HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_2/1/2021MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
FEBRUARY 1, 2021 6:00 PM VILLAGE HALL CONFERENCE
ROOM
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 Clerk Mary Ann Grieser.
Present were:
Mayor Brennan, Vice -Mayor Stone (via Zoom), Council Member Brandon, and Council Member
D'Ambra
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Discussion on Amending the Sign Code for Temporary Signage - Sandwich -board
Signs
Village Manager Jeremy Allen offered a recap on signage from recent meetings. He
specifically mentioned sandwich boards and the size, hours, location, weather, and
construction materials related to them.
Council discussed having signs out at the street and agreed they did not want to
compromise the charm of the Village with a multitude of signs littering towards the street.
Father Doug, Pastor of Good Shepherd Church, commented via Zoom and asked
Council to consider signage near the street, as the thrift store, Pennies for Heaven,
would be affected. They had recently been cited by code enforcement for having a sign
in front of the church, which exceeded the distance allowed from the front entrance of the
building. The thrift store was located towards the side of the church, and did not have a
street facing entrance. He asked that the ordinance be geared towards the building and
not the entrance.
Ms. Beth Long, Pennies for Heaven Manager, commented via Zoom and supported
Father Doug's comments about needing visibility.
Manager Allen assured Council that he and Village Attorney Davis would research code
and bring the findings back to Council.
2. Discussion on Village Code and Consideration for Mobile Food Trucks
Ms. Nilsa Zacarias, Director of Community Development gave an overview of the existing
code regarding trailers, which were prohibited. The current code did not allow food
trailers within the Village zoning areas.
Village Attorney Keith Davis revealed that recent legislation in 2020 preempted local
jurisdiction in prohibiting and permitting food trucks. Council could not impose food truck
prohibitions, but could impose reasonable regulations including hours of operation,
zoning districts and best practices for different categories of food trucks, examples given
were ice cream trucks, prepared in truck, and pre -prepared trucks. With the current code
trailers were not permissible in the Village regardless of use.
Mayor Brennan inquired if the state referenced trailers. Attorney Davis highlighted the
state captured food trailers but Village code was for all trailers.
Council Member D'Ambra questioned the health and safety regulations. Attorney Davis
explained the health and safety would be certified by the State, however, the fire
department could inspect trucks. Food trucks had been allowed at special events in the
Village in the past. It was further explained that the state law and two applications for
food truck trailers, to be parked and operated out of commercial parking lots in the
Village, have highlighted the need for an updated code.
Attorney Davis advised council to regulate food trucks as a ban was not permitted. He
perceived the best case for allowing food trucks would be to park in the morning and
vacate after reasonable business hours. Mandatory parking was also an issue, as a food
truck would take away spots. An application process was discussed with parameters that
applied to food trucks including hours of operation, licenses, parking, graphics and
permits. Attorney Davis voiced it was time to put together an ordinance under current
statutory pre -exemptions.
Mr. Vincent Pezzino, owner of Ferro Via in Jupiter, requested bringing in his airstream
trailer to sell coffee in the Village. He felt that the code being referenced was specific to
storage. The owner of Gallery Square North, Eric Peterson, would allow the trailer to be
parked and operated under the old bank building in the plaza. Mr. Pezzino previously had
his trailer parked in Jupiter, but could not keep it there.
The problem for Council was that once one trailer was allowed, then all trailers would
have to be allowed in the Village. Attorney Davis felt that Village code was specific and
covered all trailers, not just those used for storage. Additionally, the interested party was
not keen on moving the trailer every night. Council suggested the individual be creative
in bringing his business to the Village and follow current codes and ordinances. It was
also suggested to meet with Ms. Zacarias again as perhaps there could be something
that was allowable as a structure, but would require site plans and other approvals.
Attorney Davis and Ms. Zacarias would work on a draft of code to bring food trucks into
compliance that Council could review at the next workshop. Ms. Zacarias was asked to
report back to Council with any developments with the interested party as well.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 PM
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member
D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
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.