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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_12/29/2014 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 29, 2014 Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:02 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. Mayor Brennan led the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. She then asked that item five be removed from the agenda; support was not received, the request died. Mr. Ralston, 407 Beacon Street voiced his gratitude and commended Tequesta's fire department on a recent call that was required at his home. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Vice Mayor Arena, motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 1. Discuss Tequesta Park Non -Ad Valorem Sewer Assessment Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director offered an explanation of the Village's budgetary obligations and the two options with regards to the assessment. She noted the cost was approximately $19,000 for payment made in full or installment payments which would accrue 6.875% interest. Mr. Greg Corbitt, Director of Parks and Recreation, noted a possible park property adjacent to the Jupiter lighthouse the Village could possibly acquire but explained there were many hurdles in obtaining the land. Council Member Paterno pointed out that the land held rare vegetation which had stringent protective guidelines and could add to the difficulty in developing the area. Ms. Forsythe explained that a decision was needed since terms of the Village's agreement could be affected if too much time passed and, the assessment was due in May 2015. Mr. Corbitt noted many features of the park and pointed out the approximate maintenance figures of $100,000 versus $8,000 in revenues. Council Member Paterno felt the park was of great benefit to the residents and voiced his support for the Village continuing with their agreement associated with the park property. He also felt the process could take years to obtain an alternate property, which may not be the best decision. Council discussed options associated with the park property such as releasing the lease, grant and enhancement funding and appointed law enforcement to patrol events. Manager Couzzo stated a mutual agreement with the Sheriff could be an option. Council agreed that it was not a well known park and felt more promotions could increase attendance along with a backup option for the yearly Tequesta Fest. Minutes - Special Meeting December 29, 2014 Page 2 Council and Manager Couzzo discussed labor options through Village staff and obtaining quotes for comparison purposes for the sewage project. Mr. Corbitt advised that he would put some of his ideas and suggestions in writing for Council to review. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 39 -14 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, REDUCING THE BUDGET IN THE 2014/2015 SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT FUND #605 BY $325,040.00 AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Resolution title was read by Assistant to the Clerk Deanna Mayo. Chief Elg noted that the three resolutions on tonight's agenda were linked to one another and explained the auction process utilized to surplus the Village's used vehicles. Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, gave details regarding the cash flow. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Resolution 39 -14; seconded by Council Member D'Ambra, motion carried unanimously 5-0. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 40 -14, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, INCREASING THE GENERAL FUND #001 2014/2015 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $289,660.00 TO FUND THE PURCHASE OF POLICE VEHICLES AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Resolution title was read by Assistant to the Clerk Deanna Mayo. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Resolution 40-14, seconded by Vice Mayor Arena, motion carried unanimously 5-0. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 41 -14, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, AWARDING A CONTRACT TO DON REID FORD OF MAITLAND, FLORIDA, FOR THE PURCHASE OF SEVEN FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR UTILITY VEHICLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $235,000.00 AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE APPLICABLE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Resolution title was read by Assistant to the Clerk Deanna Mayo. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Resolution 41 -14, seconded by Vice Mayor Arena, motion carried unanimously 5-0. Minutes - Special Meeting December 29, 2014 Page 3 5. ORDINANCE 2 -15. FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING AN INCREASE IN THE ANNUAL SALARY FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL MEMBERS; PROVIDING THAT SAID SALARY INCREASE SHALL NOT BE EFFECTIVE DURING THE CURRENT TERM OF ANY COUNCIL MEMBER IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2.01 OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA CHARTER; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE AND A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Assistant to the Clerk Deanna Mayo read Ordinance tile 2 -15 into the record. Council Member D'Ambra offered clarification on a recent article relating to Ordinance 2 -15 and that the salary had remained unchanged for 26 years. Council Member Patemo questioned the health insurance made available to members and voiced his feelings that the position was more of a volunteer position to represent residents and, an opportunity to give back. He stated his preference was to leave the salary as is. Vice Mayor Arena believed raising council's salary was as difficult as raising taxes but, the increase was not out of line. Manager Couzzo explained that health insurance had been discussed previously and had been agreed that all council members could obtain insurance, through the Village, at the member's expense. Council Member Patemo also suggested that special meetings be utilized as he believed was originally intended, for urgency, as they had been held too often for items that could wait. MOTION: Council Member Patemo moved to dismiss Ordinance 2 -15, seconded by Council Member Okun; motion failed 2 -3 with Mayor Brennan, Council Member D'Ambra and Vice Mayor Arena opposed. Mr. Ralston, 407 Beacon Street voiced his support on raising council's salary and his disappointment that all members were not in unison on the topic. Council Member Patemo suggested the topic go before a Charter review committee and a percentage increase set in lieu of a specific amount. Council Member D'Ambra voiced his support for the increase and felt an option to offer funds back to the Village was permissible if a member so desired. He stated the item would never be an easy discussion and suggested it be re- addressed after the election. Attorney Trela White explained that she rarely saw a salary number specified and felt an escalator was a better option. She suggested the Ordinance be withdrawn and placed on the April agenda as to include any new member(s) in the discussion. Council Member D'Ambra voiced his concern for an escalator or routine increase of any kind and felt changes should always be discussed. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved to withdraw Ordinance 2 -15 from the regular agenda and set it for a workshop in April 2015, seconded by Council Member Patemo; motion carried unanimously 5-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Patemo voiced his opinion that a utility director was needed to assist the Village Manager. Manager Couzzo suggested a deputy director for the utilities and public works departments as he felt this would better suit Tequesta and offer opportunity for growth and Minutes - Special Meeting December 29, 2014 Page 4 advancement. He also noted that the present job pool was limited on expertise needed for the director's position. Council Member Patemo questioned rumors associated with the US1 corridor and Council's decisions. Mayor Brennan responded that a letter sent to all residents stated that no decisions had been made; that Council had decided to move forward with the project and that the project was in the early stages. Council Member D'Ambra referenced a workshop on Remembrance Park he had missed and felt the item required further discussion. He believed the Village did not have the funds to develop the parcel and the sale would make other projects possible. Council Member D'Ambra questioned progress of the Tequesta Drive water line replacement project and, when fire would provide their actuarial assessment to Council. Manager Couzzo responded that design work was being completed on the Tequesta Drive project and that there had been no word from fire. Council Member Patemo voiced his opinion that Council already discussed Remembrance Park at the previous meeting and he did not support speaking repeatedly about the item or any items as he felt it was wasted time when too many pending discussions were necessary. Mayor Brennan disagreed and felt the item was left open. She favored the sale of the property and supported the funds used to enhance other Village properties. Council Member Paterno stated that Mayor Brennan was the only member who desired the item remain open. Vice Mayor Arena stated he had been approached regarding the Jupiter Seafood Festival taking place at Paradise Park, at no cost to Tequesta. He felt that the event would possibly be held in March and could tie in with Council Member D'Ambra's vision for " Tequesta Days ". He then noted specifics discussed with Jupiter and Council discussed past Village events and changes for future particulars along with locations and resident costs. Mr. Greg Corbitt, Director of Parks and Recreation, noted he was familiar with Jupiter's proposition. Manager Couzzo advised he would get with Mr. Corbitton details. Vice Mayor Arena also noted that Jupiter would carry the necessary insurance. Council Member Patemo replied that he would like more information. Manager Couzzo responded to council's concerns and noted the several stipulations placed into the recently updated Code which also specified applications were to be submitted 45 days prior to any event. He explained the application would be reviewed by Village staff before Council's final approval. Mayor Brennan confirmed that Council had final say even if that was denial. Attorney White noted that the item was not part of the evening's agenda therefore could not be voted on, although; a consensus may be obtained. Council Member Patemo voiced he was not sure about this particular event. Mayor Brennan stated the process should move forward with and the application brought back to Council for approval. Mayor Brennan commented on a discussion in October 2014 when Council supported an analysis that would look at the management structure of the Village and include the Council. She noted her support of the $6,000 diagnostic review and voiced concern for the recent staff surrey which showed dissatisfaction. Minutes - Special Meeting December 29, 2014 Page 5 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 7:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1 14 �b 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.