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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_8/4/2025 J MINUTES Workshop Meeting Village of Tequesta, FL Mayor Molly Young Vice-Mayor Rick Sartory Council Member Laurie Brandon Council Member Patrick Painter Council Member Jayson E. French August 4, 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. Present were: Mayor Molly Young, Council Member Patrick Painter, Vice-Mayor Rick Sartory, Council Member Laurie Brandon, and Council Member Jayson E. French Vice Mayor Sartory attended via ZOOM. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Jupiter Narrows Update and Funding Request Ms. Sue Panella updated Council on the Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance Project, highlighting historical mangrove decline and raising over $730,000 toward a $1 million target. Ms. Panella reported that Taylor Engineering had been hired to design three limestone breakwaters for mangrove restoration, with permitting expected within 60 days. Council Member French proposed a $5,000 investment in Vlllage waterways, which received unanimous Council support pending project commencement. The $5,000 investment was intended to support the restoration and conservation of local waterways, specifically focusing on the mangrove islands and seagrasses. Council Member French preferred to frame the contribution as an investment in public safety and environmental health, rather than a charitable donation. Council Member Brandon suggested participation in several South Florida boat shows that were scheduled for this Fall and Winter, in order to aid in fundraising efforts. There was a Consensus of Council to offer a letter of support in having the Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance, move forward with naming the Islands. 2. Consideration of a Ballot Question for a General Obligation Bond for the Purchase of 1 Main Street/Paradise Park Village Manager Jeremy Allen presented an $8.8 million dollar opportunity to purchase 1 Main Street with a bond resolution timeline set for December of 2025. Mr. Phil Perko (the seller) requested a lease in the amount of $100,000, with additional maintenance costs estimated at approximately $20,000 per year. The annual Chili - Cook Off and Tequesta Fest event could be held on the property, once again. Manager Allen would coordinate a community engagement process and/or charette for further public input, together with Community Development Director Hubsch. Additionally, two independent appraisals would be obtained for the property as part of the process. Council discussed costs associated with the bond referendum which included: appraisals, maintenance, ideas for the property, events, parking, green space, market price, visions, and a resolution. Council recognized the need for a detailed development plan and raised concerns over maintenance costs and the previous failed referendum outcome. Ms. Nancy Harvey of 165 Citadel Circle commented on the importance of green space to her school ( The Harvey School) located at 1 Main Street. Her students currently used the empty, grass lot for recess. Mr. Ryan Frankel, a representative of the property for sale, commended Council on having citizens come up with a plan for the property. Mr. Tom Bradford of 44 Chestnut Trail commented on the purchase of the property and felt it was not the right thing to do. He believed it was extremely expensive and did not make good financial sense. He also questioned how the Village would fund both Tequesta Park and this parcel. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of Beechwood Trail shared her opinion of supporting the purchase of the parcel, only if Tequesta Park was given back to the State, with no more taxpayer funds going towards it. She also felt there should be cost estimates going forward on development and maintenance costs associated with the parcel. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive cautioned Council to look at the impact of maintenance costs after the sale. She felt the sale was going to be difficult at the asking price, considering the shared parking issues. She was glad to hear there would be 2 appraisals performed and had concerns on the short amount of time involved. Mrs. Marie Sapire of Yacht Club Place criticized the prior bond being a "blank check" and suggested polling residents through the EAC and P&Z meetings. It was a Consensus of Council to bring the item forward to the next Workshop Meeting with a detailed proposal which would include a timeline, lease agreement, appraisal costs, and a community engagement process. 3. FPL 's SolarTogether Program Overview This item was removed from the agenda. 4. Village Council Workshop Legislative Update Village Attorney Keith Davis offered an overview of important updates from this year's legistative session. He reported to Council that Senate Bill 180 retroactively prohibited enforcement of the Village overlay district, adopted October 2024 through October 1, 2027, significantly impacting development regulations. There were also multiple new requirements including the administrative platting process, accelerated sprinkler/fire alarm permitting, and a "reasonable accommodation policy" codification for recovery residences. Preemption impacts included artificial turf regulation limitations for residential properties under one acre, EV charging station regulations, fluoride prohibition in water systems. and E-bike regulations (new authority to set minimum age requirements and require government-issued photo ID for operators). Building and development changes included a prohibition on limiting quasi-judicial hearings, Live Local Act amendments, and condo milestone inspection requirements. Additionally, Florida DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) was active and mandated a 7-day compliance requirement for information requests targeting municipal spending. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 PM; seconded by Council Member Painter. (caarried unanimously 5-0) 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.