HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/28/2014 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP April 28, 2014
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. 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 Vice Mayor
Arena; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
Vice Mayor Arena reported the success of the recent Easter egg hunt and noted incoming
suggestion to improve next year's event.
1. Discussion on Proposed Tequesta Preschool
Mayor Brennan asked if Council would be willing to consider the school as proposed.
Council, by majority voiced their support of the school and concerns for the location being
placed too close to a congested residential area. Mayor Brennan committed to call the
applicant to explain their consensus.
2. Discussion on Jupiter High School's Request for Funds for Football Stadium
Council voiced their support and appreciation for Jupiter High School but felt that it was not
Tequesta's responsibility to fund the stadium in Jupiter.
3. Discussion on Council Discretionary Funds
Manager Couzzo offered a timeline history corresponding with Council wages. Council
agreed to submit receipts in a timely manner for reimbursable items. A discussion took
place regarding an increase for the Mayor and /or the entire committee. Conclusion was to
increase discretionary funds for all positions to $2,500 menthly yearly beginning in the
upcoming budget.
4. Discussion on Status of Smoke Signals Publication
Council agreed that Smoke Signals publication was well received; limiting the edition to an
electronic version was discussed along with budgetary restraints. Council resolved to
revisit the Smoke Signal publication again in the fall.
5. Discussion - ORDINANCE 27 -13, AMENDING CHAPTER 78. ZONING. AT
ARTICLE IX. SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS, DIVISION 8. GARAGE SALES
AND OTHER OUTDOOR SALES, BY AMENDING THE TITLE OF DIVISION 8 AND
SECTIONS 78 -551 THROUGH 78 -554 TO CLARIFY AND REVISE EXISTING
REGULATIONS REGARDING THESE ACTIVITIES, AND BY CREATING AN
ENTIRELY NEW SECTION 78 -561. SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS, TO PROVIDE
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April 28, 2014
Page 2
REGULATIONS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CONDUCTING
SPECIAL EVENTS WITHIN THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY
OTHER SECTION AND SUB - SECTION OF CHAPTER 78. ZONING.
Attorney Davis offered an updated handout of Ordinance 27 -13 and explained the agenda
backup did not include his updates from the recent council meeting. Mayor Brennan stated
she would like time to look over the backup, Council agreed.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Council Member Patemo offered an article regarding the Health Departments concerns
and warnings regarding feral cats and added that the cat count in Tequesta was way
down. Attorney Davis noted there were distinct definitions distinguishing the difference
between feral cats and colony cats.
Council Member Patemo questioned developments relating to and since the previously
discussed succession planning. Council Member Okun recalled the item being halted due
to budgetary restrictions. Council Member D'Ambra asked for an updated review. Manager
Couzzo responded that the update would not change as present staffing had not varied
much. He noted that persons did not have the background or expertise or the desire to
move into management positions.
Mayor Brennan felt that general staffing was overloaded and noted the significant
decrease in staffing of 20% from six to seven years ago. Manager Couzzo agreed that
staffing was extremely tight, expressed that the building department had become more
efficient since their reorganization and commented that new hires Matt Haluck and Jim
Humpage were doing great as well. He suggested that Attorney Davis be utilized as an in-
house attorney, as he believed it could be more cost effective.
Council Member Paterno suggested additional IT help be hired. Manager Couzzo stated
that Mr. Gomberg contributed knowledge to obtain revenue producing endeavors and the
incoming monies could offset the expense of additional help. He added that JoAnn
Forsythe (Finance Director) has convincingly expressed that the Village has no extra
funds. Mayor Brennan added that finance was in need of extra help as well. Council
Member Patemo asked that Manager Couzzo develop an ancillary list of top needs.
Mayor Brennan asked what was being done to detour speeding in the Village. Manager
Couzzo responded that a tower to monitor speed was being added, he also offered to add
large signs alerting drivers of bridge limits. Council agreed that speed bumps were not a
preferred option in the Village.
Mayor Brennan explained that she had learned that the use of forfeiture funds must be
utilized after they were received and could not be used on any previous purchases.
Attorney Davis confirmed.
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April 28, 2014
Page 3
Mayor Brennan presented a handout regarding the All Aboard Florida project and offered
details and new developments concerning the project. She suggested Tequesta hold an
informational meeting for their residents on May 27, 2014. Council agreed.
ADJOURNMENT Mavor Brennan adiourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Mayo, CMC
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.