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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_8/12/2025 ;A MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL AUGUST 12, 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 - Vice-Mayor Sartory Vice Mayor Sartory offered an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve the agenda; Vice Mayor Sartory seconded the motion. (Carried unanimously 5-0) PRESENTATION 1. Presentation by the United Way Palm Beach County, CEO Dr. Laurie George, on Hunger Action Month and Proclamation Declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action Month in the Village of Tequesta There was no presentation due to the representative from the United Way being absent. 2. Legislative Presentation by Village Lobbyist Ken Pruitt Village Lobbyist Ken Pruitt updated Council on several notable bills which included House Bill 11 (vetoed), Senate Bill 1704/House Bill 1523 (killed, preserving local control), House Bill 683 (passed—synthetic turf installation), and the ongoing Live Local Act. Additionally, a $2 billion dollar recurring tax cut passed; business rent tax was eliminated; and the back-to-school sales tax and generator tax-exemptions were made permanent. Mr. Pruitt informed Council that the next legislative session would begin on October 6, 2025 (committee weeks), with Palm Beach local bill delegation meetings highlighted for parks ownership efforts, supported by Rep. Schneider/Senator Harrell. Additionally there were special elections for legislative seats resulting from prominent resignations; and an introduction of new Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins. Mr. Pruitt reported on short term rentals and home rule discussions, and believed ongoing vigilance was needed. 3. Proclamation Recognizing Richard Radcliffe on his 14 Years of Service to the Palm Beach County League of Cities Proclamation was not read as recipient was not present. 4. Presentation by Administration Intern Joseph Ginossi Village intern Joseph Ginossi presented an inter-municipality comparison using a variety of metrics. It was noted that the Village provided robust services per capita, was ranked high for home costs, boasted low crime rates, and featured above-average park acreage/cost-effectiveness, while maintaining a solid fiscal outlook. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; seconded by Council Member Brandon. Motion carried 5-0. 5. MINUTES: 7110125 Regular and 7122125 Budget Workshop 6. Consider Approval of Contracts Signed by the Village Manager Under $25,000 (Per Village Ordinance we are presenting the following agreements, proposals, commitments and memorandum of understanding to Council.) A. Florida Institute of Government Agreement for ADA Training, $3,187.50, B. Trevi LLC DBA WetTaps Proposal for Installation of 6-inch Water Main Insertion Valve, $7,250.00 7. Consider Approving a One Year Extension to the Interlocal Agreement with the Municipal Public Safety Communications Consortium (MPSCC) 8. RESOLUTION 11-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DONATE SURPLUS PROPERTY /N ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 9. RESOLUTION NO. 12-25 OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 10. Consider approval for a Special Event permit application for the "25th Annual Run 4 the Pies Race" organized by Palm Beach Roadrunners, a registered 501(c)(3) organization. The event is to be held on Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. No alcohol will be served. The projected number of attendees for the event is 2,200. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 16-25 OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 12. Consider Approval of Kimley-Horn & Associates CEI Services Work Authorization for Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Replacement for a Total Not to Exceed $30,000 13. RESOLUTION NO. 15-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, APPROVING A ONE TIME PERFORMANCE BASED COMPENSATION AMOUNT FOR THE VILLAGE MANAGER FOR FISCAL YEAR 202412025 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION S.F. OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE MANAGER AND THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2019; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mrs. Marcia Nielson of Beechwood Trail addressed Council and referenced charitable giving from the August 4th Workshop Meeting. She offered insight on the historical significance of giving to charitable organizations out of individual discretionary funds, and believed travel should be a separate line in the budget. Lastly, she felt Council should adhere to the Village employee travel policy. Mrs. Christina Vanderwesthizen of 113B Lighthouse Circle addressed Council with a complaint about noise from passing train horns. She was frustrated that there was not a quiet zone in place, as there was in other cities. She asked Council to keep her updated. Manager Allen offered a brief history on the process and where the Village stood currently. An agreement was in the works and Mr. Allen would reach out to Ms. Vanderwesthizen's HOA with updates on the status. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Brandon thanked the Village for keeping school children safe, and for preparing for hurricane season. Vice Mayor Sartory thanked the Clerk's Department for putting together the Palm Beach County League of Cities Luncheon at Tequesta Country Club. He congratulated Mayor Young on becoming president of the organization and felt it was a very popular event. Mayor Young thanked staff for the League of Cities luncheon, and congratulated public safety for keeping students safe during Operation Safe Start. APPOINTMENTS 14. Consider Appointment to Fill the Environmental Advisory Committee Vacancy Council discussed both applicants and recommended Mr. Drew Henriques for the Environmental Advisory Committee ( EAC) position. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to appoint Mr. Drew Henriques to the EAC; Vice-Mayor Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. STANDING REPORTS Village Attorney Attorney Davis did not have a report. Village Manager 15. Monthly Manager's Report Manager Allen updated Council on recent road repairs scheduled for Golfview Dr (FPL vehicle damages), the United Way Hunger Action Month drop-off location, CWA union decertification, and schedule reminders for upcoming meetings. Police Department 16. Police Department Standing Report Police Chief Gus Medina reported to Council on the ongoing civilian firearm classes , K9 Eric's retirement, K9 Scout's introduction and achievements in recent cases, car seat installations, Nautical Club, and a special recognition to Detective Loney for his dedication to anti-drug and asset-seizure work. Fire Department 17. Fire Department Report Standing Report Fire Chief John McLaughlin reported to Council on training, new policies, ISO evaluations scheduled, ongoing recruitments and the grant pursuits for equipment. UTILITIES 18. Utilities Department Update Utility Director Marjorie Craig reported to Council on updates for storm preparation, pipeline/ditch projects, relining, communication plan improvements, positive budget trends and capital project timelines. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 19. ORDINANCE NO. 5-25, SECOND READING AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF ADDITIONAL TERRITORY OWNED BY ROBERT & AMY SWAN TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE VILLAGE BOUNDARIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE Vlll SECTION 2(c) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 4.02 OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA CHARTER; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA TO INCLUDE ALL OF SAID REAL PROPERTY, DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS ANNEXATION; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE CLERK TO FILE A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF PALM BEACH COUNTYAND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE WITHIN (7) DAYS AFTER ADOPTION; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE AND A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Village Attorney Keith Davis read the title into the record. Community Development Director Jay Hubsch introduced Ordinance 5-25 to Council for approval. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve Ordinance 5-25 on second reading; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 20. SEU 01-25: Application from Jebccore Tequesta, LLC, for a Special Exception Use approval pursuant to Section 78-180 (i)(15) of the Village of Tequesta Code of Ordinances. The owner is requesting Special Exception Use approval for the currently existing 6,099 square feet building situated in the Village's Mixed Use Zoning District. The Applicant is proposing a fast-food restaurant in the MU Zoning District. The subject property is located at 150 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. Attorney Keith Davis announced the quasi judicial nature of SEU-01-25 and SPM 03-25 and collectively swore in 4 participants. Council disclosed the activity and contact they had with the applicant and/or property. Mayor Young had a discussion with Village Manager Allen and Community Development Director Hubsch and had visited the site. Vice Mayor Sartory had a discussion with the Village Manager. Council Member French had spoken to staff Council Member Brandon had driven by the CVS and been on the property. Council Member Painter had no contact or activity. Community Development Director Jay Hubsch explained that the applicant, Jebccore Tequesta LLC had asked for a Special Exception Use and Site Plan Modification approval to redevelop the former Bank of America building on US Highway One and Tequesta Drive. The applicant was interested in creating a space for a Chipotle restaurant and a dental office,with a special exception for the fast food/drive thru use. Council discussed parking and compatibility criteria as well as the drive-thru configuration. They had concerns about traffic safety, stacking, and future brand use. Ultimately, Council agreed that a denial was in order due to compatibility, scale, and traffic/safety concerns, but not the brand. The site plan modification was bypassed due to the special exception use denial. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve SEU 01-25: seconded the motion. DEFEATED. 1-4 (opposed: Mayor Young, Vice-Mayor Sartory, Council Member Brandon, and Council Member French). MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to deny SEU 01-25 based upon criteria number 2 and 6 of code section 78, and number 8 of code section 364; Vice- Mayor Sartory seconded the motion. Carried 4-1 (opposed: Council Member Painter). 21. SPM03-25 Application from Jebccore Tequesta, LLC for a Site Plan Modification for new exterior and site modifications on an existing 6,099 square foot building in the MU Mixed-Use Zoning District. The subject property is located at 150 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FI 33469. This item was skipped due to the denial of SEU 01-25. 22. RESOLUTION NO. 17-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE REFUSE, RECYCLING AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Finance Director Jeff Snyder asked Council for consideration in adopting the refuse and recycling rates for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed rate was a 4.88% contractual increase plus an additional 3.5% to cover costs. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive encouraged Council to support the increase as Waste Management had always gone above and beyond for the Village during hurricane clean up times and were a dedicated, good provider. Mayor Young was in favor of the increase but was not supportive of the 3.5% fee the Village was adding onto the cost. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion Consider adopting Resolution No. 17-25 as recommended. Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried 4-1 (opposed: Mayor Young). 23. RESOLUTION NO. 13-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE STORMWATER UTILITY FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Utility Director Marjorie Craig asked Council for consideration in adopting the stormwater utility fees for the upcoming fiscal year. A 5% increase was proposed with justification provided on infrastructure needs and a cross subsidy from the water utility tax to reduce the resident burden. Mr. Michael Tomes of 110D Lighthouse Circle raised a question regarding assessments for condo associations not using the Village stormwater system. Director Craig was asked to follow up with Mr. Tomes. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion made a motion to approve Resolution No. 13-25; Council Member French seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 24. Consider Approval of Deevan, Inc. Agreement Piggybacking the Town of Jupiter's Unit Price Contract for Utility Repairs and Improvements (Contract W2334) and a Proposal/Purchase Order for$21,849.05 for Utility Repairs Utility Director Marjorie Craig explained it was a best practice to have a contract in place for utility repairs, and to have it piggybacked for efficiency. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve Deevan, Inc. Agreement Piggybacking the Town of Jupiter's Unit Price Contract for Utility Repairs and Improvements; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 25. 2025126 Benefits Renewal- Health, Dental, Group Life Insurance and EAP Human Resources Director Merlene Reid addressed Council and asked for approval of the upcoming fiscal year's benefits renewal. Ms Reid recommended the employee insurance be moved to Florida Blue (from UHC), with a 9.2% increase, which was in line with the budget. Employees would pay a 7.7% increase. with a plan to review contributions during upcoming public safety union negotiations. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion to approve the Village's medical insurance moving from FMIT/UHC to Florida Blue, and the Employee Assistance Program be renewed with Lucet (formerly New Directions); Council Member French seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 26. Consider Approval of Property & Casualty and Ancillary Insurance Renewals 2025126 Human Resources Director Reid updated Council on changes for the upcoming fiscal year. She reported a small overall increase (1.2%) in the property/casualty insurance rate, after absorbing a 15% decrease in property premium costs. Additionally, workers' compensation experience was improving, reflected in a reduction of the experience modification factor to 0.80. New premiums for ancillary coverages, including general liability and auto, had been approved to ensure comprehensive coverage for the Village. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve the renewal of the 2025/26 P&C and WC Insurance with FMIT, and the four ancillary policies with the carriers outlined in Appendix A; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 27. Consider Approval of Increasing the Number of Authorized Positions in the Fire Department Village Manager Jeremy Allen asked for Council consideration in creating a temporary increase in authorized fire staff to 25, to be reduced through attrition and/or post- retirement while also ensuring adequate service levels during transitions. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve an increase in authorized fire staff; Vice-Mayor Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 28. RESOLUTION 14-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE UPWARD MODIFICATION OF EMS TRANSPORT USER FEES TO KEEP RATES COMPARABLE WITH OTHER PALM BEACH COUNTY AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES IDENTIFIED IN "EXHIBIT B"; AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Fire Chief McLaughlin asked Council for consideration in allowing an increase in the EMS Transport Fee of 15%. The increase would bring below-market fees into alignment with the Palm Beach County median, while also adopting future CPI-based increases. Chief McLaughlin explained there would be minimal resident impact due to Medicare/supplemental insurance. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve an authorization to increase EMS transport fees by 15%; Vice-Mayor Sartory seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 29. Consider Approval of the First Amendment to the Agreement for Fire Rescue Services Between the Village of Tequesta and the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Fire Chief McLaughlin asked Council to approve the first amendment to Jupiter Inlet Colony (JiC)Fire Rescue Service agreement. This would lock in a 5-year freeze, then step increases, and would secure a partnership and offer financial predictability. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve the First Amendment to the Agreement for Fire Rescue Services Between the Village of Tequesta and the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 30. Notification of Dover Ditch Living Shoreline FDEP Grant Amendment for Time Extension Utility Director Marjorie Craig informed Council of the request for a time extension due to delays on permitting from the Army Corps of Engineers. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the amendment to the existing grant agreement for Dover Ditch; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS There were none. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9.01 PM. Respectfully 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.