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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_10/05/2015 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP OCTOBER 5, 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 and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Tom Paterno was absent. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 1. Update on the Status of the Joint Participation and Project Funding of the Jupiter Inlet Colony Neighborhood Rehabilitation Manager Couzzo commented on his meetings with Mayor Comerford where he reviewed the Village's position regarding the existing franchise agreement and wanting the 25% surcharge. The reception was cool however, the Mayor would take it to his commission for discussion. Manager Couzzo explained Mayor Comerford reinforced there was a 30 -year agreement in place and Mr. Couzzo explained it was a matter of fairness for participants in the utility. Council Member Okun noted the Village could adjust the water rates, however, Manager Couzzo stated they could not adjust the rates only for the Colony. Vice -Mayor Arena noted there were two options: a 25% surcharge or ask them to tax their residents the 9% tax and then have the funds transferred to the Village. Council Member D'Ambra noted he was under the impression the reason they did not implement a surcharge was because state law would not allow us to charge another municipality. Mayor Brennan stated the 9% was crystal clear - the Village could not charge, but was also under the impression that we were not allowed legally to charge another municipality a surcharge. Manager Couzzo reviewed the agreement history going back to 1970. He noted that there was now an opportunity to correct the imbalance. Detailed discussion took place on the issue at hand. Vice -Mayor Arena discussed the possibility of the federal government implementing mandates in the future that could financially affect the Village; and discussed the rehabilitation project and costs associated. He explained Mayor Comerford noted they would not want their community torn up again, and if it was about money they would Minutes —Workshop 10/05/15 Page 2 take care of it. Mr. Couzzo stated their Mayor kept stating if it was about money that they would handle it; but ultimately it is about money and parity. He stated the Village was even willing to consider the increase in the project cost if the Colony was willing to offer parity with the surcharge. Council Member Okun discussed the front load of the project and the adjusted fee proposed by the Colony, which in his mind was just as conjectured. Council Member D'Ambra agreed with the Manager and stated the circumstances created an opportunity. Manager Couzzo noted when the term "us" was used, he was referring to the utility, and not the Village. The utility would receive the benefit and the funds would go back into the utility system for future improvements. The Manager commented on the bond covenant that outlines we cannot provide a preferential rate, so this puts us in compliance with our own bond covenant. Mayor Brennan mentioned they bonded the Village knowing we were not receiving a surcharge from the Colony and suggested we wait until we hear back from the Colony. Mr. Couzzo offered to address the Jupiter Inlet Colony commission if Mayor Comerford felt it beneficial. Council and the Manager continued a lengthy detailed discussion on silent interest and parity. The Manager referenced a time when it was suggested the Village sell the utility system and he strongly disagreed as there would be no control over the commodities, which were very valuable ($60 -$70 million). He discussed the 13 surficial wells, being next the ocean, Reverse Osmosis(RO) which goes down 1200 -1500 feet, and that other wells would be needed in the future which would require proper funding. This will ultimately affect the rates charged to everyone else, and there is a disproportionate share that has to be borne by the many for the benefit of the few. Council Member D'Ambra asked to have a discussion at the next workshop on capital projects. He asked for an update on moving away from the blue and yellow recycling buckets to single container recycling. Manager Couzzo acknowledged he was working with Waste Management and was looking at extending the contract for another five years at the same rate. Vice -Mayor Arena commented on the boat ordinance and felt Council might have made a mistake as we did not grandfather them in and they have been there 15 years, and questioned the purpose of the ordinance. Mayor Brennan asked him to get with the Manager to discuss in order to be prepared at the workshop. Minutes —Workshop 10/05/15 Page 2 Council Member D'Ambra inquired on the status of extending the Tequesta Fest hours and the Manager stated he would advise the Director of Parks and Recreation. Vice - Mayor Arena noted this would increase the cost of the event. ADJOURNMENT Council Member D'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council Member Okun. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 6.45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Deanna Mayo, CMC Assistant to the 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.