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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_6/27/2022MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL JUNE 27, 2022 6:00 PM VILLAGE HALL CONFERENCE ROOM CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Molly Young at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Vice -Mayor Kyle Stone, Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Council Member Laurie Brandon, Council Member Aaron Johnson. AGENDA ITEMS Review and Discuss the FY2022-2023 Proposed Annual Budget Manager Jeremy Allen informed Council that Village staff was in the early stages of the budget process. They were still awaiting updated insurance rates and union negotiations were ongoing, therefore, place holders were included for those budget areas. He highlighted details from each of the funds including the general, water utilities, stormwater, refuse and recycle, capital, surtax, building and special law enforcement funds. Manager Allen also discussed the $3.07 million total in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that would be received by the Village, the second installment was scheduled for September 2022, and the loosened requirements for auditing and usage. Recommended usage of the ARPA funds was presented and included the purchase of the new fire truck. Manager Allen continued by highlighting the 2021-2022 budget accomplishments including the master corridor charrette, grand opening of the recreation center, parks master plan, road improvements, sidewalk improvements, police trainings and accreditation, the business liaison position, the purchase of police and fire vehicles. Manager Allen acknowledged staff efforts to increase the fund balance, it was projected to be $3 million over budget. A proposed budget summary of all funds for Fiscal Year 2022-23 was provided with 62% of the budget going towards personnel. Tequesta Fest had an increased budget of $100,000. New debt service costs for the Recreation Center and the SAN project were now also included in the budget. A budget summary by department was also provided with millage rates by department included. Utilities Director Matt Hammond detailed the water utilities budget highlighting well replacement and upgrades, as well as, water main replacements and plant upgrades. He provided different water main replacement scenarios to Council and explained the different capital recovery charges. The Stormwater fund had a 5% rate increase proposed due to rising costs. He also highlighted the 5-year capital improvement program. Manager Allen concluded with next steps including finalizing the millage rate to report to the State. Council discussed several items of the budget. They agreed the focus was on public safety, roads, and water utility upgrades and improvements. They had detailed discussion on the cost of Tequesta Fest and the Recreation Center hours and usage. Council agreed to review the business liaison position and duties as it was funded by the ARPA funds. Mayor Young asked for clarification on the funds that were in the red and pulling money from the reserves to balance those budgets. Manager Allen explained all the funds were in a healthy position and that money was not being pulled from the General Fund. Money was being used for expenses and not for operating costs, which was a good position. Council discussed the replacement of the phone system, it was explained that the system was over 15 years old and due for an upgrade as aspects were very outdated and no longer in use. Mayor Young was concerned with using ARPA funds to purchase the new fire truck. Manager Allen explained the cost savings in excess of $531,000 over a 10 year period with buying the truck verse financing the purchase. Council also had detailed discussion on the millage rate and weighed the pros and cons of an increase and decrease. Council agreed the millage rate should be left as it was. Marcia Nielson of 94 Beechwood Trail asked for details on the tree canopy budget of $75,000. Manager Allen stated this was an Environmental Advisory Committee task to increase the tree scaping plan on Old Dixie Highway, County Line Road, and Tequesta Drive. She urged Council to consider becoming a tree city. Ms. Nielson was also interested in the grant for Remembrance Park, Mr. Allen explained to her it was a reimbursable grant. She asked Council to further consider Tequesta Fest as it was an expensive event, to put money aside for other purposes, to review the Business Liaison position, increased staffing of the Recreation Center, and to not reduce the millage rate. She also felt undergrounding was not up to the Village. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Vice -Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully su bmitted, W-tv, 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.