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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_10/30/2023 MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL OCTOBER 30, 2023 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Laurie Brandon at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Vice-Mayor Laurie Brandon, Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Council Member Patrick Painter, and Council Member Rick Sartory. Mayor Young attended via Zoom. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Recognition of Outgoing Council Member Frank D'Ambra Village Clerk Lori McWilliams read a recognition of service to Council Member Frank D' Ambra III, upon his resignation of Council. She thanked him on behalf of the Village for his many years of dedicated service. 2. Presentation by Andy Studt- Department of Environmental Resources Management of Palm Beach County: Program Supervisor, Coastal Resources Management. Mr. Andy Studt of the Department of Environmental Resources Management of Palm Beach County: Program Supervisor, Coastal Resources Management spoke to Council and presented a slide show. Topics contained within the presentation were: location, long term management, countywide funding, public accessibility vs. funding, Coral Cove project history, and environmental considerations. Council had questions regarding rock formations, sand, erosion, construction damage, environmental conditions, funding, storms, consistent dredging, incentives, dune restoration, and nesting season. Ms. Kimberly Vanderpol of Carve Surf and Coffee in Tequesta addressed Council and read an excerpt from the Marine Science Institute, on the consequences of beach nourishment. A Beach Road resident spoke of the erosion on the Intracoastal portion of Beach Road. Mr. Thomas Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail commented on the erosion on Beach Road and the right of way, public access and mangroves. Additionally, the management of Coral Cove was insufficient in his opinion. 3. Discussion on Beach Road Association Request for Annexation Analysis Manager Allen opened up the discussion on annexation costs and information, with a concentration on the Beach Road corridor. Several phases, including "Area H", north of Coral Cove were part of the information for Council to consider. Manager Allen mentioned that the Beach Road area north of Coral Cove was problematic as the Village did not have jurisdiction to patrol or enforce the issues that had historically plagued the area. Jonathan Griffiths of 375 Beach Road, addressed Council and spoke of issues such as parking, and pedestrian crossings. The annexation of "Area H" would be beneficial, if a study supported it. A resident of Beach Road spoke to Council and shared frustrations on having the area governed by three separate entities. He requested a study be performed on possible costs associated with annexation. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive commented on the topic of annexation, noting that Nilsa Zacarias had performed a thorough study. She recommended the Beach Road Association invest in a study, as she felt the majority of Tequesta residents would not be in favor of paying for the costs associated with annexation consideration. Mrs. Marie Sapire, of Tequesta Country Club opined that taxpayer dollars should not be used to purchase a study that would benefit residents in another jurisdiction. Mr. Thomas Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail was in favor of annexation but felt the non residents should not have to pay to find out how much it would potentially increase costs for them. He felt a smaller study could be performed, with a lower cost., while implementing a phased approach. Vice Mayor Brandon commented on prior annexation meetings, where the focus was on the increased costs in taxes. She felt the Beach Road Association needed to garner more support, before the Village could consider moving forward with a study. Council Members Painter and Sartory agreed that Village taxpayers should not bear the burden of paying for the study. Mayor Young empathized with the non residents and felt annexing the recreation area was an issue. Ms. Nilsa Zacarias of Chen Moore &Associates, spoke of phase 1 and 2 of the annexation process, focusing on Area H. The area might not be considered an enclave, and could be annexed either voluntarily or involuntarily. It was a Consensus of Council to discontinue conversation on purchasing a study. 4. Council Discussion on Cell Phone Text Messaging Policy Village Clerk Lori McWilliams asked Council for input on the proposed text messaging policy which included either a google phone number to be used, or a separate, dedicated phone for Village related business. The policy would ensure public record laws were followed. Council was in agreement and support of the new policy. Mr. Thomas Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail felt the new policy was not fail safe and it was unnecessary. 5. Discussion relating to Formula Restaurants as Part of the Proposed Overlay Code Text Amendment Village Attorney Keith Davis reiterated the legal implications of excluding formula businesses and the time frame constraints connected to such issues. Nothing could be adopted that would be considered more restrictive or burdensome to businesses, until October of 2024 due to recent legislation. Council Member Sartory understood nothing could be done now, but he would like to discuss how to keep Tequesta "small" and how to discourage formula businesses. Council Member Painter realized a compromise with formula businesses was important to evaluate at some point. He was also aware of the legal component. Vice Mayor Brandon would be open to revisiting the topic next year, and was in favor of overlays on all areas possible, while waiting until October 2024 to make any changes. Mayor Young was concerned with the economics affecting the property owners on this issue. She wondered about obtaining a second opinion from another attorney on the possibility of restricting formula businesses. Mrs. Amy Angelo of Martin County, and owner of Oceana Coffee, requested the Village retain outside counsel and referenced an opinion letter from Keith Davis illustrating Marathon, FL as a comparison to the Village. Mrs. Marie Sapire of Tequesta Country Club, quoted supreme court opinion and was in favor of local, small businesses. Mr. Thomas Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail asked Attorney Davis about the Senate Bill, proposed or adopted. He was in favor of restricting formula restaurants only. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM MOTION: Council Member Sartory made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully submitted, ` A 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.