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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_7/13/2023MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL JULY 13, 2023 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Molly Young at 6:01 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Vice -Mayor Laurie Brandon, Council Member Patrick Painter, and Council Member Rick Sartory. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Sartory An invocation was offered by Council Member Sartory followed by the pledge of allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of a letter of support for Senate Bill 1430; Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. PRESENTATION 1. Recognition of Tequesta's First Baptist Church for their Partnership with our Election Process Village Clerk, Lori McWilliams, acknowledged the above and beyond support and commitment Tequesta's First Baptist Church has provided the Village during the Election process. The Village was pleased to present a certificate of appreciation to Tequesta's First Baptist Church, which was proudly accepted by Lead Pastor Mike Richardson. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; Vice -Mayor Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 2. MINUTES: May 11, 2023 Regular; June 8, 2023 Regular; and June 20, 2023 Budget 3. Consider Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager Under $75,000 (Per Village Ordinance we are presenting the following agreements, proposals, commitments and memorandum of understanding to Council.) A. Broedell Supply Plumbing, Inc. Credit Application - Public Works; See application for details. B. Sea Turtle Conservancy Display Contract - Building Department; See contract for details. C. TCI Rood Service Agreement - Utilities Department; $1,320.00. END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Commission on Ethics representative Gina Levesque updated the Council and residents on the purpose of the County Commission Ethics and provided a short annual overview. Mr. Harold Taylor, of 13 Chapel Court, discussed the appearance of new buildings and referenced the conceptual plan for 110 Bridge Road as compared to the building on the east side of US 1. He felt the building was too square, bulky, and massive for the area. He thanked Council for asking the applicant to bring back a minimized building. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Sartory attended the groundbreaking of Luxe Forte (the Village would be providing utilities) and felt it would be a quality building. Council Member Painter was happy the room was full. STANDING REPORTS Village Attorney Nothing to report. Village Manager 4. Village Manager Report Village Manager advised the Building Department had met with the Beach Road HOAs and addressed the sea turtle ordinance. The EAC met and discussed initiatives. The El Portal project had begun and was waiting on a de -watering permit. The sidewalk project on Seabrook to Riverside was progressing. They were working to install signs on Cypress Drive near the railroad tracks and adding navigation lights to the bridge. The next budget meeting was July 31, 2023 followed by the workshop. Police Department 5. Police Department Standing Report Chief Gus Medina highlighted the July 4th Believe with Me race and complimented Sgt. Kurt Blanc for his work with the race. He announced the upcoming Traffic safety awards for enforcement, education, and accidents. Chief Medina thanked the Mayor and Vice - Mayor regarding a traumatic incident in the unincorporated area that subsequently led to a 12-year-old being made Chief for a Day. The department was happy to show him that the Village is about love and inclusiveness. Fire Department 6. Fire Department Report Chief James Trube stated the fire department had been busy with training including swift water 1 and 2, vehicle extrication training with new equipment, aerial operations with the new ladder truck (roof operations and elevated rescue), and hurricane exercises for staff (compiling information for after action report). He announced the attendance at the Florida Fire Marshalls and Inspectors Conference and that Office Manager Judy Jones completed ICS400 for emergency operations center (EOC) personnel. Chief Trube concluded by discussing the many upcoming events including an awards banquet, ladder 85 Push -in Ceremony on August 1st, preparation for Operation Safe Start, a badge pinning for two new officers, and the September 11th tribute. UTILITIES 7. Utilities Department Monthly Report Marjorie Craig, Director of Utilities, announced the filming of a video on the El Portal project, discussed requesting additional grant money, provided a pipelining and storm water repair status update, and announced the Dover Ditch grant money and permitting was in process. She also provided pictures for the stormwater repairs made on Dover Road, announced the water treatment project was underway, and spoke about the customer service dashboard. Mrs. Craig noted she would bring forward the accounts receivables annual write-offs next month and this was causing the tracking to appear high. Council Member D'Ambra inquired on how much was commercial versus residents and asked for a color differentiation. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS There was none. NEW BUSINESS 8. Consider Conceptual Presentation by MCM Acquisitions, LLC. for a quick service restaurant and medical office in the Mixed Use Zoning District. The subject property is located at 150 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta FL 33469. Attorney Dylan Brandenburg provided a legal disclaimer for conceptual presentations stating that the conceptual presentation was not mandatory, was not a quasi-judicial proceeding, no council action would be taken beyond discussion, and the outcome and comments were not a guarantee or assurance of the final action that may be taken by the Council. Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias introduced the presentation for a 6,000 square foot quick service restaurant and medical office at the location of the former Bank of America. Ryan Mouhalis of MCM Acquisition proposed demising the 6,000 square foot bank and minor modifications to the site plan. The medical office would consist of 3,500-3,600 square feet of office space. He explained the fast-food restaurant would be more of a pickup window and was a special exception use, but the 15-foot perimeter landscape buffer expanding an additional five feet would bring the parking into compliance. Minimal changes were planned for the building and it would stay in the same architectural style it currently was in. They planned to remove the drive-thru awnings and only have the drive-thru window, stacking, and a by-pass lane. Additional parking would be on the south side of the site. Council Comments: • Council Member Sartory preferred the previous single use conceptual presentation. He preferred the drive -up window as opposed to the typical drive- thru and was concerned with where customers would leave site, referencing the CVS. Council Member Sartory also noted there was a school nearby and felt there was too much of a convergence. He felt this was a special piece of property as it was a gateway to Tequesta and did not want to see the stacking of cars. • Council Member Painter also felt this was a very important piece of property in the Village as it was near the entryway. He was not in favor of the multiple use and was concerned with traffic issues. He was also concerned with the intended use of an urgent care and did not necessarily feel another was needed in the Village, and was not in favor of a chain restaurant. • Council Member D'Ambra asked if the applicant was willing to share who the proposed tenants would be. Mr. Mouhalis was not at liberty to share. Council Member D'Ambra was not concerned with the traffic flow but addressed a shared parking agreement with the building to the West and asked if they were aware of this agreement. Mr. Mouhalis advised they were aware of the agreement. Council Member D'Ambra did not want to put another structure into non-compliance. He wanted to see the best use and if the property was within code that would work in their favor. • Vice -Mayor Brandon did not love the double business idea, had issues with parking and meeting requirements, was concerned with the engineering of the pickup window, and was disappointed in the presentation for design modifications as it needed more detail. She asked them to come back with a more robust and transparent presentation that included building design, colors and textures. Mayor Young liked the added stone and mixed materials, but requested the applicant consider the color palate as most presentations were using gay and white. She felt this was a good opportunity to improve and beautify the landscaping, she also suggested considering civic open seating space for the restaurant. She was not against the split use. Mayor Young inquired if Mr. Mouhalis was familiar with the commercial corridor plan, he stated he was not, she suggested the applicant review that plan. Mayor Young concluded with concerns in adding a chain restaurant during the bridge closure as many Village businesses were struggling due to those circumstances. 9. SEU 02-23: Application from FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH for a Special Exception Use approval pursuant to Section 78-173 (d)(7) of the Village Code of Ordinances. The Applicant is requesting a Special Exception Use modification for an existing "Place of Assembly" (church) located in the R-1 Zoning District to allow modifications to the existing building aesthetics, interior building renovations, and revisions to the landscaping and a new Special Exception Use approval to allow for a "School" to operate within the existing building. The subject property is located at 423 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. Attorney Brandenburg announced items 9 and 10 were a Quasi -Judicial matter and placed four individuals under oath. Council disclosed the following ex-parte communications: • Vice -Mayor Brandon performed a site visit to look at sidewalks in the area. Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias introduced the special exception use for alterations to place of assembly for First Southern Baptist Church. Mike Richardson, Lead Pastor, provided a short history on the church and its mission to provide value to the community. The church was interested in starting a preschool to add further value and jobs to the Village. Mr. Steve Knight of Alexis Knight Architects explained the need for a special exception to allow a portion of the building to be a school facility using 8,000 square feet of the existing building. He detailed some of the changes that would be made to support the school including adding a playground area, landscaping, configuration of the drive, modifications to the interior including a toddler's restroom, and a fire protection sprinkler system. Other portions of building to be modified would be a new courtyard area to be used by parishioners attending worship services and a new entrance driveway. The current footprint would remain primarily unchanged. He also noted there would not be any abrupt changes to traffic patterns and parking would not be affected. They were looking at approximately 75 students Monday through Friday. Mr. Knight concluded with views of the proposed exterior. Ms. Zacarias discussed the conditions of approval: The applicant must meet all certifications from the Florida Department of Health and Human Services. • In the event the applicant decided to implement a drop-off and pick-up the applicant shall apply for special use modification and receive approval from Council. Council Comments: • Council Member Sartory liked the concept but was concerned with bringing in additional cars for drop-off and pick-up and that coinciding with the public -school bus traffic along with Good Shepherd school hours. Ms. Zacarias noted this is an application for use and the next step was final review. During that time the application would be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board before coming back to Council for site plan final approval. The applicant had provided a traffic performance standard performed by Palm Beach County regarding traffic flow. • Mayor Young felt interference with traffic was relevant and should be considered at this time. Mr. Knight felt the report provided by Palm Beach County addressed the traffic and understands the impact and concern, students would not be dropped off but escorted in which should not impact traffic. She was also concerned with the need and asked if a study had been done, Pastor Richardson stated they did not do a formal study, but this was something that had been requested by residents often. • Council Member Painter understood there was a need and was supportive of improving the building. He asked if there was additional under air footage being added, Mr. Knight explained the footprint was not changing but they would enclose the porte-cochere for an additional 500 square feet. • Council Member D'Ambra agreed with Council Member Painter on the need and the church offered a valuable role to the community. He did not feel it would conflict with Good Shepherd school or have a large impact on traffic. He suggested they consider adding in more colors other than white and gray to further enhance the ambiance of the facility. • Vice Mayor Brandon had reached out to Good Shepherd, and they were supportive. She suggested they be realistic to the need between the northern area and to consider earlier dismissal, half day, and full day options. She also suggested they consider rainy day options for drop-off and pick-up as walking students in might be challenging. She also requested they look at paint options, she did not like the gray and feels churches should be soft and welcoming with added landscaping in the playground to provide natural shade. Citizen Comments: • Mr. Reid Shank, River Pines Court, a resident for six years with three kids who attend the church and summer camp. He supports the addition of the preschool so they don't have to drive out of the area. He would provide support letters if needed. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve SEU 02-23 with the conditions shared by Mrs. Zacarias; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 10. SPM 3-23: Application from 300 BEACH ROAD DEVELOPER LLC for a Site Plan Modification to relocate the previously approved condominium building approximately 55 feet westward, and revise the floor plan of the second floor. This application also includes a revised landscape plan. The subject property is located at 300 Beach Road, Tequesta, FL 33469. Attorney Brandenburg asked Council to disclose any ex-parte communications: • Council Member Painter performed a site visit. • Vice -Mayor Brandon viewed the site from the beach. Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias reviewed the application. The initial application was approved on October 2022 with the condition of an approval letter from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). The required letter was attached to the packet. Mr. George Gentile, representing Fontainebleau, provided details on the revisions of relocating the building and the second floor. The rest of the building was remaining the same. They did make minor modifications to landscape and artificial turf to encompass a coastal hammock environment. He presented the approved site plan from October overlayed with the new site plan to illustrate the relocation changes. The changes did not require any variances. Council Comments: Vice -Mayor Brandon was happy with the plan. Mayor Young felt this showed Council was on the right track when trying to get the buildings moved back and was glad to see the move. She asked about other entity reviews and approvals, Building Official Jose Rodriguez stated they would ensure the proper checks were made. Mayor Young inquired on landscape coverings and Mr. Gentile stated they would work with the Village's landscape architect to ensure the proper covering was there as they had encountered issues with Seaglass. Council Member D'Ambra asked if Seaglass remediated that backside issue and Mr. Gentile noted they had. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve SPM 03-23; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 11. ORDINANCE NO. 08-23, FIRST 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 Brandenburg read the title into record. Mayor Young opened the hearing for public comments; there were none. Mayor Young opened the hearing for Council comments; there being none the hearing was closed. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 08-23; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 12. ORDINANCE NO. 04-23 FIRST 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 Brandenburg read the title into record. Lynne Britt, Building Support Administrator, presented the updated sea protection ordinance previously brought to workshop and based on the Florida State model ordinance. The Land Planning Agency (LPA) requested two changes; to bring definitions closer to the top and secondly to have the ordinance apply to the R3 zone only. The LPA recommended approval. Ms. Britt highlighted the differences and stated education material had been provided to areas and residents who would be affected. Council Comments: • Mayor Young inquired on the fines and penalties and asked if any were defined. Mr. Rodriguez explained the fines would go through Code Enforcement and were $250 per day and $500 for the second offense. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 04-23; Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 13. Consider Approval of the Village of Tequesta's Emergency Reserve Policy Mr. Jeff Snyder, Finance Director, provided a short history on the fund balance for the general fund, building fund, water fund, and stormwater fund. He noted the Village made a little more money on investments, and the three month emergency reserve policy would give the Village more ability to better react to storms. Mr. Allen stated the village had a two month emergency fund and was working toward a three month goal. This memorialized the funds for future councils. Council Comments: • Council Member D'Ambra stated past Councils previously mentioned having reserve funds from water and from the general funds for emergencies, he confirmed this policy would take it a step further by setting policy, establishing guidelines, and increasing the number from each fund. Mr. Allen noted the emergency fund was still set aside and this was the three month operating expenditures and was in addition to the emergency fund. • Mayor Young questioned with the suggested percentages the Village was where it needed to be with the exception of the general fund. Mr. Allen explained the Village projected to be short at the end of the year for the three months, but the 2023 investments were trending higher and would hopefully beat the projection. Mayor Young asked about the appropriation process for the unassigned reserve. Mr. Snyder stated the policy defined the process and would be at Council's discretion. Mr. Allen stated there were policies that would have to be followed. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the Village of Tequesta Emergency Reserve Policy. Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 14. Resolution No. 13-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL, ADOPTING THE REFUSE, RECYCLING, AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 Mr. Snyder explained this was the third year to contractually increase; previously Waste Management came to the Village with a hardship and the Village granted them 13.5% over the 3.5% which equaled $22 per year. This would be about $6.50 a year for a total of $191.88 per year for trash and yard waste. Council Comments: • Council Member D'Ambra asked for an update on automated services. Mr. Allen detailed the efforts in trying to get automation off the ground. He hoped to extend the agreement long term and planned a September workshop to discuss a contract extension beyond 2025 along with automation. He also explained going out for bid would take more than 2 years to order equipment and this would be a better solution. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve the annual refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection rates of $191.88 for Fiscal Year Beginning October 1, 2023 and ending September 30, 2024 Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 15. Consider Approval of Contract Between the Village of Tequesta and the Bureau of Land Management Chief Medina explained the extra detail paid for by the Bureau of Land Mangement to patrol the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natura Area. The duration of contract was 5 years and totaled $107,000 and had no cost to the Village. The contract also included $20,000 for marine vests and also discussed officer salaries. Council Comments: • Council Member D'Ambra asked about dock space. Chief Medina said they were still working on placing a dock on the property. Mr. Allen clarified the construction was planned for late April. • Laurie Brandon inquired on the fishing tournament around Cato's Bridge and if both parties would have jurisdiction. Chief Medina stated that was Jupiter's jurisdiction and not the Village. Citizen Comments: • Marcia Nielson, 94 Beechwood Trail, inquired on the types of calls received in that area. Chief Medina stated it was primarily drinking, marijuana, dogs, and disorderly persons. • George Williams, 400 Beach Road, 82 years of age and jogs on the beach at low tide daily. He feels comfortable and safe with our police department, but a troubling issue are the dogs on the beach which are rarely on a leash and attack joggers. He wanted to know what could be done about it. He suggested once a week a police officer patrol the beach. Mayor Young asked Chief Medina to obtain Mr. Williams contact information to discuss the issue further. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve the contract between the Village of Tequesta and Bureau of Land Management; Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 16. RESOLUTION NO. 14-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES RENDERED BY THE VILLAGE FOR ITS RESIDENTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; PROVIDING THAT THIS REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ALL TIMES AT THE VILLAGE HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Marjorie Craig, Utilities Director, provided modifications to the schedule of fees and charges from 2021 Resolution (19-21) and based on Council's direction from past meetings included a 5% base rate recalibration and recognitions of the recent inflation of operations and maintained the 3.5% annual rate adjustments for the next five fiscal years. This was based on a 20-year financial model and capital plan. She stated the capital projects were important and had been put off in the past, but needed to move forward to improve infrastructure. Council Comments: • Council Member Sartory and Council Member Painter felt Council could not continue to postpone the projects, as much as the increase was difficult, it was needed. • Council Member D'Ambra agreed and stated water was essential. • Vice -Mayor Branon was not a fan of adding more fees to residents, but maintenance of infrastructure was essential. • Mayor Young inquired on the monthly capital charge being a flat fee for the equivalent resident connection (ERC) and what the capacity reservation monthly fee was. Mr. Rob Ori of Raftelis Financial Consultants, explained it would be a flat fee and detailed the fixed rate flat charge for ERC. Mrs. Craig explained the capacity reservation fee was for developers and unrelated to this. Mayor Young felt this was significant, but agreed it could not be avoided. • Council Member Sartory asked about a round -up option on the water utility bill to create a water welfare fund. Ms. Craig noted there were two opportunities for residents to apply for funding if they were not able to pay their bill. The round -up option was an accounting challenge. It had been discussed and the Village would need to find a non-profit to administer it with criteria established and checks and balances in place. Mr. Allen stated they would continue to work on it. Citizen Comments: • Mr. Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court, commented on Jackson, MS water issues and noted most of their water issues were due to leakage. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve Resolution No. 14-23; Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 17. RESOLUTION NO. 15-23, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE STORMWATER UTILITY FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES This was a request to increase the storm water fees by 5%, which equates to $0.34 per month. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve Resolution No. 15-23; Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 18. Consider Acceptance of PBC EMS Grant Funds and to Purchase One (1) Lucas 3 Chest Compression System Chief Trube reviewed the request for the grant revenues and purchase. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve the PBC EMS grant and purchase of a Lucas 2 Chest Compression system; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 19. Consider Approval of Terracon Services, Inc. Second Addendum to the Agreement for Mowing and Landscaping Services Mr. Doug Chambers reviewed the agenda item to extend the landscaping contract. The contract would end on September 30th and the Village would like to extend the contract for an additional five years at the current rates and terms. Council Member Painter left the chambers at 8:12 PM. Council Member D'Ambra confirmed the additional areas added to the contract would free up staff time and how would that time be utilized. Manager Allen detailed the need for the additional areas and how staff would be able to use their time. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve the Terracon Services, Inc. contract renewal; Council Member Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 4-0 (absent: Council Member Painter). 20. Approve Setting the Proposed Maximum Ad Valorem Millage Rate for the Village of Tequesta for Fiscal Year 2023-24 at a rate of 6.2900 per $1,000 of Assessed Value and setting the Budget Public Hearings as Follows: September 14, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. - Approve Proposed Budget; and September 21, 2023 - 5;30 p.m.- Adopt Final Budget. Council Member Painter returned to the chambers at 8:15 pm. Manager Allen provided detail on the tax rate. Council Comments: • Mayor Young commented on the various cost increases residents were facing and feels they are in an ideal situation where staff was making the recommendation to lower the mileage as opposed to council requiring a rate change. • Council Member Sartory would like to keep the mileage at the current rate and not lower it as of yet, until further discussion at the July 31st workshop. He did not want to pigeon hole Council and favored keeping it at the current rate with the option of lowering it the after the workshop, if needed. • Council Member Painter agreed with Council Member Sartory given there was still another workshop and some items to internally work out. He favored the higher rate as the option was still available to lower it later. • Council Member D'Ambra concurred with Council Member Sartory and Painter. There were a number of critical initiatives to address and prior Councils lowered it in the past only to have to increase it later. He agreed to keep at the current rate and lower it later, if possible. Vice -Mayor Brandon was more comfortable setting it at the max and having further budget conversations to lower it. Mayor Young respectfully disagreed. She had analyzed the budget and setting it higher now would make it difficult to lower in the future. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to set the maximum Millage of 6.629 and set the dates for the Budget Hearings on September 14, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. and September 21, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried 4-1 (opposed: Mayor Young). 21. Consider Approval Of Initiating The Process to Hire Full-time Staff To Serve As The Community Development Department. Mr. Allen suggested hiring full-time staff for the Community Development Department and discontinuing the Chen Moore contract. He would like to post the job and hire now to allow overlap for training. There was be budget implications and needed to be broughl back as a budget amendment. Council Comments: • Council Member Sartory was in favor of the hiring of a full-time Community Development Department. • Council Member Painter stated the team had done an awesome job, but supported the need for the in-house position. • Council Member D'Ambra agreed this was a tough decision with Chen Moore's historical knowledge and the expectations for the future. He wished Ms. Zacarias's team could financially continue and wanted to set aside funds to bring them in as necessary. Mr. Allen noted they had done that. • Vice -Mayor Brandon felt in-house was the smartest move and hoped to utilize Ms. Zacarias's services in the future. • Mayor Young agreed with all comments and stated it was a pleasure working with Ms. Zacarias and her team. She suggested tabling the planner portion until the budget workshop for further discussion. Citizen Comments: Pat Watkins, 167 River Dr, thanked Ms. Zacarias stating she was such an overwhelming asset to the Village. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the initiation of the Community Development Department hiring process; Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 22. Annual Performance Review of Village Manager Jeremy Allen Council felt Mr. Allen was always available, respected his opinion, and was meeting all performance expectations. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to approve a $15,500 increase in pay to be distributed as follows before taxes: $7,750 added to his base salary; 4% increase non -union staff receives prior to the additional base salary, $7,750 provided as a lump sum bonus; Council Member D'Ambra seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 23. Council added: Letter of support for Senate Bill 1430 Mrs. Craig would like to add the Village of Tequesta Water Utilities Department to the letter of support for Senate Bill 1430 which was the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) liability protection act, was a joint letter from the utility council, and would be in front of the 118th Congress. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to approve a letter of support for Senate Bill 1430; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5- 0. ANY OTHER MATTERS Mrs. Nilsa Zacarias thanked the Village for their kind words and expressed what a privilege it was to work with the staff and Council. Council Member D'Ambra wanted to explore a bonus program for other department heads and leadership roles within the Village. Council agreed it was worth discussing at a future workshop. Mayor Young would like Council to reconsider guest parking in future developments as she felt it was a concern. Council agreed to include it in a workshop and review the previous proposals. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 PM. MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member D'Ambra 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.