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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_4/4/2022R1 MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL APRIL 4, 2022 6:00 PM CONFERENCE ROOM CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Molly Young at 6:01 PM. A roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Vice Mayor Kyle Stone, Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Council Member Laurie Brandon, and Council Member Aaron Johnson. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Discussion on Zoning District Requirements Community Development Director, Ms. Nilsa Zacarias provided a PowerPoint presentation to Council which included: density, future land use, zoning districts, site requirements, R-3 district specifications, other municipalities, design considerations, land use and urban design, and design considerations and guidelines. Council Member D'Ambra was interested in the possibility of "essential" or affordable housing within the Village. He felt that 18 units per acre could create an opportunity for such affordability. He was in favor of creating another zoning district to be used for this purpose. Council discussed density, design cohesiveness and requirements, landscape, and agreed that more information should be forthcoming after the charrette. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail, commended Council for being proactive in having conversations about this now. He felt that the Rood property could possibly be used for mixed use. Density was not a big issue in his opinion if it was done correctly, using human scale. Mayor Young asked Ms. Zacarias to assist Council in identifying areas that were not being incorporated into the charrette process. Additionally, she would like details on costs for services offered by Ms. Zacarias's firm. Mayor Young would like to see a presentation, which would include examples of possible improvements related to aesthetics and 2. architectural guidelines, while remaining sensitive to legal implications. Discussion on Public Notices Ms. Zacarias reminded Council that the Village currently published notices for site plan reviews, variances, and special exception uses. The Development Review Committee (DRC) included departments such as: police, fire, building, etc. During the process, comments were provided to the applicant, and a resubmittal normally occurred. The process then moved on to the Planning and Zoning Board and finally went to Council for approval. The DRC was not currently advertising the meetings, as they were internal and technical in nature. Ms. Zacarias reported that other area municipalities advertised and posted site plan reviews, variances and special exceptions. They also installed a large sign on the property, noticing the upcoming meeting. Village code currently did not provide such language. Council agreed that the addition of signage would be a positive move for the Village. Attorney Davis offered clarification on the DRC process and indicated that reviews without motions being made or action being taken, were not included in the sunshine law. If action was being taken, and decisions made during the process, the sunshine law would go into effect. Minutes taken during DRC meetings could be topical in nature and not verbatim. Public comments were not necessary; however, individuals could reach out to Council with comments at any time. Attorney Davis would draft a proposed new process and would get it back to Council in May. 3. Discussion on the FY 22-23 Strategic Plan Manager Allen provided a power point presentation of the 2022-2023 Strategic Plan. Contained within the plan were: the mission, vision, organizational excellence, public infrastructure, economic development, safety family friendliness, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Mayor Young felt the Village could improve on grant writing skills in order to become more successful in obtaining funding. Manager Allen would look into other engineering firms with grant writing abilities for future endeavors. Vice Mayor Stone suggested prioritizing goals, before discussing a reduction in millage rate. Additionally, he proposed the idea of having one public safety department as far as management was concerned, as he felt there was an overlap in administration positions. Council asked to bring the topic to a Workshop Meeting. Roundabouts on Country Club Drive were discussed as well as overdue bridge maintenance on the Tequesta Drive Bridge. Sidewalk improvement and maintenance program was to be analyzed further. Connectivity, as it related to the sidewalk area of El Portal and Tequesta Drive in the Tequesta Country Club, was still problematic. Additionally, the anticipated grant for the Tequesta Country Club area did not come through. A drainage project was also needed in the area and could tie into the sidewalk connectivity in the Country Club. Council agreed to keep building up emergency cash, while acknowledging infrastructure needs. Mayor Young asked for Manager Allen to report monthly on the feedback received from Council when they attended area governmental meetings. Reducing the millage rate was discussed, with the understanding that there were still major infrastructure issues to be funded. The goal would be to continue moving toward reducing the millage rate. An overall vision was needed in order to move forward with new biking and walking initiatives. Vice Mayor Stone had concerns regarding funding replacement infrastructures on an annual basis. He suggested moving the public works department to the water plant property, while creating a pocket park out of the public works property. Annexation was discussed as it related to new water service and new home ownership. Traffic issues on US Highway One were discussed, noting how residents would report issues such as traffic lights out of sync and traffic jams. Manager Allen would look into the problem and get back to Council. Mayor Young asked for a finalized operating plan for the Parks and Recreation Center, which would include policies and procedures. Council agreed to wait for the outcome of the Charrette to discuss further plans for greenspace and parks. The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) had asked for a tree canopy enhancement, adopt a tree program, and sustainability plan. Water system upgrades included stormwater and the Village hoped to obtain a grant with Jupiter on the Dover ditch project. Jeremy would send out a draft for Council comments and would place the 2022-2023 Strategic Plan on an upcoming agenda for approval. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM MOTION: Council Member Young made a motion to adjourn the meeting Council Member Brandon 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.