HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_7/1/2024 (Approved
MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
JULY 1, 2024 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Molly Young at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser.
Present were:
Mayor Molly Young, Council Member Patrick Painter, Vice-Mayor Rick Sartory, Council Member
Laurie Brandon, and Council Member Jayson E. French.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Overview and Discussion Regarding Property & Casualty and Benefits/Health
Insurance
Mrs. Merlene Reid, Village Human Resources Director, introduced Mr. Christian
Bergstrom, Senior Benefits Consultant with the Gehring Group. Mr. Bergstrom offered
an overview of the current benefits program for the Village.
Traditionally, the Village's plan has had less than 100 employees and therefore its' claims
are blended with others to determine premium rating. The Florida Municipal Insurance
Trust (FMIT) is unique in that it only underwrites a government pool. Additionally,
medical and pharmacy costs continue to increase at rates significantly higher than
inflation. FMIT verbally indicated a 16% increase to medical insurance premiums ($316k
overall).
Ms. Rommi Mitchell, Senior Consultant and P&C Team Lead for the Gehring Group
presented a powerpoint focused on a market update for property and casualty insurance
for the Village. Her presentation included information on the FMIT as it related to the
Village property policy. Commercial increases in 2024 were projected at 1-5% with
Village payrolls increasing 3.7%. Other increases were general liability, auto liability and
physical damage, workers compensation, and commercial property in catastrophic
markets. There was an expectation of an overall package increase in the low teens.
2. Discussion on Commercial Zoning Overlay's
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Mr. Jay Hubsch, Community Development Director presented a powerpoint on the
Commercial Corridor Master Plan.
Council had comments on the formula businesses, incentives, waivers, building height,
civic space, live local act, and public benefits. Adding incentives, fine tuning formula
business regulations and figuring out density was recommended for further discussion.
Council agreed additional community input was needed and another Workshop was
recommended.
Ms. Kaitlin Guerin addressed Council and asked that the US 1 Corridor restrictions be re-
examined as a mix of uses was needed. Formula definitions should be examined for the
commercial corridor.
Mr. Tom Frankel One Main Street commented on retail limitations, the conceptual plan,
and density.
Mrs. Marcia Nielson 94 Beechwood Trail commented about waivers and felt they were
very arbitrary. She did not want to see tall building in the Village.
Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail commented on the Comprehensive Plan and felt
the Village was behind in updating all codes.
Mr. Patrick Dolenzal thanked Council for gathering feedback from the community. He
suggested the overlay districts be separated out for discussion as it was very confusing
to hear all at once. He believed getting rid of national tenants would be a mistake.
Mr. John Islip thanked Council for the extra time in considering decisions on the Overlay
District. He asked that they be careful with incentives.
Andrea Aiken commented on formula businesses and local businesses.
Mayor Young outlined the tasks and direction for staff:
• Another workshop would be forthcoming on incentives including density.
• Formula regulations: offer consideration for all formula businesses and
restaurants, in all the districts, even those that don't need to apply for a special
exception. That language will be maintained in the overlay district.
• Add the expedited 30 day special exception review, if going into an existing space
and not tied to a site plan modification or approval in all the districts.
• Add new drive through language.
• Tequesta Drive overlay: leave as is, but prohibit retail.
• Village Overlay: leave restaurants and allow formula businesses, but formula retail
needs a special exception.
• US Highway One: keep formula restaurants as special exception, business and
retail permitted.
• Update definitions on formula retail, businesses, and restaurants.
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3. Discussion on Tequesta Drive Grade Crossing Quiet Zone
Mr. Doug Chambers, Public Works Director updated Council on the quiet zone at the
Tequesta Drive grade crossing. He explained that in order to have a quiet zone, the
Village would need to install an additional two gate arms, or move a driveway of a
business close to the railroad crossing.
The cost of moving the driveway would be approximately $82,450 and the owner of the
property was in agreement of the driveway modification. The cost of adding an additional
two gate arms was estimated to be over $500,000 with possible funding either this year
or next year.
Council asked if the owner of the business would be agreeable to contributing to the cost
of the modification. The Village would reach out to them to inquire.
Mr. Tom Bradford 44 Chestnut Trail requested Council implement a lease with this
property.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8.25 PM.
MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member
Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Y U n�Uo"
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.
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