HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/18/2012 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
VILLAGE COUNCIL WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Paterno at 3:00 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 Steve Okun, and Council Member Frank
D'Ambra who arrived at 3:15 p.m. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R.
Couzzo, Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, and Department Heads.
1. Budget Planning and Strategy Session
Mayor Paterno requested staff leave the meeting. Council discussed the present stage of
the budget, which was supposed to be concepts rather than numbers, which some members
of the Council had not understood at the previous workshop.
Council Member D'Ambra joined the meeting at this point, at 3:15 p.m.
• Review and Discuss Village Clerk's Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget
Village Clerk McWilliams presented the duties of the Clerk's office since 2007, and major
increases to her budget, mainly due to advertising. Among the duties which had increased
dramatically were lien requests. The imaging system had been a success, and had been
made a priority; Public Information Officer duties had been added in 2009 to increase
communication and education of the public during the bridge project. More recently
implemented projects included the employee newsletter, the Tequesta Weekly News, a
Facebook page, and a very successful redesign of the website. The Gov Delivery system
was discussed. A video -rich website was envisioned by Council Member Okun. The Village
Clerk indicated she would like Deanna Mayo to become a Deputy Clerk and become more
familiar with more of the Municipal Clerk functions.
The Manager and Council discussed job performance —high achievers and those who did
just enough to stay in their jobs. Council expressed their desire to move employees up who
were good workers and expressed interest in becoming better.
• Review & Discuss Public Works Department Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget
Russell White indicated there had been four employees in the Public Works Department
since 1979, and it was getting harder and harder to keep up with the work. He advised he
would like to hire a new person in this year's budget; Ernie McGee wanted to retire, and Ron
Smith would be leaving the DROP program. The work had grown, but staff had remained
the same. He had a total of 10 employees -one supervisor, 5 water employees, and four in
public works. All water people and one public works employee were cross trained to help in
Stormwater. Manholes on Golf View needed repair since the road had sunk around them,
which would cost approximately $30,000. Discussion ensued regarding possible concepts
for Remembrance Park. Mr. White suggested leveling the property and planting grass. Mr.
White indicated the air conditioner at Public Works was dying. Training Fire Department
Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
April 18, 2012
Page 2
personnel to help with fire hydrant maintenance was discussed. The Village Manager
explained that the water system consisted of administration, production, public works, and
customer service.
• Review & Discuss Recreation Department Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget
Greg Corbitt, Parks and Recreation Director, described changes to the parks during the last
ten years, indicated he wanted to continue with the Green Market, commented class
enrollments were dependent upon the economy, and there was much more event
competition. He expressed his opinion his department was doing a good job of meeting the
Village's needs, and commented the employees were excellent. Council discussion favored
keeping Tequesta Fest a one -day event, Mr. Corbitt was asked to provide space for the Fire
Rescue personnel to check blood pressures at Village events. Council Member D'Ambra
noted under - utilization of Tequesta Park. Handicap soccer was mentioned as a new sport
that would be presented to Council. It was reported a resident was providing tennis lessons
at Tequesta Park, and Council Member D'Ambra commented on the need for cameras there.
Tennis leagues and the issue of allowing only Tequesta children to participate in the Easter
Egg Hunt were raised. Mr. Corbitt commented a lot of time was spent on the subject of non-
resident participation.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Village Manager Couzzo asked Director of Finance JoAnn Forsythe to present her budget.
She noted she was not requesting major capital, equipment or additional personnel. She
wanted to cross train employees and explained Michelle Gload would have more
responsibility for the budget; two people would be cross trained at a time, and everyone
worked hard. Council expressed their willingness to help make her job easier. Collecting
money at events was discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION Vice Mayor Arena moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council Member
D'Ambra, and unanimously carried 5 -0. Therefore the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
�6 (Y� 0,to
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.