HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/30/2014 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP JUNE 30, 2014
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Assistant to the
Village Clerk Deanna Mayo. 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. Review of IT Budget
Brad Gomberg, IT Manager, offered details associated with the IT budget and noted there
were upgrades, renewals with no extreme increases. Council questioned future plans and
existing numbers. Mr. Gomberg explained that he was working with finance to produce an
IT expense report and he would provide that to the Manager soon.
Council asked Mr. Gomberg to state his needs. He responded that the present work load
did not require an additional full time person, which had been offered to him from Manager
Couzzo but, he felt assistance from the vendors which held experience and familiarity with
Village equipment would be helpful several hours per week. Council agreed and asked Mr.
Gomberg to come back with a proposal for their review.
A midlevel hire in the department, key man insurance for it and additional budget
resources were discussed.
2. Review of Community Development Budget
Manager Couzzo noted that the Village was in search of a director to oversee the
department and a part time permit person. He stated the director may be a difficult
placement as knowledge, licensing and certification to cover Planning and Zoning with
Community Development was a tall order. Ms. Merlene Reid, Human Resources Director,
recommended reevaluation in two weeks to give the Village time to receive applications for
the position.
Manager Couzzo went over past and future budgetary figures and noted that the Code
department would be moving from the police facility and police budget to Community
Development.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
June 30, 2014
Page 2
3. Overview of Entire 2014/2015 Budget
Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director offered details associated with the budget and noted
that all department heads had signed off. Manager Couzzo highlighted events and
changes to the revenue side. Council Member D'Ambra suggested property sale funds be
utilized toward IT needs and felt Tequesta Park may be necessary to meet green space
requirements. Mayor Brennan voiced concern that losing Paradise Park would affect green
space. Manager Couzzo stated he would research information concerning grant money
and green space requirements. He also noted he would check on receipt of the appraisals
for the Seabrook Road property
Council Member Okun felt Tequesta did not need to maintain the park to the level they had
become accustomed too. Council Member Patemo suggested Martin County be notified
that their assistance was considered necessary in maintaining the park for their resident
use. He also stated he would contact Senator Joe Negron to ask for possible funding
support.
Council Member Patemo noted services through the League of Cities who currently offer
inexpensive software programs such as resource management and planning and zoning
and suggested Brad Gomberg research the option for Tequesta.
Council Member Patemo questioned reimbursement possibilities from the recent gas tank
leak. Mayor Brennan brought up the All Aboard Florida venture and multiple trains traveling
past the antiquated tank. Council Member D'Ambra felt legal action should be initiated to
cover Tequesta. Manager Couzzo noted a scheduled meeting in the morning regarding the
issue.
Manager Couzzo continued his review of the budget. Council discussed the contingency
figure. Ms. Forsythe noted a possible deficit of $130,000 from the current numbers.
Council Member Patemo suggested placing the $90,000 from the contingency into capital
funds. He also believed the police budget had overage. Mayor Brennan suggested the
$90,000 being placed in Fund Balance.
4. Reconciliation of 535 Plan
Manager Couzzo went over his 535 conceptual plan handout which showed a projection to
include revenue growing at five percent and expenses lowered at three percent over a five
year span. Council Member Patemo questioned the expenses highlighted in the plan and
suggested they be amortized over time. Mayor Brennan pointed out that an additional
$488,000 would need to be achieved in 2016 for the plan to work.
Manager Couzzo stated the Verizon contract would be added revenue, and noted there
were many variables and options for Council to consider regarding future budgets.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
There were none.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
June 30, 2014
Page 3
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Okun moved to adjourn, seconded by Vice Mayor
Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:20 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.