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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_9/11/2025 MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Molly Young at 5.37 PM. A roll call was taken by Deputy Village Clerk Mary Ann Grieser, CMC 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 French An invocation was offered 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. Proclamation Proclaiming October 6 - 12, 2025 as Florida Climate Week Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser read the proclamation into the record and a representative from Volo Foundation accepted it. 2. Proclamation Proclaiming Fire Prevention Week as October 5, 2025 - October 11, 2025 The proclamation was not read as there was no one present to accept. 3. Presentation from EAC Chair Brad Freese on Recent EAC Projects and Upcoming Initiatives Mr. Brad Freese, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) presented a powerpoint to Council, asking for consideration from Council on initiatives, when deemed appropriate. Mr. Freese presented key initiatives aligned with the Village's 2025-2026 strategic plan, emphasizing environmental resilience and community engagement. Some areas of concern were: stormwater drains, tree planting and streetscape beautification, living shoreline program development, household waste amnesty day, green building initiatives. single stream recycling evaluation, and educational outreach. Council offered supportive feedback on the initiatives and recognized the EAC's hard work. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; seconded by Vice Mayor Sartory. Carried unanimously 5-0. 4. MINUTES: August 4, 2025 Workshop, August 12, 2025 Regular and August 18, 2025 Budget 5. Consider Approval of Contracts 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. Dive Rescue International Host Agreement with minimum of 10 paid tuitions, $1,000.00 per student, B. Dr. Ventzek, Fire Rescue Medical Director Agreement, $24,480.00, C. Zoll Medical Corporation Zoll Expertcare Extended Warranty & Preventative Maintenance Contract, $7,704.00, D. VuSpex, Inc. Information Technology Services Agreement, $8,750.00, E. MCCI Agreement Microfilm Disposal, $0.00. 6. Consider approval of special event permit application for an outdoor Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, October 25 2025 from 5:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for —400 attendees by Family Church LLC to take place on its premises located at 423 Tequesta Drive. No alcohol will be served. 7. Consider Acceptance of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Drone Replacement Program Grant. 8. Consider Approval of DW502700 Water Main #1 Tequesta Dr. and #4 Country Club Dr. South, Final Amendment (No. 3) to Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Agreement Construction Project, Reducing the Final Loan Amount, Providing for Semi-Annual Payments, and Providing Other Information END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mrs. Carol Beresford, resident and founder of Hanna's Home, introduced Ms. Nikki Hamilton, the newly appointed CEO for Hanna's Home. Ms. Hamilton conveyed how impressed she was with the Village of Tequesta in just her first week on the job. She thanked the Fire Department for bringing the firetruck to a one year old's first birthday and appreciated the generosity of the Village. Pastor Paul Beresford thanked Council and staff for their unending support during his recent time away and shared that he was happy to be home recovering. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Painter announced he had attended the Palm Beach North Chamber meeting and felt very blessed to live in Tequesta. Council Member Brandon thanked Council and staff for working together for the betterment of the Village. Council Member French welcomed Pastor Paul back home. Vice Mayor Sartory mentioned the recent water main break and thanked all involved in repairing the break and for creating a new information directive. Mayor Young informed Council of the recent Master Transportation Plan Meeting she had attended. STANDING REPORTS Village Attorney Attorney Davis noted a recent ruling on an important case involving the ban of open carry firearms being deemed unconstitutional. Village Manager 9. Monthly Manager's Report Manager Jeremy Allen reported on the "kick-off' meeting for Paradise Park, an update of railroad crossing improvements, and the concert series at Constitution Park. Police Department 10. Police Department Standing Report Police Chief Gus Medina updated Council on recent happenings within the Department, which included: Civilian Firearm Safety Classes, an aggressive driving grant, ride alongs, a drone grant, a DEA meeting and a new officer swearing in ceremony. Fire Department 11. Fire Department Report Fire Chief McLaughlin offered an update to Council on recent events from the past month at the Fire Department. Included were the successful 9/11 Ceremony with strong community and interdepartmental cooperation. Over half the department (approx. 16 members) registered for the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer to aid in the research and grant eligibility for the Village. The coming week would bring firefighter entry-level written exams and promotional processes to the Department. There were also new policies implemented per ISO recommendations for inspections and hydrant maintenance UTILITIES 12. Utilities Department Standing Report Ms. Allyson Felsburg, Deputy Utility Director reported to Council on the Dover Ditch excavation being underway and on schedule. Additionally, the Water Main #1 Project began recently and was progressing rapidly. Water Main #2 / Beach Road Phase 2 was in the agreement execution phase, with bidding expected within the coming months. The Water Treatment Plant Improvements Pre-Bid Meeting was completed and the bid opening was scheduled for October 2, 2025; with a notice to proceed anticipated for December 2025. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 13. RESOLUTION NO. 20-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE JUPITER NARROWS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE'S EFFORTS IN PETITIONING THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND OTHER APPLICABLE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES TO OFFICIALLY NAME THE JUPITER NARROWS MANGROVE ISLANDS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Attorney Davis brought forth Resolution 20-25 supporting the Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance in naming the mangrove islands. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion to adopt Resolution 20-25; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 14. Consider Approval of the 2025-2028 VOT/PBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Mrs. Merlene Reid, Human Resources Director asked Council for consideration in the approval of the 2025-2028 VOT/PBA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Some key terms presented were: wage increases ( 13% in Year 1, 6.5% in Year 2, and 6.5% in Year 3) new compensation differentials, a physical abilities test with payment for passing, a career service benefit bonus, retirement and insurance reopeners, a new 12-month probationary period after a field training completion, and take-home vehicles. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion to approve the 3 year Collective Bargaining Agreement; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 07-25, FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 78. ZONING. ARTICLE X. OFF-STREET AND ON-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS. SECTION 78-705 ENTITLED "REQUIRED NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES" TO MODIFY THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED SPACES FOR MARINA USES; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 78. ZONING. SHALL REMAIN /N 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. Mr. Jay Hubsch presented a powerpoint to Council with a proposal to amend the parking requirements for marina uses in both R2 and R3 zoning districts, in order to address a longstanding nonconformity at Jupiter Yacht Club (Jib Club) Marina. The current code required 1.5 parking spaces per boat slip (44 spaces for 29 slips).with the proposed amendment reducing the parking to 1 parking space per 2 boat slips (15 spaces) plus accessory uses. The Jib Club currently provided 24 parking spaces, exceeding the proposed amount but not meeting current code. A comparative analysis with neighboring municipalities revealed that Jupiter and Palm Beach County required 1 space per slip, while Palm Beach Gardens and Riviera Beach required 1 space per 2 slips. Some nearby municipalities had no established marina parking standards. The amendment would impact the entire R2 and R3 zones, though only one current marina existed within these zones. Key concerns and discussions pointed towards the potential for future marinas to utilize reduced parking requirements, raising Village-wide parking adequacy concerns. Attorney Davis indicated that adding the 921 sq ft office space triggered a review of existing nonconformities as the site could not remain legally nonconforming without an amendment or variance. Council discussed pursuing a site-specific parking reduction through a waiver or variance for the Jib Club only, avoiding a full zone amendment. It was revealed that waivers required detailed peak season parking studies and justification; while variances faced strict legal criteria and possible challenges. Council expressed differing views on whether to proceed with a zoning text amendment or to seek site-specific solutions. Heidi Perry of 12 Shady Lane commented to Council and recommended a reduction of parking on the marina site. Marie Sapire of Yacht Club Place commented to Council and urged them to not entertain a decrease in the current code's parking requirements. She stated there was conflicting legal advice presented to the Planning and Zoning Committee on the application, in contrast to the advise she heard tonight. Jessica Namath of 20 Shady Lane addressed Council and cautioned them on SB180 which she believed could negatively affect any changes the Village made to the code. She urged Council to find a way to create a change without it affecting the entire zone. The applicant agreed to defer to the next meeting. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to continue the first reading of Ordinance 07-25 to the October Regular Council Meeting; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 16. Consider the Use of Asset Forfeiture Funds for the Purchase and Installation of Security Cameras Inside Remembrance Park and Station 11, the Installation of Fiber Optic and Electrical Cables in Station 11, and the Purchase of Training Equipment and Furniture for Station 11. Chief Gus Medina asked Council for consideration in using forfeiture funds to purchase security cameras ( including fiber optic and electrical cable) furniture and training equipment for Remembrance Park and Station 11. MOTION: Vice-Mayor Sartory made a motion to approve the usage of forfeiture funds for equipment at Remembrance Park and Station 11; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 17. Consider Approval of Fiber Optic Cable and Camera Installation for Station 11 and Remembrance Park Manager Allen revealed this item was linked to item number 16 and covered the entire project. MOTION: Council Member Brandon made a motion to approve fibre optic camera/cable installation for Station 11 and Remembrance Park; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 18. Consider Approval of Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company, Inc., Agreement to Purchase Water, Sewer, and Irrigation Materials, Piggybacking Their Contract with Broward County Deputy Utility Director Allyson Felsburg asked for consideration of the piggyback contract with Broward County. She explained that this was for the procurement of water meter fittings and various pipe material including repairs and small projects. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company, Inc., Agreement to Purchase Water, Sewer, and Irrigation Materials, Piggybacking Their Contract with Broward County; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 19. Consider Approval of H2O Innovation USA, Inc., Authorization of Award and Execution of a Contract for Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Replacement for an Amount Not-to-Exceed$996,104 Deputy Utility Director Allyson Felsburg asked for Council approval of a contract with H2O Innovation which included replacement membranes for all three trains simultaneously, to ensure better pricing and efficiency. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve H2O Innovation USA, Inc., Authorization of Award and Execution of a Contract for Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Replacement; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 20. Consideration of Approval to Support Local Bill for Transfer of Real Property from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to the Village of Tequesta Village Staff recommended the Village Council approve support for this local bill to facilitate the transfer of the property, ensuring its perpetual use as a community park and resource, while protecting the Village's investments and water infrastructure. If approved, staff would coordinate with state legislators to advance the bill. The transfer would include park area and natural scrub; with no expansion of property boundaries planned. The bill required approval by local delegations in Martin and Palm Beach counties. Jessica Namath of 20 Shady Lane asked that if the Village acquired the Park, that it not become a "sporting destination", but be used by locals only. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve supporting Local Bill for Transfer of Real Property from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to the Village of Tequesta; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS Mayor Young asked Council if they were in favor of continuing the conversation of acquiring the Paradise Park parcel, despite the parking issue and appraisal. It was a Consensus of Council to provide citizens a publicly noticed opportunity to hear their decision on the parcel. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM; seconded by Council Member Brandon. Carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully submitted, r M - l 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.