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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 01_08/11/2011 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 14, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Paterno at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Tom Paterno, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Abby Brennan, Council Member Jim Humpage and Council Member Calvin Turnquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Mayor Paterno noted as the agenda had no legal issues the attorney was not in attendance. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Paul Beresford provided the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Council Member Humpage asked that item five be pulled. He also offered a correction to the 6/9/2011 minutes. MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the agenda with item five pulled and the correction to the June 9, 2011 minutes noted; seconded by Council Member Tumquest; motion carried unanimously 5-0. PRESENTATIONS 1. Proclamation Declaring August 2, 2011 National Night Out Clerk McWilliams read the proclamation. Mayor Paterno thanked Sgt. Cooper for his support and asked him to speak on the event. Sgt. Cooper thanked persons involved and noted the increase in attendance year after year at the event. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the Consent Agenda; seconded by Council Member Tumquest; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 2. MINUTES: 6/9/11 Regular Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 2 3. Council Approval of Budget Amendments for FY 2010-2011 4. Resolution 12-11, Adopting the Refuse, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Rates for F/Y/E September 30, 2012 and Authorizing Transmittal of the Applicable Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rates for all Residential Properties in the Village of Tequesta to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser and/or Tax Collector for Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Purposes 6. Resolution 15-11, Adopting a Procedure for Disposing of Surplus Village Property for the Village of Tequesta 7. Ministerial Appointment of John Terzakis to the Public Safety Pension Board as Appointed 5th Member by the Trustees — Term Expires 5/9/13 8. Approve Setting the Proposed Ad Valorem Millage Rate for the Village of Tequesta for Fiscal Year 2011/2012 at a rate of 5.7671 Mils per $1,000.00 of assessed value and setting the Budget Public Hearings as follows: September 6, 2011 — 5:30 p.m. — Approve Tentative Budget; and September 15, 2011 — 5:30 p.m. — Approve Final Budget 9. Council Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager under $25,000: Arcadis- Tequesta Drive Drainage Improvements for Seabrook Road to Short Avenue and Toshiba Copier / Printer Lease Agreement and Maintenance Agreement for Administration 10. Resolution 8-11, Authorizing the Use of $1000.00 from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund to be Used to Pay the Annual Membership Fees Associated with the Palm Beach County Law Enforcement Exchange System 11. Resolution 9-11, Amending 2010/2011 General Fund Budget by Increasing Revenues and Expenditures by $2,414.00 12. Resolution 16-11, Declaring Certain Property to be Surplus and Directing the Village Manager to Dispose of Surplus Property in Accordance with the Village's Procedures for Disposing of Surplus Village Property END OF CONSENT AGENDA Minutes -- Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 3 5. Resolution 14-11, Increasing the General Fund #001 2011 Budget by $231,082 and Appropriating Fund Balance in that Amount to Fund the Purchase of Property / Land at 479 Seabrook Road Council Member Humpage pointed out the tax figure through the property appraisers site and wanted to be sure the property showed the Village as the owner. MOTION: Council Member Tumquest moved approval of Resolution 14-19; seconded by Council Member Brennan; motion carried unanimously 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS None COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Vice Mayor Arena congratulated Pastor Paul on his fifty year wedding anniversary and thanked him for all he did for the Village. He then voiced his appreciation for the 911 Memorial placed in the Village and Council Member Humpage for his hard work on the accomplishment. Council Member Humpage noted his visit to the office of County Commissioner Karen Marcus with Nilsa Zacarias, Planning Consultant for the Village to discuss annexation. He referenced a letter he had written to the sheriff's office regarding his beliefs that their Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) municipal service utility tax rate was improperly implemented and asked for Council approval to move forward with his intention to amend it. He offered back ground regarding the sheriff's tax and fire charges to unincorporated areas and, his thoughts regarding possible over taxing. Council Member Brennan congratulated Pastor Paul on his anniversary. She noted a resident who had voiced his appreciation for the new, beautiful bridge but reported graffiti had been done on the lower portion. She offered thanks for Tequesta's quick response in regards to removing the graffiti and thanked the Council Members and Ex Mayor Pat Watkins for a job well done on the bridge replacement project. Council Member Turnquest expressed his desire to pursue property on US1 for a possible YMCA building. Mayor Paterno suggested that the discussion take place under any other matters. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 4 Mayor Paterno referenced the upcoming computers surplus and suggested providing any usable computers to charitable organizations. Consensus of Council was to donate the computers to a reputable charity. Mayor Paterno noted a new replacement flag in the Village and how breathtaking it was. REGULAR AGENDA NEW BUSINESS 13. Council Appointment of Pension Trustee to the General Employee Pension Board to Fill the Remainder of an Unexpired Term — Term Ending 5/13/13 Clerk McWilliams read the title of item 13. MOTION: Cauncil Member Tumquest moved approval; seconded by Council Member Humpage. Mr. Cary Levine, Pension Board Applicant, noted his back ground and experience regarding the position and his gratitude to be a Village of Tequesta resident. Manager Couzzo asked Mr. Levine his opinion of an anticipated rate of return. Mr. Levine responded seven to eight percent. Mayor Paterno asked if there were any further questions for Mr. Levine and noted the second applicant who was away on vacation. VOTE: Council Member Tumquest nominated Mr. Levine to serve as the General Employee Pension Board appoinfee; Vice Mayor Arena seconded the nomination; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 14. Council Consideration of Dog Park to be Located within Tequesta Park MOTION: Council Member Tumquest moved approval; seconded by Council Member Brennan. Mayor Paterno referenced a petition received in support of the dog park. Pat Watkins, 167 River Drive, offered back ground on the dog park request and noted the park could be completed inexpensively by utilizing items (such as fencing) left from past projects such as Tequesta Bridge. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 5 Marilyn Mee, 4105 Wingo Street, explained that she had originally brought the dog park idea to Council with the intention of creating the park through volunteerisms. She stated there were plenty of people who were enthused and interested in getting involved with the project. John Isleib, 561 W. Cypress Drive, expressed his belief that Paradise Park was a dog park but felt fencing should be a priority since dogs were on the property unleashed. He voiced his feelings that Seabrook may be a more suitable place for dogs and that a tot lot should be considered at Tequesta Park which was somewhat neglected. Manager Couuo responded that the dog park prospect at Paradise Park was only discussed by Council with a firm decision never made. He added that persons allowing their dogs to play unleashed at the park were doing so at their own peril. He pointed out a tremendous amount of money and time had gone into the rehabilitation of Tequesta Park but, the focus was not on a tot lot at that time since the need was not large enough. He clarified that if the need came for a tot lot and play equipment it would be discussed by Council. Mr. Isleib voiced his feelings that Constitution Park was a beautiful park and its location makes it more desirable to residents. Council Member Turnquest clarified he had taken his dogs to Paradise Park to play since that was the only place available in Tequesta to bring his dogs and that he supported establishing a dog park in the Village. He felt the Village had the resources to develop the park and believed volunteers could perform the ongoing maintenance. Council Member Humpage stated his support for the Park but questioned Tequesta's authority if an altercation arose - since Tequesta Park was in Martin County and the Sheriff's jurisdiction. Mayor Paterno noted that an agreement with the sheriff was discussed with Chief Pitocchelli regarding Tequesta's response, if called, as to protect the citizens. Gouncil Member Brennan also mentioned her support for the park and recalled the Bluffs dog park which was volunteer manned. Marilyn Mee noted that she had organized a group which had begun plans to manage funds raisers, and obtain volunteers — including veterinarians', groomers, pet store owners etc. She stated the group was willing to work ctosely with the Village on making the park happen. Council Member Brennan mentioned several residents had voiced their enthusiasm regarding the park. Council Member Turnquest questioned liability issues. Manager Couuo responded that liability had been discussed satisfactorily with the Village attorney and the insurance company. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 6 Vice Mayor Arena referred to Ms. Mee as the president of the doggie park board and offered suggestions for moving forward with the venture, he also noted his support. Mayor Paterno voiced his concerns with the process of making and implementing park rules. VOTE: Approval of the Dog Park motion carried unanimously 5-0. Manager Couuo stated the Village would move forward with the park and offered a suggestion (from a staff member) to name the park Canine Corners. Gouncil agreed. STANDING REPORTS • Villaqe Attornev Absent • Villaqe Manaqer Manager Couzao referenced an application from Tequesta Towers which was being challenged. He stated that an appeal had been �led and would be heard August 11, 2011. He suggested mediation regarding the issue and that the applicant appeared to be agreeable. Manager Couzzo referenced the recent planning and zoning session where GMH Partners (rehabilitation facility) requested a special meeting. He reported that the Reverse Osmosis installation at the Water Plant was near completion and within budget and reminded Council of their choice to do the project with cash which left the job with no debt. Manager Couzzo stated there were concerns with irrigation regulations and non-adherence to the water restriction within Turtle Creek but noted the area was under Martin County jurisdiction and, that they had advised they were not actively enforcing the restrictions. He suggested that Tequesta Council request the assistance of the Martin County Commission on the issue. Mayor Paterno stated that if a letter from Tequesta to Martin County did not improve enforcement Tequesta could then go to South Florida Management for support. Consensus of Council was to contact Martin County Commission regarding enforcement. Manager Couzzo reported that, in Palm Beach County, Tequesta led enforcement on water- use restrictions by citing individuals whom disregarded them. He confirmed a meeting to be scheduled regarding the intersection of River Drive and EI Portal, and several drawings which were completed for the project. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 7 Manag+er Couzzo noted health insurance concerns as carriers would be increasing rates which, in turn would increase costs to the Village of approximately 23 percent. He reported the Seabrook Road property had been in the media recently and the project was progressing nicely. Manager Couzzo noted the recent budget meeting where Council discussed long term (three year) strategic plans. He noted Councils decision to not raise taxes and to hold the millage rate. Manager Couzzo explained that the Village was attempting to finalize agreements regarding the Tequesta Bridge and charges of $96,000 for delays. He commented on some of the concerns and noted his negotiations with the contractor and that litigation could result. Mayor Paterno clarified the $96,000 was a penalty to the State for delays and the State claims the delay was caused by the Villages engineers. He noted options and noted the fact that legal counsel could be involved soon which he believed would escalate the issue. Manager Couzzo suggested the Village pay the $42,000 and address the engineers separately. He noted that Sheltra (Contractor) forgave the portion of the debt totaling $54,000. Mayor Paterno passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Arena. MOTION: Vice Mayor Patemo motioned to authorize Manager Couzzo to enter into agreement to pay the $42, 000 as final payment to close the contract; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Humpage felt municipalities who have their own police departments should be proportionately charged for sheriffs services. Mayor Paterno noted his support for Council Member Humpage. Consensus of Council was to support Council Member Humpage as he addressed the imbalance on sheriff's service charges to municipalities with and without public safety departments. Council Member Humpage noted his plans for the upcoming ten year anniversary of 911 Event at the Village Memorial. He explained his concern involving FOPS (Florida Order of Police) and ethics rules as it related to the Village to offer support and assistance. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 8 Manager Couzzo explained the Village's plan regarding charitable organizations was that they would not utilize the Village's employee resources or dollars for charitable events unless consent was obtained from Council. Council Member Humpage stated the Memorial was the Village's property. Manager Couzzo stated that once Council approved an item it would not become an ethics issue. Consensus of Council was to hold the 911 Memorial evenfi. Joyce Kella, 11 Garden Street # 107 questioned if residents could donate money to the event. Mayor Paterno responded that the funds could be donated to the Village with the event specified. Council Member Humpage questioned the availability of discretionary funds and how the funds could be utilized. Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance, explained how the fund was set up. Council Member Humpage noted occupational licensing fees as Village revenues and the Ordinance written in 1977 pertaining to the fees. He felt there was a large discrepancy and asked to discus at the next Council Meeting. Consensus of Council was to hear the item at the August Council meeting. Council Member Turnquest noted his interest in a vacant piece of property on US1 and the possible involvement of the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association). He voiced his desire to have a place for residents to gather and the hopes of a community pool. Mayor Paterno expressed his doubt on the purchase. Council Member Brennan voiced her concerns. Council Member Turnquest responded that the price would have to be right and that he was exploring grant money as well. Consensus of Council was to allow Council Member Turnquest to gather more information. Vice Mayor Arena asked if specific items had been addressed. He inquired about the electrical proposal to save the Village money. Manager Couzzo responded that the expense was to be paid up front. Council Member Humpage voiced the details of the bid. Manager Couzzo responded that the budget did not allow for the item at the present time. Vice Mayor Arena asked that $500.00 from his discretionary fund be given to the River Center (as he had supported them in the past). Manager Couzzo suggested the donation be placed on the ne� agenda. Consensus of Council was to discuss the item on the August agenda. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 7/14/11 Page 9 Vice Mayor Arena suggested a program which would enable Information Technology (IT) to monitor all Village computers from offsite locations and asked that it be discussed at the next Council meeting. Consensus of Council was for information to be gathered on the items purchase. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Humpage moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion fo adjoum carried unanimously 5-0; therefo►ze the meeting was adjoumed at 7:46 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. MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES July 22, 2011 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Paterno at 12:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Tom Paterno, Vice-Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Jim Humpage, Council Member Abby Brennan and Council Member Calvin Turnquest. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr. and Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Mayor Paterno requested all stand for the pledge of allegiance APPROVALOFAGENDA MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council Member Brennan; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 1. Discussion and Direction on how to Proceed with the Request to Salvage the Train Depot Building at the 479 Seabrook Road Property Mayor Paterno explained the need for the meeting. Village Manager Couzzo clarified possible preservation needs and historical values relating to 479 Seabrook Drive. He offered an update on parties interested in the memorabilia aspects of the building and suggested the building be boarded up for safety purposes. Council Member Humpage expressed his feeling that the best case scenario would be to have someone acquire the property in its entirety. Mary-Therese Delate, Past President of the Loxahatchee Guild, stated that the Guild felt it important to salvage the building (old train depot) and offered back ground on their experience with such a project. She stated they had begun to make contacts in attempt to acquire the entire building. Ms. Delate noted that there were several questions to answer with this type of venture and she would be offering answers and establishing particulars soon. Mayor Paterno questioned the Guilds resources for the undertaking. Ms. Delate responded that they would be able to get started and move the house off the property but, the project would take additional funds and approximately two to three years to complete. Kitty Delmora, Member of Loxahatchee Guild offered clarification on the process of similar projects which the Guild had performed. Rick Vymlatil, South Florida Fair Ground Representative, stated they would be interested in having the home placed in their Yesteryear Village although; they did not have funds to move the building, he then offered brochures of the Yesteryear Village. Special Council Meeting Minutes — July 22, 2011 Page 2 Mayor Galonka, Town of Jupiter, noted past interest involved in saving the building and expressed the desire to salvage it had been in the interest of the Town of Jupiter for many years. She suggested a meeting between all interested parties and offered ideas on what she believed would work best for the buildings historical value. She added that the Town of Jupiter may be willing to front funds to assist with the project. Manager Couzzo updated Council on upcoming plans of action, and the clearing of the property. Council Member Humpage suggested setting time frames to secure the building and to give interested groups time to bring forth a commitment regarding a relocation. Manager Couzzo recommended a two month time frame and suggested a Village representative be present with anyone needing to visit the property. He stated the building should be secured without delay. Council Member Turnquest concurred that the building should be kept safe while details were worked out and voiced his concern with delays holding up Tequesta's plans for the property. Mayor Paterno questioned the plans for the finro additional buildings on the property. Manager Couzzo responded that they would be destroyed as they had stimulated no interest. He commended Public Works for their efforts on clearing the property and the amazing transformation accomplished. He stated that the front part of the property could be utilized by residents at the present time as a result of the work. Council Member Turnquest questioned if moving the house would destroy what had been done. Manager Couzzo believed the move would not affect the improvements. Council Member Humpage suggested leaving the driveway would be beneficial in assisting with parking and asked if the Augusta Bricks found on the property had been assessed. Mayor Paterno suggested interested parties return to the August meeting to offer details on their progress. MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to have the building secured, a two month window be placed to set action occurring on the project, and serious contenders bring updates on plans of action to the August Council meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; the motion carried unanimously 5-0. Any Other Matters Council Member Turnquest stated his discretionary fund was low and he would need assistance if he was to attend an upcoming Florida League of Cities event in Orlando as the voting delegate representative from Tequesta. Council Member Humpage supported Council Member Turnquest attending the event and felt funding should be made available for his request. Manager Couzzo noted that a limit had been budgeted regarding the discretionary funds and a figure defined for each individual Council Member. Mayor Paterno inquired on the cost of the venture. Council Member Humpage Special Council Meeting Minutes — July 22, 2011 Page 3 offered $300.00, Vice Mayor Arena matched the $300.00 donation and Mayor Paterno gave the remaining $700.00. MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to confirm Council Member Tumquest attendance and the donation amounts of Council member Humpage $300, Vice Mayor Arena $300. And Mayor Paterno $700; seconded by Council Member Brennan; the motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5-0 Adiournment MOTION: Council Member Humpage moved to adjoum; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; the motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meefing was adjoumed at 12:42 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.