HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_07/03/2012 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEGUESTA
VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
July 3, 2012
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Paterno at 5:00 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. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R.
Couzzo Jr., Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, and Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance.
1. Council Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Jupiter Inlet Colony
Fire Rescue Agreement
Manager Couzzo referred to a letter received from Jupiter Inlet Colony's Mayor
Comerford which had asked the Village for a more detailed Fire Rescue agreement
proposal. Manager Couzzo offered a brief explanation of the numbers scrutinized to
propose fairness to all residents.
Manager Couzzo suggested a flat percentage as opposed to the CPI (Consumer Price
Index) and stated that Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC) specifically requested a very simple
proposal with a known escalator. He explained revenue components and noted that the
he preferred not to use the Village millage rate in the formula. Manager Couzzo noted
the County's millage figure of 3.45 would generate revenues of $779,954.00 from JIC if
they so chose to go with the County.
Council Member Brennan voiced her feelings that JIC should not be paying for any of
Tequesta's capital expenditures as they were not partners within Village assets. Mayor
Paterno responded that a portion of the ongoing truck costs should be incorporated.
Manager Couzzo noted that Tequesta assumed all future liability in the proposed
service agreement including items such as: downed equipment, pension value issues
and other potential variables. He felt the proposed deal was a very good arrangement
for JIC and recommended adding an expiration date in the proposal.
Consensus of Council was to hand deliver the proposed figure of $656,167 on July 5th
with 45 day expiration.
Manager Couzzo suggested Council consider an escalator at five to six percent defined
by the CPI (Consumer Price Index). Council Member D'Ambra pointed out the Urban
Index was defined as the Index for urban consumers in the Miami /Fort Lauderdale
area. He recommended using 4 %. Manager Couzzo noted that each percentage point
was worth $6,000.
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Manager Couzzo suggested using four percent, the CPI and the Finance Director to
develop the language.
Council agreed.
Council Member Okun felt Jupiter may attempt to compete with the County within five to
ten years regarding fire rescue and want to acquire available communities, making JIC
a target in their service area. He suggested aiming for a ten year commitment or more
in hopes of locking Jupiter out. Mayor Paterno responded that going too far out with the
plans may be too much and felt that government growth was increasing faster than the
CPI. He supported the ten year time frame.
Mayor Paterno questioned Council's preference of five years or ten. Council responded
ten. He questioned Manager Couzzo on outs in the agreement. Manager Couzzo
responded that outs would happen if future Council took Tequesta to the County or an
early termination of contract by JIC which would be penalized with the balance
becoming due. He added that all risk was on Tequesta to provide the service as long as
the contract was under obligation.
Manager Couzzo recapped Council's directions: 10 year term, 1 St year cost
$656,167.00, annual escalator of 4% or CPI (as determined by the finance director)
whichever is greater, 45 calendar days from July 5, 2012 proposed time to respond.
Any Other Matters
Council Member D'Ambra expressed his gratitude for Ms. Nilsa Zacarias, Community
Development Director moving forward with annexation aggressively but, was concerned
that Commissioner Marcus's office was contacted for availability regarding their
attendance at Tequesta's meeting dates before Council was alerted. He felt her
attendance may not be the best approach. Council Member Brennan offered to contact
Commissioner Marcus.
Council Member Okun suggested a line item for annexation activities and branding.
Manager Couzzo responded that money could be placed in other general government.
He stated he would get the budget to Council with summaries from department heads
responding to changes from their original submittals.
Manager Couzzo noted that documentation had been sent to the County stating that
Tequesta's millage rate would remain the same. He noted that the document did not
prohibit changes to the millage rate if Council determined change was necessary.
Mayor Paterno asked when the flowers at the monument would be replaced. Manager
Couzzo responded that it was in progress. Vice Mayor Arena suggested changing
flowers out every six months to avoid lapses in maintenance. Manager Couzzo also
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noted that Tequesta was hoping to apprehend persons for throwing the Village's
benches off Tequesta Bridge.
Adjournment: Council Member Okun moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Council Member D'Ambra. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore the
meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
6); QL-
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.