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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_8/30/2021MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL AUGUST 30, 2021 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 D'Ambra III, Vice -Mayor Stone, Council Member Molly Young, Council Member Laurie Brandon and Council Member Bruce Prince. AGENDA ITEMS Additional Discussion on Recognizing Juneteenth Holiday Mayor D'Ambra III asked that the recently approved "Junteenth Holiday" item be brought back for further discussion. Council discussed floating the holiday, taking away the holiday, taking away a personal day, sick time vs personal time and improving the entire system. Manager Allen explained that the 3 additional personal days given to "exempt status" staff, made up for the time that they worked in excess of their normal hours every month. Additionally, government workers typically made less than their counterparts in the private sector, and benefits were a way to try to bridge the gap due to the the lower pay. Only 30 employees would be affected by this, as the other employees were unionized. 2. Discussion on Final Submittal to the State for Funding of Tequesta Park Mayor D'Ambra distributed a "draft" cover letter for Council to review before approving and sending to the State of Florida. Council Member Young asked that Council be given details, at the upcoming September Council Meeting, regarding: updated maintenance costs, a plan for revenue to offset costs, annual reserve funds, budget, and a plan for public comment. Council Member Brandon asked for a Workshop with community input. The use and intent of Tequesta Park needed to stay as a "recreational space" and the State would have the ability to review and approve. Additionally, updated support letters would be needed to submit to the State. Artificial field turf and pervious pavement costs would be sent to Council prior to the next Regular Council Meeting. Manager Allen had reviewed the numbers and it was an approximate increase of $3 million dollars. Mr. Mark Sapire of 79 Yacht Club Place, addressed Council with his opinion that Tequesta Park was not wanted by residents and would be destructive to the environment and cost prohibitive. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of 94 Beechwood Trail, asked if changes to the Tequesta Park plan could be made after the application process. Mayor D'Ambra confirmed that some changes could be made after the application had been received, depending on what the State deemed appropriate. Mr. Thomas Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, opined that the skate park should stay at Constitution Park only. Additionally, he felt a batting cage would be a waste and did not notice a water retention area on the plan. Lastly, he questioned when the charrette would be scheduled. The caretaker of Tequesta Park did not have an agreement, and would need to part of the discussion if the project moved forward. 3. Discussion on Paradise Park Lease Mayor D'Ambra III discussed Paradise Park with the owners and revealed several scenarios were possible. The Village could continue to lease until May of 2023 at a rate of $4500 per month (an increase of $1000 from the current rate). In addition, there was an option to go monthly until the end of November 2021. Special events at Paradise Park were discussed and it was indicated there was not an established fee schedule for renting the park. A month -to -month contract (until the end of November 2021) would be drafted for Council's approval at the next Council Meeting. Ms. Jessica Namath of 20 Shady Lane, addressed Council and had observed that Paradise Park was being used by many children who attended the Harvey School. She felt residents actually did use the space and urged the Council try to acquire it. Mr. Mark Sapire of 79 Yacht Club Place, spoke to Council and urged the Village to keep Paradise Park as it was useful for casual pickup games. Additionally, he felt the Village should fix the code if it was lacking in terms of park space. Mr. Tom Bradford of 42 Chestnut Trail, felt that if the Village developed Tequesta Park they would have to have Paradise Park developed as well, in order to afford the taxes. He asked what the purchase price of Paradise Park came in at and it was confirmed that the appraised value was $4.3 million dollars. Vice Mayor Stone asked that Workshop Meetings be moved to every other month. Council discussed the pros and cons of having less Workshops, and asked that the time be well spent and productive. They agreed that progress was not being made as quickly as they would like. Vice Mayor Stone suggested a possible time limit on workshop items. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Young 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.