HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_04/27/2015 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 roll 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.
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3. Discussion on Nepotism Policy
Council Member Patemo felt temporary summer positions for kids was acceptable but, the
Village was too small to hire full time persons whom were related, as nepotism could be an
issue. Ms. Merlene 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 Improvement / Earmarking Funds / Parks
Manager Couzzo provided numbers and updates regarding several necessary projects and,
asked Council for their input regarding Village 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
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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 adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting
was adjourned 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.