HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_08/11/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP MINUTES
AUGUST 11, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 5:30 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk's Assistant Deanna Mayo. 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's Assistant Deanna Mayo.
1. Council Discussion Regarding Commercial Parking Issues
Attorney Trela White explained the phraseology was draft and open for suggestions. Mayor
Watkins offered her understanding of the regulation. Vice Mayor Paterno felt the regulation
was being abused and utilized as a means of advertisement.
Manager Couzzo stated there were areas which may be grandfathered in and offered a waiver.
Attorney White stated that once the Ordinance was completed it would offer reasonable time
for business owners and property managers to comply. Manager Couzzo suggested the waiver
be attached to the occupant and include an expiration date.
Manager Couzzo stated he would meet with Gilbert Electric and the property owner of the
referenced Plaza to discuss the possibility of a mutual agreement and felt an informal attempt
should be made to avoid changing the entire code.
Council consensus was that one vehicle be allowed in front of a business during normal
business hours and the "roof line" specifics should be clarified.
2. Presentation to Council on Conceptual Development Plans for Tequesta Drive
Park
Catherine Harding, Director of Community Development, offered suggestions for the plans
regarding the Tequesta Drive Park's property. Manager Couzzo noted the projects priorities
and stated he would keep Council informed of the progress.
3. Council Discussion on C2 / C3 Use Issues
Trela White, Village Attorney confirmed a previous agreement amendment and suggested
language for future agreements. Vice Mayor Paterno offered suggestions regarding verbiage
inclusions and exclusions for businesses.
Frank D'Ambra III, 23 Leeward Circle offered suggestions to phrasing.
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Manager Couzzo stated the Ordinance would be developed to include florists, bakeries and
liquor businesses as well as proper zone information for Council's approval.
4. Council Discussion on Health Insurance Renewal with Cigna Insurance and
Dental Renewal with MetLife Insurance
Merlene Reid, Director of Human Resources noted her meeting with the Union Committee and
explained the Gehring Groups options in connection with the Committee's request for no
increase on insurance costs. She explained the chart's options, increased cost and savings
and illustrated the benefits associated with the Committees preference for option four. Vice
Mayor Paterno felt more cost cuts should be considered because of the economy's current
condition.
Council Member Turnquest stated the Committee and Department Heads were content with
negotiations and believed adequate efforts were produced. Mr. Frank D' Ambra, 23 Leeward
Circle, inquired on plan specifics and offered his thoughts.
5. Council Discussion and Consideration of the "Economic Watch -Looking out for
your Tax Dollars" Information Article
Mayor Watkins noted the efforts which went into the Economic Watch. Council Member
Turnquest recommended mailing the informative piece to all residents. Manager Couzzo felt it
should be mailed to possible annexation areas as well. Mr. Frank D'Ambra III, 23 Leeward
Circle suggested advertizing it in the Tequesta Magazine.
Council Consensus was to mail the Economic Watch to all residents including possible
annexation pockets.
6. Update on Jupiter Inlet Colony Negotiations and Council Member Turnquest's
Meeting with Jupiter Inlet Colony Vice-Mayor Comerford
Council Member Turnquest stated the Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC) felt they had alternate options
in the future and were not interested in negotiating with Tequesta before their 2013 expiration
date on the contract held at present.
Council Member Humpage referenced the County and questioned the probability of specific
scenarios and a contract between the County and JIC. Manager Couzzo felt the County could
negotiate with JIC but did not feel it was probable.
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Attorney White suggested Council focusing on the direction they want to go with the dispute
resolution previously discussed and reminded them that it would be on the upcoming Council
Meeting Agenda.
7. Any Other Matters
Manager Couzzo stated he would continue negotiations regarding the AT&T Cell Tower and
felt it was worth the Village considering. Vice Mayor Paterno agreed to join the Manager in the
negotiation efforts.
Manager Couzzo questioned the size of the new park's parking area in regards to paving.
Council Consensus was to eliminate the extended point and square the lot area off.
Mayor Watkins suggested scheduling a Council meeting for the Managers review before the
fiscal year end.
Frank D'Ambra, suggested looking at option three on the health insurance renewal list. Chief
Weinand, Fire Chief noted the Committees research and explained the benefit package
chosen offered sufficient options.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council
Member Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore the meeting was
adjourned at 8:38 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Mayo
Village Clerk's Assitant