HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_7/15/2021MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
JULY 15, 2021 6:00 PM CONFERENCE ROOM/ZOOM
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank D'Ambra III at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken
by Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser.
Present were. -
Mayor Frank D'Ambra III, Council Member Bruce Prince, Council Member Laurie Brandon and
Council Member Molly Young.
Late were:
Vice -Mayor Kyle Stone (via ZOOM)
AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the agenda; Council Member
Brandon seconded the motion; motion carried 4-0. (Absent: Vice Mayor Stone)
1. Discussion on Tequesta Park Master Plan
Mayor Frank D'Ambra III thanked Council for being available on short notice and
conveyed information from a recent meeting with Senator Bobby Powell.
The meeting between Mayor D'Ambra III and Senator Powell included topics regarding
annexation, letters of support and grant applications. He felt the conversation with the
Senator was positive and supportive towards the Village.
Vice Mayor Kyle Stone joined the meeting via ZOOM at 6:09 PM.
Tequesta Park was discussed and Senator Powell agreed to recommend the park
receive funding, although it was a multi -layered approval process. Senator Powell would
attempt to schedule a fifteen -minute meeting with Mayor D'Ambra and Governor
DeSantis. A design plan would be necessary to present to the State along with a cost
estimate. Additionally, there would need to be funds available in reserves for repair and
upkeep of the park. He estimated that $2.2 million dollars had already been invested on
maintenance of the park.
Council Member Prince opined that the cost of $8 million dollars to build the new park
seemed high. He felt it could be created for approximately $4 million dollars, and
questioned if annexation of the park was possible.
Tequesta Park's current and possible future costs were discussed at length.
Kimley- Horn and Associates and CWA (Chris Wayne and Associates, Inc.) had been
contacted for costs on construction documents and probable cost estimates. The
information needed to be to the State by September 1, 2021.
Manager Allen felt that Council Members Prince and Young could possibly help with the
cost estimates as they both were in the construction business.
Mayor D'Ambra asked Council to consider giving $1000 each from their discretionary
funds, to begin the preliminary drawings. Vice Mayor Stone and Council Member Prince
agreed to donate funds from their discretionary account.
Council discussed gathering support from local governmental agencies.
Mr. Mark Sapire, of 79 Yacht Club Place, commented on the Tequesta Park Master
Plan. He felt that Tequesta Park was more of an entertainment space and would hurt
the environment thru irrigation, use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and flood risk. His
preference was to create a "natural park" and felt there were enough sports fields in
neighboring towns.
Mrs. Marcia Nielson, of 94 Beechwood Trail, commented on the costs associated with
the new plan for Tequesta Park. She urged Council to be fiscally responsible and to
make sure the park was able to support itself.
Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, opined it would be difficult to go back after
creating a high level facility.
Manager Allen would work on projections, local letters of support and a survey for
residents.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM.
MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member
Young seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
L�
i.' +'a",
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.