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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_06/10/2010 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 10, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 7:02 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 Jim Humpage, Council Member Vince Arena, and Council Member Calvin Turnquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Attorney Keith Davis, Village Clerk's Assistant Deanna Mayo, and Department Heads. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Watkins shared words of appreciation and respect for all Veterans and reflected on a Memorial Day event. She then gave the invocation followed by the pledge to the flag. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Manager Couzzo requested item three be moved to new business. MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council Member Turnquest. Vice Mayor Paterno asked to discuss item six. Items four and five were pulled by Council Member Turnquest. Council Member Humpage and Council Member Turnquest noted they had items to discuss under Any Other Matters. MOTION (cont) motion, with changes carried unanimously 5 -0. PRESENTATIONS /PROCLAMATIONS 1. Presentation to Accept and Approve 2008/2009 CAFR — Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Ms. Joanne Forsythe offered an interpretation of the Village Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and noted the report could be viewed online. She introduced Mr. Michael Futterman from Marcum Rachlin. Manager Couzzo expressed his confidence in Mr. Futterman and the frim of Marcum Rachlin. Mr. Michael Futterman, Marcum Rachlin partner offered highlights connected with the CAFR including awards received by Tequesta's Finance Department in conjunction with their proficient efforts. Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 2 1A. Proclamation Declaring June 26, 2010 as A Wounded Warriors Second Chance Day Mayor Watkins thanked Council Member Turnquest for his efforts relating to the Wounded Warriors Second Chance Day Proclamation and presented the proclamation to Ms. Mary Hinton. Ms. Hinton expressed her gratitude for all who were involved and shared narrative of recent events. She extended special appreciation to Council Member Arena for his involvement. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION Council Member Humpage moved approval of the following consent agenda, with item 3 moved to New Business and items 4, 5 & 6 pulled for discussion; seconded by Council Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 2. MINUTES: 3/16/10 Special, 4/8/10 LPA, 418110 Regular, 4/19110 Special, 4119/10 Workshop, and 5/27/10 Special END OF CONSENT AGENDA 4. Resolution 15 -10. Approving proposal from Duval Ford of Jacksonville, FL for the Purchase of One Ford F -150 Police Car per the Florida Sheriffs Association Bid Award 09 -17 -0908 in the Amount of $17,938.00 Council Member Turnquest questioned the appropriation versus cost. Manager Couzzo explained there were items which would be pulled off the purchase contract but noted police equipment including lights would be installed at additional costs. Attorney Keith Davis read Resolution 15 -10 title into the record. MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of Resolution 15 -10, seconded by Council Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 5. Resolution 16 -10, Approving the Purchase of 5 ISI Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Assemblies from Bennett Fire Products Co., Inc. of Woodstock, Georgia (this will require a budget transfer) Council Member Turnquest questioned why the equipment was considered obsolete. Fire Chief Weinand stated the items had been upgraded over the years and now needed to be replaced. Attorney Keith Davis read Resolution 16 -10 title into the record. MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval of Resolution 16 -10; seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 3 6. Resolution 18 -10, Appropriating Fund Balance from the General Fund in the Amount of $128,420.00 to Fund Unbudgeted Bridge Related Expenditures Vice Mayor Paterno asked if the Director of Finance could clarify the appropriation and if any of the expenses were reimbursable through stimulus funds. Mayor Watkins offered her knowledge of the item. Manager Couzzo believed stimulus funds had been received as of the projected figure and the overage had been returned for government use toward additional projects therefore; there was no reimbursable expenses remaining. Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance, explained the projected figure and noted the project had come in under budget by $56,580. Vice Mayor Paterno pointed out that approximately $50,000 had been spent in the previous budget and felt the projected numbers were very close. Attorney Keith Davis read Resolution 18 -10 into the record. MOTION: Council Member Tumquest moved approval of Resolution 18 -10, seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Watkins asked for communications from citizens. There were none. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Arena reminded residents of safety items highlighted in literature from the Chief of Police. He also announced the upcoming Nautical Event. Council Member Turnquest thanked the finance department for their efforts and congratulated them on their Distinguished Budget Award. He then reminisced on Memorial Day and suggested recognizing Soldiers each and every day. Council Member Humpage supported Council Member Arena's safety suggestions and thanked those who attended the Memorial Day Service. He shared a universal signal to thank a soldier and explained one would place a hand over their heart and the soldier(s) would return the gesture. Mayor Watkins reported that the fire sales tax was not considered and Tequesta was the first to oppose the tax by resolution. She thanked Vice Mayor Paterno for his efforts opposing the tax and congratulated finance on their efforts and award. Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 4 REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 7. Council Designation of Members to Various Governmental Assemblies Council Member Turnquest stated he would be an alternate for Council Member Arena. MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval, seconded by Vice Mayor Paterno; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 8. Ordinance 6 -10, Second Reading, Amending Chapter 78. Zoning. at Article XI. Signs. By Updating this Article to Provide that the Commercial Portions of Mixed Use Developments shall be Subject to the Same Regulations as Other Commercial Districts in the Village, and that the Residential Portions of Mixed Use Developments shall be Subject to the Same Regulations as Other Residential Districts in the Village (First Reading 5/13/10) Attorney Keith Davis read Ordinance 6 -10 title into the record. Mayor Watkins opened the hearing to Council for comment; there being none, she opened the meeting for public comment. There being no comments, the public hearing was closed. MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval of Ordinance 6 -10, seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. NEW BUSINESS 3. Approval of IAFF Collective Bargaining Contract October 2010 — October 2013 Ms. Merlene Reid, Human Resources Director, offered details relating to the contract and thanked all involved. She offered a power point presentation which highlighted the accomplishments associated with the IAFF contract approval. Council Member Turnquest noted the ratification was done without opposition. Vice Mayor Paterno suggested the move was significant to the community and felt others would follow Tequesta's example. Council Member Humpage thanked fellow Council Members and the Fire Fighters for their efforts. Mayor Watkins thanked Manager Couzzo for cultivating such an impressive relationship over his years working with the Village and IAFF and commended the impressive efforts of employees and union representatives. Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 5 MOTION: Vice Mayor Paterno moved approval; seconded by Council Member Arena; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 9. Resolution 17 -10 Revising Community Development Building Permit Fees Fire Chief Weinand explained the fee schedule revisions and the departmetns goal to offer simplicity. Council Member Arena questioned political sign fees. Vice Mayor Paterno voiced his concern that the two percent increase would not be adequate and suggested a two and quarter to two and a half percent increase. Council Member Humpage offered his experience in the area and noted that the figure had been researched and believed to be sufficient. He added that it could be changed next year if it proved inadequate. Chief Weinand clarified additional fees associated with the permitting process and established the increase was ample. Attorney Keith Davis read Resolution 17 -10 into the record. MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval of Resolution 17 -10, seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. Manager Couzzo announced Mr. Peter Allen's arrival and informed him that Council had unanimously approved the IAFF Contract. Mayor Watkins expressed appreciation on behalf of Council and management on the Fire Fighters demeanor while in negotiations. Mr. Allen articulated exuberant gratitude from the fire fighters. 10. Council Discussion and Approval of Tequesta Drive Bridge Dedication to be Held on Saturday, October 2, 2010 Manager Couzzo noted this event would be the formal dedication including a ribbon cutting and whatever Council felt would be appropriate. He stated the project was going well, offered an update and thanked Bill Watkins for his aerial talent and donated photos. Manager Couzzo commented that Lt Pitocchelli had spoken to Ricky Shletra who was optimistic of an early bridge opening. Council Member Arena offered to buy Lt. Pitocchelli light colored shirts to assist with the heat at the bridge. Mayor Watkins asked Council if a run /walk/parade could be coordinated for the initial walk over the new Bridge. Council Member Turnquest questioned the date referenced and the completeness of the bridge. Mayor Watkins stated the bridge would be entirely complete for the event. Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 6 Manager Couzzo recommended a discussion (within the next two weeks) regarding the bridge opening. Mayor Watkins suggested Council contemplate opening the Bridge to emergency vehicles before total completion. Voicing her concern that residents may protest. 11. Discuss and Approve Setting the 2010/2011 Budget Meeting Dates: Mayor Watkins illustrated the upcoming meeting schedule. Manager Couzzo stated the millage rate was to remain unchanged and confirmed the Attorney stated the millage rate could always be changed even once it was set noting it would be easy to reduce and difficult to increase. STANDING REPORTS • * Village Attorney Attorney Keith Davis reiterated on the Fire Sir Tax. He stated foreclosure litigation had been filed on 479 Seabrook and they had service on one defendant. • *Village Manager Manager Couzzo noted re -doing a room in the Village that had been revamped disposing of old racks and asked Council on donating them to the Church. Vice Mayor Paterno suggested placing the item on the next agenda to stay with procedure. Manager Couzzo referred to annexations and felt an informal meeting may need to take place regarding budgeting for such in the next year. He felt recent savings could be applied to a contingency account for the future. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Arena questioned the assumed loss of benefits associated with Mr. Peter Allen's serving on a Federal Emergency Team. Manager Couzzo voiced his understanding that there would be no loss of benefits in the situation. Mr. Allen confirmed that recent research revealed exactly that. Council Member Humpage addressed the issue of Tequesta residents paying the sheriff's department the same as unincorporated areas while having their own police department and noted a similar case which fought the fee. He felt Tequesta should challenge the fee on a partial value basis and at a County level. Council Consensus was for Council Member Humpage to move forward. Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 7 Council Member Humpage referenced the upcoming 911 event at the Village and the need to shut down Tequesta Drive from Willow Road to Gallery Square during the affair and asked if the Village would donate the cost of $2,000 to purchase a couple thousand bottles of water with labeling to reference the event. Council Consensus was yes on both. Council Member Humpage pointed out that Village employees would be donating their time to drive to New York to pick up the 911 beams and bring them back. He asked to take his discretionary funds to assist them with their cost. Manager Couzzo suggested charging the associated cost to the existing fire department budget. Ms. Joann Forsythe explained discretionary funds versus donations. Council Consensus was to charge the expenses to Fire. Vice Mayor Paterno asked approximate cost. Council Member Humpage replied approximately $1,000. Vice Mayor Paterno questioned purchasing air fare. Council Member Humpage replied that provisions attached to the 200 pound beams would not allow them to be flown. Council Member Turnquest commented on the Wounded Warriors event scheduled for July 4 t at Constitution Park between noon and five p.m. He asked Council Member Humpage if he would ask Bobby Orr and Brian Griese to attend and Council Member Humpage agreed. Council Member Turnquest stated he was attempting to get Congressman Tom Rooney to read the events Proclamation and asked Mayor Watkins if she would assist as a backup. She responded "with pleasure ". He then asked Manager Couzzo for an Honor Guard at the events opening and a Fire Truck for kids to enjoy. Manager Couzzo responded yes but noted any Village incident requiring the truck would prevail. Vice Mayor Paterno voiced his concern with the sale of alcohol and opposed doing such at a public event. He then announced the proposed 13% tax increase in Pam Beach County and suggested calling County Commissioners to voice opinions. Mayor Watkins announced a resident called to express her appreciation of Smoke Signals being back in print and how much she enjoyed living in the Village. Council Member Arena reiterated on the 13.4% proposed Palm Beach County Tax and referenced last year's increase for the County of 19 %. Attorney Davis reported on a recorded lien of $27,000 on 332 River Drive which had been reduced by Special Magistrate in the past and now had a new perspective buyer asking for the same arrangement. He noted that all administrative costs would be covered and suggested allowing the reduction. Vice Mayor Paterno felt the Village would lose all leverage if they were too lenient. Attorney Davis stated if the new owner fell out of compliance a new case would then begin. Mayor Watkins declared the home was in disarray because of the short sale status and did not feel the Village would have the same troubles with new owners. She explained the Minutes —Regular Council Meeting 6/10/10 Page 8 difference between a short sale and a foreclosure and felt the Villages goal was to get someone into the property. Manager Couzzo stated he would be in negotiations in the morning with Communications Workers of America (CWA) and was optimistic on the outcome. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Turnquest moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council Member Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deanna Mayo, Assistant to the Village Clerk Note These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the Office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.