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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_07/14/2016 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA REGULAR MEETING JULY 14, 2016 , �� � _ CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan 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. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The invocation and pledge were led by Council Member Paterno. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Vince Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0. PRESENTATION 1. Status Report of the Concentrate Discharge Permit. Deputy Utilities Director Sam Heady announced that they were nearing the end of the Discharge Permit process; remaining was to advertise in the newspaper. This was the third renewal and other options cost millions of dollars so care has been taken to ensure that the plant has been run at an optimal level. Bill Reese of the Engineering Firm of Kimley Horn briefly explained how salt was removed from water enabling the discharge and stated that the alternative would cost about eight million dollars. The Village of Tequesta's permit was the first one in the state and the plant has done a good job of monitoring and maintaining it. Village Manager Mike Couzzo restated the extensiveness of the permit process and the significance of the permit to the plant. Council Member Paterno inquired about having the permit extended ahead of time based on the Village's past performance, however Mr. Reese informed that the maximum time for the discharge part of the permit was five years. Vice Mayor Vince Arena briefly summarized the discharge process and supported the shorter permit time due to changes that could take place in just one year. Mr. Reese clarified that a permit length beyond five years does not exist. Council Member Paterno added that the discharged water goes under the U.S. 1 Bridge and is actually of better quality than what is in the river at this time. Bill Reese confirmed that the water was of lower salinity than the natural salt water. Council Member Okun credited the staff for their tremendous job in this regard. Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 07/14/16 Page 2 2. Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for FY Ended September 20, 2015 Copies of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) were distributed to Council. Director of Finance, JoAnn Forsythe stated that independent auditors found no material deficiencies in internal controls and no recommendations to improve financial management. Director Forsythe pointed out that the report was later than usual due to new CAFR GASB 68 compliance requirements, having had to wait for information from Florida Retirement System and auditing time. This was the first time in 15 years (since she has been finance director) that the report was late. Council Member Okun questioned when the last time was a management comment was made in the report. Manager Couzzo answered that an audit was conducted 16 years ago when he and Ms. Forsythe first started working for the Village and which resulted in multiple pages of comments. In contrast there have been zero management comments in the past 15 years. Council Member Okun reiterated his appreciation for the Village staff. Ms. Forsythe lamented that the new reporting requirements have been a drain on the finance department, she thanked Tatiana Racanati for her hard work, and announced that a more comprehensive software solution was being considered for the future. Government activities increased net position to $978,000.00 while business-type activities reduced due to repairs and maintenance that have not been done over a period of time. Ms. Forsythe referenced several pages and summarized that this was the first year since 2006 that the Village's taxable value went up; levies increased to 2006 levels; and outstanding debt went from $12 million in 2006 to $7.7 million in 2015, thus the Village operated on less money without increased debt. When asked by Vice Mayor Arena about any awards that JoAnn's department had won JoAnn replied that each year, they received the CAFR award after which Vice Mayor Arena echoed Council Member Okun's prior compliments of Village staff. Mayor Abby Brennan noted the various reports and how, regardless of the size of the budget, the requirements were the same and the Village of Tequesta did outstanding work with far less staff than in larger organizations. CONSENT AGENDA MOT/ON: Council Member D'Ambra moved approval of the following Consent Agenda; seconded by Vice MayorArena; motion carried unanimously 5-0. 3. 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 Flager & Village of Tequesta Real Estate Lease Renewal #281-1-2b - $10,639.00; 2. GRS GASB 45 OPEB Engagement Agreement-Finance Dept. — $4,000.00; 3. Southeastern Printing-Summer Smoke Signals Newsletter #74934 - $1,673.00; 4. Southeastern Printing-Summer Smoke Signals Newsletter #74937 - Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 07/14/16 Page 3 $508.00 4. Approve Setting the Proposed Ad Valorem Millage Rate for the Viilage of Tequesta forFiscal Year 201612017 at a rate of 6.2920 Mils per $1,000.00 of assessed value and setting the Budget Public Hearings as follows: September 8, 2016 - 6:00 p.m. - Approve Tentative Budget; and September 15, 2016 6:00 p.m. - Approve Final Budget 5. RESOLUTION 18-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE STORMWATER RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 6. RESOLUTION 19-16, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILIAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE REFUSE, RECYCLING AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 7. Approval to Surplus and Present to Retired Fire Chief James Weinand his Bunker Jacket, Helmet, and Badge in Recognition of his 23 Years of Service with the Village of Tequesta END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Barbara McQuinn of 118 Magnolia Way stated that she intended to run for the vacant District one schoolboard seat which included Tequesta. She has lived here since 1968 and has worked and volunteered for the district for over 30 years. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Vice Mayor Vince Arena announced that it was National Hot Dog day and jokingly suggested a proclamation to make a National Scooter McGee Day due to Village Clerk Lori McWilliams' mobility device. He then welcomed back Pastor Paul. Mayor Brennan updated Council on a new group of local o�cials to which she belongs that was formed as a preemptive measure to discourage the algae problems to our north from reaching us as the �oxahatchee River is being discussed as a repository for "clean" water. The focus was on protecting the Loxahatchee River, Jupiter Inlet, and Intracoastal Waterway. STANDING REPORTS Villaqe Attornev Attorney Davis worked with Parks and Recreation to close out the FRDAP grant requirements; amended an ordinance for discussion at this Council Meeting and stated that the Manager's performance and compensation was up for review at the next Council Meeting. Council Member D'Ambra asked whether the necessary steps were taken to Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 07/14/16 Page 4 implement a sales tax reduction to 3% at the time the water rate adjustment was made. Attorney Davis answered that they had. Villaqe Manaqer Manager Couzzo introduced the new Fire Rescue Chief Joel Medina and suggested that since he was new, he may have something to report next month. He called on Jeff Sabin of Waste Management who announced lower rates. Manager Couzzo announced that he signed the authorization for landscape work on Tequesta Drive which would begin in the near future. Council Member D'Ambra asked for details on where the landscape work would take place. In reply, Manager Couzzo invited Village Public Works Supervisor, Doug Chambers to elaborate. Mr. Chambers advised that the yellow striped area would be dug out, curbed and landscaped between Fiesta and South Cypress; and the road milled from Venus to the railroad tracks. Mayor Brennan said that she has received many compliments on the walkway lighting. REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS 8. ORDINANCE 8-16, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 78. ZONING; AT ARTICLE X. OFF-STREET AND ON-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS, SECTION 78-697, TO REVISE OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RESERVED PARKING SPACES AND PERMIT SAME UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 78. SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Attorney Davis read Ordinance 8-16 title into the record and explained that it repealed the prohibition of reserved parking spaces and allowed them, subject to a maximum amount of five percent of the total number of required off street parking at a particular site. Regarding enforcement and administration, spaces would have to be designated on an approved site plan (clearly depicting the number and location of spaces) for review. He recommended adding language that would allow approval through the Community Development Department by the end of the calendar year for businesses that already held approved site plans so they would not be subject to a full site plan modification process. He suggested adding details about where copy for the spaces could be placed, proposed signage guidelines and stressed that no advertising content or business name would be allowed. There was a provision which gave the ability, not obligation, to the Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 07/14/16 Page 5 Village that would allow the Village to rescind, modify, or reduce the number of spaces in the event of a future lack of adequate parking. After inquiry by Vice Mayor Arena, Attorney Davis outlined the steps a new business would take to obtain approval for such spaces and offered to consider making a form for residents to use. Additionally, Vice Mayor Arena inquired about the cost to which Attorney Davis replied and Mayor Brennan clarified that there was no fee until after the end of the year when a business would have to go through the site plan process. Manager Couzzo added that this would be administratively approved, and not handled by the Building Department. Council Member Okun expressed concern over interference with a landowner's rights and that the Village not become involved in enforcement. He was reassured by Attorney Davis and Mayor Brennan that the Ordinance would only state the requirements under the zoning code, that currently no reserved parking spaces were allowed (although some businesses have had such spaces for 20 years where they made sense) and that the actual use of the spaces is not something the Village would enforce. Council Member Paterno felt that only handicapped spaces should be designated, and asked why this came up now if spaces had existed for 20 years. Manager Couzzo responded. Council Member D'Ambra cautioned that the actions of the Village should balance the best interests of the public with businesses and that there should be a time limit as well as consistent, specific signage regarding height and material. Manager Couzzo stated that there was no way to enforce a time limit and Council Member D'Ambra agreed that the burden of enforcement would be on the property owner. When Council Member Paterno voiced concern that the Village had too many signs, Council Member Arena remarked that existing signage came about by requests from residents. He suggested removal of the word "reserved" and instead use "drop off/pick up". Mayor Brennan recapped prior discussion regarding business owner needs and no enforcement by the Village. Upon further concern by Council Member Okun regarding enforcement, Mayor Brennan invited Village of Tequesta Police Officer Raymond Korkowski to the podium who reiterated that the police would enforce handicapped parking, fire lanes and crashes on private property but not parking spaces. MOT/ON: Council Member Arena moved approval of Ordinance 8-16 on first reading adding the administrative approval wording, ensuring Council would not be involved, specifying standardized wording and sign design; seconded by Council Member Okin; motion carried 4-1 with Council Member Patemo opposed. ANY OTHER MATTERS Vice Mayor Arena asked Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Corbitt why there were only three movies this year and not four. Director Corbitt explained that movie selection Minutes — Regular Council Meeting 07/14/16 Page 6 was based on a movie's release and weather. For these reasons the number of movies vary from year to year. ADJOURNMENT: Vice MayorArena moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council Member Okun; the motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m. RespectFully submitted, � �- � A� �d' L[.c.t. 4rr— 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.