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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/01/2013 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP APRIL 1, 2013 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Assistant to the Village Clerk Deanna Mayo. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Council Member D'Ambra, motion carried unanimously 5 -0. Item 2 was heard first 2. Continued Council Discussion on Feral Cats Mayor Brennan explained the reason for workshops and Councils desire to hear all information before making decisions. Council members offered their viewpoints. Dr. Steve Pullon, Veterinarian explained feral cat's personalities and the risk of rabies in other common animals compared to feral cats. Dr. Lorraine Kassarjian, Veterinarian noted diseases associated with feral cats and the unlikelihood of humans contracting them. Sherry Schlueter, Humane Society offered her knowledge, experience and support for all wildlife. Ardath Rosengarden, National Council Member HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) and Jeff Arciniaco, South Florida Wildlife Center /Humane Society President voiced their concerns, offered support and information to assist with solutions. Council Member Okun voiced concern for feeding the feral cats in the TNR (Trap Neuter Release) program. Mr. Arciniaco responded that feeding had always been part of the program and noted that some communities were dearth with limited means of feeding the colonies and Tequesta was fortunate not to have that as a concern. Workshop Minutes April 1, 2013 Page 2 Susan Hargreaves, Pegasus offered additional information regarding cat habitat and noted that areas which had eliminated cats experienced rodent problems. David Leavitt, Palm Beach Island Cats expressed the great success with 650 feral cats on Palm Beach Island. He noted the cat population had dropped, cats were well maintained in their colonies, and were not out in public searching. Diane Suave, Director of Palm Beach County Animal care and Control advised that great strides had been seen with TNR programs; unfortunately they had not seen a reduction in killings at the facilities. She voiced support for anyone interested in assisting with saving the animals. Ms. Suave explained the importance of micro chipping animals and program regulations on trappers and caregivers' roles. Resident, (no name offered) voiced her support and questioned property owner's rights. Break was taken from 7:37 to 7:43 p.m. 1. Overview of Council Responsibilities Attorney Davis noted details and responsibilities within the Council member role. 3. Current Year 2012/2013 Budget Status Update Manager Couzzo offered an update on the budget and stated it was on track. 4. 2013/2014 Budget Discussion Manager Couzzo explained that department heads had been asked to revise plans in the attempt to keep the budget status quo in the upcoming cycle. 5. Discussion of Charter School Council Member Paterno explained the Counties procedure when accepting applications for Charter Schools and stated he would move forward with research if Council had interest. Attorney Davis noted his involvement and experience with Charter Schools. Council Member D'Ambra questioned funding. Attorney Davis responded that grant money was available but not enough to carry 100% of school's expenses. Dottie Campbell, 30 Eastwind Circle voiced her opinion and knowledge regarding Charter Schools and felt the existing local school system was very good. Workshop Minutes April 1, 2013 Page 3 6. Branding: Update /Outlook Council Member Okun updated Council on the beautification project and noted the involvement of volunteer Steve Parker, Landscape Architect. 7. Review of Draft Code Revision Language Chapter 22 — Planning and Zoning Board and Changes of Authority Attorney Davis explained updates associated with the ongoing Code revisions. Council Member Paterno questioned the reason for the change regarding Planning and Zoning's authority. Attorney Davis noted discussions involving changes, authority, importance relating to applicants needs and Community Developments roll as staff. He noted the boards authority would be limited. Dottie Campbell, 30 Eastwind Circle, encouraged Council to give the Board the responsibility. Council Member Paterno questioned if fees were offered to applicant's at time of submittal. Attorney Davis responded that customers were advised of costs and that additional costs could be incurred in the review process. Manager Couzzo suggested a check list be offered to applicants with estimated attorney's fees. Council Member Paterno questioned sections 22 -81 and 22 -84. Attorney Davis stated that many definitions would be improved, making the references more user friendly. He noted the language was outdated, and the changes would not affect the substance of the Code. Attorney Davis also stated use of ROW (right of ways) verbiage would be eliminated from the draft language per Council's recent discussions and direction. Council Member Paterno asked if unmaintained "Florida Friendly Landscaping" could be regulated. Attorney Davis offered to speak with Code and check the Florida Friendly code for maintenance options. 8. Volunteer Appreciation Event — Thursday, April 25 Mayor Brennan offered an update on the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation event. ANY OTHER MATTERS Manager Couzzo noted that Michael Holloway of Futures had expressed desire to request changes from Council regarding insurance. He noted his suggestion to Mr. Holloway and Workshop Minutes April 1, 2013 Page 4 their legal team to submit a request through the proper procedures. Attorney Davis suggested the item be placed on an agenda for discussion and or action. Manager Couzzo stated he would inform Mr. Holloway of Council's preference that a formal /written request be received from Futures before moving forward. Dottie Campbell, 30 Eastwind Circle suggested Tequesta name the Public Works facility the Russell White Public Works facility along with holding a dedication service to commemorate the event. Consensus of Council was to consider the request. Council Member Paterno suggested golf carts and visibility triangles be discussed. Manager Couzzo responded that both items were being addressed. Sergeant Smolen stated golf carts utilized the roadway when exiting the Country Club, which, was against Village ordinance. Attorney Davis also added that maintenance language within the ordinance addressed inspections and there were not certified persons on Village staff to do so. Manager Couzzo noted his discussions with the pension funds actuaries and that there would be a report for Council within the next couple days. ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Arena moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council Member Okun. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deanna Mayo Assistant to the 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.