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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_09/27/2017 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA WORKSHOP September 27, 2017 ;:x � CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 6:11 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 Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, and Council Member Tom Paterno. 1. Status Update/Discussion Regarding the Village Manager Mayor Brennan asked Human Resource Director, Ms. Merlene Reid for an update on the Village Manager. Ms. Reid explained to Council that she did not have much information but in speaking with Mr. Couzzo briefly that day, she revealed that he had improved somewhat, and was also feeling better. She was expecting more information from his doctor in terms of FMLA paperwork by Friday, September 29, 2017. There was no timeline on when he would return. Ms. Reid conveyed that family members felt he would not be back to work in the short term. Ms. Reid pointed out that there were 12 weeks that all employees were entitled to under the law. Additionally, another 12 weeks could be added, at the discretion of the Village Manager. Ms. Reid pointed out that at the end of the first 12 weeks, the Manager would have 37 hours of sick time left, and would have exhausted all other categories of payment. All benefits would cease after that time, unless he paid 100% out of pocket. The Manager's 12 weeks would end on December 4th, 2017 leaving him with a balance of 353 sick hours at that time. FMLA required 480 hours, and he would at that point have a credit of 37 hours. Vice Mayor D'Ambra asked what the Manager's contract stated regarding the Village's obligations to him, beyond what was already mentioned. Attorney Davis revealed that the Village Charter had verbage regarding the Manager's vacancy and an appointment of a replacement within 30 days. Attorney Davis further noted that there was not a definition of "vacancy" or "temporary" within the Village Charter. Attorney Davis advised that if there was a "temporary vacancy" then Council would need to appoint someone fior the position. It was mentioned that the Village offered disability insurance to employees as an elective, individual, "out of pocket" expense. Council Member Paterno proposed having either Human Resources Director, Mer{ene Reid or Finance Director Chris Quirk, fill in as the Acting Manager. Ms. Reid respectfully Village Council Workshop Minutes September 27, 2017 Page 2 declined the proposed nomination. Mayor Brennan felt that Mr. Chris Quirk should not be considered at this time as there were currently some complex issues being discussed within his department. Mayor Brennan proposed having former Village Fire Chief, Jim Weinand serve as the temporary Acting Manager. Council discussed at great length their desire to have Manager Couzzo concentrate solely on his recovery and felt he should not be contacted with Village business during his FMLA/rehabilitation period. Attorney Davis confirmed that the Village was obligated to honorthe medical advice being communicated to the Village from Mr. Couzzo's physician. It was a Consensus of Council to wait until Monday, October 2, 2017 to decide on how to proceed with the appointment of a temporary Manager, as more FMLA information would be forthcoming on Friday, September 29, 2017. Attorney Davis informed Council that there would be no conflict in hiring Chief Weinand as a contracted employee. Council asked that discussion on this agenda item be carried forward to the next Workshop meeting, which was scheduled for Monday, October 2, 2017. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member D'Ambra moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Council MemberArena. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, �U�.r ����c.:�=�i�i� 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.