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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_2/27/2023MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL FEBRUARY 27, 2023 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Vice Mayor Kyle Stone, Council Member D'Ambra and Council Member Brandon. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Workshop Discussion - Water Enterprise Fund - Utility Financial Forecast and Consideration of a Water Utility Baseline Rate Recalibration, Modified Project Schedule, and Capital Recovery Charge Utility Director Marjory Craig gave a brief synopsis of the recent water main break in the Country Club area and offered her professional opinion of the ac pipe being in serious need of replacement. She introduced financial consultant, Mr. Rob Ory to provide some potential options. Mr. Ory estimated the replacement cost of pipe throughout the Village system would cost $95 million dollars, for 75 miles of water distribution piping. He believed the pipe was approaching the end of its useful life with some areas over 70 years old. His power point presentation included information on: a 20-year financial forecast of operating and capital expenditure needs of the system (2023-2042),increases in inflation and BLS data thru 2022, a capital improvement plan, 20-year capital expenditure plan, A/C pipe locations throughout the Village, capital funding plan approach, 2023 funding plan, financial position, fiscal year 2023 rate comparison, and observations and conclusions. Council had questions regarding: operating reserves, revisiting the plan every 2-3 years, surveying the system for weaknesses, surcharge rates, over appropriated funds, transparency with fees and funds, grants, and rate increase examples. Mr. Tom Bradford, of 44 Chestnut Trail commented on the price increase for customers and the lack of reserves from prior years. Mrs. Marcia Nielson, of 94 Beechwood Trail commented on the proposed flat rate fee and asked that Council reconsider the charge. It was a Consensus of Council to bring a proposed plan to the next Regular Council Meeting. 2. Discussion on a Parking Study Proposal by McMahon Associates, a Bowman Company. Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias explained the proposed parking study, which would provide information on guest parking in order to create a parking code amendment. Mr. Trent Ebersole of McMahon Associates presented a power point with a focus on guest parking within the proposed parking study. The study would include mixed use, R2 and R3 zoning areas. Council discussed and had concerns regarding the cost of the study. Ms. Nilsa Zacarias reminded Council that an ordinance change on parking should include a study. Council decided to hold off on performing the parking survey. 3. Discuss Professional Service Agreement with Kimley-Horn to Apply for Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant - Utility Undergrounding Master Plan Manager Allen reminded Council they had approved a feasibility assessment thru Kimley- Horn last year, which would be available soon. The Master Plan would be the next step and a grant application was available should Council choose to apply. If the grant was awarded to the Village, Council would have the option of accepting it or not, and moving forward with the master plan if they elected to do so. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of 94 Beechwood Trail asked why the assessment was being considered when some residents already had underground utilities. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail commented on the lack of "assessment methodology" within the current proposed assessment. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive addressed Council and believed the costs could not be accurately depicted in the current economic climate. She also believed the timing was off for this expenditure. She also believed that the Countyline bridge was also an area that would be affected. 4. Discussion on 2023 Citizen Survey Manager Allen provided a sample draft survey for Council's input. Council commented on residency, broadness of questions, naming parks that the Village owns, being more specific with questions (traffic), communication, business flair feedback, and adding specific environmental questions. Manager Allen would work on updating the survey and would send it back to Council for their input. 5. Discussion Regarding a New Village Code Section 14-8 for the Maintenance of Vacant Lots within the Village Building Director Jose Rodriguez presented several photos to Council showing a number of empty lots within the Village. He believed the lots were problematic due to the fact that when it rained, there was water runoff. Mr. Rodriguez believed landscaping would help the issue. Council discussed adding grass, grading, temporary swales, bahia grass, and the timeframe to plant sod. Mayor Young asked for the Building Department to do some research on temporary swales to help remedy the issue. Mr. Tom Bradford, of 44 Chestnut Trail commented on a lack of irrigation and felt 90 days was too long and that 30 days should suffice. He suggested adding the words "living" grass or sod. Council was fine with the 90 days to plant and expressed an interest in Bahia grass, as it needed no irrigation. The word "living" would be added to the wording. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to adjourn; Vice Mayor Stone seconded the motion. Passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, U WOW �J� 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.