HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_08/20/2015 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP AUGUST 20, 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 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 Okun moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Vice
Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
1. Discuss 3 Year Budget Plan
Manager Couzzo summarized past discussions in regards to a three year plan and
offered comparisons using a two year base. He stated he would continue to focus on
decreasing expenditures and saving toward capital items.
2. Discuss the Proposed FY 2015/2016 Budget
Council Member Paterno offered his perspective of the charted "Total Expenditures"
and felt that funds would be used for new hires versus capital.
Mayor Brennan questioned changes affecting the police department. Manager Couzzo
noted that overtime had been reduced by $14,000 and that budgeted figures were
based on the need to increase officer's training. Donald (Rick) Ricciardi, Assistant Chief
of Police, stated that the department planned to augment, not substitute the full time
employees, and increase presence with the new part time staff. Council Member
Paterno recommended the overtime be reduced prior to new hires being brought on.
Mayor Brennan suggested the funds be placed in budget cost savings before use,
through Council's approval.
Council discussed police overtime use and savings variables and felt overtime needed
to be managed better. Manager Couzzo offered to update Council on budgetary
changes within six months and noted that the department was working to being
managed effectively, and noted that training was an integral aspect in today's climate.
Manager Couzzo suggested that 2016 be the base for the three year plan, with the
added personnel.
Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, explained that the budgetary projection offered
was a budget summary, excluding capital and operating figures. She noted that with the
Minutes —Workshop 8/20/15
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exception of Jupiter Inlet Colony, which the Village cannot charge a surplus to as a
municipality, the Village does collect a surcharge of 25% for non - residents.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Council Member Paterno suggested no budget appropriations allowed after July of each
year (if funds had not been spent up to that date), from budget cost savings. Vice Mayor
Arena supported the idea. Council Member D'Ambra felt unanticipated costs occurred,
and that would be an inconvenience for the Village Manager.
Council Member Paterno offered suggestions to cut costs in Fire Safety
Communications and noted items being cut in other cities included items such as:
sending the EMTS (Emergency Medical Training Services) instead of the fire truck to
repeat callers, and moving away from 24 hour shifts.
Mayor Brennan noted current events of All Aboard Florida, and that the Village would
submit their request for a quiet zone at the same time as County Line Road and
Riverside Drive.
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Paterno moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded
by Council Member D'Ambra. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore,
the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
,� a-Z 0 -� e.) Lct� d,—
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.