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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 03_06/11/2015 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP ,, MARCH 2, 2015 .t;; Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roli cali was taken by Village Clerk McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approva/ of the agenda; seconded by Council Member D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 1. Capital Budget Discussion Village Manager Couzzo suggested a three year plan in response to Council's recent discussion regarding development of a multi-year plan. He also noted that the Village had submitted an application for the US1 grant funding. Manager Couzzo explained that Tequesta Drive would be the next big project, and was estimated at $665,400, which must be paid up front. He reported departmental requests totaled approximately $2 million over the next three years and, that during his investigation of loan options it was revealed that lending agencies were hesitant to loan for 20 years. He noted seven years was desired due to low interest rates. He added that the Village would need five percent on the ad valorem side to pay the $2 million and suggested a general obligation bond (which would require a referendum, at additional costs). Manager Couzzo noted a few of the budgetary requests were not necessities and prioritizing would be necessary. Council Member Paterno felt park programs for children were important. Council Member Okun voiced his preference for Tequesta Drive as the main concourse through the Village and felt that this project was pressing and would take up much of the budget for the next three years. He then inquired about moving forward with water transmission lines. Village Manager Couzzo provided a status summary. Council Member Paterno asked about budgeted water projects. Village Manager Couzzo responded that sleeves would be placed underground and, without unforeseen failure all else could wait another 25 years. Manager Couzzo estimated approximately a four percent cost increase in operating and personnel at the water plant for the next year and advised that he would identify and prioritize all costs discussed. Mayor Brennan felt putting items off year after year was not advisable. Council Member Okun felt steps should be taken to enhance the community. Council continued to discuss benefits and drawbacks of the cost savings account. Village Manager Couzzo offered a list of items he felt required Council's direction for continuation. Vice Mayor Arena suggested seeking an MPO (Metropolitan Planning Minutes — Workshop 3/2/15 Page 2 Organization} grant every year to help and funding through Homeland Security for police. Mayor Brennan expressed concern with the budgetary IT requests and questioned what was actually necessary. Council Member Okun suggested avenues for enterprise money and contract for services be researched. Council Member D'Ambra felt projects and their costs should be identified and itemized to be complete, evaluated for a 10 year span and then work backwards through strategic planning. Council Member Paterno believed improvements were required to promote home values and recommended the Vitlage Manager prepare a list of items discussed. Council Member D'Ambra suggested Council's input by listing their desires and perspectives over the next ten years be offered to the Village Manager to assist the Managers research before returning to Council. Mayor Brennan explained the North Palm Beach County branding initiative to promote areas and business and asked for Council's desire. She noted a firm had been hired, and Tequesta had been invited to hear the proposal. She suggested Council Member Okun attend for additional information as Tequesta's appointed liaison. Council Member Okun agreed. 2. Image and Identity Council Member Okun reported his feeling that the Police Department and vehicle markings held identity issue and differed from the graphics generated through the Manager Couzzo and Council. He expressed his understanding that they had their own vision of what was best for their department and vehicle logos and, felt Council should not impose their opinions over their fleet. He stated many departments had developed their own stationery and too many existed. Council Member Okun commented on the importance of uniformity within the Village regarding stationery, logos, etc., and requested council support. Mayor Brennan suggested Manager Couzzo supply what was currently utilized Village wide and hold a workshop to begin a discussion. Council Member Okun suggested styles along with an integrated identity so that all of the municipality would be consistent; use same colors, same logos, etc. Council Member Paterno supported the standardization. Mayor Brennan asked that signage also be included and, felt one party should be designated as the vendor contact and make all purchases. 3. Park Improvements and Events Village Manager Couuo advised this would be part of the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan). 4, Celebrating the Successes of Village Businesses Discussion Council Member Paterno commended Futures of Palm Beach for turning a deserted property into a success and suggested they and others who were making the Village a better place be recognized. He encouraged Council to help develop an idea that would stir up excitement. Council Members brain stormed ideas to place new businesses in Smoke Signal's and on the Village website to offer an opportunity to inform residents of their businesses/new ventures. Council discussed ideas such as: 11llinutes — Workshop 3/2/15 Page 3 • Business photo • Businesses responsibility to advertise on their own • Chamber of Commerce opportunities • Framed proclamations • Number of words allowed in articles • Placing on web site • Possible appearance to market/advertise for non profits Clerk McWilliams supported the idea and advised of the time barriers for placement on the Village website along with requirements to change the site each time a business closed or had any change in their information. She noted that businesses had asked for their events to be placed on the Village website and, that this could not be done for one and not all. Clerk McWilliams also explained difficulties with getting new businesses to respond to the Village's request which offered a free spotlight in Smoke Signals. She suggested placing the opportunity on the back page for business owners to contact the Village if they were interested. Chief Elg felt most people searched the web to find businesses and would not utilize the Village website to do that type of search. Council Member D'Ambra supported Clerk McWilliams using the next Smoke Signals to reach out to the new businesses. Council members also supported the development of a business directory to which Clerk McWilliams explained already existed. Clerk McWilliams asked for clarification if all businesses, including home based would qualify, and suggested all businesses with phone numbers be placed on the back page of Park & Recreation's insert. She suggested the businesses contact her if they wished to have more descriptive information or a link on the website and stated she could include the information in business weekly as well. Vice Mayor Arena suggested several categories be developed and used for any recognition initiatives to help keep equality with all businesses. Council discussed plaques and awards along with Council Member Okun's suggestions and ideals to be brought back. Council agreed that Clerk McWilliams would move forward with the Smoke Signal to notify all businesses for updates. ANY OTHER MATTERS Mayor Brennan provided an update on the freight trains and confirmed that the old horns had been replaced with new, louder horns which were on the high end of the decibel scale but, within range. She believed the volume could be lowered. She also updated Council regarding the trestle bridge and necessary funding for repairs. Mayor Brennan felt that the concept that there was not enough money for the trestle repairs was overridden as she understood funding could be located. She believed this would be another issue that showed All Aboard Florida (AAF) and Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) to be disingenuous. Mayor Brennan noted her understanding was that freight would come whether or not AAF did, and noted quiet zones had been placed in areas where AAF had been accepted. Minutes — Workshop 3/2/15 Page 4 Council Member Paterno voiced his concern regarding opposition to the AAF deal and freight trains as he felt it offered jobs to the area. Mayor Brennan responded that the mission was not to stop AAF but to make the project as safe as possible. She also noted that Florida Not All Aboard had growing support. Mayor Brennan congratulated Manager Couzzo on his well done pension reform interview and, offered an update on removal and relocation of the Village's problematic propane tank. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5-0; therefor�e, the meeting was adjoumed at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the Office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office. MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP � �, MARCH 30, 2015 Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena and Council Member Steve Okun. Council Member Frank D'Ambra arrived at 6:08 p.m. and Council Member Tom Paterno left the meeting at 6:14 p.m. Mayor Brennan offered an overview concerning any other matters (AOM), and explained that only topics disclosed at the beginning of a meeting, which were informational in nature, would be added for discussion and, that any new topic that may be voted on, would not qualify for AOM and must be set for a future agenda. APPROVALOFAGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 3-1 with Council MemberPaterno opposed. Mayor Brennan asked Council for any other matters. Council Member Paterno asked for an update regarding the negotiations meeting scheduled for the following day. Mayor Brennan responded that there was not time for additional information and suggested an executive session following the meeting; she confirmed that Manager Couzzo could update Council within an executive session. Mayor Brennan referenced Councils' personal capital proposal lists and offered a brief review. Vice Mayor Arena voiced his feelings regarding the lists and asked the Village Manager for figures associated. Manager Couzzo stated that Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, would be best to supply that information. Council Member Paterno voiced his frustrations with department heads not being in attendance, as had been requested by Council numerous times. Council Member D'Ambra arrived. Mayor Brennan reiterated the overview regarding any other matters and explained that the three Council members present agreed that staff was not necessary on tonight's agenda and released them. Council Member Paterno felt decisions should not be made before the meeting began and, without consulting the entire Council. He felt his question(s) required staffs attendance and that any member could do their homework, relating to any item and inquire or discuss them (without action) under any other matters. Mayor Brennan explained that Attorney Davis had briefed her recently that Council had expanded past what was procedurally correct and they were not to discuss items which were not on the agenda. She continued to clarify that Council had been veering off of this rule and, items which required an approval or denial must be placed on a future agenda. Minutes — Workshop 3/30/15 Page 2 Mayor Brennan commented that items presented last moment did not offer others the appropriate time to digest and research their questions and/or responses. Council Member Paterno re-iterated that his questions required staff. He then left the meeting. Council Member D'Ambra reported that he had personal family issues and would not be present for the entire meeting. Mayor Brennan explained her understanding on what should occur within any other matters and a meeting. Consensus of Council was that Council be given information ahead of the meeting date via the agenda. 1. 10 Year Capital Improvements Vice Mayor Arena asked how much money remained at the end of the budget over the past two years. Manager Couzzo responded approximately zero to two percent (of ten million). Council Member Okun suggested logging necessities on a priority scale once costs were established. Council discussed items such as curbs, concrete versus asphalt, sidewa{ks, gateway entrances to the Village improvement(s) and, a water park versus a splash park. They afso considered the reaf-estate value of Paradise Park with a possibfe home for an alternative fire substation, along with concerns for its staffing. Mayor Brennan offered to contact the Commissioner regarding Coral Cove as an option for the fire station. She also felt Waterway Village would be a positive annex property for the Village. Manager Couzzo stated he would sketch gateway monument signs and bring back to Council for review. Council Members discussed prioritization, pricing items and review in the near future, State funding and grants were also discussed. Manager Couzzo noted a recent lighting request and MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) revision occurring from the request. He explained that the US1 project in Tequesta differed from other areas because of the connectivity value. Council Member Okun felt the community needed to be updated/enhanced and, if items were continuafly put off, it would be difficuft to keep up with needs in the future. Vice Mayor Arena questioned acquiring a loan versus a mortgage for funding upcoming projects. Manager Couzzo stated he would look into options. He then reported that renderings which were in process for Paradise Park and suggested a 20 year annuity. Council voiced their preferences regarding Paradise Park. Consensus of Council was for Manager Couzzo to pursue options regarding Paradise Park. 2. Budget Cost Savings Account Council Member D'ambra left the meeting at 7:36 p.m. Mayor Brennan suggested tabling the item so that Council Member Paterno could participate. Minutes — Workshop 3/30/15 Page 2 Brief discussion occurred. Consensus of Council was to table the item. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 3-0; therefore, the meeting was adjoumed at 7:59 p.m. RespectFully submitted, Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the Office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office. MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP � APRIL 27, 2015 '. Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. A roii call was taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Vice Mayor Arena moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 1. Discussion on Resolution 16-15, Land Development Fees Nilsa C. Zacarias, Director of Community Development offered comparisons of four surrounding municipalities' and noted that it had been three years since the fees had been adjusted. She then explained the tables and data offered. Vice Mayor Arena asked several questions regarding fences, vegetation removal regulations during hurricanes and application review fees. Ms. Zacarias answered the Vice Mayor's questions and noted fee structure. Council Member D'Ambra felt the increase was high. Manager Couzzo explained that fees were derived through staff time and the review process. Ms. Zacarias suggested square footage as a preferred method for the fee formula. Council asked that the Manager and Village Attorney research the fees and bring the final back. Attorney Davis explained there was a minimum cost for the department to look at plans and that surrounding fees would be researched. A resident voiced her concern for the cost of her recent remodel project. Manager Couzzo explained the additional building permit fee. Council Member Paterno noted the fee they were referring to was for adding on square footage with the remodel. 2. Discussion on Dissolving the Board of Adjustment Attorney Davis noted boards and committees job descriptions and that the Board of Adjustments (BOA) had met only a few times in past couple of years. He then suggested the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board serve as the responsible group for BOA duties. He noted that the members of the P&Z Board were familiar with laws and regulations, met more often and would be a good candidate for the arrangement. Council directed the item go to a Regular Council meeting. Minutes — Workshop 4/27/15 Page 2 3. Discussion on Nepotism Policy Council Member Paterno felt temporary summer positions for kids was acceptable but, the Village was too smalt to hire full time persons whom were related, as nepotism could be an issue. Ms. Merfene Reid, Human Resources Director, offered background on staff relationships and noted that there would only be one relationship remaining on staff by years ends and, that the Village had experienced many more problems through friend relationships. Mayor Brennan felt that any staff hired and related must be told that chance for advancement could be limited through departmental restrictions and the nepotism policy. 4. Discussion on Capital lmprovement / Earmarking Funds / Parks Manager Couuo provided numbers and updates regarding several necessary projects and, asked Counci{ for their input regarding Viitage gateway signs. He recommended they submit their ideas and photos for guidance. Manager Couzzo then suggested the purchase of signage machinery if all signs were to be redone in the Village. Council Member Okun suggested an inventory of existing signs be obtained to assist with the evaluation. Council discussed pertinent dynamics/ideas such as themes, federal regulations, grants and illumination. Council talked about the addition of a splash park (along with its costs), the purchase of Paradise Park and the adjacent commercial building. Manager Couzzo noted that he and Greg Corbitt, Director of Parks and Recreation had spoken regarding the addition of a playful water area and noted Mr. Corbitt's estimate of $50,000 for a small round concrete fountain area with pump. Manager Couzzo stated that the item would be researched and brought back, and commented that Paradise Park may be a location suited for the feature. Marcia Nielson, 94 Beechwood Trail voiced her understanding that the similar fountain in West Palm Beach had continuous maintenance issues. Consensus of Council supported Manager Couzzo's research for the purchase of Paradise Park. A kayak landing was discussed for east of Tequesta Bridge with parking as an apparent issue. Council felt sufficient areas currently existed and were utilized by residents. 5. Review of Communication Materials for Standardization Mayor Brennan suggested that only two logos be utilized within the Village, with the addition of a tag line "Naturally Beautiful" added. Manager Couzzo felt that "Tequesta" was being used too freely and staff had moved too far away from "Village of Tequesta". He mentioned Minutes — Workshop 4/27/15 Page 2 that font, color and uniformity would be addressed and that the feather logo could be used on other items. Consensus of Council was "Village of Tequesta" on all stationary, memos, logos and business cards. Mayor Brennan mentioned Tequesta Fest would be an example of exceptions where "Village of' would not be mentioned. Manager Couzzo responded that the timing was perfect to be addressing this item and stated that more details would be identified and regulated through standardization and would be brought forward for finalization. Mayor Brennan suggested the cobalt blue color be brought back. Council discussed uniformity for Village vehicles with police preference and colors focused on, simplicity, and no future additional changes tolerated. Council reviewed the various business cards and decided they liked the Building Departments clean look. Manager Couzzo noted the Village Clerk would be tasked with the standardization project. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member D'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meeting was adjoumed at 8:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the Office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.