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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Miscellaneous_03/14/1997_Finance & Administration Committee G F re VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA Post Office Box 3273 357 Tequesta Drive o` Tequesta, Florida 33469 -0273 • (561) 575 -6200 fq�y tr 40 Fax: (561) 575 -6203 co VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 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 Friday, March 14, 1997. The meeting was called to order at 8:44 A.M. by Chairman Joseph Capretta. A roll call was taken by Betty Laur, the Recording Secretary. In attendance were the following Committee members: Joseph Capretta and Mayor Ron T. Mackail. Also in attendance were village Manager Thomas G. Bradford and Department Heads. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commmitteemember Mackail made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Chairman Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the agenda was approved as submitted. III. C0MM1JNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) le", ler! Paper FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 2 ------------------------------------ Hattie Siegel, 498 Dover Road, questioned the original purpose of the Finance and Administration Committee, to which Chairman Capretta responded that the committee was responsible for preparation of the annual budget, status of meeting the budget, and for major projects and all sorts of other activities which have financial impact. Mrs. Siegel commented that the meaning given in the dictionary was the science of public revenue and expenditure. Mrs. Siegel questioned whether this committee was involved with allowing the Village attorney to file on two cases against the Siegels. Chairman Capretta responded that would have been Code Enforcement. Mrs. Siegel further commented that the decision to pursue the second case, which had cost a lot of money, had been made during a citizens comment section, and had not been an agenda item. IV. REVIEW OF ANNEXATION STAFF REPORT Village Manager Bradford commented that the village Council had requested staff to study annexation and report the best way to approach annexation in 1997, and that $1,000 had been allocated in the budget to pay for addressing annexation during this fiscal year. Planner Damien Peduto reviewed the report he had prepared, and explained that he had looked at the five areas previously considered for annexation in different ways- - analyzing what was known about each area to see why the voters in each who had voted for annexation might have voted that way. It was hoped that redefining all areas possible would create a better chance of annexation by getting smaller areas into the Village one at a time. Mr. Peduto commented that Area A was one of the least supportive and recommended that it be split into two portions, east and west, and that each of the portions be analyzed in the future to figure out where there might be the most support. Area B was also recommended to be broken into eastern and FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 3 ------------------------------------ western portions, so that the portion with Waterway Village would be broken out, since that had been an area with strong support because of problems collecting assessments and infrastructure problems which were not being addressed by the county. Area C, the peninsula, dial not lend itself to be broken down, therefore it would stay the same. Area D would be split into three sections- -west, east, and north. Bermuda Terrace had shown the most support in this area. Area E, bordering Martin County, could be to be split into two sections- -east and west of the FEC railroad. The eastern section had had the highest support during the previous annexation attempt, which was believed to be because the seasonal residents desired police protection. Chairman Capretta reviewed the rule for annexing by legislation without the residents' consent, which was applicable to any enclave of less than ten acres. Chairman Capretta inquired whether it would be legal to divide all of the areas into ten -acre parcels. Another approach suggested by Chairman Capretta was to focus on what each area wanted or needed, and to sell the areas on the services provided by the Village for which they would be willing to pay. Examples given were that Jupiter had connected water to annexation, and that infrastructure was needed in Waterway Village. Some areas experienced flooding problems, others wanted public safety, etc. Mayor Mackail commented that the last annexation attempt had encompassed too many areas, and although presentations by the Village before the vote on annexation had emphasized public safety, fire, police, etc., he believed that infrastructure was really the key. Mayor Mackail recommended that this time the Village contact legislator Tom Warner, the County Commission, and any other governing body who could help. The Mayor commented that he believed the Village should square up its boundaries, and suggested that two or three areas be identified to be worked on so that needs and costs could be determined and fire rescue and FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 4 ------------------------------------ public safety could be used as additional incentives. Mr. Peduto explained that work was being done in conjunction with the Village attorney to break areas into portions as small as possible. All areas would be planned to be redefined at the same time. Neighborhood surveys were needed to identify the residents desires and needs. After data had been collected, a committee would be put together to address areas in each neighborhood. Village Manager Bradford explained that it would be legal to divide Areas A, B, and D. Area E was being investigated as to the legality of dividing it into two sections, one on each side of the railroad track. No annexation would be pursued for Area A at this time. For Area B, Village Manager Bradford recommended that Mr. Peduto work with Palm Beach County Planning staff to pursue a Palm Beach County annexation agreement whereby normally the County would pay 1/3 of infrastructure improvements, homeowners would pay 1/3, and the municipality proposing annexation would pay 1/3. Because of the difficulty experienced by waterway Village in collecting assessments, Village Manager Bradford proposed that if such an agreement was legal that the county pay 1/3 and the Village pay 2/3, in light of the fact that two years ago in attempting annexation, the Village had offered to pay 100%. Area C, Anchorage Point, was believed by staff to be prime for legislation to force annexation because there were only approximately 30 homes, which should not be enough to concern a legislator over possibly losing votes, and the area was totally surrounded by the Village. Area D was proposed to be subdivided, with the Bermuda Terrace portion to be pursued first, and the other two areas, which had waterfront properties, to be considered at a later date. If Area E could legally be subdivided, staff planned to pursue the townhome section first through a stand -alone referendum. This was planned because the value of the townhomes on a per unit basis was low enough that owners would experience low impact from Tequestars millage rate. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 5 ------------------------------------ Mayor Mackail commented that previously there had been a lot of opposition generated from, he believed, the county fire - rescue union, and questioned whether assurances could be received from the county - -if the village based annexation on infrastructure needs and allowed the county to participate- - that there would be no opposition. Village Manager Bradford explained that the county would do everything within their power to keep their areas and would not guarantee anything. Mayor Mackail recalled that after the previous annexation failure Commissioner Marcus had stated the Village did not ask for her help, and that if the Village worked with the County Planning Department this time that the political football would be removed. The Mayor commented that the Village had committed to a dollar figure for Waterway village previously, which the county would not do, and the county should be informed that annexation would be good for their people and that the County Commission or the political process should be involved. Village Manager Bradford speculated that Commissioner Marcus would agree not to oppose annexation provided that there was a phasing out of Station 11 so that they would tie up the process. Mayor Mackail pointed out that the Village should stress the economic value of the station and that it was not cost effective to keep that station active. Mayor Mackail stated that Tom Warner was already aware of that situation. Village Manager Bradford suggested that the village Council encourage citizens to create a political action committee to direct energy and resources toward successful annexation. Because of anticipated objection by the Palm Beach County Firefighters Union, someone would be needed to conduct a political fight, which staff was not allowed to do. Mayor Mackail expressed agreement, but believed this would only be a small part of the picture. Village Manager Bradford explained that previous smear sheets had addressed taxes to scare people and did not address fire rescue at all. It was agreed that concerned citizens of the village must combat such tactics, and that very few areas should be targeted for FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 6 ------------------------------------ annexation at one time. Village Manager Bradford suggested that a public opinion survey be conducted in a couple of target areas in order to verify issues and attempt to learn perceptions of the village so that proposals and sales programs could be tailored to fit what those residents want, and any negativity in the Village image could be offset. Staff also wanted permission to use written agreements with homeowners associations on an area -by -area basis to state what the village would do and would not do if that area annexed, rather than verbal promises which had been tried previously, so that there would be no question about the village's sincerity. Mayor Mackail recommended that homeowners covenants be obtained for each homeowners association since covenants ran with the land and could never be changed. village Manager Bradford proposed that Mr. Peduto could contact the Department of State to obtain the covenants and deed restrictions for each homeowners association. village Manager Bradford reported that the village had legislation ready to pursue annexation of Anchorage Point, which was proposed to begin with the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation and go on to Tallahassee for the 1998 session, for which public hearings would begin in the fall of 1997. The Village Manager stressed that Village Councilmembers must lobby Mr. warner and Mr. Myers that they were being counted on to pass this legislation or Tequesta citizens would be informed via the village newsletter. Village Manager Bradford reported that over the years realtors' ads had been misleading prospective purchasers by indicating that a home was located in the heart of Tequesta or some other similar phrase, when it was really in the county. Homes in Bermuda Terrace or Turtle Creek or other unannexed areas were constantly advertised in this manner, which was misleading people into thinking they were purchasing homes in the Village when they were not. Village FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 7 Manager Bradford proposed that the Board of Realtors be placed on notice that the Village would take them to court if they did not stop such misleading advertising. Mr. Peduto commented that under the Annexation Incentive Program, a county planner would work with village staff; and explained that the village was required to have pre - planned annexation areas included in their Comprehensive Plan, so that a map of future annexation areas was being prepared. Comments by Chairman Capretta included the need for a supporter in each area with whom the village could coordinate efforts; that the village must be patient and proceed slowly; that people were unaware of many things the village thought they knew, examples of which were that Martin County Commissioner Gettig had just learned about the Connector Road and that Turtle Creek residents were severing relations with Tequesta Country Club because of their position on closing Country Club Drive, when they actually had no position on that subject. Mayor Mackail made a motion to approve the Annexation Staff Report prepared by Planner Damien Peduto dated March 6, 1997, and to move forward with direction to staff and Village Council. Chairman Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. wade Griest verified the misleading ads for Tequesta homes and suggested that a way be found to train Tequesta residents to encourage and let people in areas proposed for annexation know what was really going on. Chairman Capretta suggested a traveling presentation be taken to homeowner association meetings, that Turtle Creek homeowners FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 8 ------------------------------------ association also be included, and that a meeting be held at Village Hall for those residents who did not belong to an association. Village Manager Bradford commented that people did not read the newsletter. Chairman Capretta speculated that they only read items that were emotional issues. Mayor Mackail commented that support for annexation must start with the Village Council and that the Council must believe in every issue. The Mayor expressed his opinion that when residents saw that all of the Village Council and staff believed in something that it was much easier to convince them. Chairman Capretta discussed focus needed on the facilities problem, since he believed that many residents were not really aware of how serious the problems were and how badly new facilities were needed. Chairman Capretta suggested bringing Homeowner Association presidents to the Village Hall for a tour of the facilities so that they could report back to their associations. Village Manager Bradford stated that he would draft an article for the newsletter focusing on the need for facilities. V. REVIEW OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO REIMBURSE THE VILLAGE FOR EXPENDITURES MADE PRIOR TO BOND ISSUE FOR REVERSE OSMOSIS. Village Manager Bradford reviewed the contents of a letter dated February 25, 1997 from Village bond Counsel, attorney Mark E. Raymond, which referred to a resolution which, if adopted, would preserve the ability of the Village to reimburse itself for expenditures made prior to the bond issue from proceeds of bonds issued. The resolution did not obligate the village to issue bonds. Mayor Mackail made a motion to recommend approval of FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 9 adoption of the resolution to reimburse the Village for expenditures made prior to the bond issue for reverse osmosis. Chairman Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Village Manager Bradford commented that the $9 million figure used included allowance for unanticipated expenses, and that this same action would be needed if bonds were issued to finance new facilities. VI. REVIEW OF STAFF HEALTH INSURANCE RECO301ENDATION. village Manager Bradford explained that notice had been received from the current health insurance provider, Anthem Health Systems, that they would terminate the PPO for the Village on May 1, 1997. This had been offered to employees as an option to the Florida Municipal Health Trust on a case -by -case basis. Finance Director Kascavelis explained that losing the local School Board contract had led the home office for Anthem to adopt a policy that they would no longer provide ancillary services to any health insurance groups for which they were not the underwriter. The new company proposed to take the place of Anthem for village employees was United Health Care. village Manager Bradford explained that if United Health Care was approved that both the village and the employees would save a lot of money. Mayor Mackail commented that his company used this insurance plan and he considered it a good plan. village Manager Bradford commented that it was conceivable that the Communications Workers of America union would try to stop this and if they did it would cost the village a great deal FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 10 ------------------------------------ of money. A health insurance seminar was scheduled for Monday, March 17 for all employees to familiarize them with the new plan. Department heads had already compared this plan to others and they had unanimously approved United Health Care. The union had previously indicated that they wanted the Village to join the county's health care system, however, Finance Director Kascavelis had talked to a county representative who had said that although the Village could piggyback their plan that the United Health Care program was much better. Chairman Capretta stressed that during the seminar for employees that specific items in the Palm Beach County plan must be compared to United Health Care. Water System Manager Tom Hall commented that the union representative employee, Larry Taylor, had provided favorable input for the new insurance company at an informal meeting with Water Department personnel; however, he did not know what type of dialog Mr. Taylor might have had with the union. Mr. Kascavelis indicated that under the proposed plan estimated savings would be in the range of $85,000 per annum, and informed the Committee that a formal resolution for approval of the plan would be on the agenda at the April Village Council Meeting. Mr. Kascavelis explained that life and dental coverage had also been provided by Florida Municipal Health Trust, and that proposals were still being received for those coverages so that there would be no increased cost in any phase of the insurance. VII. AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT CHARETTE FOR TBQUESTA PLAZA AND BRIDGE ROAD village Manager Bradford reported that he had met on two occasions with the Wolf Organization, who was handling the contract for the Palm Beach Countywide Cultural Study, regarding cultural facilities for Tequesta, and with the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce about redevelopment of the central business district. Village Manager Bradford explained that it was clear to all of them FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 11 ------------------------------------ that in order to make the business community fully aware of the nature of the existing problem as well as for the village Council and staff to learn the nature of the problem in the eyes of the property owners and business tenants in the area that the following should occur: (1) the public hearing on April 8 where people would have an opportunity to express their opinion regarding what kinds of cultural facilities were needed for northern Palm Beach County, and (2) to let the business people know the conceptual ideas of the Village for Tequesta Plaza and Bridge Road. Village Manager Bradford indicated that the business people should be informed that the village would be willing to rebuild Bridge Road through a combination of cash and grants; that the village would be willing to purchase or remodel or enter into a partnership in order to do something to upgrade Tequesta Plaza, whether the development was cultural or civic. Village Manager Bradford explained that the architects for the wolf Organization and Jack Horniman, consultant to the Village who would present a charette, believed that a charette was the best way to inform the business community of the Villages ideas and to obtain feedback. village Manager Bradford explained that Bridge Road could be re- opened by connecting Tequesta Oaks drive southward through the old Publix into Bridge Road, which would provide traffic flow for Tequesta Plaza and for Bridge Road businesses. Village Manager Bradford also explained that the only way to reduce the estimated cost for the charette would be to eliminate traffic engineering services at the meeting, making the total cost $4,350 for a one -day event at Village Hall. All business people and property owners on the north side of Tequesta Drive, south side of Tequesta Drive, and south side of Bridge Road would be invited to a design charette to put forth design options on what they thought should be done to make the area more viable. Village Manager Bradford commented on a letter to the editor recently published in the Palm Beach Post from the choral FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 12 ------------------------------------ director at the First Presbyterian Church who listed cultural activities at his church and at St. Jude, which the Village did not know about. The architects for the Wolf Organization had expressed concern that they needed to know about all such activities since that information would totally alter the work they were doing, and if more groups would be participating they would prefer to defer finalization of their cultural facilities work product until after the April 8 cultural hearing and the charette were finished. Additionally, more cultural groups than had previously been known would kick the number of days devoted to intense interviews from two to three, increasing the contract from $5,000 to $6,000, which Mr. Bradford advised he would execute if the Village Council had no objection. Mayor Mackail questioned whether traffic engineering should be done before or after the charette. Village Manager Bradford responded that a traffic engineering study was not being proposed, but expressed concern that for example, if results of the charette should include extension of Bridge Road through Tequesta Oaks that information would be needed for proper right -of -way width, proper alignment, and proper type of traffic control devices at the intersection of Tequesta Drive. Chairman Capretta stressed the necessity for advance planning.for the charette and questioned for the wisdom of a one -day event since people needed to have time to be immersed in thinking about the situation before they could come up with ideas. Ensuing discussion led to a proposal that an information packet could be sent out with a letter announcing a one -hour pre - charette meeting to be held two weeks before the actual charette, after which a question and answer session would be held. Jack Horniman would present the program at the charette, and architects and people who could sketch would be there to draw in ideas as they were presented. Chairman Capretta suggested that key business people be contacted ahead of time. Mayor Mackail made a motion to recommend to the Village Council that a charette be held without a traffic engineer. Chairman Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 13 ------------------------------------ Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. VIII. ANY OTHER MATTERS Finance Director xascavelis pointed out that no vote had been taken in regard to health care. Mayor Mackail made a motion to approve the United Health Care package for the Village of Tequesta. Chairman Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. VII. ADJOURNMENT mayor Mackail made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 A.M. Respectfully sub itted, P U Betty Laur Recording Secretary FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 1997 PAGE 14 ------------------------------------ ATTEST: Joann .Mangan llo Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: /u /fP7