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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/02/2014 (2) MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP JUNE 2, 2014 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, 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. 1. Introduction and Discussion with Board of Adjustment and Historical Preservation Committee Applicants Clerk McWilliams noted that applicant Richard Evan was in attendance and Mr. Cochran, whom had intended to be present, was not. Mr. Evan introduced himself and offered a brief history on his time in Tequesta along with his previous experience and background associated with his desire to apply. Clerk McWilliams explained the roll and expectations of the board. Council Member Paterno asked about Mr. Evan's specific goals and mission. Mr. Evan responded with his philosophy regarding variances, hardships and, procedures versus an applicant's request. 2. Discussion Regarding No Through Traffic and Axle Restrictions on the Tequesta Bridge - Ordinance 9 -10 Mayor Brennan noted that this particular discussion had to be postponed as Police Chief Elg could not be present at tonight's meeting. Manager Couzzo advised that the item would be scheduled to a time to be determined in the future. Council agreed Clerk McWilliams would reach out to the local Chambers and ask them to sponsor and organize the event. 3. Discussion on Shop and Dine Tequesta Clerk McWilliams noted her recent discussion with a local shop owner who voiced their concerns and ideas for increasing retail business after season and during the summer months. McWilliams suggested a "Shop and Dine" event be developed and supported by placing all Village participants on the Village website. She noted that it would be difficult for her department to keep all the businesses on the web due to continual changes in the local businesses whether it be ownership or economic. Village Council Workshop Minutes June 2, 2014 Page 2 Council Member Okun felt helping local business was important and that the recent suggestion made by Council Member D'Ambra regarding sponsorship of Tequesta Days was a great option as well. Vice Mayor Arena suggested one Saturday per month be utilized for the suggested shop and dine event. Council Member ' D'Ambra elaborated the experience of his home town event which encouraged foot traffic into existing business areas and did not require shop owners to transport their goods to separate locations. Clerk McWilliams explained that the shop and dine event would be advertised at different Tequesta summer events to promote shopping at the local shops. She also referenced the Shop Local yearly event which offered revenue to shop owners but stated it was not enough. Council offered their feelings, opinions and support. Council Member Paterno felt caution should be taken regarding the Village's contribution of any type of asset including staff time. He noted historical occurrences when Tequesta supported promotion of the local businesses and helped to get the ball rolling but he felt once the responsibility was theirs it appeared interest was lost. 4. Discussion on HDHSA Policy Proposal Manager Couzzo advised that the HDHSA item would be scheduled to a time to be determined in the future. 5. Discussion on Chief Weinand Existing Contract Extension for Two Months — Manager Couzzo noted changes to Chief Weinand's employment agreement and the intention to develop and approve a one year contract to follow the short term agreement at hand. 6. Discussion on Off Street Parking Code Ordinance — ORDINANCE 41 -13 AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 46. MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, AT ARTICLE III. PARKING, STOPPING OR STANDING, BY CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW DIVISION 2. TO BE ENTITLED "PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, TRUCKS AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES "; RELOCATING AND UPDATING SAID REGULATIONS FROM CHAPTER 78 ARTICLE IX, DIVISION 11; AND ALSO RELOCATING AND UPDATING RELEVANT DEFINITIONS FROM CHAPTER 78 ARTICLE I Attorney Davis summarized the changes made to Ordinance 41 -13. Council Member Okun questioned height requirements of motor homes. Attorney Davis responded that the code only addressed width and length regulations. Council Member Patemo expressed his understanding of the affect to setback requirements from the designated parking stipulations. Attorney Davis noted the details regarding screening procedures and setbacks had been previously discussed and set by Council in the code. Village Council Workshop Minutes June 2, 2014 Page 3 ANY OTHER MATTERS Vice Mayor Arena suggested travel over Tequesta's bridge be permitted by stickers placed on landscape vehicles/trailers. He explained that the Village licensing application would also require the signature of any Tequesta residents whom had a working relationship with a lawn care person. Council Member D'Ambra presented the following recommendations: • Tequesta Park be returned to Martin County to free Tequesta of the $100,000 now expended on the park • Sell Remembrance Park • Increase water rates • Eliminate surcharge on water rates to Village residents Council Member D'Ambra voiced his disconcert that Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC) had been paying less for utilities than Village residents. Council Member Paterno expressed his preference to oppose a tax increase but stated he would be more open if expenditures were monitored more sternly with a balanced budget before a tax increase was considered. Mayor Brennan mentioned the intentions previously regarding development of financial spread sheets before evaluating the budget as a whole. Mayor Brennan felt the budget meeting be scheduled and suggested that chiefs of fire and police be included to discuss their budgetary needs separately and that the finance director be present at all budget meetings. Council Members discussed upcoming meeting dates and settled on the following budget meeting dates, for the following departments: • June 18, 6:00 PM — Police • June 23, 6:00 PM — Chief Weinand • June 23, 7:00 PM — Nate Litteral from the Water Plant and Mark McClintock for Storm Water • June 30, 7:00 PM — Human Resources, Finance, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Clerk, and Public Works Public Hearing: • September 11 —1 Public Hearing • September 18 — 2 nd Final adoption Mayor Brennan requested the finance director Ms. JoAnn Forsythe be present at all the upcoming budget related meetings. Council Member Paterno asked for details regarding the recent building department issue. Manager Couzzo stated that accuracy with time keeping and billing was found to be inconsistent between the inspectors, a difference in record keeping existed and, adjustments had been made to correct the issue. Attorney Davis added that anonymous information had been received and was also part of the situation. Manager Couzzo believed the majority of the problem had been worked out, although; MT Causley had resigned. He reassured Council that the Village had options which would be explored before the 90 day transition ended. Village Council Workshop Minutes June 2, 2014 Page 4 Council Member Paterno expressed his understanding that the department had personality issues which in turn caused turbulence for customers. Mayor Brennan felt problems in the department had continued for far too long and the need for an internal director existed. She felt a director would be much more efficient and benefit the Village through their community involvement. Council Member Paterno suggested the department undergo a total conversion. Manager Couzzo explained that numerous solutions had been attempted and more proficiency was required in the department. He felt the experience must require familiarity with both planning and zoning and building, capability of managing both, not as a building official but as a manager. Council Member Paterno suggested drastic measures be taken to get the department up to par. Mayor Brennan supported selling Remembrance Park and Station 11 with the revenues benefitting Constitution Park. Council Member Okun responded that the Village required a three to five year plan and expressed his concern for devoid of a plan. Manager Couzzo replied that he was in the process of developing a five year strategic plan and it would be complete in the next few weeks. Council Member D'Ambra expressed his feeling regarding the Villages' senior staff and the void of an assistant Village Manager. Vice Mayor Arena expressed the need to change a recurring Village habit where conversations occurred regarding "not spending ", then were closely followed by large purchases. Mayor Brennan asked for an update on Military -To- Main - Street (MTMS). Council Member Paterno felt enough effort had been put into the initiative and it was time to let it go. He stated resources must be committed to and benefit the Village residents. Council Member Okun voiced his perception that the Village had not begun to receive the benefits of the initiative as of yet, and the decision to include the veterans scholarship program had generated a $15,000 sponsorship fund (through the efforts of Attorney Davis) with additional funds forthcoming. Council Member D'ambra suggested potential applicants received to date be retained for future needs relating to MTMS. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Brennan adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, c (Y) �-- Lori McWilliams, MMC 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.