HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_09/10/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
September 10, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 7:12 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Village Clerk McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Tom Paterno,
Council Member Humpage, Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Turnquest.
Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Attorney Trela White,
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, and Department Heads.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Humpage gave the invocation followed by the pledge to the flag.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council
Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation of "Good Citizen Award" to Salvatore Cirasuolo
Mayor Watkins and Police Chief McCollom recognized Salvatore Cirasuolo for contacting the
police department with a description of a suspicious vehicle. He noted when police pulled the
vehicle over there were stolen lottery tickets and clothing along with masks and burglary tools.
Police believed the suspects were planning to hit the Sunoco and that due to Mr. Cirasuolo's
alert and quick contact an arrest was made.
2. Presentation of "Citizen Award" by Resident Dottie Campbell
Resident Dottie Campbell presented Council Member Humpage with a recognition plaque for
his volunteer time and service during the National Night Out event. She further recognized Jim
and Bethany Humpage on their never-ending contributions to the Village, which began in 1976
while in the police academy, through the 1990's with the ACT Committee, and through the 50tH
Golden Celebration.
3. Recognition of Fire Chief Weinand, Police Chief McCollom, and Public Works
Manager Russell White for Dedicated Service with the Grading and
Transformation of the New Park on Tequesta Drive
Mayor Watkins presented Fire Chief Weinand, Police Chief McCollom, and Public Works
Manager White with recognition pictures for their dedicated hard work on the Tequesta Drive
Park construction. She noted the two Chiefs went beyond the call of duty by stepping out of
uniform and stepping into heavy construction equipment thereby saving the Village money.
She also presented Village Manager Couzzo with a picture in recognition of his efforts.
4. Presentation on 2009 Summer Camp
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Mr. Greg Corbitt presented Council and the residents with a Power Point presentation of the
2009 summer camp events.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the following consent agenda;
seconded by Council Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
5. MINUTES 6/23/09 Special; 7/13/09 Workshop and 7/29/09 Special
6. Approval to Close Tequesta Drive for Harvest Festival at Village Green Park on
Friday, November 13th at 10:00 am until Saturday, November 14th at 8:00 p.m.
7. Approval of Harvest Festival Banners to be Installed on the Black Lantern Poles
along Tequesta Drive
8. Approval of Renewal of 2009/2010 One-Year Agreement with the Florida
Municipal Insurance Trust (EMIT) for Property, Liability, Automobile and Workers'
Compensation in the Amount of 312,957.00
9. Approval of Renewal of 2009/2010 Employee Assistance Program Agreement with
the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc. in the Amount of
$3,405.60
10. Approval of Contract with M.T. Causley, Inc. to Provide Inspection and Plan
Review Services for Community Development for the Fiscal Year 2009-2010
11. Resolution 31-09, Approving a Proposal from Wynn 8~ Sons Environmental
Construction of West Palm Beach, FI, for the Milling and Overlay of Bridge Road
in the Amount of $25,875.00
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Natalie Seever, Tony Robinson and Leslie Kandefer of the American Cancer Society notified
Council and residents of the Relay for Life fundraising event that will be held at Constitution
Park in May 2010. Mr. Robinson provided a detailed overview of the event and encouraged
Council and staff to participate.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Turnquest stated he liked to see citizens involved with the community and
government.
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Council Member Arena updated Council and residents on the River Center celebration and
other various events.
Vice-Mayor Paterno thanked Mr. Corbitt for his work with the Parks and Recreation and
thanked the Police and Fire Chiefs and Mr. White for their work on the new park. He stated he
spoke with the owner of the land about extending the agreement and should have an update in
the future. He updated Council on the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
Workgroup and noted boat access near the Coast Guard had been an issue of concern. He
mentioned the FEC was proposing a tower on the Jupiter /Tequesta line and suggested it be
placed at Jonathan Dickenson Park. He stated the proposed 200 foot height would be a
concern to the Village residents. Consensus of Council directed the Mayor to draft a letter to
Representative Rooney to request feedback.
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
12. Approval of Tequesta Park Master Plan / FRDAP Grant Phase I ~ II Estimates
Connie Fischer of Roy-Fischer Associates provided a proposal for the Tequesta Park Master
Plan with the top priorities being trees and shade. She advised the full plan would cost
approximately $4.5 million. She suggested adding trees around the picnic pavilion and around
the courts and creating pods of seedlings and larger trees to enforce the pathway along the
edge. She mentioned residents requested athletic facilities and trails.
Council Member Arena asked what the job was of the "live-in" on the property; Mr. Corbitt,
Director of Parks and Recreation stated he opened and closed the park and regulated the
permitting for JTAA. Council Member Arena suggested replacing the position with fire
department interns.
Vice-Mayor Paterno stated the master plan was beautiful, but unrealistic due to costs and
asked for Martin County participation since the park was within Martin. Council Member
Turnquest suggested moving forward with set priorities. Vice-Mayor Paterno suggested
Village funds be used towards the new park as opposed to Tequesta Park.
Mr. Corbitt suggested using the remaining grant funds to replace the building roof and tennis
courts; take care of what was currently on site and pursue additional grant funds in the future.
Council Member Humpage clarified phase 1 and 2 could be completed using grant funds and if
the labor was completed by the Village, it could save money to spend on other areas; and Ms.
Fischer agreed.
MOTION: Vice-Mayor Paterno moved approval of the Master Plan and moving forward with
Phase 1 and 2 based on priorities of the most used items; seconded by Council Member
Humpage; item carried unanimously 5-0.
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NEW BUSINESS
13. General Employee Pension Board Appointments / Reappointments
• Recommendation to Reappoint Michael Rhodes -Ministerial Appointment Only -
Term Expires 9/13/11
• Appointment of John Terzakis as Council Appointee Replacing Ace Magnum -
Term Expires 9/13/11
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the General Employee Pension
Board appointments and reappointments; seconded by Vice-Mayor Paterno; motion carried
unanimously 5-0.
14. Public Safety Pension Board Appointment
• Appointment of Frank D'Ambra as Council Appointee Replacing Ken Nielson -
Term Expires 9/13/11
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the Public Safety Pension Board
appointments; seconded by Council Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
15. Discussion and Approval of Voluntary Marine Patrol Unit
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval of the Voluntary Marine Patrol Unit;
seconded by Vice-Mayor Paterno; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Watkins moved Item 18 before Item 16.
18. Council Consideration of Naming Leased Park on Tequesta Drive
Mayor Watkins explained the Parks and Recreation Department sponsored a park naming
contest and suggestions included: Friendship Park, Paradise Park, Fun Play Park,
Independence Park, Jeaga Park, and Tosikie Park. Mayor Watkins was asked to add
Wounded Warrior and Second Chance Park to the list.
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved to name the park "Paradise Park" as
submitted by student resident Susan Paterno; seconded by Council Member Arena; motion
carried unanimously 5-0.
16. Resolution 29-09, Adopting a Revised Schedule of Fees and Charges for the Provision
of Water Services
Attorney White read the title of Resolution 29-09 into the record and noted notice was placed in
the utility bills as required by law.
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Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance, introduced Mr. Rob Ori, Public Resources
Management Group, hired by the Village to develop a financial forecast for the water utility.
She noted their analysis recommended a 7% water rate adjustment for 2009 followed by a 7%
adjustment in 2010 for rates to remain competitive. Mr. Ori made a presentation, which
summarized the Village's experiences and future needs.
Mayor Watkins opened the public hearing to Council for comment. Vice-Mayor Paterno asked
Mr. Ori to address the index issue and asked going forward that depreciation be built in with
cash being utilized for building and capital improvements and not to subsidize operations.
Council discussed the proposed rate increase.
Mayor Watkins closed the hearing to Council and opened the hearing to the public for
comments. Residents Marsha Nielson and Frank D'Ambra commented on the proposed water
rate adjustments. There being no further public comment, Mayor Watkins closed the public
hearing.
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of Resolution 29-09 with the
stipulation the rate increase was 8.3% with the deduction of 1.3% on the index set forth in 74-
72 of the Code of Ordinances with the effective date of the Resolution being October 1, 2009
and the rates then for a net 7% would be reflected in the numbers in the Resolution; seconded
by Council Member Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
17. Ordinance 18-09, First Reading, Amending Section 78-176 Neighborhood Commercial
District to Include Florists as Permitted Use in that Zoning District; Amending Section
78-177 Community Commercial District to Include Florists and Retail Package Liquor
Stores as Permitted Use in that Zoning District; and Amending 78-180 Mixed Use
District to Include Florists as a Permitted Use in that Zoning District
Attorney White read Ordinance 18-09 title into the record.
Mayor Watkins opened the public hearing to Council for comment. Council Member Humpage
stated the commercial zoning issues needed to be corrected. Vice-Mayor Paterno stated he
did not have an issue with the florists but did not believe the Village should change zoning due
to one request. He noted he had concerns with the retail package liquor store and did not
want liquor stores located near residential homes.
Mayor Watkins closed the public hearing to Council and opened the meeting for public
comment. Ms. Marsha Nielson inquired on where the liquor store was proposed to be located;
Mayor Watkins stated the Corner Cafe. There being no further public comments, Mayor
Watkins closed the public hearing.
Minutes -Regular Council Meeting 9/10/09
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MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of Ordinance 18-09 on first reading;
seconded by Council Member Arena; motion carried 4-1 with Vice-Mayor Paterno dissenting.
19. Consideration and Appointment of Members to the Census Complete Count
Committee
Mayor Watkins mentioned Mary Hinton was interested in serving on the committee.
Resident Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, commented on constitutionally versus optional
information and voiced concern with the quantity of information requested and the types of
people hired to complete the surveys. Council Member Turnquest requested a copy of the
questionnaire and Council Member Humpage suggested a dialogic for informational purposes.
Mayor Watkins stated an exploratory workshop could be scheduled with the Census Bureau
and anyone interested in serving on the committee.
20. Consideration and Approval of March 10, 2010 Polling Location for Precinct 1072
during Construction of Tequesta Drive Bridge
Clerk McWilliams recommended the polling location for Precinct 1072 remain at the Tequesta
Recreation Center for the March 2010 election. She provided cost estimates and legal
requirements to temporarily move the precinct.
Mayor Watkins believed relocating the polling location could cause a lower turnout rate. Vice-
Mayor Paterno believed not relocating the polling location would cause a lower turnout due to
the inconvenience of the bridge construction and believed the Country Club would be more
than willing to host. Council Member Turnquest believed a low turnout would be expected with
either scenario.
Clerk McWilliams suggested notifying residents they could request absentee ballots from the
elections office.
Ms. Dottie Campbell summarized the location history of the polling location and resident
concerns she has heard over the years as an election worker. She asked Council not to
change the voting location.
Mr. Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, suggested having two polling locations for the one
precinct. Mrs. Campbell did not believe the law would allow the Village to split a precinct and
stated most people had no idea the amount of work that went into running and working an
election. Mr. D'Ambra further suggested establishing a secure website for voters to
electronically vote and suggested all voters receive an absentee ballot even if not requested.
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Mrs. Campbell commented on the cost for each absentee ballot. Clerk McWilliams believed
state laws regarding who could request an absentee ballot. She also noted state law required
specific voting methods and handling of ballots.
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved to approve leaving the polling location at the
Parks and Recreation Center for the March 2010 election; seconded by Council Member
Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
21. Resolution 32-09. Approving a First Amended License Agreement with Omnipoint
Holdings, Inc. d/b/a T-Mobile for the Lease of Village Properly Located at 901 N. Dixie
Highway
Village Attorney White read Resolution 32-09 title into the record.
Village Manager Couzzo explained T-Mobile was a co-locator on the tower located at the water
plant and they contracted with a third party to have all their leases reviewed in an attempt to
restructure for efficiency. T-Mobile presented a variety of proposals to the Village and he
reviewed the comparison scenarios.
Mr. Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, commented on T-Mobile's letter and believed they
would be looking to reduce costs. Mr. Couzzo noted T-Mobile did want to reduce costs, but he
did not support their cost reduction scenarios (one through three).
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved to approve Resolution 32-09 with scenario
five as presented; seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
22. Discussion and Direction on Fountain of Honor Engraving Font Style
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval of Unique Glass Art as the engraver
at $40 per line, using the medium gray color, and carving six names per panel -three panels at
a time; seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
23. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Rescheduling October 2009 Council
Meeting
Mayor Watkins explained she and Council Member Arena would be in Washington, DC
attending Representative Rooney's District Fly during the regularly scheduled October meeting
date and asked if Council preferred to reschedule the October meeting.
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to reschedule the Council Meeting from
October 15, 2009; seconded by Council Member Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Minutes -Regular Council Meeting 9/10/09
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STANDING REPORTS
• Village Attorney No report
• Village Manager No report
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Mayor Watkins reminded Council of the September 23, 2009 Volunteer Recognition
celebration at Village Hall from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn; seconded by Council Member
Turnquest; the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meeting was
adjourned at 11:40 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
`~~~~~~~
Lori McWilliams, CMC
Village Clerk