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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/19/2012 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE COUNCIL WORKSHOP THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Paterno at 3:02 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Tom Paterno, Council Member Abby Brennan, Council Member Steve Okun, and Council Member Frank D'Ambra, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, arrived late. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, and Department Heads. 1. Budget Planning and Strategy Session — Village Manager Couzzo • Review and Discuss Community Development Department Proposed 2012- 2013 Budget • Review and Discuss IT Department Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget • Review and Discuss Utilities Department Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget • Review and Discuss Stormwater and Refuse Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget • Review and Discuss HR / Admin Proposed 2012 -2013 Budget Manager Couzzo noted that the departments scheduled for Monday's workshop would be heard on today's agenda. Ms. Merlene Reid, Human Resources Director, offered a synopsis of the Human Resource (HR) departmental duties and staff responsibilities. She noted that risk management was also HR's responsibility which included accidents and injuries. Ms. Reid stated that health insurance for the Village would be going out to bid and recalled Council's previous decision to self insure buildings valued under one hundred thousand dollars. Ms. Reid suggested physical activities be recommended to staff as part of the union negotiations. She also, noted benefits available to part time employees. Mayor Paterno inquired about the direction of their budget. Ms. Reid responded that it was holding constant. Vice Mayor Arena arrived at 3:17 P.M. Nilsa C. Zacarias, AICP, Village Planning Consultant discussed the importance of customer service at all levels in the Community Development department and noted the department's interest in having applications available online. Council voiced their feelings on the Village's focus to attract strong businesses which brought employment opportunities to the area and expressed their desire for being a more business friendly Village which remained aware of the family focus. Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes April 19, 2012 Page 2 Chief Weinand, Community Development Acting Director indicated that the department had received compliments regarding their improved management and better consistency with customer experience. Ms. Zacarias noted that annexations were prepared and ready for the upcoming Council meeting. She suggested informing residents as much as possible during the process. Mayor Paterno responded that he believed Council sought to move forward with annexations. Meeting recessed at 4:32 p.m. and reconvened at 4:40 p.m. Mr. Roy Fallon, Chief Plant Operator, offered details associated with the Utility Plant, its staff and functions. Manager Couzzo voiced his opinion that the plant had value of over one hundred million dollars and, commented on awards it had received along with a twenty year water permit which also added value to the plant. He recommended that outdated concrete water pipes be replaced sooner than later. Mr. Fallon expressed concern with regulations becoming more difficult regarding the replacement of the archaic, potentially harmful concrete pipes and concurred with Manager Couzzo. Mr. Fallon noted requirements and changes to the Plant's processes attributable to September 11 terrorist attack. He also offered knowledge on usage data and other factors effecting water quality along with possible impacts of a future assault. Manager Couzzo explained that the Village intended to protect their budget and assets by performing needed maintenance, replacement or repair work by utilizing staff resources, when possible, over sub contracting with outsider vendors. Brad Gomberg, IT Manager, noted that the Village network was a large investment which had been consistently maintained. He affirmed the focus within the department which was primarily service, issue response and efficiency. He briefly offered a review of past projects and a five year outlook including options for storage, as he explained, storage was becoming more of an issue for the Village. Manager Couzzo reminded Council of the revenue anomaly from the GMH project in the present budget but, stated the department work load would remain steady. He noted that Community Development would be analyzed next year according to the plan outlined by Ms. Nilsa Zacarias. Brad Gomberg noted that the current computer system in the department needed an upgrade before it would harmonize with future needs. Council Member Brennan complimented all department heads and the Manager for their professionalism. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Okun offered a status report regarding annexation and noted that his main focus was on fire rescue and distinguishing Tequesta through K- 9 ambulance Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes April 19, 2012 Page 3 response transportation. Council Member Brennan expressed her support and opinion that the venture may need to be 100% volunteer. Manager Couzzo explained there would be many obstacles to get through if Council had interest to move ahead. Mayor Paterno noted that he would like to see the fire department more involved in community events. Consensus of Council was to proceed with the research and concept of the K -9 rescue, not to include operations. Council Member Brennan commented on health insurance options offered for Council membership which would entail full cost to each Council member. Manager Couzzo noted that Cigna was a responsive and professional insurance company. Mayor Paterno voiced his concern with perception and, felt the negatives outweighed the benefits. Manager Couzzo stated that this was new ground for Tequesta but was offered in other municipalities. Consensus of Council was to direct Manager Couzzo to bring back researched information. Council Member D'Ambra questioned the time frame regarding moving forward with regulations of permit plans and setbacks on canal areas concerning dockage. Council Member Brennan replied that May was a focus with the exception of setback details as she did not believe they would take additional time. Mayor Paterno responded that Council had not agreed on all the details. Council Member D'Ambra expressed his support for restraints to keep the quaintness feel in the Village. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Council Member Brennan moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena, and unanimously carried 5 -0. Therefore the meeting was adjourned at 7: 39 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ali. ( Y) U (-P-L � 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.