HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_12/14/2000VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Post Office Box 3273 357 Tequesta Drive
Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 0561) 575-6220
Fax: (561) 575-6239
VII.,LAGE OF TEQUESTA
VII.,LAGE COUNCIL
MEETING 1VIINUTES
DECEMBER 14, 2000
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,
December 14, 2000. The meeting was called to order at 7:00
P.M. by Mayor Joseph N. Capretta. A roll call was taken
by Betty I,aur, 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,
Village Attorney John C. Randolph, Village Clerk Joann
Manganiello, and Department Heads.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Dalack gave the Invocation and led those in
attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
Flag.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice Mayor Schauer requested under Any Other Matters an
update from the Village Manager on Phase I and Phase II of
the sewering project in the Country Club.
Councilmember Walker requested addition of two items under
Any Other Matters.
• Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the agenda as
amended. Councilmember Genco seconded the motion, which
Recycled Paper
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 2
carried by unanimous 5-0 vote. The motion was therefore
passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as amended.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
A) SCHOOL CONCURRENCY
1. Palm Beach County Commissioner Karen T. Marcus,
District 1
Commissioner Karen T. Marcus encouraged support
for school concurrency, which she stated she had
worked on since 1994. Commissioner Marcus
explained that other municipalities that needed
to sign the Resolution were Atlantis, Riviera
Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, as well as
Tequesta, without which concurrency could not
• take place. Commissioner Marcus reported Palm
Beach County would be the first to comply with
the State statute, and although Orange County
was attempting to comply, there were questions
of legality since they were working on it at a
zoning level. The Commissioner noted that Mr.
Noble's charge had been to have all the cities
signed on by December. 31, and encouraged the
Village to do so.
2. Leo Noble, Consultant for the Palm Beach County
School District
Mr. Noble explained that he had been in the
development business for thirty years and had
become. involved in school. concurrency because of
wanting to attract business to communities, and
the. best way to attract business was to have
good schools. Mr. Noble commented schools were
important in planning and were good for the
entire community. In 1998 the State had passed
legislation requiring a financially feasible
plan, and he believed Palm Beach County was the
first county in the country to show they had the
money to build new schools and to re-build all
schools within the county when they became 35
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 3
years old. Mr. Noble explained that the Statute
also required intergovernmental coordination.
Mr. Noble reported growth of new students did
not all come from new development, that this
plan was set up to track student growth
everywhere, that capacity had ben set at 1100 of
Florida Inventory of Schoglhouses (FISH)
capacity, and that the state would indicate the
amount of capacity each year. Mr. Noble
explained the 110% was only for permanent
student stations and no portables were included
in the plan. New development would be required
to be reviewed by the School District to see if
there was capacity in that area. Mr. Noble
explained that new student growth was shifting
toward the coast, and the money was available to
build schools in the growth areas. A Technical
Advisory Group had been established to oversee
the process, look at the data, and assure that
coordination was happening. Mr. Noble commented
that this was a financially feasible business
plan to build and modernize the schools in the
county, which was good for the communities and
would attract business to the county.
Vice Mayor Schauer commented that she, Mayor
Capretta, and Councilmember Dalack had met with
Mr. Noble two years ago regarding this issue.
Councilmember Genco questioned in the event new
development was proposed for an area where there
was insufficient capacity whether that would
cause a moratorium to go into effect. Mr. Noble
explained the system was set up using
concurrency service areas, which were
approximately 12 x 12 square miles for capacity,
and should not stop development, especially
since the School District would be a part of the
planning process from the beginning.
Councilmember Walker questioned whether
concurrency would address an existing 20-year-
old study/proposal to build a joint elementary
school for southern Martin County and northern
Palm Beach County. Mr. Noble noted boundaries
must be adjusted to balance the system, but the
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 4
ways boundaries were adjusted was not addressed
in this program. Mayor Capretta commented on
the question of whether development could be
stopped in an area that was building rapidly,
such as Jupiter, because there were not enough
schools, and he assumed the answer was that
development could not be stopped. Mr. Noble
indicated that the School District anticipated
a lot of growth in the area; however, there was
a lot of capacity in schools in Northern Palm
Beach County; the plan was not intended to stop
development but for the whole community to plan,
and as long as there was cooperation schools
would be built where they were needed. Mr.
Noble pointed out that Jupiter had been the
first town to sign the agreement for
concurrency. Mr. Noble reported School Board
Chairman Tom Lynch, a former Delray Beach Mayor,
. had commented this was the first time the School
District had signed a contract stating what they
were going to do, and they had signed it by a
vote of 7-0. Mayor Capretta commented that the
Village of Tequesta's last census had indicated
changing demographics from a retirement
community to 50o more children, 75o more people
between the ages of 30-45, and a 10~ reduction
in people over 65. The Mayor reported that the
Council chambers had been packed only a few
weeks ago with parents concerned over a proposed
change in elementary school for their children.
The Mayor noted schools were a big issue in
municipalities and in the country, and the
proposed concurrency should help in the planning
to provide schools in areas to meet the needs of
the shifting population. Mayor Capretta
questioned whether in the extended process of
getting the concurrency plan developed it had
been watered down to the point that it would not
work well. Vice Mayor Schauer noted the School
Board was working hand in hand with the Town of
Jupiter in building a new elementary school,
which was really the first time that had
• happened in over ten years. Vice Mayor Schauer
thanked Commissioner Marcus and Jody Gleason for
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 5
their efforts on this issue of concurrency. The
Vice Mayor announced that Commissioner Marcus
would be giving funding to Jupiter High School
for a new high school and publicly thanked
Commissioner Marcus for her support of Jupiter
High School.
B) Resolution No. 8-00/01 - A Resolution of the
Village Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm
Beach County, Florida, Approving an Interlocal
Agreement With Palm Beach County, the School
District of Palm Beach County, and Certain
Municipalities of Palm Beach County Establishing
a Public School concurrency Program and
Authorizing the Mayor of the Village of Tequesta
to Execute the Appropriate Documents on Behalf
of the Village.
• Village Attorney Randolph read Resolution No. 8-
00/01,
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to adopt
Resolution No. 8-00/O1. Councilmember Genco
seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous
5-0 vote. The motion was therefore passed and
adopted.
Mr. Noble advised he would bring three originals
of the agreement to be signed, one copy for the
Village, one for the Board of Directors of the
League of Cities, and one for the County
Commission.
C) CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Capretta read the following items on the Consent
Agenda:
A) Approval of Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes, June
• 19, 2000
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 6
B) Approval of Special Master Meeting Minutes, October
26, 2000
C) Approval of Village Council Meeting Minutes, November
16, 2000
D) Approval of Village Manager's Report, November 13 -
December 8, 2000
E) Resolution No. 9-00/Ol - A Resolution of the Village
Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach
County, Florida, Accepting the Terms and Conditions
of the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Grant Award; Certifying that Monies from the
EMS Grant Award Will be Used to Purchase an A.,LS
Training Mannequin Which Will Provide a Means for the
EMT'S and Paramedics to Practice and Perfect Their
Skills, Will not be Used to Supplant Existing
• Tequesta Fire-Rescue Budget Allocation and Meets the
Goals and Objectives of the EMS County Grant Plan and
Authorizing the Village Manager to Execute the
Appropriate Documents on Behalf of the Village.
F) Consideration of Approval of Name Change for
Lighthouse Key, a Proposed Planned Mixed-Use
Development Within the Mixed-Use District Located on
the Northeast Corner of the Intersection of Tequesta
Drive and Old Dixie Highway. George G. Gentile,
Gentile, Holloway, O'Mahoney & Associates, as Agent
for Applicant.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the Consent
Agenda. Councilmember Walker seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
VI. CONIlKCTNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Dana Anderson, 48 Yacht Club Place, addressed Phase I of
the severing project and the problems with the road paving.
Mr. Anderson reported his driveway had to be redone a
couple of times and the actual asphalt in front of his
• house was about 3" low, which had been verified by the
contractor and by Mr. Jensen of the Village. Mr. Anderson
VILLAGE COUNCIL
. MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 7
commented he had been assured it would be taken care of,
but not in writing, and he wanted it on public record. Mr.
Anderson noted he was sure there were also other items that
needed to be fixed, in the Country Club and possibly in
Bermuda Terrace. Mr. Anderson requested he or Joe Baker be
notified what was going to be done. Mr. Anderson
volunteered to help with the quality control process.
Village Manager Couzzo noted that payment would be withheld
until everything was corrected, that Mr. Jensen was
cataloging the items, and that Mr. Anderson's problem would
be corrected. Mr. Anderson requested the status letter
contain information to keep the people informed. Mr.
Couzzo reported that the letter had been hand delivered to
every home in Phase I that day. Mr. Anderson commented
that by keeping the people informed, he was sure the
process would work very well.
It was the consensus of the Village Council to have the
• Village Manager provide his update on Phases I and II at
this point in the meeting. Village Manager Couzzo
explained staff had tried to analyze what had happened in
Phase I and where the Village might have provided more
communication to the residents. A bi-weekly newsletter
status report had been developed which would be hand
delivered and would keep the residents up-to-date on Phase
I. The next newsletter would be published the first week
in January and would contain a Phase I status update and
a developmental Phase II update. Village Manager Couzzo
reported the Village had been working with ENCON to try to
coordinate with them on Phase II. Mr. Couzzo commented
that ENCON was awarding a contract for the sewering of
Phase II at their meeting that night, and work was
anticipated to begin the first week in January. Mr.
Couzzo explained that the Village was going out to bid on
the drainage and lighting conduit in Phase II, and hoped
to coordinate that with ENCON.
Joe Baker, 73 Fairview East, expressed his opinion that
having one contractor run the sewering job was what was
needed, to which the Village Manager responded the Village
had made an attempt to do that by proposing an interlocal
agreement with ENCON; however, legal counsel had advised
that the Village should go out for public bid. Mr. Baker
reported he was dissatisfied with the people complaining
VILLAGE COUNCIL
• MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 8
-----------------------
about the work in Phase I and the communication between the
Village and the people whose yards and roads were torn up.
Mr. Baker recommended having someone in control of the job
to manage it and run it like a business. Village Attorney
Randolph commented he had been consulted as to whether or
not the Village could use ENCON's contractor, and he had
advised it was. better public policy for the Village to go
to bid. The Village Attorney explained that if the Village
had. bid. this job at the .same time as ENCON that would have
been fine, but if the Village were to just award a bid to
a contractor without going to public_bid, it would not be
known if the Village was really getting the best deal. Mr.
Baker responded this was not new to the Village and this
should have been done months ago . Mayor Capretta commented
the Village did try to work with. ENGON with a single
contractor on Phase I and ENCON refused. The Village's
second choice_ was to get their work- done first and have
ENCON follow, but ENCON refused and wanted to go first.
• One of the. problems. with Phase II was ENCON's contractor
was low bidder by $400,000 and had never done a big job
like this before., and. the. Village would try to get him to
bid on their portion and hopefully be the low bidder on the
Village work so that one contractor could do the whole job.
Dana Anderson explained a contractor would not want to be
second because he would. ultimately k~e responsible for
everything; so the way to get a project accomplished was
to have one. contractor fQr everything_ Vice Mayor Schauer
commented the Village had learned from its mistakes
regarding communication with the. public, which was one
reason the Village Manager had had the update hand
delivered and why he had been. asked to inform Tequesta
Country Club that the Village would communicate in the
future. The. Vice Mayor. commented the_ jpb had not been
easy, and expressed hope that Phase II would go better.
Village Manager Couz_~o reported he and. the. Village Attorney
would discuss this matter further to see if ENCON would
work with. the Village, and. to clanify with the Attorney
that the interlocal agreement which had been proposed would
have been with. another government. entity who would have the
contract with a sole contractor and the Village would have
utilized. their. engineers to inspeot both portions of the
project, thereby having a unified contract and unified
inspection, with the inspectors responsible to the Village
rather than ENCON_ The Village Manager commented it had
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 9
been very gracious of Mr. Dent to delegate that authority
to the Village. Village Attorney Randolph commented that
possibility was still under consideration and he wanted it
known that Mr. Couzzo was trying to move the project along
under the lines being discussed as smoothly and as quickly
as possible. The Village Attorney explained that the
purpose of public bidding was to make sure the best deal
was obtained for the public. Vice Mayor Schauer commented
that Mr. Dent's willingness to work with. the Village was
a step in the right direction. Mr. Baker encouraged the
Village Council to hold a special session if necessary to
resolve this issue. Mr. Couzzo explained that the Village
Attorney had not been contacted in time to work this out
and Mr. Dent had indicated ENCON could coordinate its
schedule outside the Village for the first few months of
the contract in order to allow this to be worked out.
Mayor Capretta commented on the difficulties of having more
than one contractor and that the work that was done on his
. street had been under one contractor and had gone well.
Arnold Blum, 410 Tequesta Drive, cautioned that during many
years in the. construction business he had seen many
contractors come in under bid and not be able to complete
the job, and bringing in another contractor to complete
could be very costly. Mr. Blum noted that a severely low
bid should send up some flags.. Mayor Capretta commented
the contractor also had had little experience, but ENCON
had checked them out thoroughly anal were satisfied they
could and would do the job. Mr. Blum commented the only
job he had seen come in ahead of time and. under bid was the
flyover on Dixie Highway near Rivera Beach, which was
amazing to him since. it was. a government job. Village
Manager Couzzo commented the bid received was $400,000
under the second bid, and the. Village agreement was not
with the contractor but was with ENCON. Mr. Blum commented
it seemed that. the Village was crossing it's is and
crossing it's T's and that was something that was really
needed. Village Manager Couzzo indicated Phase I was
scheduled for completion the latter part of March and it
was yet to be determ;nPd when Ph~e ZI would start. Mr.
Couzzo explained that Phase II for ENCON would begin in
January but the Country Club portion would hopefully be
postponed until it could be coordinated with the work of
the Village in that area--possibly to begin in February,
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 10
although the contractor would like that work to start in
January. Mayor Capretta commented Tom Jensen had been
managing this job and the Village must assure he was doing
the job correctly, with improved communication and
accuracy.
U
Jim Humpacte, 426 Cypress Drive, explained that he had put
a letter in the newspaper, but wanted to convey the
information personally to the Village Council. Mr. Humpage
reported the Political Action Committee had met on December
6 to decide whether to proceed with the referendum, and had
decided not to proceed for the sake of the Village and
perhaps to put some of the. animosity aside. Mr. Humpage
requested formation of a coalition to try to unite the
Village, with members of the PAC committee to sit with the
Village Council to resolve concerns of the residents, and
to work together. Mr. Humpage expressed a desire for
everyone to work together in the future. Mayor Capretta
responded that Mr. Humpage's request would be considered
and he would be notified.
VII. BOARD APPOINTMENT
A) Consideration of Either the Reappointment of Kevin
Kinnebrew to a Three-Year Term as a Regular Member of
the Board of Adjustment or Appointment of a New
Regular Member, With Said Term Expiring December 31,
2003.
Village Clerk Manganiello advised that this position
had been advertized in Smoke Signals, and a couple of
applications had been picked up but no one had
submitted a completed application, therefore, Mr.
Kinnebrew was the only applicant.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to reappoint Kevin
Kinnebrew to a three-year term as a regular member of
the Board of Adjustment, with said term expiring
December 31, 2003. Councilmember Genco seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
•
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 11
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A) VILLAGE COUNCIL PROCEDURES
1. Discussion of Policy Regarding the Addition of
Agenda Items by the Village Council.
Mayor Capretta reported this item had been
discussed previously but no decision had been
made.
Village Attorney Randolph commented staff needed
clarification of how the Village Council wished
to handle adding agenda items. The Village
Attorney gave examples of how this was handled
in other municipalities. In one case, at the
beginning of the meeting when the agenda was
being set they would add items to the agenda to
discuss whether they wanted to add them to the
next agenda, would not discuss those items that
evening because they did not have the backup
that evening, and would take a vote as to
whether or not the full Council wanted to have
that item on the next agenda, and a majority
vote prevailed. In other places, a
Councilmember would say he or she would like to
see an item placed on the agenda for the next
meeting and the item was then placed on the next
agenda. Village Attorney commented at the
previous discussion the Village Council had been
clear that they did not want to add items to the
agenda for the meeting that night unless it was
a dire emergency, because backup would not be
available.
Councilmember Genco commented there were two
ways to add items, either by an individual or by
consensus approval by the Council, and asked if
there were other ways. Mayor Capretta asked
whether it made a difference that some items
were only discussion items and some were items
for consideration that required a lot of backup.
Councilmember Genco responded that the decision
had already been made that any time any
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 12
-----------------------
Councilmember wanted to add anything, unless it
was a dire emergency, that it would have to be
proposed as new business for the next meeting,
and the question on the floor now was whether to
allow an individual to add an item or whether to
have consensus, meaning a vote would be taken,
or if there was an alternative, such as one
person making a motion and it being seconded and
that being sufficient. The Village Attorney
advised that with a motion and a second a vote
must be taken with the majority prevailing. The
Village Attorney discussed pros and cons of each
method-that if individuals were allowed to add
items five people could really load up an agenda
if they all had items to propose, and some of
those items might be things that all members of
the Council were not interested in pursuing at
a particular meeting. Councilmember Dalack
• asked whether there was an item in the Village
Charter regarding this. Councilmember Genco
commented under Robert's Rules of Order that any
member could propose an item for new business;
and under the Village Charter any two members of
the Village Council could call a special meeting
on any subject they chose, which was why she had
suggested only two people be required in order
to add an agenda item, stating that otherwise
there would always be a majority rule and the
majority would decide what they wanted all the
time and if there was a split Council that could
be unfair to having something heard in the
public. Councilmember Genco recommended that so
long as there were two people who wanted an item
added to the agenda that it be done, since there
was the possibility those two people could end
up calling a special meeting. Councilmember
Genco commented that since she had been elected
there had been many times the Council had been
split 3-2, which meant the two Councilmembers
representing 660 people would have no say to
indicate what those people wanted. Village
Attorney Randolph advised it would probably be
an unusual circumstance for the Council to do
this since usually the Village Manager would set
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 13
-----------------------
the agenda as to all the things he saw that
needed to be done when he was conferring with
the Mayor. The Village Attorney indicated it
would be an unusual situation where the Council
would want to add an item as opposed to it being
added by the Manager. Mayor Capretta asked what
was to prevent any Councilmember asking the
Manager to put something on the agenda, which
Village Attorney Randolph clarified there was
nothing to prevent that except it could present
a real problem for the manager if he had to
answer to five people between meetings as to
what they would like to see on the agenda. Vice
Mayor Schauer commented there might be items
that could be worked out between the Manager and
staff without having full consensus of the
Council. Village Attorney Randolph suggested a
third alternative: If one individual wanted
• something on the agenda for the next meeting
they could bring it up and it would be put on
the next agenda unless three people voted
against it. Councilmember Genco stated that was
exactly what she was saying. Councilmember
Genco indicated if there were two members who
felt something should be discussed then she
thought the rest should listen to them no matter
which two Councilmembers wanted the discussion.
Vice Mayor Schauer commented the Council had
never had this problem before, that the Council
would bring up a matter and ask the Manager to
add it and provide the backup. Vice Mayor
Schauer commented that her main concern was that
she never wanted to have to vote without backup.
Village Attorney Randolph commented that had
already been decided and the question was how to
put it on the agenda. The Village Attorney
commented one way to do it would be for a member
of the Council to say to the Village Manager at
the end of the meeting, "Mr. Couzzo could you
please put on the agenda for the next meeting
the item regarding the Country Club roads", and
it would be put on unless he heard from the
other Councilmembers that they did not want it
added. Councilmember Dalack commented that
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 14
sounded like a very good idea, but another
thought was that if four people did not want it
put on it would not succeed, and that would be
enough to keep it off since that would
accomplish the purpose of making it clear to
everybody they did not want it. If four did not
want it put on the next agenda that would avoid
a fruitless discussion at the next meeting.
Village Attorney Randolph advised against
setting different standards for majority vote,
since for everything else it was three for a
majority. Councilmember Genco favored a
minority of two people being able to add an
item. Vice Mayor Schauer commented she felt it
should be majority. Village Attorney Randolph
commented if it was approached the way he
suggested and one person asked for it he
believed the Councilmembers all had enough
respect for each other that they would put it on
unless three out of the five saw some radical
reason why it should not go on. Mayor Capretta
made the following proposal: If any
Councilmember wanted to put an item on the
agenda for the next meeting they make that
suggestion and if there was silence on the
subject it would go on, and the Village Manager
would carry out that instruction; however, if
another Councilmember did not want it added to
the agenda and asked for a vote on it and if
three people voted against it then it would not
go on. Councilmember Genco stated that way the
majority would never be allowed. Village
Attorney Randolph clarified the discussion had
started with having a majority to get an item
on, and now what the Mayor was saying was one
person could put an item on unless three voted
against it. Councilmember Genco stated she
liked that. Mayor Capretta commented that would
rarely happen but if it was something so
obnoxious to three they would not want it
discussed they could stop it, but normally there
would be no discussion-each Councilmember would
have a right to request addition of an item and
unless somebody felt very strongly about it and
VILLAGE COUNCIL
• MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 15
they could persuade a second and a third person
against it, then it would go on. Mayor Capretta
noted he had been Mayor several different times
and to the best of his recollection he had never
removed an item from the agenda, except when a
meeting was scheduled to go to midnight and he
said there wasn't time and the ones that did not
have to be discussed to delay to the next
meeting.
Councilmember Genco asked the Village Attorney
to restate the proposal, to be added to page
A(2) of the procedures. Village Attorney
Randolph commented that under the Summary of
Procedures, anyone who wanted to put an item on
the agenda for an upcoming meeting could ask for
it at the meeting and unless there was a vote to
the contrary it would go on.
• Jim Humpage, 426 Cypress Drive, commented that
one of the things desired was more participation
from residents and suggested placing the agenda
in the Courier so that people could see if there
were items in which they were interested. Vice
Mayor Schauer commented she had sent over 30
invitations for tonight's Meet and Greet session
and only two of those she invited came. The
Vice Mayor commented that a lot of people would
come when something affected them individually.
Vice Mayor Schauer noted that the budget was
very constrained now but putting the agenda in
the Courier was something that could be
considered in next year's budget, and commented
that people would soon be able to access the
agenda through the web site. Councilmember
Genco noted that the web site might be
operational in January or February.
2. Consideration of Ratification of the List of
Procedures Relative to Village Council Meetings
and Agenda and Other General Items (per the
Summary of Procedural Comments Discussed at the
• November 3, 2000, Village Council Workshop
Meeting).
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 16
Village Clerk Manganiello commented under A (2}
in the Summary of Procedures that if the Village
Council was in consensus on item 1 that perhaps
they could add it to item 4 regarding voting.
Discussion ensued regarding where this item
should be placed. Councilmember Walker suggested
it could be cross referenced under Agenda Item
Any Other Matters. Councilmember Genco stated
she wished to see it in writing, and suggested
that if at any time the Village Council was at
a loss how to handle anything in a Village
Council meeting that they go to Robert's Rules
of Order, to which Village Attorney Randolph
responded the Village Council did operate under
Robert's Rules of Order.
Vice Mayor Schauer questioned for what special
circumstance might a blind ballot be used, and
• noted the only time she had used a blind ballot
had been in voting to hire Village Manager
Couzzo. Village Attorney Randolph responded
that a special circumstance might be if five
people had applied for a commission and it could
be embarrassing to talk about it; however, he
did not think it was necessary to have blind
ballot voting in the procedures. The Village
Attorney noted that item had been discussed and
he had indicated any such vote would occur very
rarely and that the blind ballots must be signed
and made a part of the record, so they really
would not be secret. Councilmember Dalack
commented that special circumstances for blind
ballot voting would be determined at the
meeting. Village Attorney Randolph stated that
blind ballot voting did not need to be in the
procedures, and the procedures were for normal
meetings. Councilmember Genco commented she had
brought this issue up so that if a Councilmember
felt there was prejudice they could request a
blind ballot, but the Village Attorney had
pointed out you could not hide who you voted
for. Councilmember Walker expressed her opinion
that so long as the possibility existed for a
VILLAGE COUNCIL
• MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 17
blind vote it should be in the procedures.
Village Manager Couzzo reminded the Council that
they were establishing procedures that would go
forward to other Village Councils, and if a
blind ballot was taken without the attorney
present it could be a problem. Vice Mayor
Schauer expressed her opinion that a blind
ballot was a cop out. Village Attorney Randolph
commented she could state at a meeting where a
blind ballot was proposed that she thought it
was a cop out and she did not want to vote that
way, and he concurred with Councilmember
Dalack's suggestion to consider blind balloting
on a case by case basis, and explained this was
just saying if a blind ballot was done it must
be signed. Councilmember Dalack noted there was
really no such thing as a blind ballot since it
was not anonymous. It was noted the name "blind
• ballot" should be changed. After discussion it
was decided to use the term "voting by ballot"
instead of "blind ballot". Mayor Capretta
recalled that some former Councilmembers did not
want to face the public when voting and had had
a real problem voting in public, but there was
no way to hide how a person voted.
The next item discussed was abstaining from
voting. Since item 4 was the item in regard to
placing agenda items, an item 5 was proposed by
the Village Attorney: No person may abstain
from voting unless they declare a conflict of
interest pursuant to State statutes. The Vice
Mayor suggested that Village Attorney Randolph
place item 4 where he considered appropriate.
Councilmember Genco commented that Robert's
Rules had been added. Councilmember Walker
asked to add that these procedural changes be
reviewed annually by the Village Council,
following the election. Vice Mayor Schauer
commented it should be stated the review would
be done at a workshop meeting to educate the new
Village Council. Councilmember Walker noted
that these procedures would be subject to change
as Village Councils changed. Discussion ensued
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 18
regarding waiting to have the procedures at a
workshop meeting rather than at the
organizational meeting, and it was noted there
needed to be a warm up period. Mayor Capretta
commented he had always thought there should be
a Councilmember's Handbook to provide
orientation.
Councilmember Dalack questioned why a
Councilmember could not abstain from voting, to
which the response was that it was a statutory
prohibition. Village Attorney Randolph advised
if there was not a roll call vote and a
Councilmember was silent, that would be
considered an "aye" vote. Vice Mayor Schauer
noted when the St. Jude renovations were on the
agenda she had abstained.
Village Attorney Randolph advised in regard to
Consent Agenda there could be only a motion to
adopt without reading the items, but if there
was a Resolution it would have to be read by
title. It was decided to add that to the
procedures.
Village Attorney Randolph commented that under
Agenda Item Any Other Matters, when someone
wanted to discuss something at the end of the
agenda they should announce the subject matter,
which had not been done tonight, and that should
be added to the procedures.
Village Attorney Randolph suggested number 2
might be confusing when talking now about if a
Councilmember requests that a matter be
reconsidered a vote shall be taken under Any
Other Matters on whether to place that item on
the next agenda. The Village Attorney advised
that was not needed now in light of what the
Council had just done, and what had just been
done should be placed there and reconsideration
should not be mentioned. Reconsideration could
I ~ only be done at the same meeting an item had
been considered. Village Attorney Randolph
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 19
advised Village Clerk Manganiello to strike item
2 and substitute what the Council had requested
under item 4 for voting.
Councilmember Dalack called attention to General
Items on page 3, which stated "staff members
shall sit" which implied that staff members must
be present, and suggested a change to "staff
members present shall sit". The Village
Attorney suggested this be stricken, since it
was just a suggestion from Mr. Couzzo to get rid
of the tables. The policy was that staff did
not have to attend unless directed by the
Village Manager, and a representative of the
Police Department would always be present.
Councilmember Genco made a motion to adopt the
Summary of Procedural Comments with the agreed
upon amendments. Councilmember Walker seconded
the motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
B) Review and Discussion of Draft Report of the Proposed
U.S. Highway One/Old Dixie Highway Corridor Analysis
and Conceptual Overlay Zoning District.
Village Manager Couzzo reported staff had been
working with Duncan & Associates to prepare the draft
agreement for review, and comments from the Village
Council expressed tonight would be incorporated into
the final agreement, which would be completed within
the month. Mr. Couzzo explained that the purpose of
the agreement was to join three jurisdictional
entities, Tequesta, Jupiter, and Palm Beach County,
to provide a harmonious corridor on U.S. One with
respect to development, landscaping, roadway signage,
etc., so that there would not be a different set of
regulations in each jurisdiction. There were no
comments from the Village Councilmembers.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to adopt the Draft
Report of the Proposed U.S. Highway One/Old Dixie
Highway Corridor Analysis and Conceptual Overlay
Zoning District. Councilmember Genco seconded the
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 20
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
C) Ordinance - First Reading - An Ordinance of the
Village Council of the Village of Tequesta, Palm
Beach County, Florida, Amending Exhibit "A" of
Section 2-30 of the Code of Ordinances, Village of
Tequesta, Florida, Relating to the Employees' Pension
Trust Funds by Amending Definitions, Providing that
the Boards of Trustees should Adopt Statements of
Investment Policy; Correcting Scrivener's Errors;
Providing for Early Retirement Guaranteed Payments;
Clarifying Disability Retirement as Required by State
Laws; Providing for Eligible Rollover Distributions;
Providing for Severability; Providing for Repeal of
Ordinances in Conflict; Providing for Codification;
and Providing an Effective Date.
Village Attorney Randolph read the above Ordinance on
First Reading by title only.
Village Manager Couzzo explained that the Village's
attorney for the Pension Boards and the Village
auditor for the Pension Boards, Mr. Palmquist, was
recommending this Ordinance making changes to the
Code to comply with changes in the State statutes.
Village Attorney Randolph clarified in response to a
question from Councilmember Dalack that he believed
the language regarding review by the Circuit Court
was according to statute. Councilmember Dalack
proposed amendment of the language to be according to
general law. The Village Attorney indicated he would
prefer to match the language in the statute and would
review the language before Second Reading so that a
change could be made if appropriate.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a motion to approve the above
Ordinance on First Reading by title only.
Councilmember Walker seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
Councilmember Dalack announced that his comments
regarding review had been regarding the II.S. One
Corridor item and not the Pension Board item, and
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 21
asked the same question in regard to the U.S. One
Corridor item. Village Attorney Randolph indicated
his response was the same.
D. Consideration of Donation from Village of Tequesta to
Florida History Center & Museum in the Amount of
$1,000.00.
Mr. George Blank, Executive Director of the Florida
History Center & Museum, explained that the museum's
mission was to develop, interpret, and preserve the
history of the community. Mr. Blank noted a lot of
people came here who knew nothing about the history
of Florida, presented highlights of the fascinating
history of this area, expressed a desire to involve
the local community, and touched on the altruistic
and commercial aspects of the museum. The nominal
fees to become a museum member were discussed.
• Councilmember Walker requested if the Village Council
approved the donation request that it become a line
item in the budget and be reviewed annually. Vice
Mayor Schauer agreed it would be good to support the
museum and to make it a line item in the budget.
Village Manager Couzzo questioned whether there would
be any restrictions for the Village to use the museum
for certain programs. Mr. Blank responded that the
museum would be happy to have children or adults
visit, could arrange a special tour if desired, and
explained that part of the Village's donation would
be used in the path of history to the Jupiter
Lighthouse. Mr. Blank noted that municipalities were
required to keep the artifacts of those
municipalities, and the museum could act as a
consultant to help preserve those artifacts.
Councilmember Genco asked that a notice be placed in
Smoke Signals announcing that the museum was in need
of furnishings or clothing for the Tindall house,
circa 1892, that could have been in this area at that
time.
Vice Mayor Schauer made a nation to donate $1,000 to
Florida History Center & Museum and to include a
$1,000 donation for the museum as a line item in next
year's budget. Councilmember Walker seconded the
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 22
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
Councilmember Genco inquired whether Lighthouse
Gallery had received the $10,000 donation designated
as a budget line item for them. Village Clerk
Manganiello clarified that there was a budget item
called Aid to Comunity Organizations, into which a
lump sum of $11,000 had been placed for this budget
year. $1,000 was dedicated to Project Graduation
annually and the other $10,000 had been appropriated
but not earmarked, so it was up to the discretion of
the Village Council each year to decide how that
money was spent. It was noted that the $1,000
donation to the museum would come from the $10,000,
and the Village Council had not voted yet this year
on a donation for the Lighthouse Gallery. Vice Mayor
Schauer commented that both she and Mr. Preston, and
she and Village Manager Couzzo at two different times
• had met with the Gallery representatives to request
the Gallery decorate the Village Hall Christmas tree,
which was the first time the Village had ever asked
the Gallery to do anything. Vice Mayor Schauer
reported Mr. Preston and Mr. Couzzo had called the
Gallery because they were not happy with the lighting
that was done, and there had been no support back
from the Gallery. The Vice Mayor reported Village
staff had then decorated the tree, and she would
contact the Gallery regarding this matter.
Discussion ensued. Councilmember Genco asked if
there had been a lack of communication or lack of
cooperation, to which the Vice Mayor responded there
had been a lack of cooperation, and she would let the
gallery know before the January Village Council
meeting that she was not pleased with the situation.
Mayor Capretta commented he did not think the
Gallery's efforts had been a $10,000 job and the
Village had a way to reward the Gallery for their
services. Mayor Capretta commented he had thought it
would be nice for the Gallery to do an artistic
project for the Village of decorating the tree and
possibly other things, and although the Village had
been giving them money for many years this was the
first time the Village had asked them to do anything.
Vice Mayor Schauer commented she and Mr. Preston and
• VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 23
Mr. Couzzo would meet with the Gallery.
IX. ANY OTHER MATTERS
Councilmember Walker reported on the November Palm Beach
County League of Cities meeting where a round table
discussion with the new House Representative Joe Negron was
held regarding growth management, windstorm insurance, and
the current County annexation policy. Councilmember Walker
reported a list of legislative recommendations for which
the League planned to lobby: growth management, Everglades
restoration funding, annexation policy, municipal revenue,
windstorm insurance rates, municipal representation of
special taxing districts, tax equity, septic tanks, State-
wide building codes, electric and utility franchise fee
agreements, and working together.
• Councilmember Walker reported staff had been very active
in finding locations for neighborhood parks and requested
periodic updates from staff on this matter. Mayor Capretta
suggested writing letters to the owners to try to get the
land donated to the Village, which would be a tax writeoff .
Mayor Capretta noted Mr. Buckwalter, Editor of Jupiter
Courier, was present in the audience and that the reporter,
Jim Turner, was being promoted and sent to Stuart . The new
reporter, Lora Ide, was also present.
X. ADJOURNr~NT
Vice Mayor Schauer moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Walker seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous 5-0 vote. The motion was therefore passed and
adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Laur
Recording Secretary
VILLAGE COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2000
PAGE 24
ATTEST:
Jo nn Manganie o
Village Clerk
DATE APPROVED:
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