HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_8/31/2020MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
AUGUST 31, 2020 6:00 PM ZOOMIYOUTUBE
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 Brennan, Vice Mayor Stone, Council Member Brandon, and Council Member D'Ambra.
Absent was:
Council Member Prince
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Mr. Robert Shaw of 198 Golfview Drive and Vice -Chair of the Environmental Advisory
Committee suggested Remembrance Park should be environmental friendly and providing a
peaceful place for the community.
The Mayor addressed Mr. Shaw's recommendations, she was considering the Florida Friendly
landscaping concept.
Mayor Brennan also stated Mr. Bradford, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee and
resident Mark Sapirie had made suggestions for a passive park as well.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Council Discussion on: ORDINANCE 07-20 AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE
CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 78. ZONING. ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL, SEC.
78-4. DEFINITIONS. BY CREATING A NEW DEFINITION FOR "VACATION RENTAL"
TO CORRESPOND WITH VILLAGE CODE AND APPLICABLE STATE LAW, ALSO
AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 78. ZONING. BY
CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW ARTICLE XIV, "VACATION RENTALS" TO PROVIDE
STATUTORILY COMPLIANT REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF VACATION
RENTALS IN THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY
OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 78. ZONING. SHALL REMAIN IN
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FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A
CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Attorney, Keith Davis explained the State Legislatures were regulating the vacation
homes. Mr. Davis suggested the Village of Tequesta mandate additional restrictions. Mr.
Davis provided a draft with recommended regulations for our municipality to enforce on
these properties.
Council discussed if there was a need for additional regulations with Village Manager,
Jeremy Allen. Council addressed with Village Manager, Jeremy Allen and Attorney, Keith
Davis the difference between the rights of a standard homeowner and of a vacation rental
owner.
Mayor Brennan suggested Council Member D'Ambra meet with the Village Manager with
his concerns. Ms. Brennan requested the Village Manager, Mr. Allen and Attorney, Mr.
Davis to research this Ordinance.
2. Discussion on Parks Master Plan for Tequesta Park and Remembrance Park
Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Corbitt reviewed the preliminary design with Council
after receiving residents' feedback. Village Manager stated this is first look, but there was
no money in the budget at this time for construction and maintenance. Mr. Corbitt stated
grants have been received for Remembrance Park. He felt the Master Plan would provide
direction on the project.
Tequesta Park's design would remain an active park with minimal changes other than the
added playground. Council suggested a partnership to alleviate the maintenance cost.
Mr. Corbitt moved on to review the Remembrance Park design. Council Member Brandon
inquired the location and the demand for the splash pad. Council agreed they like the
design without the splash pad.
Mayor Brennan directed Parks and Recreation Director, Greg to redesign Remembrance
Park without the splash pad. Moreover, Vice -Mayor suggested adding the splash pad to
the Tequesta Park instead.
3. Discussion on E-Bike Ordinance
Council discussed enforcement and overall safety of the E-bikes.
The Village Manager, Jeremy and Attorney Davis would continue to research this topic;
and gather public comments on E-Bike regulations
4. Discussion on Signage in Right -of -Ways
Village Manager, Mr. Allen explained to Council during the phase 1 of Covid-19 pandemic
the Village allowed for businesses to have signs in the right-of-way to inform the
residents that they were open. The Code department relaxed these rules due to a state of
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emergency. Mr. Allen felt this needed to be readdressed since Palm Beach County is in
phase 2. There was a Council discussion on realtor, political, and other temporary signs.
Attorney, Keith Davis stated these signs could not be based on content since it qualified
as freedom of speech.
The Council agreed to removing signs to inform residents that businesses were open. In
addition, the Mayor suggested contacting the Realtor Association to advise their
members that their temporary signs were prohibited.
5. Discussion On Procedures for In -Person Council Meetings
Village Manager, Jeremy Allen discussed with Council the in -person protocol for
resuming the in -person meetings. In addition, Council inquired about partial virtual
meetings as needed. IT Director, Brad Gomberg and the Mr. Allen confirmed a Council
member would have the capability to virtually participate and vote in the meetings.
6. Any other matters
Village Manager, Jeremy Allen and Finance Director, Hugh Dunkley discussed with
Council the Temporary Tax Withholding. They explained the Village was opting out of this
program due to too many unanswered questions. Mr. Dunkley felt it could potential cause
hardship for the employees. Council and Finance Director, Hugh Dunkley discussed pros
and cons of this program. Council requested additional research on this program from Mr.
Dunkley.
Mr. Stone stated he was on the steering committee for Hobe Sound Chambers/Tequesta
Business Association (HSCC/TBA). Vice -Mayor inquired about how many local
businesses that were negatively impacted by Covid-19 and had to close. In addition, he
inquired how many new local businesses were starting up. Village Manager, Mr. Allen
stated he would research this with the assistance of the Building department.
Vice -Mayor Stone requested information the timeline for agenda distribution. Village
Manager, Mr. Allen stated it would be available typically a week before the meeting.
There had been a few setbacks lately.
Vice -Mayor Stone requested for a discussion on the Village's portion of the healthcare
costs.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm
MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Vice -Mayor Stone
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member Prince).
Respectfully submitted,
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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 office of the
Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.
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