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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_03/27/2009MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP MINUTES MARCH 27, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 2:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo. 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 Assistant Deanna Mayo and Department Heads. 1. Discussion on Bourassa Property at 4534 8~ 4546 County Line Road Mayor Watkins read an email from Mr. John Hayes (former Riverside Oaks HOA President) into the record. Manager Couzzo stated that he spoke to Mr. Hayes earlier today. Mr. Bourassa introduced his associates and offered a drawing of the facility for reference. He also explained that HUD (Housing and Urban Development) offered a program for such facilities and was interested in their plans. He then noted the building style, parking and amount of landscaping and his opinion of what the design concept offered. Mr. Bourassa stated the facility would employ 60 people. He also noted the facilities .around the clock schedule and pointed out the clientele was elderly therefore; lighting and noise would not be a late night issue. Manager Couzzo noted that the plan was in the early stages and most information was speculative. George Mueller, Architect for Mr. Bourassa noted the type of facility statistically had one car for every ten residents and although would employ 60 people there would never have more than 30 employees at the facility at any given time. He also noted a standard schedule for residents. Joanne Brooks, President of Riverside Oaks Home Owners Association, questioned R2 zoning. Manager Couzzo responded that Council had not seen a drawing at present for the proposed property and that Council would stipulate what would be acceptable under the zoning and make a decision on the proposed property zoning changes. Vice Mayor Paterno noted that the proposed zoning change included R2 with a text amendment and felt it would provide special privileges to a chosen group. Mayor Watkins asked Attorney Keith Davis for clarification on whether the request would be spot zoning. He responded that, in his opinion, it would not be spot zoning. Minutes -Workshop 3/27/09 Page 2 Mr. Bourassa felt that the project would be a great asset to the Village. Mayor Watkins stated she was concerned with the opinion of the surrounding neighbors and noted that she would only consider two stories. She also felt the proposed design was good and offered plenty of green space. Mr. Lwowski, 137 Magnolia Way of Riverside Oaks questioned the visitor parking and noted his experience with nursing home parking issues. Mr. Bourassa explained that an ALF (Assisted Living Facility) was set up differently than a Nursing Home and stated that HUD regulated the ALF parking. Mr. Lwowski inquired if something could be put in writing to disallow a three story building. Council Member Humpage reassured that present Council would not approve three stories. Vice Mayor Paterno noted that R1 zoning would not allow a three story structure. Joanne Brooks asked if the units would be sold or rented. Mr. Bourassa responded that only rentals would be offered. Council Member Arena offered results of his personal investigation on the proposed project and felt there was a need for the facility. He added that Mr. Bourassa's proposal appeared to be in line with a probable necessity in the area and noted his only concern was spot zoning. Attorney Davis remarked that the entire zone would be in the books and was confident that it would not be spot zoning. Manager Couzzo suggested that perception could still contradict what was written. Council Member Turnquest noted his opinion was neutral and open to change but felt the present proposal was more in line with what was suitable. Council Member Humpage noted that the Village attempted to contact Mr. Hayes, who was their contact on record, several times to set up a Workshop with Riverside Oaks and never received a return call. He noted his research and offered a handout for reference. He asked for a percentage of lot coverage of the proposed design and noted the new proposal showed only one third of lot coverage from Mr. Bourassa's first conceptual drawing which was condos. Council Member Humpage noted he would like an additional Workshop and felt the new proposal should receive further consideration. Vice Mayor Paterno noted that the zoning change would have to be approved before Mr. Bourassa's proposal would be considered. He added that he believed Mr. Bourassa's intent Minutes -Workshop 3/27/09 Page 3 was good but, he was concerned with what the next developer could do with the zoning changes if they were approved. 2. Continued Discussion and Update on Preserve Property Council Member Humpage gave an update on his discussion with the VA (Veterans Affairs) and their concerns and possible issues with cost of building rehabilitation and rent. He noted the offer was off the table at present but he had another meeting with their representative. Manager Couzzo stated he backed Council Member Humpage in his efforts but felt one of the VA's concerns was with convenience and remaining at their present location. Council Member Humpage felt they had outgrown their present facility and appeared to need more space. Manager Couzzo encouraged Council Member Humpage to continue forward with his pursuit and noted that Vice Mayor Paterno was pursuing the purchase of the property. Vice Mayor Paterno stated he believed the owners were running out of time on April 15, 2009 and foreclosure could begin. He confirmed the present owners owed ten and a half million. Vice Mayor Paterno stated the Village would have to pay cash at this point. Manager Couzzo suggested if Council agreed they should continue on the both ventures. Council Member Turnquest suggested Vice Mayor Paterno call Commissioner Karen Marcus about the Preserve and stated he had met with her and she offered information for Council that may help their negotiations. He noted he also spoke to several State Representatives that were supportive of the VA venture. 3. Discussion on Tequesta Park Signage Manager Couzzo noted that the Village was eager to come up with something that would work for the Village and the Kiwanis. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Council Member Arena moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:06 p. m.; seconded by Council Member Turnquest, motion carried unanimously 5-0. ,~~~~RYtil~ilei: •~;, Respectfully submitted, ,,,.~~°`~,PGE•.O,c Jp..•GpRPo ~ ry SF , n'1 e Le~~-•!~coAe~~9~ Lori McWilliams, CMC Village Clerk