HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Worshop_11/2/2020MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 6:00 PM EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
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
Clerk Lori McWilliams.
Present were:
Mayor Brennan, Vice Mayor Stone, Council Member Brandon, and Council Member D'Ambra.
Absent were:
Council Member Prince.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion on Proposed Code Text Amendments to the Village Code of
Ordinances
Director of Community Development Nilsa Zacarias prepared a list of annual code
revisions for Council, which contained 11 items that needed to be addressed due to
glitches and inconsistencies. Most items were general housekeeping.
Item number one was shopping centers, which was not on the list of mixed use. Village
Attorney Keith Davis explained the two options to allow the use, which would open the
door to other shopping centers in mixed use or to leave as a non -conformity. Director of
Community Development Zacarias explained that if not changed the Fashion Mall could
not expand because they are a legal non -conformity and would need to obtain a special
exception use.
Council Member D'Ambra recommended modifying the code to a special exception use
approved by council. A detailed discussion took place. Council agreed to update the code
to allow shopping centers in the mixed use district with a special exception use for council
to discuss and approve.
Items two, three and four were noted as housekeeping. For items two and three the code
would be clarified for gas stations in C3, C2, and mixed use on US Highway One. Item
number four would be clarified and the definitions of the code cleaned -up.
Item five addressed small specialty stores, examples of gelato, coffee and wine and
cheese stores were used. The code needed to be defined for specialty stores and which
districts to allow them in. Village Attorney Davis recommended creating a new category
to allow stores in all restricted and mixed use districts.
Items six and seven were noted as needing to be cleaned -up. Item six needed
consistency regarding the 6 feet height restrictions for screening to match the wall and
fence code sections. Item seven needed consistency between the chart tables and
language in the code.
Item eight required direction from Council. A process was needed for R1 and R1A
requests going to Planning and Zoning Boards for homes that want a feature above the
allowed purpose, most commonly chimneys. Village Attorney Davis explained that if
these items were addressed in the code they would not require a public hearing. Director
of Community Development Zacarias explained that new code language was needed.
She would work with legal to propose new language referencing similar communities and
codes to create consistency and defined standards for features.
Item nine discussed time extensions due to Executive Orders from the Governor. These
extensions were not currently being charged a fee. Council agreed to not charge fees
due to pandemics or Executive Orders which created the need for extensions.
Council discussed items ten and 11, the Land Development fees schedule and permit
fees, and agreed that a nominal fee should be charged for time that Director of
Community Development Zacarias spends on approvals.
Vice -Mayor Kyle Stone asked about monument signs and the C1 sign code. Council was
concerned with the overall height of signs and not allowing flag poles in C1. Manager
Allen confirmed and agreed that the Village can begin to look into amending the sign
code so as to not allow pole signs in C1.
2. ITEM POSTPONED UNTIL NOV 30 - Discussion on Behalf of the Environmental
Advisory Committee Requesting Revisions to the Village's Code as ,they Relate, to
Fertilizer Use
3. Discussion For Grant Writing Services
Village Manager Jeremy Allen discussed grant writing service fees and stated he
attached the rates requested by Council Member D'Ambra.
Council member D'Ambra wanted clarification on whether grant writer Cynthia McDonald
would get paid even if she was not successful in securing grants, her level of experience,
and her success. Manager Allen confirmed she was knowledgeable with a background in
the area. He also explained that an RFQ could be distributed and a committee could be
selected to interview applicants if Council would like. Council agreed to make the grant
writing contracts equal and move forward with both grant writers. Council' also would like
grant writer Ryan to be made aware he is able to go after any grant. Council agreed to
put the grant writing contract on the next Consent Agenda for approval.
Vice -Mayor Stone asked about the Fall Festival and its restrictions to residents. He would
like to open it up to anyone with a Tequesta address and have an entrance fee for those
in the unincorporated area. Village Manager Allen explained due to Covid19 it was
restricted to only residents this year and in the future it would be revised.
Vice -Mayor Stone also wanted an update on Constitution Park and The Recreation
Center demolition. Village Manager Allen confirmed it was on track for a January date
with the contract in final review.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 PM
MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to adjourn the meeting Council Member
Brandon 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.