HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/23/2014 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP JUNE 23, 2014
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order 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 arrived at
6:24.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
*Items were heard out of original agenda order; fire budget (item 2) was heard first.
2. Review of Fire Department Budget
Fire Chief Weinand reported revenue was up five percent and there were no major changes
within the budget. He offered details and suggestions associated with the budget, a handout
showing comparisons of operations for other Palm Beach fire departments and noted that
Capt. Burnsed would retire the end of July 2015 and the position would be filled internally.
1. Discussion Traffic Axle Restrictions on Tequesta Drive Bridge
Chief Elg noted that regulatory signs would be too wordy and drivers would not have time to
read and know Village restrictions. Chief Elg then explained the following:
• Weight Standard
• Axle restriction
• Create a local traffic only
Vice Mayor Arena suggested trailers be permitted by sticker, with residential verification that
the company did work at their home. Council Member Paterno felt the original intention was to
reduce truck traffic and suggested leaving the traffic route as is. Chief Elg stated he would not
recommend stickers as he felt that process was too time consuming.
Consensus of Council was to leave the restriction as is with sign verbiage simplified per Chief
Elg and an additional sign placed at Riverside Drive.
3. Review of Water and Storm Water Budget
Nathan Litteral, Water Plant Superintendent provided a summary of the plants projects, the
facility's procedures and operations and answered Council questions. Ms. Michelle Gload,
Senior Accountant, offered budget clarity and Manager Couzzo explained the Village's
Engineering contract with Arcadis.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
June 23, 2014
Page 2
Council Member Paterno suggested hiring a Water Utility Director. Mr. Litteral noted two new
positions for the plant - maintenance technician and relief operator.
Manager Couzzo noted that Mark McClintock could not attend tonight to represent Storm
Water. Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, questioned Council's desire regarding storm
water fees and noted there were no major projects scheduled. Manager Couzzo noted four
minor projects under drainage maintenance totaling $275,000. Mayor Brennan suggested the
problem areas be addressed in the current budget as she felt they were priority. She also felt
the Village should speak to the County regarding the drainage issue on Old Dixie and possible
repair to that area as well.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Council Member Paterno voiced his frustrations with areas on Tequesta Drive not up to Village
code standards and noted details he felt needed to be more aggressively addressed.
Mayor Brennan noted her conversation with the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation)
regarding AAF (All Aboard Florida). She also mentioned that the Community Development
budget and total costs for Tequesta Fest figures would be completed for Council information by
Manager Couzzo. She offered additional information and asked for Council support regarding
Council Member D'Ambra's involvement with AAF.
Council Member Okun voiced his opinion that Tequesta Park should remain Tequesta's park
with the maintenance responsibility transferred to JTAA (Jupiter Tequesta Athletic
Association).
ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Arena moved to adjourn; seconded by Council Member Okun.
The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 8:53
P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
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.