HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_01/14/2016 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 14, 2016
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6 :02 p.m. A roll call was taken
by Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor Vince Arena,
Council Member Steve Okun, and Council Member Frank D'Ambra. Council Member
Tom Paterno was absent.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Arena led the meeting with the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor
Arena; motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the following Consent Agenda with
item number eight removed to discuss later with item number 11, seconded by Council
Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
1. MINUTES: December 10, 2015 Regular, November 12, 2015 Regular, November 30,
2015 Workshop
2. Approval of Contracts Signed by Manager Under $25,000 (Per Village Ordinance we
are presenting the following agreements, proposals, commitments and memorandum
of understanding to Council): 1. FDG Flagler Station & Village of Tequesta Real
Estate Lease - $3,519.00; 2. Sherwin Williams Line Striper Agreement - Public Work -
$4,988.00; 3. JMC Health Services & Village of Tequesta Agreement - N /A; 4.
Toshiba Sales Order 3 Year Lease Agreement- Amended /Finance - $184.30 p /month;
and 5. Automated Business Machines Renewal Annual Contract - Finance - $425.00
Yr.
3. Approval of January 2016 Budget Amendments
4. RESOLUTION NO 102 -15, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, TO AUTHORIZE THE SOLE SOURCE
PURCHASING OF SENSUS WATER METERS FROM HD SUPPLY
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Page 2
5. RESOLUTION 107 -15, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS AND
DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY.
6. RESOLUTION 109 -15, AUTHORIZING THE WRITE -OFF OF UNCOLLECTABLE
ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTION FEES RECORDED IN THE GENERAL FUND #001 OF
THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AND AS IDENTIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A ",
APPROPRIATING FUND BALANCE TO FUND BAD DEBT EXPENSE AND
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF OF THE
VILLAGE PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE;
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
7. RESOLUTION 01 -16, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF 7
CONCRETE LED PATHWAY BOLLARDS FROM K &M ELECTRIC SUPPLY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $13,697.00;
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
There were no communications from citizens.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Vice Mayor Arena announced that there was no election this year as the incubents ran
unopposed. He thanked the residents for the opportunity to have Council Member D'Ambra,
Council Member Okun and himself, serve for another two years. Vice Mayor Arena noted
that this represented a $17,000 savings to the Village. He reminded Council of the Business
Forum scheduled for January 15th at the Corner Caf6. Vice Mayor Arena recalled prior
discussion regarding the boat and RV ordinance and noted its success. Village Clerk
McWilliams offered information regarding the "Discover the Palm Beaches" booth created by
the Village for the South Florida Fair. Vice Mayor Arena announced January 30th, 2016 was
scheduled for the second Village Yard Sale. He also expressed his desire to have a
"Welcome Wagon /Ambassador" style representative, to welcome new residents into the
Village and noted that Pastor Paul would be a wonderful choice.
Mayor Brennan mentioned the in -house promotions at the police department that had
occurred earlier in the evening. She applauded the efforts of the police officers for
remaining visible and accessible throughout the Village.
STANDING REPORTS
Village Attorney
Attorney Davis mentioned that he had been working on matters regarding the recent boat
and RV discussions.
Village Manager
Council Member D'Ambra asked Manager Couzzo the status of the crosswalk projects
located near Tequesta Drive and Country Club Drive, and the crosswalk on Tequesta
Drive and Paradise Park. Manager Couzzo answered that he had just received a
proposal from an engineer and that it was not going to be a large project. He added that
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Page 3
the Village had its' own road striping equipment and would also be able to touch up those
areas that would not have been taken care of in the past.
Council Member D'Ambra asked about the installation date for the lighting on the
Tequesta Drive sidewalk area. Manager Couzzo answered that the order for lighting
would be placed tomorrow and that there was a 10 -12 week lead time.
OLD BUSINESS
9. ORDINANCE 25 -15, SECOND READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 2.81
AT CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION. OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, VILLAGE
OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA TO AUTHORIZE THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE
INTERIM FIREFIGHTER CONTRACTS WITHOUT PRIOR VILLAGE COUNCIL
APPROVAL; PROVIDING THAT EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF
CHAPTER 2 SHALL REMAIN IN FULL EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED;
PROVIDING A CONFLICT CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AUTHORITY TO
CODIFY, AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Attorney Davis read Ordinance 25 -15 title into the record.
Mayor Brennan opened the public hearing to Council for comments; there being none she
opened the hearing to the public. There being no public comment, the public hearing was
closed.
MOTION Council Member Okun moved approval of Ordinance 25 -95; seconded by
Council Member D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
10. Appointment of Two Members to the General Employee Pension Board to Fill the
Remainder of Two Unexpired Terms Which will Expire on 5/11/17.
Clerk McWilliams announced that there were three applicants and two vacant positions. The
applicants were Mr. Jesse Oakley 111, Mr. Bernard Ward, and Ms. Anne Amadeo. Mayor
Brennan felt that all three applicants were highly qualified. The appointment went to Mr. Jesse
Oakley III and Mr. Bernard Ward, as they were both in attendance.
MOTION Council Member Okun moved to appoint Mr. Jesse Oakley 111 and Mr. Bernard Ward
to the General Employee Pension Board, seconded by Council Member D'Ambra; motion
carried unanimously 4-0.
12. Consideration of Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. Donation Request.
Mayor Brennan asked if Council would like to personally donate to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary as
some Council Members had done in the past. Vice Mayor Arena and Council Member D'Ambra
both pledged $500 respectively.
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8. RESOLUTION NO. 02 -16, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES AND
CHARGES FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES RENDERED BY THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA FOR ITS CITIZENS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE
PUBLIC; PROVIDING THAT THIS SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES SHALL BE
AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ALL TIMES AT THE VILLAGE HALL DURING
REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Attorney Davis read Resolution 02 -16 title into the record.
MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of Resolution 02 -16; seconded by Vice
Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
Council Member D'Ambra pointed out that item numbers 8 and 11 were related which
was why he felt they should be discussed simultaneously. He reminded Council of the
fact that water resources were critical, and thus had retained a rate expert to analyze the
Village's rate structure and water facility. Council Member D'Ambra further explained the
process of a "phased in" rate increase while also activating a "phased out" utility tax. Vice
Mayor Arena reiterated the fact that a rate increase would be applied towards the water
utility while the tax decrease would be applied towards the general fund. He also
reminded Council that the Village was at the lower end of the rate scale
Council Member D'Ambra further emphasized to Council the importance of maintaining a
sound water system. He pointed out that there were other cities across the country that
did not take action in upgrading their systems as needed. Those cities were now facing
a crisis. He would like to ensure the Village is proactive in its' objective of providing an
exceptional product.
Manager Couzzo thanked Mr. Sam Heady, Deputy Utility Director and Mrs. Joanne
Forsythe, Director of Finance for their contribution to the Village Water System for many
years. He also recognized Council Member D'Ambra for his efforts in reducing the utility
tax.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Mrs. Maureen Olin of 19874 Jasmine Drive commented on the quality of the water at her
residence. She revealed that her home was located just off of the main line and that the
water quality was so poor she had to install a full home water softener. Manager Couzzo
assured her that Mr. Heady would look into the matter.
MOTION Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of Resolution 02 -16; seconded by
Vice Mayor Arena; motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
11. ORDINANCE 01 -16, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AMENDING CHAPTER 70. TAXATION. OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA BY AMENDING
ARTICLE IV. PUBLIC SERVICE TAX, DIVISION 2. ELECTRICITY, GAS AND
WATER., SECTION 70 -121, BY REDUCING THE PUBLIC SERVICE TAX ON THE
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PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY, NATURAL GAS, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS,
MANUFACTURED GAS AND WATER FROM 9% TO 6 %.
Attorney Davis read Ordinance 01 -16 title into the record.
MOTION Council Member Okun moved to approve Ordinance 01 -16; seconded by Council
Member D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4 -0.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
ADJOURNMENT Council Member Okun moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Vice
Mayor Arena; the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4 -0, therefore, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
r �
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.