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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_12/03/2009MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 3:28 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., Attorney Keith Davis, Village Clerk Lori McWilliams and Department Heads. 1. Presentation by U. S. Census Bureau Pedro Guilarte, Palm Beach County Partnership Specialist gave a presentation regarding the Census Bureau process and offered handouts with additional. information noting Tequesta residents had returned 72% at present and the national average on returns was 67%. He also explained the Federal budget and its dispersments according to census findings. Mayor Watkins confirmed that the Village should encourage residents to return their census cards to help avoid being contacted by Census workers. Mr. Guilarte noted seasonal residents may be contacted at their Tequesta residence if their northern address was given. Village Clerk Lori McWilliams voiced concerns on confidentiality and the hiring process of workers that would potentially be going to resident's homes. Mr. Guilarte reassured the confidentiality values of the program were extremely secure and noted the hiring process included a back ground check. Ms. McWilliams noted the Bureau was asking for assistance because of lack of response to their program. 2. Discussion on Village of Tequesta Code Division 3 Special Exception Uses Sec. 78-361 - 78-369 Village Manager Couzzo offered history on Special Exception Uses and amending process procedures. Council Member Humpage noted additional history and quotes on specific sections and criteria that he believed should be reviewed and amended. His voiced his concerns and felt an extra step could be added to the criteria to assist the process and eliminate unnecessary cost to developers. Attorney Keith Davis, Village Attorney stated the criterion was standard for a special exception ordinance. Minutes -Workshop 12/03/09 Page 2 Vice Mayor Paterno felt the special exception should be kept strict and not changed because of its nature. He felt too many changes were taking place making the exceptions too easy to acquire. Council Member Humpage affirmed a special exception would always go through Council for approval. Mayor Watkins believed contractors should not be blocked from possibly enhancing the Village and agreed a discussion should take place at a regular Council meeting. Manager Couzzo stated a draft would be developed for Council's review. Council Consensus was to place the dialogue on the next agenda. 3. Discussion on Fire Sales Tax Council Member Arena offered back ground on the item. Mr. Ron Beesley, Battalion Chief with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, gave a presentation explaining the Fire Sales Tax. He pointed out County funding, distribution options, legislative intent, qualifications, election provisions and modifications on new changes. He noted requests from the Fire Chiefs and League of Cities and other specifics. Vice Mayor Paterno questioned cost. Mr. Beesley stated there were two allocation methods and one formula using the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). He also noted a mandatory reduction to municipalities who choose to use their ad valorem taxes. Council Member Arena questioned cost justification. Mr. Beesley replied all costs must be justified. Mr. Beesley noted that Florida property owners paid 100% of Fire Rescue Services at present and with the tax proposal offering to spread cost across a more diverse demographics. Mr. Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle questioned Tequesta residents portion of the tax. Mr. Beesley offered an explanation of revenues and expenses. Mr. D'Ambra offered additional comment on the item. Mr. Beesley pointed out that the tax offered an actual reduction to millage rates and relief and to residents. Manager Couzzo distinguished the possibility of the tax raising a millage rate and alternate possibilities from mismanagement. Mr. Beesley explained the tax initially offered revenues of approximately $300,000 to unincorporated Palm Beach County, he stated economical issues have affected spending bringing the potential revenue down to roughly $150,000. Mr. D'Ambra felt the proposal was a possible hasty action to a temporary situation. He asked about correlation of volatility of the economy. Mr. Beesley explained the tax would be directed at residents who spend in a specific area, benefiting property taxes, focusing on a positive change to the way taxes have been assessed. Minutes -Workshop 12/03/09 Page 3 Council Member Arena questioned pay caps and the agreement between Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Village of Tequesta. Mr. Beesley offered his knowledge and a brief explanation. 4. Discussion on Smoke Signals (continued from 11/12/09 Workshop) Council Member Arena explained that residents wanted the newsletter back in publication but the budget did not support that. He offered an idea he believed businesses could participate in, would be an advertisement for them and generate enough money to bring the publication back. Mayor Watkins was concerned every business would not be included because of space issues. Council Member Arena stated he had discussed that issue with a potential printer and did not feel it would be a problem. Mayor Watkins stated she liked the idea and emphasized on equality. Attorney Keith Davis, Village Attorney stated you must make the offer to all businesses. Mr. Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, suggested Smoke Signals be integrated with Tequesta Magazine which allowed the businesses to advertize. Consensus of Council was to go forward with the idea. 5. Discussion on Establishing an Events Committee Council Member Arena articulated resident's interest in organizing volunteer committees and offered Ms. Abby Roeloffs and Ms. Kit Stewart as two that expressed interest. He noted several suggested components, sponsor names and charities connected with the proposal. Consensus of Council was to go forward with the idea. Vice Mayor Paterno stated he did not have the time to be involved with additional volunteer event committees and did not feel many did. He declared his support if the proposal fell under Council Member Arena's management. Mayor Watkins voiced her concern that employees may feel pressured to serve on a volunteer committee if asked by a Council Member. Village Clerk McWilliams questioned legalities that may be associated. Attorney Davis noted if Council appointed the committee it would require being in the sunshine. Manager Couzzo noted Council Member Arena could appoint an advisory group to keep him updated and he then could advise Council which would eliminate the need for minutes etcetera. 6. Any Other Matters Minutes -Workshop 12/03/09 Page 4 Council Member Humpage explained there were beams from the trade center being escorted through the area and his interest in the event for memorial purposes. He also suggested making Bob Griese and Bobby Orr honorary citizens of Tequesta. Item received Consensus of Council. Council Member Turnquest suggested a college intern employment program. Consensus of Council was given. He voiced his discontentment related to an upcoming termination of a Village employee/Village resident and compared recent proposed expense versus salary savings. Mr. Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, felt the day to day operations and personnel issues were that of the Manager and did not feel Council was to be involved. Manager Couzzo explained the difficulties and demands of doing what is best for the Village. He noted how minimal Tequesta functions without many key positions and hoped the Village had seen the end of tough times. Vice Mayor Paterno elaborated on the situation and voiced his concerns. Vice Mayor Paterno noted Manager Couzzo's future retirement options and his concern for keeping knowledgeable people in place. Manager Couzzo expressed his gratitude for a dedicated group of supportive people. Mayor Watkins noted her satisfaction with the engraving of resident's names on the Fountain of Honor. Vice Mayor Paterno expressed his sentiment for the appearance of negative insinuation associated with the Villages health insurance policy. He also asked that cameras or police car be placed to monitor a specific problem area. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Council Member Humpage, seconded by Council Member Arena, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p. m. Respectfully submitted, f. Lori McWilliams, CMC Village Clerk