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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_10/21/2010 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 21, 2010 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 4:30 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 and Council Member Jim Humpage. Council Member Calvin Turnquest was absent. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., Village Attorney Keith Davis, and Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Approval of Agenda MOTION Council Member Humpage moved approval of the Agenda; seconded by Council Member Arena; the motion carried unanimously 4 -0. 1. Discussion of Annexation Presentations Manager Couzzo reported that he had reevaluated the Village's needs regarding annexation and suggested an alternative proposal. He referred to Ms. Nilsa Zacarias of NZ Consultants and offered details of an employment contract developed for the specific arrangement for hiring a sub contractor to work with at the Village. Manager Couzzo noted that developers' revenues through permitting would recover some expenses associated with the position. Frank D'Ambra, 23 Leeward Circle, questioned possible conflicts with the consultant's personal business and time needed for Village employment. Council Member Arena questioned the contract and its expiration. Manager Couzzo explained the employment venture was different than the initial plan and he believed it would work out well and noted that either parry had a 30 day option to terminate. Fire Chief Weinand established that once the annexation was completed, and if business slowed Ms. Zacarias would not be scheduled. Manager Couzzo suggested Council contemplate an area to initiate for annexation. He then recommended Council provide a resolution authorizing the Village Manager to execute an agreement, to be reviewed by the Village Attorney and appropriating necessary funds to complete the agreement between the Village and Ms. Zacarias. MOTION Council Member Humpage moved approval of Manager Couzzo coordinating and executing an employment agreement between the Village and Ms. Nilsa Zacarias and appropriating necessary funds; seconded by Council Member Arena; the motion carried unanimously 4 -0. Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 10/21/10 Page 2 2. Discussion of Strategic Plan Manager Couzzo explained that Council would need to provide input regarding Strategic Plans since variables would change its makeup which would impact revenues. 3. Discussion of Sheriff's Office Services in the Unincorporated Area Council Member Humpage questioned the expiration of the Sheriffs contract and voiced his concerns with contractual details. Manager Couzzo stated Tequesta would be in an ongoing agreement with the Sheriff and suggested they be contacted prior to any annexation discussions and /or legislative initiative concerning taxing at the State level. Mayor Watkins voiced her concerns for the appearance of the Village being forceful with annexation. Manager Couzzo believed changes could increase the level of service to residents and be a positive economically. Vice Mayor Paterno expressed his support. Manager Couzzo confirmed with Council Member Turnquest his interest in spearheading this mission. Vice Mayor Paterno suggested working with the Chief to formulate the best approach. Manager Couzzo stated he would like to progress forward with meeting the Sheriff and stated a workshop would need to follow any interest on their behalf. Council Consensus was agreed that the Village Manager and Council Member Turnquest advance with meeting with the Sheriff. 4. Discussion of Services Provided to Jupiter Inlet Colony Mayor Watkins felt this item should be postponed until after the March election. Manager Couzzo offered history on the item and noted the future service figures would increase substantially. Vice Mayor Paterno reported the Colony was having difficulties and had cut their Chief's hours. Council Member Humpage stated their election could bring new people into negotiations and felt approaching their present Council would be non productive as it had proven to be in the past. Manager Couzzo believed the Colony would approach the Village to initiate negotiations within the near future. Vice Mayor Paterno felt there was no time like the present. Council Member Humpage felt the Village was a catalyst to their election. Manager Couzzo expressed that the Vice Mayor may be correct and opportunity may be at present. Council Member Humpage agreed. Council directed the Manager to begin the process to meet with Jupiter Inlet Colony along with Vice Mayor Paterno. 6. Council Discussion Regarding Proposed Zoning Text Amendment Necessary to Allow a Rehabilitation Center in the Mixed Use Zoning District. Contract Purchaser of the Former Cornerstone Property are Proposing Such as Use at Site Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 10/21/10 Page 3 Manager Couzzo reported that Council's discussion today was preliminary with no action to be taken and that GMH Partners were optimistic for closing on the former Cornerstone property by next week. Attorney Larry Smith, GMH representative, explained details associated with the group's background and their aspirations for the Tequesta project. He stated their drafted agreement showed the Village as escrow agent. Manager Couzzo responded that Council would need to approve such an agreement and that time was limited. He explained they would need a tri- party use agreement which would add rehabilitation facility use to the use which already existed. He then stated the Village would review the GMH application once it was received and move forward at that point. Manager Couzzo suggested leaving item five until last. Any Other Matters 9. Seabrook Road Property Purchase Update Manager Couzzo noted the closing regarding the Seabrook Road property was planned for the second week of November 2010. He explained the caretaker on the property had requested to remain on the property for a period of time to which he responded that would be unacceptable. Manager Couzzo confirmed the caretaker would voluntarily vacate the premises by November 3, 2010. He then noted once the Village took possession of the property the building would be removed and the site cleared. Council Member Arena questioned if historic items would be salvageable and suggested contacting the County Historical Committee. Manager Couzzo responded that the Village would look at options and noted the building may not be salvageable. 7. Tequesta Drive Bridge Update • Alternatives for Completing Remaining Work Manager Couzzo explained there was a crack on a spandrel at the new bridge which could be repaired. He noted a bridge closure and offered suggestions. Vice Mayor Paterno suggested keeping one side open. Council Member Humpage questioned the contractor utilizing his own people versus Village personnel if flag persons were needed. Manager Couzzo noted procedures for the remaining work and commented the State and Consultant would be monitoring the work. 8. Cornerstone / GMH Update Refer to Item 6 discussion. Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 10/21/10 Page 4 5. Discussion and Possible Action Allowing Beer Sales at Tequesta Fest Clerk McWilliams called Council Member Turnquest for involvement of item five. Vice Mayor Paterno noted the reason for bringing the item back for discussion. Manager Couzzo explained the beer sales would be in a designated, somewhat isolated section of the property and beer would not be allowed out of the specified area. Council Member Humpage established that the American Legion would benefit from beer sales, which had enabled their generosity in previous years to Village employees and residents. He recalled specific events of the Legion's kindness and pointed out that there were no issues with past events and beer sales. Council Member Turnquest felt the Legion had a very good history and had been very involved and dedicated in the community and to the Village in past years and should be considered as long as the event was controlled. Vice Mayor Paterno suggested limiting beer sales and voiced his concern with the regularity of the request and opening the door to more alcohol related events. Council Member Humpage felt it should only be offered to nonprofits. Manager Couzzo suggested stipulating beer sales at Harvest Fest only. Mayor Watkins explained her concerns were only with offering beer sales and not with the requestor. MOTION Vice Mayor Paterno moved that the item be reconsidered; seconded by Council Member Humpage; the motion carried unanimously 5 -0. Attorney Davis clarified that the item was now returned to the Agenda and could be considered for further action. MOTION Vice Mayor Paterno moved to allow beer sales once a year at the Tequesta Fest event only; seconded by Council Member Humpage; the motion carried 4 -1 with Mayor Watkins dissenting. Mayor Watkins confirmed Council's support for the placement of a Support Our Troops donation box in the Village Hall lobby and updated Council regarding a letter received from Mr. Carlton Stoddard with reference to the Fountain of Honor. Council Member Humpage offered a letter to the Village of Tequesta from the Friends of Public Safety (FOPS) which donated the Fountain to the Village. He also referenced monies spent to date for the record and receipt. Minutes — Special Council Meeting — 10/21/10 Page 5 Mayor Watkins asked for public comment. Marcia Neilson, 94 Beechwood Trail questioned the Village's intentions for the Seabrook Road property. Manager Couzzo responded the plans were for a passive green space park like setting. Vice Mayor Paterno voiced his feelings regarding a Presidential article that remarked on there being no shovel ready projects available for the Federal Stimulus funding. He suggested a letter be developed and sent regarding Tequesta's bridge project. Adjournment MOTION Council Member Arena moved to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Humpage; the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 6:04 p.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.