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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_07/10/2014 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA REGULAR MEETING , JULY 10, 2014 q .. y . �i CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice-Mayor Arena offered the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0. PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation of Resolution 2014-007 — A Resolution of the Florida Association of City Clerks Expressing Appreciation to the Village of Tequesta, Florida for Supporting the Role of Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, MMC, as President of the Florida Association of City Clerks for 2013-2014, and Expressing Gratitude for Sharing her Time with the ("FACC") Membership Mayor Brennan introduced Audrey Sikes, MMC, City Clerk, Lake City and President of FACC (Florida Association of City Clerks) who introduced FACC members' attending tonight's meeting and read Resolution 2014-007. She then thanked the Village Manager and Council for their support of Clerk Lori McWilliams and of FACC. 2. Presentation of Resolution 2014-008 — A Resolution of the Florida Association of City Clerks Expressing Appreciation to Lori McWilliams, MMC, Village Clerk for the Village of Tequesta, for her Outstanding Leadership and Performance as FACC President for 2013-2014 Audrey Sikes, FACC (Florida Association of City Clerks) President thanked Clerk Lori McWilliams for her dedication and her inspiration during her presidency in FACC and read Resolution 2014-008. Clerk McWilliams thanked the FACC for all they offer their members and her experience through the association and their constituents. Mayor Brennan expressed her admiration for Clerk McWilliams knowledge and efforts in the Village and thanked her on behalf of the Village Council. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0 with items seven and eight pulled for discussion. Village Council Minutes July 10, 2014 Page 2 3. MINUTES — 6/2/14 Workshop, 6/12/14 Regular Meeting, 6/18/14 Workshop 4. Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager under $25,000 a. InSource Solutions — 1 Year Software Support Maintenance $4,975.10 Agreement for Water Plant b. Martin Fence Co. Agreement for Repairs to the Tequesta Park $ 620.00 Tennis Courts c. SimplexGrinnell Service Agreement for Repairs to Sprinklei $ 616.00 Systems d. JMZ Tequesta Properties, Inc. and the Village of Tequesta ��q Lease Extension Agreement 5. Council Approval of Agreement Between the Village of Tequesta and Palm Beach County Interlocal Cooperation Agreement to Participate in the Community Development Block Grant for FY 2015, 2016 and 2016 6. Approve 14 Annual Run-4-The-Pies Race Course Change END OF CONSENT AGENDA 7. Council Approval to Award Contract to Xylem for Purchase of a Godwin Portable Generator in the Amount of $54,507.65 Nate Litteral, Water Plant Superintendent explained that the original first bidder was unable to fulfill their obligation and staff moved forward and selected the second bidder. MOTION: Council Member Paterno moved approval; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 8. Approve Setting the Proposed Ad Valorem Millage Rate for the Village of Tequesta for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 at a rate of 6.2920 Mils per $1,000.00 of assessed value and setting the Budget Public Hearings as follows: September 11, 2014 — 6:00 p.m. — Approve Tentative Budget; and September 18, 2014 — 6:00 p.m. — Approve Final Budget Council Member Paterno questioned the increase and expressed his understanding that there would not be one. Mayor Brennan responded with her recollection of Council's recent discussions and explained how the proposed projection number was determined. She noted assumptions from the finance department and her understanding that the 2015 budget would be a zero based budget with no funds from reserve and, that the Village reserve could be $135,000 less than the policy mandated. Mayor Brennan noted additional details from the finance director's analysis, explained there were many variables that could change the budget and pointed out that the taaces had not been raised during the entire economic downfall. Council Member Paterno voiced his disappointment and felt Council was told the fund balance was in good condition for many years and was now labeled as a problem. He commented that Village Council Minutes July 10, 2014 Page 3 the action showed bad faith and was inappropriate to raise taxes again. He suggested reserves should be rebuilt gradually. Mayor Brennan reminded Council they had, in fact, lowered taxes over the years and that Council would lower this proposed increase if at all possible. Vice Mayor Arena felt the Village should have been raising taxes gradually all along; they did not but lowered them twice in the last 10 years. Council Member Okun supported moving forward with the increase and stated the figure was an adjustable number which could not be exceeded. Council Member D'Ambra voiced his understanding that tax bills had decreased due to the decline in property values and citizens were frustrated with doing less and expected their government to do the same. He concluded that he was an adamant supporter of no increase, however, felt this proposed rate allowed the Village flexibility. MOTION: Vice Mayor Arena moved approval; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried 4-1 with Council Member Paterno opposed. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Joe Petrick, CWA Local Representative and Village employee, offered to answer Council questions regarding bargaining and stated the union proposal was at bare minimum and, felt a lack of productivity regarding the negations to the contract which had expired in October 2013. Mayor Brennan responded that an Executive Session would be held after the Council meeting and that Council was unable to speak about the current negotiations. Mr. Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court, questioned the two week time frame regarding permit approvals. He suggested a list of approved doors be listed in the department to expedite the process. He then asked why local agencies were not aware of outstanding warrants and suggested all agencies be linked with the same warrant knowledge. Mayor Brennan asked the Police Chief to provide a report concerning Mr. Taylor's concern regarding warrants and suggested Manager Couzzo look into the particulars of the building department issue. Council Member Paterno agreed with Mr. Taylor and stated the permitting department was under poor management and Council would need to ensure changes. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Paterno referenced an article regarding whistle blowers and supported appropriate corrections on any claim being brought forward. He felt covering up only brought about bigger issues. Council Member Okun commended the Village's communication center staff and the license plate recognition system in coordination with a recent recovered stolen vehicle. He also applauded the two officers who stepped up during the propane gas leak. Village Council Minutes July 10, 2014 Page 4 Mayor Brennan commented that the propane gas leak was extremely well covered by the public safety department. Council Member Paterno stated that officers were often taken for granted and should be acknowledged. Mayor Brennan noted that St. Jude's Church opened a shelter for those who required evacuation and teamed with the Red Cross to accomplish an amazing support system for those in need during the gas tank event. STANDING REPORTS Villaqe Attornev Attorney Davis noted the following: • A written response to Amerigas regarding the tanks location and cost recoveries • A finalized water sharing agreement with Jupiter Island • Paradise Park lease renewal (to include taxes and insurance) • The upcoming IOG funding litigation • The final code updates • A speaking engagement at Florida League of Cities conference regarding: o Sunshine Law o Public Records Law o Information Technology • Current pension issue and speaking with the pension attorney Villaqe Manaqer Manager Couzzo advised that the Amerigas tank which had recently leaked resulting in evacuation and chaos held grandfather rulings in code as it was zoned in the 1960s. Council Member Okun questioned Homeland Security regulations. Manager Couzzo added that alternate options were being explored. REGULAR AGENDA NEW BUSINESS 9. Approval of Verizon Cell Tower Agreement for 136 Bridge Road (Public Works Facility) Brad Gomberg, IT Manager offered a time line of events relating to Verizon and noted they had requested installation at both cell towers within the Village; one at the water plant and one at the public works facility. He then noted representatives from Verizon were in attendance. Council Member Paterno questioned the lease termination clause. Attorney Davis explained Verizon's stance was to maintain a yearly option regarding termination in all their lease agreements. Mr. Gomberg noted details of the agreements and payment structure of $36,000 annually on the 901 North Dixie and $30,000 annually (paid monthly) for the Public Works location. 10. Approval of Verizon Cell Tower Agreement for 901 North Dixie Highway (Water Treatment Plant) Village Council Minutes July 10, 2014 Page 5 MOT/ON: Council Member Okun moved approval of items nine and ten; seconded by Council Member D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member D'Ambra noted enhancements and restructuring of local roads and the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) plans for the Tequesta area. He pointed out his past and planned meetings with them to discuss Tequesta visions including a boulevard concept. Council Member D'Ambra offered details regarding responsibilities of Tequesta and adjacent municipalities. Council Member Paterno clarified details associated with the release of Tequesta Park. He noted that alternate agencies would have dibs on the property beginning with the State followed by any State University, counties, cities and/or private entities. Mayor Brennan felt the park offered green space to the Village and was part of the Comprehensive Plan and it did not make sense to let it go. Council Member Okun stated the Village's investment in Tequesta Park ball fields was expensive to maintain and suggested leaving it as a passive park to reduce the costs. Mayor Brennan asked that the Manager perform a cost analysis. Council Member D'Ambra suggested the Village seek funding to enhance the park as he felt the condition and maintenance was an important asset of the property. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice- Mayor Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, � �. � � �I�,�; i���,-. ;.� 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. �/, ,�,,,�„ r'/��