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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_10/17/2012 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP Monday, October 17, 2012 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Present were: Mayor Tom Paterno, Council Member Abby Brennan, and Council Member Steve Okun. Also present were Manager Couzzo, Attorney Davis, Assistant to the Clerk Deanna Mayo, and Department Heads. Vice Mayor Vince Arena arrived at 5:32 p.m. ,and Council Member Frank D'Ambra arrived at 5:36 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Consensus of Council was to change the order of the two agenda items. 2. Discussion on Feral Cat Report Manager Couzzo noted the increase of feral cats in the Village and offered to meet with St. Judes Church regarding the possibility of a joint effort to rid the area of the problem. Attomey Davis noted strategies and fees associated with the endeavors which other municipalities, with the same issue, were opting for. Council suggested placing signs in the problem areas stating Village Code and requesting adherence. They discussed The Village taking full responsibility versus alternative options and costs. Involving residents for assistance was also discussed. Manager Couzzo stated he would look into trapping, sterilizing and releasing. 1. Discussion on Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC) Fire Rescue Agreement Manager Couzzo updated Council on the present state of negotiations regarding the Fire Rescue agreement with JIC (Jupiter Inlet Colony). He also noted many outside municipal factors affecting the negotiations. Manager Couzzo stated he would meet with Mayor Comerford to get a better understanding of JIC's stance and desires. Attorney Davis left the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Manager Couzzo noted that doing business with JIC was preferred but not necessary for Tequesta's survival. Council Member D'Ambra expressed his thought that it would be ill received for the County to offer a deal to JIC without other municipalities feeling entitled to the same offer. He believed the move would cause rebuttal, therefore; eradicating the offer. Council Member Brennan felt the Village offered a service in which all residents should be treated equally. Mr. Ray Giblin, Firefighter, Paramedic, suggested staying with the original intention which was parity. Village Council Workshop Minutes October 17, 2012 Page 2 ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Okun offered to hold a contest to name the Village dog park. Consensus of Council was for Council Member Okun to craft and implement a residential contest for the purpose of naming the dog park. Council Member Okun suggested yearly support for Busch Wildlife. He suggested a beautification committee supported by volunteers and donations, real- estate and restaurant enhancement initiatives and an emergency service brochure. Council Member Brennan suggested contacting realtors for their involvement. Council Member D'Ambra supported only committing funds toward reducing the deficit. Manager Couzzo felt that the 1 St quarter deficit figures would come in better than previously expected and stated, there would also be savings in the police budget with a portion to be used to purchase tasers. Council discussed the upcoming resignation of the Chief of Police, the dynamics which accompanied finding a replacement and a committee to assist in the search. Manager Couzzo expressed his belief that the substitute may come with a cost savings to the Village. Vice Mayor Arena informed Council that South Florida Water Management (SFWM) would be converting septic tanks to a sewer system at Tequesta Park. Manager Couzzo stated he would research who the responsible party would be for the potential costs associated with the project. Mayor Paterno noted that a resident had voiced interest in utilizing Constitution Park for a regular monthly church service. Manager Couzzo responded that the request would need to be researched as he believed that no one could reserve a regularly scheduled date. Mayor Paterno voiced his feelings on acknowledging resident happenings as a Mayor and suggested that letters of gratitude be generated by council members in which he would sign once comprised. Manager Couzzo noted that Mr. Russell White, Public Services Manager, had recently offered to assist at the water plant. He also reported that he had requested the finance director meet with the pension actuary to re- analyze the Village's contributions and the funded liability to evaluate adjustments commencing from upcoming personnel changes. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Council Member Okun moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Vice Mayor Vince Arena, and unanimously carried 5-0. Therefore the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Village Council Workshop Minutes October 17, 2012 Page 3 Respectfully submitted, Deanna Mayo Assistant to the Village Cler 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.