HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_5/13/2021MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
MAY 13, 2021 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank D'Ambra at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams.
Present were:
Mayor Frank D'Ambra, Vice -Mayor Kyle Stone, Council Member Laurie Brandon, Council
Member Bruce Prince and Council Member Molly Young.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Molly Young
An invocation was offered by Council Member Young followed by the pledge of allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to move agenda items number 26 and 27 after
items number 13; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
PRESENTATION
1. Presentation of the Professional Partnership Award to Bureau of Land
Management, accepted by Peter DeWitt
Fire Chief James Trube presented the Professional Partnership Award to Mr. Peter
DeWitt of The Bureau of Land Management for their assistance during COVID19 in 2020.
Chief Trube highlighted the Bureau of Land Management's ability in providing housing at
the previous Coast Guard quarters. He explained the need for a secondary station during
Covid19's quarantine period in 2020 and the Bureau of Land Management's superb
accommodations. Mr. DeWitt accepted the award and divulged their pleasure in assisting
the Village Fire Department.
2. Approve FY2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Presentation by Marcum
LLP
Mr. Hermes Garzone of Marcum, LLP presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report to Council. The report declared what was being audited, the auditing period,
managements responsibilities for statements, opinions of the financial statements, and
the generally accepted standards for auditing in the USA and of governmental auditing.
Mr. Garzone stated the the unmodified opinion received by the Village was considered a
clean opinion, which was the highest regard an entity could receive.
He further detailed aspects of the report stating there were not any instances of material
weakness or deficiencies, and also no instances of non compliance. Mr. Garzone
discussed prior audit recommendations and findings. He noted the previous issue with
Utility billings had been corrected. He went on to explain the minimum fund balance and
the policy of the Village, stating the policy had three years to correct itself. The balance
was first noted in 2017 and following the three years was noted as being short during the
2020 audit.
Mr. Garzone concluded by thanking everyone for their work during the audit process.
Vice -Mayor Stone questioned whether a single audit would need to be completed
because of the Federal Government money received. Finance Director Hugh Dunkley
announced that had not been established by the Treasury Department.
Council Member Young inquired when the fund balance would meet the 17% threshold.
Mr. Dunkley expected an increase in 2021 and would have a projected number during the
budget process.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council
Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
3. MINUTES: March 29, 2021 Workshop; April 8, 2021 Special Meeting; April 8, 2021
Regular Meeting and April 13, 2021 Workshop
4. Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager Under $25,000 (Per Village Ordinance we
are presenting the following agreements, proposals, commitments and
memorandum of understanding to Council.)
1. Deevan, Inc. Quote -Utilities, $19,050.40 (The Deevan, Inc. Quote is on file in the
Utilities Department for review. Please contact Janet McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to
view the file).
2. Dive Rescue International Host Agreement -Fire Department; please see
agreement for associated fees (The Dive Rescue International Host Agreement is
on file in the Fire Department for review. Please contact Tessa McKay at 561-768-
0559 to view the file).
3. Florida Department of Children and Families Memorandum of Understanding -
Police Department, $N/A (The Florida Department of Children and Families
Memorandum of Understanding is on file in the Police Department for review.
Please contact Amber Krauss at 561-768-0505 to view the file).
4. Solutions Square, Inc. Red9 Master Services Agreement -IT Department,
$4,500.00 (The Solutions Square, Inc. Red9 Master Services Agreement is on file in
the IT Department for review. Please contact Max Cooper at 561-768-0565 to view
the file).
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an
alternative format by completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-
mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-768-0443.
5. Approve Utilities Developer Agreement with Forte Manager, LLC for Crystal Cove
Project
6. Authorize Grant Agreement with Florida Department of Environmental Protection -
$30,000 Nonpoint Source Stormwater Grant
7. Approve Utilities Developer Agreement with Royal Tequesta, LLC for The Reserve
Project
8. Approve Palm Beach County Allocation of Funds to our Reentry and FUSE
Programs
9. RESOLUTION NO. 26-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE
SURPLUS AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DONATE OF SURPLUS
PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES
10. Affirm Renewal of State of Emergency Declaration Due to COVID-19
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
No comments were made.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Vice -Mayor Stone announced the SHOP VOT event happening in June and thanked everyone
for their work with the event.
Council Member Brandon announced the Environmental Advisory Committee was reviewing
presentations from companies for a micro transit initiative.
STANDING REPORTS
Village Attorney
Village Attorney Davis did not have anything specific and Council did not have any questions.
Village Manager
Manager Allen stated that the Village was no longer under an emergency declaration order. He
noted a top out ceremony was planned for the community center and the Village was in the
process of working on budgeting for next fiscal year.
Police Department
Chief Medina introduced a new police officer and updated Council on trainings and hurricane
season preparation. He also communicated the dates of National Police Week to remember
fallen officers.
Chief Medina announced the retirement of Lieutenant James Pike after 27 years with the Village
of Tequesta Police Department. He acknowledged Lieutenant Pike's dedication to Tequesta,
the programs he started and the support he had given throughout his years as a police officer.
Lieutenant Pike was presented with the 2021 Chiefs Award.
Lieutenant Pike thanked everyone and communicated how much he had enjoyed his years with
the Tequesta Police Department. He looked forward to seeing the continued success of the
department.
Council congratulated Lieutenant Pike on his retirement and thanked him for his years of
dedication and service.
Mayor D'Ambra acknowledged Chief Medina and Pastor Paul Beresford on their mental health
efforts of police officers within the Village and the national recognition they had received. Chief
Medina praised the support of the Council, staff and community.
Fire Department
Chief Medina congratulated and thanked Lieutenant Pike on his retirement. He provided an
update on COVID19 statistics and vaccinations as well as hurricane preparedness being
completed by the Fire Department. In addition, he explained the different trainings being
completed by Fire Department members.
UTILITIES
Utilities Director Matt Hammond congratulated Lieutenant Pike and explained water pipe lines
and billing updates.
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
11. ORDINANCE NO. 06-21, SECOND READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 50.
NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION. AT ARTICLE Vl. WATER PROTECTION AND
CONSERVATION. SECTION 50-186. CROSS CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW
PREVENTION. TO ALLOW REVISIONS TO THE VILLAGE CROSS CONNECTION
AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION POLICY BY RESOLUTION; PROVIDING THAT
EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 50.
NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION. SHALL REMAIN IN 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 Davis read Ordinance No. 06-21 title into the record.
The hearing was opened up for public comments; no comments were made.
The hearing was opened to the Council; there being no comments the hearing was
closed.
MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 06-21;
Council Member Prince seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
12. Approval of the 2021-2022 Strategic Plan
Manager Allen explained the plan and when updates would be presented to Council as
well as the distribution of the plan on the Village website.
Mark Sapirie of 79 Yacht Club Place felt that the ideas in the strategic plan were not
consistent with Village words. He opposed land being sold and wanted to preserve any
Village land.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the 2021-2022 Strategic
Plan; Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
13. RESOLUTION NO. 25-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL BOARDS AND
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS
Clerk Lori McWilliams explained the advertisement of the committee vacancies and
applications received.
Two applications were presented to Council for two Environmental Advisory Committee
openings, Russ Redman and Marguerite Wilson. Both applicants introduced themselves
and described their interests in the position and qualifications.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve both candidates for the
Environmental Advisory Committee; Council Member Prince seconded the motion.
Carried unanimously 5-0.
Clerk McWilliams recommended Russ Redman for seat 5 and Marguerite Wilson for seat
6 based on when the applications were received.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve Mr. Redman for seat 5
and Ms. Wilson for seat 6; Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried
unanimously 5-0.
Planning and Zoning had one regular member seat open and three alternate openings.
The following applications had been received: Ashley Warren was a current Regular
Member who had missed eight meetings since 2019, Theresa Maggio was a current
Alternate One who had missed five meetings since 2019, Marjorie "Millie" Isiminger was a
new applicant who was unable to attend, Sherry Ambrose was a new applicant, and
James Hackett was new applicant and previous Planning and Zoning member.
Mr. Hackett of 517 Cypress Court had experience as a local land planner in addition to
his previous time on the Planning and Zoning Board.
Ms. Ambrose of 78 Hickory Hill Rd. had a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning and
as a new residents was looking to get involved.
Ms. Warren explained most of her absences occurred during Covid.
Ms. Maggio of Tequesta Gardens was looking forward to continuing her role on the
Board.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to appoint James Hackett as the Planning
and Zoning Regular Member; Council Member Young seconded the motion. Carried 4-1
with Council Member Brandon opposed.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to appoint Theresa Maggio as Alternate one,
Sherry Ambrose as Alternate two and Ashley Warren as Alternate three to the Planning
and Zoning Board; Council Member Prince seconded the motion. Carried unanimously
5-0.
General Employee and Public Safety Pension Boards each had two trustee positions
available. The following applications had been received: Bernard Ward was a current
member of the General Employee Pension Board who submitted a request to continue
and Kristopher Cowles was a current member of the Public Safety Pension Board who
was willing to serve on Public Safety or General Employee Boards. It was the
recommendation of the Clerk to place Mr. Ward on the General Employee Pension Board
and Mr. Cowles on the Public Safety Pension Board.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve Mr. Ward for the General
Employee Pension Board; Council Member Young seconded the motion. Carried
unanimously 5-0.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve Mr. Cowles to the Public
Safety Pension Board; Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-
0.
Clerk McWilliams noted another position on the board would become available, as Mr. Ed
Sabin had moved, in addition to the one position on the General Employee Pension
Board and one position on the Public Safety Pension Board.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 24-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING AN AMENDED CROSS
CONNECTION AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION POLICY MANUAL; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
Utilities Director Matt Hammond stated this would put the Village in compliance with
Florida Statute and needed to be updated when the State made updates.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve Resolution 24-21; Council
Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
15. RESOLUTION NO 23-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, INCREASING THE FISCAL YEAR 202012021
SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT FUND #605 BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FUND
BALANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,744.00 TO FUND THE PURCHASE OF A
POWERDMS SUBSCRIPTION FOR THREE YEARS
Chief Medina elaborated the need for the Powerdms to fulfill the police departments
accreditation goal. He further explained how the system would keep trainings logged and
monitor retention of trainings and memos.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve Resolution No. 23-21;
Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
16. ORDINANCE NO. 07-21, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE
CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 78. ZONING. ARTICLE IX. SUPPLEMENTAL
REGULATIONS. DIVISION 10. OCCUPANCY OR USE OF TEMPORARY
STRUCTURES, TRAILERS OR VEHICLES. SECTION 78-612. OTHER USES. TO
PERMIT THE PARKING OF FOOD TRUCK TRAILERS WITHIN VILLAGE
JURISDICTION UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; ALSO AMENDING CHAPTER 78.
ZONING. ARTICLE IX. TO CREATE AN ENTIRELY NEW DIVISION 11. ENTITLED
"MOBILE FOOD VENDORS" IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH LOCAL REGULATIONS
FOR MOBILE FOOD VENDORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 509, FLORIDA
STATUTES; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUB-
SECTION OF CHAPTER 78. ZONING. SHALL REMAIN IN 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 Davis read Ordinance No. 07-21 title into the record.
The hearing was opened up for public comments; no comments were made.
The hearing was opened to the Council; there being no comments the hearing was
closed.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 07-21;
Council Member Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
17. ORDINANCE 08-21, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 78. ZONING. AT
ARTICLE IX. SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS. DIVISION 4. LANDSCAPING. BY
REVISING SECTION 78-399. MAINTENANCE. SUBSECTION (d) PESTICIDE
MANAGEMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR UPDATED REFERENCE TO FLORIDA
STATUTES GOVERNING SUCH PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT, PROVIDING THAT
EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 78.
ZONING. SHALL REMAIN IN 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 Davis read Ordinance No. 08-21 title into the record.
The hearing was opened up for public comments; no comments were made.
The hearing was opened to the Council; Council Member Young asked for further
explanation on the Village role for 78-399 (L). Attorney Davis explained the statute
charges State as well as County and Local law enforcements with enforcing. This
ordinance was in accordance with State law and if a violation was observed the Village
would report it to State for enforcement.
Council discussed a grace period to educate residents and switch providers if necessary,
but since this was a State law the grace period was determined to not be applicable. The
Environmental Advisory Committee would provide information to distribute to residents.
There being no further comments the hearing was closed.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 08-21;
Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
18. ORDINANCE 10-21, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF
ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION. BY AMENDING SECTION 2-61.
PENSION TRUST FUNDS, EXHIBIT B, PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' PENSION
TRUST FUND, ADOPTING REVISIONS TO INCORPORATE PROVISIONS OF THE
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE AND PALM BEACH COUNTY
POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION CONCERNING THE POLICE OFFICERS'
SHARE PLAN; AMENDING SECTION 28, "DEFINED CONTRIBUTION
COMPONENT"; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND
SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 2. SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS
PREVIOUSLY ENACTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Attorney Davis read Ordinance No. 10-21 title into the record.
The hearing was opened up for public comments; no comments were made.
The hearing was opened to the Council; there being no comments the hearing was
closed.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 10-21;
Council Member Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
19. Approve Settlement Agreement Regarding a Grievance between the Palm Beach
County Police Benevolent Association and the Village of Tequesta in Respect of
the Retirement Article of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Human Resource Director Merlene Reid announced this item was in conjunction with
Ordinance 10-21. Council had no further questions.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approval the settlement
agreement between the Village and the Police Benevolent Association; Council Member
Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
20. Approve Tequesta Park Tennis Courts Renovation an Award Quote to Armor
Courts Incorporated in the Amount of $128,745
This was part of the strategic plan with parks and was budgeted for the fiscal year. The
park was located in Martin County therefore, they needed to go through Martin County for
permitting of the project if necessary. A three to four week construction period was
expected.
Mr. Mark Sapirie of Tequesta Country Club recommended using Village money on Village
owned land and not leased land.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to approve Tequesta Park tennis court
renovation; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
21. Approve Country Club Drive Sidewalk Replacement Phase l/ Project
Director of Public Works Doug Chambers summarized the phase one sidewalk
replacement and detailed the phase two project.
A discussion took place regarding sidewalks and aprons in unincorporated Tequesta. It
was taken out of the budget but Council was concerned with the aesthetics since
residents travel in that area. Vice -Mayor Stone and Council Member Brandon were
concerned with symmetry. Mr. Chambers pointed out other sidewalks within the Village
were in need of repairs and the money may be better spent on those areas.
MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to approve the Country Club Sidewalk
Replacement Phase II; Council Member Prince seconded the motion. Carried
unanimously 5-0.
22. First Amendment to Emergency Services Agreement for Mutual Assistance,
Automatic Aid, Dispatch and Fire Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Services
Between Palm Beach County and the Village of Tequesta
Chief Trube explained there was no cost associated with this agreement.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the amendment to
Emergency Services agreement for mutual assistance; Council Member Brandon
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
23. Approve Revised Interlocal Agreement with the Palm Beach County Solid Waste
Authority Regarding the County -wide Recycling Program and F.S. Sec.
403.706(22) (a)
Attorney Davis explained the statute required new provisions be incorporated when
contracts were renewed or out to bid again.
Council Member Young was interested in the commercial recycling revenue share and
Manager Allen said he would research it.
Manager Allen detailed his conversation with Waste Management and they do meet all
statutory requirements that had been passed down. The Solid Waste Authority was
responsible for all marketing and advertising.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the proposed interlocal
agreement with Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority;
Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
24. Renewal of CrowdStrike Falcon Complete EDR
Director of IT Brad Gomberg explained this helps prevent any intrusion into the Village
network and cited a recent security breach that CrowdStrike helped to prevent for the
Village network.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the renewal of CrowdStrike
Falcon Complete EDR; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried
unanimously 5-0.
25. Approve Temporary Mask Policy
Manager Allen announced a temporary mask policy to provide employees the time to
receive a vaccination if chosen to. Unvaccinated employees were required to wear a
mask until May 30th to give all employees an opportunity to receive the vaccination.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve a temporary mask policy
through May 30th; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously
5-0.
26. Authorize the Village Manager to Initiate the Process of Selling Land (as six
individual parcels) on the West Side of the FEC Railway Between Tequesta Drive
and Pineview Road
Mayor D'Ambra clarified his position with parks and land in the Village. He stated there
was not a desire to sell any land. The Council was interested in purchasing Paradise
Park, which was currently leased and was interested in approving the negotiation
process. It was previously stated that Paradise Park had the largest benefit and potential
to the Village. If funds were needed to purchase that land, there was six small parcels
between Cypress Drive and the Railroad tracks that was an option to sell and worth
reviewing with public input.
Mr. Thomas Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail was opposed to selling any greenspace in the
Village. He stated a vision process with resident input should be completed.
Mr. Mark Sapirie of Tequesta Country Club expressed his desire for Council to vote no in
authorizing the manager to sell any land within the Village.
Ms. Jessica Namath of 20 Shady Lane was speaking for the next generation with her
desire for the Council to vote no on the sale of greenspace within the Village.
Ms. Marguerite Wilson of 93 Hickory Hill felt combining the parcels created a more
valuable piece of land.
Mayor D'Ambra explained the purchase of Paradise Park would add greenspace and not
diminish it. He further stated the railroad parcel is 50 feet along the tracks and not an
area for parks or recreation. Paradise Park was an infinitely more valuable trade if that
was what was needed.
Council Member Prince appreciated the passion of the speakers but also felt that
Paradise Park was a much more valuable greenspace. He expressed a need to
understand the value of the railroad parcel and suggested an appraisal be sought.
Council Member Brandon was not in favor of selling any land but suggested there could
be opportunities to potentially lease the land.
Council Member Young required more information to formulate an opinion and make a
decision.
Vice -Mayor Stone felt there was value in the land and was not for selling. He wanted
more resident input.
Further discussion took place on the land use, zoning, environmental pros and cons and
planning for the future.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to deny the sale process of the
Cypress land area; Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
27. Authorize the Village Manager to Obtain Required Appraisals Pursuant to Sec.
166.045, F.S. and Initiate Negotiations for Potential Purchase of Paradise Park Land
by the Village
Manager Allen explained the item would allow him to provide, in writing, the Village's
desire to negotiate and also begin an appraisal process. Attorney Davis clarified that the
lease agreement gives the Village the first right of refusal. Florida Statute had a clause
where two appraisals are required to take advantage of the public records confidentiality
provision.
Vice -Mayor Stone inquired if there was an approximate value for the land. Manager Allen
announced the estate appraisal was around $2.6 million and that the family was
researching a sale appraisal which was assumed would be higher.
Council Member Brandon requested information on a cost of an appraisal. Manager
Allen estimated an appraisal to cost between one to two thousand dollars. Council
Member Brandon suggested a special meeting to discuss this item further.
Mayor D'Ambra made Council aware of grant programs available that covered 75 percent
of funding at the highest use of land value, and for municipalities under 10,000 a 100
percent grant was available.
Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail felt Council was in control of the outcome of the
land and mentioned ordinances and regulations put into place in the nineties that would
secure Council's position of what is developed on the land.
Mr. Mark Sapirie of Tequesta Country Club urged Council to vote no as he felt this hid
costs from Village residents.
Ms. Jessica Namath of 20 Shady Lane also urged Council to vote no and asked for
further discussions regarding greenspace.
Vice -Mayor Stone requested Village Attorney Davis research Councils authority in
regards to Mr. Bradford's information. Village Attorney Davis explained he would need to
explore the entire package adopted by the 1990's Council to see what is allowed and not
allowed.
Council also requested the presence of Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias
and Attorney Davis at a special meeting.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to authorize the Village Manager to exercise
the right of first refusal and schedule a special meeting with two, three and four million
dollar financing options for purchasing Paradise Park; Council Member Brandon
seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
A break was taken between 8:35 PM and 8:40 PM.
MOTION: Mayor D'Ambra made a motion to take a five minute break; Council Member
Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Mayor D'Ambra notified Council of an upcoming meeting with Florida Senator Bobby Powell and
Florida House Representative John Snyder that will take place after the Florida special
legislation had concluded. He announced his area of concern were annexation and earmark
funding for Tequesta Park. He asked Council if there further items they would like him to
address. Council agreed on the two priorities mentioned by Mayor D'Ambra.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member
Brandon 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.