HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_03/08/2001
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
Post Office Box 3273 250 Tequesta Drive Suite 300
Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 (561) 575-6200
Fax: (561) 575-6203
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 8, 2001
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Tequesta Village Council held a meeting at the Village
Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Thursday,
March 8, 2001. The meeting was called to order at 7:02
P.M. by Mayor Joseph N. Capretta. A roll call was taken
• by Betty Laur, Recording Secretary. Councilmembers present
were: Mayor Joseph N. Capretta, Vice Mayor Elizabeth A.
Schauer, Councilmember Basil E. Dalack, Councilmember
Geraldine Genco, and Councilmember Sharon Walker. Also in
attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo,
Assistant Village Manager and Village Clerk Joann
Manganiello, and Department Heads. Village Attorney John
C. Randolph arrived at 7:12 p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Walker gave the Invocation and led those in
attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
Flag.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Dalack expressed his opinion that the agenda
items pertaining to the move of Public Safety was
premature, since that had not been on the agenda he
received on Friday, and the proper agenda was not received
Recycled Paper
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 2
until Monday, which he believed was not timely enough for
the public to know the agenda items. Councilmember Dalack
expressed his opinion that the cost of the proposed move,
approximating a quarter of a million dollars, ought to be
deferred until such time as the auditor's financial report
was completed. Vice Mayor Schauer requested addition under
Any Other Matters of an update of the renovation of Jupiter
High School. Councilmember Genco requested items D, E, F,
and G be pulled from the Consent Agenda, requested addition
of comments under Any Other Matters, and stated her other
comments would come up under New Business. Councilmember
Walker requested addition under Any Other Matters of an
update as to creation of future neighborhood parks,
revision of FEMA flood maps, the Stormwater Utilities
Director position, the October 1999 sewer agreement, and
a request for the status of the YMCA. Village Manager
• Couzzo commented the Village Attorney was not present but
reported that the Village Attorney that afternoon had
requested under New Business VII (8) and (9) be removed.
Mr. Dalack referred to the agenda in his book which was not
the same as the items under discussion, and it was
explained that in error the February 8, 2001 agenda had
been placed in the books for the Village Council; however,
the March 8, 2001 agenda had been distributed on Monday.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the agenda as
amended. Councilmember Genco seconded the motion. The vote
on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - against
Geraldine Genco - against
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda
was approved as amended.
. Mayor Capretta clarified that on Friday night when the
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 3
packets came out with the whole book, the February 8, 2001
agenda had mistakenly been included. Mayor Capretta called
the Village office on Monday morning and reported the
error, and the correct agenda was then distributed on
Monday. The Village Clerk indicated that the items for the
March 8 agenda had been published in the newspaper, except
the Presentations and Promotions; and that technically the
Village just needed to post notice of the meeting. Village
Clerk Manganiello commented this was the first time the
agenda had been published in the newspaper per the Village
Council's direction at their last meeting. Ms. Manganiello
verified that if anyone came in to pick up a copy of the
agenda they would have received the March 8 agenda.
Councilmember Genco stated she therefore had no objection,
and that she did not receive her packet until Wednesday
because she was out of town and it had some items missing,
• but she believed the public did receive the information
correctly.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
A) Certificate of Appreciation
1. Cindy Sementelli - Assistant Finance Director
Mayor Capretta presented a certificate of
appreciation to Ms. Sementelli for her
outstanding job during the time she had been
Acting Finance Director while the Village was
searching for a new Finance Director. Mayor
Capretta introduced Jody Forsythe, the new
Finance Director, who had been on board for
approximately five weeks.
B) Recognition upon Retirement
• 1. Scott D. Ladd, Director of Community Development
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 4
Mayor Capretta presented a plaque of
appreciation and a wrist watch to Scott Ladd
upon his retirement after 21 years of service to
the Village. Mrs. Ladd was present for the
award.
C) Promotions
1. Fire Department - Dan Tilles, Captain
Jim Trube, Operations Chief of Fire Rescue,
introduced Dan Tilles, who had been promoted to
Captain, who was one of the original
firefighters when the Department began in 1993,
and was certified as a firefighter, a paramedic,
a fire inspector, and a fire instructor, and
• would be heading up Support Services.
2. Fire Department - Tim Campbell, Captain
Operations Chief Trube announced that Tim
Campbell had been promoted to Captain, that he
also was one of the original firefighters when
the Department began in 1993, and was certified
as a firefighter, a paramedic, and a fire
inspector, and would head up the Special
Operations Team.
3. Fire Department -Kathy Mauser, Lieutenant
Operations Chief Trube announced that Kathy
Mauser had been promoted to Lieutenant, that she
was a firefighter and EMT, and would head the
Public Education Department.
4. Fire Department - Peter Allen, Lieutenant
Operations Chief Trube introduced Peter Allen,
• who had been promoted to Lieutenant, and
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MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 5
commented that Mr. Allen had served on a
committee that helped to form the Fire Rescue
Department. Mr. Allen, a certified firefighter
and paramedic, would be heading the EMS Division
as EMS Coordinator.
D. Introduction of New Employees
1. Fire Department - Scott Donaldson Firefighter
Operations Chief Trube reported that Scott
Donaldson, who had been unable to attend
tonight's meeting, was a new hire who came to
the Village from Belle Glade and who had ten
years firefighting experience.
• 2. Police Department - Keith Smolen - Patrol
Officer
Police Chief Allison introduced new Police
Officer Keith Smolen, who was dual certified as
a corrections officer and previously served as
a corrections officer for the State at Martin
Correctional Institution and Martin County
Sheriff's Department.
3. Utilities Department - Tom Koch, Service
Technician
Russell White, Public Services Supervisor,
introduced Mr. Koch, who had previously worked
at another Utilities Department.
E) Lighthouse Habitat for Humanity
Patricia Stidham, Executive Director for Lighthouse
Habitat for Humanity, provided a presentation
regarding the work of the organization and explained
• that they were a local affiliate of Habitat for
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 6
Humanity International and were in the business of
building affordable housing. Ms. Stidham reported
that this spring the organization was beginning their
15th house, which was in Jupiter, and that they were
finishing houses 13 and 14, also in Jupiter. Ms.
Stidham advised that the organization had operated a
thrift store in County Line Plaza for the past six
years, thanked the Village residents for supporting
that effort, and encouraged volunteers and donations.
Volunteers interested in providing construction
services were also invited to participate. Ms.
Stidham distributed a handout to the Village Council
pertaining to the Community Contribution Tax Credit
Program and a draft Resolution which might be adopted
by the Village if they so chose. Ms. Stidham
explained that the tax credit did not cost the
• Village anything, and that the organization needed
the support of the municipality in which they worked.
Ms. Stidham reported over 100,000 homes had been
built by Habitat for Humanity International, and
invited anyone interested in participating to contact
her.
Councilmember Walker requested that the information
provided by Ms . Stidham be reviewed by the Village
Council and placed on the agenda for the April
meeting for a possible donation. Councilmember
Dalack proposed also adopting the Resolution.
F) Tequesta Police Department Community Activities,
County Line Skateboard Headquarters
Assistant Police Chief Bob Garlo reported there was
no place for young people to skateboard, creating
problems which took a significant amount of the
Police Department's time. Vice Mayor Schauer had
pursued every possible avenue to find a location for
. a skateboard park. Assistant Police Chief Garlo
explained that with the support of the Vice Mayor and
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 7
the Village Manager, he had pursued the possibility
of acquiring a retail storefront in County Line Plaza
for the purpose of putting in some type of skateboard
facility, which he saw as a wonderful opportunity to
have a safe place for the children to go, and for the
police department to do some positive partnering with
the youngsters instead of the negative partnership
shared in the past. Police Officer Nelson Berrios
presented a power point presentation which described
the growing problem of skateboarding on roadways and
on private property and how it could be addressed.
Skateboarding in a designated facility resulted in
crime reduction. The idea of allowing the youth to
set up a club of approximately 50 members to compete
against other was proposed. A local merchant
representing Juno Surf Shop, indicated willingness to
• act as a partner and provide equipment rentals and
repair, coordinate special events, provide lessons,
and provide a positive way for the youth to expend
energy. Assistant Police Garlo indicated that there
had been an interesting development which could
change the Police Department's proposal, since Jeff
Bernstein was in the process of renovating the store
building previously occupied by Winn Dixie in County
Line Plaza to open a recreational facility. Mr.
Bernstein described his new business, which would
incorporate an indoor roller rink, indoor miniature
golf course, batting cages, and golf simulators. Mr.
Bernstein indicated that there would be approximately
7,000 square feet left which could accommodate a
skateboard area. Assistant Police Chief Garlo
explained that he and Mr. Bernstein had discussed the
Police Department partnering in this venture and
planned to move forward on behalf of the children.
Councilmember Dalack requested and received
clarification that only one club had been planned
since it would need to be restricted by the proposed
• space, but if Mr. Bernstein's project became a
reality obviously that would change. Councilmember
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 8
Genco questioned how the Police Department could work
with private enterprise, to which Assistant Chief
Garlo responded that Mr. Bernstein's location would
provide all the facilities and the Police Department
could maintain a community policing office within it
as a means of maintaining the partnership and
possibly still sponsor its own skateboard club to
compete with other clubs. Councilmember Walker
commended the youngsters for taking charge of their
own program. Vice Mayor Schauer thanked Assistant
Chief Garlo, Nelson Berrios, and Jeff Bernstein.
Dottie Campbell asked whether the club would have age
restrictions. Assistant Chief Garlo indicated most
of the rules and regulations mimicked those of the
YMCA, that those under ten would be evaluated before
• being granting membership while those over ten would
not be evaluated, that he hoped not to eliminate
those living in nearby unincorporated areas from
becoming members, and that the Village's insurance
carrier would provide adequate coverage with no
increase in premiums, except for contents within the
storefront.
Diane Reynolds asked how children would be chosen for
membership. Assistant Chief Garlo indicated it would
be "first come first serve" , but that would be a moot
point if Mr. Bernstein's facility was developed, and
notification of sign-up would be published in the
newspaper or parents could call the Police Department
regarding signup or to volunteer help. Councilmember
Dalack indicated he favored inclusion rather than
excluding anyone. Vice Mayor Schauer clarified that
in the beginning the plan was to use one small
storefront which had to be limited to 50 children
because of lack of room; but if Mr. Bernstein's
business was developed everyone could be included,
• and his facility would not limit access. Mr.
Bernstein displayed a drawing of the proposed floor
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 9
plan for his facility. Mr. Bernstein indicated no
one would be excluded, that they would be open one
day a week for ballroom dancing lessons, private
parties, speed skating, fundraisers, figure skating,
etc., and accommodating all the youth in the area he
believed their target market would be 45,000 people.
Mr. Bernstein indicated as soon as the lease was
finalized that the project would be presented to the
Village.
Hal Hutchinson indicated a survey which asked if
Tequesta should have a skateboard park for children
to which 70o had responded no, and asked why this was
even being discussed. Vice Mayor Schauer explained
that of the people responding, 53 had been between
ages 50-64 and 21 between ages 40-49, and most did
• not have young children. Councilmember Walker
pointed out that 57o had indicated they would be
willing to pay to cover liability. Councilmember
Genco indicated the way 200 people responded did not
matter since they did not have to use Mr . Bernstein' s
facility and the Village would not have to provide a
skateboard park. Mr. Bernstein commented it would be
a multipurpose indoor recreational facility where
many activities would be offered.
•
Cindy Quinn, Chapel Court, indicated she had attended
to bring her son to learn about the skateboarding
opportunities, and was sorry there were a few older
people not interested, but they should want a nice
place that was safe for their grandchildren to play.
Ms. Quinn asked the Village Council to support Mr.
Bernstein in providing a safe place for other
people's grandchildren. Mayor Capretta commented on
how the population of the Village was changing, the
popularity of skateboarding, how unsupervised
skateboarding had caused problems, and the
responsibility of the Village to provide a safe place
fc~r the young people to play. Councilmember Dalack
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 10
-----------------------
indicated it was the Village's responsibility to
provide safe facilities and stressed inclusion of
everyone rather than exclusion.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Capretta read the following items on the Consent
Agenda:
A) Approval of Community Appearance Board Meeting
Minutes, January 10, 2001
B) Approval of Board of Adjustment Public Hearing
Meeting Minutes, January 22, 2001.
• C) Approval of Special Master Hearing Minutes, January
25, 2001
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the Consent
Agenda as read by Mayor Capretta. Councilmember Genco
seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
D) Approval of Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes,
January 25, 2001.
Councilmember Genco asked that the 5-0 vote on page
2 be changed to 3-0, commented this meeting had
covered YMCA, streetlighting, Sprint cell tower
location, etc., and asked if the Village intended to
build a swimming pool. Councilmember Walker
indicated she had asked the question at the meeting
regarding swimming facilities with the intent that
people making inquiries to the YMCA regarding
swimming classes could be informed by the YMCA
personnel of the nearby swimming facilities, one of
• which was directly north of the YMCA. Councilmember
Walker explained that neither the Village nor the
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 11
YMCA were able to offer swimming classes, but if
residents called either the Village or the YMCA
regarding swimming lessons for their children or
grandchildren who needed to learn to swim to prevent
drowning, she would like the personnel to be able to
give them information regarding what facilities were
available. Councilmember Genco inquired about
exercise equipment at the recreation facility, to
which Mr. Preston responded that equipment belonged
to the YMCA, which they were in the process of
removing. Councilmember Genco questioned why teen
dances would be advertised when the Village Council
had made such an issue about advertising the agenda
in the newspaper Vice Mayor Schauer explained that
announcements in the school newspapers were proposed,
and that advertising needed to be done in order to
• draw the teens. Councilmember Genco commented it had
been an issue for one year about placing the agenda
in the newspaper and the other publications mentioned
at the Committee meeting to carry advertisements for
the teen dances were newspapers that charged for
advertising, and expressed concern that one segment
of the population was being favored over another.
Vice Mayor Schauer explained that the advertising
would be in the form of press releases, for which the
Village would not be charged. Councilmember Walker
commented in the year and a half she had been on the
Village Council she had been the only one who
requested addition to the agenda of consideration for
the agenda to be published, and it had then been
approved the next month. Councilmember Genco
commented that she had requested it numerous times.
Councilmember Genco commented that the minutes
indicated swales were to go wherever grates were, and
noted that Country Club Point did have grates and
wanted to know why the Village did not propose any
swales there for Phase II construction, and asked
• that this be addressed by engineering or the
utilities department for the next meeting. Manager
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 12
Couzzo commented he would have to go back to the
utility engineers and ask them to respond to that,
but believed the reason was that swales were not
being installed throughout the whole project and that
it was a cost consideration, and the determination
was made to put the improvements to the storm
drainage systems in the areas that most required
them. Councilmember Genco recalled there had been
flooding there. Councilmember Walker commented that
she had been informed the day before that plans for
swales had changed and her house now would be swaled,
and Mr. Jensen could provide the accurate
information. Mr. Couzzo indicated he would obtain
the information.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to approve the
Public Works Committee meeting minutes for January
25, 2001. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the motion,
which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
E) Approval of Village Council Meeting Minutes, February
8, 2001.
Councilmember Genco requested that the 9th sentence
in the first paragraph on page 12 regarding her
comments be changed to reflect that she had asked if
the Village was looking for donations or if there
would be costs, because so far the Village Council
had only approved pursuing donated park space if it
would not result in cost to the Village, and all of
a sudden they were talking about costs. Councilmember
Genco stated that was not reflected properly in the
record and she would like that corrected. On page
14, line 4, Councilmember Genco asked where it stated
that the Village Clerk advised that the Jupiter
Courier would do some things free of charge, that the
record be changed to read: Councilmember Genco noted
• to Village Clerk Manganiello and was advised the
Village Council had requested last year she look into
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 13
this and she had done so, and the Jupiter Courier
would do some things free of charge but not this
particular item.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to approve the
Village Council meeting minutes for February 8, 2001
as amended. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the motion,
which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
F) Approval of Redevelopment Committee Meeting Minutes,
February 21, 2001.
Councilmember Genco commented that this committee
meeting was for the Fire Rescue Facility, that
proposed plans were discussed, some of the details of
why the construction was the way that it was
proposed, and the estimated cost of the facility,
S which was all in the package passed out for the
public to review. Councilmember Genco referred to
page 5 under Financing, commented that she had
attended as a private citizen, and had questioned why
the items regarding finance were being discussed
since they were not posted, and what she specifically
said was the agenda given to her and to the public
addressed simply the cost of the Public Fire and
Safety Facility and that discussion of a bond issue
close to $6 million dollars had not been posted in
the agenda nor had material been given out to the
citizens. Ms. Genco stated she said basically that
since the material had not been posted and citizens
had not had access to it, including herself, that it
would be a violation under her perception of the
Sunshine Law for this to be discussed. Ms. Genco
commented what ended up happening then was the Mayor,
who was head of this Committee, yelled at her and
told her to shut up and 'sit down and to get out of
here, which was not reflected in the minutes and she
wanted it reflected in there. Arnold Blum asked to
. make a comment. Mayor Capretta indicated he needed
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 14
to wait until Ms. Genco finished. Ms. Genco said her
purpose was she was looking at the materials she
received and posted for agendas as the Village's way
of telling the citizens what the Village was doing
and giving them the opportunity of coming if it was
something that interested them. If it was not posted
in the agenda, residents would not know, won't
attend, and things would happen they would have
questions about and wonder how they happened. Ms.
Genco commented she was trying to do everything she
could to make sure the residents got the information
they needed and that it was posted in accordance with
the Florida Sunshine Law. Ms. Genco stated she would
continue to fight for that and if she was being told
to shut down and get out she was not going to do it
and she did not care who said it and she wanted the
record to show that and if it continued to happen she
was going to do it over and over again until the
Village finally started posting things and giving
people their opportunity. Councilmember Genco stated
she had no other corrections to these minutes because
that reflected what had happened.
Arnold Blum, 410 Tequesta Drive, commented at past
meetings where the Village Council felt the meetings
might become controversial there had been police
officers present to maintain proper order and conduct
should a citizen become boisterous and demanding. At
these meetings the Mayor and Dr. deHaven Smith
announced that unruly participants would be removed
from the meeting. Mr. Blum commented that with this
in mind, the conduct exhibited by members of the
Village Council at the past Redevelopment Committee
meeting was reprehensible and by the Village's own
standards the offending parties should have been
ejected, that the Village Council should lead by
example with the conduct they wished citizens to
• follow and be subject to the same discipline. Mr.
Blum noted Tequesta's Charter provided citizens an
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 15
avenue to file a formal complaint, and that debates
where citizens and Council did not see eye-to-eye
should be postured with respect by both sides, and
when beliefs of Councilmembers interfered with their
ability to impartially work with other Councilmembers
and represent the people of this community, it was
time to take a second look. Mr. Blum requested
future meetings remain civil and respectful or
residents would seek relief within the provisions of
the Charter.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to approve the
Redevelopment Committee Meeting minutes for February
21, 2001 as amended. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
G) Approval of Village Manager's Report
February 5 - March 2, 2001
Councilmember Genco questioned whether the letter
from Commissioner Karen Marcus was in regard to the
County's program for annexation of unincorporated
areas, which had been discussed at a previous
meeting. Village Manager Couzzo responded that it
was, that Commissioner Marcus had invited him and
other managers in the northern part of the county to
attend a meeting, and it was hoped that the Village
would be able to use the free services provided by
the County for annexation. Councilmember Genco
stated it was her understanding that there would be
changes to State requirements for staffing Fire
Rescue and EMS services. Fire Chief James Weinand
reported two paramedic positions were currently open,
and that he believed Councilmember Genco was
referring to standards which might be adopted during
the summer, but these would only be recommendations,
not requirements. Chief Weinand commented that he
would analyze the final draft when it was received to
see if the Village would be affected. The proposed
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 16
standards would recommend 13-15 firefighters on the
scene of a fire within 8 minutes and EMS response
time of 6 minutes. Councilmember Genco commented
that more facilities would be needed and since a new
facility was proposed she wondered whether
accommodations for that would be needed. Chief
Weinand responded staff was looking at that.
Councilmember Genco questioned whether it was
appropriate in the case of Councilmembers meeting
one-on-one with the attorney to discuss something
that would be voted on in the future for one
Councilmember to ask what another Councilmember was
doing. Village Attorney Randolph responded they
could ask, but it was not appropriate to pass on to
a Councilmember what another Councilmember said, and
that would be a back door violation of the Sunshine
. Law. Councilmember Genco asked if it would be
appropriate to ask the Village Manager or the Village
Clerk what another Councilmember had said. Village
Attorney Randolph indicated the Councilmembers should
not ask, and if they used someone as a conduit to
communicate one with another outside a public meeting
that would be a violation of the Sunshine Law.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to approve the
Village Manager's Report for the period February 5 -
March 2, 2001. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Kara Irwin, 422B Cypress Drive, commented on her pride of
living in Tequesta and thanked the Councilmembers who had
worked for the past ten years to revitalize the area to its
full potential. Ms. Irwin expressed her appreciation for
the Fire Rescue personnel and the Police, and commented she
hoped they got a new facility as soon as possible.
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 17
Joe Hall, Country Club Drive, expressed concern that he had
heard Country Club Drive would not be closed in order to
do the sewer work on Country Club Drive and Country Club
Point, and wanted to know how the sewer would be put in and
wanted to know when there would be a meeting with the
residents before installation began. Village Manager
Couzzo explained that an option under consideration was to
install the sewering in the west right-of-way rather than
down the middle of the road, which would necessitate
closing only one lane. Mr. Couzzo indicated he would find
out the next day whether plans had been finalized and when
work would begin. Mr. Hall commented he failed to
understand why the road could not be closed so that
people's driveways, etc., would not have to be torn up.
Peaav Verhoeven, Point Drive, extended an invitation to
• Vice Mayor Schauer to attend a meeting of the Republican
Club, and indicated that the new President, Tommy Thompson,
did not realize all candidates were invited right before
an election. Mrs. Verhoeven indicated the Town of Jupiter
had been more cooperative than the Village office when she
had called to request names and phone numbers. Mrs.
Verhoeven spoke in support of Safe Harbor keeping their
kennels and that they would appreciate a donation. Mrs.
Verhoeven requested the Village consider having kennels of
their own for holding animals overnight.
Vi Laamanen, Palmetto Way, indicated she was very
interested in the finances of the Village, the budgets and
debt service, and requested notification of when the right
time would be to bring up such items as the amount of debt
that had been reduced during the past year, and what type
of bonds were being considered to finance the new projects.
Ms. Laamanen commented that through all the Phase I work,
Tom Jensen had done an excellent job, but was only one man
with many responsibilities, and after almost a year of
living in dirt she believed Phase I should be finished
• before Phase II began. Ms. Laamanen asked the Village
Councilmembers to drive over and look at the Phase I work,
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 18
and asked for their help in getting all the efforts
concentrated to finish Phase I.
Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court, commented it had cost
$87,750 to tear down 2/3 of the building at Tequesta Plaza
and that projecting that out for demolition of the whole
building the cost would be $132,000, and the original
estimate had been $100,000. Mr. Taylor indicated that a
contract for $165,525 had been awarded for Main Street, and
that the original estimate had been $100,000; and that
estimates given to the public at the August meetings for
the Public Safety facility and Village Hall had increased.
Mr. Taylor discussed future debt, which he estimated to
total $18 million; and indicated that the amount of present
debt was unknown. Mr. Taylor commented that last fall the
voters had been denied the opportunity to vote on the
• location of the new Village Hall by three members of the
Village Council, and on March 13 the residents would have
the opportunity to decide the future of the Village.
Jim Humpaae, 426 Cypress Drive, commented he echoed the
last two speakers but expressed support for a Fire Rescue
facility. Mr. Humpage indicated cost estimates for the new
projects had risen to about $10 million. Mr. Humpage
commented he and ACT wanted a new Village Hall, but
suggested downsizing to save money. Mr. Humpage asked that
a Financial Committee meeting be held, and that the
existing debt be known before spending more money. Mr.
Humpage asked each member of the Village Council to call
him to discuss the figures he had mentioned and if he was
wrong he would state that at the next meeting.
Richard Berube, 4 Country Club Circle, expressed
disappointment that Mr. Ladd was retiring, and expressed
concern that twelve people in management positions had left
the Village over the past several years, stated that the
reasons needed to be known and the situation stopped. Mr.
• Berube commented he had been angry and had expressed that
anger at the podium, and asked that a new era of civility
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 19
begin, and stated that he wanted to be the first to comply.
Mayor Capretta commented several people had commented on
financial matters and that very shortly a Finance Committee
would be held to discuss the new projects and how to
finance them. Mayor Capretta indicated that a new Finance
Director was in place and the audit would soon be finished,
and that this was a good time to obtain financing because
of low interest rates.
Russell J. von Frank, 489 Dover Road, observed that in a
March 1999 Smoke Signals article, independent auditors had
admonished the Village Manager and Council for lack of
fiscal responsibility, and that the last Finance Committee
meeting had been held in May of 2000.
•
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1) Consideration of Severance Payment to Scott D Ladd
upon Resignation as Director of Community
Development.
Village Manager Couzzo reported that Mr. Ladd had
accrued $16,533.60 in vacation and sick hours, and
the Village Manager recommended an additional
severance award totaling $6,094.74, the cash
equivalent of six months health and dental insurance.
Mr. Couzzo indicated there were more than sufficient
funds budgeted for accrued compensation absences to
accommodate these requests. Councilmember Walker
asked what had been done for other long-term
employees when they left the Village. The Village
Manager indicated he had based this on Mr. Ladd and
his tenure and that it was based on the individual
and his job performance rather than a standard for
. all individuals, unless the Village Council wished to
do so. Assistant Village Manager Manganiello
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 20
explained that Mr. Ladd's was not an early retirement
incentive which had been chosen by some of the past
former employees, making this was a completely
different situation. Mayor Capretta indicated he and
the Village Manager had discussed retaining Mr. Ladd
on an hourly basis as a consultant. The Village
Manager indicated that a tentative agreement had been
drafted which was under consideration by Mr. Ladd.
Councilmember Dalack asked if Mr. Couzzo had had
experience in this type of situation, and if the
offer was consistent with other situations within his
experience, to which the Village Manager responded
affirmatively.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the
payout and accruals. Councilmember Dalack seconded
the motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
2) Consideration of Contribution of $1,000 for the
Village of Tequesta's Share of the Funding Toward the
North Palm Beach County Traffic Summit Coordinated by
the FAU Joint Center for Environmental and Urban
Problems, the South Florida Regional Planning
Council, and the Florida Conflict Resolution
Consortium.
The Village Manager explained that Assistant Village
Manager Manganiello had met with representatives who
were planning a meeting, to be held March 30 and 31
at Palm Beach Gardens City Hall, and the Village had
been asked to contribute $1,000, which could be taken
from the Department of Community Development
Miscellaneous Planning Services budget.
Vice Mayor Schauer
Contribution of $1,000
Share of the Funding
County Traffic Summit.
• the motion, which carr
made a motion to approve
for the Village of Tequesta's
Toward the North Palm Beach
Councilmember Genco seconded
ied by unanimous 5-0 vote.
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 21
3) Resolution No. 23-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Approving a Professional Services
Proposal with Gee and Jenson, Engineers-Architects
Planners of West Palm Beach, Florida, for
Professional Architectural and Engineering Services
for the Design of the Public Safety Facility in the
Amount of $245,600, plus $30,000 Reimbursable
Expenses, with Funds Being Appropriated and
Transferred from the $5,000,000 Line of Credit (Bank
of America), and Authorizing the Village Manager to
Execute the Applicable Contract on Behalf of the
Village.
Village Manager Couzzo explained that Assistant
Village Manager Joann Manganiello had successfully
reduced the cost of this item over $100,000 through
. negotiations, and that the staff had had extensive
input into the plans. The Village Manager reported
survey results indicating the level of satisfaction
of the community with their Public Safety Officers
and rank and file. Mr. Tom Orlowski, AIA, Senior
Vice President of Gee & Jenson, provided a
presentation of the Fire Rescue building plans, which
included allowing the Fire Rescue personnel to occupy
a portion of the site during construction.
Councilmember Dalack reported he had brought up the
possibility of locating this facility on another
portion of the site at the recent Redevelopment
Committee meeting, and questioned whether this plan
was dependent upon the precise location shown, to
which the Village Manager responded that the plans
and cost estimates were dependent upon the location.
Mr. Orlowski explained that it would cost more to
place a modular unit on the park for the Police and
Fire Administration than to move them temporarily.
Fire Chief Weinand indicated only he and the
Assistant Chief and secretary would be leaving the
• site during the construction period, which Village
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 22
Manager Couzzo indicated would be a considerable
savings. Another huge savings would result from
utilizing existing retail space at County Line Plaza
and 250 Tequesta Drive to house the Police
Department, Fire Operations, and Community
Development, and rock bottom prices had been
negotiated for the leases. The Village Manager
reported Gee & Jenson had been the Village's
professional architects and engineers for over a
decade and a professional services agreement with
them had saved considerable costs. Mr. Couzzo
indicated the facility was designed to meet future
needs as well as current needs and that millions of
dollars would be saved over the course of a long term
loan because of the reduction in interest rates.
Vice Mayor Schauer questioned the number of hours for
• monthly contractor pay requests shown in the
agreement, and was assured the hours were shown
correctly. Mayor Schauer questioned items not
included in the scope of services such as lightning
protection, and Mr. Couzzo indicated those items
would be awarded to specialized companies as separate
items. It was clarified that the fencing, gates,
training tower, etc., would be designed as part of
the project but the costs would be shown separately.
Gloria Turgis, 331 Tequesta Drive, asked if the park
would be affected. Councilmember Genco asked if the
property where the water tower had been would be
expanded into the park. Mayor Capretta responded
that the park would eventually be expanded back and
therefore would be larger. At the request of
Councilmember Walker, Mr. Orlowski explained how the
plans would tie into the park, keeping the existing
fountain and adding a gazebo and walkways to enhance
the use of the park. Village Manager Couzzo
indicated that as the project progressed reports
would be made to the Village Council and the public,
• and clarified that the cost had been reduced over
$345,000. Councilmember Walker thanked staff and Gee
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 23
& Jenson.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 23-00/Ol.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve
Resolution 23-00/O1. Councilmember Walker seconded
the motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - for
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
• 4) Resolution No. 24-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Approving a Memorandum to Enter Into
a Lease and Receipt for Deposit with Tequesta
Business Associates for the Lease of Property Located
at 250 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, Suite 305,
for Temporary Office Space for the Department of
Community Development with Funds Being Appropriated
from the Department of Community Development
Enterprise Fund, Protective Inspections Office Lease
Account, Having a FY 2000/2001 Budget Allocation of
$10,815, and Authorizing the Village Manager to
execute the Same on Behalf of the Village.
Village Manager Couzzo explained this would provide
temporary office space for the Department of
Community Development in suite 305 which had become
vacant. Councilmember Walker clarified the space
size was 840 square feet, which Mr. Couzzo explained
was a smaller space than they were in, but this was
done to minimize costs, and some files could
temporarily be stored in other areas. Mr. Couzzo
• explained that it had been felt that having the
Department of Community Development in close
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 24
proximity to Administration outweighed the higher
cost of $4.00 more per square foot for their
temporary quarters than leasing space in County Line
Plaza. Councilmember Dalack commented this and
following agenda items entailed a move.
Councilmember Dalack expressed his opinion that Mr.
Couzzo had done a remarkable job, and he felt the
previous administrator had not given a true picture
of what was going on and it appeared that because of
the building design from which everything else flowed
that the cost was going to be about a quarter million
dollars more than necessary, and he hoped that such
situations could be avoided in the future. Village
Attorney Randolph asked that a statement be added to
the lease that the deposit would be refundable if
anything was proposed in the lease that was not
• acceptable.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 24-00/Ol.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to approve
Resolution 24-00/O1. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the
motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - for
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
Councilmember Dalack stated his vote was a reluctant
"yes". The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
5) Resolution No. 25-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Approving a Lease and Addendum to
Lease with Tamwest Realty, Inc, for the Lease of
Property Located at County Line Plaza, Tequesta,
• Florida, 33469, Units 566 and 596, for Temporary
Office Space for the Police Department and Fire
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 25
Rescue Administrative Offices Respectively, For An
Annual Amount of $27,300 (Unit 566) and $16,800 (Unit
596) with Funds being Appropriated from the General
Fund, General Government Temporary Facilities
Account, Having a FY 2000/2001 Budget Allocation of
$50,000, and Authorizing the Village Manager to
execute the Same on Behalf of the Village.
Village Manager Couzzo indicated that the agreement
was predicated on a one-year lease with a month-to-
month option based upon the status of the
construction schedule, and the facilities would meet
short-term needs. Vice Mayor Schauer expressed
concern that the storefront had a lot of glass, to
which the Village Manager responded modifications
would be made to the window treatments.
• Councilmember Walker asked how much time an on-duty
officer spent at the office, to which Police Chief
Allison responded the officers now did reports in
their patrol cars on lap-top computers and he did not
believe the change in location would at all adversely
affect the officers' ability to do their jobs.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 25-00/Ol.
Councilmember Walker made a motion to approve
Resolution 25-00/O1. Councilmember Genco seconded
the motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - abstain
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
Councilmember Dalack stated he could not honestly
vote either for or against. Village Attorney Randolph
advised Councilmember Dalack that it was a violation
of Florida Law to abstain. Councilmember Dalack
stated he understood that he had violated the law.
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 26
Village Attorney Randolph explained that it was a
violation of Florida statute to abstain unless there
was a conflict of interest, and he had said in the
past that if a vote was taken and one was silent,
then the vote should be recorded as "yes", however,
in this case Councilmember Dalack had chosen to
abstain with full knowledge of the Village Attorney's
advice. The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
6) Resolution No. 26-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Awarding a Bid to William H. Murphy,
General Contractor, Inc, of Hobe Sound, Florida, for
Renovation of Temporary Office Space at County Line
Plaza (Police and Fire Rescue Administrative Offices)
in the Amount of $64,736 With Funds Being
• Appropriated and Transferred from the $5,000,000 Line
of Credit (Bank of America) and Authorizing the
Village Manager to execute the Applicable Contract on
Behalf of the Village.
Village Manager Couzzo described proposed
renovations, which he indicated had been provided to
the Village Councilmembers in their backup material,
explained that recommendation was to award to the low
bidder of the five bids received, who had a positive
history of working with the Village. Councilmember
Walker questioned whether waiving fees to Community
Development and bringing the temporary office space
up to code hd been accomplished. The Village Manager
indicated the building owner would have to meet code
requirements, and that it would be up to the Village
Council to decide if they wanted the fees to
Community Development waived. Councilmember Walker
questioned when that was to be considered since it
was not on tonight's agenda. The Village Manager
responded by suggesting the Village Council approve
the contract award and not waive the fees, since he
believed there was money in the budget to accommodate
that item. Councilmember Genco commented that this
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 27
item and two other items were to be paid for from
transfers from the line of credit and expressed hope
that when projections were done for the cost of
facilities that the line of credit balance was added,
and expressed her opinion that should be financed
also.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 26-00/Ol.
Councilmember Walker made a motion to approve
Resolution 26-00/O1. Councilmember Genco seconded
the motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - abstain
• Geraldine Genco = for
Sharon Walker for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
7) Resolution No. 27-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Approving a Proposal from William H.
Murphy, General Contractor, Inc, of Hobe Sound,
Florida, for Breakdown, Transport, and Reassembly of
Modular Dispatch Consoles in the Amount of $1,920.00,
with Funds Being Appropriated and Transferred from
the $5,000,000 Line of Credit (Bank of America) and
Authorizing the Village Manager to execute the
Applicable Contract on Behalf of the Village.
Village Manager Couzzo confirmed with Police Chief
Allison that it was estimated to take 24 man hours to
dissemble and reassemble the dispatch consoles.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 27-00/O1.
• Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve
Resolution 27-00/O1. Councilmember Walker seconded
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 28
the motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - abstain
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
When abstaining on this item, Councilmember Dalack
requested that his reluctant "yes" vote on the first
item in this series be changed to "abstain", and
indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to
argue this in court. Village Attorney advised that
in order to go back and change a vote someone on the
prevailing side must make a motion to reconsider.
The roll call proceeded and the motion was therefore
passed and adopted.
• The Village Manager clarified that Items 8 and 9 had
been pulled.
10) Resolution No. 30-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Approving a Proposal from Father &
Son Moving and Storage, Inc., of Jupiter, Florida,
for Moving the Contents of Fire, Police, and
Community Development Offices to Temporary Locations
in the Amount of $4,386.00 With Funds Being
Appropriated from the General Fund Government
Temporary Facilities Account, Having a FY 2000/2001
Budget Allocation of $50,000, and the Community
Development Enterprise Fund, Protective Inspections
Temporary Facilities Account, Having a FY 2000/2001
Budget Allocation of $10,000, and Authorizing the
Village Manager to execute the Applicable Contract on
Behalf of the Village.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 30-00/O1.
• Village Manager Couzzo explained that it was not
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 29
necessary to bring this item before the Village
Council but he had wanted everyone to understand what
was happening. Mr. Couzzo explained that three
proposals had been received and he recommended the
award to Father & Son Moving to allow professional
movers to relocate Fire Administration, Police, and
Community Development to their respective temporary
quarters.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve
Resolution 30-00/O1. Councilmember Walker seconded
the motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - abstain
• Geraldine Genco = for
Sharon Walker for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
11) Resolution No. 31-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Approving the Contract Proposal for
the Demolition of Village of Tequesta Buildings and
Appurtenances, Located at 357 Tequesta Drive,
Including Asbestos Survey and Temporary Fencing, to
Thomas B. Cushing Demolition of West Palm Beach,
Florida, Piggybacking Palm Beach County Demolition
Contract No. 899740-D, in the Amount of $54,786, with
Funds Being Appropriated and Transferred from the
$5,000,000 Line of Credit (Bank of America) and
Authorizing the Village Manager to execute the
Applicable Contract on Behalf of the Village.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 31-00/O1.
Mayor Capretta commented he had been waiting 13 years
• for this. Councilmember Walker noted from the spec
sheet that filling in a septic tank had been included
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 30
and questioned whether this property was on septic
tank. Assistant Village Manager Manganiello verified
that the property was on sewer but that item had been
included just in case it was needed. Councilmember
Walker questioned what the cost would be if a County
contractor was not involved. Village Manager Couzzo
indicated that was very difficult to project,
however, the demolition cost for the Publix building
had been $2.25 per square foot and this would be
$1.90 per square foot, and additionally, everything
possible would be done to salvage marble from the
existing building for possible use in the new
facilities. Councilmember Genco stated she wished to
protest the concept, and since she felt this could
have been accomplished in another manner which she
believed could have saved money, she would vote "no".
• Vice Mayor Schauer questioned whether storage space
was available to accommodate the marble, to which the
Village Manager indicated there was ample storage at
either Public Works or the Water facility, and it
could be stored outside. Vice Mayor Schauer
questioned if the plaques would be salvaged. Mr.
Couzzo indicated that anything that could be salvaged
would be saved, and that the Fire Department had
proposed using the building for search and rescue
operations prior to demolition. Councilmember Walker
requested trying to save the marble and that Mr.
Stergas, the architect of record, had come up with a
wonderful idea of etching into the marble the names
of the Village Council and staff, and to include
everyone who had served the Village, as well as
firefighters and police who had died in the line of
duty. Mr. Couzzo explained that the original concept
had been to use the marble in the new foyer but it
would depend on the size of the pieces that could be
salvaged; however, every attempt would be made to
save the marble. Vice Mayor Schauer indicated there
• were other things in the existing building she would
like to see salvaged.
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 31
Councilmember Walker made a motion to approve
Resolution 31-00/O1. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the
motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - abstain
Geraldine Genco - against
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
Village Manager Couzzo commented this concluded the
agenda items regarding facilities, and recognized the
considerable efforts of Assistant Village Manager
Manganiello, Fire Chief James Weinand, Police Chief
• Steve Allison, and Fire and Police personnel for
their work on these matters.
12) Resolution No. 32-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Awarding a Contract to Terracon
Services, Inc., of Jupiter, Florida, in the Amount of
$76,490.00 for Streetlight Conduit Installation and
Landscape Improvements on Seabrook Road, Authorizing
an Intra Fund Transfer of $138,000.00 to Fund this
Project, and Authorizing the Village Manager to
Execute the Applicable Contract on Behalf of the
Village.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution 32-00/O1.
Public Works and Recreation Director Gary Preston
reported this matter had come before the Village
Council on Monday of the previous week at their
special meeting, and that of the two qualified bids
received, Gee & Jenson had recommended low bidder
Terracon Services. Mr. Preston explained that this
• project had been budgeted over the last three years
and would be shown as one line item of $118,000 under
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 32
the Undesignated Fund Balance for the complete
project. Councilmember Genco questioned the
installation of conduits for streetlights, which Mr.
Preston explained was being done any time another
project required tearing up an area. Councilmember
Genco noted that the Village would have to have an
electrician pull wire at some future point. Mr.
Preston responded that would be done by FPL, who
would handle everything after this point and would
charge a monthly fee for electricity. Mayor Capretta
commented that Adelphia Cable was boring under
driveways to run their wiring to the other sides of
houses and suggested the Village might be able to
save money by using their pipes. Vice Mayor Schauer
commented on a power problem at her home where FPL
had corrected the problem by boring under her
driveway and that the process had only taken a couple
of hours. Councilmember Walker complimented Gee &
Jenson for their excellent analysis which accompanied
this and the next agenda item, and commented that
Terracon Services was also certified as an arborist
and for pest control.
Patrick Irwin, whose company, Green Acres, did
landscaping, irrigation, jack and boring, etc.,
indicated he was present to appeal the decision about
to be made by the Village Council to award contracts
to Terracon for Seabrook Road and to Aiello
Landscaping for Country Club Drive. Mr. Irwin
indicated he had bid both jobs and had given the
Village a discount, and if he had been awarded the
jobs the Village would have saved $13,100. Mr. Irwin
explained that his bid was rejected because he did
not have an FCLC Certification, that the FCLC
Certification was from a private association--the
Florida Nursery Growers Association (FNGA), and was
a voluntary certification. Mr. Irwin advised he had
• been in business since 1979, and had not heard of the
certification because they had not quite made it to
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 33
South Florida but were mainly in northern Florida to
this point, but when he learned of it he had taken
the test and passed it. Mr. Irwin indicated that in
his research regarding the FCLC certification he had
learned that requiring this certification had been
challenged in other entities but had never gone to
court because the entities had backed down. Mr.
Irwin indicated he thought the certification was a
good idea. Mr. Irwin commented that one of his
competitors, Mr. Aiello, had been instrumental in
establishing the FCLC test. Mr. Irwin commented that
in addition to appealing the FCLC certification
requirement, he would also like to state that
according to Palm Beach County Ordinance 97-56
referring to F.S. 489.127 that a contractor may not
engage in irrigation work unless he or she holds a
valid irrigation contractor's license and State
plumbing license. Mr. Irwin indicated he had taken
the liberty of researching the other bidders and that
Terracon was fully licensed and fully capable of
doing the work; however, with regard to Agenda Item
14, Aiello Landscaping was neither licensed nor
allowed to bid irrigation work in Palm Beach County.
Mr. Irwin reported that Aiello had listed a
subcontractor in their bid to do the irrigation
portion of the work; however, this was not allowed
since he was not a General Contractor. Mr. Irwin
noted it would be basically illegal to hire Aiello
Landscaping to do the job, and the first offense was
a first degree misdemeanor and the second time was a
second degree misdemeanor, and he believed this would
be Aiello's second job for the Village. Mr. Irwin
stated he would like to work for the Village and
invited that his references be checked. Mr. Irwin
advised he had worked for the cities of Ft.
Lauderdale, Margate, North Lauderdale, City of
Hollywood, City of Cooper City as well as private
. references. Mr. Irwin stated he had installed all
the 45'-60' palms along Las Olas Boulevard in Ft.
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 34
Lauderdale. Mr. Irwin noted this was the Village
Council's decision; however, it was illegal to have
an uncertified contractor working on irrigation in
the County of Palm Beach, and there were only three
contractors in Palm Beach County cross referenced to
have an FCLC certification, irrigation license, State
plumbing license and General Contractor's license.
Mr. Irwin responded to Councilmember Genco that he
did not have certification as an arborist or for
pesticide control, but had licenses for jack and bore
installer, Florida certified well driller, licensed
irrigation installer, and as a plumber in Dade
County. Mr. Irwin indicated the FCLC was not a State
certification requirement and if he had known of it
earlier he would have become a member but he had been
interested enough to spend the past two weekends
• taking the test in Orlando, which he had passed.
Village Attorney Randolph advised that as far as the
appeal was concerned the Village was relying of the
bids and specs, and the engineer had certified that
this particular company did not meet the specs. The
Village Attorney indicated there were two issues: one
was that this company did not have the certified
landscaping contractor's license and the other spec
was that they did not have a certified arborist or
pesticide applicator as required, and he believed the
Village had a right to require such items in their
specs. Village Attorney Randolph advised that
therefore, he felt the award of this contract was
appropriate unless the Village Council felt on the
basis of Mr. Irwin's presentation they would like to
give consideration to him, but if they did so they
would have to re-bid. The Village Attorney stated he
believed what had been done was appropriate and the
Village Council had the authority to award the bid.
Councilmember Walker commented that in 1993 when she
moved here she had been a landscape designer and had
• gone to work for Roy Rood, and that Mr. Aiello had
also worked there a number of years and had begun to
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 35
form FNGA for the industry to regulate itself.
Councilmember Walker stated she disagreed with the
lack of importance given to FNGA. Councilmember
Genco questioned where the requirements were found,
to which Village Attorney Randolph responded that
following the bid requirements was a general
application of law in regard to bids, and the
requirements were a part of the RFP. Vice Mayor
Schauer commented that in a letter dated January 25,
2001 from Gee & Jenson they had indicated Green Acres
did not hold a Certified Landscape Contractors
License as required by the bidding documents and
asked the attorney, in light of what had just
happened, what repercussions might be suffered by the
Village. Village Attorney Randolph advised this was
the proper time for Mr. Irwin to appeal and that his
• challenge might be presented in Circuit Court. Mr.
Irwin had also filed a protest with staff.
Ed Resnik, 342 Country Club Drive, reported Mr.
Aiello had done the landscaping in the 300 block and
part of the 200 block of Country Club Drive two years
ago and had had an excellent crew who did an
outstanding job. Councilmember Genco stated she saw
no reason to waive the requirements of this bid.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to approve
Resolution 32-00/O1. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the
motion. During discussion of the motion,
Councilmember Dalack indicated he wanted to be
educated regarding performance bonds and questioned
whether the contractor had to establish a performance
bond or reimburse the Village for damages. Mr.
Preston explained that the work was approved as the
project progressed and if the work was not to the
satisfaction of the Village then they did not make
payment to the contractor. The vote on the motion
was:
r~
LJ
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 36
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - for
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
Mayor Capretta questioned whether it was appropriate
for the Village Council to discuss changing the bid,
since he was unsure of the proper role of the Village
Council since they had not been advised regarding the
proper response to Mr. Irwin's appeal by the Village
Attorney, the Village Manager, or Mr. Preston.
Village Attorney Randolph indicated it was proper for
the Village Council to discuss the bid since the
Village Council had an option which he had advised
them of--that they could reject all bids and decide
to re-bid, relying upon the Village Attorney for
legalities. Options available to the Village
Attorney upon hearing Mr. Irwin's argument were that
he could advise the Village Council that he thought
it would be wise to defer until this could be looked
at further or that he thought the gentleman had a
good argument and the Village Council should consider
it. The Village Attorney advised that Mr. Irwin had
followed proper procedure. Councilmember Dalack
questioned whether time was of the essence, to which
the response was yes. Discussion ensued. Mayor
Capretta inquired why this was presented, to which
Village Attorney Randolph responded that it was right
to consider it and that the point was not to make a
legal determination but for the Village Council to
make a determination as to whether they wanted to
award, defer, or reject all bids on the basis of all
the information the Village Council had, including
the presentation, which was a policy decision. Mayor
• Capretta indicated he did not consider this a policy
decision, but was assured that it was a policy
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 37
decision by Village Attorney Randolph. Vice Mayor
Schauer commented on the situation, noted that this
was not the first time a contractor had appeared
before the Village Council, and that Mr. Irwin had
the right to be heard.
13) Resolution No. 33-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Awarding a Proposal to Wynn & Sons
Environmental Construction, Inc., of West Palm Beach,
Florida, in the Amount of $41,957.50 for Pathway and
Curbing Improvements on Seabrook Road, Authorizing an
Intra Fund Transfer of $138,000 to Fund this Project
and Authorizing the Village Manager to execute the
Applicable Contract on Behalf of the Village.
. Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution No. 33-
00/01.
Gary Preston, Director of Public Works and
Recreation, reported this matter had come before the
Village Council on Monday of the previous week at
their special meeting, and that Wynn & Sons was a
County contractor which the Village had used for
other projects in the past and they had provided
excellent service. Councilmember Genco questioned the
number of streetlights being installed, which Mr.
Preston responded he believed there were eight in
this section and that residential streetlights did
not cost the Village anything except for installation
of the conduit, and $6-$7 monthly for the
electricity.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve
Resolution 33-00/O1. Councilmember Genco seconded
the motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
i Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - for
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 38
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
14) Resolution No. 34-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Awarding a Contract to Aiello
Landscape, Inc., of Hobe Sound, Florida, in the
Amount of $126,092 for Swales and Landscape
Improvements on Country Club Drive, Having a FY
2000/2001 Capital Improvement Fund Allocation of
$130,000, and Authorizing the Village Manager to
execute the Applicable Contract on Behalf of the
Village.
• Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution No. 34-
00/01.
Gary Preston, Director of Public Works and
Recreation, indicated that this was the final phase
for Country Club Drive landscaping and swale
improvements, and reported one qualified bid had been
received and that Gee & Jenson had recommended
awarding the bid. Councilmember Dalack questioned if
it was accurate as Mr. Irwin had stated that Aiello
was not properly licensed. The Village Attorney
indicated that was a proper representation of what
Mr. Irwin had presented but he did not know whether
he was correct, and recommended that the Village
Council award the bid subject to confirmation that
Aiello was indeed properly licensed. Councilmember
Genco expressed her opinion the trees were too close
to the edge of the pavement and the canopies would
create a tunnel for trucks to drive through in future
years and in 15 years maintenance would be a
nightmare.
• Councilmember Walker made a motion to approve
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 39
Resolution 34-00/O1. Vice Mayor Schauer seconded the
motion. The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
Elizabeth A. Schauer - for
Basil E. Dalack - for
Geraldine Genco - against
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
15) Resolution No. 35-00/O1 - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Providing for an Amendment to the
Schedule of User Fees Provided in Section 9-55 of
Chapter 9 of the Village Code of Ordinances;
• Providing an effective Date; and Authorizing the
Mayor to Approve the Same on Behalf of the Village.
Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution No. 35-
00/01.
Fire Chief James Weinand reported this was a part of
the annual process of evaluating user fees comparing
transport rates to those of the surrounding
communities, and referred to the spread sheet
provided. Recommendation was to adjust the rates for
EMS transport to $320 per transport and mileage to
$6.50 per mile, making the total transport charge
from Tequesta to Jupiter Medical Center $346.00.
Chief Weinand also recommended adding an ALS Level 2
user fee in order to maximize revenues allotted under
the Medicare Reform Act and to help offset the cost
of additional medications given to critically injured
patients. Chief Weinand explained that Medicare paid
$313.80 to transport to Jupiter Hospital and it only
paid for transport to the closest appropriate
hospital; therefore, if it was a cardiac case the
• proper facility would be Palm Beach Gardens. Vice
Mayor Schauer indicated she had heard of two cases
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 40
where the patients requested transport to Palm Beach
Gardens and had to pay the difference. Chief Weinand
was questioned whether if someone stated they were
unable to pay the Village pursued payment. Chief
Weinand responded the Village had no provisions not
to pursue payment. The Vice Mayor asked if the
Village would accept $1 per month, to which Chief
Weinand responded yes. Chief Weinand commented that
other payment plans might be considered at a workshop
meeting. Councilmember Genco asked if the Medicare
payment of $313.80 was also for ALS level 2. Chief
Weinand advised that level 2 had not yet been
established, but if a municipality did not have a
level 2 rating that $313.80 was all they would be
reimbursed. Chief Weinand indicated a study of
actual costs of medication, etc., had been done to
arrive at the proposed level 2 rate structure.
Jim Humpage asked Chief Weinand to add an item to his
report of the number of transports per month. Mayor
Capretta indicated Chief Weinand was carrying out
policy as indicated when he was hired, and commented
it was not the job of the Village Council to get into
details. Councilmember Genco commented that looking
at the rates of other communities, Tequesta's rates
were higher. Chief Weinand commented some cities
costs were the same for ALS and BLS, and some were
not licensed for BLS. Tequesta had no BLS rate.
Chief Weinand indicated he had been basing his
request on ALS only. Vice Mayor Schauer indicated
that she thought a BLS rate should be established for
the Village. Councilmember Genco requested this be
deferred to next month and commented that she would
like to see historical comparisons for the past three
years. The Vice Mayor requested this item be tabled,
that the information requested by Councilmember Genco
be provided, and that a workshop be held for further
• discussion. Chief Weinand advised there was no
urgency to change the rates. Mayor Capretta
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 41
questioned what the current policy was and whether
based on the rates proposed by Chief Weinand the
program would make money. Village Attorney Randolph
indicated that the policy was established by
ordinance and if the Village Council wished to
revisit the Ordinance they should do so at another
time, and the Ordinance said the rates could be
amended by Resolution, so the Village Council could
pass the Resolution and then have a meeting about
amending the Ordinance.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to table Resolution
35-00/O1. Councilmember Walker seconded the motion.
The vote on the motion was:
Joseph N. Capretta - for
• Elizabeth A. Schauer = for
Basil E. Dalack for
Geraldine Genco - for
Sharon Walker - for
The motion was therefore passed and adopted.
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) Ordinance - Second Reading - An Ordinance of the
Village Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm
Beach County, Florida, Amending Chapter 14, Land
Development, by Including a New Article VII,
Preservation of Historic and Specimen Trees and
Native Species Essential to Preserving Native
Habitats; Providing for Purpose and Intent; Providing
for Definitions; Providing for Criteria; Providing a
Procedure for Designation; Providing for Enforcement;
Providing for Severability; Providing for Repeal of
Ordinances in Conflict; Providing for Codification;
Providing an Effective Date.
• Village Attorney Randolph read the above Ordinance on
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 42
Second Reading by title only.
Peggv Verhoeven reported documents she had collected
relating to this issue, and contacts she had made
regarding banyan trees, which she had learned were
considered an invasive exotic pest in South Florida
and were a native to India, and were not preserved as
historic trees in Florida. Ms. Verhoeven reported
that banyans were a form of ficus. Mrs. Verhoeven
requested these species not be preserved on
residential properties, that the Village tread
lightly and not cause problems for real estate, and
expressed her opinion that a certified arborist
should be on the Tree Board.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the above
Ordinance on Second Reading by title only.
Councilmember Walker seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
B) Ordinance - Second Reading - An Ordinance of the
Village Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm
Beach County, Florida, Amending Chapter 7 of the Code
of Ordinances of the Village of Tequesta Relating to
the Community Appearance Board, By Amending Section
7-7, Powers and Duties as the Official tree Board of
the Village; Providing for Severability; Providing
for the Repeal of Ordinances in Conflict; Providing
for Codification; Providing for an Effective Date.
Village Attorney Randolph read the above Ordinance on
Second Reading by title only.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the above
Ordinance on Second Reading by title only.
Councilmember Genco seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
IX. ANY OTHER MATTERS
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 43
Vice Mayor Schauer reported she had not yet written a
letter to the School Board regarding Jupiter High School.
After the SAC meeting the following week and after the new
Superintendent started, she would write a letter for the
Mayor's signature to make sure the School Board supported
buying the land as required by South Florida Water
Management District.
Councilmember Genco requested addition to the agenda for
the next Village Council meeting of a presentation by
Margaret Inserra, Director of Lighthouse Center for the
Arts, under New Business. Councilmember Genco requested
that the agendas for Committee meetings state the location
of the meeting.
Councilmember Walker requested that Village Manager Couzzo
prepare a report for next month's meeting regarding the
March 2, 2001, Palm Beach Post article regarding FEMA
redoing their flood zone maps and stating that Tequesta did
not submit a report. Councilmember Walker stated she would
like to know why Tequesta did not submit a report, and how
that would affect insurance rates for the residents.
Councilmember Walker asked where the Village stood on
hiring a new Director for Stormwater Utilities. Village
Manager Couzzo reported 16 candidates had responded which
Human Resources had narrowed down to two which he had
interviewed and he would discuss them with staff to analyze
their shortcomings. Mr. Couzzo reported the position was
currently covered by Mr. White for Distribution, Mr. Fallon
for Water Production, and utility projects were being
coordinated by Reese Macon. Mr. Couzzo indicated he was
well aware that a Stormwater Utility Director was needed,
and it was unfortunate that there was a very limited pool
from which to draw.
• Councilmember Walker reported she had had a meeting with
the developer for Cypress Ridge regarding saving some of
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 44
the land in his development for a neighborhood passive park
to be donated to the Village. Councilmember Walker
announced that she had a meeting scheduled the next week
with the Bay View Terrace Shady Lakes Homeowners
Association on the same subject, which could help the
Village comply with their Comprehensive Plan requirements.
Councilmember Walker requested Mr. Couzzo prepare an update
for next month's meeting on the status of the Village's
compliance with the 1999 mediation agreement between the
Village and ENCON, what Tequesta had done to comply, and
when the agreement would expire.
Councilmember Walker requested that next month the Village
Council consider making a donation of money to the
• residents in Phase I and Phase 2 of the sewer installation
project who had been adversely affected by the stormwater
drainage improvements so they could replace landscape
materials. Councilmember Walker indicated Reese Macon was
compiling a list of properties in Phase II, and requested
the other Councilmembers go to look at the properties and
she would provide them the addresses. Councilmember Walker
advised she would bring up this subject again next month.
Regarding the status of the YMCA, Village Manager Couzzo
reported he had met with Mr. Preston regarding a proposal
to bring to the Village Council, and explained that a
special meeting of the Village Council might be needed at
the end of March because of the timing of the summer
program. Mr. Couzzo explained that he and staff would
bring to the Council a recommendation for a combination of
programs provided by the YMCA and by the Village, that the
target was to have the YMCA program in March and the goal
of having two entities was to maximize recreation services,
and to see where the YMCA could best serve the needs and
how the Village could get into offering other services.
• Councilmember Genco commented that newly elected officers
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
March 8, 2001
PAGE 45
were supposed to be sworn in during the month of March.
Assistant Village Manager Manganiello explained that
Section 2.01 of the Charter referred to being sworn in by
the end of March in the event of a tie. Councilmember
Genco expressed her opinion that she had also read that the
newly elected Councilmembers were to be sworn in during
March. Village Attorney Randolph read aloud the applicable
section of the Charter which indicated that in the event
of a tie vote requiring a runoff election, newly elected
Councilmembers shall take office no later than the last day
of March of the same calendar year. The Village Attorney
quoted from the previous section, stating that the term of
office of each Councilmember shall commence on the next
Council meeting subsequent to the date of his election and
shall continue for two years thereafter until a successor
is elected. Village Attorney Randolph stated that said to
him that they should be sworn in at the next Council
meeting, which was the way it had been done in the past.
Councilmember Genco requested the Village Attorney advise
further on this issue.
Village Attorney Randolph indicated that instead of reading
the Ordinance for agenda item B he had read the agenda item
A Ordinance twice. The Village Attorney read the correct
Ordinance at this time on Second Reading by title only.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the above
Ordinance on Second Reading by title only. Councilmember
Walker seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0
vote.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Schauer moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Genco seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous 5-0 vote. The motion was therefore passed and
adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 11:38 p.m.
•~
VILLAGE COUNCIL
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March 8, 2001
PAGE 46
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Laur
Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Joann Manganiello
Village Clerk
DATE APPROVED:
•