HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/01/2015 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP JUNE 1, 2015
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 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 Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Council
Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
1. FY 2014/2015 Budget Overview Status
Manager Couzzo noted that budget revenues and expenditures were on track with
projections in cost savings to be approximately $93,000. He noted that building revenues
were down but, believed they would balance out once upcoming projects progressed.
2. Discuss Utilization of 14/15 Budget Cost Savings Account to Hire Public Works
Supervisor
Manager Couzzo summarized the supervisory position, its responsibilities, the Village's
current needs, and that the salary would come out of costs savings.
Council discussed the position costs between using a full time person (or internal staff)
versus a contracted employee.
3. Review FY 2015/2016 Budget
Manager Couzzo noted that property valuations had increased and could bring in
approximately $390,000 in revenues. He noted that department heads had submitted their
budgets, explained figures associated with proposed budgetary needs along with the effects
from the projected tax raise.
Council discussed options associated with the budget and tax figures, capital improvements,
payroll increases, benefits, union negotiations, and saving options such as eliminating
unnecessary purchasing.
Tim English, Building Department Director /Building Official advised that changes with
property renovations within the Village had increased appraisal values. Council Member
Paterno commented on code and park improvements and offered a handout regarding the
mutual aid offered to Martin County by Tequesta Fire Rescue.
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4. Discuss Hiring of Military -To- Main - Street Personnel
Police Chief Elg reported that three persons remained in the department from the Military-
To- Main - Street (MTMS) program, and noted the staffing request presented in his budgetary
plan were needs, not wants. Council Member Paterno had voiced his opinion that the Village
should not have spent money on MTMS, and suggested removing the program, and
returning one officer - Max Lally back to the department. Chief Elg explained that the officer
was with U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) and well placed for Tequesta's involvement
with ICE. Mayor Brennan questioned safety in the Village.
5. Discuss Resolution 19 -15 Adopting a Revised Permit Fee Schedule as Provided by
Sec. 14 -152 of the Village Code of Ordinances
Tim English, Building Department Director /Building Official offered highlights of revisions
made to offer clarity to the permit fee schedule.
6. Discuss Interlocal Agreement between Jupiter Inlet Colony, the Loxahatchee
River Environmental Control District (LRECD) and the Village of Tequesta for
Joint Participation and Project Funding of the Jupiter Inlet Colony
Neighborhood Rehabilitation
Mr. Sam Heady, Deputy Director, Utilities explained that the amendment to the agreement
did not affect Tequesta.
7. Discuss Concerns with Safety on the Sandbar
This item was moved to a future time.
8. Standardization Update
Mrs. Lori McWilliams, Village Clerk, explained the standardization project and its present
progress. She asked for clarity on Council's desires and offered several suggestions.
Council offered preferences and debated the discussion from April 27 regarding the
addition and use of the words Naturally Beautiful to stationary. They agreed not to use the
two words.
Council agreed that the Village of Tequesta (already bolded) could be a bit larger, and that
Garamond was the best choice for the standardized font selection.
9. Discuss Village Council Salary Increases
Council Member D'Ambra felt that Council salaries had not been adjusted in 20 years, and
suggested an increase from $500.00 to $650.00 per month with a two percent escalator.
Council Member Paterno felt a Charter review would be appropriate for a percentage
increase. Attorney Davis explained that the Charter now offered leverage to make changes
by ordinance, and that Charter changes must be done by referendum. Council Member
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Okun disagreed with any differentiation between Mayor and Council pay.
10. Discussion on Meeting with Martin County Regarding Traffic on Island Way and
the Tequesta Drive Bridge
Council Member Paterno offered his understanding regarding Martin County plans and
progress regarding traffic control surrounding the Tequesta area. Manager Couzzo offered
to attend Martin County's upcoming meeting regarding the subject and bring details back to
Council.
Council discussed Tequesta's options and guidelines if Tequesta's Fire Department and /or
Police were to be responsible for the Turtle Creek residents and /or maintenance of the
adjoining roads. They also recalled studies which had shown 40% of Tequesta Drive Bridge
traffic was from Turtle Creek residents.
Council Member Okun left the meeting at 9:07
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Paterno moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Council Member D'Ambra. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4 -0; therefore, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:08 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.