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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_08/10/2010 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 10, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 4:03 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice Mayor Tom Paterno, and Council Member Vince Arena. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Council Member Jim Humpage, Council Member Calvin Turnquest and Village Attorney White were absent. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Council Member Arena moved approval of the Agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Paterno; the motion carried unanimously 3 -0. 1. Presentation by GMH Capital Partners on their Vision for Cornerstone / Preserve Property Mr. Gary Holloway, GMH Capital Partners CEO, explained his vision and support for the area through rehabilitation of an abandoned property. He stated his company and the bank had an agreement at present which gave 45 days for GMH to explore their options regarding the purchase and noted their facility focused on weight, drugs and alcohol abuse. A representative of GMH referred to their brochure and offered the company's history and clarification of their intensions to build a world class facility which would include minimal changes to the existing structure and added amenities. Mr. Holloway noted that their needs may require a change to the Village zoning and GMH would also need to investigate licensing through the State. He stated their desire to move forward quickly with Council's approval and pointed out that his company had cash to fund the estimated cost of the project which was approximately 12 million. Mr. Holloway explained their plans for the existing green area, life style changes planned for their clientele and future expansion's and if the rehabilitation facility failed townhouses would be developed. i Mayor Watkins believed residents would welcome improvements to the property. Council Member Arena questioned aesthetics. Mr. Holloway responded that their intention was to work with the Village on what worked best for all. Manager Couzzo suggested Council and Mr. Holloway begin to work together on the details of an agreement and noted that a text amendment was anticipated and not a new zoning designation. Vice Mayor Paterno asked the number of residents that were in their plan. Mr. Holloway responded there were 69 beds with an option which included up to 99. He then offered a comparison of their facility ompared to existing facilities along with alternative ideas for their tY 9 9 future use of space. Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 8/10/10 Page 2 Mayor Watkins voiced her concern for the sensitivity of a small town and what the residents felt. Manager Couzzo asked Council if the desire was to proceed. All three present agreed to move forward. 3. Discussion and Possible Action on Participation in the Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force Manager Couzzo explained the opportunity the Village had to work with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and noted details regarding monies and positions. Representatives for the DEA explained the program further regarding the increase in prescription drugs in the area and Task Force Officer (TFO) expectations. Manager Couzzo stated that he believed the venture would be positive and could also be an alternative means for Village revenue. Officer Jason Turner explained that local drug stores and surrounding areas had seen an increase relating to prescription drug abuse. DEA representatives discussed possible future situations and safety for the officers. Marcia Nielson, 94 Beechwood Trail questioned restrictions attached to the use of funds received from the venture. Manager Couzzo responded that he did not believe there were any. Vice Mayor Paterno inquired about how quickly the Village could utilize the DEA program. The response was that they were set to move forward and their help would be there for the Village with or without going forward with this agreement. MOTION Vice Mayor Paterno moved approval of moving forward with the Village's participation with the Drug Enforcement Agency as soon as possible; seconded by Council Member Arena; the motion carried unanimously 3 -0. 2. Council Consideration and Possible Action to Grant an Employee "Thank You" Day in Recognition of their Dedicated Services to the Village of Tequesta during this most Demanding Year Mayor Watkins expressed her concern with staff and all that had been accomplished in the past year including planned increases waived for the upcoming year. She suggested part time employees receive an extra vacation day and full time employees receive two days. Manager Couzzo stated he had a positive response from all he had spoken with. Mayor Watkins asked that the item be placed on the next meeting agenda. ANY OTHER MATTERS Manager Couzzo noted there were three crews working on the bridge to assist with the bridge opening by the planned August 16, 2010 and explained details associated with the stage of the project. Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 8/10/10 Page 3 Council Member Arena stated school deliveries would be made Thursday and he would have the particulars at the next Council meeting. Manager Couzzo noted staff and the attorney should schedule a discussion regarding the Cornerstone Property purchase by GMH Capital Partners before September 9, 2010. Ms. Marcia Nielson expressed that she believed residents would question why Council was in such a hurry to assist this group and referenced similar situation that did not go over well. Vice Mayor Paterno explained the developer and the bank had an agreement which was time limited and was why the Village needed to respond promptly. Vice Mayor Paterno suggested stipulating the facility must be high end. Manager Couzzo suggested the residents should be updated as soon as possible and that a Council Member be involved and knowledgeable with the acquisition progress. Council Member Arena suggested Vice Mayor Paterno had the knowledge and was most familiar. Mayor Watkins referenced the previous item where the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) spoke on the rising concerns with drug addiction and felt the project appeared necessary. She asked Vice Mayor Paterno if he would be willing to represent the Village on keeping informed of the GMH venture. She then passed the gavel to him so that she could participate in the motion. MOTION Council Member Arena moved that Vice Mayor Paterno be in place to keep abreast of the Cornerstone acquisition: seconded by Mayor Watkins; the motion carried unanimously 3 -0. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Council Member Arena Council moved to adjourn; seconded by Vice Mayor Paterno; the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 3 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m. Respectfully submit p y fl ou Lori McWilliams, MMC 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.