HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_9/9/2021MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
SEPTEMBER 9, 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 Bruce Prince, Council Member
Molly Young.
Absent were:
Council Member Laurie Brandon.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor D'Ambra
An invocation was offered by Pastor Brian Sullivan of Cross Point Church followed by the
pledge of allegiance led by Mayor D'Ambra.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor D'Ambra announced the removal of item 18 from the agenda as the cost was being
absorbed by the contingency fund. He also announced the Supervisor of Elections, Wendy
Link, was unable to attend due to a training in Tallahassee.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion for approval of the agenda; Council Member
Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Proclaiming September 17 - 23, 2021 as Constitution Week in the
Village of Tequesta
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams read the proclamation into the record. Constitution Week
Chairman Susan Earle of the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the
proclamation and thanked Council for the recognition.
2. Presentation by Supervisor of Elections Wendy Link Regarding Canvassing Board
and Run-off Elections
The Supervisor of Elections Wendy Link was unable to attend due to a training in
Tallahassee.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to approve the consent agenda; Vice -Mayor
Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0.
3. MINUTES: August 2, 2021 Workshop, August 12, 2021 Regular and August 17, 2021
Budget 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. Capitol Carpet and Tile Agreement -Public Works, $2,877.70 (The Capitol Carpet
and Tile Agreement is on file in the Public Works Department for review. Please
contact Janet McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to view the file).
2. Inland Grading, Inc. Proposal 21111-Utilities, $15,615.00 (The Inland Grading, Inc.
Proposal is on file in the Utilities Department for review. Please contact Janet
McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to view the file).
3. Jones Edmunds & Associates Work Authorization JESTW21.01-Utilities,
$24,925.00, (The Jones Edmunds & Associates Work Authorization is on file in the
Utilities Department for review. Please contact Janet McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to
view the file).
4. Kimley Horn Work Authorization Tequesta Bridge Underwater Inspection
Services -Public Works, $4,800.00 (The Kimley Horn Work Authorization is on file in
the Public Works Department for review. Please contact Janet McCorkle at 561-
768-0482 to view the file).
5. Munyan Painting & Restoration Contract -Utilities, $10,729.00 (The Kimley Horn
Work Authorization is on file in the Utilities Department for review. Please contact
Janet McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to view the file).
6. Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue Hold Harmless Agreement -Fire Department,
$N/A (The Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue Hold Harmless Agreement is in the
Fire Department for review. Please contact Tessa McKay at 561-768-0559 to view
the file).
7. Transportation Control Systems Quote 15483-Public Works, $140.00 (The
Transportation Control Systems Quote is on file in the Public Works Department
for review. Please contact Janet McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to view the file).
8. Verizon GPS Service Order Contract -Public Works, $130.00 (The Verizon GPS
Service Order Contract is on file in the Public Works Department for review. Please
contact Janet McCorkle at 561-768-0482 to view the file).
9. Zoll Monitor Maintenance Agreement -Fire Department, $3,847.50, (The Zoll
Monitor Maintenance Agreement is on file in the Fire Department for review. Please
contact Tessa McKay at 561-768-0559 to view the file).
5. RESOLUTION 40-21: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, INCREASING THE FISCAL YEAR 202012021 GENERAL
FUND BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $12,102.00 TO RECOGNIZE EMS GRANT FUNDS FROM PALM BEACH
COUNTY TO REIMBURSE THE VILLAGE FOR ITS PURCHASE OF ONE SIMULAIDS
SMART STAT TRAINING SIMULATOR; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 41-211 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, APPROVING A ONE TIME PERFORMANCE
BASED COMPENSATION AMOUNT FOR THE VILLAGE MANAGER FOR FISCAL
YEAR 21122 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION S.F. OF THE EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE MANAGER AND THE VILLAGE OF
TEQUESTA EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2019; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 42-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF TEQUESTA TO
SIGN A FIRST AMENDMENT TO VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE MANAGER
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, MEMORIALIZING VILLAGE COUNCIL ACTION TO
INCREASE BASE SALARY AND VEHICLE ALLOWANCE BENEFIT, PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 43-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE
SURPLUS AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS
PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Beth Dellinger of 104 W. Beverly Road in Jupiter asked council to pass a municipal tax
amendment for low income seniors who make less than $31,000 per year. She stated this
would help 73 Village of Tequesta senior citizens.
Mark Sapirie of Yacht Club Place requested the Village move the ARPA funds from a Business
Liaison position to storm water resilience. He wanted to make clear that his calculation of
$444,320 over three years was correct. He also wanted to note that the $150,000 of funding
over three years may be ineligible under ARPA funding.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Young announced the balance of her discretionary funds went towards two
benches in front of Tequesta Park for students waiting for the school bus.
Mayor D'Ambra announced the 20th Anniversary of September 11th program hosted by the
Tequesta Fire Department and the Tequesta Police Department.
STANDING REPORTS
Village Attorney
Village Attorney Davis announced County level movement to create an independent Fire Control
District was not moving forward for the upcoming legislative session. He expected them to
reorganize and try again the following year.
Village Manager
Manager Allen announced the October 16th Shred -It and Coffee with a Cop event. He also
updated Council on the Recreation Center; it was over 50% completed and trending toward a
February completion.
9. Manager's Report Through August
Police Department
Police Chief Gus Medina updated Council on the monthly statistic and trainings. He reminded
Council that the Police Department was still doing drive by Birthday celebrations, which they
started during Covid. Chief Medina also announced the Blue Magazine article featuring Pastor
Paul Beresford and the mental health program they implemented. The Police accreditation
process was on track for a late April completion and he was sworn in as the Vice President of
the Palm Beach County Association of Police Chiefs.
Chief Medina also recognized Officer Jheri-Lynn Palmeri for her off duty work providing dinner
to a Village non-profit business, Hannah's Home. She was also forging a mentoring relationship
with one of the residents. Chief Medina stated new officers recognize the supportive
environment of the Village.
Fire Department
Fire Chief James Trube announced the Fire Chiefs Association meetings had returned to zoom
due to Covid and detailed a meeting with Martin County and Jupiter concerning the US1 Bridge
construction. Chief Trube was thankful for a partnership with Palm Beach Gardens, Palm
Beach County, and North Palm Beach to use a new training facility located in Palm Beach
Gardens. This would be closer and provide excellent training opportunities. He highlighted the
CPR instructor course completion for Tessa McKay and Medical Billing training for Elizabeth
Spring.
Chief Trube announced the 20th Anniversary of September 11th Tribute would be held on
Saturday in the Council Chambers followed by a ceremony outside at the Village 9/11 Memorial.
He also announced Fire Prevention Week was Oct 3rd - 9th.
UTILITIES
Water Utilities Superintendent David Tinoco announced the completion of the degasifier
cleaning, which created a reduced demand for chlorine. He highlighted the Upper East Coast
Water Supply meeting and the gained insights into water management, as well as, the wrap up
of the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year projects.
10. Utilities Monthly Dashboard
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
11. RESOLUTION NO 47-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, APPROVING A REVISED PRELIMINARY
TEQUESTA PARK CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE
MANAGER TO PROVIDE SAID PRELIMINARY CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN TO
THE STATE OF FLORIDA THROUGH THE VILLAGE'S STATE REPRESENTATIVE
AND SENATOR FOR LEGISLATIVE FUNDING AND/OR GRANT APPLICATION
PURPOSES; DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO
AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVISIONS TO SAID PRELIMINARY CONCEPTUAL MASTER
PLAN WHICH DO NOT CHANGE THE OVERALL SUBSTANCE OR INTENT
THEREOF AS STATED HEREIN; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Attorney Davis read Resolution No. 47-21 title into the record.
Council Member Young was no longer in favor of the Resolution. She felt there were too
many unknowns and was concerned with the RV tourism language.
Mayor D'Ambra didn't feel the unknowns would impact receiving money from the state as
most pertained to Village details and not State criteria for the money. He was confident
concerns would be addressed as public forums were held.
Vice -Mayor Stone felt moving forward was the right thing to do knowing that it could be
declined if granted to the Village.
Council Member Prince acknowledged there was time to go through the details of the
plan. He explained resident input would be vital and the presentation to the State was the
preliminary process.
Mr. Mark Sapirie of Yacht Club Place spoke in opposition of the park and described it as
a waste of time. He demanded alternative usage be sought.
Mrs. Marcia Nielsen of 94 Beechwood Trail referenced the ordinance where it was noted
staff had prepared the preliminary conceptual plan. She requested more public input as
the only input received so far was limited to the repeat few that attended Council
meetings and those parties were against the plan. She questioned who designed the
plan.
Mr. Stephen Smith of 354 S. Cypress Drive thought improvements were a good idea but,
the sports complex or stadium concept was not. He stated sports attendees would not
patronize local businesses and the complex was a tragedy to the natural ecosystem.
Ms. Melissa Corichi of Shady Place was opposed to the plan and concerned about the
environment.
Mr. Jack Sandquist of 301 Fairway Drive was not in favor of the park plan and the
amount of fertilizer that would be used at a sports complex.
Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive detailed the issue with Tequesta Park continued to
be the Martin County location and Village role in maintenance. She felt the concept had
many unknowns and requested public input to further grasp what residents wanted.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to remove the RV language and approve
Resolution 47-21; Council Member Prince seconded the motion. Carried 3-1 (opposed:
Council Member Young) (absent: Council Member Brandon).
NEW BUSINESS
12. ORDINANCE NO. 14-21, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE
CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE V.
ELECTIONS, SECTIONS 2-232, TO REVISE THE COMPOSITION OF THE VILLAGE'S
CANVASSING BOARD, AT THE REQUEST OF THE PALM BEACH COUNTY
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; FURTHER AMENDING THIS ARTICLE TO DELETE
OBSOLETE TEXT; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND
SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION 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. 14-21 title into the record.
Attorney Davis detailed the change in composition of the canvasing board. The board
was currently compromised of the Village Clerk, a Council Member who was not running,
and the Supervisor of Elections. The first option was having the Village Clerk perform the
responsibilities which would require 5 to 10 days at the elections office in addition to
election and post election obligations. Staff recommended the second option of using the
Palm Beach County created canvasing board which consisted of the Supervisor of
Elections, the Mayor of The Board of County Commission or their designee, and a Circuit
Court Judge.
The hearing was opened up for public comments; no comments were made.
The hearing was opened to the Council; Council was concerned with relinquishing control
of the election.
Village Clerk McWilliams explained this was at the request of the Supervisor of Elections
as a result of issues from another municipalities election. Many other municipalities had
changed their ordinances to meet the request of a single canvasing board and the Clerk
would continue handling all other duties, but not be there on election night. Clerk
McWilliams recommended a one year trial and also noted candidates had the ability to
attend canvasing on election nights.
Council asked what the options were should they not approve the Ordinance. Clerk
McWilliams stated the canvasing board would continue without the Supervisor of
Elections and a Council Member and Community Member would need to be appointed to
the board. Attorney Davis explained the Ordinance would need to be rewritten and staff
would need to be at the Supervisor of Elections office for many days prior to the election,
which was something staff had not done before.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 14-21; Vice -
Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried 3-1 (opposed: Council Member Young)
(absent: Council Member Brandon).
13. ORDINANCE NO. 15-21, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE
CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 66. SUBDIVISIONS. ARTICLE VI.
IMPROVEMENTS. SECTION 66-366. SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS. AND AT
CHAPTER 78. ZONING. ARTICLE IX. SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS. DIVISION 2.
SITE PLAN REVIEW. SECTION 78-331. REQUIRED; DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS;
REQUIRED FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE. TO PROVIDE FOR REDUCTIONS
TO MINIMUM SIDEWALK WIDTH IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, WHILE
MAINTAINING CONFORMANCE WITH APPLICABLE ACCESSIBILITY CODE
REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND
SUB -SECTION OF CHAPTER 66. SUBDIVISIONS. AND 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. 14-21 title into the record.
Manager Allen explained the ordinance provided flexibility for sidewalk construction while
remaining ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant.
The hearing was opened up for public comments; no comments were made.
The hearing was opened to the Council; Council agreed on the flexibility for sidewalk
construction.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 15-21;
Council Member Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council
Member Brandon).
14. RESOLUTION NO. 44-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE WRITE-OFF OF
UNCOLLECTABLE EMS TRANSPORT AND ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTION
ACCOUNTS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE ATTACHED "EXHIBIT A" AND "B", AND
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF OF THE
VILLAGE, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Chief Trube detailed $73,324.41 of unpaid fees that was requested to be written off.
$666.42 was fire inspection fees from businesses that had moved or were no longer in
business; the remaining balance was rescue transport fees that were uncollectible due to
patients being deceased, indigent or in collections. He noted one was a Village
employee.
Manager Allen informed Council past administrations had written off employee fees
without approval and the authority to write off the fees lied with Council. Council
discussed waiving employee fees and would continue those discussion at a future
workshop.
Vice -Mayor Stone would seek payments from Josco Bar and Oven and John M.
Severson and were removed from the write off list. Council also removed the Village
employee from the write off list.
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to remove Josco Bar and Oven, John M.
Severson, and the Village employee and approve Resolution No. 44-21; Council Member
Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member
Brandon).
15. RESOLUTION 45-21: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEQUESTA
FIRE RESCUE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE AS IDENTIFIED IN THE ATTACHED
"EXHIBIT A" AND SUPERSEDING THE ATTACHED "EXHIBIT B" RESOLUTIONS 72-
05/06 AND "EXHIBIT C" RESOLUTION 29-20, AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE
MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor D'Ambra read the title into record. Chief Trube disclosed Resolution 45-21 would
replace Resolution 72-05/06 and Resolution 29-20, and create greater transparency. He
stated the fees were unchanged and this established a master fee schedule. Section 1 B
was the only addition, though these special detail fees were already in use. He
requested the removal of Section 3, as that was supposed to be an Exhibit.
MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to approve Resolution 45-21 sections 1
and 2 and moving section 3 to an exhibit; Council Member Prince seconded the motion.
Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member Brandon).
16. RESOLUTION NO. 46-21, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF BUILDERS
RISK INSURANCE FROM CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS AT LLOYD'S OF LONDON IN
CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT
CONSTITUTION PARK, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Manager Allen and staff recommended the Loyd's of London insurance plan which
provided flood insurance. Council Member Young questioned the earthquake coverage
and asked if Hedrick Brothers could carry the insurance. Manager Allen would look into
the earthquake coverage and seek a credit. He also stated Hedrick Brothers provided a
quote but it did not provide flood insurance.
MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to approve Resolution No. 46-21; Vice -
Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member
Brandon).
17. Approval of Contract with AVI-SPL to Install Two Electronic Conference Rooms for
the Police Department
Chief Medina highlighted the install was at no cost to the Village and would be purchased
through the Covid grant.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the contract with AVI-SPL;
Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council
Member Brandon).
18. Authorize Additional Change Orders in the Amount of $2,852.73 with Hedrick
Brothers Construction in Connection with Construction of the New Community
Center
Removed from the agenda.
19. Approve Donation Agreement for Banyan Tree Maintenance
Public Works Director Doug Chambers highlighted the generous donation from Village
resident Paul Whitman of Bay Harbor and Point Drive. After a visit to the Banyan Tree
with his granddaughter he decided to donate $10,000 for the maintenance of the Banyan
Tree. An Arborist was brought in each year to maintain the tree and the balance of his
donation would go to the next years maintenance.
Mayor Frank D'Ambra offered a donation of discretionary funds to install a dedication
bench by the tree as a thank you to Mr. Whitman.
MOTION: Council Member Prince made a motion to approve the donation agreement for
the Banyan Tree maintenance; Council Member Young seconded the motion. Carried
unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member Brandon).
20. Approve Paradise Park Lease Agreement Extension through November 30, 2021
Attorney Davis detailed the agreement extension until November 30, 2021, the
elimination of the first right of refusal clause and updated addresses.
MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to approve Paradise Park Lease
Agreement; Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent:
Council Member Brandon).
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Mayor D'Ambra detailed discussions with the owner of Paradise Park and their desire for the
park to be obtained by the Village. The owner was willing to extend the lease further for the
Village to seek a grant to purchase the property.
Vice -Mayor Stone and Council Member Young did not see a need to pursue the park purchase
further. Mayor D'Ambra suggested including it into the public input sessions when those were
scheduled for Tequesta Park. Manager Allen announced a Master Park Plan was in
development and Paradise Park could be included in that.
Vice -Mayor Stone encouraged staff to plan a National Night out and Food Truck event.
Council Member Young asked to add Vacation Rentals, the Senior Tax Exemption, and Carbon
Dividend to a future workshops. Manager Allen noted staff was working on a Senior Tax
Exemption Resolution for the next Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Vice -Mayor Stone made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m.; Council Member
Young seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member Brandon).
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.