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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_06/29/2015 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 29, 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 McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun and Council Member Tom Paterno. Council Member Frank D'Ambra arrived at 6:52 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena, motion carried unanimously 4 -0. 1. Ratification of the Village of Tequesta IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) 2014 -15 and 2015 -18 Collective Bargaining Agreements Manager Couzzo noted that ratification had been obtained. Council had no questions. MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval of the IAFF Ratification; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 4 -0. 2. Update on Code Enforcement Process Direction to Expedite Code Violations to Compliance Manager Couzzo noted dynamics associated with existing and past compliance issues and referenced a report devised by the Village Attorney. Attorney Davis explained that the code process was devised through the State and was a sufficient system which he did not recommend changing, and that violators were offered multiple chances to comply. He also commented that there would always be those who debated fairness. Officer Joe Petrick noted that 85% of persons complied following receipt of the courtesy notice, and that a notice of violation would follow if the courtesy was discounted or ignored. Officer Petrick offered details and scenarios regarding repeat offenders. Council discussed and clarified recent code changes. Council Member Paterno suggested notices be hand delivered to repeat offenders, and less time between notices, warning and hearings be established for them as well, as he felt offenders knew and abused the system. Council Member D'Ambra arrived. Attorney Davis explained the influence between a hand delivered notice versus posted notices, code sections which addressed time lines and Village fines. He then clarified that Minutes — Special Meeting 6/29/15 Page 2 the process would remain the same on business infractions as well as residential, varying only through homestead laws. He concluded that all properties were required by code to be kept neat and clean. Council discussed concerns and solutions. Manager Couzzo stated he would meet with Tim English, Officer Joe Petrick and Attorney Davis and provide a report at the August workshop. Stefan Levine, 3380 Pebble Place commented that too often at the Village's Magistrate hearings repeat offender appeared to ask for forgiveness and fine reductions. 3. Discuss Utilization of FY 2014/2015 Budget Cost Savings Request to Hire Public Works Superintendent Council conversed about experience and budgetary needs associated with hiring a Public Works superintendant. Council discussed improving capital improvements, increasing Fund Balance (through building department revenue) and moving into the next budget cycle before new employees were hired. Manager Couzzo suggested the supervisory position be supported through budget cost savings. MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval to hire a Public Works Supervisor, seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried 4 -1 with Council Member Patemo opposed. 4. Discuss Setting the Proposed Ad Valorem Millage Rate for the Village of Tequesta for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Manager Couzzo advised that the budget stands on its own, with no increase to the millage rate. Vice Mayor Arena asked how capital improvements could increase without raising the millage rate. Council Member D'Ambra felt the economy had improved, but was not steady. Council debated items affected by the millage rate such as taxes (adjusted or not), salaries and salary increases. They also discussed selling Village properties and applying for State funds to assist with projects. Consensus of Council agreed the Millage rate shall remain the same for the current year. Attorney Davis stated the approval would be on the July agenda for Council's approval. ANY OTHER MATTERS Council Member Paterno questioned rental trucks parked, and for sale, in the right of way. Attorney Davis responded that the County, in his opinion, was not well organized with their orders concerning cars, signage and truck rentals. He felt that enforcement was an issue Minutes — Special Meeting 6/29/15 Page 3 regarding these matters. Manager Couzzo stated that Tequesta would send letters to owners requesting removal and /or compliance. Manager Couzzo reported that health insurance premiums had come in with a 20% increase versus the projected five percent budgeted. He explained that better rates were offered to groups over 100, and Tequesta did not fall in the pricing bracket. Council Member D'Ambra suggested researching self insurance options. Council Member Paterno asked Manager Couzzo what would be done with the $426,000 excess pension funds, as he understood the surplus must be utilized for pension related items. Manager Couzzo responded that the money was not restricted to pension only. Council discussed options and suggested the item be discussed along with the three year plan, at an upcoming workshop. Council agreed the Village Manager would move forward with the sale of Seabrook Road property, without a realtor's involvement. Council Member Paterno suggested Council begin planning to address road and lighting needs to coordinate with US1 modifications. Mayor Brennan reported that the Village was short by approximately $200,000 of the estimated costs for US1 rejuvenation project. ADJOURNMENT Council Member Okun moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0, therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lori McWilliams, 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.