HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_10/30/2017 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP October 30, 2017
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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, Vice- Mayor Frank D'Ambra, Council
Member Vince Arena, Council Member Steve Okun, and Council Member Tom Paterno.
1. Discussion Regarding Zoning for Wireless Communications Facilities
Mr. Brad Gomberg, Village IT Director, introduced Mr. Scott Gustafson and Mr. Mark
Bash, of Verizon Wireless. Mr. Gomberg explained that there were several "dead zones"
of cell service located within the western area of the Village, which needed to be
addressed. He informed Council of a new technology called "small cell", which was
designed to be able to improve residential area cell-coverage. He recommended making
a text amendment to the existing wireless ordinance, therefore permitting small cell
towers (approximately 30 feet tall) to be built within the residential zoning district. The
design was suitable for multiple cell carriers but was considered a "single use structure".
Mr. Gustafson emphasized that it was important to place the towers where they were
most effective and to keep them small scale. He further recommended the Village have
each of the four major carriers, propose their own independent locations throughout the
Village. Village Attorney Keith Davis clarified that the request was to examine the
"Recreation Open Space" area and not R1 or R1A zones. Acting Village Manager
Wienand inquired as to the distance of separation necessary between the different
carrier's towers. Mr. Gustafson explained that the distance requirement was minimal at
approximately 25 feet. Mr. Gomberg added that the taller towers needed more ground
space and equipment.
Mr. Dan Amaro, of 28 Leeward Circle believed the Tequesta Country Club was very
interested in attending a presentation regarding the small cell towers. Mr. Amaro stated
there was a safety issue affecting residents and public safety personnel, in relation to the
limited cell coverage in certain locations near the Country Club.
Council Member Paterno asked Council to consider a larger tower, which would be able
to accommodate the water system software. Mayor Brennan added that a large tower
might be able to accommodate more coverage of multiple carriers.
Council Member D'Ambra added that there were other "dead zones" within the Village
and those areas should be addressed as well.
Acting Manager Weinand questioned the amount of radiation that would be emitted from
a small tower versus a tall tower. Mr. Gustafson informed Council that the power
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October 30, 2017
Page 2
requirements would be equal; however, the height differences would affect FCC
requirements.
Acting Manager Weinand asked Mr. Gomberg to follow up with the four major carriers
and the Tequesta Country Club, then report his findings to Council.
2. Discussion on Revision of Water Leak Credit, Excessive Variance Step
Adjustment
Mr. Sam Heady, Deputy Water Utility Director, informed Council of his research regarding
"water leak" credit-policies within local municipalities. He handed out documentation
regarding his recent study, which indicated various, comparable, municipal policies.
Council recommended going forward with a language modification on the current
"licensed plumber" wording, as well as offering either the lowest rate on water used, or a
charge of two times the average usage, based upon a three-month period. Council also
agreed to eliminate the one-time credit and offered to extend the time frame, to once
every three years.
3. Discussion and Update on the Palm Beach County Sheriff s Office Regarding
Radio GPS Technology
Acting Manager Weinand updated Council and stated that the Motorola technology was
not feasible thru the Sheriff's Office. Acting Police Chief Jim McGrew informed Council
that the technology might be possible once all agencies had transferred to the Palm
Beach County Public Safety Radio System. Acting Manager Weinand stated the Village
was not ready to make a decision on this matter and that Verizon was still looking into
integrating into this system.
Council Member Okun asked why the Village was not utilizing a fleet management
program to oversee the maintenance on the police cars. Acting Chief Weinand stated
that the Village was looking into a restrictive system that would keep track of maintenance,
while maintaining confidentiality.
4. Presentation and Discussion on Village—wide Sidewalk Repair and
Replacement Plan.
Mr. Doug Chambers, Deputy Public Works Director updated Council on his
recommendations for sidewalk repairs, in order of urgency. He distributed a hand out for
Council to review and recommended Willow Road be repaired immediately as it was in
the highest level of disrepair. He further endorsed the area of Tequesta Drive from
Seabrook Road to Riverside Drive, on the south side of the street. Mr. Chambers pointed
out to Council that the concrete sidewalks were actually less expensive than asphalt, due
to the current absence of a sub base. The prices submitted were all-inclusive and
encompassed root elimination, sod replacement, irrigation, and ADA (American Disability
Act) ramps. He revealed that there were separate contractors for the sidewalk areas and
curb/crosswalk portions. Mr Chambers reported there was $61,000 remaining in the
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October 30, 2017
Page 3
budget that should be able to address the two intersections within that area. He
recommended using existing Public Works staff to repair some of the other broken
sidewalk areas.
Mr. Chambers updated Council on the sewer manhole paving project and reported that
18 manholes were completed, leaving approximately 14 more to repair. Lastly, Mr.
Chambers was working on completing the road repairs on Country Club Drive just north
of Bimini Road (Southbound). The sidewalk repair project was scheduled to commence
on November 6, 2017.
5. Presentation on the Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) Based
Comprehensive Plan Update Pursuant to Florida Statutes
Nilsa Zacarias, Community Development Director presented to Council a power point
presentation of the Village Comprehensive Plan. She revealed that the new
comprehensive plan was initiated in 2016 and was now almost completed. She asked
Council to review the plan and provide their input to her. Village Attorney, Keith Davis
informed Council that the comprehensive plan and land regulations should reflect the
vision of the Village. There would always be a balance between the vision and reality.
Nilsa revealed that county parks regulations were more stringent than necessary. Acting
Manager Weinand stated that the goal would be to come back to the December 4, 2017
Workshop with the proposed changes, and if it met Councils approval, the
Comprehensive Plan could move forward. The State needed to respond after the first
reading, potentially having it ready for Council by January 2018. Council Member Paterno
requested that the Village submit to the State, what they currently had completed, and
finish the plan thereafter. Ms. Zacharias offered to have folders of the proposed
Comprehensive Plan ready for Council to review by the end of the week.
6. Discussion on Proposed Developer's Agreement Between Village of
Tequesta and Bartl Real Estate, Inc. (Austrade Building)
Attorney Davis reminded Council that the alleyway behind the proposed Austrade site
had been recently annexed. It was now an alley right of way and under the control of the
Village. Austrade had discussed improvements on the alley and had asked to use it for
parking. There was also discussion regarding maintenance within the right of way and the
proposed privacy wall. Planning and Zoning would still need to review and approve the
privacy wall, and plans had not been submitted as of yet. Council agreed that the
maintenance of the right of way and wall would be the responsibility of Austrade.
7. Discussion on Settlement Proposal for 414 N. Cypress Drive#D Foreclosure
Attorney Davis updated Council on the settlement offer of $40,000 with permit fees
eliminated. There was also an update regarding the court proceedings, which denied the
Village's motion for final judgement. Attorney Davis opined that going back to court would
be time consuming and costly to the Village. Council agreed to the $40,000 offer, and
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October 30, 2017
Page 4
agreed to waive the permit fees, so long as there were no cancellation or re-inspection
scenarios going forward.
8. Discussion on Police Chief Christopher Elg's Contract Request
Acting Manager Weinand informed Council of Chief Elg's request to have the Village
make up the difference in salary between his Coast Guard salary and his Village of
Tequesta salary. Chief Weinand gave Council a spreadsheet, which illustrated four
different scenarios to approach the request. He recommended the best scenario for the
Village would be to cancel the contract. Council discussed at length the three positions
within the police department that were in an "acting" status. It was a Consensus of
Council to grant stability within the department, by offering Chief Elg the cancellation of
his contract.
Acting Manager Weinand informed Council of Village Manager Michael Couzzo's return
to work on Monday, November 6, 2017. Vice Mayor D'Ambra requested there be
accountability towards Council expectations regarding staff meetings and employee
interactions. Attorney Davis advised communicating any specific directions as per the
Village Charter. Vice Mayor D'Ambra asked for a mechanism to ensure the Council
expectations were being met. Council Member Okun was nominated to speak with
Manager Couzzo to inform him of Council's new direction.
Mayor Brennan mentioned that a new Martin County Commissioner was assertively
requesting use of the Tequesta Drive Bridge. It was a Consensus of Council to decline
discussion on the subject.
ADJOURNMENT: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by
Council Member Arena. The motion to adjoum carried unanimously 5-0; therefore, the
meeting was adjoumed at 9:58 p.m.
PENDING TASKS:
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• Determine where all the dead zones are Brad/Manager
in the VOT— Include the Country Club
in the discussion —staff meet with the
four carriers and devise a plan and
bring the plan back to council —
EXPEDITE
• Work on water leak language (2ce Manager/ Sam
average for 3 months or gallon at lowest
tiered rate, whichever is less) and bring
back to council for approval
Village Council Workshop Minutes
October 30, 2017
Page 5
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• Fleet maintenance software — install Manager/ Doug
devices — EXPEDITE
• Proposed Comp Plan elements Nilsa
presentation — December workshop
• Provide draft proposed Comp proposal Nilsa
to Council this Friday (11/3)
• Elg contract — November agenda Manager/ Lori
• Accept settlement offer and waive Keith
permit fees, however any cancellation
or re-inspect fees have to be paid by the
owner
• Developer's Agreement — amend with Keith
council desired language (99 year
agreement — maintenance of wall on
both sides and landscaping to be
handled by property owner but the
Village owns the wall and landscape —
wall to be aesthetically pleasing —
agreement transfers with property sale
Respectfully submitted,
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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.