HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 04_05/11/2017 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP April 3, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Assistant to the
Village Clerk, Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice -Mayor Frank
D'Ambra, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Patemo and Council
Member Vince Arena.
1. Discuss Utility Meters & Data Collection Technology
Village Manager Michael Couzzo apologized to Council for the continued discussion on
the subject. He had prepared a proposal which featured a "phased in" approach which
he felt was logical. He noted that the proposal was one of many altematives. Manager
Couzzo offered a visual demonstration of how the system would operate using a meter,
meter box and a new transceiver.
Council Member D'Ambra informed Council that he had been working with Ms. Nilsa
Zacarias, Director of Community Development and with Village Attomey Keith Davis
regarding this issue. He went on to explain that there had been some discussions with
Senators at the recent Legislative Round Table. During these discussions The Village of
Tequesta as well as other municipalities, had raised concerns over the definition of
"enclave" as it was defined within the legislation. He went on to reveal that several
Senators spoke of revisions or amendments to the legislation regarding these enclaves.
Ms. Zacarias added that she had been in touch with Ms. Kim Glas- Castro, Land
Development Director for the Village of Palm Springs. Ms. Glas- Castro had mentioned
to Ms. Zacarias that Palm Springs was working on an amendment that would focus on
the requirements of involuntary annexation and also the definition of "enclave." Ms.
Zacarias handed out an email document to Council, which demonstrated involuntary
annexation, and who was able to vote on it within a municipality. It was determined that
any changes to current annexation legislation would have to be addressed in
Tallahassee.
Council Member Patemo asked if the email had anything to do with the Village's own
annexation process with Palm Beach County. Ms. Zacarias confirmed that it had nothing
to do with the Village's enclaves.
Ms. Zacarias informed Council that she and Attomey Davis recently met with the Palm
Beach County Legal Council and Planning Director regarding the ownership of County
Line Road. She revealed that the area up to the median was owned by the Palm Beach
County, however, from the median to the north, was owned by Martin County. She
Village Council Workshop Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 2
informed Council that pursuant to Florida Statutes, annexation could not be pursued to
create an enclave. Additionally, Palm Beach County suggested the Village go before the
Florida Legislator to propose an act that would mandate the annexation of local enclaves.
She concluded that the only other option was to pursue the inter -local agreement with a
chance the County may not support it.
Manager Couzzo reminded Council that the legislation had already changed and that the
Village administration just needed some direction.
Council Member D'Ambra believed the definition of enclave still needed clarity, however,
he realized Palm Beach County also had the ability to deem the enclaves to become
annexed. He advised the Village prepare for the next legislative session and to not act
until then.
It was revealed that there were several areas in Martin County that the Village provided
emergency services to, without any compensation. Council Member Patemo suggested
the Village stop responding to calls within the enclave areas, as they were not paying for
such services. Manager Couzzo disclosed that Village police were obligated to respond
to emergencies, due to a Mutual Aid Agreement. Council Member Patemo then
suggested that the Village cease responding to calls that were routine in nature.
Mayor Brennan revealed that a call came into the Village of Tequesta Fire Department
recently that was identified as a "domestic" situation. Village paramedics were not able
to respond, as they were required to wait for the Palm Beach County Sheriff, who arrived
18 minutes later. As a result of the extended response time, the patient lapsed into
unconsciousness. Mayor Brennan queried as to how many calls the Village responded
to, that were not actual emergencies.
Council Member Patemo suggested the non - emergency, out of area, calls be
documented. Manager Couzzo believed that Chief EIg could give further information on
emergency calls and relationship issues with the County. Council Member Okun agreed
that documentation was needed in reference to the calls that had been problematic with
County response time.
Council Member Patemo requested the appropriate parties be present at workshop
meetings, in order to get all the information necessary for Council to then make decisions.
Manager Couzzo suggested the Village appeal to the County rather than the state
legislator as it would take less time.
Mayor Brennan requested that Manager Couzzo invite the Police Chief to the next
Workshop meeting in order to answer some questions regarding police calls within the
enclaves. Council Member Patemo asked that he bring documentation regarding
emergency calls for the next meeting.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 3
Council Member Patemo asked if the Assistant Police Chief was a fill -in for the Chief.
Manager Couzzo answered that yes, he was the acting Chief, whenever Chief Elg was
not present.
2. Discuss the Purchase of Sensus iPERL Water Meters from HD Supply to Replace
the Aging Water Meter System.
Manager Couzzo wanted to clarify any misunderstanding on the actual cost of the Sensus
iPERL meter system which was discussed at the last Council Workshop. He advised
Council that it would not be a one -time occurrence of $200,000, but instead a one -time
rate increase of four percent over a five -year period of time. He felt it would take at least
a year before any funds would be generated, even with an immediate rate increase.
Manager Couzzo remarked that a loan was also possible.
Mayor Brennan recalled recent discussion during which the $200,000 was discussed as
being the increase for the system. She now believed that it would really cost
approximately $800,000 to one million dollars. Council Member Patemo advised that it
would actually cost approximately $800,000 because other money was already allocated
for the meters.
Council Member D'Ambra recollected that during the last workshop it was determined
there was already money budgeted for the meter replacement of the entire system. The
cost to upgrade to the electronic version was an additional $200,000. Council had agreed
that the new technology was worth the additional cost.
Manager Couzzo revealed that there was money in the budget, based upon the rate
increase of eight percent per year for the next three years, with an increase of three to
four percent beyond that time frame. There had already been one increase to date.
Manager Couzzo informed Council that the system had approximately 5,000 meters
within it. To replace all of the meters would cost $1.3 million dollars. However not all of
the meters needed to be replaced, as half of the system was 10 -11 years old, with a life
expectancy of approximately 20 years. He estimated the Village replaced about 1,000
meters annually.
Vice Mayor Arena asked how many meters were changed out last year. Sam Heady,
Deputy Director of Utilities answered that 743 meters were changed out by Village
employees last year.
Council Member Paterno assured Council that there were efficiencies built into doing the
iPERL system. He believed it would pay for itself thru attrition and reduced staff, offering
a savings $87,000 per year. Manager Couzzo countered that the savings would not come
thru attrition. He noted that if anything, there would be additional utility personnel added
in order to upgrade the water system over the course of the next decades. Council
Member Patemo disagreed and stated the need for employees to read meters would be
reduced, whether the Manager chose to reassign them to another area or not.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 4
Council Member Patemo maintained that the savings would be evident in having less
labor involved in the process. He pointed out that if management chose to take the
savings and apply it to another area, it did not negate the fact that it was still a savings.
Council Member D'Ambra asked how much was budgeted for the replacement of meters
per year. Mr. Heady revealed that according to the rate study, $586,000 had been
approved for meter replacements over a period of five years. Council Member D'Ambra
calculated the approximate $600,000 meter replacement cost with the $500,000 in
additional revenues, bringing the total to $1.1 million. He then added a three percent rate
increase, reaffirming the possibility of having the system paid for within an additional year
and a half. He recommended the three percent increase stay in place to fund the water
distribution system reserves.
Council D'Ambra recalled the issue was the loss of revenue associated with the older
water meters inability to fully capture the water flow. Mr. Heady verified that the lost
revenue was within the one to two percent estimation. Manager Couzzo opined that he
did not anticipate any additional revenue from the new water system. He cautioned that
there would be Tess revenue because leaks would be detected sooner.
Council Member Patemo countered that there was leakage within the system before the
water ever arrived at the meters. He maintained that there would be a cost reduction
related to the treatment and development of the water, as the new system software had
a feature that could pinpoint any leaks within the system. He further emphasized the new
system would make it easier to locate the region in which the loss of water had occurred.
Vice Mayor Arena reported that there were 475 calls for the water department out of 5,000
meters last month.
Council Member D'Ambra estimated there was still a gap of $700,000 and questioned
how much of that amount could be made up thru the higher water bills. He recalled being
told that the full flow of water was not being captured, due to the p e rnaccuracy of older
meters. He felt that the two percent of lost revenue could be captured by the new system
and would help subsidize the new meter upgrade.
Manager Couzzo reminded Council that there were benefits to the new meter system but
asked Council to make sure this was where they wanted to invest the money. He further
opined that this was not a "break even" scenario.
Council discussed the fact that the new meters were essentially the same, with the main
difference being the antenna. Mr. Heady advised that the antenna would cost anywhere
from $141 to $161 per piece, depending on the number of ports.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 5
Mr. Couzzo added that poles would also have to be purchased. Vice Mayor Arena
concluded that adding antennas was not a major undertaking and that everything else
had already been budgeted.
Manager Couzzo advised Council on going either one hundred percent with the
automated system or not at all. He remarked that extending the project out over five
years was not prudent. Manager Couzzo needed to know if Council wanted to do the
system and if so, how quickly they intended to have it installed. He would need this
information in order to determine how to fund the project.
There was some confusion on tax reduction and rate increase timing. Manager Couzzo
again asked Council as to when they would like the automated system completed. He
needed to arrange for a loan if Council decided to do this soon.
Council Member D'Ambra questioned why there was a need for a loan, if there was money
set aside in capital reserves. Manager Couzzo explained the Village had four million
dollars in reserves at the moment, however it was not enough to pay for the meters. He
reminded Council that if there was a leak in the system or a main break, then the reserves
would be affected.
Mayor Brennan asked if there would be any ongoing maintenance costs associated with
the new system. Mr. Heady reassured her that any maintenance would be handled "in
house" and that the software cost was $12,000 annually.
Council Member Patemo asked for an estimate on how many new meters had already
been installed. Mr. Heady informed Council that about 1000 new meters had already
been installed by Village employees. It was determined that the balance of the 3,500
meters was already in the budget. The only outstanding cost would be antennas, other
equipment, and installation estimated at $700,000.
Council Member D'Ambra suggested taking the system out to bid in order to get a hard
dollar cost on purchasing the system. Mayor Brennan was concerned that the existing
meters would not be compatible to any other system. Manager Couzzo agreed that if
Council decided to use a different company, there was a possibility of the meters not
being compatible. Council Member D'Ambra again recommended going to bid with the
existing company as well as others in the field, to get some hard numbers. Manager
Couzzo remarked that there could be a legal problem with going to bid, if there was not
enough money in the budget, as there were different regulations regarding the bid
process within the govemment sector.
Council Member D'Ambra suggested using the data that was currently available showing
the loss /gain of water in the older versus newer meters, in order to calculate a revenue
number. Mayor Brennan requested a hard cost estimate showing the savings, loan costs
and revenue projections. She was not comfortable with dipping into the reserves.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 6
Council Member Patemo reminded Council that there had already been two meetings on
the subject and there were still no hard numbers available. He did not understand why
Council was still waiting for this information.
Mr. Heady revealed that the costs that he had provided to Council were as close as he
could estimate.
Mayor Brennan asked if the new meters could be phased in with the older meters and
Manager Couzzo confirmed that they could.
Vice Mayor Arena reiterated the request to have Chief EIg attend the next Workshop
Meeting and to also have some hard numbers available on the new water meter pricing.
Village of Tequesta Attorney Amity Barnard answered Manager Couzzo's previous inquiry
by clarifying that the Village was able to go forward with the bid process and was not
bound to enter into a contact until it was ready to do so.
Vice Mayor Arena announced that the Village's 60th Anniversary party had been cancelled
due to several factors which included, weather, timing and date issues with vendors.
Council Member D'Ambra suggested incorporating the anniversary with the 2017
Tequesta Fest scheduled for November.
Council Member D'Ambra reminded Council that they were still waiting for sidewalk
estimates from Doug Chambers, Public Works Supervisor.
Vice Mayor Arena suggested all Council Members including Manager Couzzo drive by
the car lot on US Highway One to determine if its' condition was acceptable to the Village
of Tequesta.
ADJOURNMENT: Council Member D'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded
by Vice Mayor Arena. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the
meeting was adjoumed at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori McWilliams, MMC
Village Clerk
Village Council Workshop Minutes
February 27, 2017
Page 7
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.
MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
REGULAR MEETING April 13, 2017
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
D'Ambra, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Patemo, Council Member
Arena.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor D'Ambra led the meeting with an invocation followed by the pledge of
allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Agenda approval was obtained later in the meeting.
PRESENTATION
Since no one was present to receive two proclamations, they were not read in the meeting
and would instead be mailed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Tom Patemo requested items 11 and 12 removed for discussion.
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the Consent Agenda; seconded by
Council Member Arena
3. MINUTES: 2/27/17 Workshop and 3/9/17 Regular Meeting
4. 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) ArchiveSocial Records Rentention
Service - 3/1/17 to 9/30/17 , Village Clerk, $1,393.00 2) Automated Business
Machines, Inc. - 1 Year Service Agreement, Finance Dept. $425.00 3) Firehouse
Innovations Corp. Multi- Force, Forcible Entry Door System , Fire Dept., $7,095.75
4) Josue Prado Interim Firefighter Agreement, Fire Dept., Position Previously
Budgeted
5. Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Budget Amendments
6. Approve Island House Condominium License Agreement for Boat Dock
7. Approve a Piggyback Contract with Brenntag Mid - South, Inc. for the Purchase of
Caustic Soda for the Water Treatment Plant
Minutes — Regular 04 /13/17
Page 2
8. Approval of CCTV and Access Control Replacement for Constitution Park,
Village Hall, and Public Safety Facilities
9. Approve the Purchase of ESO Fire EHR and NFIRS Software Suite
10. RESOLUTION 16-17, INCREASING THE GENERAL FUND #001 2016/2017
BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $17,500 TO RECOGNIZE ACCEPTANCE OF THE INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT BETWEEN PALM BEACH COUNTY AND THE VILLAGE OF
TEQUESTA FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES GRANT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $17,500.00 FOR THE
PURCHASE OF ONE (1) POWER STRETCHER
14. RESOLUTION 20-17, INCREASING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN THE
GENERAL FUND #001 2016/2017 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,663.00
RECOGNIZING ADDITIONAL REVENUES FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY FOR
MANATEE PATROL SERVICES AS WELL AS RECOGNIZING RELATED
OVERTIME EXPENDITURES
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
11. RESOLUTION 17 -17, INCREASING REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN THE
GENERAL FUND #001 2016/2017 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,318.00 TO
RECOGNIZE ADDITIONAL REVENUES FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY AND
ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES RELATED TO THE REMODELING OF THE
VILLAGE'S COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
After some discussion about increasing revenues and expenditures prior to receiving
reimbursed funds, Item 11 was tabled.
12. RESOULTION 18-17, AWARDING A CONTRACT TO WATSON FURNITURE
GROUP OF POULSBO, WA IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,191.37 FOR THE
PURCHASE OF FURNITURE FOR THE TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Village Attorney Keith Davis read both Resolution 17 -17 and Resolution 18 -17 titles into
the record.
MOTION: Council Member Patemo moved approval of Resolution 18 -17; seconded by
Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
Attorney Davis brought to Mayor Brennan's attention that approval for the overall agenda
had not been obtained; she then requested a motion.
Minutes — Regular 04 /13/17
Page 3
MOTION: Council Member Patemo moved approval of the Agenda; seconded by Council
Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Harold Taylor of 13 Chapel Court spoke about the intersection of County Line Road and
Dixie Highway. Westbound traffic seemed to ignore the stop sign and recently, he saw a
box truck go through the intersection without even slowing. Action was needed before
someone was hurt or killed. The Palm Beach County side of the intersection was not as
bad but the Martin County side (westbound) was a real problem. Mayor Brennan advised
she reminded Assistant Police Chief James McGrew to include Martin County in a
solution.
The following people also attended this council meeting and expressed a desire to speak
about the issue of cars speeding in Tequesta Country Club and the condition of the roads.
Mike Eskra of 140 Golfview Drive; Michelle Shearhouse of 215 River Drive; Curt Comber
of 170 Golfview Drive; Courtney Wonnell of 130 Golfview Drive; Tracy Kerwin of 197
Golfview Drive; Mike Baney of 90 Golfview Drive; Norman Sayre 243 River Drive; Joseph
Shearhouse of 215 River Drive; Patricia Hartley of 279 Country Club Drive; Laureen
Ombres of 219 Fairway East; Michael Baney of 90 Golfview Drive; Gene Shieh of 99
River Drive.
All felt that vehicles speeding in their neighborhood was a serious, ongoing issue that
needed to be addressed. There was not one identifiable group of violators; rather they
included workers in the area, residents of Turtle Creek, friends and family, and younger
drivers. Many children under 11 years of age lived in the neighborhood and it was
inevitable that something bad would happen. Mike Eskra sustained damage to his
mailbox. Tracy Kerwin felt that the terrible condition of the roads and sidewalks were a
hazard. Courtney Wonnell moved some landscaping to facilitate drivers' views but
remained concemed as waiting at the school bus stop was dangerous. The group
suggested solutions such as stop signs, more police enforcement of the existing speed
limit, a lower speed limit, and installation of speed bumps.
Vice Mayor D'Ambra informed the group that infrastructure repair was a high priority for
use of revenues from the one percent sales tax. Although plans needed finalization, there
was preliminary approval for road and sidewalk work on Country Club and Tequesta
Drives, then Riverside to Seabrook, then other areas. Since, as previously stated,
Country Club residents and friends were the speeders, Village involvement may help but
pressure was also needed from within the community for neighbors to respect each other.
He offered some suggestions, agreed that the police could not be there all the time and
stated it was possible that a combination of solutions were in order.
Council Member Arena inquired about the process of installing stop signs and reducing
the speed limit on Golfview Drive. He suggested that an officer be present at the bus stop
when children were there. Mayor Brennan stated that the police department would
schedule a meeting with community members to discuss solutions.
Minutes – Regular 04 /13/17
Page 4
Council Member Okun wondered about using various police vehicles as a deterrent. He
agreed that Golfview Drive needed work, thanked the residents for speaking and urged
the Village Manager to meet with the police department to come up with creative
solutions. Council Member Patemo concurred that the roads were in terrible condition
and because of that, he jested that it was as if the road already had speed bumps. His
suggestion was to reduce the size of the zones that the police patrol and stated that The
Tequesta Country Club should be one whole zone.
Resident Michael Baney pointed out that people from Country Club used Golfview Drive
and people from River Drive cut through the side streets. He was interested in a traffic
study for solutions. Mayor Brennan thought that that was discussed in the past. This
issue was very important and would be a focus again especially with funds received from
the new sales tax.
Assistant Police Chief James McGrew understood the residents' concerns. In four hours
of radar work earlier in the month, Chief Elg stopped 10 -12 violators on Golfview Drive —
all lived in the Tequesta Country Club. Three of which were ones who admitted
complaining about speeders. After monitoring traffic with radar for one hour at Golfview
and Riverview Drives, he stopped only one vehicle that went more than five miles per
hour over the speed limit. That person also lived in the Country Club. Speed bumps
required a traffic engineer's feasibility study. He was more than happy to meet with
everyone and invited residents to ride with the officers to view enforcement firsthand.
There were many options and residents' safety was the priority.
Several residents pointed out that although 25 mph seemed slow in a car, a pedestrian's
perspective was different. Manager Couzzo recalled that speed limit signs in the past
also said "thank you" which may have helped people drive slower. However, to be
effective, a variety of methods was necessary, including education of those who live there.
He suspected people would not appreciate the tickets due to more police enforcement,
and suggested a meeting at which solution ideas would be discussed. Mr. Couzzo
cautioned that the issue would persist until people had consideration for each other.
Council Member Patemo requested that police be more visible in the community,
especially at the bus stops. Manager Couzzo spoke with the Police Chief about patrol
zones and there would routinely be three officers and a supervisor in three zones. Vice
Mayor D'Ambra advised that the number of police officers increased in past years.
Training of some newly hired officers would soon be complete and they would be able to
patrol alone which brought the number of officers on the road to four —still more visibility.
Consensus of Council agreed the Manager and staff would meet with Tequesta Country
Club residents as quickly as possible to discuss solutions.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Okun encouraged the residents to persist with the speeding issue and
Council Member Arena added the suggestion that residents obtain a schedule of action.
He thought that an officer on the road during the busy traffic speeding times would be
Minutes — Regular 04 /13/17
Page 5
helpful.
STANDING REPORTS
Village Attorney
Village Attorney Keith Davis reported positive movement on laws regarding Community
Redevelopment Agencies and Public Records. House Bill 17 preempted business and
occupation regulation activities (including zoning) to the state. This bill had extreme
consequences for local governments. It was still in the committee process though and
there had not been a lot of movement on it, which was a good sign. Outside of the
legislative arena, The Village was approached by a major telecommunication carrier
about co- locating on the tower at 136 Bridge Road. Creation of a new ground lease was
in its early stages and would eventually come before Council.
Villaae Manager
Village Manager Couzzo had no tolerance for people speeding and endangering the
welfare of the people in this community. After a close decision between two final
candidates, Chris Quirk of Albany New York was hired as the new Finance Director and
would start on May 8th. Mr. Couzzo thanked Human Resources Director, Meriene Reid
and Michael Rhodes for their assistance with the process. The annual financial report
would be completed in the next few weeks. Engineering improvements made at Tequesta
Water Utilities had reached 60% and were under review. Next year's budget was being
worked on by administration and staff. It would then be reviewed by the Finance
Department and Manager before presentation to Council. It was a constantly evolving
document until finalization.
Vice Mayor D'Ambra briefly described Council meetings and Workshops and encouraged
those present to attend workshops as well as regular meetings.
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
16. ORDINANCE 3 -17, SECOND READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, 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
ELIMINATING THE PUBLIC SERVICE TAX ON THE PURCHASE OF WATER;
LEAVING THE PUBLIC SERVICE TAX ON THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY,
NATURAL GAS, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, MANUFACTURED GAS AT
THE CURRENT 9 %; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION
AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 70 SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND
EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A
Minutes — Regular 04 /13/17
Page 6
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Attorney Davis read Ordinance 3 -17 title into the record. This was the second reading
after which Mayor Brennan opened the public hearing to Council for discussion. There
was none. The hearing was opened to the public. There were no comments.
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of ORDINANCE 03 -17; seconded by
Vice Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
Village Manager Couzzo explained that several years ago Council, within its authority,
decided to tax water utilities and this ordinance brought that tax to zero.
NEW BUSINESS
13. RESOLUTION -
21 17, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS
AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DONATE SURPLUS
ROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED
PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Village Attomey Davis read Resolution 21 -17 title into the record after which Village
Manager Couzzo explained that a request was received from a small (600 residents)
community in Putnam County Florida. They needed, but did not have funds to purchase,
a new vehicle. The police department requested Council consider donation of a 2012
Dodge Charger (their oldest and with 57,000 miles of use) from the fleet.
Council Members Okun and Patemo did not want a vehicle bought with tax dollars, with
so much remaining utility, and special equipment to leave The Village. Council Member
Patemo also did not like that nine police vehicles were recently purchased. Council
Member Arena however, commended Assistant Police Chief McGrew for his willingness
to help a needy city and stated that the Fire Department had similarly donated in the past.
Vice Mayor D'Ambra asked about moving the license plate reader to another police
vehicle. Assistant Chief McGrew would check on that. While Council Member Patemo
had no problem giving to a needy community, he felt The Village spent money
unnecessarily and should have bought one less car.
MOTION: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved approval of RESOLUTION 21 -17; seconded by
Council Member Arena; motion carried 3 -2 with Council Member Patemo and Council
Member Okun in dissent.
17. Discussion and Approval to Change the Village's Election Qualifying Period, as
Requested by the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, to Noon on the
First Tuesday in January Through Noon on the Second Tuesday in January (an
Ordinance will be required)
Municipalities with an election qualifying period in late January to early February were
Minutes — Regular 04 /13/17
Page 7
asked by The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections to make them one month
earlier, which allowed the elections office ample time to print and mail ballots. With the
change of date, Village Clerk Lori McWilliams also asked that the duration shorten from
two weeks to one. Candidate books were available for review with the Clerk in November,
several tasks were required of candidates before paperwork was turned in and the
qualifying period was to submit paperwork to The Clerk. Council Member Patemo wished
to keep the time frame at two weeks due to the potential for a missed deadline or in case
a mistake was made. The County wanted all submissions as early as possible but no
later than noon on Jan 13th of any given year.
MOTION: Council Member Patemo moved approval of drafting an Ordinance that
changed the election qualifying period to the first two weeks in December, seconded by
Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
18. SE 3-17: Special Event Application from Bob Anderson for the Run 4 Freedom four
(4) mile road race and a one (1) mile race. The event will take place on July 4,
2017, from 7:OOam to 10:OOam. The event will start and finish at Constitution Park.
The projected number of attendees is 400 people. No alcohol will be served.
Bob Anderson stated this was the same racecourse as the Run for the Pies. The
beneficiary was Gold Star Mothers and Families (those who lost loved ones in Vietnam,
Iraq, and Afghanistan). There would be American flags along course and among other
things, apple pie and hot dogs. The race started at 7:15 a.m. and Mr. Anderson advised
that he had already met with the Board of the Tequesta Country Club who had no
objection.
MOTION: Council Member Patemo moved approval of SE 3 -17; seconded by Vice Mayor
D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
19. VAR 03-17: Application of Lou's Caffe LLC, 236 US Highway 1, Tequesta, FL
33469, for a Variance from the requirement of Sec. 78 -298 to sell intoxicating
liquors, wines and beverages for consumption on the premises within a 321.74 +/-
foot radius and a 691.05 +/- foot radius of any church, school or youth center,
where Sec. 78 -298 currently allows for such sale only at a 1,000 foot radius or
greater from any church, school or youth center.
Village Attorney Davis explained the quasi-judicial nature of the item and swore in two
people. No ex -parte communications were disclosed by Council. According to
Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias, this request was for serving alcohol in
a restaurant called Lou's Caff&. The previous restaurant tenant had a beer and wine
license but since it was closed for more than 90 days, a new variance was required. An
extension and improvements were planned for the site; the Planning and Zoning
department would review the project in May. Two youth activity centers (We Rock the
Spectrum and Providence Education) were located within 1000 feet of the site. Ms.
Zacarias referred to a packet containing a letter signed by Rock the Spectrum in support
of the variance. Providence Education did not support the variance; however, their lease
would end August first.
Minutes — Regular 04 /13/17
Page 8
MOTION: Council Member Patemo moved approval of VAR 03 -17; seconded by Vice
Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 5 -0.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by
Council Member Arena. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5 -0; therefore, the
meeting was adjoumed at 7:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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.