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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_06/20/1985 • MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE `' VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA JUNE 20, 1985 The Village Council of the Village of Tequesta held a Workshop Meeting at 7:00 P.M,, Thursday, June 20, 1985 in the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida. Councilmembers present were: Stoddard, Murphy, b4apes, Gemino and Howell, Also present was: Robert Harp, Village Manager and James Nagle member of Village of Tequesta Community Appearance Board, Stoddard advised he had been away and just returned and was not too certain as to the reason for the meeting. He was advised that Councilmember Howell had briefly discussed the matter of Signs and Beautification at the June 11, 1985 Council Meeting and this Workshop Meeting was set for further discussion. Howell said there was a basic problem with Signage in the. Village and he did not believe the Village had much of a Sign Ordinance or Land- scaping Ordinance. He stated something more comprehensive and specific • was needed. Perhaps a Beautification Committee could be formed to provide input to the Village Council for beautification planning, signs, basic ~ colors for the Village and a Village Seal. Stoddard referred to street signs and street lighting. Howell suggested that a task force be set up consisting of artists, etc, and maybe even advertise for possible members for such a committee. Murphy suggested that we use professionals and not amateurs for this purpose. Gemino said something is needed to identify the Village with. Stoddard suggested that the Community Appearance Board might be used for such an undertaking but it was the general opinion of those present that it should be another separate body. Nagle said he thought the existing Ordinances gave the Community Appearance Board too wide a latitude and perhaps all of the Board's action should be required to be reviewed and approved or denied by the Village Council. Gemino said now is a critical time. She stated she has a real problem with the Board and does not think they are interested in the future of Tequesta. Stoddard said we must accentuate the positive and cooperate with each other and find out how we can improve. Such a committee as proposed needs members to guide Tequesta. Gemino said she does not know what existing members of the Community Appearance Board would help the Village. Nagle said the Community Appearance Board has to work and make decisions within the existing guidelines. He further stated he believed a deeply involved body could help to improve the aesthetics of Tequesta. Stoddard said the cause for some of our problems and differences in opinion on Zoning Regulations and violations are now offensive to some people. He said the proposed group should start off with a feeling of unity and inspire the people to strive for i an improved Tequesta. 4 Minutes of the Workshop Meeting June 20, 1985 Page 2 - Nagle asked if Signs could be amortized out and the Village Manager advised he would refer the question to the Village Attorney. Stoddard said there is a problem with the shopping centers and if a spirit of community pride could be developed, perhaps it would encourage the merchants and businesses to perk up. A feeling of pride in Tequesta should be encouraged through initiative and leadership. Howell said a lot of Village people use Jupiter Publix market because it is nicer. Nagle said Publix is a highly profitable operation and they could do more for the Village. Stoddard spoke of a city in Wisconsin which had recently completed a reno- vation project of streets and stores and Murphy said this is going on all across the nation. Howell said the Village does not have a theme and needs to get ideas from professionals or a planner and have comprehensive model built. Stoddard said we could start with Tequesta Drive. Gemino suggested starting with the Village Hall with a new meeting sign and additional signage for the Village Hall. Stoddard advised that Gallery Square North merchants are interested in participating in beautification of the square, that new flags had been installed and they might finish the landscaping of the area of the flags and provide for lighting of the flags at night. It was noted Gallery Square South needs some parking area landscaping. Stoddard said Gallery Square North merchants will provide a 40' high Christmas tree this year. Howell said there is a problem working with specifics if a Compre- hensive Plan is not developed so the pieces can fit in. Nagle said the Village should hire a professional planner for this purpose. Howell said a color scheme of green and white seemed appropriate to him. Nagle said that when members leave or resign, someone else usually volunteers for the open position. He further suggested that college students in local area colleges working on their master's degrees might be available to provide a plan for the Village. Howell said workers are needed since such a project would be laying the found- ations for the future.Murphy said we should be looking at the Village in the twenty first century. Stoddard advised that Milwaukee did a revitalization plan recently. Howell suggested that the Community Appearance Board be only an advisory Board and let the Village Council make the decisions. Mapes suggested that if this was so, there would not be a need for the Board and that the code would have to be amended to provide for this. A discussion ensued on the Step Saver Convenience Food Mart and Stoddard recalled his action when it came before the Village Council for review. Howell said he thought the proposed Beautification Committee and Community Board could work together. J Minutes of the Workshop Meeting June 20, 1985 Page 3 - ------------------------------------- Stoddard said the Council had received resumes from two persons who might be candidates for a Beautification Committee. Gemino said the Commu- nity Appearance Board ought to remain as an Advisory Board to the Village Council. Howell said the Community Appearance Board is a compliance function and a planning function should be set up. A discussion ensued on a possible name for the proposed committee to provide planning for Tequesta and it was suggested perhaps the committee could come up with a name and Stoddard asked the Councilmembers to continue to think about a name. Howell summarized what had generally been discussed: 1. Need for a planning arm of the Community Appearance Board. 2. The status of the Community Appearance Board is in limbo. 3. Need to beautify Tequesta in a functioning manner. 4. Professional advice is needed. S. The proposed Committee is to have positive goals such as: a) Landscaping b) Sign Control Stoddard suggested that we be careful in looking at this as an action committee but it should be an important group with realistic goals and objections and with clout of its own. Another Workshop Meeting was suggested to include some members of the Step Saver Committee and applicants for Community Appearance Board. The Workshop Meeting was scheduled for 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 2, 1985 in the Village Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, ~. ~~> ~~ ` ROBERT HARP Village Manager RH:mk