HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/21/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 9:00 a.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Tom Paterno,
Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Jim Humpage, and Council Member
Calvin Turnquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village
Attorney Keith Davis, Village Clerk McWilliams and Community Development Director
Catherine Harding.
1. Discussion on Concept of Leasing Private Property on Tequesta Drive for Open
Space Passive Park
Village Manager Couzzo discussed the Village leasing privately owned property from John
Zuccarelli, on Tequesta Drive as an open space passive park and dog park. He stated this
would create an aesthetically pleasing view on the currently unsightly property. He noted the
land in question was the property between the bank and Urgent Care Center. He advised the
Village was currently in negotiations with Mr. Zuccarelli, as Mayor of Jupiter Inlet Colony,
regarding the fire services agreement and that Mr. Zuccarelli had existing litigation against the
Village for approximately $40,000 regarding utility fees. He stated the property was cited as in
violation of existing codes and a fine assessment hearing was scheduled for April 23, 2009 at
10:00 a.m.. He suggested Council consider executing a continuance to Mr. Zuccarelli in order
to work out a proposed agreement.
Council discussed items that could be included in a lease agreement (not inclusive) such as a
multi-year agreement; yearly cost; improvement costs being repaid should the property be
sold; monthly utility costs; designate property as municipal park; drop current litigation;
property taxes continuing at current assessed rate; and elimination of code issues and tractor
trailer parking.
Mayor Watkins asked about liability issues and Village Manager Couzzo stated the Village
would have to insure the property. Mayor Watkins stated she did not want to become involved
in a lease agreement that could cost the Village thousands of dollars. Council Member
Turnquest believed the current legal staff would be able to compose an appropriate agreement
that would protect the interests of the Village.
Manager Couzzo suggested stipulating a period the property would remain a park before it
could be sold and discussed depreciation and appreciation factors.
Vice-Mayor Paterno liked the idea of an open space park; but voiced concern that Mr.
Zuccarelli was legally the center of most issues and suggested Council wait to ensure there
were no conflicts. Attorney Keith Davis confirmed Mr. Zuccarelli would be the one required to
make legal disclosures.
Council Member Turnquest stated the fire rescue agreement was a separate issue from the
park and restated legal's advice that it would be Mr. Zuccarelli's responsibility to disclose to his
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Council. Attorney Davis agreed Mr. Zuccarelli would have to acknowledge in writing that he
could potentially make money or had a personal financial interest in the property.
Consensus of Council supported the concept of a passive open park space.
Resident Mary Hinton stated the Tequesta Oaks Homeowners Association supported the
concept and suggested contacting "Friends of Jupiter Beach" to assist with park maintenance.
Council Member Humpage believed the lease should be time specific and questioned how it
would be handled if the property owner wanted to sell one parcel at a time. Attorney Davis
advised that would be worked out in the contract language. Council Member Humpage asked
about additional liabilities surrounding dog parks to which Attorney Davis advised generally
guilt was placed upon the owner of the animal.
Consensus of Council agreed to continue the fine assessment hearing for one month in order
to further investigate drafting an agreement for municipal park purposes.
Vice-Mayor Paterno asked for a letter from the Village Attorney stating that he has no legal
conflicts or ramifications personally regarding the issue.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 a. m.;
seconded by Council Member Turnquest, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
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