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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_08/28/1992 VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA Post Office Box 3273 357 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 (407) 575-6200 Fax: (407) 575-6203 V I L L A G E O F T E Q U E S T A S P E C I A L V I L L A G E C O U N C I L M E E T I N G M I N U T E S A U G U S T 2 8 , 1 9 9 2 I. The Tequesta Village Council held a special meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Friday, August 28, 1992. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 A.M. by Mayor Earl L. Collings. A roll call was taken by the Recording Secretary. Councilmembers present were: Mayor Earl L. Collings, Vice Mayor Edward C. Howell, William E. Burckart, Ron T. Mackail and Joseph N. Capretta. Village Officials present were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford, and Joann Manganiello, Village Clerk. Department Heads and Attorney Byron Cornwell sitting in for Village Attorney John C. Randolph were also in attendance. • II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Mackail asked to comment under Item XII, ANY OTHER MATTERS. Councilmember Mackail moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Vice Mayor Howell seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Earl L. Collings - for Ron T. Mackail - for William E. Burckart - for Edward C. Howell - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as amended. Recycled Paper • Special Village Council Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 2 ------------------------------- III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND REPORTS A) Village Council Workshop Meeting - August 20, 1992 Vice Mayor Howell moved to approve the Village Council Workshop Meeting Minutes of August 20, 1992. Councilmember Burckart seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Earl L. Collings - for Ron T. Mackail - for William E. Burckart - for Edward C. Howell - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted. • IV. REVIEW OF TEQUESTA FIRE-RESCUE (F/R) OPTIONS AND VILLAGE COUNCIL DIRECTION FOR FUTURE FIRE-RESCUE SERVICE Village Manager Bradford reviewed the ten (10) options for F/R service: Some service options which could be considered are: 1. Contract with Martin County Fire/Rescue for service to Tequesta with or without Jupiter Inlet Colony. 2. Enter into a service contract for Fire/Rescue services with a private entity such as Wackenhut Corporation. 3. Solicit cost of service proposal from City of Palm Beach Gardens for fire service with medical/rescue provided by North County Ambulance. 4. Continue present service contract with Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue keeping the cost of the same within the Tequesta millage rate. (Status Quo). 5. Continue service with Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue but eliminate the cost from the Village budget and millage rate by joining the MSTU by referendum. • 6. Create an independent Tequesta Fire/Rescue Department serving Tequesta only. . Special Village Council Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 3 ------------------------------- 7. Create a Tequesta/Jupiter Inlet Colony Joint Fire/Rescue Department. 8. Create a Tequesta Fire Department with or without Jupiter Inlet Colony and contract for rescue services from North County Ambulance. 9. Join in a regional North County Fire/Rescue Department with Jupiter Inlet Colony, Jupiter and Juno Beach. l0. Require Palm Beach County to create a separate and distinct MSTU for the North County area to allow for self-determination in the establishment of the North County area fire-rescue level of service, with a commensurate millage rate and/or assessment fee. Mayor Collings explained that the purpose of this morning's meeting was to consider the possible alternatives of F/R • service and to determine what action the Village of Tequesta shall take. Councilmember Burckart stated he would: o chose to move immediately on acquisition of North County Ambulance to prepare for implementation as both EMS and ambulance provider; o hire a part-time consultant to put a program together; o begin negotiations with Chief Brice to come up with North County MSTU, or ERU or whatever; o get the Village completely prepared so that before September 1, 1993 the Village would be opted out, so that in 1994 there would be a different service than exists today. Councilmember Mackail spent much time analyzing the best route to take. It was his estimation that it would presently cost the Village $800,000 to continue with PBC F/R. A start-up cost for Tequesta to move forward on its own would require a capital outlay of approximately $500,000-$550,000. He felt a north county regional F/R operation held much merit. It was • Mr. Mackail's position that the Village should opt out of PBC F/R by September 1, 1992, and a Task Force of professionals should be formed with a life limit of 3-5 months. special Village Council • Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 4 ------------------------------- Councilmember Capretta stated that in order to find a way to provide the same service at lower costs it would take time, and since there was not time to do that between now and September 1, 1992, it was his opinion that the contract should be renewed with Palm Beach County for one more year, then the Village should make the decision as to whether to seriously pursue another F/R alternative. Mr. Capretta's original thoughts for the best option was a north county regional fire safety group, involving, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Juno Beach and Tequesta. He felt the only problem with this alternative was that Jupiter (being the larger of the four) would have to lead the group, and it has since been perceived that Jupiter is not interested in joining in such a group. He felt there were two other practical alternatives at this time: o Include Martin County in the north county regional F/R service; or o Allow Chief Brice to form a North County Regional • service, using the same service people, at a set cost. Vice Mayor Howell felt it was necessary to "opt out" of PBC F/R because of escalating costs, use North County Ambulance, and re-organize existing elements. Mayor Collings felt there were two issues to be considered: 1) what action to take; and 2) how to take it. The Village has the opportunity to opt out September 1, 1992 or September 1, 1993. If opting out takes place September 1, 1992, there remains one more year of service from Palm Beach County. During that year of service the Village would consider how to approach the problem. It appears the Council desires to opt out, but that perhaps September 1, 1992 is too soon. Mayor Collings felt September 1, 1992 was not too soon. He stated that an unsubstantiated bid has been received from North County Ambulance to take over the ambulance service. If that bid was now substantiated, it would lend more credence to opting out of PBC F/R September 1, 1992. Mayor Collings stated he would be reluctant to join in with Martin County, since that situation is a bit foreign, and the Village has little control there. Another consideration would be 1) where would fire trucks be kept; space exists behind North County Ambulance which could be used for housing; 2) • what happens if PBC F/R "yanks" their equipment from the Tequesta station. Special Village Council • Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 5 ------------------------------- Rick Rhodes, representative for 755 paramedics and firefighters of Palm Beach County, stated that Tequesta needed to review, in detail, any contract with Martin County since south Martin County is scheduled to begin their own ambulance service starting October 1, 1992. He cautioned the Council regarding considering a private company like Wackenhut, since often times these organizations will come in with a low bid initially, only to escalate the contract price in 3-4 years. Currently the government is considering a standard which will require a minimum amount of people on a fire ground before an interior attack can be made into a building. Palm Beach Gardens cannot presently meet that requirement with the $1.5M fire program (which program also does not provide advance life support service). He recommended Tequesta's support of an ERU program. He stated that the City of Atlantis, which opted out of PBC F/R 3-4 years ago, is now considering coming back in because of Atlantis's escalating costs as an independent provider. Tequesta's fire station used to be a station with two men on the fire truck, a working situation, but did not . meet standards. Therefore, there has been increased manpower and increased service through ALS, causing some of the increased costs. Mr. Rhodes urged the Village to consider what their response would be, as an independent fire rescue, when 2-3 calls come in at the same time, which could severely tax the system. Mr. Rhodes reiterated that the Village needs to consider the pros and cons regarding independent F/R and recommended that they talk with other small municipalities who have done so. Carlton Stoddard stated that he felt North County Ambulance service would be available to Tequesta, whether or not a merger with Jupiter Hospital occurs. Opting out of PBC F/R would save Tequesta $530,000 which could be applied to Tequesta's independent system. Opting out September 1, 1992 gives Tequesta one entire year to start its own program. Mr. Stoddard felt a Task Force to organize a viable, feasible fire rescue department for Tequesta was an excellent idea. Mr. Stoddard supported opting out of PBC F/R by September 1, 1992. R. Merv Crockett, representative for Beach Road Association, felt that Tequesta should be in control of its own destiny by being in control of its own Fire Rescue and Public Safety Department. He urgently proposed that Tequesta opt out of the • present system September 1, 1992. Special Village Council • Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 6 ------------------------------- Mary Seay, agreed that the citizenry should always be kept totally aware of any direction Tequesta should take regarding fire rescue services. It was her position that Tequesta would make a mistake by opting out of PBC F/R, giving an example of the recent southern Dade County hurricane disaster, stating that a "rookie" force would not be prepared to handle such a disaster, should it take place in Tequesta. It was also her recommendation that the Village should create a Hurricane Task Force. Village Manager Bradford responded to Mrs. Seay by informing her that Tequesta has a Comprehensive Hurricane Plan which goes down to a neighborhood level, including a block level in Tequesta Country Club, in conjunction with the State and County plans. The Village of Tequesta is an American Red Cross drop-off point for food and clothing items. Tequesta has already taken two truck loads to the Palm Beach Gardens American Red Cross. • Dr. Stanley Jacobs, answered that Mary Seay's accusations regarding the Country Club are inaccurate since the Country Club has a very organized Hurricane and Crime Watch program with captains, co-captains, etc. Dr. Jacobs felt an opportunity is presenting itself to the Village to opt out of PBC F/R and that it should do so, since more than 80% of calls presently handled by the Tequesta F/R station are out of the Village, but paid for by the Village. It was his recommendation that Tequesta have its own F/R department, just as it has its own police department. Harold Hutchinson, questioned whether the vote on the Referendum two years ago regarding Public Safety meant anything or not. He stated that vote reflected that the people wanted the services to Tequesta to remain "status quo" . He felt the F/R issue should be studied very deeply using professionals. Mr. Hutchinson stated that he had discovered numbers which reflect that the average Palm Beach County household pays more for cable television than they do for Fire Rescue services. He felt the Village could not buy better service than is presently received from PBC F/R and stated that if it could be proven to him that an equal service could be provided for less money, he would support that issue. He further stated that not only is PBC F/R out of the Village of Tequesta 80-85% of the time, but also that North County Ambulance spends as much time servicing areas outside of the • Village. Special Village Council . Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 7 ------------------------------- Gregg Spencer, having 25 months ago been involved with the community regarding Public Safety, felt it was difficult to get local citizens to properly understand the issue. Had the Village decided to go with Public Safety, a savings of $200,000 per year would have been realized. Opting out of PBC F/R now gives the Village another year of service. It was Mr. Spencer's recommendation that the Village opt out of PBC F/R, come up with a plan, involving the citizens to create a Task Force, to create a level and quality of service that the Village needs and wants, then seek an RFP, ask the County to submit a bid, consider Martin County, consider Wackenhut, to tailor the needs of the community to what it needs. Chairman Capretta questioned Chief Fredrickson, of PBC F/R, at to what opportunity Tequesta might have regarding opting back in if they decided to opt out. Chief Fredrickson stated that Tequesta could opt back in if, in fact, it was during the contract time. • ..Vice Mayor Howell moved that the Village Council opt out of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue contract by Tuesday, September 1, 1992. Councilmember Mackail seconded the motion. Councilmember Mackail qualified his second to the motion by stating that the Village must consider a Fire Rescue Task Force with a set time limit, and to remember there will be an opportunity to opt back in. Councilmember Burckart asked for comments from Tequesta Police Chief Carl Roderick and asked if the Village Manager Bradford would be able to put an independent F/R program in place. Mr. Bradford responded that it could be done, would not be easy, and would involve a great deal of work and financial commitment at some point in time, but is made considerably easier by the fact that a contract with North County Ambulance is assumed, which would take care of the most critical aspect of the department. Chief Roderick commented that police department employees are dedicated, and are usually first at the scene on a medical call and a fire call. With proper training, a fire rescue department can be accomplished. • special Village Council Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 8 ------------------------------- It was Village Manager Bradford's opinion that it would be in the best interests of the citizens to opt out of PBC F/R. He felt there was much merit and value in a Task Force, since that will give the mechanism for dissemination of information through newsletters and newspapers to completely inform the public. If the Village opts out and a Task Force is formed, action must be taken quickly (i.e., it takes 90-100 days to get fire trucks, run concurrently with PBC F/R for 60-90 days), so the plan must be firm by January 1, 1993. Mayor Collings called for a vote on the previously made motion. The vote on the motion was: Edward C. Howell - for Ron T. Mackail - for Joseph N. Capretta - against Earl L. Collings - for William E. Burckart - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted. Mayor Porto, Mayor of Jupiter Inlet Colony reported that there would be a meeting this evening of the Jupiter Inlet Colony Council to respond and receive a firm commitment to supporting Tequesta in a north county fire rescue program. Councilmember Mackail moved to create a Fire Rescue Task Force with a timeframe of three months. Vice Mayor Howell seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Edward C. Howell - for Ron T. Mackail - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Earl L. Collings - for William E. Burckart - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted. Special Village Council Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 9 ------------------------------- Councilmember Burckart moved to begin to pursue a contract with North County Ambulance. Vice Mayor Howell seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Edward C. Howell - for Ron T. Mackail - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Earl L. Collings - for William E. Burckart - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted. V. ANY OTHER MATTERS Councilmember Mackail recommended that Village Council meetings be held on an alternate morning/evening trial basis. The Council concurred. Mayor Collings asked each Councilmember to give to the Village Manager their thoughts regarding the composition of the Task Force and Charter. special Village Council . Meeting Minutes August 28, 1992 Page 10 ------------------------------- VI. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Mackail moved that the meeting be adjourned. Vice Mayor Howell seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Earl L. Collings - for Ron T. Mackail - for William E. Burckart - for Edward C. Howell - for the motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m. Respectfully submitted, • ATTEST: J ann Mangani to Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: ,,~7'tu,~~ id , / 9 9 ~. ~~ Fran Bitters Recording Secretary c: