HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_08/11/2014 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP AUGUST 11, 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
Items were heard out of original agenda order.
1. Presentation on Highway US 1 Road Project
Kim Delaney, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, Strategic Development
Coordinator, explained the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) lane reduction
program and resurfacing plans for fiscal year 2018. She noted specifics to the plan and
programs available to the Village in coordination with their corridor improvements. Ms.
Delaney suggested multiple projects and options to assist Tequesta with the project.
Ms. Delaney offered to have someone from her Council attend the September 11, 2014
Council meeting and felt that offered time for Council to discuss their direction. Council
suggested a table be set up at the Tequesta Fest in November for resident input. Ms.
Delaney recommended Tequesta gather and develop as much specifics for the corridor
as possible and stated adjustments could make Tequesta corridor to an earlier time if
the FDOT felt a resident supported plan was in place.
Ms. Delaney noted positives related to a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
being created in the Village and, benefits such as freezing assessed property values
and a bondable revenue source for diverting tax dollars to the CRA (for designated
purposes) versus P.B. County.
3. Discuss Rescheduling the September 1, 2014 (Labor Day) Workshop
(NOTE: September 8, 2014 is the same week as the Regular Council
Meeting
Consensus of Council was to hold the workshop on September 3, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
August 11, 2014
Page 2
2. Update on the Existing 2013/2014 Budget
Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director noted that the revenues were on target, and the
Water department budget was down five percent (possibly rainy season related) and
offered departmental details associated with budget over spending. Manager Couzzo
noted dynamics associated with lawsuits and the legal (labor attorney) being high and
the police departments overtime expenses were from being short staffed. He felt both
expenses were headed in a more balanced direction.
Council Member Patemo voiced concern with expenses related to MTMS (Military-to-
Main- Street). Merlene Reid, Human Resource Director offered clarity in relation to the
development of candidate contracts which compelled both attorneys involvement.
Manager Couzzo noted additional funding on the project and stated he would bring
further updates to Council once it became available from Chief Elg. Council Member
Patemo felt the Village should not directly solicit businesses for donations and
suggested announcing the request on the Village website which would allow donators to
financially support the MTMS program without pressure.
Council Member D'Ambra questioned the proposal from Tequesta Shoppes regarding
satisfaction to a Village imposed lien and a reduced settlement to include enhanced
landscape at the shopping center. Manager Couzzo responded that he would speak to
Attorney Keith Davis regarding the specifics.
Mayor Brennan questioned the status of the Village's required two months reserve fund.
Ms. Forsythe responded that there had been no change and the fund remained in
arrears.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Council Member D'Ambra questioned the IAFF (International Association of Fire
Fighters) proposal and the actuary's opinion regarding upcoming costs versus benefits.
Merlene Reid, Human Resource Director responded that Mr. Michael Tierney of
Actuarial Concepts would not answer any actuarial questions without first contracting a
meeting with Council to better understand their opinions and desired direction.
Consensus of Council was to hold a remote meeting with Mr. Tierney on August 18 at
5:30 p.m. or, bring him into the Village if that was Mr. Tierney's prerequisite. Ms. Reid
responded that she would coordinate the meeting.
Mayor Brennan reported a movement of the Palm Beach County Commissioners
regarding the South Florida Regional Council and the belief that Palm Beach County
was closer to Broward/Miami -Dade area and should be incorporated. She felt Tequesta
should remain in the Treasure Coast and stated she and Council Member Paterno
would continue to follow the development. Council Member Patemo voiced his
understanding that the movement would dilute Palm Beach County input.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
August 11, 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 8.34 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.