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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Miscellaneous_05/12/1997_Finance & Administration Committee F Tf VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA r� Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, Florida 33469 -0273 • (561) 575 -6200 t� Fax: (561) 575 -6203 F7ch cc ty VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12 1997 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta Finance and Administration Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Monday, May 12, 1997. The meeting was called to order at 8:36 A.M. by Chairman Carl C. Hansen. A roll call was taken by Betty Laur, the Recording Secretary. In attendance were the following Committee members: Chairman Vice Mayor Carl C. Hansen, Co- Chair Joseph Capretta and Co -Chair Ron T. Mackail. Also in attendance were village Manager Thomas G. Bradford and Village Clerk Joann Manganiello. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Village Manager Bradford requested the addition of capital expenditure needs under ANY OTHER MATTERS. Co -Chair Capretta requested discussion of the status of all lawsuits and the amount they were costing the Village under ANY OTHER MATTERS. Co -Chair Mackail made a motion to approve the agenda as amended with the additions requested. Co -Chair Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for RecI "d Pupeo FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 2 Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the agenda was approved as amended. III. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS (NON-AGENDA ITEM'S) Tom Little, 486 Dover Road, questioned the responsibility of the Village regarding the Tequesta Self Preservation Group. Chairman Hansen responded that he understood the group's actions were legal, however, it was unknown how successful they would be in obtaining approval by 75W of those included in their area; and the Village Council would have to approve their application to create a Safe Neighborhood District. Mr. Little expressed his opinion that anything pertaining to a Safe Neighborhood District should emanate from the Village Council. Co -Chair Mackail explained that no comments would be made by the Village Council, and it was his understanding that only nine people were stirring up the whole village, and that residents were fed up with their actions and misrepresentations. Co -Chair Mackail stated that Mayor Schauer had made it clear at the recent Village Council meeting that a mediation process was in progress, which would come to an accord. Mr. Little stated that he would like to see the Village Council disavow itself from the Tequesta Self Preservation group. Co -Chair Capretta responded that this was a complex matter; that the Village Council had passed an Ordinance enabling this because a group of citizens had requested such an Ordinance. By passing the Ordinance, any group had been enabled and this group had taken advantage of the Ordinance and formed their group. Co -Chair Capretta commented that it would be interesting to learn the outcome of the vote, which was legal, and that this type of action was exactly what the Village Council had in mind. Mr. Little stated that the enabling Ordinance was missing two Chapters of Florida Statutes, #524 and #526. Village Manager Bradford responded FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 3 ------------------------------------ that those two sections were intentionally omitted and that it was not required to include every aspect in an enabling act. Co -Chair Capretta commented that this group was bringing an issue to the public that most people did not even know existed, and he believed it would all go away within the next 90 days. Mr. Capretta stated that he was waiting for the mediation report to be issued to see Martin County's position. Chairman Hansen commented that he believed there were no legal ramifications to the Village and if people had questions they should come to the Village Council or the Village Manager. IV. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST OF FRIENDS OF THE LOXAHATCHEE RIVER, INC., FOR VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA DONATION FOR REPRINTING OF THE RIVER WORKS WORKBOOK Al DeMott explained that he had helped put together Friends of the Loxahatchee. Mr. DeMott described the Marine Science Center, now visited by 5,000 students annually. In addition, a summer camp program was held which taught children awareness of water preservation. The annual Riverfest was also described. Mr. DeMott introduced Mrs. Pat Magrogan, President of Friends of the Loxahatchee, explained that workbooks were needed for the students, and requested a donation from the Village. Co -Chair Mackail made a motion to request the Village Council to approve a $500 donation to Friends of the Loxahatchee at their next meeting. Co -Chair Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. During ensuing discussion, Co -Chair Capretta commented on FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 4 the study of reverse paddling which had been the subject of several meetings. Mr. DeMott commented that the study of wildlife was also being instituted with care of injured animals, which school children would be able to observe. V. UPDATE ON OPTIONS FOR INCREASING COSTS OF HOLDING VACANT LAND Village Manager Bradford explained that a priority of the Village Council was to increase the cost of holding vacant land so that people would begin to develop their property. At the request of the Committee, staff had prepared cost estimates for various options, as follows: 1. New roadway and landscaping from Village Boulevard to Tequesta Drive, primarily on Dorner land - $911,533 2. Streetlights for Old Dixie Highway - $4,000 3. Streetscape for Old Dixie Highway - $329,000 4. Tri -Rail Passenger Station (land for station and parking) - $697,500 The Committee had also requested further information, which Village Manager Bradford provided. In regard to the possibility of using the powers of the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District upon determination that the new recreation facility powers of the District apply to cultural and /or civic projects, the attorney for the district had provided an opinion that it was possible the district could be authorized to construct a large amphitheatre or enclosed public auditorium provided that its usage was not restricted to theatrical types of events, but a specific judicial ruling was desired before proceeding further. village Manager Bradford explained that this research had been done FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 5 ------------------------------------ with the intent of constructing a cultural facility on the Tequesta Plaza property. All property owners in the District would pay either all or a portion of the cost of the facility, and they would receive the benefit. Co -Chair Hansen questioned whether the fact that the recent County cultural meetings had been best attended in Tequesta could be used to obtain a grant through Beautiful Palm Beaches. Village Manager Bradford responded that it would be a variable in the analysis, but the biggest hurdle would be convincing the landowners in the central business district that the cost would not exceed benefits, and to obtain the agreement of 50%- +1 of those landowners to be assessed annually for the cost. Co -Chair Capretta commented that he was very discouraged that BRITT and Coastal Players had not made it in Tequesta, and now with all the contributions to BRITT they still could not make it, which indicated that if grants had been sought that those organizations might have folded anyway. Co -Chair Capretta commented that he had considered Lighthouse Gallery to be the chance for a cultural center downtown, but he did not know their latest thinking; and he wanted the downtown to develop and the tax base to increase. Co -Chair Mackail explained that Lighthouse Gallery had been waiting for the feasibility report which would be completed at the end of June; and that the Gallery was considering adding a second story to their present facility. Co -Chair Capretta concluded that the Village could not depend upon cultural organizations to provide a facility; therefore, his goal was to increase taxes in order to get funds to eliminate eyesores, and questioned whether there were any projects which would increase property values, especially on Dorner land, that were really useful. Co -Chair Hansen commented that he had recently taken a bus tour that had stopped at Lighthouse Gallery, and the Director had been very positive and optimistic about the gallery's future. Co -Chair Hansen explained that Coastal Players had been doing well in the Village but had needed a home, stated that he was not giving up on something cultural, and suggested that Blowing Rocks FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 6 ------------------------------------ Music Festival might have some money and be able to help. Further discussion ensued regarding Lighthouse Gallery and the fact that they were the only organization with a real basis to move forward. Co -Chair Mackail explained that the problem was dovetailing the gallery with other organizations to create one facility to house all of them, expressed his opinion that the Felhaber property should be condemned since he was not going to do anything, and commented that after the charette the opinion of business owners would be known. In response to Co -Chair Capretta's comments regarding Mr. Van Brock's plans for a shopping center and bank at the corner of Tequesta Drive and Old Dixie Highway, village Manager Bradford explained that zoning did not allow what Mr. Van Brock had in mind. The possibility of building a road was discussed. Village Manager Bradford explained that public necessity must be shown, whereupon the land for the road could be condemned and taken by the Village, and a roadway constructed. Co -Chair Capretta questioned how the post office, which was very inadequate to serve the needs of the residents, could be forced to build a larger facility. Village Manager Bradford explained that the lease would expire sooner than the five years indicated by Mr. Van Brock at the recent Village Council meeting, and that the process was political, so that contacts should be made with Mark Foley, Bob Graham, and Connie Mack. Co -Chair Capretta suggested getting data from the postmaster and writing letters to the politicians. During ensuing discussion, Village Manager Bradford explained that he had spoken with the local postmaster and the Atlanta postmaster approximately six months ago and both had indicated that the present Tequesta post office was very inadequate, and their intent had been to renew their lease with the Dorner Trust when it expired, and to look for another location in Tequesta. Village Manager Bradford recommended that the Mayor write a letters to the local postmaster and /or the postmaster in Atlanta, as well as the FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 7 ------------------------------------ three politicians mentioned earlier in the meeting, to go on record expressing opposition to the current situation and asking the post office what plans were in place to improve service in this area. After further discussion, the village Manager indicated that he would write a letter to Bernie Klaus, boss of the local postmaster, stating the problems and asking when they will be addressed, to learn the current status. Co -Chair Capretta commented that the railroad station was too far in the future to be considered as a project to increase taxes. Village Manager Bradford commented that streetscape for Old Dixie Highway and Tequesta Drive was the most practical possibility and the most likely to happen. Co -Chair Mackail suggested passing an Ordinance to require Mr. Felhaber to make his shopping center look active, similar to the Palm Beach Ordinance which required property owners of vacant stores to make them look like they were still open. Discussion ensued regarding what to do to make Mr. Felhaber comply with Village ordinances. The Village Clerk left the meeting to find Officer Davis so that he could report on the status of Mr. Felhaber's compliance with Ordinance 377. Mr. Little commented that the property could be declared a safety and fire hazard. Both Co -Chair Capretta and Co -Chair Mackail favored condemning the property. Co -Chair Hansen questioned what the best use of the property might be. Village Manager Bradford suggested that the post office should be moved to the south side of Bridge Road, where there would be room for parking. co- Chair Mackail stated he wanted to help the businesses and work with them, and that the upcoming charette would be a forum for the business owners to make their desires known. Village Manager Bradford suggested that a good business to occupy Tequesta Plaza might be Books A Million, which was a very popular large bookstore the size of a grocery store with a coffee bar. village Manager Bradford commented that the Village had FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 8 tried Mr. Little's suggestion and that Mr. Felhaber had complied with the fire code. Village Manager Bradford explained that condemning the property could be expensive and cited an example of a well in Martin County which had been appraised at $12,000 for which the Village had put up $16,000; however, the jury had awarded severance damages of $48,000, plus the interest on taking the land, which caused the total cost to be $58,000 plus the bill from the appraiser's office. Village Manager Bradford cautioned that if a condemnation of the Felhaber property was made for $1 million that it could cost $3 million. Officer Davis joined the meeting and reported on the status of Tequesta Plaza compliance with Ordinance 377. Officer Davis explained that landscape plans had been submitted and were waiting to come before the Community Appearance Board., and explained that Mr. Felhaber had included the sign in the landscape plans. Officer Davis commented that he had given them 20 days to fix the potholes in the pavement. Officer Davis explained the Ordinance 377 compliance process, and advised the Committee that once the Village Council approved a project that the applicant then had six months to apply for a permit, which would be valid for another six months. If the applicant did not seem to be finishing the project, Officer Davis would send a notice of violation and give a time for compliance. The final step would be appearance before the Special Master, who would prosecute them if there was non - compliance. Officer Davis reported that everyone was in compliance except Tequesta Commerce Center and Plaza 222, who were scheduled to appear before the Special Master. Officer Davis reported that everyone who had appeared before the Special Master had complied. wade Griest commented that the Community Appearance Board granted many waivers for compliance with Ordinance 377 and that Officer Davis could not act on the waivers. Mr. Griest commented that the Special Master had done an outstanding job. Chair Hansen commented that many waivers were necessary because there was not enough room for required parking. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 9 ------------------------------------ village Manager Bradford requested that since increasing the cost of vacant land did not seem pressing that he be allowed to focus on other things. Co -Chair Capretta commented there did not seem to be any project which would achieve that purpose and benefit the village. Village Manager Bradford commented that if the Committee wanted to make Bridge Road look good that a future assessment project with the village paying 1/3 and property owners on the south side of the road paying 1/3 and property owners on the north side of the road paying 1/3 would have real value and benefit to the Village. Village Manager Bradford commented that landscaping Old Dixie Highway was not a priority of the Community Appearance Board. village Manager Bradford verified that a new road between Village Boulevard and Tequesta Drive would cost $1 million. Village Manager Bradford asked that the Committee keep in mind that if FPL put their transmission line down Old Dixie Highway that might be a valid assessment for the Dorner property to pay the cost of putting it in another location. Chair Hansen questioned how the Committee should proceed since none of the items identified to increase the cost of holding vacant land were feasible at the present time, to which village Manager Bradford responded that the objective could be dropped unless FPL decided to put the transmission line along Old Dixie Highway or the charette brought up something new. Co -Chair Capretta requested that the Village Attorney be asked specifically whether the Village could assess property owners along Old Dixie Highway $400,000 to divert the FPL line to U.S. Highway One. Village Manager Bradford responded to Co -Chair Mackail that the Village Ordinance requiring all new utility installations to be underground only applied to new development. Co -Chair Capretta made a motion to accept the recommendation of the village Manager to place the objective regarding increasing the value of vacant land on the back burner until FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 10 ------------------------------------ the results of the charette are known. Co -Chair Mackail seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. VI. ANY OTHER MATTERS Village Manager Bradford requested that the Committee consider recommending to the village Council approval to purchase badly needed furniture as listed on a handout provided by the Village Manager. A survey of the village facilities had been taken to determine the items needed. Village Manager Bradford recommended funding the purchase from the following funds: General Fund - $19,000, Stormwater Utility Fund - $275, and Community Development Fund - $7,500, and Water - $7,000. Co -Chair Mackail made a motion to recommend approval to the Village Council for an expenditure of $34,221.40 for furniture for the village facilities. Co -Chair Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Village Manager Bradford verified that the furniture would be purchased as needed and that it would be consistent with the new construction. Co -Chair Capretta questioned the amount budgeted for legal FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 11 ------------------------------------ fees for the current year. Village Manager Bradford responded that $150,000 had been allocated for the water rate dispute which consisted of three lawsuits; $130,000 had been reserved for the ENCON suit, which had evolved into two or three lawsuits; $185,000 had been reserved for the lawsuit over the well condemnation which would cost $75,000; and that nothing had been reserved for the Felhaber lawsuit which would come from the General Fund budget of $92,000. The Village Manager reported nothing had been reserved for the Dorothy Campbell suit, which was expected to settle after a meeting the prior week. Village Manager Bradford explained that nothing was happening on the Jupiter roadway issues because of the mediation, and that nothing had been reserved for that issue. VII. ADJOURNMEiT Co -Chair Capretta made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Co- Chair Mackail seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 10:37 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Betty Laur Recording Secretary FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PAGE 12 ------------------------------------ ATTEST: Jo nn Mangani to Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: ., �.� is i 9 9 7