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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_6/20/2023MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL JUNE 20, 2023 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Molly Young at 6:02 p.m. A roll call was taken by Clerk Administrative Specialist Diana Manali. Present were: Vice -Mayor Laurie Brandon, Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Mayor Molly Young, Council Member Patrick Painter, and Council Member Rick Sartory. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Review and Discuss the Fiscal Year (Fl) 2023-24 Proposed Budget. Council Member D'Ambra provided feedback on the budget before his early departure at 6:05pm. He wanted staff and Council to think about Tequesta Fest, was in favor of the eight person fire shift, and wanted to set up a capital fund for land acquisitions versus decreasing taxes. Manager Allen detailed the proposed budget, the budget process, and meaning of a balanced budget. He explained the different funds including the general fund, water utilities fund, stormwater fund, and refuse and recycling fund. Water, stormwater, and refuse and recycling were enterprise funds and should be self-supporting while the capital improvement fund, capital projects fund, building fund, and special law enforcement fund were restricted funds. Manager Allen drew attention to the 2022-2023 budget highlights including the start of the El Portal project, sidewalk improvements, the adopt a tree program, LED lights in Tequesta Park and other Tequesta Park improvements, a new fire department ladder truck, and an eight man shift. A Millage rate history was provided to Council. The proposed 2023-2024 budget was developed using a new millage rate of 6.2900 percent down from 6.6290 percent. The proposed budget included changes to the Village lobbying group, bringing Community Development in-house, and a new budgeting software to more clearly communicate with residents and Council. Additionally, there were proposals for undergrounding electric utilities studies. Manager Allen detailed each fund budget highlighting increases in Waste Management, special projects for the water utilities funds, and stormwater fund projects. He announced the next step was for Council to set the maximum millage rate at the July meeting so it could be filed in early August for the Truth in Millage Statutes (TRIM). Council proceeded to have lengthy discussion on all aspects of the budget including the millage rate, Tequesta Fest, the Business Liaison position, the goal of the three eight man fire shifts, and top priorities for the upcoming year. Council Comments: • Mayor Young confirmed the millage rate needed to be submitted by August 4th. She was concerned with place holders in the budget for health insurance and looked forward to more solid numbers in July. Mayor Young felt there was a need to re-evaluate the lobbyist groups and was concerned with staffing community development positions. She felt a dog park, Tequesta Fest, budgeting software, tree canopies, and Old Dixie beautification were areas that could be cut or pushed to fund more urgent priorities like Remembrance Park. • Vice -Mayor Brandon was in favor of the eight man fire shift, she wanted to see Tequesta Fest as a two day event (resident day and public day) and liked the January time frame. She was also entertaining a change in lobbyists. She confirmed the millage rate could be set to the max and then reduced in August if necessary. • Council Member Sartory was concerned with cutting the millage rate knowing the number of projects ahead. He felt Tequesta Fest was unique to the Village and would like to keep it in some fashion. He was in favor of an eight man shift and also wanted to keep Remembrance Park as a focus. • Council Member Painter was also concerned with cutting the millage rate. He acknowledged all of the increases to residents, but felt the projects ahead were important. He clarified the eight man shift would be one shift this year and the third eight man shift was in next years (2024/2025) budget. He felt there needed to be a Tequesta Fest, but perhaps scaled back this year. Citizen Comments: • Mr. Tom Bradford, 44 Chestnut Trail, felt the tax increase was a political issue. He felt money should be spent to build parks and plant tree canopies. He also felt more emphasis should be placed on annexation to make it more attainable. • Mrs. Marcia Nielson, 94 Beechwood Trail, noted the expense of Tequesta Fest and thought that it was a great time to downsize, she was concerned with space for a Community Development office, and felt undergrounding utilities was a priority. • Mrs. Pat Watkins, 167 River Drive, agreed that the business liaison position was a better fit for the building department. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully submitted, "M (UL¢ 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.