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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_09/15/2011 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Paterno at 5:30 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo. 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., Village Attorney Keith Davis, Village Clerk Assistant Deanna Mayo and Department Heads. Open Public Hearing • Announce that the proposed operating millage rate necessary to fund the budget is 1.84% under the rolled -back millage rate of 5.8753 mills. • Announce Proposed Millage Rate is 5.7671 • Summary of Budget • Citizen Comments Joanne Forsythe, Finance Director announced the Village's proposed millage rate of 5.7671 mils which was 1.84% less than the roll back rate. She stated that the rate would lower tax proceeds from Ad Valorem property taxes by $85,000. Ms. Forsythe noted the proposed fiscal year 2012 proposed budget as follows: • General Fund 9,266,659 • Capital Improvement 249,300 • Water Utility 4,292,980 • Refuse & Recycling 475,355 • Storm Water Utility 582,580 • Special Law Enforcement 51,000 With a Total Budget of 14,917,774 Ms. Forsythe noted that the General Fund Budget was approximately $23,000 greater than the current year's amended budget. Manager Couzzo explained that the Village had a proposed part time position in the budget He noted that Chief Weinand (Acting Director of Community Development) had Special Council Meeting Minutes — September 15, 2011 Page 2 requested a present employee be made full time as an alternative and pointed out that Chief Weinand felt the existing employee was experienced and would be more beneficial in an already overwhelmed department. Manager Couzzo also reported that Chief Weinand had proposed to work a full day on Saturdays along with opening Community Development for half a day on a trial basis. He pointed out the cost difference between the part time and full time proposals and, noted that the full time position could revert back to part time. Council Member Brennan referred to the disappoint the employee experienced when the full time position was reduced to part time originally and voiced her concern for a repeat if the Village decided the change did not work. Manager Couzzo responded that on occasion cut backs happen in the best interest to the Village but, the employee was needed Monday through Friday at present even if the Saturday did not work. He noted that Saturday would offer an essentially uninterrupted time frame allowing staff time to accomplish task. Council Member Turnquest asked for clarification on the savings to the Village. Manager Couzzo responded that the figures quoted were not offset with any additional revenue considerations. Council Member Humpage clarified the Saturday hours of 8:30 — 12:30 and asked the Chief to explain uncompleted and postponed departmental projects which were stated in his request. Chief Weinand responded the department has not had time to place converted property files in order which now made for a timely process to find specific addresses and reviewing elevation certificates received throughout the year for FEMA recertification to reduce flood insurance premiums. Council Member Humpage voiced his concern with Ms. McGuinniss having to deal with any difficult customer alone. Manager Couzzo stated the Village had employees working the lobby alone at present. Council Member Humpage inquired about a panic button and noted occasions when he was present to observe chaotic situations. Chief Weinand reassured Council that he would be working Tuesday through Saturday 8 hours per day and Ms. McGuinniss would not be left unaccompanied during her four hour shift on Saturday. Mayor Paterno supported the Saturday and a third part time employee in lieu of a full time position and felt the hours should be consistent before committing to a full time position. Council Member Turnquest stated he was comfortable with the figures from the Chief and allowing the full time arrangement. Council Member Humpage noted his understanding of the consistency of incoming traffic and continued interruptions experienced in the department but, believed that Saturday hours would not be utilized by the public. Vice Mayor Arena stated his support for the department being open Special Council Meeting Minutes — September 15, 2011 Page 3 Saturdays and thanked Chief Weinand for his hard work, offering alternatives and saving the Village money. Manager Couzzo stated the additional hours had been identified as necessary even without the Saturday component. He commented on the dramatic, positive changes in the department since Chief Weinand had taken it over and that he trusted the Chiefs judgment and opinions. Chief Weinand stated that the department already had too much to do and having to train a new employee would just make matters more difficult. Council Member Turnquest supported giving the full time position to the experienced employee and the Saturday proposal a try. He noted that the area was now backed up working currently with two part timers, which had been a trial that has proven to not be enough. Mayor Paterno stated that a part time person could be trained which he believed offered more coverage. Council Member Brennan clarified with Chief Weinand that his belief was that Ms. McGuinniss's expertise would be far more preferred over hiring a part time person. Chief Weinand noted that Ms. McGuinniss was also a business license tax official who could process licenses; which would be a beneficial task to perform on Saturdays. He stated that the department was running at full speed without a full time person and he needed an experienced full time person to rely on. Council Member Brennan supported three part time employees but also felt experience was very beneficial. Vice Mayor Arena supported placing Maureen McGuinness in the full time capacity and opening the department on Saturdays. Consensus of Council was to allow Maureen McGuinness to move to full time with the department opening four hours on Saturday. 1. Resolution 19 -11, Adopting Final Millage Rate by Motion of Council MOTION: Council Member Brennan moved approval of Resolution 19 -11; seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 2. Resolution 20 -11, Adopting Final 2011/2012 Budget by Motion of Council MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved approval of Resolution 20 -11; seconded by Council Member Humpage; motion carried unanimously 5-0. Close Public Hearing Mayor Paterno closed the public hearing Special Council Meeting Minutes — September 15, 2011 Page 4 Adiournment MOTION Council Member Humpage moved to adjourn, seconded by Vice Mayor Arena the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deanna Mayo Assistant to the 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.