pay an additional 5% to CWA workers; however, the group rejected the offer. There was daily discussion between the CWA, the Village's labor attorney and Human Resources Director, Merlene Reid. Mayor Brennan asked about the possibility of a low interest credit line to utilize funds during this time. Manager Allen believed a loan would be a "last case scenario" and believed there were other options before such a discussion would be necessary. Council Member Elect D'Ambra suggested the Village explore opportunities regarding personal protection devices.being paid for with law enforcement funds. Mr. Tom Bradford, of 44 Chestnut Trail suggested Council have a written policy in order to acquire Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for emergency pay costs. Meetings would continue to be held remotely via facebook or zoom, until it was deemed safe to meet in person. Council Member Stone thanked Village Clerk Lori McWilliams and her staff for keeping residents up to date and aware of the ever-developing information coming in from both local and state authorities. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive thanked Council for having a live meeting online, which she felt was helpful for residents to hear and be able to comment. Linda Eich, commented that she loved the town. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Vice Mayor Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 PM; Council Member Stone seconded the motion. Carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, G '•..•. .'•. Q �PGpR R,q G SAL D= Lori McWilliams, MMC :.INCORPORATED:' Village Clerk q F 4 A. ".10 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 office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.