HomeMy WebLinkAboutHandouts_Regular_Council Comments _09/14/2017_Okun Council Meeting - Thursday, September 14, 2017
I've been discussing the potential of a �/illage Community
Center with the Village Manager for a number of months...
and he has further discussed it with others on staff. He
also envisions the extraordinary benefit of integrating a
community safe-place. .. and is an advocate.
The specifics of location focused on either what is
referred to as the Remembrance Park property located
on Seabrook Road... or possibly a portion of Paradise
Park. The facility would be a multi-purpose use and be
compatible and sensitive to its surroundings.
After researching the idea, my suggestion for the concept,
irrespective of the final location, was that the Village
would greatly benefit from constructing a "hardened
structure", meaning a self-contained building that could
withstand maximum hurricane-force winds and a safe
haven from violent storms.
The building, in a time of need, would accommodate a pet-
friendly shelter specifically intended for Village residents as
well as their dogs & cats. The facility would provide a
convenient life-sustaining safe-place specially designed for
residents along with their pets. Many residents freq�ently
refuse to be separated from their 4-legged extended
family companions, and instead remain in their home at
their own risk.
We have the emergency staff & resources (policed & fire-
recue paramedics) and can mindfully accommodate all the
sheltering needs within the temporary confines of the
Village cocoon.
This past week provides a perfect example of how
beneficial such a resource would be for all residents. And
the uniqueness of this provision would greatly enhance
the value proposition of living in the Village of Tequesta.
q�lu�-,�
�� �anrn�ew�l
1�1�, �
I've discussed the concept of developing a community
safe-place with a small cross-section of residents, and it's
been warmly embraced. The Village of Tequesta has, from
the very beginning, has fervently embraced the absolute
importance of maintaining an exceptionally high priority of
public safety for the Village, as witnessed by our
outstanding commitment for around-the-clock police and
fire-rescue protection. This next step is arguably the next
sensible step in further enhancing that practice.
Accordingly, I encourage my fellow Councilors to direct
Manager Couzzo to develop a list of sensib{e options and
alternatives for discussion with Council. .. and explore how
we can move forward to achieve an even higher level of
service to safeguard the residents of the community.
As such, I respectfully offer this in the form of a motion for
Council to consider.. . and act upon.
— Councilman Steve Okun
Thursday, September 14, 201 7