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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_4/10/2025 MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL APRIL 10, 2025 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 Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, MMC. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Council Member Patrick Painter, Vice-Mayor Rick Sartory, Council Member Laurie Brandon, and Council Member Jayson E. French. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council Member Janson French Council Member French introduced Jarvis Koyate from Family Church Tequesta, to offer an invocation, followed by the pledge of allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Council Member Brandon. (Carried 5-0) PRESENTATION 1. Annual Overview Presentation by the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics There was no one in attendance for the presentation. 2. Proclamation Proclaiming May 10 and 11, 2025 as American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Days The proclamation was not read as there was no one in attendance to receive it. 3. Proclamation Proclaiming April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in the Village of Tequesta; and Update on Arbor Day Event and Tree City USA Signs. Mr. Jeremy Allen informed Council of the upcoming April 25, 2025 Arbor Day Event, which included local schools, to be held on the Village Green at Village Hall. Tree City signage was discussed by Council and it was suggested to place signage at the Village gateways. 4. Annual General Employee Pension Board Update - Trustees Bernard Ward and Kyle Stone Employee Pension Trustee Kyle Stone presented a powerpoint on updates to the pension fund. He focused on historical plan data, year end summaries, asset allocations, investment returns, key board actions, real estate, actuarial valuation, future contribution rates, background information on plan overview, and benefit eligibility. Council thanked Mr. Stone and had questions regarding 100% funding, and state statute compliance. Mayor Young recognized Mr. Ben Ward, Pension Trustee, who had volunteered on several boards for 20 years. Mr. Ward was presented with an appreciation plaque from the Village. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Vice Mayor Sartory made a motion to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Council Member French. Carried 5-0. Mayor Young pointed out that the many work authorizations for the Utility Department were able to be funded through the Capital Recovery charge that had been enacted. 5. MINUTES: February 13, 2025 Regular Council; March 3, 2025 Workshop; March 7, 2025 Strategic Planning; and March 13, 2025 Special Council Meeting 6. Consider Approval of Contracts Signed by the Manager Under$25,000 (Per Village Ordinance we are presenting the following agreements, proposals, commitments and memorandum of understanding to Council.) A. Dive Rescue International Agreement, $TBD, B. Holtz Consulting Work Authorization for Water Main, $11,665.00, C. Mock Roos and Associates Work Authorization Surficial Aquifer Well 19 Replacement, $21,000.00, D. Mock Roos and Associates Work Authorization for Surficial Aquifer Well 26 Performance Evaluation and Monitoring, $9,800.00 END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Harold Taylor of 13 Chapel Court commented to Council on a recent letter of appreciation he had received from Hanna's Home, regarding their recent construction. He asked Council to look into contacting the FEC about installing backup equipment at railroad crossings to ensure safety should severe storms affect the warning systems. He also supported the train horn being activated and had concerns regarding the cost of improvements at the railroad crossings. Manager Allen commented that there would not be any costs to the Village, associated with quiet zones. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member French reported that he had attended an Explorer Meeting and thanked the Police Department for such a valuable program. Mayor Young reported she had been appointed to the MCFEC, a multi intergovernmental coordination issues forum. She stated there had been discussion on the transportation plan process which included overall information sharing. Mayor Young was thankful to be able to represent our area and would keep Council updated. She also thanked staff for the advocacy they had provided during this years difficult session. STANDING REPORTS Village Attorney Village Attorney Keith Davis announced that Amity Barnard and Dylan Brandenburg had both become shareholders within his law firm. Village Manager 7. Manager Standing Report Village Manager Jeremy Allen reported that the AT&T damaged box at the entryway to the Tequesta Country Club would soon be replaced. He asked Council to be aware of price increases throughout the Village and in contracts. He was optimistic regarding some of the legislative bills and had been working closely with the Village lobbyist, Mr. Pruitt. The mobility plan was moving forward and the Village was monitoring the fee. Upcoming events in the Village included: Arbor Day, Shred Event & Coffee with a Cop, and the boater safety course. Police Department 8. Police Department's Monthly Standing Report Police Chief Gus Medina highlighted some areas of his report which included: the upcoming Shred Event and Coffee with a Cop, Boater Safety Course openings, Civilian Firearms Class, safety survey, E-Bike enforcement and education, trespassing individuals, and a minor a-bike crash. Council Members had comments on ebike safety, firearms safety course, and the recent e-bike crash involving a young boy. Fire Department 9. Fire Department Report Fire Chief McLaughlin reported to Council on the many events the fire department was involved with, both last month and this month. He mentioned meetings with the Utility Department on non-billable water usage, self entanglement training, Palm Beach State Fire College programs, Easter Egg Hunt Open House, a dive rescue course, a recent memorial service, and the Life Scan Program. UTILITIES 10. Utilities Department Update Ms. Marjorie Craig reported some highlights from the last month, including: the Dover Ditch permits, the water treatment plant water filter project, and the loan application for Beach Road Phase 2. Utility Intern Diego Boada presented a powerpoint to Council highlighting his time working for the Village as an intern. Mayor Young asked about setting projects as baselines in order to offer transparency in project timelines. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 11. Consider Approval of Work Authorization for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to Perform Work set forth herein and is Issued Pursuant to The Professional Engineering Services Agreement to Provide 100% Construction Documents and Limiting Permit Services for Tequesta Park Village Manager Jeremy Allen updated Council on the work authorization which would provide 100% construction plans with limited permitting services for Tequesta Park. The Village was awarded an appropriation of approximately $900,000 with the Village responsible for 35%. Tequesta had budgeted $202,000 through the capital program. Council had concerns regarding resident feedback pertaining to future project costs of approximately $8 million dollars. Funding from the State of Florida was a common concern among several Council Members, and they were not supportive of Village ad valorum tax dollars paying for the improvements. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of Beechwood Trail asked Council to table the expenditure of approximately $250,000 for Tequesta Park and to rethink the entire project. She reminded Council that the Village did not own the Park and felt funding was a major issue and concern. She believed the Village could not afford to build nor maintain the Park. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive, commented on the funding of Tequesta Park. She was concerned with maintenance costs for residents. Additionally, she understood there would now be 3 Village Parks that residents would be financially responsible for, through constant maintenance and improvements. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve the Work Authorization for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Tequesta Park; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 12. Consider Approval of the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan Manager Allen reminded Council of the prioritized Strategic Plan initiatives and asked for feedback in order to prepare for the upcoming budget year. Council commented on additional priorities, specifically, improved communication with the development community and agreed it should be at the request of the developers. They agreed the initiative should not be required, but should be available. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 13. ORDINANCE 03-25, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 78. ZONING. ARTICLE XIV. VACATION RENTALS. AT SECTIONS 78-891 "VACATION RENTAL PERMIT APPLICATION"; AND SECTION 78-893 "VACATION RENTAL STANDARDS"; IN ORDER TO ACCURATELY CONFORM THESE PROVISIONS TO BUILDING AND FIRE PREVENTION CODES; 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. Village Attorney Keith Davis read the ordinance into the record. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion to approve Ordinance 03-25; Council Member French seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 14. ORDINANCE NO. 02-25, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS, DIVISION 1. SECTION 2-234 "ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS" TO ALLOW THE VILLAGE TO OPT OUT OF PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS WHEN REQUESTED BY THE VILLAGE CLERK; ALSO AMENDING DIVISION 2. SECTION 2- 251 "INSPECTORS; OTHER ELECTION WORKERS" TO ADD THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS AS BEING AUTHORIZED TO APPOINT POLL WORKERS FOR VILLAGE POLLING PLACES; ALSO AMENDING DIVISION 3. SECTION 2-273 "VACANCY IN CANDIDACY, OR PRIOR TO TAKING OFFICE" TO ADD EXAMPLES OF RESIDENCY PROOF REQUIREMENTS; CREATING SECTION 2-270. — QUALIFICATIONS TO DESCRIBE QUALIFIACTIONS FOR CANDIDACY AND PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF RESIDENCY PROOF REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION 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. Village Attorney Keith Davis read Ordinance 02-25 into the record. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve Ordinance 02-25; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 15. RESOLUTION 03-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, SETTING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS CANDIDATE FILING FEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-272 OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Attorney Keith Davis and Village Clerk Lori McWilliams explained that the resolution would increase the candidate filing fee, which had not been increased in 43 years. The new filing fee would be tied to Council salaries at a rate of 1%. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve Resolution 03-25; Vice- Mayor Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS There were none. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 PM MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7.16 PM; seconded by Council Member Brandon. Carried 5-0. Re�pectfully 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.