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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/03/2013 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA �� WORKSHOP - JUNE 3, 2013 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun and Council Member Tom Paterno. Council Member Frank D'Ambra arrived at 6:04 p.m. APPROVALOFAGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena, and unanimously carried 4-0. Item three was heard first by request of Mayor Brennan. 3. Sign Ordinance Review Mayor Brennan voiced her concern with the addition of a gun store in the Village and its blinking sign. Joe Petrick explained ordinance language and recalled the decision by Council to ease enforcement during the recession. He suggested code rules be imposed with an all or nothing approach and noted that the Special Magistrate felt it difficult to deal with infractions and impose fines without consistent enforcement. Mayor Brennan felt Tequesta's business friendly attitude was important as was the code restrictions and suggested reassessing regulations. Manager Couzzo stated blinking lights could be made to stay on and banners were a larger issue. Attorney Davis added that temporary banners could be obtained with approval of the Manager. Council Member D'Ambra suggested adding specific permission to the code regarding temporary banner regulations. Manager Couzzo replied that it would be added. Attorney Davis advised that the process in place was changed in support of financial difficutties in Tequesta's business sector. Consensus of Council was to enforce the Village Code with Manager Couzzo developing language. 1. Current Year 2012/2013 Budget Status Update Village Manager Couzzo offered a positive forecast. He noted the labor attorneys where actively working on several cases which were affecting the budget. Manager Couzzo offered brief updates on existing cases per Council request. Village Council Workshop Minutes June 3, 2013 Page 2 2. Overview of 2013/2014 Budget �Ilage Manager Couzzo reported that he had received the County property evaluation numbers which showed a rise of approximately five percent. He went on to explain overall assessed value and that the Village would see more revenue from the change. 4. Discussion on Setting Policy Regarding Ferat Cats Council Member D'Ambra voiced his concern for growing colonies and suggested that any new cats be trapped. He stated he would like to set policy in order to give direction to groups assisting with the feral cats. Manager Couzzo commented that he had met with a resident from Lighthouse Cove and suggested the church pastor be involved with supporting the issue. He noted that the pastor had been clear on his feelings that no one would be given a key to enter the gated area. Jay Rodriques, Save a Pet Representative, explained trapping and feeding procedures, ways their group was reducing colony populations and how adoption and foster care was helping with kittens. She also noted a recent donation which helped at feeding stations. Council Member Paterno reiterated his support for the colonies population reduction and suggested all new cats be taken to the County. John Deniro, Lighthouse Cove resident, thanked all involved for his recent education received on feral cats and felt entry into the fenced area would help the cause. Manager Couzzo suggested access could be a liability issue. Council Member Okun felt the problem could be left totally to the church if they did to want to cooperate with the endeavor. Ms. Rodrigues suggested not posting signs to advertise colonies whereabouts as she was concerned with additional drop-offs. She stated the cat problem was finding ifis way into the Lighthouse Cove area because residents were feeding them. Mr. Qeniro responded that the development had sent a letter to one resident who was known to be feeding the cats and he agreed that dumping was an issue. Vice Mayor Arena asked how many new cats were being seen and asked if they could be taken to Safe Harbor or ather location. Ms. Rodrigues replied that only one to two new cats per month were showing up and Sa#e Harbor would not take them. Ms. Rodrigues reported that persons were placing food out to fure and harm the cats and were threatening and harassing #eeders. She stated she had proof and addresses. Manager Couzzo responded that no one should be harassed and suggested any such activity be reported to Tequesta immediately. Village Council Workshop Minutes June 3, 2013 Page 3 Council Member Paterno suggested a list be developed with chipped cat information and provided to Council. He felt surrounding residents were over burdened with colonies in their area. Council Member D'Ambra agreed #hat it was a problem and felt the colonies should be self eliminating. Mayor Brennan stated the Village had existing legislation, a good program but, it was unfortunate when colonies were on private property. Kathy Wells, Executive Director of Save A Pet, noted costs related with the care of feral cats and dynamics of the rescue based group. Ms. Rodrigues explained overheads of associated facilities and agreed to look into options for placement of additional strays to Tequesta colonies. She stated that the goal was to care for, sterilize and return cats to litters as to reduce the populations in a humane manner. Council Member D'Ambra questioned any Village defined penalties for abandoning cats and suggested a significant fine of $5000 be pu# into place to deter additional drop-offs. Manager Couuo agreed that a fine and posting should be done and pointed out that the problem was a people problem. Ms. Wefls added that other areas had also had a large problem with the dumping of dogs. Council members commended Save A Pet for all their assistance. Consensus of Council was to look into implementation of stiff fines and posting such within the Village. 5. Discussion on Reconsideration of the Prohibition of Trailers "Equipped with more than One Axfe" with the Aim of Permitting Tandem Aule Trailers, Providing that the Combined Weight of Towing Vehicle and the Tandem Axle Trailer does not Exceed a Specified Amount (e.g. 5 tons) Vice-Mayor Arena noted a recent request to change bridge restrictions, offered recent history and offered several suggestions. Manager Couzzo felt this was the first letter received in three years and he did not see the need to make changes. He felt residents appreciated the calmness of the Village and the ordinance was in place to assist that and, noted the limit was set #or traffic not weight. Consensus of Council was to execute no change. 6. Youth Advisory Council Update Mayor Brennan offered a back ground on the new Village intern Greg Fabiano and explained dynamics and updates associated with the proposed Youth Advisory Council. Village Council Workshop Minutes June 3, 2013 Page 4 ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Paterno suggested changes to the Village flagpole and offered a photo for backup. Manager Couzzo noted a crane had to be hired to change the flag and felt Council Member Paterno's suggestion could save money. Council Member Paterno distributed a photo of a large mailbox he felt was an eyesore. Attorney Davis explained the structure was in a Right of Way (ROW) and postal regulations may address the box. Council Member D'ambra suggested the HOA covenants may address mailboxes. Vice Mayor Arena suggested restricting box height. Attorney Davis pointed out that color and texture could be restricted as well. Mayor Brennan advised that Clerk Lori McWilliams would be sworn in as the President of the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) and suggested allowing a group or Council to attend. Manager Couzzo suggested options for those whom may want to attend but felt union provisions blocked authorization or assignment by management for attendance. Vice Mayor Arena supported anyone attending and commended Ms. McWilliams. He stated "she does the job of 15". Council Member D'ambra felt it would not be an appropriate use of tax payer's money for employees' time off or attendance. Manager Couzzo supported planning a congratulatory event for Ms. McWilliams. Manager Couzzo offered an update and noted details of the on the upcoming Auction. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Council Member D'ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Vince Arena, and unanimously carried 5-0. Therefore the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p. m. R� ectfully submitted, � ` , �. : �t` �` �- � . - � ss �� � � : �> ti � — %,� , �!,t� ° .•; � 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.