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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_8/17/2021MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL AUGUST 17, 2021 5:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank D'Ambra at 5:00 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, Council Member Molly Young. AGENDA ITEMS Discussion on FY2021-22 Budget Finance Director Hugh Dunkley provided an overview of the budget which consisted of eight funds for an estimated total of $30 million. The largest of those eight funds was the General Fund and Water Utilities Fund which comprise about 90% of the budget. He further explained there was a $1.2 million increase in the General Fund and a $5.3 million increase in the Water Utilities Fund with other funds remaining fairly constant. Mr. Dunkley stated the ad valorem tax was the largest revenue source for the Village. Manager Allen highlighted certain aspects of the budget. He stated there was not a planned millage rate increase and there was a 6.1 % increase in taxable property values. The American Rescue Plan (ARPA Funds), which were funds provided to help mitigate the effects of Covid19, was $1.1 million for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year. The remaining ARPA funds were expected in 12 months. He explained the ARPA funds needed to be spent within five years and dollars needing to be obligated within three years. The funds were planned to be used towards salary increases, pension contributions, a part time Code Compliance Officer, Business Liaison and Special Events personnel, operating expenses, debt service for the new community center, police and fire vehicles, and road improvements. Manager Allen highlighted a decrease in administrative fees and an increase in state shared revenue and infrastructure surtax. The Fund balance was $158K over the two month operating expense requirement. The next goal for staff was a three month operating expense overage. Utilities Director Matt Hammond provided an overview of the Water Utilities budget. There was a 1.8% decrease in operating expenses for the Stormwater Fund due to the completion of the rate study. He explained the storm water rate increase and utilizing the ARPA Funds. The overall increase to the Water Utilities budget was due to large Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) including water treatment plant upgrades, water main replacement programs, well replacements, and filter media replacements. The previously approved water rate increase would also help offset costs. He was projecting an increase in the Water Utility Fund balance. Mr. Hammond detailed a project not reflected in the budget. The project would identify energy efficiency areas at the water plant to to increase efficiency with membranes. There was a $2 million projected cost which included design and consulting fees. It would provide a $105K reduction in energy costs per year and a 20 year net present value of $185K. It was net positive and would reduce the Village carbon footprint by 144 tons per year. Council had a lively discussion on the water budget, construction, and energy saving initiatives. Village Manager Allen detailed road work initiatives in Tequesta Country Club. He explained core sampling and the estimated cost of $30K per core sampling. There was a grant application for phase one and potentially for parts of phase two. The roads would be assessed annually and completed on a need basis. Council discussed the details of the core evaluations, road work, and sidewalk maintenance. Council Member Young inquired about the micro -transit initiative inclusion in the budget. Manager Allen explained the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) 50% grant matching program would not allow the vehicles to cross US1 or sidewalks, which would pose a problem for the Village. The current programs were estimated to be over $100K and grant deadlines were in June of 2022. The Environmental Advisory Committee was continuing their research on more affordable and flexible micro -transit options for the Village. Until a solution was found it was left off the budget. Manager Allen detailed the Business Liaison and Special Events position that would be funded with the ARPA funds. He highlighted the position, if successful, needed be absorbed into the operating fund over three years. There was a $1 million grant available for Remembrance Park but the approved $50K grant would need to be withdrawn. The $50K grant covered landscaping and walk ways. To qualify for the $1 million grant Remembrance Park would need to be ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant and required a parking lot. Town Hall meetings would be scheduled by the end of the year, from those a draft plan would be developed for Council review. Once a draft plan was approved construction drawings and estimates would be acquired. Tequesta Park completed improvements included the dog park and tennis courts. The $132K maintenance budget was the same as previous years. There was $30K in the budget for field improvements and ADA compliant upgrades. The next steps involved a long term maintenance budget with and without the state requested funding. The request to the State had not yet been submitted. If the Village was approved for the state funding, public engagement on a master plan design would be initiated. Council wanted options for artificial turf and pervious pavement in the presentation to the State. The presentation for the State budget hearing would be provided to Council for review on September 3rd with final approval at the September 9th Council meeting. The land acquisition grant was not funded through the State and would not be available for the purchase of Paradise Park. Council discussed continuing the month to month lease until the end of the year. Discussions on Paradise Park would continue. Village Manager Allen requested Council direction for Tequesta Fest. Due to Covid19, staff was recommending a smaller event similar to the 2020 event at Constitution Park. The smaller event would be budgeted for $45K versus $81 K. With the many unknowns of Paradise Park, Covid and the new Recreation Center a smaller event was preferred. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM. MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Vice -Mayor Stone 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.