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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_04/13/2017 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 Paterno, Council Member Arena. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor D'Ambra led the meeting with an invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance. APPROVALOFAGENDA 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 Paterno 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. MOT/ON: Council Member Paterno 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 MOT/ON: Council Member Paterno 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 concerned 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 Paterno 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 inethods 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 Paterno requested that police be more visible in the community, especially at the bus stops. Manager Couuo 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 Villaqe Attornev 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. Villaqe Manaaer Village Manager Couzzo had no tolerance for people speeding and endangering the welfare of the people in this community. After a close decision befinreen finro final candidates, Chris Quirk of Albany New York was hired as the new Finance Director and would start on May 8th. Mr. Couuo thanked Human Resources Director, Merlene 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 Attorney 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 Paterno did not want a vehicle bought with tax dollars, with so much remaining utility, and special equipment to leave The Village. Council Member Paterno 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 Paterno 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 Paterno wished to keep the time frame at finro 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. MOT/ON: Counci! 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 finro 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 Caffe. 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 MOTIDN: Council Member Paterno 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 adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council Member Arena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned 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.