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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 04_09/13/2012 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 9, 2012 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tom Patemo at 6:00 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. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Attorney Keith Davis, Village Clerk McWilliams and Department Heads. Vice Mayor Vince Arena was absent. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Abby Brennan provided the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance APPROVAL OF AGENDA Council Member Okun asked to add re-packaging of vehicles to agenda as item 14 and discussion of recognition of person involved in the recent animal cruelty case. MOTION: Council Member Briennan moved approva! of the Consenf Agenda with Council Member Okun's amendments; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS 1. Proclamation Declaring August as Fire Fighter Appreciation Month Clerk McWilliams read the proclamation and the Mayor presented it to Firefighter Paramedic Ray Giblin, and offered appreciation and acknowledgement for the superb performance of the fire department. 2. Presentation of Appreciation to Officer Jennifer McLain for 11.5 Dedica�d and Devot+ed Years of Service to the Village of Tequesta Mayor Paterno offered back ground and words of thanks to Jennifer McClain and presented her with a plaque. Ms. McClain reciprocated her gratitude. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 2 CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approva! of the fo/lowing Consent Agenda; seconded by Council Member Br�ennan; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 3. MINUTES: 6/5/12 Joint JIC Workshop, 6/7/12 Workshop; 7/3112 Special, 7/9/12 Workshop, 7/12/12 Regular, and 7/19/12 Workshop 4. Council Approval Allow the Tequesta Fire Rescue, IAFF Local 2928, to Participate in the Annual MDA Boot Drive as an Official Sponsored Village Event on Thursday, August 30, 2012 through Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m. and to Allow the Tequesta Fire Equipment and Officers to be Onsite during the Event — All Proceeds to Benefit MDA 5. Council Renewal of the Employee Assistance Program Agreement with the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc. for FY 2012-2013 6. Resolution 17-12, Strongly Supporting the County's Continued Allocation of the $12.50 Funds to the Municipatities Pursuant to County Resolution No. R-2002-0192, which Serves to Enhance the County's Intergovernmental Communications Plan; and Strongly Supporting the County's Disbursement of the $12.50 Funds to Cover Expenses for all Municipalities that have Radio Systems that are Functionally Interoperable with the County's Radio System without Arbitrary Distinctions being made 7. Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager under $25,000 — Village Manager Couzzo a. FPL. and the Village of Tequesta Street Lighting Agreement 8. Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMAAUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member D'Ambra noted that he would be speaking to Jupiter tnlet Colony (JIC) and confirmed that their Council had discussed the original �re rescue proposal at their recent meeting and took no action. He then suggested an event held involving Tequesta's Code Enforcement to educate residents on how Code positively impacted the quality of life, safety and the environment. Council Member Okun voiced his concern on what action to take regarding JIC. Mayor Paterno responded that JIC was given 45 days to respond to Tequesta's proposal. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 3 Council Member Brennan thanked Jennifer McClain and the fire squad for their service and commended them on their efForts. Mayor Paterno reiterated the same recognition. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Calvin Turnquest, 10 Tatl Oaks Circle, noted his support for the Center on Aging in Martin County and supported touring the facility. He commented on the facility and what they offered. Mayor Paterno asked Manager Couzzo to explore what the Village could offer to support the facility. Council Member Okun suggested inviting them to Village events. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 9. Ordinance 8-12, Second Readin�, Creating an Entirely New Sec. 2-232. Canvass and Certification of Elections. To Provide for the Composition of the Vilfage's Elections Canvassing Board; to Include the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, or Designee, the Village Clerk, or Qesignee, and One Council Member, to Canvass all Village Municipal Elections —(First Reading 7/12/12) Attorney Davis read Ordinanc� 8-12 title into the record. Mayor Paterno opened the public hearing to Council for comments; there being none he opened the hearing to the public. There being no public comment the public hearing was closed. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approva! of Ordinance 8-12; seconded by Council Member D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4-0. NEW BUSINESS 10. SPR 02-12, Application of Island House South West Condominium to remove kitchen door and side light to replace it with high impact windows on each applicable building elevation. The proposed wall color will match existing building color. The address of the proposed application is 325 Beach Road. Attorney Davis swore in four persons interested in speaking to SPR 02-12. Jonathan Lee Bernardi, Island House Site Manager, noted the Planning and Zoning Board had approved the item. Ms. Nilsa Zacarias offered additional details of SPR 02-12 and noted that one door was without hurricane shutters. Mr. Bemardi responded that the original jalousies had all been replaced with high impact resistant glass. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 4 Council Member D'Ambra questioned proper permitting and if the modifications were voluntary or mandatory. Ms. Zacarias responded that a blanket permit approval existed for each owner to utilize for a limited one year time frame. Attomey Davis added that it was not mandatory. Council Member Okun questioned if the owners were aware. Mr. Bernardi stated that unit owners and board members had been made aware of the permit and its one year stipulation. Council Member Okun suggested making owners aware of the cost associated with the revision if they chose to perForm the conversion after the expiration of the blanket permit. Mr. Bernardi indicated that the board was pushing to match the changes to all units. Attorney Davis suggested making the uniformity of product a�ndition of the conformity order. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of SPR 02-92 with the condition of material consistency; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 11. SPR 03-12, Application of Lighthouse Cove Condominium to construct a Six (6') Ft. high perimeter fence. The application includes landscaping to screen proposed fence. The address of the proposed application is 230 Village Blvd. Ms. Nilsa Zacarias briefly explained the application. Council Member Brennan questioned the necessity of the fence. Davis Kadel, applicant, responded that the fence was for safety and that Tequesta Police Chief was aware of the security issues they had experienced. Mayor Patemo noted there was no guarantee that the variance needed to complete all three phases of the application would be granted. Council Member D'Ambra questioned the three phases. Mr. Kadel provided answers. Mayor Paterno voiced his feelings that chain link was a less desirable fencing choice. Mr. Kadel responded that other materials researched were too pricey. Council Member D'Ambra questioned the egress. Manager Couzzo noted that the green fence wou{d be viewable until the vegetation covered it, which was the intent of the applicant and offered a finished look. MOTION: Council Member Brennan moved approva! of SPR 03-12; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 12. Resolution 18-12 — Increasing the Fiscal Year 2011/2012 Budget in Water Utility Fund #401 by Appropriating Fund Balance in the Amount of $49,500.00 Brad Gomberg, IT Manager, offered a brief outline of the item. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 5 Council Member D'Ambra asked about the time frame and cost benefits and questioned budget needs and possibly deferring the item. Mr. Gomberg responded eight to twelve weeks and that the item focused on the Water Plant onfy. Council Member Okun noted the importance of the integration and his concerns. Manager Couzzo noted that a large consulting fee was avoided by utilizing existing staff and knowledge and that the Village was saving money. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of Resolution 18-12; seconded by Council Member Brennan; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 13. Resolution 5-12 — Appropriating Fund Balance and Increasing the General Fund #001 2011/2012 Budget in the Amount of $118,310 for Additional Costs for Part-time Police Officers, Overtime, Salaries and Benefits MOTION: Council Member Brennan moved to table Resolution 5-12 for one month; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 14. Council Discussion Regarding Yillage Hall Hours Manager Couzzo noted the existing half hour was covered by a limited number of employees which made it difficult when a person was out. Mayor Paterno stated that it was a water issue and asked if finance could cover the counter if need be. Council Member Brennan suggested additional security for the single person who monitored the lobby after hours. Council directed Manager Couzzo to ensure lobby hours remained as is. A. Council Discussion Regarding Repackaging Vehicles Council Member Okun asked that refurbishing vehicles continue from the old look to the new as he felt a unified image was important. Manager Couzzo recommended evaluating the life expectancy of current fleet to eliminate short term vehicles incurring the expense. Consensus of Council was to have Manager Couzzo produce a list of vehicles. B. Council Discussion regarding recent Animal Abuse Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 6 Council Member Okun suggested Tequesta support the importance of residents' pets and publicly identify the citizens and police involved in the recent dog abuse case with written acknowledgment and group photos. Mayor Paterno agreed to the acknowledgment and asked Manager Couzzo and Chief Pitocchelli to have the recognition organized within a week. 15. Council Discussion and Action on Florida League of Cities Proposed Resolutions Manager Couuo noted the Florida League of Cities conference would be held August 23 in Hollywood and suggested that new Council Members attend. Mayor Paterno (voting delegate) stated he would not be attending. Attorney Davis brief1y explained the Florida League's proposed resolutions. Mayor Paterno expressed his feelings that Council would support the majority but, would not be interested in supporting the resolution referencing internet taxing on online purchases, Council expressed opposition. Calvin Turnquest, 10 Tall Oaks Circle, voiced his understanding that the resolution was not designed for taxing businesses and was intended for taxing intemational companies whom were not paying taxes, therefore; placing local businesses at a disadvantage. He suggested supporting the resolution and expressed his belief that the League would. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the item with fhe exception of the Resolution regarding online taxing; seconded by Council Member Okun; mofion carried unanimously 4-0. 16. Discussion and Approval of Performance Recognition Compensation (PRC) for Village Manager MOTION: Council Member Brennan moved approval to consider a Performance Recognition Compensation bonus discussion; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 17. Resolution 19-12, Approving a Qne-Time Performance Based Recognition Compensation Amount for the Village Manager for Fiscai Year 11 /12 in Accordance with Section 4 of the Second Emp{oyment Agreement befin►een the Village Manager and the Village of Tequesta Dated August 5, 2010 Council Member Brennan pointed out that the bonus was a perFormance based recognition and listed items Manager Couzzo had governed, completed and gone over and above a manager's Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 7 job description which saved the Village hundreds of thousands of dollars. She noted the economy and thanked him for al1 he had done. Council Member D'Ambra concurred and noted that it was not necessarily the time to reward and felt that other staff made sacrifices as well. Council Member Okun added what he felt was clarification and noted that staff was tasked with watching the people's money. He expressed that the Village had and exceptional Manager and offered a ten percent value as a bonus figure. He suggested breaking the PRC into four acknowledgements per year versus one. Mayor Paterno felt Manager Couzzo had performed superiorly during the difficult economic times. Council Member D'ambra did not feel the current environment afforded ten percent and suggested $10,000. Council Member Brennan suggested splitting the bonus expense befinreen the operating fund and the utility enterprise fund. MOTION: Council Member Brennan moved approval of a$10,000 Performance Recognition Compensation bonus appropriating $5, 000 from the Utility Enterprise and $5, 000 from fhe Operating Fund and appropriating additiona! funds from Fund Balance to cover applicable taxes; seconded by Council Member D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4-0. Attorney Davis added that Manager Couzzo was responsible to pay taxes on the bonus. He read Resolution 19-12 title into the record. STANDING REPORTS Villaqe Attomev Attorney Davis referenced the recent annexation off County Line Road and noted that one of the residents had hired an attorney to challenge the annexation and the Village and County had been served. Villaqe Manaqer Manager Couuo noted that the proposed budget was being finalized and was available. He stated that Chief Weinand had assisted him with Palm Beach County and the Fire Rescue contract reopener and, he would have a report to bring forth in the next few days. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Brennan expressed her desire to finish negotiations with the County regarding Fire Rescue. Mayor Paterno offered an update on JILONA (Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area) and noted that the Federal Government was backing out of their previously approved agreement. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 8/9/12 Page 8 Mayor Paterno offered an update on JILONA (Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area) and noted that the Federal Government was backing out of their previously approved agreement. He commented on a rumor that the County was taking over the project. Mayor Paternv clarified that department heads were needed at regular Council meetings and on an as needed basis regarding special meetings and workshops. Council agreed that all department heads attend should attend Saturday August 11, 2012 and Monday August 13, 2012 Workshops. Mayor Paterno established that he would decide when department heads would be needed at specific special meetings and workshops. Attomey Davis concluded that individual Council members could communicate their feelings to the Manager on specific department heads being mandated to attend. Manager Couzzo stated Councils needs would be accommodated Annexation Update Nilsa C. Zacarias, Director of Community Development referenced the progress relating to County Line Road annexation and reported on the upcoming workshop regarding Collette Drive and Nicole Circle. She suggested a six to twelve month transition period to be offered to residents and incorporating code enforcement information into a presentation. Council Member Okun suggested the transition period being iwo to three years as he believed one year was too short. Manager Couzzo advised that the Village supported compliance over enforcement. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by Council Member D'Ambra. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 4-0; therefore, the meeting was adjoumed at 8:39 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 ANNEXATION WORKSHOP (Nicole Circle and Coletfie Drive) Monday, August 13, 2012 6:05 p.m. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Manager Couzzo at 6:05 p.m. Present were; Mayor Tom Patemo, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Abby Brennan, Council Member Steve Okun, and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Also present were Manager Couzzo, Attomey Davis, Clerk McWilliams, and Department Heads. Village Manager Couzzo welcomed the Nicole Circle and Colette Drive residents and introduced the Village Council and staff. He explained the Village was a full service community with a fully equipped fire rescue and police department, parks and recreation program and water utility plant. He summarized the following key points and benefits: • Current financial status • Current millage rate - 2.25% lower than 20 years ago • Has not raised the millage in 20 years • Commitment to resident safety was paramount • Fire and police average response rates • Unwavering ability to minimize debt o Village Hall and water plant upgrade paid in full with cash — creating responsible government •$4 million cash reserve in both the general and water department funds • Increased police department staffing • Creation of police bike unit • Intricate license plate reading camera system • Expanded parks and recreation program • Fire Rescue agreement with Palm Beach County • First to receive a 20 year permit from South Florida Water Management District • Police Department affiliation with Federal agencies and programs The Manager explained Council agreed to a three-year grandfather clause on code compliance issues (unless a life safety issue exi�ted); and the three-year clause would run with the property. As an incentive, Council has considered waiving permit fees on code related issues up to $500 for the three-year period. He noted annexation would be voluntary and the Village would not force an area to annex. The Village Manager, Council and staff responded ta citizen comments and questions. Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes August 13, 2012 Page 2 Citizen Comments/Questions: • What threshold would a tax increase be based upon? o Manager explained some households would see a decrease in taxes while others would see a small increase. He reviewed the taxes and fees handout and noted one advantage would be the elimination of the fire MSTU. Council Members commented on the Village's superior public safety, access to all Village amenities, quality of life, fastest emergency service response times in County, osmosis water treatment plant, and that annexed residents would be able to participate in the decision making process. • A Nicole Circle resident stated she used the Village's fire rescue three months ago and was provided great service. • A Nicole Circle resident stated he uses Village facilities and fire rescue who responded immediately. However, more recently when on vacation, their home was broken into and it took the Sheriff's Offic� 30 minutes to respond. • What was the process for voting and would mail in ballots be allowed? o Village Attomey Davis believed absentee ballots would be allowed as it would be handled as a regular election. • How would fihe vote be handled since no one was in attendance from Colette Drive? o Manager Couzzo explained they would go door-to-door if necessary to educate and inform • Why does the Village want to annex this area? o Manager Couzzo stated it was about developing the Village; providing the best possible public safety with more coverage; protecting area interests; and it was more convenient for contractors to do business with the Village as opposed to traveling to Palm Beach County. o He explained staff and Council have been consistently asked by unincorporated residents to annex into the Village o Chief Weinand explained the Fire Rate Inspection Class was a 3(top 6% of departments in the US) and that property insurance could decrease as a result • How much are the Village reserves? o Over $4 million in cash reserves with $1 millio� dedicated to emergencies; Manager explained Council had been committed over the years to building the reserves. o Due to the strong reserve and Council dedication staff had not been decreased and no furloughs implemented; staff received salary increases; and more police presence had been placed on the street • Are there any large costly future projects planned? o Manager Couzzo stated there were none that he was aware of except the need to replace older water pipes. He elaborated that the bridge project was paid using stimulus funding. • Would the Village police patrol their neighborhood nightly? o Manager Couzzo affirmed they would patrol the area. Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes August 13, 2012 Page 3 • Was impressed w�h how the animal cruelty incident was handled and inquired on the status of the case. • Would the sidewalk on Riverside Drive be completed? o Russell White stated he would look at the area and did not believe it would be a large expense • A Plicole Circle resident commented on the nice improvements made to Old Dixie Highway and Village Blvd. o Village Manager Couzzo provided a status update on the GMH project Mr. Couzzo introduced Richard Radcliffe, Executive Director Palm Beach County League of Cities, who commented on the Village being laid back and down to earth. The Manager explained the Village was always looking for alternative funding options in an effort not to raise taxes. He stated the Village was exceptionally transparent with most information available online: SERVICE = open and responsive Meeting adjourned at 7:20 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.