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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_2/3/2020MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL FEBRUARY 3, 2020 6:00 PM VILLAGE HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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, Council Member Arena, Council Member Brandon, and Council Member Stone. Absent were: Vice -Mayor Johnson. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS None at this time. AGENDA ITEMS Discuss North County Communications Center Partnership Police Chief Gus Medina presented a power point which offered information on the North County Communications Center (North Comm) possible partnership with the Village of Tequesta. Several area police chiefs and police officers were in attendance and shared their positive experiences of transitioning their dispatch departments to North Comm. Chief Medina stressed to Council that the partnership was not about money, but rather officer and resident safety. The current system of communication utilized by the Village, ,was unable to communicate with neighboring municipalities; leaving our officers virtually in the dark during dangerous scenarios. Chief recalled several instances where Village Officers were uninformed and vulnerable, while neighboring towns were experiencing criminal activity. Chief Medina assured Council, his department would still offer high level, "white glove service" residents had always received. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, addressed Council and emphasized the need for Page 1 of 4 No Text effectiveness thru communication. He was concerned with fire and police being able to communicate together, and asked how the current fire dispatch system worked. Additionally, he asked who would be in the Public Safety building after dark. Mr. Richard Poulette, Communication Workers of America (CWA) Representative, addressed Council and asked if there were actually 2 positions available at the North Comm facility. He was concerned with the pay scale, benefits, cost savings etc. He mentioned that Village dispatchers not only answered calls, but monitored cameras, automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) emergency contacts, and seasonal residences. Mr. Poulette felt there was a way to patch into North Comm without displacing dispatchers. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive, conveyed her adoration of Village dispatchers but cautioned Council of the current state of the world in which we now live. She believed officer and resident safety was of paramount importance. Council Member Arena asked if the Fire department would be part of the transition and he was assured that it would as well. Currently, the Fire department received calls on site, which were then dispatched to the County service center, and then Tequesta received notification of the call. Additionally, cell phone calls would be able to be received at North Comm. without an issue (depending on the carrier). Mayor Brennan conveyed to Council the need for a non -emergency line, which would be answered directly by Village staff, as she did not want to lose the personal touch residents appreciated and were used to. Mayor Brennan reminded Council that no decisions would be made at the meeting, as it was simply an opportunity to discuss and gather information on the topic. 2. Discuss the Sale of ROW (Right -of -Way) 30-40-43, W 50 FT STRIP OF FEC RY R/W LYG S OF & ADJ TO TEQUESTA DRIVE R/W & E OF & ADJ TO PB26P19. Village Manager Jeremy Allen offered information to Council regarding the request of selling a right of way parcel, to a Village business owner and resident, for the use of additional parking. Currently the Village was maintaining the property. . George Gentile of Gentile, Glas, Holloway, O'Mahoney & Associates, Inc., reprsent drD . Steve Pullon in the request of acquisition of the parcel. Council Member Brandon was interested in a "lease only" agreement. Dr. Steve Pullon addressed Council and revealed he was simply looking for some extra parking for the building he had recently purchased on Cypress Drive. Manager Allen stated there would be a resolution coming forth in March and Council would be able to vote on whether they would like to sell the parcel. 3. Discuss Annexation Benefits, Potential Annexation Areas and Process Page 2 of 4 No Text Ms. Nilsa Zacharias addressed Council and explained the process as well as the proposed area referenced for potential annexation. Council discussed and agreed that a Town Hall meeting would be prudent in reaching out to those homeowners that may be in support of the proposed annexation. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of 94 Beechwood Trail, suggested getting some neighbors involved in positive conversations. Manager Allen would start the process and schedule a meeting before preparing a resolution. Additionally, a plan would be brought forth for Council review. 4. Discussion on External Auditor Selection Committee Finance Director, Hugh Dunkley asked Council for direction as the contract was nearing expiration after the 2019 audit. The contract allowed for a 1-year extension, however, if the Village moved forward with an RFP, a committee would have to be formed. The Committee would need to be comprised of 3 members, with one being a member of Council. Discussion ensued, with Council asking Attorney Davis to bring the item to a Regular Council Meeting to move forward with an RFP. Council Member Stone volunteered to sit on the Committee and Manager Allen agreed to place it on the March agenda. 5. Review and Discussion of Current Draft of Sign Code Ordinance Attorney Davis asked for Council direction in moving forward with the draft Sign Code Ordinance. He reminded Council of their requests for changes regarding temporary signs, right of ways and setbacks. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, reminded Council of the recent Workshop meeting whereas temporary signs were discussed. He was shocked that Council would consider temporary signs within the right of way. He beseeched Council to reconsider allowing temporary signage within the Village right of ways. Manager Allen recommended revising the code to disallow any signage within the right of ways. Council asked for right of way signage to be removed, and asked to review Jupiter Island and Palm Beach Island sign ordinances. The topic would be brought back to another Workshop meeting. 6. Discussion Regarding Proposal for New Lease Agreement at 136 Bridge Road Cell Tower with American Tower Council discussed the request from American Tower to extend the current agreement to a 50-year lease, bringing the expiration date out to 2069. Manager Allen did not recommend this type of long-term commitment, as in his experience it was not worth the risk. Council agreed to deny this proposal. Page 3 of 4 No Text 7. Community Center Update Village Manager Allen updated Council on the progress with the Community Center. He understood the layout and renderings would be available in March, as REG was currently working on them. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Stone stated he would like to see Countyline Park revitalized for the community. Mayor Brennan reminded Council that the Village did not have the ability to patrol the park. Lt. James Pike revealed the park was able to be patrolled by Tequesta police, per Florida Statute. However, any arrest would have to be prosecuted in Martin County. MOTION: Council Member Arena made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. 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. Page 4 of 4 No Text MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL FEBRUARY 3, 2020 6:00 PM VILLAGE HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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, Council Member Arena, Council Member Brandon, and Council Member Stone. Absent were: Vice -Mayor Johnson. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS None at this time. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Discuss North County Communications Center Partnership Police Chief Gus Medina presented a power point which offered information on the North County Communications Center (North Comm) possible partnership with the Village of Tequesta. Several area police chiefs and police officers were in attendance and shared their positive experiences of transitioning their dispatch departments to North Comm. Chief Medina stressed to Council that the partnership was not about money, but rather officer and resident safety. The current system of communication utilized by the Village, was unable to communicate with neighboring municipalities; leaving our officers virtually in the dark" during dangerous scenarios. Chief recalled several instances where Village Officers were uninformed and vulnerable, while neighboring towns were experiencing criminal activity. Chief Medina assured Council, his department would still offer high level, "white glove service" residents had always received. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, addressed Council and emphasized the need for Page 1 of 4 No Text effectiveness thru communication. He was concerned with fire and police being able to communicate together, and asked how the current fire dispatch system worked. Additionally, he asked who would be in the Public Safety building after dark. Mr. Richard Poulette, Communication Workers of America (CWA) Representative, addressed Council and asked if there were actually 2 positions available at the North Comm facility. He was concerned with the pay scale, benefits, cost savings etc. He mentioned that Village dispatchers not only answered calls, but monitored cameras, automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) emergency contacts, and seasonal residences. Mr. Poulette felt there was a way to patch into North Comm without displacing dispatchers. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive, conveyed her adoration of Village dispatchers but cautioned Council of the current state of the world in which we now live. She believed officer and resident safety was of paramount importance. Council Member Arena asked if the Fire department would be part of the transition and he was assured that it would as well. Currently, the Fire department received calls on site, which were then dispatched to the County service center, and then Tequesta received notification of the call. Additionally, cell phone calls would be able to be received at North Comm. without an issue (depending on the carrier). answered directly by Village staff, as she did not want to lose the personal Mayor Brennan conveyed to Council the need for a non -emergency line, which would be residents appreciated and were used to. touch Mayor Brennan reminded Council that no decisions would be made at the meeting, as it was simply an opportunity to discuss and gather information on the topic. 2. Discuss the Sale of ROW (Right -of -Way) 30-40-43, W 50 FT STRIP OF FEC RY R/W LYG S OF & ADJ TO TEQUESTA DRIVE RIW & E OF & ADJ TO PB26P19. Village Manager Jeremy Allen offered information to Council regarding the request of selling a right of way parcel, to a Village business owner and resident, for the use of additional parking. Currently the Village was maintaining the property. Mr. George Gentile of Gentile, Glas, Holloway, O'Mahoney & Associates, Inc., represented Dr. Steve Pullon in the request of acquisition of the parcel. Council Member Brandon was interested in a "lease only" agreement. Dr. Steve Pullon addressed Council and revealed he was simply looking for some extra parking for the building he had recently purchased on Cypress Drive. Manager Allen stated there would be a resolution coming forth in March and Council would be able to vote on whether they would like to sell the parcel. 3. Discuss Annexation Benefits, Potential Annexation Areas and Process Page 2 of 4 No Text Ms. Nilsa Zacharias addressed Council and explained the process as well as the proposed area referenced for potential annexation. Council discussed and agreed that a Town Hall meeting would be prudent in reaching out to those homeowners that may be in support of the proposed annexation. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of 94 Beechwood Trail, suggested getting some neighbors involved in positive conversations. Manager Allen would start the process and schedule a meeting before preparing a resolution. Additionally, a plan would be brought forth for Council review. 4. Discussion on External Auditor Selection Committee Finance Director, Hugh Dunkley asked Council for direction as the contract was nearing expiration after the 2019 audit. The contract allowed for a 1-year extension, however, if the Village moved forward with an RFP, a committee would have to be formed. The Committee would need to be comprised of 3 members, with one being a member of Council. Discussion ensued, with Council asking Attorney Davis to bring the item to a Regular Council Meeting to move forward with an RFP. Council Member Stone volunteered to sit on the Committee and Manager Allen agreed to place it on the March agenda. 5. Review and Discussion of Current Draft of Sign Code Ordinance Attorney Davis asked for Council direction in moving forward with the draft Sign Code Ordinance. He reminded Council of their requests for changes regarding temporary signs, right of ways and setbacks. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, reminded Council of the recent Workshop meeting whereas temporary signs were discussed. He was shocked that Council would consider temporary signs within the right of way. He beseeched Council to reconsider allowing temporary signage within the Village right of ways. Manager Allen recommended revising the code to disallow any signage within the right of ways. Council asked for right of way signage to be removed, and asked to review Jupiter Island and Palm Beach Island sign ordinances. The topic would be brought back to another Workshop meeting. 6. Discussion Regarding Proposal for New Lease Agreement at 136 Bridge Road Cell Tower with American Tower Council discussed the request from American Tower to extend the current agreement to a 50-year lease, bringing the expiration date out to 2069. Manager Allen did not recommend this type of long-term commitment, as in his experience it was not worth the risk. Council agreed to deny this proposal. Page 3 of 4 No Text 7. Community Center Update Village Manager Allen updated Council on the progress with the Community Center. He understood the layout and renderings would be available in March, as REG was currently working on them. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Stone stated he would like to see Countyline Park revitalized for the community. Mayor Brennan reminded Council that the Village did not have the ability to patrol the park. Lt. James Pike revealed the park was able to be patrolled by Tequesta police, per Florida Statute. However, any arrest would have to be prosecuted in Martin County. MOTION: Council Member Arena made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. Res ectfully 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. Page 4 of 4 No Text