HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_01/03/2018 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP January 3, 2018
�
�
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 on Capital Projects ( One Cent Sales Tax Initiative)
Mr. Chris Quirk, Director of Finance, announced that the Village had received the first tax
payment of the year (2017-2018) in the amount of $29,522.00. He stated that most of
the budgeted capital projects for the general fund were handled by Mr. Doug Chambers,
Deputy Director of Public Works. To date, $220,000 had been spent on pathway and
roadway projects. Council Member D'Ambra asked Council if they would like to dip into
the reserves and repair the sidewalk area on Country Club Drive. Mr. Chambers
explained that Country Club Drive was scheduled for repairs during the next fiscal year;
however, he felt the order of projects could be adjusted. Mr. Chambers further informed
Council that the balance due to finish the Tequesta Drive sidewalks would be $70,000.
He approximated that each driveway apron would cost $10,000 to meet the ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Aet) requirements. This would be a cost consideration when
planning to replace the Country Club Drive sidewalks. Mr. Chambers suggested the
Village hire a surveyor to determine which of the aprons on Country Club Drive needed
to be altered, in order to have a more accurate estimate of the cost. Council asked Mr.
Chambers to obtain a price for a survey and to then figure a cost estimate for the aprons
on Country Club Drive.
2. Discussion on Pathway Lighting at Constitution Park
Mayor Brennan informed Council that Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Greg Corbitt
was on vacation. Council Member Arena recalled a recent conversation with Mr. Corbitt,
and remarked that the cost for adding string lighting was extremely feasible and offered
flexibility, as compared to installing fixed pathway lights. Council was interested in
obtaining more information on pricing for the string lights.
3. Update on Code Compliance
This item was tabled to the January 29, 2018 Workshop Meeting as Building Director,
Mr. Jose Rodriguez was absent due to bereavement leave.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
January 3, 2018
Page 2
4. Continued Discussion on Retention of Surveillance Records.
Mr. Brad Gomberg, IT Director, presented a large screen demonstration of the Village's
security camera system. He revealed that there were 67 cameras within the system that
had various capabilities, while recording 24 hours per day. The cameras were currently
set to erase the footage after 30 days; however, Mr. Gomberg was unsure of how tong
the cameras would be able to continue on that type of schedule, without adding additional
storage. He recommended a lease to own scenario for the Automatic License Plate
Recognition (ALPR) cameras. Mr. Gomberg revealed that the fiber project was integral
to the success of the camera system and would negate the need for lease line services
from Comcast and Windstream; ultimately saving the Village several thousand dollars
per month. Council Member Patemo opined that security cameras could be utilized at
major roadways and prove beneficial by alerting police to certain scenarios. Mr. Gomberg
also demonstrated the "person of interesY' tracking feature (not live) which could be
activated on the current system. He recommended against wireless cameras due to their
unreliability. The proposal included mobile cameras for police cars with a single install,
replacing every static system; plus mounting a concrete pole on Tequesta Drive. The
Village police vehicles were currerrtly not equipped with dashboard camera systems.
Attomey Davis asked if the cameras could be set up to capture "right of ways" only,
without compromising private property. Mr. Gomberg stated that a redaction area of the
camera was possible to keep from capturing private residences.
Mr. Gomberg revealed that the cost to maintain a 90-day retention at high resolution,
using the current cameras, would cost approximately $15,000 to $20,000, as a one-time
capital expense.
Acting Chief McGrew indicated that Mr. Gomberg was planning to create a monitoring
wall within the dispatch room and would provide training to the police department It was
determined that Acting Chief McGrew and Mr. Gomberg would meet to discuss retention,
training, cost of plan phasing and provide a cost analysis for Councit to prioritize; they
would report back to Council within the next 60 days.
5. Discussion on Slowing Speeders at Area Bus Stops
Acting Police Chief McGrew offered several ideas that the police departrnent could
implement to curb speeders near school bus stop areas. Some non-�ost suggestions
were:
• Traffic stops and surveillance at random school bus stops throughout the Village.
• Attend various Village area Homeowner Association Meetings (HOA) to address
any potential issues.
• Implementation of a "Neighborhood Speed Watch" program whereas trained
individuals (not necessarily police) monitored and reported findings to the police
department.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
January 3, 2018
Page 3
In addition, portable radar signs and/or flashing lights at bus stop signs could be
purchased.
Council Member Paterno informed Acting Chief McGrew that he had seen more children
driving golf carts throughout the community. He would like to see more of a police
presence to inform residents of the goif cart ordinance. Acting Chief McGrew confirmed
that there was an officer assigned to the area of the Village,west of the bridge at all times.
It was a Concensus of Council to favor the non-cost items that would curb speeders as
well as the portable, mountable radar sign. The sign would cost approximately $4,000,
and Council advised Acting Chief McGrew to review his budget and report back to them.
7. Update on Water Plant Operations and Staffing
Council elected to move item number 6 to the last item of the meeting. Therefore, item
number 7 was discussed first.
Mr. Doug Chambers, Deputy Director of Public Works, reported that there had been
several resignations at the water plant, which included supervisors, key personnel and
the Deputy Director. This had prompted him to notify the health departmerrt and to
oversee operations for the time being. Mr. Chambers revealed to Council that there were
several water related reports that were due on a continual basis. He informed Council
that an outside contractor had been brought in for team support with a long-teRn contract
forthcoming. Mr. Chambers further reported that the water quality was unaffected by the
recent resignations.
Village Attomey, Keith Davis informed Council that an investigation was ongoing and
advised against public discussion on the subject. Any questions or comments regarding
the speafics of the investigations could be addressed via phone call to either Attomey
Davis or Village Manager Michael Couzzo.
6. Discuss Village Manager Replacement Process
Mayor Brennan reported to Council that her recent discussions with Village Manager
Couzzo indicated his intention to stay with the Village for the duration of his contract,
which wouki condude in December of 2018. She suggested that Manager Couzzo draw
up the budget whether Council decided to hire a new Village Manager prior to December
or not. Council Member D'Ambra suggested new management start by October 1, 2018.
Ms. Merlene Reid relayed to Council that the water plarrt investigation would be
completed soon. Vice Mayor D'Ambra recommended an intemal recruitment process,
while Council Member Patemo suggested the process be expedited. Mayor Brennan
suggested revisiting the possibility of Chief Weinand filling in for the short term. Attomey
Davis commented that Council was able to adopt and amend the budget as needed.
ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjoum the meeting; seconded by
Vice Mayor D'Ambra. The motion to ad1oum carried unanimously 5-0; thersf�r+e, the
meeting was adjoumed at 8:32 p.m.
Village Council Workshop Minutes
January 3, 2018
Page 4
PENDING TASKS:
��m ssi ned
Price of surve , cost estimate for drivewa a rons on Count Club Dr. ou Chambers
U date on Code Com liance ose Rodri uez
Meet with Actin Chief McGrew on retention, re ort findin s in 60 da s rad Gomber
Review budget for radar sign cting Chief
cGrew
Respectfully submitted,
� �- �'1 �c�-�-�--
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.