HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_09/03/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
September 3, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 5:31 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Council Member Humpage,
Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Turnquest. Also in attendance were:
Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, Director of Community
Development Catherine Harding, and Finance Director Joann Forsythe. Vice-Mayor Tom
Paterno was absent from the meeting.
Public Hearing
• Mayor Watkins announced that the proposed operating millage rate necessary to fund
the budget is 10.55% under the rolled-back millage rate of 6.4470 mills. Mayor Watkins
also announced the proposed millage rate is 5.7671.
• Finance Director Forsythe provided a summary of the tentative budget.
• Citizen Comments:
Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, expressed his opinion that doing 2011 and 2012
budgets to look at future expenses would be helpful in future strategic planning.
• Council Comments:
Council Member Humpage agreed Council should look more into the future and
commented on a proposed survey and letter from the Mayor to determine residents'
needs and wants. Council Member Humpage thanked staff and council for their work
on the budget.
Council Member Turnquest thanked staff for simplifying the budget process and agreed
with future planning, but commented it would be difficult to project the budget into the
future more than one or two years
Council Member Arena complimented staff and the Village Manager on a great job and
suggested projecting only certain aspects of the budget.
Mayor Watkins echoed Council sentiments and expressed her opinion there had been
good planning for years and the Village should continue communication with residents
for their input. The Mayor noted there was a 5-year plan for capital improvements.
The Village Manager commented on the considerable amount of cash that had been
placed in capital improvements over the years and that the work had been a team effort.
Council Member Turnquest reported the county considered Tequesta to be frugal
Minutes -Special Council Meeting - 9/3/09
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Hearing no further comments, Mayor Watkins declared the public hearing closed.
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved that the Village of Tequesta adopt a millage
rate for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 of 5.7671 mills. Council Member Turnquest seconded the
motion; motion carried unanimously 4-0.
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved that the Village of Tequesta adopt the
tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2009-2010. Council Member Humpage seconded the
motion; motion carried unanimously 4-0.
Mayor Watkins announced the time and place of the Final Budget Public Hearing as
September 10, 1009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tequesta Village Hall.
Any Other Matters
Council Member Arena commented on the baby sitting service offered by Parks and
Recreation, that it brought in revenue of $160 and the expenses were approximately $80 for
the 3-hour session; therefore what was perceived as an expense for the Village was actually
profitable. Harvest Fest revenue last year had been approximately $12,000; right now for this
year Parks and Recreation Director Greg Corbitt had almost $8,000 in booth and advertising
sales and the gates hadn't even been opened. Council Member Arena explained this event
was a way to produce benefits to the Village at less cost than it had been years ago through
sponsorships, etc., and was enjoyed by the residents.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn; seconded by Council Member
Turnquest; the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4-0; therefore, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:50 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori McWilliams, CMC
Village Clerk