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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_09/02/2010 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 2, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 8:30 a.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., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams and Department Heads. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Council Member Humpage moved approval of the Agenda; seconded by Council Member Turnquest, the motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 1. Discussion Regarding the Proposed Budget, the Recent Police Department Events, and the Possible Budget Effects. Manager Couzzo explained that Captain Ricciardi had expressed desire to stay with the Village in lieu of retiring in the early part of 2011 but had not given an alternative date. He noted that this would affect the budget since the Captains salary was not budgeted because of the impending retirement. He then stated that Chief McCollom would not be returning as previously planned, and his salary had been budgeted for the entire year. Manager Couzzo offered additional details of changes regarding several positions within the police department. Council Member Humpage supported saving the money and not funding the chiefs position. Manager Couzzo stated the Village would save by not paying the Captains retirement payout, but warned that the top positions were disappearing from the Village and would most likely have a negative affect sooner than later. Manager Couzzo suggested making no changes through the fiscal year and noted there was a possibility of Captain Ricciardi retiring next year which would make things in the Village more difficult. Mayor Watkins felt the goal should be to get a Chief and was concerned with not having a backup plan. Manager Couzzo responded that Captain Ricciardi had verbally committed to staying through September 2011. Mayor Watkins reiterated her concerns that a process was not in place for replacement of department heads. Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 9/2/10 Page 2 Vice Mayor Paterno volunteered to commit to the position of Chief for one year, he also suggested hiring an assistant manager to oversee departments and felt Chief Weinand was also an option for Police Chief. He asked the Manager if Council could assist with the reorganization. Manager Couzzo responded that the Village Attorney would have to clarify what would be acceptable. Mayor Watkins expressed concern that she did not want to offer more confusion and felt it should be made clear that a search for a new chief was the Villages goal. Council Member Humpage responded that things appeared to be working and that the situation could be reassessed in June 2011. Manager Couzzo stated he would keep Council informed and believed Captain Ricciardi would continue to assist as he had already been the Acting Chief while Chief McCollom was away. Council Member Turnquest suggested Captain Ricciardi remain as Acting Chief while a search for a permanent Chief took place. Vice Mayor Paterno felt there were employees capable to fill the position. Manager Couzzo suggested advertising the position outwardly before a final decision was made. Council Member Arena suggested making Captain Ricciardi the Acting Chief with the understanding that if he desired the permanent position, he would need to apply as well. Mayor Watkins expressed satisfaction that everyone appeared to be in agreement and felt the decision of when to advertise would need to take place next. Vice Mayor Paterno agreed with advertising in January. Mayor Watkins stated the process could begin in January with the actual advertising done in April. Manager Couzzo stated the hiring process would take a minimum of four months. Council Consensus was to revisit the progress and status of Captain Ricciardi as Acting Chief after January 15, 2010 along with a five percent salary increase. MOTION Council Member Humpage moved approval of the five percent salary increase to the Acting Chief; seconded by Vice Mayor Paterno; the motion carried unanimously 5 -0. Vice Mayor Paterno asked to remove $120,000 from the budget and place in fund balance. Ms. Joanne Forsythe, Finance Director stated the figures would be recalculated and excess removed. Manager Couzzo stated the Chief's position as it was presently funded would be removed. ANY OTHER MATTERS Manager Couzzo noted the insurance figures which would impact the budget and noted that all three Unions were fine with the changes. Manager Couzzo suggested appointing Captain Ricciardi as Acting Chief tomorrow Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 9/2/10 Page 3 September 3, 2010. Mayor Watkins confirmed the time of 11:15 a.m. Council Member Arena noted that the Nautical Club would do a presentation including a donation of life preservers and a ribbon cutting for the opening of West Marine on September 9, 2010. 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 9:43 a.m. Respectfully submitted, 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.