HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_03/27/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 27, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 3:23 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Tom
Paterno, Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Jim Humpage, and Council
Member Calvin Turnquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr.,
Village Attorney Keith Davis, Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo and Department Heads.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council
Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously 5-D.
1. Ordinance 1-09, First Reading, Water Facilities Supply Plan (Continued from 3/12/09)
Attorney Davis read Ordinance 1-09 Title into the record.
MOTION: Vice-Mayor Paterno moved to approve Ordinance 1-09; seconded by Council
Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
2. Ordinance 2-09, First Reading, Amending the Village of Tequesta Legal Description
by Redefining the Territorial Boundaries of the Corporate Limits of the Village of
Tequesta Subsequent to the Annexation of 11.1± Acres
Attorney Davis read Ordinance 2-09 Title into the record.
Mayor Watkins opened the public hearing to Council. Council Member Humpage mentioned
past annexations and amendments anticipating the accuracy of the present amendment.
Ms. Catherine Harding, Director of Community Development, felt the amendment was
complete and would bring the Village up to date. She noted that Dailey and Associates
performed the survey and the Charter would be updated with the annexation boundaries.
Mayor Watkins opened the public hearing for public comment. There being no further
comments the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to approve Ordinance 2-09; seconded by
Vice-Mayor Paterno; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
2. Resolution 10-09, Utility Relocation Bid Award
Manager Couzzo explained that the relocation of utilities was essential before the bridge was
rebuilt. He noted that negotiations included multiple companies which would each require
pipes and lines run, preferably under the river, and some would prefer at least one spare for
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future needs. He indicated the Village was assuming the cost of running one pipe per company
and asking companies to pay additional cost for their remaining pipes and lines.
Manager Couzzo suggested accepting the bid as recommended by Mr. Russell White, Public
Services Manager and stated after accepting the contract it could be modified to create saving
strategies. He commented that Mr. White had begun negotiations on various details in an effort
to attain the most favorable arrangement for the Village.
Manager Couzzo and Council conferred regarding the relocation projects possible time lines,
cost and inconveniences. Manager Couzzo commented that surrounding areas appeared to be
happy with the possibility of power poles being eliminated and lines run under the water. He
mentioned that meetings were being set with the surrounding properties in effort to have the
project run as smooth as possible. Mayor Watkins questioned the 21 day time line. Kris Dean,
Arcadis Representative noted the work schedule would be six days a week from 7:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Watkins questioned the FPL (Florida Power and Light) lines. Mr. White reported that
FPL would supply pipes needed for their lines but noted they would insist on a purchase order
(before they started running their lines) committing to reimbursement from the Village if Council
approved Tequesta doing the bore. He pointed out that this was an additional cost not in the
figures. He then stated that the utility companies were fine with the time line.
Vice Mayor Paterno suggested appropriating the engineering funds as a budget transfer to
avoid having to have an amendment.
Attorney Davis read the Resolution Title into the record.
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to approve Resolution 10-09; seconded by
Vice-Mayor Paterno; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Vice Mayor Paterno inquired about the status of the project's permits. Mr. Dean responded the
Army Core of Engineers permit would be issued April 6, 2009 the DEP (Department of
Environmental Protection) would be issued by the end of April, and the Health Department
permit was complete.
MOTION; Council Member Arena moved to authorize Manager Couzzo to transfer from
existing line "301 Fund" for Engineering Services to a newly created account for FPL
modification transmission lines; seconded by Council Member Turnquest; motion carried
unanimously 5-0.
Council took a five minute break from 4:08 to 4:13 p.m.
Manager Couzzo gave a brief explanation of dilemmas, date options and the bid process
associated with the bridge project. Vice Mayor Paterno questioned if stimulus monies were
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confirmed. Council Member Turnquest responded that he had spoken to a representative who
stated the money was confirmed.
Mayor Watkins voiced her concerns with residents and schools being affected by postponing
the start date of the project but pointed out that it was necessary in anticipation of obtaining
stimulus funds. Council Member Humpage suggested adjusting the millage rate to compensate
for the inconvenience to the residents. He also pointed out that once the bid was awarded a
contractor would need ample time to prepare for construction.
Manager Couzzo suggested a meeting with representatives from DOT (Department of
Transportation) and a County Engineer to learn the particulars of applying and receiving the
stimulus funds. Mayor Watkins stated she did not support accepting the money if it came with
vast restrictions.
Council consensus was to meet with representatives, then reevaluate
Council Member Arena reported on his meeting with Jupiter Inlet Colony concerning
discrepancy of the colonies fire rescue services fees differing from the Village resident's fire
rescue services fees. Council Member Humpage, Vice Mayor Paterno and Council Member
Turnquest felt that Jupiter Inlet Colony was postponing negotiations with Tequesta to avoid
paying the proper increase and felt their actions encouraged litigation.
Mayor Watkins felt that misinformation was being passed and hoped the two Councils would
get together so that fairness for all residents was the focus.
Manager Couzzo suggested Tequesta wait two weeks for the Colony's next Council meeting in
confidence that they would come forward with a proposal.
Mayor Watkins noted that the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council request would be put
on the April agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn the meeting at 5.'00 p. m.; seconded
by Council Member Turnquest, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Mayo
Assistant to the Village Clerk