HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_08/09/2007MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
REGULAR VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING
TEQUESTA VILLAGE HALL
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Jim Humpage called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Village Clerk Lori McWilliams
took a roll call. Present were: Mayor Jim Humpage, Vice Mayor Pat Watkins, Council Member
Dan Amero, Council Member Tom Paterno, and Council Member Calvin Turnquest. Also in
attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Village Attorney Scott Hawkins,
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, and Department Heads.
II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Jim Humpage gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
III. Approval of Agenda
MOTION: vice-Mayor Watkins moved to approve the agenda; Council Member Turnquest
seconded,• Motion carried unanimously S-0.
IV. Standing Reports
Village Attorney
Village Attorney Scott Hawkins referred to his report regarding the six general areas of civic
service during the month of July including:
• Review of the Dalack litigation.
• The Review of the Utility Code Ordinance (to be fully addressed later in the meeting).
• Finalization of Jupiter Tequesta Emergency Interconnect agreement which was approved
in July.
• Various research issues initiated by the Charter Review committee.
Attorney Hawkins stated his colleague John Randolph would facilitate the Jupiter Tequesta
Emergency Interconnect agreement project.
Village Manager
Village Manager Michael Couzzo reported the following:
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 2
IV. Standing Reports (Con't)
• Phone system upgraded to provide Village Hall direct access to department heads and
staff for improved customer service and response time.
• Explained Representative Susan Wilson, FEMA, conducted a Community Assistance
visit with staff and would continue to work with staff regarding flood insurance.
• Representative William Snyder reviewed potential funding for Tequesta Park and was
willing to assist and help staff continue to develop material and move forward. Village
Manager Couzzo expressed his appreciation for the Representative's time and efforts.
• A Florida Department Environmental Protection Grant non-matching agreement for
$100,000 was received for funding improvements to Tequesta Park.
• Completion of the RO Trane facility had been reached; and test results and approvals
were expected by Wednesday August 15, 2007.
Manager Couzzo concluded that completion of the RO facility represented years of planning and
would serve the residents well for many years to come.
V. Presentations /Proclamations
la. Proclamation declaring September 9-15, 2007 as "National Assisted Living
Week" in the Village of Tequesta
Mayor Humpage presented a Proclamation to Penny Dillon, Director of the Tequesta Terrace
Assisted Living Facility declaring the week of September 9, through September 15, 2007 as
"National Assisted Living Week". The Legacies of Love- 2007 highlights the privilege, value
and responsibility of passing the legacies of our elder's lives down through generations to care
for and love them and urged all residents to visit their loved ones who reside at these facilities.
1. Presentation and Discussion Regarding the Rate Ordinance Review
Mr. Hawkins explained he had been asked by Manager Couzzo to review the Utility Rate
Ordinance 547 back in May. Upon review, Mr. Hawkins recommended the Village bring in
expertise from Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley, LLP out of Tallahassee. Mr. Hawkins noted that Mr.
John Jenkins of Rose, Sundstrom and Bentley delivered the hard copy of the detailed analysis
two weeks ago.
Mr. John Jenkins confirmed his firm specialized in utilities and explained what had taken place
up to this point, the rate setting issues and how the rate affected customers. His review showed
the majority of customers had a 5/8 inch or one inch meter size. He reported the break down of
findings showed that customers with one inch meters were primarily affected. The customers
were billed differently than the Ordinance under a block rate which was meant to discourage
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Page 3
V. Presentations /Proclamations (Con't)
excessive use. Mr. Jenkins explained that the average single family home with a one inch meter
was entitled to the first 30,000 gallons according to the Ordinance, but what Tequesta was doing
was charging that customer the next block price of $2.75 after they reached 12,000 gallons,
instead of the $1.64 they should have been billed. Mr. Jenkins stated that this was different from
anything Tequesta had done prior to this Ordinance. Mr. Jenkins compared the non-residential
schedule and residential schedule showing they had always been separate as recommended by
consultants in the past.
Mr. Jenkins confirmed that the consultants did not recommend any change to the 1999 rate
study, and their opinion was there appeared to be a change and a switch in the residential and
commercial customers. Mr. Jenkins noted there was no indication this was intentional by anyone,
and that staff inadvertently incorporated the non-residential consumption block rate into the
residential billing after the Ordinance was adopted.
Mr. Jenkins explained the Municipal Rate Settings Authority was guided under the Florida
Constitution and certain Statutes, which establish just and equitable rates. Florida case law did
not lend much guidance on the issue of clerical mistakes in ordinance drafting. Mr. Jenkins
added that it was stated in a Supreme Court Case in 1944 the importance was the result reached
not the method employed; the result simply must be justified. Mr. Jenkins added Florida Court
had given local governments the authority to establish rates and take actions that result in fair
rates for each customer.
Mr. Jenkins discussed Rate Settin Princi les and ex lained there were basicall two means of
g p p y
making money in a utility operation:
• Collect impact fees and connection fees, and
• Collect customer rates
Mr. Jenkins referred to two important aspects of Rate Setting Principles:
• Development of revenue requirements; which meant reviewing what funds were needed
to run a utility, and
• Allocation of cost to customers through rates: this included fixed and variable costs.
Mr. Jenkins explained the allocation of equity among different classes of customers based on
demand of system and that rates were designed so that each person pays their fair share based on
usage. He confirmed from the 1999 rate study that revenue requirement and rate structure were
implemented consistent with the rates study (not with the Ordinance) and rates were collected in
order with the rate study and based on information available; there was no reason to believe
Council intended to deviate from the recommendation of staff or the rate consultant and rates
were just and reasonable.
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Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 4
V. Presentations /Proclamations (Con't)
Mr. Jenkins noted if it was determined the Ordinance was correct and billing was consistent with
that, there would be a revenue shortfall, then all customers rates would need to be raised.
Although the billing was inconsistent with the Ordinance, and because no one improperly
benefited or was intentionally hurt, it was recommended to correct the Ordinance or a refund
could be given which would create other problems.
Mr. Jenkins recommended adopting a new corrective Ordinance which would bring the present
Ordinance into compliance with the rate study and current billing practices, and to review and
revise the billing procedure for future implementation. He suggested that two previous rate
studies had suggested upgrading to a more sophisticated billing system which might have
discovered this particular problem earlier. He then added he did not feel this was an emergency,
but believed the billing system should be upgraded and Council should inquire with the next rate
consultant what specifically was being suggested as far as changes.
Mr. Jenkins reiterated the rate study did not recommend changing the billing practice and the
evidence showed that inadvertently the non-resident rate was put into the residential portion of
the Ordinance. He also stated the charges were reasonable and non discriminatory.
Council Member Paterno noted that Council had an obligation to review and change
recommendations to serve the best interest of the community. Therefore, he felt it would be
realistic for the charges to be the same for commercial and residential customers having the same
one inch meter.
Mr. Jenkins responded the study did not conclude this, but showed larger metered commercial
customers were essentially for instantaneous flow; not for use on a monthly basis like larger
metered residential customers, and based on the information the rate consultant determined non-
residential and residential customers should be treated differently. He stated recommending the
more sophisticated billing system would possibly prove the billing should be the same for all.
Council Member Paterno referenced the meter size and stated that in 1999 5% of residents were
paying two and a half times more than a normal resident hookup and being charged under the old
system more money due to the block system. Commercial accounts were being billed less than
222 residents with the same service, possibly by about 15%. Council Member Paterno felt this
was unfair and unreasonable and stated that all Councils past and present should read what they
were passing to be sure it was reasonable and equitable for all.
Mayor Jim Humpage stated if all residents wanted to change to the one inch meter to receive the
better rate, then the Village would end up changing those meters, causing another cost to their
customers.
Council Member Paterno commented that customers were charged a base similar to buying in
bulk and when they have the one inch meter they anticipate using more water, and felt the
charges were not fair since commercial and residential with the same one inch meter were being
charged differently.
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 5
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V. Presentations /Proclamations (Con't)
Vice Mayor Watkins expressed her opinion that Council had two separate issues; one was the
rate structure, which was recommended by the consultant and expertise had found an error in the
transcription when the Ordinance was written. She felt Council only attempted to comply with
the suggestion of the consultant and if Council needed to look at something going forward that
was for a different session. Vice-Mayor Watkins reiterated that the findings have found the issue
at hand to be an unintentional error.
VI. Consent Agenda
MOTION: Vice-Mayor Watkins moved to approve the Consent Agenda; Council Member
Amero seconded the motion; motion unanimously carried 5-0; therefore the following items were
approved on the Consent Agenda.
2 Village Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 14, 2007
3. Village Council Local Planning Agency Minutes June 14, 2007
4. Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes July 10, 2007
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5. Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes June 5, 2007
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
VII. Communications from Citizens
Mr. Richard Dube, 7 Country Club Circle, stated he was disheartened to hear about the ongoing
disagreement between Vice-Mayor Watkins and Council Member Paterno. He was not present at
the last meeting and felt there was no respect and legal counsel was obtained to deal with the
misconduct without the approval of the entire Council. His perspective was that having
differences was healthy and knew that they were looking out for the best interest of the residents.
He said Council should not spend money on unnecessary legal fees and should respect the
differences of each other. He felt residents did not expect them to all agree and that was why the
majority vote was implemented.
Russell Von Frank, 489 Dover Road, thanked Fireman Peter Allen and crew for an exceptional
job. Secondly he referenced the bridge collapse and felt Tequesta Bridge was safer than many.
He concluded with the Hattie Siegel property; which had violated chapter 30, 46, 78 and Annex
B. He then demonstrated the height of the grass in front of the house and asked Village Manager
Couzzo to contact the Village Attorney so that something would be done with the forlorn
property. Mr. Couzzo explained Code Compliance had re-cited the property, which would be
considered a public nuisance; and if the matter was not resolved, the Village would make the
corrections.
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Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 6
VIII. Communications from Council (Con't)
Council Member Turnquest commented on the Dalack case and Mr. Dalack's comments stating
he would take this to the Supreme Court. Council Member Turnquest reported he had been
contacted by various supporters and reporters and had responded that he would not comment on
the case; he would not encourage Mr. Dalack's celebrity status and would not mention his name
after tonight. Council Member Turnquest referenced the time and money wasted and felt the
Village had a grave injustice done to it because of the case.
He also felt that Council Member Paterno had taken a beating over the last couple of months; he
was not here to defend him but believed Council Member Paterno was a passionate and detail
oriented man and should be commended for his efforts. Council Member Turnquest stated it
takes fortitude, courage and time to give of one's self in a small community where you were
scrutinized for everything you do and say and felt Council Member Paterno, at times, had been
misunderstood or his objectives were not received well because of lack of diplomacy.
Council Member Turnquest referenced two months ago when Council Member Paterno called to
reprimand Village Manager Couzzo for oversights; he did not believe it was necessary and felt
the Village Manager did hold his departments responsible, but was ultimately responsible for his
department heads and departments. He admired Council Member Paterno for all he has done and
commended him for being the one detailed person that found the mistake in the utility billing
issue. Council Member Turnquest concluded that being a politician was tough and thankless and
he felt privileged to be serving with him.
Council Member Paterno recalled his tri to Arlin on National Cemete and was honored to
p ~ rY
see Col. Resnick's place of rest and as an American it was an honor to see the cemetery.
Vice-Mayor Watkins congratulated everyone on National Night Out and confirmed that it was a
great event. She added that they had a good turnout of residents and commended the Village on
their hard work to organize the event. Vice-Mayor Watkins stated she did not have an issue with
Council Member Paterno and noted she had written a letter; copied it to the Village Attorney and
Department heads so that it could not be misinterpreted. She noted the word malfeasance was not
used; the letter clearly stated she appreciated Council's right to ask questions and find answers
and simply questioned the method and how issues were presented.
Mayor Humpage thanked everyone for their efforts on National Night Out and thanked the
Pastor for the use of the Church property. Pastor Beresford mentioned there were over 1,000
participants and he was honored to host the event.
IX. New Business
5. Ordinance 615-06/07, First Reading, An Ordinance Of The Village Council of
the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida, Amending Exhibit "A" of Section 2-30 of
The Code of Ordinances, Village of Tequesta, Florida, Relating to the Employees' Pension Trust
Funds; Amending Exhibit "A" to Provide for Payment of Interest on Refunds of Accumulated
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Page 7
IX. New Business (Con't)
Contributions; Providing for Repeal of Ordinances in Conflict; Providing for Codification;
Providing for and Effective Date. (Second Reading 9/13/07)
Attorney Hawkins read Ordinance 615-06/07 into the record.
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved to approve the Ordinance 61 S; Vice-Mayor
Watkins seconded the motion. Item was opened for discussion.
Council Member Paterno questioned if the contribution referenced was the Village portion or
employee portion. Village Clerk McWilliams confirmed the 5% contribution was the employee
portion. Council Member Paterno was concerned with the cost to the Village and the possible
encouragement for employees to leave and stated he would like to see employees stay. He asked
how other Municipalities participate.
Manager Couzzo stated that some Municipalities participate and some do not and added this
Ordinance was for consideration as a first reading. Council Member Paterno felt the Village had
gone over and above and would like to reward employees who stayed long term. Mayor
Humpage commented just because this was being done elsewhere did not mean Tequesta needed
to participate.
Council Member Paterno suggested being open to new ideas for employees who stayed and was
not in favor of rewarding those who left. Village Clerk McWilliams explained that employees
were required to put 5% of their salaries into the account and explained the contribution was
similar to a savings account.
Council Member Paterno asked if the item could be tabled. Mayor Humpage asked Council
Member Turnquest to consider the request made by Council Member Paterno. Discussion
ensued.
Council Member Turnquest withdrew his motion to approve Ordinance 615; Vice-Mayor
Watkins withdrew her second.
MOTION: Council Member Amero moved to table the Ordinance to October I1, 2007;
Council Member Turnquest seconded the motion; motion carried unanimously S-0.
6. Resolution 59-06/07, A Resolution of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach County,
Florida, revising personnel policies 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13,
4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.1, 6.2, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11 ,the deletion of policy 4.11, and the
addition of policy 2.9; and providing an effective date.
Attorney Hawkins read Resolution 59-06/07 into the record.
MOTION: Vice-Mayor Watkins moved to discuss Resolution 59; Council Member Turnquest
seconded the motion; Item was opened for discussion.
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 8
IX. New Business (Con't)
Mayor Humpage explained policy changes were discussed previously. Council Member Amero
stated there were a number of issues Ms. Genco had addressed and questioned if Council would
have time to go over all the items this evening.
Village Manager Couzzo requested tabling the item.
Council Member Amero noted Ms. Genco's extensive research and would appreciate the
Manager addressing each item to ensure the Village would avoid unnecessary revisions.
Vice-Mayor Watkins agreed and thanked Ms. Genco for the time spent on the research.
Vice-Mayor Watkins withdrew her motion to approve Resolution 59; Council Member Turnquest
withdrew his second.
MOTION: Council Member Amero moved to table the Resolution; Council Member Paterno
seconded the motion; motion carried unanimously S-0.
7. Resolution 60-06/07, A Resolution of the Village Council of the Village of
Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida, to approve the Amendment of the Interim
Fire Fighters Contract
Attorney Hawkins read Resolution 60-06/07 into the record.
Human Resources Manager Merlene Reid explained the interim firefighters were on a 2 year
contract and entitled to $5,000.00 for education/State certification. She indicated there was a
Village firefighter who was State certified requesting to use the $5,000 towards health insurance
benefits instead of education. Ms. Reid noted the Fire Chief reviewed the request and felt if the
firefighter was adequately trained and renewing their contract he believed it would be beneficial
to the Village.
Council Member Turnquest asked if this would allow others to use funds toward items other than
education or health insurance. Ms. Reid confirmed the contract would be written for education
and health insurance only.
Council Member Paterno questioned if the money would be paid into the Village plan and the
interim would pay the difference. Ms. Reid confirmed yes. Council Member Paterno asked if this
would. change the Village's position as far as the firefighter being a contract person and placed
into an employee position. Ms. Reid explained interim employees are governed by specific
contracts with specific terms and conditions she then asked Attorney Hawkins to explain.
Attorney Hawkins felt Council Member Paterno raised a good point and was not sure what
Tequesta's insurance policy stated.
•
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 9
IX. New Business (Con't)
Ms. Reid confirmed she had spoken to the Insurance carrier and they stated it would be okay.
Council Member Paterno felt that this might cause the interim employee to be treated as a regular
employee and require the Village to offer other benefits as well, and he felt this could become
very difficult and involve the IRS.
Ms. Reid stated she was not aware of this situation involving the IRS and would do some
research.
Council Member Paterno advised he knew someone who was familiar with this type of situation
and would like to hear what she suggests.
Ms. Margaret Pearson, of 1 Bay Harbor Road owner of Benefitability agency, suggested the
Village researching the terms of the renewals and different ways they could be exercised; she
explained that before making a decision to research the delineation and the terms of an employee
versus a contractor. She stated she was not sure how the funds were funded and comparing the
plan year, when the plan renews vs. the eligibility of the funds to be exercised; the Village
Manager should review how the funds can be used.
Ms. Reid stated the interim employees were considered employees of the Village. Ms. Pearson
asked if they were employees under contract and questioned how the funds were paid. Mayor
Humpage expressed his opinion that Council needed to do some homework.
MOTION: Council Member Amero motioned to table the Resolution; Council Member
Paterno seconded the motion; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
8. Resolution 61-06/07, A Resolution of the Village Council of the Village of
Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida, to maintain the property appraisal rates
used to calculate the Village's property insurance at October 1, 2006 and
authorizing the Village Manager to advise the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust
accordingly.
Attorney Hawkins read Resolution 61-06/07 into the record.
MOTION: Vice-Mayor Watkins moved to discuss Resolution 61; Council Member Amero
seconded,• Item was opened for discussion.
Council Member Amero referenced the July 20 memo 2°d paragraph: "new appraised value for
the 06/07 year" and stated they were using the appraised values for the 07/08 fiscal year;
questioned why the Village would use these figures with property taxes falling; and asked if the
Village really wanted to lock these valuations in.
Council Member Paterno suggested the value of the property had decreased and will keep
. decreasing. Mayor Humpage questioned if the Village building was what was being referenced,
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 10
IX. New Business (Con't)
and if the building was valued less in August than in February. Council Member Amero stated
yes. Mayor Humpage expressed his opinion that he did not believe the building was going down
in value. Vice-Mayor Watkins responded that a property appraisal was done.
Manager Couzzo felt that there was less of a demand for construction from then to now; and
there was a possibility, if replacement was needed, that a better price could be attained.
Ms. Ellen Jones, of Gehring Group, stated this figure was for replacement cost of the building
and the figure was found half way through the issuance of the last policy; after the building was
completed, and the values had increased substantially. She explained the current insurance
carrier requested a copy of the appraisal for insurable value and accuracy in the event of a storm.
Ms. Jones concluded that the decision to the Village was either to increase or accept old values
or to retain some of the risk.
Discussion ensued.
Mayor Humpage replied he did not want to compare residential buildings with Village Hall and
if a category five hurricane came through and destroyed the Public Safety building it would be
serious numbers to replace.
MOTION: [/ice-Mayor Watkins moved to adopt Resolution 61 as written; Council Member
Amero seconded the motion; motion carried unanimously S-0.
9. Resolution 62-06/07, a Resolution of the Village Council of the Village of
Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida, Amending and Increasing the 2006/2007
Refuse & Recycling Fund #402 Budget By Increasing Revenues in Account #
402-000-343.400, Refuse And Recycling Fees In The Amount Of $14,035;
Appropriating Fund Balance in the Amount of $11,660 and Increasing the
Following Expenditures: #402-245-543.302, Solid Waste Residential -$11,935;
#402-245-543.302, Recycling Residential -$9,000; #402-245-543.304, Yard
Waste Residential $4,760
Attorney Hawkins read Resolution 62-06/07 into the record.
MOTION: Council Member Turnquest moved to discuss Resolution 62-06/07; seconded by
vice-Mayor Watkins. Item was opened for discussion.
Council Member Amero questioned this as previously under budgeted, which had been adjusted
and corrected, and we are now all on the same page.
Council Member Paterno asked where the funds would come from.
Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance, explained the money was in a fund and only money
i coming into this fund could be used to pay for this.
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 11
IX. New Business (Con't)
MOTION: Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
10. Resolution 63-06/07, a Resolution of the Village Council of the Village of
Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida, Appropriating $136,788.88 from Unreserved Fund
Balance in General Fund #001, Increasing the 2006/2007 General Fund Budget, Account Police
Patrol -Machinery and Equipment # 001-175-664.600 by $136,788.88 and Authorizing the
Village Manager to Proceed on Behalf of the Village.
Mayor Humpage read Resolution 63-06/07 into the record.
Mayor Humpage explained the funds were received in June 2006 from the League of Cities
(prior to September 30, 2006, the end of the fiscal year) and put into an undesignated fund;
radios were bought after October 1, 2006 and the money was not spent by September 30. The
funds were placed into the fund balance and the Village purchased the radios; the money was
needed from the fund to pay for them.
Council Member Paterno asked when Tequesta knew they were not going to be spending the
money why was it not put into a new budget. Manager Couzzo replied the Village did not know
and explained that the fiscal year end caused a rush to receive items prior to October 1, which
did not happen in this situation; the radios were received on October 14, but expected before
September 30. Manager Couzzo explained the date the merchandise was received was what
mattered to finance, not when merchandise was ordered. He stated if the date would have been
known, the money would have been budgeted in this fiscal year and the outcome would be the
same.
Council Member Paterno replied if finance paid for this in October, why was Council just
hearing about it. Ms. Forsythe explained that the Village borrowed money in May with plans to
spend it in 2006 but did not. Now that it was the end of the fiscal year, finance realized the
money was still out there and had now brought it to Council's attention.
Discussion ensued.
Vice-Mayor Watkins withdrew her motion to approve Resolution 63; Council Member Turnquest
withdrew his second.
Attorney Hawkins confirmed the withdrawal which authorized Manager Couzzo to cover the
expenditures from current funds within the budget; not to proceed without appropriating funds.
MOTION: Vice-Mayor Watkins moved to withdraw Resolution 63-06/07; seconded by
Council Member Turnquest; motion carried unanimously S-0.
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Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page l2
IX. New Business (Con't)
11. Recommendation to reappoint Ken Nielson to the Tequesta Public Safety
Officers' Pension Trust Fund Board
MOTION: Council Member Amero moved to recommend approval; seconded by Council
Member Paterno; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
X. Any Other Matters
Council Member Amero expressed his disappointed in the communication between the Village
and himself and did not feel he was notified properly during the boil water issue or the shooting
incident. He felt someone should be in contact with Council.
Second; he supported Council Member Paterno and was concerned about the practice of Council
questioning the Village Attorney on June 22, 2007 (possibly directed at Council Member
Paterno), and was concerned about the procedure, and felt Council should be out in the open
when discussing anything. He felt this investigation was not approved by the entire Council and
questioned why.
Attorney Hawkins explained Attorney Halverson attended the June 22 meeting concerning
comments made by Council Member Paterno possibly using the word malfeasance. He
understood the question to be if a Council Member had, in fact, knowledge suggesting
malfeasance whether they had the luxury not to come forward.
Council Member Amero asked if an issue was regarding Council and money is being spent,
Council needed to approve it.
Mayor Humpage felt that there were times when a member may have a question for the Attorney
and had the right to do so without approval of the Council.
Discussion ensued.
Third; he noticed the summer camp at Parks and Recreation was full with a waiting list; and non-
residents took places before residents. Manager Couzzo explained it was always the intent to
provide residents first choice and Parks and Recreation were in the development of a modified
program to give additional preference to residents. He noted the register period expired so spots
were given to non-residents, then residents asked after the date to join and there were no
openings.
Council Member Paterno commented that he received his email with the Managers report
summarized and liked the idea, but would prefer having the back up as well. Manager Couzzo
replied he would attach the back up for him in the future and any other member who would like
it sent as well.
Minutes -Village Council Regular Meeting 8/9/07
Page 13
X. Any Other Matters (Con't)
Council Member Paterno referenced Manager Couzzo's five year contract being up for renewal
and/or preview soon and questioned if Council was going to be discussing this. Attorney
Hawkins replied there was a compensation piece which needed to be addressed in October, as the
renewal is a five year term that may come to close; he stated he would report on it next month.
Council Member Paterno asked if Council could receive report earlier to give Council ample
time to review. Mayor Humpage responded that a copy of Manager Couzzo's contract would be
made available to Council Member Paterno.
Mayor Humpage referenced the 911 presentation at the Baptist Church Sunday and what an
enjoyable display it was, and suggested using it to start the Council meeting in September.
Council agreed it would be a welcomed start to the meetings.
XI. Adjournment
MOTION: Council Member Amero moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p. m.; seconded by
Vice-Mayor Watkins; motion carried unanimously S-0.
Respectfully submitted,
• ~ o1,i. ~"l C~,c~ t 2ua.~
Lori McWilliams, CMC
Village Clerk
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