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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_9/8/2021J'�b�o►'tto4�a r a` f � coin MINUTES SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 5:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Frank D'Ambra at 5:30 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. Late were: Council Member Molly Young arrived at 5:31 p.m. Absent were: Council Member Bruce Prince. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to approve the agenda; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 3-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS AGENDA ITEMS 1. Budget Hearing: - Announce the Proposed Millage Rate is 6.6290 Mills - Announce the Proposed Operating Millage Rate Necessary to Fund the Budget is 4.41 % Greater than the Rolled -back Rate of 6.3492 Mills - Summary of Tentative Budget - Citizen Comments Manager Jeremy Allen detailed the previous budget workshops and stated the draft No Text budget was posted along with the budget -in -brief. All meetings were publicly noticed with documents available as well. Manager Allen announced the proposed millage rate of 6.629 and the needed increase to meet operating requirements. He summarized the 31 % increase from Fiscal Year 2021 and provided further detail on the budget. The General Fund increase was attributed to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the increase in ad valorem tax revenue, and a decrease in lease purchase proceeds. The Water Utility Fund increase was attributed to future drinking water revolving loan needed for capital improvements. He highlighted an increase in intergovernmental revenue due to state shared revenue and a projected increase in federal grants. There was also a decrease in administrative fees and the miscellaneous category which helped planned revenues. Expenditures included salary and health insurance costs along with debt service on the new Community Center. Manager Allen further detailed the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds and several budget funds. Stephen Smith of 354 South Cypress Drive communicated his opposition to using ARPA funds for a Business Liaison position. He explained how the Village went above and beyond for local businesses with several events, but that many businesses did not see an increase in revenue from these events. He felt the Village took a hands off approach and the ARPA funds would be better utilized for environmental initiatives or other initiatives that would better benefit residents. Mark Sapirie of Yacht Club Place requested removal of the Business Liaison position. He felt it was an intolerable waste of funds that could be put towards storm resilience. He suggested a committee of residents to organize events. Manager Allen explained the Business Liaison position would provide increased communication to businesses and provide opportunities for sponsorships and advertising. This initiative started with the Village's desire to keep businesses sustainable while recovering from Covid and during the US1 Bridge closure. Council Member Young wanted clarification on the total ARPA funds for the position over the three year period. Manager Allen explained it was $85,000 salary with benefits and $264,320 over a three year period. Council Member Young was a big proponent to give the funds back to residents and businesses impacted by Covid. She felt it would be a good conduit but was open to other ideas. She also inquired about a contingency plan for ARPA funds should they not be received. Manager Allen did not feel there was anything in the budget that would be denied. The auditors had also reviewed the plan and all items were properly classified. Council Member Brandon was concerned with the categorization of the position and timing. She requested a more detailed job position and title as she didn't feel the Village should get into marketing businesses. She was also concerned with funding the position after the ARPA funds. No Text Vice -Mayor Stone felt one point of contact would be an asset for the Village and businesses. Mayor D'Ambra suggested passing the budget as it stood and scheduling a workshop to discuss the Business Liaison position further. 2. Approval of Proposed Millage of 6.6290 Mills MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to approve the millage rate of 6.6290 mills; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to adopt the tentative budget as presented; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. 3. Announce Time and Place of Final Budget Public Hearing - September 16, 2021 - 5:30 PM Mayor D'Ambra announced the final budget hearing would be held Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in the Village Hall Council Chambers located at 345 Tequesta Drive. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:03 p.m.; Vice - Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member Prince). Respectfully submitted, � tt�01 - - 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. No Text