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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_01/26/1993VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA Post Office Box 3273 357 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 (407) 575-6200 Fax: (407) 575-6203 O I L LAG E O F T E Q II E S T A S P E C I A L V I L LAG E C O II N C I L M E E T I N G M I N II T E S J A N II A R Y 2 6, 1 9 9 3 I. The Tequesta Village Council held a scheduled special meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Tuesday, January 26, 1993.. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 P.M. by Mayor Earl L. Collings. A roll call was taken by the Recording Secretary, Fran Bitters. Councilmembers present were: Mayor Earl L. Collings., Ron T. Mackail, and Joseph N. Capretta. Vice Mayor Edward C. Howell and Councilman William E. Burckart were not in attendance. Village Officials present were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford, and Joann Manganiello, Village Clerk. Attorney Pam McNierney sat in for Village Attorney John C. Randolph. Tequesta Fire/Rescue Task Force members present were: Chairman Wade Griest; Vice Chairman Robert Mortimer; Tom Rodth, Jupiter Inlet Colony; Dr. Stanley Jacobs; and Harold Hutchinson. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Mackail moved to approve the Agenda as submitted. Councilmember Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Earl L. Collings - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail. - for the motion was therefore adopted and the Agenda was approved as submitted. C Recycled Paper Special village Council Meeting Minutes ~v.. January 26, 1993 Page 2 ------------------------------- Mayor Collings read a letter from the Chevron Service Station Architect/Designer commending the Department of Community Development in the Village of Tequesta for their assistance in meeting urgent commitments with short timeframes regarding the Chevron Station, even in the midst of staffing shortages at the time. III. VILLAGE COIINCIL DISCIISSION WITH FIRE/RESCQB TASK FORCE MEMBERS RELATIVE TO TASK FORCE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO A TEQIIESTA FIRS DEPARTMENT. Mayor Collings stated there are several options before the Village Council regarding fire/rescue: o The Village Council could vote to start a Tequesta independent fire department, with or without North County Ambulance (NCA), or with in-house paramedics; or o Vote to do the above, contracting services to Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC); or o Keep the status quo; or o Vote for a Referendum; or o Vote for an MSTU; or o Vote to delay consideration. Councilmember Capretta preferred to hear from the Fire Rescue Task Force members before making comment. Councilmember Mackail stated that the Task Force had 12 meetings, with 10 options to consider which boiled down to 3 options. The Task Force did as much as they could with the information available to them and their level of experience. Mr. Mackail felt there are four basic areas to be evaluated: 1) first response; 2) backup support; 3) depth of a fire station; and 4) levels of service. Other related areas which need to be addressed are training, operations, levels of experience of people hired, and identify each first response and manpower and equipment. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBC F/R) offers two engines with six personnel, one rescue vehicle with two personnel, and a district chief, with a total ,,,~ complement of nine people. One scenario for Tequesta was two engines with four personnel, one rescue unit with two personnel, and a chief, making a complement of seven people, Special Village Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 3 with the option of volunteers. independent fire department for consideration for a Referendum, Council's objective to make all fac and to determine the level of established. Mr. Mackail agreed an Tequesta could be a but that it's Village is known to the residents service which must be Mayor Collings asked the Council their position should JIC not want to contract fire/rescue services from Tequesta. Councilmember Mackail felt Tequesta was capable of handling the load without JIC. Councilmember Capretta stated that whether JIC is in or out is not the #1 criteria. The #1 criteria is, 'will Tequesta control its own destiny.' He felt Tequesta could control its fire/rescue exactly the way it controls its own police department. Once Tequesta controls fire/rescue services, it could offer such services to surrounding pockets, perhaps using that as a tool for annexation. However, it is necessary to keep the geographical area tight to ensure a quick response time, and ensuring a good level of service. `~~-- Councilmember Mackail asked Vice Chairman Mortimer, who has many years of experience as a fire chief, what the best scenario would be for a Tequesta independent fire department. Vice Chairman Mortimer stated that, first of all, he will not "knock" PBC F/R, since nothing could be gained by doing such. He felt the average citizen would support a fire department and police department if good service is given. The major issues before the Village Council are the benefits of staying with PBC F/R or having an independent department. Benefits Mr. Mortimer felt the Village should look at are: PBC FlR o first, second and third response (good depth) o complaints go to an outside administrator Independent o Local control o Closer working relationship with the crew o Pride in the dept. A major problem with a new department is 'change' - citizens do not like change. ~, ~.~.~,a Special Village Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page ~ Mr. Mortimer did feel it was very possible for Tequesta to have its own independent department - with many examples of such in surrounding communities. He felt some questions Tequesta should consider are: 1) is Tequesta a high industrial area; 2) a large or low fire loss area; 3) a large brush fire area; 4) are high rises a risk; 5) is there a strong Sprinkler Code; and 6) should Tequesta subsidize the County in surrounding areas or should the County subsidize Tequesta. Mr. Mortimer's recommendation would be for Tequesta to have an in-house service with a fire chief, three fire personnel and two medics, giving a five-man response. If Tequesta contracted with NCA, he would prefer to see a four-man staff (four fire personnel), with two paramedics from NCA. If Tequesta could not meet close to one of these recommendations, it would be his position that the Village should stay with PBC F/R. Another recommendation of Mr. Mortimer was to have paid firefighters with pagers or radios for call-back duty as backup; restrict living boundaries; and consider existing Village personnel as volunteers. Other important points to -- consider would be the type of water department the Village has; leadership is important - everyone should be 'combat ready'; and auxiliary personnel is important. Mr. Mortieem reminded the Village Council there are more volunteer firefighters in the U.S. than paid firefighters. Councilmember Capretta asked Mr. Mortimer: 1) if he felt a starting salary of $22,000 for a firefighter would be acceptable; 2) are a fire truck and a pumper adequate for Tequesta; 3) with this equipment would Tequesta have any problems getting a rating of 4 for its fire department; 4) would backup be a problem, and stated that Tequesta Village employees might be a good suggestion as a volunteer force. Mr. Mortimer responded: 1) A starting salary of $22,000 would be well received, since there are so many firefighters looking for jobs; 2) a fire truck and pumper would be adequate for Tequesta, but he would additionally recommend a brush truck; 3) there should be no problem with Tequesta getting a rating of 4 for the fire department; 4) there should be no problem with Mutual Aid. Councilmember Capretta asked if the Village Manager was confident in a contract with NCA. Mr. Bradford answered he has a basic outline of a draft, which could be livable, with ,~~,~ certain modifications, abiding by the approximated $166,000 ~!< for the first year. Special Village Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 5 ------------------------------- Mayor Collings asked, if Tequesta forms its own fire department, would those firefighters be members of the union, and would that impact any of the costs. Mr. Mortimer answered that they probably would be members of the union in the long run, but perhaps not in the first few years, and that would probably not impact any costs, since the union is basically for safety reasons. Mayor Collings read a letter from Mary Corwin which asked: if it would be better for Tequesta to have in-house paramedics as opposed to contracting NCA (which seems to be an added expense), suggesting five cross-trained firefighters, and a Mutual Aid Agreement with Palm Beach County. Mr. Mortimer agreed there should be five cross-trained firefighters. Councilmember Capretta stated that the study shows that NCA would not be an added expense. Mayor Collings asked Tom Rodth if there had been any further discussion at JIC regarding their fire/rescue needs. Mr. Rodth stated that JIC, disillusioned that Tequesta is dragging its feet regarding a decision to form its own fire department, has begun to look at other alternatives. Chairman Griest stated that this is now the 53rd hour of discussion of what the Village should decide regarding fire/rescue service. Chief Brice, in earlier discussions, was very discouraging as far as encouraging the Village to stay with PBC F/R. The Fire Rescue Task Force voted 6-1 for an independent fire department for Tequesta and recommended such to the Village Council. Continued discussions seem to imply that the Task Force did not know what they were talking about. Mayor Collings read into the Record a letter from Task Force member Alec Cameron stating he has never heard one good reason to continue with PBC F/R as it presently stands. He felt PBC F/R practices overkill on calls; 80$ of responses from Station 11 go south of the River; that the Bradford study was safe, essential and practical; will be disappointed if a Referendum takes place and would not have served on the Task Force if he knew the end result would be a Referendum. It was Mr. Cameron's position that the Village Council should make their decision based on facts, not emotion. Dr. Stanley Jacobs stated that Martin County has three men on 24/hours per day, responding with an ALS paramedic on a pumper with two firefighters. Martin County is willing to join with .. Tequesta either in a Mutual Aid Agreement or as backup. PBC F/R costs are 'out of sight', with a $55 million Bond still pending. special village council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 6 ------------------------------- Peter Allen, NCA, stated NCA is now officially a department of Jupiter Medical Center, leaving no question about their financial stability; NCA now has approximately 40 paramedics, 20 EMTs, 6 ALS ambulances running five at a time. When Inner City Ambulance suffered its demise of burning to the ground, NCA covered Palm Beach Gardens with great capability with no lapse in coverage, and have received accolades from the City of Palm Beach Gardens for that coverage. Mr. Allen invited all to attend an open house at NCA which will take place on Saturday, January 30. Mayor Collings asked who backs up when the one unit NCA has agreed to dedicate to Tequesta is out on call. Mr. Allen answered that backup would then come from other units which NCA has serving Tequesta/Jupiter/South Martin County. Thomas Rodth commented that in August-September '92 JIC supported Tequesta's action of withdrawing from PBC F/R by also withdrawing from the same system. Mr. Rodth felt this was the last opportunity Tequesta would have to establish an independent fire department; if an independent department is not formed, he would not suggest that Tequesta form an MSTU, since fire/rescue would then disappear as a line item. If Tequesta and JIC realize some benefit from the pending $55 million Bond issue and later decide to opt out, will there be an obligation to pay for long-term debt. Mr. Rodth felt the system proposed by the Tequesta Fire Rescue Plan is workable, adequate, reasonable in price, good for local control, and should be implemented. Village Manager Bradford read into the Record a letter from Task Force member Mervin Crockett. Mr. Crockett stated that the Task Force studied diligently for three months the subject of fire/rescue support for Tequesta, considering various options. It was Mr. Crockett's position that: an independent Tequesta fire department should be composed of three firefighters and a chief, contracting with NCA, with ancillary benefits not presently available and a Mutual Aid Agreement with Martin County. Richard Berube stated that there is a handful of people in Tequesta who believe a change is needed - but not in the Village. It was Mr. Berube's contention that those sitting on the Council were not properly representing the Village and were speaking for themselves and not the Village. He stated that Chief Mortimer set up an independent fire department for Juno Beach which cost over $1 million, and suggested that the Village Council consider that in their decision. Mr. Berube resented the fact that JIC had a voting position on the Tequesta Fire Rescue Task Force, that JIC cannot be counted Special Meeting January Page 7 Village Council Minutes 26, 1993 on to j oin in with Tequesta, that no contract with NCA has been signed, and that the Village Council would use the ill- conceived Tequesta Fire Rescue Task Force Report as a passport for an independent fire department. Mr. Bradford informed Mr. Berube that a contract would be signed with NCA if the Council decides to create an independent fire department. Thomas Rodth stated that if JIC contracts with Tequesta, they would want that contract containing a renewal clause, to be for five years or longer. Councilmember Mackail asked Mr. Berube if he sits on the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Advisory Board. Mr. Berube answered affirmative. Pert Towne stated she had a cousin in South Carolina who lived in a town similar to Tequesta which opted out of the local county fire/rescue system to start their own independent department, only to discover that, though there were pros and cons, it was too costly for them, and were now seeking to opt back into the county system. Mayor Collings, having spoken with this individual from South Carolina, stated the subject municipality covers a greater geographic area than that of Tequesta. John Cunningham felt it was inappropriate for the Village Manager to have spent weeks putting together a fire/rescue budget for the Village, taking time away from his specific other duties for which taxpayers pay; inappropriate to use city employees, for whom taxpayers pay, to serve as volunteers on a fire department; and that should JIC contract services from Tequesta, it should be at a higher rate than projected, since Tequesta should be gaining a profit from such a transaction. Councilmember Capretta stated that even though it was his original thought that the Village should wait a year before making a decision on an independent fire department, he is now convinced, after listening to all of the input, and has come to the conclusion that he, even though his first preference would be a regional system, is now in favor of Tequesta having its own independent fire department now. The reasons for his present thinking are: 1) local control; will save the Village escalating costs since the County Commission appears not to be able to control costs; and since the independent Tequesta Police Department is doing fine, an independent fire department could operate as well; 2) preferred not to see this issue go to Referendum, since it would subject the citizens of Tequesta to a big campaign (i.e., union firefighters in uniform going door-to-door, as they are presently doing on Beach Road, urging citizens not to vote Special Village Council Meeting Minutes ~~ January 26, 1993 Page 8 ------------------------------- for the Village of Tequesta to opt out of PBC F/R to start their own independent fire department). IV. VILLAGE COONCIL DIRECTION RELATIVE TO FIRE/RESCIIE Mayor Collings felt there were four objectives before the Village Council: 1) vote right now to go ahead with an independent fire department, with or without NCA; 2) vote for a Referendum; 3) choose to go to an MSTU; or 4) vote to delay for later consideration. Councilmember Mackail expressed disappointment that only three Councilmen were present at this meeting, and felt a vote should not be taken until there is a full Council. Attorney McNierney pointed out, for the benefit of the audience, that if the Village Council should choose to go forward with a Referendum, it would not mean that the Council cannot vote in the opposite direction of the outcome of the Referendum. The Village Charter provides that the Village Council can overrule a Referendum. Also, regarding JIC and its uncertainty as to whether or not they will contract fire/rescue services from Tequesta, one suggestion would be for Tequesta to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with JIC, in advance, which would provide that they not only enter into this Agreement with Tequesta but also with a provision that, in the event JIC pulled out during the term of the Agreement, the cost to initiate the facility (start-up costs) would be pro-rated (liquidated damages for the number of years that they pull out early), and would be required to pay that portion. This would give Tequesta, in advance, some assurance that JIC would participate. Councilmember Capretta asked if there is time to delay a decision on a Referendum until the next Council meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 30, 1993, in order to have all Councilmen present. Mr. Bradford responded that he could not guarantee that all five Councilmen would be at that meeting; it can be done by Resolution, requiring one reading which could take place on the 30th. The deadline for ballot submittal language is February 12 at noon. Councilmember Capretta suggested that the Referendum language, as well as an MSTU Ordinance, be available for Thursday's Council meeting. Council concurred that a vote regarding a tip,,, fire department would be taken at Thursday's Special Council meeting. Special village Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 9 ------------------------------- v. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Mackail moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Earl L. Collings - for Ron T. Mackail - for Joseph N. Capretta - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~~Q/X. 1'C~"~ Fran Bitters Recording Secretary ATTEST: J nn Mangani to Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: ~~1, ~~ ~/ .1993 January 12, 1993 T0: Councilmembers Burckart, Capretta, Collings, Howell & MacKail FROM: Gallery Square North Merchants' Association SUBJECT: Fire Rescue Service We, the undersigned members of Gallery Square North Merchants' Association, urge the Tequesta Village Council to maintain and continue the present fire rescue service that we have with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. The high level of professional service that the County can provide is superior to the options as submitted by the Village Manager and the Task Force. We also call your attention to the traffic study that was done in the early 1970s that showed that a fire station location on Tequesta Drive adjacent to the Village Hall had significant problems. (It was this study that prompted the location of the existing fire station on Seabrook.) Thank you for your attention to this important issue. j ~ ~%~,~~ ~7~' %~~~~~~ . ~~ a ,.~ ~. ~~S"~ 1 ~~~. ~~p 33~~~ 1 tf-~~ ^ ~~_ ~~ 7 ~ page 1 January 12, 1993 T0: Councilmembers Burckart, Capretta, Collings, Nowell, & MacKail FROM: Gallery Square North Merchants' Association SUBJECT:~Fire Rescue Service (continued) S~,a~ ~ ~ . ./ /~~ ~0~~ ,~ ~ ~~~ /~~ ~~~/s~a~ ~ 38~ %~ G ~-~,~,~ ~r p a g,e 2 January 12, 1993 T0: Councilmembers Burckart, Capretta, Collings, Howell, & MacKail FROM: Gallery Square North Merchants' Association SUBJECTi~Fire Rescue Service (continued) e..~'~ `~ ~pcc~l,h~ ~ r .- ~~ ~~ ~ _.~ ~ ~ `~` ~"_~ 1 rn~ ~n~ page 3 January 12, 1993 T0: Councilmembers Burckart, Capretta, Collings, Howell, & MacKail FROM: Gallery Square North Merchants' Association SUBJECT:~Fire Rescue Service (continued) ~~ d,~~ ~~~~yti ~~~F~ ~`~;ty,, 2~, ,d~~~~ ~~-iE ~ ~~Z G~t,c~~z ~~ 3~ i ~ ~ uu~srr-t ~~ ~~,~s~~~ ~T"-~~J-~-~r~, 1--~ 33`i~~ page 4 r January 12, 1993 T0: Councilmembers Burckart, Capretta, Collings, Howell, & MacKail FROM: Gallery Square North Merchants' Association SUBJECT: Fire Rescue Service (continued) a~ c~,~ ~~ ~~~ ~,~ ~-~, D pa0e 5