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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Regular_01/11/2018 MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA REGULAR MEETING _ �, January 11, 2018 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:00 p.m. A roll call was taken by Village Clerk Administrative Assistant Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice Mayor D'Ambra, Council Member Steve Okun, and Council Member Tom Paterno. Council Member Vince Arena was absent. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Reverend Paul Beresford offered the invocation on behalf of Council Member Arena, and then Mayor Brennan led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Brennan asked whether Council had any items to bring up under Any Other Matters and Vice Mayor D'Ambra wished to share his thoughts about the police retirement plan. APPROVALOFAGENDA MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of the agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4-0. PRESENTATIONS General Employee Pension Board Chair Michael Rhodes referred to an information packet he provided and announced that the fund was ranked in the top ten percent of all public funds regardless of size. Vice Mayor D'Ambra asked if AndCo was approached regarding whether their results justified their fees. Mr. Rhodes stated that their fees were competitive, they were very responsive and the Board was pleased with their service. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved approval of the Consent Agenda; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 2. MINUTES: 12/14/17 Regular Meeting Minutes: 12/4/17 Workshop 3. 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) Molley's Trolleys Agreement — Parks 8� Recreation $1,980.00; 2) Village of Tequesta & PBA Settlement Agreement — Village Manager $8,000.00; 3) Brian Minutes— Regular 01/11/18 Page 2 Petrillo Interim Firefighter Contract — Fire Department — Position Previously Budgeted; 4) Superior Party Rental Agreement— Parks & Recreation $825.35. 4. Allow Jupiter Lighthouse Use of Paradise Park for Overflow Parking on February 24, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. for the Annual Sea Fest for Kids Event 5. Approve Contract with PoliceOne for Online Law Enforcement Training END OF CONSENT AGENDA COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Janice Fenwick of 71 Azalea Circle was concerned that Tequesta was being annexed by Jupiter as several of her documents show a Jupiter address instead of Tequesta. Mayor Brennan assured her that this was a Post Office issue; Council Member Paterno suggested she override whatever system pre-filled a different city and Vice Mayor D'Ambra concurred. Mayor Brennan advised she would look into the matter. Buddy Frezza of 366 W. Riverside Drive advised that as the owner of CrossFit on U.S. Highway One in Tequesta, he had observed afternoon traffic jams due to the road- narrowing project, where previously there was none. Council Member Paterno reminded that he voted against the project and advised that he had �eceived negative feedback from other residents. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL Council Member Paterno advised of a ballot item expected in March that would increase the Homestead Exemption. Surveys expected it to pass which would result in reduced revenues for The Village. He was in favor of a budget reduction that corresponded with the change. Mayor Brennan stressed that The Village always balanced and worked within its budget; Council Member Paterno expressed opposition to drawing from savings; Mayor Brennan stated that Council, as always, would ensure the wise use of Village money. Council Member Okun mentioned the Emergency Services Open House in December and reflected on fair treatment of employees. Though previously negotiated, he felt it wise to revisit at a Workshop the issue of offering a defined benefit versus defined contribution retirement plan for police officers. He felt strongly that all employees should receive a defined benefit plan, which in turn affected departmental hiring, retention and morale. Vice Mayor D'Ambra reiterated his earlier request to discuss the Police pension, which he pointed out, was negotiated during an economic recession and before he was a Council member; no other municipalities or other Village employee groups changed their plan; he too felt it was inequitable and proposed opening the contract early to address it. Though Vice Mayor D'Ambra offered to work individually with the Manager, Council Member Okun felt it was best brought to a Workshop. Mayor Brennan asked The Manager to research the issue. While she agreed with Council Member Paterno about working within the budget, she too, wished to see a defined benefit pension returned to the police officers. Minutes — Regular 01/11/18 Page 3 STANDING REPORTS Villaqe Attornev Village Attorney Keith Davis reported that regarding the Dalack case, the Florida Department of Transportation entered their appea�ance and a filed a motion to dismiss in addition to a change of venue to Leon County but no hearing date was set yet. Mr. Davis would attempt to extricate Tequesta from the suit before any change to Leon County would take place. He explained, at Council Member Paterno's request, that Mr. Dalack's lawsuit was for a cease and desist against The Village but The Village was not the proper entity to provide relief. Council Member Okun stated that U.S. Highway 1 belonged to the state. Mayor Brennan confirmed for Janice Fenwick (as above) that the U.S. Highway 1 project was separate from the train and offered to speak with her after the meeting if she wished. Villa4e Mana4er Village Manager Couzzo advised that there were 90 applicants for the Police Chief position, which was a hot topic at the recent Florida Chiefs conference. Assistant Village Manager/Human Resources Director Merlene Reid advised that the 96 applicants would be narrowed down to ten, and then a committee would look at the 10 and provide three to the Village Manager. Police Lieutenant James Pike reported that since schools were back in session, recent traffic enforcement was directed at monitoring speed near bus stops and vehicles passing busses. Focus was also on enforcement of the axle ordinance on the bridge. He stated that oral boards had begun for replacement of a police officer; there would be a traffic blitz the following night; "Coffee with a Cop" was scheduled for January 20th from 7am-9am; a new K9 officer was expected on February 7'h, and training would start on February 14th. In response to inquiry by Vice Mayor D'Ambra about water patrol, Lt. Pike answered that they were very busy. He believed this was due to manatees in the cold weather and increased boat traffic. Council Member Paterno asked Lt. Pike to share the findings of bus stop and bridge monitoring; however, Lt. Pike advised the bus stop study was for a one- week duration that had not yet concluded. He clarified that there was no study of the bridge but rather an increased enforcement presence there. Fire Fire Chief Joel Medina reported that many questions arose regarding fire permit reviews. The Building Department recently began online permit submittal, plan review and inspection requests and Building Director Jose Rodriguez was instrumental in assisting the Fire Department doing the same. This enhanced the efficiency and streamlining of these processes, a benefit to the residents. Key West Village had overhanging trees that obstructed Fire vehicles. He thanked Deputy Public Works Director poug Chambers for his involvement in resolving the issue. Chief Medina was coordinating with the Public Works Department on a program to assist with vehicle extrication after a traffic accident. Food Truck (fire safety) inspections were conducted and all passed again. Blood pressure checks continued and informational magnets were being distributed to residents. Minutes — Regular 01/11/18 Page 4 REGULAR AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 6. Approve Developer's Agreement befinreen Austrade Site Alley Development and the Village of Tequesta Attorney Davis explained that this memorialized the alley improvements and maintenance as part of the Austrade development; further should the alley fall into disrepair, it granted The Village authority to require repairs and attach a lien if necessary. Council Member Okun asked about Fire department access to the alley and Fire Chief Medina replied that the site went through a fire plan review. Council Member Paterno asked Chief Medina whether fighting fires from the alley was a public need in the public's interest. He answered that access to property is in the interest of public safety. Paterno further stated that this life and safety issue was in the public interest and should be kept in mind. MOTION: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved approval of the Item 6; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 7. ORDINANCE 23-17, SECOND READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA AT SECTION 1.01 INCORPORATION. BY RE-LOCATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VILLAGE FROM APPENDIX A TO THIS SECTION; AND BY REDEFINING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VILLAGE SUBSEQUENT TO THE ANNEXATION OF 0.579±ACRES, MORE OR LESS, OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ON US HIGHWAY 1 WHICH PROPERTY IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN ANNEXATION ORDINANCE NO. 17-17; WHICH REAL PROPERTY WAS ANNEXED INTO THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A PETITION FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (FIRST READING 12/14/17) Village Attorney Keith Davis read Ordinance 23-17 Title into the record. This changed the legal description of The Village to capture the alley, which was not previously annexed. Mayor Brennan announced that the hearing was open to Council for comments. There were none. She opened the hearing to the Public for comments. There were none. MOTION: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved approval of the Ordinance 23-17; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. Minutes— Regular 01/11/18 Page 5 NEW BUSINESS 8. SE 01-18- Special Event Application from Lyette Reback for the Run 4 Freedom four (4) mile road race. The event will take place on July 4, 2018, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The event will start and finish at Constitution Park. The projected number of attendees is 800 people. No alcohol will be served. Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias confirmed that this was the same event as last year. Council Member Okun stressed the importance of having the correct road closure times on the signage. Ms. Zacarias advised she would coordinate with the applicant and police. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of SE 01-18; seconded by Vice Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimous/y 4-0. 9. ORDINANCE 1-18, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING ITS COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO ADOPT EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REVIEW ("EAR") BASED ON AMENDMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 163.3191, FLORIDA STATUTES, WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN EVALUATION AND FOR PLAN AMENDMENTS DETERMINED TO BE NECESSARY; WHICH INCLUDES REVISED TEXT AND MAPS NECESSARY TO UPDATE THE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN; PROVIDING THAT THE TEXT AND MAPS, AS AMENDED OR REVISED, SHALL BE SUBSTITUTED FOR AND REPLACE IN FULL THE EXISTING TEXT AND MAPS IN ALL AMENDED ELEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE AND FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Attorney Davis read Ordinance 1-18 Title into the record. According to Community Development Director Nilsa Zacarias, after much time and updating, the Comprehensive Plan was ready for review by the state and other agencies. Ms. Zacarias summarized the review process, and then Mayor Brennan opened the public hearing to Council for comment. Vice Mayor D'Ambra sought confirmation that language changes from prior meetings were made. Ms. Zacarias assured that they were and Vice Mayor D'Ambra thanked her for her work. Mayor Brennan opened the hearing for public comment but there was none. MOTION: Vice Mayor D'Ambra moved approval of Ordinance 1-18; seconded by Council Member Okun; motion carried unanimously 4-0. 10. ORDINANCE 3-18, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING ITS CODE Minutes — Regular 01/11/18 Page 6 OF ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 50. NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION; ARTICLE VII. TREES; DIVISION 2. TREE REMOVAL. BY AMENDING THIS DIVISION TO REQUIRE SURVEYS AND OTHER NECESSARY INFORMATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH A TREE REMOVAL PERMIT APPLICATION; PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS; FURTHER AMENDING DIVISION 3. PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC AND SPECIMEN TREES AND NATIVE SPECIES. BY UPDATING THE DESIGNATION AND NOTICE PROVISIONS FOR THESE ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING THAT EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF CHAPTER 50. NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION. 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. Village Attorney Davis read Ordinance 3-18 Title into the record. Along with the tree removal permit application, this requi�ed a sealed survey from a Florida surveyor showing the tree considered for removal and its replacement(s). It also provided for review by an arborist or landscape consultant on behalf of The Village. Mayor Brennan opened the hearing for Council comment. Council Member Okun inquired about the status of a certain tree removal after which Village Attorney Davis gave a brief history of a resident who wished to remove a very large banyan tree on their property; however, it was actually on Village property and this ordinance served to prevent future similar conflicts. When Mayor Brennan asked if this applied to every tree, Attorney Davis advised that it did. Mr. Couzzo added that it was an appropriate check. Vice Mayor D'Ambra recalled the intent was to prevent future similar instances, not intrude on personal landscapes. Manager Couzzo reminded that this was the first reading and stated that though not present, Council Member Arena also had thoughts on the matter. Consensus of Council was to discuss again at a Workshop. Mayor Brennan opened the hearing to the public. There was no comment. Attorney Davis offered to bring language options to the Workshop. MOT/ON: Council Member Okun moved approval of Ordinance 23-17; seconded by Vice Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimous/y 4-0. 11. RESOLUTION 03-18, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY TO BE SURPLUS AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VILLAGE'S ADOPTED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (Glock 27) According to Manager Couzzo, this was Chief Elg's service revolver and it was customary that senior police department members be given their service revolvers upon retirement. It was required that the item be declared surplus before it was given. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Resolution 03-18; seconded by Vice Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4-0. Minutes — Regular 01/11/18 Page 7 12. Approve U.S. Water Services Corp Piggyback Contract for Temporary Water Treatment Plant Operations Services Village Manager Couzzo explained that this assisted in providing licensed water plant operators when needed. He anticipated that the several open water plant positions would be filled quickly and that costs would not exceed the $25,000 Council approval threshold. Council Member Paterno asked whether this included a "not to exceed" clause. Attorney Davis answered that though no maximum dollar amount was specified, an hourly rate was established and the contract was valid through November 14, 2018 on an as needed basis. Mr. Couzzo elaborated that due to the nature of the job (highly specific, requiring licenses and credentials) specialized workers were needed; he repeated that should the amount exceed $25,000, he would advise Council. Council Member Paterno requested that as a stipulation of the motion. MOTION: Council Member Okun moved approval of Item 12 with the stipulation that the manager notify Council should the amount exceed $25,000; seconded by Vice Mayor D'Ambra; motion carried unanimously 4-0. ANY OTHER MATTERS There were no other matters. Meetinq Task Assiqnments - � . -. 01/11h8 Re ular • Workshop Tree Ordinance Keith / Manager • Workshop police pension issue Manager ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Okun moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Vice Mayor D'Ambra. The motion to adjourn carried unanimously 4-0; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, �`c�r�. �lu,,��-�— 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.