Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_03/20/2015 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. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 3 -1 with Council Member Paterno 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 Patemo 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, sidewalks, gateway entrances to the Village improvement(s) and, a water park versus a splash park. They also considered the real- estate value of Paradise Park with a possible 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 continually put off, it would be difficult 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 adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 3 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at T 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.