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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_1/8/2026 i _n 3 ' MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL JANUARY 8, 2026 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Sartory 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. Mayor Young attended via ZOOM. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Vice-Mayor Sartory An invocation was offered followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. I APPROVAL OF AGENDA Village Manager Jeremy Allen made a recommendation on behalf of staff to add an item for Council consideration for emergency repairs/construction activity, outside of regular construction hours from the period of January 8th through January 22nd, 2026. This would be for a necessary roof replacement at 221 Village Square on US Highway One in Tequesta, and would be added to the agenda as item number 15. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to add the request for additional working hours to the agenda; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried 5-0. PRESENTATION - NONE CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried 5-0 1. MINUTES: December 11, 2025 Regular 2. 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. Engenuity Group, Inc. Work Authorization, $5,500.00, B. Fike Corporation Quote, $14,668.77, C. Crystal Building Maintenance, Inc., $4,200.00 3. Consider Approving the Purchase of Police Emergency Equipment from Strobes- R-Us for the Police Department's New Patrol Units. 4. Consider Approval of an Amendment to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Tequesta Park Lease (Lease No. 4505) 5. Consider Approval of Change Order No. 1 for the WM #1 Tequesta Drive Water Main Replacement project, authorizing a twenty (20) calendar-day extension to the contract time. 6. Consider Approval of Core and Main, LLP, Addendum Extension to Purchase Water Meter Fittings and Water Line Accessories Piggybacking on Their Agreement with the City of Boynton Beach 7. Consider Approval of Renewal Agreement with Fortiline, Inc. to Purchase Water Meter Fittings and Water Line Accessories, Piggybacking on their Agreement with the City of Boynton Beach in Florida 8. Consider Execution of Sovereignty Submerged Lands Easement for County Line Road Bridge Utility Relocation 9. Consider Approval of Change Order No. 1 for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Filter Pressurized Vessel Upgrades Project, Authorizing a Sixty (60) Calendar-Day Extension to the Contract Time and Decrease in Contract Value in the Amount of $157,296.96 END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Mike Tomes of 110B Lighthouse Circle C addressed Council and asked for an update on the Quiet Zone at the Tequesta Drive railroad crossing. Mr. Doug Chambers, Director of Public Works addressed his question and informed him that Brightline had dropped out of the process and was now involved in litigation with the FEC (Federal East Coast) Railroad. Another meeting was set for next week with FEC to discuss the topic. Mrs. Marcia Nielson of Beechwood Trail addressed Council and congratulated the Village Staff on completing the utility project on Tequesta Drive. Mr. Butch Powell addressed Council and offered information on the Jupiter Narrows project, mentioning some negative impacts. Ms. Sue Panella, of 375 Beach Road and president of the JNCA (Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance) spoke of the progress the Jupiter Narrows project had made. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Painter thanked staff for making the Village special during the holidays. Council Member Brandon reminded everyone of the increase in accidents lately. Council Member French thanked staff that had dealt with the Tequesta Drive water main break recently and praised the smoothness of the operation. Mayor Young thanked staff for all of the wonderful holiday events last month. She would be advocating for the Village as she attended Palm Beach Days in Tallahassee this month. Vice Mayor Sartory thanked staff for a beautiful holiday season and would also be attending Palm Beach County Days in Tallahassee next week. STANDING REPORTS Village Attorney Attorney Davis had no comments. Village Manager 10. Village Manager's Standing Report Manager Allen updated Council on the approval and permit process of the maintenance building at Tequesta Park. He reminded everyone of the upcoming Tequesta Fest and emphasized resident engagement through the ongoing Village-wide survey. Police Department 11. Police Department Standing Report Assistant Chief McGrew addressed Council and offered a few highlights from the past month, which included: increased patrols throughout plazas, Hannah's Home Christmas visit, and continual firearm safety classes. Fire Department 12. Fire Department Standing Report I No update available. UTILITIES 13. Utilities Department Standing Report Utilities Director Allyson Felsberg reported accelerated membrane replacement at the water treatment plant with two of three trains completed ahead of schedule, improving water quality significantly. Additionally, The Dover Ditch sod installation was scheduled for the next week, with project completion expected by the end of January and grant reimbursement to follow in February. Well #28 (test well) construction would begin in late January to early February with a quick turnaround expected. Water main projects on Tequesta Drive and Beach Road were progressing, with bacteriological testing completed and directional drills advancing. The Martin County/ County Line Road Bridge Water Main Project commenced with lane closures; traffic was being monitored with improvements noted. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 14. ORDINANCE NO. 14-25, SECOND READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 78. ZONING, ARTICLE IX.- SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS. BY CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW DIVISION TO BE ENTITLED "DIVISION 8.5. - FILMING OPERATIONS" TO ADOPT REASONABLE REGULATIONS COMMON IN MANY NEIGHBORING JURISDICTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL FILMMAKING, VIDEOTAPING AND PHOTOGRAPHY, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS, PROVIDING A PERMITTING PROCESS, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; 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. Attorney Davis read Ordinance 14-25 Second Reading into the record. He pointed out there was a scrivener's error in the prior reading and had made the corresponding corrections in language (Village Council corrected to read Village Manager). Attorney Davis asked for direction on "good cause" waiver requirements. Council discussed and agreed on the transfer of authority (in processing filming permits) from the Council to the Vllage Manager's office. Significant decisions regarding filming permits would still be subject to review and appeal by the Village Council, ensuring accountability. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to approve Ordinance 14-25 Second Reading, correcting the scrivener errors, leaving the waiver with the Village Manager, leaving appeals to Council and leaving insurance as noted in the Ordiananc. Council Member French seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 15. Consider Approval to Allow Construction Activity Outside of Regular Construction Hours During the Period of 9:00p.m. - 7:00a.m., January 8th through January 22nd for a Necessary Roof Replacement Project at 221 S US HWY 1 - Village Square. Mr. Wayne Cameron, Village Building Director explained the request for an extension of construction hours for emergency roof repairs on a plaza located on US Highway One from January 8th - 22nd. Construction hours were requested to be extended to allow nighttime work from 9 PM to 7 AM to ensure safety during the roof replacement. Council discussed and agreed to allow two nights of overnight work with an 11 PM cutoff; with residents to be notified before construction started. Council's focus was to balance the urgent need for repairs while minimizing disruption to the community during nighttime hours. Mrs. Pat Watkins of 167 River Drive addressed Council with concerns of safety and wondered how scheduling could be adjusted to better serve the businesses and neighbors affected. Mr. Harold Taylor of 13 Chapel Court suggested to Council that roof work be allowed on Sundays when some of the businesses would be closed. MOTION: Mayor Young made a motion to approve emergency repairs for two overnight shifts (9pm to 7am) on Friday and Saturday nights, plus allow Sunday work until 5pm after notifying residents tomorrow morning; Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried 4-1 (opposed: Council Member French). 16. Consider Tequesta Trace Condominium Association (TTCA) Stormwater Fee Credit Appeal Village Attorney Davis offered background information on TTCA 's (Tequesta Trace Condominium Association's) request for an exemption of the Village Stormwater Utility Fee. He explained that this was a quasi judicial proceeding and as such 4 (four) people were sworn in. Village Utility Director Allyson Felsburg explained that TTCA's private stormwater system was fully enclosed with no direct hydraulic connection to the Village Stormwater System, and had been confirmed by an extensive staff engineering review. The Village Stormwater System provided indirect area-wide benefits, including flood protection and emergency overflow capacity, affecting TTCA. Mr. Mike Tomes, Director of Tequesta Trace Condominium Association addressed Council and expressed his objection to being charged a fee, as he believed TTCA received no services or benefits. He offered a historical timeline of communication with the Village. Council discussed and agreed that a 50% credit reflected the recognition of TTCA's private maintenance while acknowledging shared infrastructure use. Council rejected TTCA's request for full exemption, citing Village Code requiring all properties to contribute to shared stormwater costs. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to uphold the staff determination granting a 50% stormwater utility fee credit to TTCA , deny the appeal to the extent it seeks a greater credit or full exemption, and to require an annual certified inspection on the status of internal systems and document via engineer certification in accordance with 25/24 storm criteria, as a condition of continued eligibility for the credit. Council Member Painter seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 17. VAR 02-25: Application from 2GHO, on behalf of the property owner Andrew Feinberg, for a 747-foot variance from the separation requirement of Sec. 78-298 of the Village of Tequesta Code, which prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquors, wines, and beverages for consumption on or off the premises within 1,000 feet of any church, school, or youth center, measured in a straight line from main entrance door to main entrance door. The applicant proposes a Wine Storage/Wine Club use at 171 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida. The subject property is located approximately 253 feet from Harvey Academy and is zoned Mixed Use. Village Attorney Davis explained that VAR 02-25 was quasi judicial in nature, and as such he swore in 3 attendees and required participants to disclose any ex parte activities or discussions. Council Member French walked the site and spoke with staff about the variance, Council Member Painter had been to the site and had spoken to the Village Manager about the variance, Council Member Brandon spoke to staff and had been to the site previously, Mayor Young had spoken to both staff and the applicant, and Vice Mayor Sartory had spoken to staff, Mr. Gentile, and Mr. Feinberg. Mr.George Gentile of 2GHO, represented the Wine Vault of Tequesta, and emphasized how the mixed-use zoning and minimal neighborhood impact was suitable for the new business. The proposed facility would redevelop the vacant, former PNC bank site into a 4400+ sq ft wine vault with lounge, retail, and limited food service, exclusively for members. Proposed hours of operation were from 9am to 10pm weekdays and Sundays, with the lounge area open evenings 5pm to 10pm Monday-Thursday, extended to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, The Harvey Academy had submitted a letter of no objection, alleviating primary safety concerns related to alcohol proximity to schools Council was supportive of the project as it made good use of a vacant property while also supporting a local small business. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve VAR 02-25 with conditions for hours of operation being Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 10 PM for the Member's Wine Vault and 5 PM to 10 PM for the Member's Lounge. Friday 9 AM to 11 PM for the Member's Wine Vault and 5 PM to 11 PM for the Member's Lounge. Saturday 9 AM to 11 PM for the Member's Wine Vault and Lounge. Sunday 9 AM to 10 PM for the Member's Wine Vault and 12 PM to 10 PM for the Member's Lounge. Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. 18. RESOLUTION 01-26, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE WRITE-OFF OF UNCOLLECTIBLE AND INACTIVE WATER UTILITY ACCOUNTS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE ATTACHED "EXHIBIT A", AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SUCH WRITE-OFFS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Utility Director Allyson Felsburg explained the process of writing off inactive water utility accounts totaling $33,427.88. Council expressed interest in exploring stricter policies to prevent new accounts opening under related entities, in order to avoid unpaid balances. MOTION: Council Member French made a motion to approve Resolution 01-26; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS Vice Mayor Sartory acknowledged environmental concerns regarding the Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance (JNCA) but agreed with Council in deferring further action, pending expert review and permitting agency decisions. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 PM. MOTION: Council Member Painter made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Brandon seconded the motion. Carried 5-0. Respectfully submitted, k &vw,�e— 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.