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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_02/29/2016 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP February 29, 2016 u CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by 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 D'Ambra moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5 -0. 1. Discussion on Safety Issues within the Village (signs, speed limits, curbing, etc.) Manager Couzzo suggested signage be placed strategically once language was refined, but suggested they not be overused. He also noted that standard signs had been ordered and advised strategic placement along with a rotation system to help keep the communications fresh. Manager Couzzo clarified that intended messages would be analyzed and brought back to the next workshop. Attorney Davis explained the legislation associated with signage, and that the Village desired to be compliant and clear. Austin Nuquist, 39 Yacht Club Place offered his thoughts regarding placement of signs. He also felt police presence was sufficient; although stronger enforcement of incidents such as running stop signs lacked. Council supported rotation of signs, suggested solar lighting for stop signs, police officers focus on increased ticketing, and reducing speed limits within the Village. Attorney Davis noted that State statute allowed a reduction of speed as low as 20 mph (miles per hour). Manager Couzzo noted two specific curb areas being considered for changes on Tequesta Drive: curb area at Tequesta Drive adjacent to Paradise Park and the intersection of Country Club Drive. Doug Chambers, Public Works Superintendent, offered modification details for curbs and crosswalks at the two intersection along with the placement of benches. Council Member Okun left the meeting from 6:48 p.m.to 6:49 p.m. Council discussed safety options, and bike lane lighting grants and the intersection at Old Dixie being County. Manager Couzzo reported that residents appeared pleased with the curb project in the Country Club. Village Council Workshop Minutes February 29, 2016 Page 2 2. Discussion Regarding Community Usage of the Council Chambers Council discussed and agreed that current procedures were best and for events to remain at the Parks and Recreation building. Attorney Davis also confirmed that the Village could not sponsor business meetings in the Chambers. Council Member Paterno suggested the Village adopt the addition of fiber optics as he felt it would be a positive improvement for bringing in new Tequesta businesses. 3. Discussion on GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) Current Changes in Pension Reporting Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Finance Director, explained new liabilities and requirements associated with pensions. She stated the changes related to reporting were much more complex than in previous years, and that report requirements, rates and discounts related with actuaries and financials had become limiting to employers. Ms. Forsythe explained that figures were now required to be broken down, making the reports extremely confusing to read and labor intensive to create. 4. Update on the Ownership of Green Area at Point Drive (Banyan Tree Property) and Park Improvements Attorney Davis explained that the particular property at Bay Harbor and Shady Lane had been platted in 1925, and noted the Village was recognized for maintaining the property. Attorney Davis stated that the Village would acquire the property as a maintenance easement, or at most a possible passive area, and that records show, no one owning, or paying taxes on the property. Council questioned possible ownership, comp plan qualification status and liabilities, and if a survey could clarify ownership. The fact was supported that the area remained a simple, low maintenance passive park area with limited parking options, and a sign placed to state such. 5. US 1 Update Mayor Brennan updated Council on the recent FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) project. She noted that Kim Delaney was a positive presence at the meeting which was intended to bring everyone up to date. She noted that the Village of Tequesta remained debt free on the project because of the FDOT; although landscaping had not been on the FDOT plan. She advised that the FDOT would consider the Village's anticipated landscape design and offered to accommodate the Village's landscape plan in their construction scheme. Council discussed pedestrian /landscape lighting along with the need for changes on easement, crosswalks and sidewalk. It was confirmed that the FDOT would attend the May 2, 2016 Council workshop. Council Member Okun left the meeting from 8:12 p.m. — 8:13 p.m. Village Council Workshop Minutes February 29, 2016 Page 3 ANY OTHER MATTERS Attorney Davis offered an update on County Infrastructure Surtax and noted that the ten year, one cent infrastructure proposed sales tax must be approved by referendum. He explained the Statute associated, its proposed distribution dynamics and the formula associated. He believed that reality was, if the three largest municipalities' supported it, it would, most likely be granted. Attorney Davis confirmed that the proposed tax had not been endorsed, nor opposed, and that if the tax passed Tequesta's current statutory rights would be null and void. Council discussed a municipal coalition, the school boards and cultural portions and Tequesta's present opposition. Attorney Davis suggested the item be discussed and or placed on the upcoming, regular agenda. Mayor Brennan offered a brief update regarding Amerigas. 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 8.33 pm. Respectfully submitted, (� (I.c` FYI LLJ � a,-. 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.