HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_08/03/2015 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP AUGUST 3, 2015
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6 :01 p.m. A roll call was taken by Assistant to the
Village Clerk Deanna Mayo. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Council Member
Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Vice
Mayor Vince Arena was absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Discussion of Multi -Year Budget Cost Savings Account to Hire Public
Works Supervisor
Manager Couzzo noted the multi year plan had been requested by Council Member
Paterno for follow -up regarding Council's previous plans to develop a three year plan /
operating budget / forecasting tool. He explained that he had met with Council Member
Paterno and Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, to research the historical values
associated with planning. Manager Couzzo explained that items such as the US1
project, valuations and health insurance costs would all factor into the forecast. He
suggested worst case scenarios, strategies and opinions be clarified in order to develop
a more defined set of parameters.
Ms. Forsythe explained the economic atmosphere and its effects of earlier periods in the
Village. Manager Couzzo added that the Village was determined to ensure that
expenditures did not exceed revenues, and voiced intentions to look forward as much
as possible, to avoid down turns which could coincide with economic volatility. He noted
that the Village was currently financially stable.
Manager Couzzo reminded Council that a supervisor was hired for Public Works, whom
would proficiently take on many overdue tasks (previously been covered by outside
vendors), with Village staff, which would save on costs.
Consensus of Council to the following:
• That Manager Couzzo would supply a list of necessary projects along with
estimated costs
• A Workshop concerning the FY 15/16 budget to occur before the final budget
was set
• The Three year Plan Model would be guided by the following parameters:
0 4.65% Revenues
0 3.65% Expenditures
0 1% to Capital fund (plus any additional revenue)
Minutes —Workshop 8/3/15
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Council and management discussed the Village Manager working with staff regarding
new revenue sources in the second or third year of the three year plan, with
new /additional revenues to be placed in the capital fund.
Manager Couzzo reminded Council that within the last several budget cycles there were
not funds for replacement of capital items, and only the minimum to maintain areas was
done. He suggested allowing time for the new public works Supervisor to begin the list
of items which need to be addressed.
Manager Couzzo noted health insurance costs coming in were high and negotiations
would continue in hope to reduce the expense.
Council Member Okun left the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Council agreed two scenarios should be created using the current and future 14/15 &
15/16 FY Budgets as the base for their three year planning. They also asked that
Manager Couzzo offer clarity (through a list) regarding capital and non capital items.
Council Member Okun returned at 7:35 p.m.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Council Member Paterno asked that "repeat offenders" in code enforcement cases be
noticed / served by the police department (ASAP) as to be brought to upcoming Special
Magistrate meetings as to not allow extra time and the opportunity to abuse the
system /take advantage. Manager Couzzo responded that Code Enforcement Officer
Joe Petrick was aware of the suggested procedure and was implementing it.
Manager Couzzo noted that James Hackett was representing the Village Square
owners regarding their code issues and fines, and had asked for an adjustment. He
noted that he (along with the Village attorney) would meet with Mr. Hackett on Friday.
Council Member D'Ambra questioned progress in relation to Remembrance Park.
Manager Couzzo responded that Attorney Davis had been directed to organize a bid
process for the sale of the property.
Mayor Brennan offered an update regarding All Aboard Florida (AAF) concerns with
safety equipment, and them receiving a bond in the next few days. She explained the
possibility and failures associated with quiet zones, and the group's goal to have their
trains run on time. She also stated that Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
(TCRPC) had been working with FDOT on solutions to the ventures ongoing
roadblocks.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Mayo, CMC
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.