HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/29/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP MINUTES
APRIL 29, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Tom Paterno,
Council Member Vince Arena, Council Member Jim Humpage, and Council Member Calvin
Turnquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Attorney
Trela White, and Village Clerk McWilliams.
1. Citizen Communications regarding Bourassa Properly Located at 4534 8~ 4546
County Line Road
Joanne Russell, 141 Magnolia Way felt the latest plan design from Mr. Bourassa was attractive
although; her concern was a possible bait and switch after the zoning changes take place. She
felt a legally binding document with defined limitations would eliminate her concern.
Joseph Pandolfo, 119 Magnolia Way stated there was more than tax values to focus on and
expressed his feeling on high density negatively impacting the Village.
Residents Joanne Brooks, 128 Magnolia, and Mr. Pandolfo expressed concern that plans
could change once Mr. Bourassa received approval.
2. Council Communications regarding Bourassa Property Located at 4534 & 4546
County Line Road
Council Member Humpage referenced his meeting with Riverside Oaks Homeowners
Association and verified that residents did not object to the idea of a group home.
Mr. Bourassa, Principal Owner of the Property noted his intent to obtain a loan through HUD
(U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and gave quick reference to the high
end intended project and suggested a deed restriction be implemented.
Attorney White confirmed a deed restriction would be the best form of guarantee.
Council Member Turnquest voiced his concern for completion of the project. Mr. Bourassa
confirmed that once HUD financing was in place it would be a guarantee. He also mentioned
his construction background as means of assurance.
Council Member Arena inquired on the definition of a deed restriction. Attorney White
explained a deed restriction remains with the property and would only be released or changed
through the Village Council. She stated that Mr. Bourassa as the property owner would offer
and execute his deed restriction and emphasized it was illegal for Council to request such an
item.
Mayor Watkins voiced her concern with a potential sale of the property. Mr. Bourassa noted
that was not his intention and reiterated his promise of continuing with his goat on an Assisted
Living Facility (ALF),
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Kim Vincelli, 115 Magnolia Way asked if the deed restriction would apply to height. Attorney
White responded it would and the limit would be two stories for single family homes or an ALF.
Joseph Pandolfo, 119 Magnolia Way inquired about how a new developer could change the
deed restriction. Attorney White explained it would take three (out of five) Council votes.
Joanne Brooks, 128 Magnolia asked what would happen if the HUD financing did not happen.
Mr. Bourassa replied a new plan would have to be submitted. He reiterated on proceeding with
a deed restriction in anticipation of accelerating the approval process. Attorney White
explained that restrictions would apply if Mr. Bourassa was not able to build.
Vice Mayor Paterno felt as if Council was tailoring the project to a property owner.
Attorney White stated that meetings and workshops had been held in order to allow fair input
to all sides.
Vice Mayor Paterno felt Council was deviating too far from the zoning that was familiar to area
residents.
Council Member Humpage referred to his original vote of no and felt the property now offered
improvement he was comfortable with and mentioned the percentage of green space and the
owner's offer of a deed restriction were appealing to him.
Council Member Arena voiced his support for the project.
Louis Lwowski, 137 Magnolia Way inquired about the previously mentioned buffer. Council
Member Humpage stated he believed it was 60 foot from the closest edge. Mr. Bourassa
established that was an approximate and confirmed it was a target figure. He noted that a site
plan would be submitted for approval.
Mayor Watkins felt the latest plan and landscape design was much improved and beleived
residents and the Village would be more apt to consider this type of facility. She asked for
confirmation on future zoning request if the Bourassa project fell through. Attorney White
confirmed applications could be made by a different developer requesting change and noted
that an alteration would require a new comprehensive plan designation.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:19 p.m.; seconded
by Council Member Turnquest, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori McWilliams, CMC
Village Clerk