HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_08/09/2012 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 Paterno 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 Brennan moved approval of the Consent Agenda with Council
Member Okun's amendments, seconded by Council Member Okun, motion carried unanimously
4-0.
PROCLAMATIONSIPRESENTATIONS
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 Dedicated and
Devoted 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.
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CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the following Consent Agenda; seconded by
Council Member Brennan, motion carried unanimously 4-0.
3. MINUTES: 6/5/12 Joint JIC Workshop, 6/7112 Workshop; 7/3/12 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 Municipalities 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
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member D'Ambra noted that he would be speaking to Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC) and
confirmed that their Council had discussed the original fire 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 Patemo
responded that JIC was given 45 days to respond to Tequesta's proposal.
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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 Tall 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 Reading, Creating an Entirely New Sec. 2 -232. Canvass and
Certification of Elections. To Provide for the Composition of the Village's Elections
Canvassing Board; to Include the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, or
Designee, the Village Clerk, or Designee, and One Council Member, to Canvass all
Village Municipal Elections — (First Reading 7/12/12)
Attorney Davis read Ordinance 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 approval of Ordinance 8 -12, seconded by Council
Member D'Ambra, motion carried unanimously 40.
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. Bernardi responded that the original jalousies had all
been replaced with high impact resistant glass.
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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. Attorney 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 condition of the conformity order.
MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of SPR 02 -12 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 Paterno
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 would be viewable until the
vegetation covered it, which was the intent of the applicant and offered a finished look.
MOTION: Council Member Brennan moved approval 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.
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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 only. 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 Village 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
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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 Patemo 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 Couzzo noted the Florida League of Cities conference would be held August 23 in
Hollywood and suggested that new Council Members attend. Mayor Patemo (voting delegate)
stated he would not be attending.
Attorney Davis briefly 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 international 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 the exception of the
Resolution regarding online taxing, seconded by Council Member Okun; motion 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 One -Time Performance Based Recognition
Compensation Amount for the Village Manager for Fiscal Year 11/12 in Accordance with
Section 4 of the Second Employment Agreement between 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
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job description which saved the Village hundreds of thousands of dollars. She noted the
economy and thanked him for all 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 Patemo 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 between
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 the
Operating Fund and appropriating additional 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
Village Attorney
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.
Village Manager
Manager Couzzo 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 Patemo 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.
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He commented on a rumor that the County was taking over the project. Mayor Paterno 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.
Attorney 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 two 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 adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council
Member D'Ambra. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4 -0; therefore, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
" m &o�6"
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.