HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/04/2013 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP APRIL 4, 2013
Sandpointe Bay
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:19 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Assistant to the Village Clerk Deanna Mayo. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Council
Member Steve Okun and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Vice Mayor Vince Arena and
Council Member Tom Paterno were absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approval of agenda was not taken.
1. Welcome and Council Introductions
Mayor Brennan welcomed residents.
2. Review Meeting Format
Mayor Brennan noted the meeting arrangement.
3. Review Village Highlights and Benefits of Becoming a Tequesta Resident
Mayor Brennan offered annexation highlights and noted services and amenities.
4. Discussion on Annexation Process
Manager Couzzo explained annexation and the voting process.
Nilsa C. Zacarias, Director of Community Development offered a presentation to Sandpointe
Bay residents. Anthony Scolaro, Sandpointe Bay resident noted the distance their residents
travel for permitting needs and that their guard shack could be utilized as a substation.
Christopher Elg, Police Chief felt the substation would be considered if annexation was
completed and their board approved the offer.
Manager Couzzo presented statistics on Sherriff versus response times. He noted that
Tequesta had added a third zone for patrolling officers.
Peggy Morgello expressed her feelings that the annexation was a great plan and she
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encouraged support of the move.
Council Member Okun noted the Village's Citizen Watch Program, dispatch and technology
roles in public safety. James Weinand, Fire Chief explained procedures involved between an
incoming call and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) persons arriving at a destination.
Mr. Scolaro questioned Tequesta's marine unit, hurricane preparedness and water rates.
Manager Couzzo noted the Village's Emergency Operation Center was designed for
hurricanes and other emergencies. He also confirmed the Village's presence and service on
the waterways. Manager Couzzo also explained water rates and that an increase had not
been imposed in many years.
Council Member D'Ambra expressed his experience with moving to the area and his desire
and understanding that the services received were well worth the added cost. He stated
Tequesta's EMS (Emergency Medical Services) was part of the appeal to he and his family.
Manager Couzzo noted that Tequesta had no intention of raising millage rates and County
rates had increased 30% over the past several years. He explained that the Village was
challenging a portion of the County tax for their residents as Tequesta felt their public safety
covered the majority of resident needs.
5. Questions and Answers
Manager Couzzo suggested a Council member take the Sandpointe Bay residents on a tour
of the Public Safety building.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
None
ADJOURNMENT: Council Member D'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Council Member Okun. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 3 -0; therefore, the
meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Mayo
Assistant to the Village Clerk
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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.