HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 01_06/08/2017 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP May 1, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk, Lori
McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Council Member Vince Arena, Council
Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom Paterno and Vice Mayor Frank D'Ambra.
1. Update on Tequesta Country Club Resident Concerns and
2. Discussion on Speed Enforcement Issue Raised by Council Member Okun
These finro items, since closely related,were discussed together. Manager Couzzo spoke
on behalf of Assistant Police Chief James McGrew who was not present but after
observing in the area, concluded that the perception of speeding was greater than acfual
speeding and cited an example of driving at 10 mph when some children ran out in front
of his vehicle from behind a hedge. Even at that slow speed, he had just enough time to
stop and no one was hurt. Possible remedies were to trim vegetation in public rights of
way, send a letter to Tequesta Country Club residents, educate and raise awareness with
a "Drive 25" program, traffic enforcement, and physical traffic calming methods.
Mayor Brennan felt that a Drive 25 program might cause people to drive faster and that
regardless of the perception of speeding, 25 mph was too high to which Council Member
Okun agreed. He suggested lowering the speed limit to 20 mph with signs that drew
attention to the speed limit. Mayor Brennan thought a neighborhood speed watch might
be effective and Council Member Okun mentioned changing the road texture (using
pavers or rumble strips) but thought a more serious measure (lowering the speed limit)
was needed. Village Attorney Keith Davis weighed in stating that a municipality could
alter speed limits in certain areas if it was reasonable as supported by a study and
conformed to the Florida Department of Transportation criteria.
The Mayor asked for input from Council Member Paterno who stated that landscaping
obstructed views and that the residents were the cause of the speeding problem. It was
a matter of common courtesy and education. He did not think 25 mph was too fast but
found navigating various landscaping trucks parked in the road to be a problem. In his
opinion, there were already too many signs. Daily police presence kept people honest—
not more signs. The residents themselves needed to make some adjustments.
Council Member Arena identified 16 properties with tall hedges, explained the length of
his view while driving around a curve and provided statistics in support of Council Member
Paterno's sentiment about too many signs. He also found that vehicles parked in the
road were an obstacle and felt that intersections were approached before drivers realized
it. He liked the idea of changing the road texture in some areas and opined that acting
Village Council Workshop Minutes
May 1, 2017
Page 2
on the issue was difficult due to a lack of group cohesion (for legitimate reasons) on the
solution. He agreed with sending the Tequesta Country Club residents a letter but
wondered whether any more action was needed at this time.
Vice Mayor Frank D'Ambra stated that there was no one solution and ultimately, reducing
speed was the residents' responsibility. He thought a letter and reducing the speed limit
made sense and suggested they start with a letter, install pavers in certain areas, and ask
residents to move some landscaping, as those things needed no study. A visible police
presence served as a deterrent and the goal was not to issue more tickets.
If a traffic study was completed, Manager Couzzo wished to be as thorough as possible
on the impact various actions would have on nearby streets. He felt that the Village was
responding well and should take one step at a time rather than do too much at once.
Council Member Paterno was not in favor of more signs or curbing as both impeded the
movement of bicycles and pedestrians out of the way of traffic. He thought that a letter,
more police presence and information in Smoke Signals was a good start and those alone
might work. The Village had done much in a short time and he wondered if the Tequesta
Country Club Association would participate in the solution such as using the "Drive 25"
program. Manager Couzzo stated he already sent information to the Association.
Further discussion included police issuing tickets for minimal speed infractions and play
items such as basketball hoops located on roadway edges. Most seemed in favor of
strategic installation of pavers. Council Member Arena asked that landscape cutbacks
on Village property not be severe. While on regular duty, the Code Enforcement
Department could be alert to obstructions due to landscaping and gently approach the
owner to remedy.
Resident Tracey Kerwin thanked Council for listening and responding to residents'
concerns and realized that influencing behaviors took time. Ken Levine on behalf of the
Tequesta Country Club Association thanked Council and agreed that it was difficult to
reach a consensus. He appreciated meeting with Public Safety and favored a natural
progression of ineasures. Lori Branden, a Tequesta Country Club Board Member,
wanted to keep her landscaping for privacy but thought the manhole covers were a big
problem. She mentioned a "20 is Plenty" campaign and voiced concern about elderly
area residents.
Pedestrians also needed education on moving over for cars, reconfiguring to single file
or moving to the grass for a moment. Surrounding feeder streets would have reduced
speed limits in the future. A Village wide education campaign for drivers and pedestrians
was suggested. Overall, residents were happy that Council and staff listened.
Resident John Ritz distributed a letter regarding renovating the Tequesta Country Club
north gates so they matched the south gates. Vice Mayor D'Ambra requested that it be
put on the Council agenda.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
May 1, 2017
Page 3
3. All Aboard Florida Update
Mayor Brennan explained that Fortress Investments sold FECI (All Aboard Florida) to a
Japanese Bank and FECR (the freight component) to a Mexican conglomerate. Since
they were now owned by finro separate entities, they were working on an agreement for
all tracks to be owned jointly. Mayor Brennan had heard that the line from West Palm
Beach to Miami would remain, however due to many intricacies the final outcome of All
Aboard Florida was unknown at this time.
4. Update on US Highway 1 Road Diet Project
Manager Couzzo advised that roadwork plans were being sent to Tallahassee this month,
advertising would take place next month, and construction would start in November.
Though the start date was not ideal, it was based on the Florida Department of
Transportation's time frame. Replacement of the (US 1) bridge was scheduled for 2020
along with work on the Dixie Highway turn lanes. Assumptions were that work would be
done first on one bridge, then the other, allowing for two-way traffic on one span at a time.
5. Discussion on Smoke Signals Publication
Manager Couuo noted that increasing the frequency of Smoke Signals publications per
year would ensure that more timely information reached residents; therefore, Manager
Couzzo recommended five issues per year. Council Member Paterno suggested a
condensed monthly version on our website while Vice Mayor D'Ambra and Mayor
Brennan thought that people still liked to read a hard copy. A lot of information was
already on the Village website. Consensus was to increase the number of issues to five
per year.
6. Update on 2017/2018 Council Budget
Village Manager Couuo advised that the current operating budget was tight. The
hurricane and air conditioner work were anomalies as were some police department
items. The budget as proposed was approximately 10% over the current budget and
much work remained to reach the 3.62% maximum increase directive. No one particular
thing caused this; it was simply that wants and needs were greater than available funds.
When asked if Council did anything to cause this, Mr. Couzzo explained that the bar of
expectations kept rising and the departments genuinely tried to do better each year but
there were associated costs. There was brief discussion of the number of police officers
on duty at any one time. Council Member Paterno thought that when not on a call, the
Fire Department could provide free, voluntary, in-home safety checks to residents;
Attorney Davis was working out the indemnification details. Mr. Couuo stated there
would be a better idea of revenues in June but the challenge with the budget this time
was with the expenses rather than the revenues. It was felt that the proposed homestead
exemption increase would not have much impact on The Village.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
May 1, 2017
Page 4
Mayor Brennan asked Attorney Davis about the banyan tree park. Though some details
needed finalizing including a name, she wanted an official opening in May and since this
was a young man's school project, she wished to invite him, his teachers and the media.
Council Member Okun asked the status of creative health care requests. Manager
Couzzo stated he was working on some things now but two union contracts were involved.
Discussions were probably eight to nine months away and started with the Fire
Department.
Initial budget reviews with Department heads would be done in May with the first Council
review expected at the June workshop. Employees wanted to do more, the community
needed more but there were limitations. Council Member Paterno, speaking
optimistically, felt that generally a larger expenditure resulted in only incremental benefit
to The Village. Discussion continued about the effect of property taxes, the penny sales
tax, the new assisted living facility, new townhomes, infrastructure investments, and
annexation. Manager Couuo would discuss the budget with department heads in the
next few weeks, which allowed Council an opportunity for meaningful discussion at the
next Workshop.
Additional conversation touched on road adjustments to slow traffic (pavers, painting,
etc.); sidewalk repairs; the ability of nice landscaping to slow driving speed; number of
personnel versus quality of service; and potential additional revenue opportunities.
Attorney Davis advised that the Village prevailed in the Cox arbitration and that the Village
had filed for payment of attorney fees.
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 8:00 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.
MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
REGULAR MEETING May 11, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by MayorAbby 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 Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, Council Member Tom
Paterno.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Arena led the meeting with an invocation followed by the pledge of
allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda;seconded by Vice Mayor
D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
PRESENTATION
1. Presentation by the Tequesta Country Club Community Association, Inc.
for Proposed Renovations at North Place and Country Club Drive
John Ritz of 231 Fairway East represented the Tequesta Country Club regarding the
replacement of deteriorated landscaping at the north entrance of the community. They
had $10,000 earmarked for the project but the cost did not include the removal of old trees.
Council Member Paterno liked the plan presented and thought it was good time to add a
sidewalk, however a homeowner's fence was in the right of way. He felt that the Village
should work with the Country Club on putting in a sidewalk to which Village Manager
Michael Couzzo agreed and added that a sidewalk there would be of great benefit to the
safety of the residents. Discussion continued about the angle and location of the sidewalk.
Landscape architect Gerald Wenta of 226 Golfview Drive, discovered from a survey that
trees they wished to remove were on Village property. Deputy Public Works Director poug
Chambers advised that he would contact the homeowner regarding relocating the
aforementioned fence and work with the Tequesta Country Club Association on
coordinating schedules so the Village's sidewalk work would not damage the Country
Club's improvements. Both Mr. Couzzo and Mayor Brennan felt that since removing the
trees involved labor costs only, that part should move forward while Vice Mayor D'Ambra
sought consensus for the Tequesta Country Club to proceed with their entire proposed
Minutes— Regular 05/11/17
Page 2
plan as long as the Village worked with them on the timing.
Council Member Arena was concerned with who watered and maintained the area. Mr.
Ritz explained that an owner of an adjoining property waters and The Country Club
maintains the area. Council Member Arena offered a $750 donation from his discretionary
fund toward landscape plants (annuals and perennials) that would require less upkeep
rather than high maintenance sod. Mr. Wenta explained that sod was shown on the
proposal as it was lower in cost and would offset the cost of removing the trees.
Consensus of Council agreed to move forward beginning with tree removal.
Manager Couzzo hoped all would be complete by August. Council Member Okun thanked
the Tequesta Country Club representatives for addressing this as it was also a safety
concern.
The following additional Proclamation was read by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams:
PROCLAMATION: Proclaiming May 20 —26, 2017 as National Safe Boating Week (The
Village of Tequesta supports the goals of the North American Safe Boating Campaign).
Mark Cleveland of United States Coast Guard Auxillary 52 Immigration and Customs
Enforcement Commander received the proclamation and spoke briefly about safe boating
education. Council Member Arena announced his donation of $600 to the Nautical Club
from his discretionary fund.
No one was present to accept the following proclamations therefore, they were not read
during the meeting:
2. PROCLAMATION: Proclaiming the Week of May 14 - 20, 2017 as Water Reuse
Week
3. PROCLAMATION: Proclaiming May 2017 Mental Health Awareness and Trauma
Informed Care Month
CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Arena requested item 5 and Council Member Paterno requested item 6
removed for discussion.
MOTION: Council Member Paterno moved approval of the Consent Agenda; seconded
by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
4. MINUTES: 4/3/17 Workshop and 4/13/17 Regular Meeting
7. RESOLUTION 23-17, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, INCREASING REVENUES AND
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Page 3
EXPENDITURES IN THE GENERAL FUND #001 2016/2017 BUDGET IN THE
AMOUNT OF $6,979.00 RECOGNIZING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF
SERVICES RECEIVED FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE AS WELL
AS RECOGNIZING RELATED VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
EXPENDITURES
8. RESOLUTION 24-17, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL BOARDS
AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS; PROVIDING AN
EFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
5. 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. Bushel Stop Credit Application - Publix Works Department - $N/A; 2. Miracle
Recreation Equipment Company- Parks & Recreation Department $3,827.80
Since Council Member Arena found prices at Bushel Stop to be high, he asked Deputy
Public Works Director poug Chambers whether the Village received a discount. Mr.
Chambers replied that comparable shopping showed their prices to be lower than others
in the area.
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Item 5 from the Consent Agenda;
seconded by Council Member Paterno; mofion carried unanimously 5-0.
6. Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Budget Amendments
Although Council Member Paterno was appreciative of budget cost savings and hard work,
he felt strongly that new employees should be added at the next budget and not a part
time position turned into full time when we were already over budget. These things needed
to be planned, then budgeted, then changes made.
Manager Couuo explained that two department heads requested it, need warranted it and
although it appeared as an increase, there were decreases in other areas. Those
departments shouldered more responsibility than in the past and while the work could be
outsourced, the cost would be three to five times greater. The need was justifiable and
the nature of the work dictated that it be done by an employee rather than temporary help.
Council Member Arena asked whether this would set a precedent but Manager Couzzo
did not think it would. Council Member Paterno did not deny the need but thought it more
appropriate to plan and budget for it. He did not like the method.
For the benefit of those in attendance, Vice Mayor D'Ambra explained Council Member
Paterno's earlier comment about being over budget by saying that a year ago, Council set
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Page 4
budget parameters consisting of an additional 3.6% to 3.7% as a guideline for additional
funding the following year. Anything greater than that was set aside for capital projects.
He then outlined the budget process and stated that this year's requests were presently
above the parameter, however Manager Couzzo and the Department Heads were working
to bring the budget into alignment for the next fiscal year. Council Member Arena added
that this was not uncommon as it was done each year and that as a Council, they had
worked together on the budget for a long time and gotten it right.
MOTION: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved approval of Item 6 from the Consent Agenda;
seconded by Council MemberArena; motion carried 4-1 with Council Member Paterno in
dissent.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Valerie Quanerie of 19100 Waterway Road recalled that when Publix occupied the
Marshall's plaza,there was a mirror at the parking lot's south entrance which was no longer
there. She would like to see a mirror put up again and the bushes trimmed so drivers had
a clear line of sight when exiting the plaza before pulling out into the road. Manager
Couzzo, Deputy Public Works Director poug Chambers, Police Chief Elg and Building
Director Jose' Rodriguez would review the area for traffic control options.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
Council Member Arena recognized the Village Clerk's Department for the recent volunteer
breakfast, stated it was one of the best he had attended, and complimented the Mayor on
her speech. Addressing Chief Elg, he relayed how appreciative the public was of Corporal
Blanc as evidenced by the thank you letters that mentioned him.
Council Member Okun recalled meetings with the Tequesta Country Club residents and
complimented Manager Couzzo for quickly addressing the issues. He reminded residents
that they had a friendly ear in the Village Council.
Council Member Arena asked that Manager Couuo explain Mayor Brennan's recent
nomination. Manager Couzzo responded that this was a Chamber of Commerce Award
for Leader of the Year in the North Palm Beach County as voted on by colleagues. Council
Member Okun credited the Mayor with alerting neighboring communities when the railroad
planned to come to the area.
Regarding the railroad, Valerie Guanerie asked if there was a plan to replace a sound
barrier (due to horns) that once existed made of gravel from the cement factory. Mayor
Brennan answered that she knew of no such plans and that new horns were a fraction
below the decibel limit that would require a sound barrier. There were no quiet zone
intersections right now as none met the requirements. The Palm Beach County Planning
Organization agreed to negotiate for quiet zones but none were likely for several years.
Mayor Brennan also had a compliment for the police department as she recently saw one
of our officers putting gas into a stopped car for a resident.
Minutes— Regular 05/11/17
Page 5
STANDING REPORTS
Villa4e Attorr�ev
Village Attorney Keith Davis reported finro pieces of good news. It appeared that new
public records legislation was passing which gave the court greater discretion in awarding
attorney fees in public records lawsuits. Also, legislation was set to pass regarding
telecommunication facilities, preemption of rights of way and placing cell facilities, however
the new law exempted utility poles in municipalities of less than five square miles. There
appeared to be some positive movement on Sober Home legislation and he would
continue to keep Council updated.
Villaqe Mana4er
Village Manager Couzzo introduced New Finance Director, Chris Quirk from Albany, New
York. Mr. Quirk was thankful for the opportunity to join the Village of Tequesta. It was a
beautiful village with dedicated and hardworking staff.
Captain James Trube spoke on behalf of Chief Medina and reminded everyone that
hurricane season was approaching. He encouraged all to make individual plans just as
the Fire Department was doing.
According to Chief Elg, a pole-mounted device was installed at Golf Place. It measured
speed and other traffic data. Results over 18 days were that 7,685 cars passed it (both
directions); 2.5% (190) of the drivers actually sped to the extent that they qualified for a
ticket (six or more miles per hour over the posted limit); there was a lot of traffic on that
road depending on the time of day. Most of the speeding occurred in the afternoon and
entering the neighborhood. Education and enforcement of the area would continue to
evolve. Vice Mayor D'Ambra asked what percentage of drivers sped but were under the
threshold of being fined to which Chief Elg responded 24%. Vice Mayor D'Ambra asked
Chief Elg his opinion on whether it was appropriate to lower the speed limit to 20 m.p.h.
He advised it would need further study and studies showed that a lower speed limit could
actually create problems in other areas of the community. A traffic study was needed and
all (spin of� problems considered before the limit would be lowered. He was not against
lowering the speed limit but thought that the radar was a good tool to pinpoint problem
times and areas. Officer Franklin was complimented for stopping a speeder in the area.
Both Council Members Arena and Paterno noticed more police presence and felt that it
made a significant difference.
Rev. Paul Beresford thanked Manager Couzzo, the Council and the Police and Fire Chiefs
for providing him the opportunity to serve the community. He spent a lot of time with the
police and fire departments both individually and in groups and the Public Safety
employees were appreciative that the Village had a welfare and mental health counselor
available to them. He remarked on the training and professionalism of both departments
and their technology. They were great representatives of The Village.
Minutes— Regular 05/11/17
Page 6
REGULAR AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
There was none.
NEW BUSINESS
9. Approve Request from HGR Construction, Inc.to Perform all Remodel Work during
Overnight Hours while the Store is Closed for Business. The Remodel will Require
Demolition in Certain Areas of the Store, as well as Trenches Being Cut in the
Floor for Relocation of Existing Plumbing Lines.
Building Director Jose Rodriguez explained that this was a request for approval of
after-hours work at Publix by Dino Du Mee, of HGR Construction and Senior Project
manager for the remodel of Publix Store #1049. The store would be open during normal
business hours during the day. Night work was done for safety reasons and the
convenience of customers. Deliveries were made in the late afternoons and all materials
were staged in the back interior of the store.
Council Member Paterno advised that he was not a proponent of night work in the past
but had seen it work out as long as Council was approached beforehand. Although Mr.
Paterno admitted to owning Publix stock, Village Attorney Keith Davis advised that at his
level of ownership, no voting conflict existed. When Manager Couzzo inquired about the
details of the remodel, Mr. Du Mee advised that plans included a new hot bar, updated
signs, paint, and flooring; other details were in the plans and permitting was complete.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Okun moved approval of Item 9; seconded by Council Member
Arena;motion carried unanimously 5-0.
10. Purchase of 2017 Ford Explorer for the Building Department from Duval Ford
through the Florida Sheriffs Association Contract FSA 16-VEL.
Deputy Public Works Director, Doug Chambers advised that the Building Department had
received approval to purchase a Ford Expedition through a dealership that then merged
with another one. In the process, the fleet manager was let go and the paperwork to
produce the vehicle was never submitted. Duval Ford had a 2017 Ford Explorer that was
ordered by another party who no longer wanted it. The Explorer was readily available and
cost less than the Expedition.
MOTION: CM Paterno moved approval of Item 90; seconded by Council Member Okun;
motion carried unanimous/y 5-0.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 4-17, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE
VILLAGE CHARTER AT ARTICLE II., SECTION 2.02 TO ADJUST THE DATES
Minutes— Regular 05/11/17
Page 7
FOR QUALIFYING FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTED OFFICE, AT THE REQUEST OF
THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; DIRECTING THE
VILLAGE CLERK TO TRANSMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO
THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS. PROVIDING THAT
EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION, SUBSECTION AND PROVISION OF THE
CHARTER OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA 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 Keith Davis read ORDINANCE NO. 4-17 title into the record and Mayor Brennan
opened the matter for Council comment. There was none so the matter was opened to
the Public. There were also no comments from the public.
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approva/ of Item 11; seconded by Council
Member Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
12. ORDINANCE NO. .5-17, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE
COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE
VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION,
ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS, SECTIONS 2-233 AND 2-271 TO ADJUST THE DATES
FOR QUALIFYING FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTED OFFICE, AT THE REQUEST OF
THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; FURTHER
AMENDING THIS SECTION TO DELETE OBSOLETE TEXT; PROVIDING A
CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AUTHORITY TO
CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Attorney Keith Davis read ORDINANCE NO. 5-17 title into the record and explained that
this was a companion ordinance to the code whereas ORDINANCE NO. 4-17 applied to
the Charter. Mayor Brennan opened the matter for Council comment. There was none
so the matter was opened to the Public. There were also no comments from the public.
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Ifem 12; seconded by Council
Member Arena; motion carried unanimously 5-0.
13. 2017 Governmental Committee Appointments
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams reminded Council that it was time to review the committees
Council Members would serve. Council Member Paterno suggested that the committee
members remain the same.
MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Item 13 as listed from the previous
year;seconded by Council Member Patemo;motion carried unanimously 5-0.
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Vice Mayor D'Ambra noticed that boats had lately been traveling on the north side of the
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Page 8
sandbar instead of the south side, where all the sea grass was. Since this resulted in
environmental damage, he requested that it be brought up at the next environmental
committee meeting. Council Member Paterno did not think it was eroding.
Council Member Arena brought up the traffic on Golfview again and suggested that efforts
focus on enforcement and education for finro to three months to gauge effectiveness and
reevaluate before an engineering study was conducted.
According to Deputy Public Works Director poug Chambers, pavers were to be installed
on May 22 and other speed control methods were reviewed again.
Council Member Paterno asked Manager Couzzo about boat registrations. Building
Director Jose Rodriguez advised that although permit applications were available to
residents not many were received. Council Member Arena recalled a discussion about a
boat registration event before Mr. Rodriguez became Building Director but he had not
heard about it since and advised that there were a number of illegally parked boats and
Recreational Vehicles in The Village. Council Member Paterno suggested the residents
be given an application at the time of a citation. Manager Couuo complimented Mr.
Rodriguez on the job he was doing and noted that the Assistant Building Director was not
replaced.
Vice Mayor D'Ambra called a home just west of the railroad tracks a code enforcement
nightmare. Manager Couzzo stated he was working on acquiring a different property on
North Cypress that a "squatter" occupied and about which a resident complained. The
"squatter" refused to leave when asked and although The Village did not own the property,
it could be declared unfit for occupancy due to a lack of utilities. After which The Village
would be able to extricate the occupant, secure the building and pursue foreclosure.
Mayor Brennan advised that the news media might report that Jupiter was interested in a
resolution to lower the speed limit at Cato's bridge. She visited the 12th Taste of Tequesta
location recently; one of the best ones was Ranaldi's as they delivered to Village Hall and
she enjoyed lunch with the Village Public Works Department. The Tequesta Business
Association went to her Taste of Tequesta at The Crafty Crust and then she went with a
"mystery guest" to Evo.
Village Manager Couuo explained that rather than solicit bids for solid waste service, the
Village would evaluate companies based on their qualifications, then after selecting a
provider, negotiate prices. If negotiations were unsuccessful, talks would move on to the
next provider on the list. This avoided accepting low bids, then discovering that the
company would not be able to provide the services as requested. The goal was to identify
quality service and the ability to provide solid waste garbage removal. Council Member
Paterno was not comfortable with this method as he felt a company would have the upper
hand in negotiations. Mr. Couzzo disagreed and said that he knew what number to target
for services, and the Village could decline and move on to the next provider if negotiations
were unfavorable to us. Still, Council Member Paterno was more in favor of identifying
qualified companies, then having them bid based on parameters. Consensus of the rest
Minutes— Regular 05/11/17
Page 9
of Council was to move forward with this method. The important thing was getting
someone who could provide the level of services needed at the lowest cost.
ADJOURNMENT: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Council Member Arena. The mofion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:08 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 ofFce of
the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.