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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_09/03/2014 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 3, 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: Vice Mayor Arena moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council Member Okun, motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 1. Discussion - ORDINANCE 17 -14 AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 10. ANIMALS. ARTICLE II. DOGS AND CATS. BY CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW SEC. 10 -39. BREEDING AND SALE OF DOGS AND CATS. IN ORDER TO ADOPT NEW REGULATIONS REGARDING THE BREEDING AND SALE OF DOGS AND CATS; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 10. ANIMALS Mayor Brennan stated that she had spoken to Attorney Davis regarding Ordinance 17 -14 and asked Council for their direction. Council Member Paterno felt the ordinance was un- American and persons properly opening businesses should not be restricted. Council agreed. Consensus of Council was to not move forward with Ordinance 17 -14. 2. Budget Reviews: 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 Manager Couzzo summarized the budgets and noted specifics regarding figures up to the present date. Council Member Okun reminded Council of the safety issue at a particular Tequesta Drive bus stop and requested that money be located to produce the previously discussed lighting for the area obscured by vegetation. Council Member Paterno felt the budget had a $15,000 shortage and there was no funding for additional items. Manager Couzzo stated funds could be appropriated for the lights if Council so desired and explained the low profile lighting that had been considered. Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, suggested the lighting project be postponed for the 2014/2015 budget cycle to allow time for bids. Council discussed specific figures associated with departments along with future prospects regarding necessary positions and legal budgets. Ms. Merlene Reid, Human Resources Director, offered insight regarding high legal expenses and liability insurance associated with Village Council Workshop Minutes September 3, 2014 Page 2 the Village's legal needs and explained the insurance was more cost effective to the Village. Manager Couzzo felt staff had utilized the attorneys more than what he believed was actually necessary, which had incurred unnecessary costs. He noted that department heads were asked to inquire with administration for answers before utilizing the Village attorneys. Ms. Forsythe summarized the budget and noted Florida Statute rulings which were associated with Council decisions and the budget. She explained that Michelle Gload (Senior Accountant) analyzed spending closely and alerted departments along with the Village Manager when necessary. Manager Couzzo explained that he also looked at the budget daily, and that some expenses were unexpected and unavoidable. Vice Mayor Arena asked how many departments had gone over budget. Manager Couzzo responded that none had, with the exception of legal. Ms. Forsythe advised that there were many departmental amendments and suggested they be monitored more closely and disallowed. She also felt that no additional Capital items should be bought outside of the defined budget and that management training regarding budgets would be beneficial. Council Member D'Ambra suggested quarterly budget meetings be held with staff. Manager Couzzo agreed. Ms. Reid suggested any person requesting a budget amendment be required to explain the reason. Council Member Patemo felt the Village had already imposed a 20% tax increase over the past two years. Mayor Brennan reminded Council that the rate had fallen for many consecutive years and needs could not be met at that pace. Council Member Patemo suggested cutting the Military-To -Main- Street (MTMS) initiative as he felt it was bad management and funds were going toward persons that could not be hired. He then stated that he preferred budget savings to balance out the need for a tax increase. Manager Couzzo reported that the budget was very close and more budgetary trimming would cause staff to return to Council to request more money. Council Member D'Ambra suggested addressing some very serious Capital needs with some of the incoming revenue to free up some of the budget deficiencies such as the sale of Remembrance Park. Manager Couzzo stated that the Village had a request in with the Treasury Department regarding ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) funds of approximately $267,000 awarded to the Village. He explained that the money would be used specifically for the police department. Council Member Patemo suggested the funds be placed in the Capital Fund and spent over the long term. Mayor Brennan confirmed the plan to spend $80,000 on police cars. Ms. Forsythe reminded Council they could not budget money they did not currently have on hand. 3. Discussion Regarding Creating an Annual Performance Review for the Village Manager Mayor Brennan offered a draft appraisal specific to the Village Manager which, per Attomey Davis needed full Council consensus to move forward or, it must go through a regular Council meeting vote.