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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_8/10/2023MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL AUGUST 10, 2023 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Village Attorney Keith Davis at 6:05 p.m. He suggested the Council Members present make a motion for one of them to run the meeting as Mayor Molly Young was attending via Zoom and Vice -Mayor Brandon was absent. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to appoint Council Member D'Ambra as chair of the meeting, Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. A roll call was taken by Deputy Village Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Council Member Patrick Painter, and Council Member Rick Sartory. Mayor Molly Young attended via zoom. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member D'Ambra An invocation was offered by Pastor Paul Beresford followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Council Member D'Ambra. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve the agenda; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. PRESENTATION 1. Legislative Update by Senator Gayle Harrell Senator Gayle Harrell, Florida State Senator representing District 31, highlighted the 2023 Florida State session and the $17 billion state budget. Senator Harrell was pleased to inform Council of the expansion of KidCare insurance and educational choice options. She announced the expansion of the Everglades restoration and the septic and sewer conversions for the Indian River Lagoon. Senator Harrell detailed the efforts to have science -based curriculums for reading and math in all schools, a new Dental School at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and affordable housing initiatives. She requested Council make any budget requests now as it was an early session and they had begun planning for 2024. Council Comments: • Council Member Sartory thanked Senator Harrell for her support of the Dover Ditch project. • Council Member Painter thanked Senator Harrell for her work regarding mental illness. • Council Member D'Ambra asked for consideration and help with securing grants for Tequesta Park as well as homeowners insurance rates. Senator Harrell stated fraud had a huge impact on insurance and felt changes in building codes would positively effect insurance rates but, reductions may not be felt for another year. 2. Presentation by Palm Beach County Property Appraiser on 2023 Highlights - Dorothy Jacks, CFA, AAS The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, Dorothy Jacks, provided a breakdown of the taxable value and how these values were established and the taxable value for the Village increased by 26%. She stated Tequesta was one of the few municipalities with a low income senior tax benefit and congratulated the Council for that. Ms. Jacks also informed Council that 58% of the market value for the Village was taxable. She provided a market and taxable value history chart from 2015 to present. Ms. Jacks concluded with tax notices being mailed on August 18th and a Value Adjust Board (VAB) filing deadline of September 12th. Council Comments: • Council Member D'Ambra requested a taxable value historical slide from 2007 to present. Ms. Jacks said she could provide the information from 2004/2005 to 2023. 3. Professional Partnership Award Presentation to Jupiter Inlet Colony Fire Chief, James Trube, presented the 2023 Professional Partnership Award to Jupiter Inlet Colony for their collaborative work during the Cato's Bridge closure. They partnered with Tequesta Fire to provide space for an engine and rescue truck to be staffed at Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC) during the bridge closure. In addition, he stated JIC and Tequesta had a longstanding partnership which dated back to 1993. Jupiter Inlet Colony Mayor Chip Block and interim Police Chief Robert Schultz accepted the award and thanked Tequesta for the great relationship which they felt was critical for both municipalities. They also announced the swearing in of new Police Chief Dan Kerr and thanked the Village for their help in that process. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. 4. MINUTES: May 30, 2023 Workshop; July 13, 2023 Workshop 5. Consider Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager Under $25,000 (Per Village Ordinance we are presenting the following agreements, proposals, commitments and memorandum of understanding to Council.) A. ArchiveSocial-Village Clerk, $2,988.00 FY 23-23 and $3,137.00 FY's 24-27 (see agreement for full details. B. Holtz Consulting Engineers, Inc. Consulting Loss Mitigation Grant Support Services -Public Works, $9, 960.00. C. Parker Yannette Tequesta Drive Landscape Architectural Services Proposal - Building, See proposal for details. D. Peninsular Electric Distributors, Inc. Credit Application - Public Works, $N/A E. Protegis Fire Safety Alarm Services Agreement -Public Works, $2,130.00 Annually. F. Summit Fire Security Proposal -Public Works, $650.00. 6. RESOLUTION 16-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF TEQUESTA TO SIGN A THIRD AMENDMENT TO VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, MEMORIALIZING VILLAGE COUNCIL ACTION TO INCREASE BASE SALARY, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were none. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Mayor Young announced she was attending the Florida League of Cities meeting in Orlando. Council Member Painter thanked the Police and Fire Departments. He attended the new fire truck push -in ceremony and was very impressed. He also learned more about the young man selected for Chief For a Day and was very touched by the Police Department's initiative to show him the Village cares. Council Member D'Ambra thanked the Police and Fire Departments for Operation Safe Start, the back to school bus stop safety initiative. STANDING REPORTS Village Attorney Attorney Davis made Council aware he was available to answer questions regarding the new Form 6 financial disclosure which was required by new legislation. Village Manager 7. Manager's Monthly Report Through July Manager Allen highlighted ongoing projects throughout the Village including lighting on the Tequesta Drive Bridge, the El Portal pre -construction, and the Tequesta Drive sidewalk project (which was approaching completion). He announced the Environmental Advisory Committee was completing their 2024 priorities initiatives and they would be attending the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area event in September. He announced the budget workshops on August 14th and 16th, the Water Vulnerability Assessment meeting, the August 22nd badge pinning ceremony for two Firefighters, and the September 11 th tribute. Council Member Sartory questioned if El Portal would be closed during construction, Manager Allen expected a lane closure but not a full road closure. Police Department 8. Police Department Standing Report Assistant Police Chief James McGrew highlighted the different events the department took part in including Operation Safe Start, Chief for a Day, the public safety awards banquet, Chiefs summer conference, a visit with the First Baptist Bible School, and the 3rd place finish in the Traffic Safety Awards. He was pleased to inform Council of Sergeant Kurt Blanc's interview with WPTV regarding child safety and hot vehicles, as well as, an initiative with Pastor Kieron regarding Hispanic outreach. Chief McGrew concluded with the different trainings that took place including marine, traffic, and taser training. Council Member Sartory thanked the department for Operation Safe Start as it humanized law enforcement and children remembered the experience. Fire Department 9. Fire Standing Report Chief Trube highlighted the departments participation in Operation Safe Start with the Police Department, the health and safety trainings, the Firefighter of the year awards banquet, the new ladder truck push -in ceremony, the upcoming badge pinning, and September 11th ceremony. He also stated plans were underway for a 30th Anniversary Celebration for Tequesta Fire Rescue. Mayor Young thanked Chief Trube for his 30 years of service. UTILITIES 10. Utilities Department Monthly Report Utilities Director Marjorie Craig announced the Vulnerability Assessment meeting on August 16th. She informed Council the Country Club Drive pipeline was nearing completion, the Beach Road project was approaching phase two with a target start date in September, the water tanks were repaired, and the dashboard was disaggregated to show outstanding receivables. Council Comments: • Mayor Young was concerned with the cross connection compliance. Ms. Craig stated this was a challenge across the state and a two year plan was being discussed. • Council Member D'Ambra asked if liens were implemented once an account was 180 days passed due. Ms. Craig stated most had been sent to collections. The issue with liens was past due bills regarded renters and not homeowners, she acknowledged there was not an easy solution. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 11. ORDINANCE NO. 08-23, SECOND READING: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 78. ZONING. AT SECTION 78-4. DEFINITIONS. TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "VETERINARY OFFICE"; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 78. ZONING. SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Attorney Davis read the title into the record. Council Member D'Ambra opened the hearing for public comments; there were none. The hearing was opened for Council comments; there being none the hearing was closed. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 08-23; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice- Mayor Brandon). 12. ORDINANCE NO. 04-23 SECOND READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 10. ANIMALS., ARTICLE Ill. SEA TURTLE PROTECTION., BY REPEALING THIS ARTICLE IN ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE Ill. SEA TURTLE PROTECTION. WITH FINDINGS OF FACT, DEFINITIONS, REGULATIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA MODEL SEA TURTLE PROTECTION ORDINANCE AND THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SEA TURTLE PROTECTION ORDINANCE; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 10. ANIMALS. SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Attorney Davis read the title into the record. Council Member D'Ambra opened the hearing for public comments; there were none. The hearing was opened for Council comments; there being none the hearing was closed. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 04-23; Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice - Mayor Brandon). NEW BUSINESS 13. Consider Approval of the Revision of the Previously Recorded Plat from Mastroianni Family Headquarters LLC - 691 N US Highway 1, Tequesta FL 33469 Mr. George Gentile of 2GHO presented on behalf of the Mastroianni family. He highlighted the changes in the plat which were dictated by FPL. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve the revisions of the plat for the Mastroianni family headquarters; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice -Mayor Brandon). 14. SEU 3-23: Application from the VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA for a Special Exception Use approval pursuant to Section 78-179(d) of the Village of Tequesta Code of Ordinances. The Applicant is requesting Special Exception Use Approval for a 76,565 sf "Neighborhood and Community Public Recreational Facilities" (passive park) within the Recreation/Open Space (R/OP) Zoning District. The subject property is located at 483 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, Florida, 33469. Attorney Davis announced SEU 03-23 was a Quasi -Judicial matter and placed three individuals under oath. Council disclosed the following ex-parte communications: • Council Members Painter, Sartory, and Mayor Young had toured the property in the past. Kimley-Horn Landscape Architect Tom Hargrett detailed the site plan for Remembrance Park which would be a permittable use passive park. He highlighted the ample parking, pathways, gravel walk, educational center, butterfly garden, gazebo, permeable pavers, fencing, and native drought tolerant landscaping. Citizen Comments: • Marcia Nielson, 94 Beechwood Trail, requested public participation for development of the park and inclusion of a historical plaque. • Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court, requested the electrical poles be removed as they were not in use. Council Comments: • Mayor Young stated they would address the historical plaque and power pole during the site plan approval. • Council Member Sartory was excited to move forward and would like to see the history incorporated. • Council Member Painter inquired on the longevity of the surfaces, Mr. Hargrett stated it was 15-20 years. Council Member Painter also wished to see the history incorporated into the park. • Council Member D'Ambra confirmed the phased approach and $1.2 billion was for phase one. Staff confirmed that was accurate. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve SEU 3-23; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice -Mayor Brandon). 15. Consider Approval of Agreement for Professional Lobbying Services with The P5 Group, LLC Attorney Davis detailed the proposed agreement with P5 Group, LLC. Manager Allen went through the procurement process with the guidelines established and personally interviewed all applicants. He felt the expertise, experience, credibility, reputation and resources of P5 would best match the Village's priorities. Council Comments: • Mayor Young was concerned with P5 not being located in Tallahassee full time. Mr. Allen stated they did have an office in Tallahassee that was staffed during session. She was also concerned with any conflicts of interest, Attorney Davis said those would be addressed on a case by case basis. • Council Member Sartory felt confident in this investment for the Village. • Council Member Painter was aware of the cost concerns, but felt municipalities needed someone to advocate on their behalf and advance their interests. • Council Member D'Ambra wanted an effective representative to reach across the aisles to advance the Village interests. He suggested an annual performance review.. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the agreement with P5 Group, LLC with the addition of a performance review; Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice -Mayor Brandon). 16. Consider Approval of Health, Dental and Life Insurance 2023124 Renewals Human Resource and Risk Management Director Merlene Reid detailed the benefits committee's, which was comprised of three union representatives and three management representatives, request to shop the market in an effort to return to Florida Blue. Florida Blue responded with an increase of over 41 % where United Healthcare was a 6% increase. There were no changes to the health plan. The life insurance and employee assistance programs remained the same though dental had an increase of 5%. Council Member D'Ambra asked if the issues with United Healthcare were addressed and Ms. Reid stated they had been and were mostly concerned prescriptions. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve the 2023/24 health insurance renewal with FMIT/UHC, the dental and life insurance renewed with The Standard, and the Employee Assistance Program with New Directions, as outlined in the Benefits Executive Cost Summary; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice -Mayor Brandon). 17. Consider Approval of Property & Casualty Insurance Renewals 2023124 Ms. Reid acknowledged this was a challenging year for insurance renewals and had anticipated an increase, which was 41%. Property insurance received an increase of 135% due to the catastrophic events arounds the state and workers compensation increased by 12% due to added position, salary increases and experience modifications. The Village maintained the 7% credit for the safety program and drug free work place policies. Council Member D'Ambra inquired if increasing deductibles would effect the premiums. Ms. Rommi Mitchell of The Gehring Group explained any change would be nominal. She detailed the catastrophic weather all over the United States which was a huge contributing factor to the rates. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the 2023/24 property & casualty insurance renewal;. Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice -Mayor Brandon). 18. ORDINANCE NO. 10-23 FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 14. BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS. ARTICLE 1. IN GENERAL. BY CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW SECTION 14-7. "VACANT LOT MAINTENANCE" TO PROVIDE MINIMUM STANDARDS, INCLUDING EROSION CONTROL AND SODDING, FOR VACANT LOTS THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 14. BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS. SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Attorney Davis read the title into the record. Council Member D'Ambra opened the hearing for public comments; there were none. Council Member D'Ambra opened the hearing for Council comments. • Mayor Young asked for clarification on the definition of active status in section 14- 7(c). Building Director Jose Rodriguez detailed the six month permit after passing inspections and the six month renewals thereafter. • Council Member D'Ambra clarified the six month renewals could be continuous once inspections had been passed. Attorney Davis confirmed this was statutory per the Florida building code. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 10-23; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Vice - Mayor Brandon). ANY OTHER MATTERS There were none. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0. Re pectfully 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.