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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_5/3/2021v'�` or rsp�i rA a f♦�h COUNT+ MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL MAY 3, 2021 6:00 PM CHAMBERS/YOUTUBE 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 Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Frank D'Ambra, Vice -Mayor Kyle Stone, Council Member Laurie Brandon, Council Member Bruce Prince, Council Member Molly Young. AGENDA ITEMS Mayor D'Ambra commented on the new executive order issued by Governor DeSantis just hours ago. The order eliminated Covid-related emergency orders at the local level. It also gave eliminated mask mandates for the public, although if business wanted to require a mask, they could do so. 1. Discussion on Annexation of Unincorporated Areas Mayor D'Ambra suggested a "pause" be placed on the annexation process as it related the the Anchorage Point area. He felt it was a good time to re-examine the taxes, State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT) limitations, Village revenues, infrastructure standards, tax -decreases, accelerated projects, underground utilities and/or a blended approach of these topics. Additionally, the Community Center was a possible draw for the Anchorage Point area. Council agreed to wait until more reasonable solutions were available. Mr. Toby Williams of 18804 Rio Vista Drive, commented that he would like to see a "step process" in regard to the tax increase. 2. Discussion on Communication Facilities Code Manager Allen informed Council of the actions that Palm Beach had taken in order to avoid having communications towers within the town. He relayed that years ago the Town of Palm Beach hired a lobbyist who advocated for them to avoid the communication towers. They were able to prevent cell towers from locating within the town due to the fact their utilities had underground utilities. Attorney Keith Davis explained the Village ordinance in detail mentioning the language in our ordinance limited the height of the tower, addressed aesthetics, distances, arterial roads, catch-all wording, stealth requirements, and landscaping. Mayor D'Ambra believed there had not been any applications submitted to the Village by AT&T, relating to any future plans for communications towers. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, addressed Council and acknowledged that he was the Town Manager of Palm Beach during the timeframe the lobbyists were hired to protect Palm Beach from communication towers. He also had experience in the undergrounding process and would be happy to help the Village. He had issue with the definition of "Village Engineer" within the ordinance, and believed the authority should belong to the Village. Additionally, he felt only an engineer trained in wireless technology should be used. Ms. Lydia MacLear of 59 Birch Place asked Council to make the Village ordinance stronger. She stated that stronger laws were needed and implored Council to speak with Mr. Andrew Campanelli on the topic. She also believed this technology was dangerous to both children and the elderly. 3. Discussion on the 2021-2022 Strategic Plan Manager Allen prepared a final draft of the strategic plan based on Council's prior feedback. Council agreed they should discuss and understand the overall vision for the Village before specific steps would be taken regarding code. A scorecard idea was offered in order to show what had been achieved as compared to future goals. 4. Discussion on Parks, Green and Open Space Use Manager Allen prepared a slideshow of parks and greenspace and asked Council for their input regarding the focus of these areas going forward. Council discussed the Paradise Park current lease and possible purchase, as well as what the Village would like to see at that location. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, urged Council to purchase back Paradise Park adding it would be incredibly lucrative for the Village. He informed Council of an old master plan for the parcels, which he thought could transform the Village. Mr. Mark Sapire of 79 Yacht Club Place addressed Council and urged them not to not sell any parks or green space. He would like to see the Village prioritize parks and believed the property values would increase as a result. He believed Remembrance Park should be a tree filled space for all to enjoy. Council discussed Constitution Park and several Members mentioned they were not supportive of removing the skate area. In addition, adding a new pavilion within the park was mentioned. Manager Allen praised Hendrick Brothers Construction for their ability to stay on schedule despite shortages on building supplies. The garden club was planning to install a butterfly garden thanks to the Council donating thru their discretionary funds. Tequesta Park was receiving some much -needed improvements soon. Sod was being added to the dog park area; along with repairs and enhancements to the tennis courts and pickleball courts schedule for approval on the May agenda. There were many other areas of the park in need or maintenance that could be addressed as funds became available. Mayor D'Ambra reminded Council there was an issue of the Village leasing the park and not having ownership. He believed it could take $5-6 million dollars to bring the park into shape. Linear Park was an area that needed attention, however, with the railroad work occurring in the area, any work was on hold. Manager Allen was hopeful a plan could be created for implementation after the railroad work was completed. The intersection of Countyline Road and Old Dixie Highway was also in need of modifications and beautification. Manager Allen mentioned that Jupiter had done a recent beautification project that the Village could take a look at. Council discussed Remembrance Park and felt it would be desirable to keep it as a passive park for the community. Mayor D'Ambra reminded Council funds would be necessary to acquire Paradise Park, and felt there was merit to selling Remembrance Park and the land near the railroad track and Cypress Drive. Mr. Mark Sapire of 79 Yacht Club Place, implored Council to keep the green space and habitat at Remembrance Park, as it played a part in keeping our water clean in the area. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, pointed out that there are gaps in streetscapes along Country Club Drive and Seabrook Drive. He believed the oak trees mentioned by Council Member Prince would greatly improve those areas. Manager Allen gave a brief history of the Village owned land near Cypress at the railroad track. Council Member Prince was in favor of selling the property. Council Member Brandon asked if the Village could use the parking lot for parking for special events. Council Member Young did not have enough information to make a decision on the topic. Vice Mayor Stone wanted to make sure Cypress Drive was discussed before making a decision. Mayor D'Ambra was in favor of selling the parcel. This item would be brought to Council for a vote at the next Council Meeting. 5. Discussion on Review of the Viliage Charter Manager Allen asked for direction from Council to review and update the current charter. Council agreed to have staff begin the review Mrs. Marcia Nielson of 94 Beechwood Trail, asked Council to consider having a committee for any charter revisions. She reminded them that this was the way it had been done in the past and she felt it was right to have residents involved in the process. Mayor D'Ambra mentioned a recent conversation with a representative from Palm Beach State College regarding the Community Center. The college was an interested in providing adult and teen education style programs once the center was open. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8.14 PM. MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting Council Member Prince seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0 (absent: Charter Review Board Chair Brennan). 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.