Hey, how are you? How are you? >> How are you? Great. Good to see you. I'm excited to be here. I appreciate you. >> We're trying. We're trying. Everything good? Yes,
>> everything is I've heard from yesterday. on the corner. I like to give everyone a minute, but if they're not, I like get started. >> Train, how are you doing from work? Yeah. Yeah.
All right. Watch my clock. >> Turn off the elevator music. Quiet. >> Do you need to bottle? Do you want to go do that real quick before I start? >> It's okay. Recording in progress.
>> All right. Good evening, everyone. It's 6:00 p.m. I'd like to go ahead and call tonight's meeting to order. It's July 16th, 2026, and this is our regular council meeting. Lori, can I please get roll call? Mayor Young
>> here. >> Vice Mayor Payner >> here. >> Council member Brandon >> here. >> Council member Story >> here. >> Council member Stone >> here. >> Thank you. Tonight, the invocation and pledge of allegiance will be led by Council Member Stone. >> Let's bow our heads. Dear heavenly
father, thank you for this wonderful day and thank you for the opportunity to serve the the great residents of the village of Tquesta. um be with us as we're all standing up here um to uh recognize that we need to be good stewards of other people's monies um and give us the wisdom and guidance to
continue to do that um and be or the great country that we live in after celebrating 250 years and the great state of Florida and the great county and obviously this great village in your name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> I stand for pledge allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Hey, is there a motion to approve
tonight's agenda? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. All right, we'll start off with our presentations tonight. In the first one, we have a very special guest with us here today. We have the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comp Controller, Mike
Caruso. He is going to talk about some of the initiatives that they've been doing as well as some local community scams to educate us about. >> That's right. Thank you, Mayor, Mayor Young, Vice Mayor Painter, and council members of the great village of Tquesta.
I like that. That was great. Um, you know, I was appointed uh clerk of court back in August of 2025, and I came here with five five um priorities that I wanted to set. One was the modernized payable system in Palm Beach County. We've got 10 billion dollars of bills we
pay every year, and the the first stages of it are all done by hand, if you can imagine, and nothing's computerized. So, now we're computerized. We're rolling forward, and uh it's it's it's been amazing. um advocate for statewide searchable database. Uh one database
where you can look up every county and all the activity. Let's if I wanted to look something up about you, mayor, I could go on this database and I wouldn't have to go to 67 different counties to look up what you've done in in in Palm Beach. I mean in uh in Florida. And
that's that's one of the things we're working on that. Um invest our money conservatively and soundly. uh as as we heard earlier, you know, we are it uh we need to be wise and and uh careful with other people's money and and that's what
we do. Um protect ourselves against uh fraud and scams and abuse and that's that's what I'm here to talk about tonight. Um you know throughout Florida people get we used to when I used to go into the city in Washington DC where I
grew up mom would say watch out for pickpockets and how many of us get pickpocketed you know a few of us maybe over our life right but today we face pickpocketing every single moment of every single day every I'm sure everybody here would say you know that
they got a text an email or a phone call today from somebody trying to steal their And so we're we're we're we're you know, we we we hear it. It's all day long. And so um you know, they're professionals,
too. They try to scare us. They try to create a sense of urgency. They try to try to uh create credibility. They actually focus group their scripts. And I compare them as Nolan Ryan going up against us, a little league player, you know. And uh if you know Nolan Ryan,
baseball pitcher, 102 mph fastball. and here were little league batters, you know, and and they really have the advantage and we've got to be careful. Um the the FTC um says that there was about 12.5 billion dollars of fraud last year in the United States, but that's
only fraud that was reported. We know we had about if you take in consideration what they estimate to be the unreported fraud, it's more like 160 billion. And guess what state is number one for fraud? Florida. Exactly. Um and and just last
year we had 22,000 No, in the last three quarters we had 22,000 cases of fraud where they pretend to be a government agency. And you know, no longer do we get the scams where you've inherited 10 million from some Nigerian
prince and all you got to do is pay 10,000 in fees, uh you know, to get the money. Um we're all we're all tuned into that one. We know that's not we're not falling for that, right? Um and then there's the one where the you owe the IRS money and if you only go to Home
Depot and you get those, you know, prepaid cards, you can pay meet the guy in the parking lot who says he's an IRS agent and we don't fall for those anymore, but they're good. And um so I've been working with uh Rick Bradshaw,
our our sheriff, uh Alexia Cox, our our state prosecutor, uh to create a task force where we work together. Um we my job that task force is to to educate the public. That's why I'm here tonight on
fraud and scams and uh Alexia Cox uh well the sheriff arrest them and Alexia prosecutes them. So, uh, it's a one, two, three, and and hopefully we're we're we're, uh, we're taking a bite out of that that scam thing. So, um, you know, what I tell people is be aware, be
smart, be alert, be safe. Uh, when in doubt, don't give your info out. And everybody, if anybody gets a phone call, a text, or an email at any time and they eventually get to the point where they ask you for money, it's not maybe a scam. It's never maybe a scam. It's
always a scam. Okay. So, if they're texting, emailing, or calling, and they eventually get to the point where they ask you for a credit card or a debit card, it's always a scam. Um, even if it's your grandson calling because they use AI. Our our children, they go on,
they Facebook all the time. And these scammers know exactly where they are. They know they went on vacation in Mexico. And so they they get their voice off of of Facebook and and um whatever they're doing and and they use it against you and they take that's a big one right now. Um some of the some of
the um some of the scams that are hitting the clerk's office is one they call you up and pretend to be me. Hi, I'm Mike Caruso, your clerk of court and controller Palm Beach County. And um I noticed we just a courtesy call. You got
a traffic citation 3 weeks ago. It's coming due tomorrow at 5:00 urgency. But before I can continue, I got to confirm it's you. And and we'll go um you know, is this is this Mayor Young? You live in Sequesta at So and so street. You go, yes, it is. And you were born on March
3rd, 1992. And and and yes, I was. And you have blue eyes and blonde hair. And yes, I am. And they they get all that information from your driver's license, which becomes public record when you get a traffic citation. And you don't know that. But then they tell you about the
traffic citation. So they've created credibility now and and and then they use it. They eventually work your way into we can take care of this today and I'll transfer you to one of my deputy clerks and they'll take your credit card. It's a scam. Don't fall for it. Uh
there's a jury duty scam. I'll get into it. They pretend they're a Palm Beach Sheriff's Office deputy. Uh like the deputy we have we had here a minute ago. I don't know where he went. Um out the door. Okay. Um, but they pretend to be a Palm Beach Sheriff deputy and they call
you up and say you missed uh there's a warrant out for your arrest for failing to show up for jury duty. Now, I'm the one who does the jury duty summones, okay? I promise you if you don't show up, and I do, please show up for your civic duty of jury duty. Um, I will not be issuing a warrant for your arrest and
and send the sheriff to you. But they were so good. I got this scam a week after I became clerk of court. August 25th, I got this. They called me and I I I was shaking because they were threatening to arrest me. Okay. And
there's a warn out for my and I'm sitting there thinking I'm the I'm the clerk of court. This can't be a week after I get appointed. What am I going to tell the governor? You know, and um and I so much was I so believed them.
Okay. I so believed them. I picked up my wife's phone and I called Rick Bradshaw and he says, "Mike, Mike, it's a scam. Hang up." And I said, "No, Rick, this is real." He says, "Mike, if there was a warn out for your arrest, do you really think I'd give you a
courtesy call? I just come to your house, bang your door down, and and put handcuffs on you and take you to Gun Club Road, you know?" So, I went, "Okay, you're right. You're right. Okay." And I hang up. But here's those those would amount to a bad day, a bad week, maybe a bad month depending on how much they
steal from you. Okay, but the big one is property deed fraud. Okay, that's the big one. And that's where we got to be careful because that'll ruin your life. You work your whole life paying off your home and then somebody in an hour's time downloads a quick claim deed, forges
your signature to it, forges a notary to it, and files it in the courthouse. And if all the eyes are dotted, all the tees are crossed, there's wet signature and what looks like a notary stamp, okay, that's valid, I have to file it as clerk court under the current Florida
statutes, which I'm trying to change. Okay, but they do that within a week. They they they borrow against the house within a month. They sell the property for pennies, you know, 60 cents on the dollar. And then they um and then you you find out and somebody knocks on your
door and they go, "Who are you?" And you say, "I'm the homeowner." and you go, "Well, we just closed on this property this morning. You need to leave." You go, "No, no, no. I live here. This is my house." "No, it's not anymore." And then you, you know, you each call the police and and things go on after that. We want
to stop that. And at the clerk's office, we've got what we call the property fraud alert. You attach your email address to the to your property and we will notify you in minutes. we will notify you immediately that there's been
activity on your deed and then and then we instruct you. So, you'll get that email, we'll notify you, you look it up, you go, I I didn't transfer my property for $10 and other valuable consideration. Okay, I didn't do that. Um and um and and and what we'll do is
we'll ask you to file a police report or sheriff's report. Um come into our office, we'll fill out an application for a quiet title and then we'll lock down your property. and then we'll ask you to go hire an attorney and then get rid of that false deed that's on there. You basically got to show that it's a
fraudulent notary stamp and and that sort of thing and then they'll take it off. But that's what we're dealing with today. And and everybody want Well, how often does that happen, Mike or Clerk? Um you know, there's 650,000 properties in Palm Beach County. Uh 650,000. And I
asked So I asked Alexia Cox, "How often does it happen?" She says, "Well, Mike, two years ago we had four cases." So, I went four cases out of 650,000. That's that's not a problem. That's that's a that's a blip. And then I said, "Okay." And she says, "Well, a year ago we had
32 cases." I go, "Well, unless you're one of the 32, it's pretty bad, but otherwise it's not really a big problem." Last year, Mike, we had September 30, 2025, 184 cases. This year, I anticipate we have 1,500 cases
before the end of the fiscal year. And next year, one out of 80 properties will be stolen in Palm Beach County. It'll be we'll have around seven or eight thousand cases. And that's why it's been my mission to get everybody to sign up for property fraud alert. You go to my
palm beachclerker.com/pfa. Takes you 2 minutes to attach your email address. You can attach yours, your spouses, your kids, your attorney, your CPA, your realtor, whatever. And and um they'll all get notified. Let them know you're putting their email address on it. and you all get notified if there's
something, take care of it immediately. It's a big problem. So, um I I appreciate you all inviting me here tonight. Um and uh if just remember it's my Palm Beach clerk/pfa. Um and if you have any questions, I'm here for you.
>> All right. Thank you, council. Do you have any comments or questions for the clerk and controller? >> Just thanks, Mike, for being here. Appreciate you coming up to our little part of the county. And um I recently put I have that PFA. >> Oh, good. I put my house into a trust and the day it was recorded, like you
said, by about 9:02 a.m. I got the I got the text and the email. So, it does work. It's very >> there's been activity on your property cuz I would I would imagine most Thank you, council member. Um I would imagine most of us don't go on a weekly basis onto the uh county site to see if our
property deed is still in our name. U most people don't never look at it and uh so it's it's a good thing to know now. >> It works. Thank you. Yeah, we're over about 150,000 of the 650,000 properties since I started um making it a a a
priority um have signed up. 150,000. So, we're about a quarter of the way there and we got 3/4ers of more to go. So, we're going to keep at it. >> Are those property fraud cases ever resolved or no? >> Oh, yeah. I mean, they they catch bad
guys and they lock them up. um a lot a but that's that's just the aftermath that that's that's not the bad part. It's um it's I give you an example. We just resolved one lady uh 8 years ago she had her property stolen. Eight years
ago she just got her property back two months ago. Cost her 150,000 in legal fees and she didn't even get to live in it during that time. Can you imagine paying the taxes every year? >> No, I I support the proactiveness. I was just curious. Um, >> yeah.
>> I mean, we've been down >> uh our state prosecutor is dialed in on this one. I promise you that. She is she is very active in this. >> Great question. >> I appreciate you coming out. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay.
>> I really appreciate it. I uh just did that property fraud alert in about 30 seconds. >> You what? >> I did the property fraud alert. >> You just did it right now. >> 30 seconds. >> 30 seconds to do it. >> See? No, it's not hard. >> Yeah. Save your home home. Sleep tonight. It takes 30 seconds. Yeah. And
if you don't um if you if you have trouble doing it, because not all of us are as as good as you on on on the uh computer. Um you can you're welcome to call me. My cell phone number is 561-702-9319. I I Yeah. And I've got flyers over here
that say property fraud alert and they'll walk you through how to sign up and all that. But if if you get there and you next Sunday you meant to do it, you meant to do it, and then you're on there next Sunday and you can't figure out how to attach your email address to it, just text me and I'll I'll have one
of my staff call you up and and it literally will take them a minute and uh we get people signed up like that all the time. >> And did you have you had to enter your address, right, your house? So >> partial number. So I I have a this is like a technical question. So if you can't answer it tonight like maybe you
could follow up with our office but >> uh the quest is unique where sometimes when we say you're purchasing something online it'll autopop populate and update saying Jupiter. So for the fraud alert, should should we put in both the address
listed as Dquesta and then also enter it as Jupiter 2 or this is a total weird technicality that might be very unique to Dquesta. But I just know that um because we get emails from residents, but how come sometimes my address is Jupiter and it's you know a federal post office situation. We've reached out
there's nothing we can do. >> Very unique. I just you know from your uh viewpoint should we be entering both the Dquesta address and also listed with >> here's here's what happens if when you register your email address if any one thing on your on that site okay property
fraud alert if any one thing your name matches your address matches and even the numbers in the street name alone if it matches e you're going to get notified and so if you had Tqua or you had Jupiter
um whichever one the county has it under. Um it it's going to match. It's going to match up. And then there's a property locator number. If that matches uh you're going to get notified. Yes. And and understand that >> every time something happens. Okay. Like
transferring it to a trust. It's not it's not always fraud. >> You you meant to do that and but you say great now I know I did it all. it got recorded and all that which you know you take it to the courthouse and file you wonder did it really get it you'll get
notification of that could be a satisfaction of mortgage by your bank of America or whatever that's a good thing but if it's the property that you live in being transferred for $10 another valuable consideration and you didn't do it you're going to see that too and and
and do not do not put it off a day do not put it off a week um do it immediately call us >> that's fantastic Thank you for that service that you provide and thank you for all the work you've done to modernize your department and for everything you're doing to keep our community safe. We really appreciate you
coming here tonight. >> Well, good. Yeah, we're going to have dinner over at UTiki. So, >> nice. Enjoy. It's a beautiful spot. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving on to our second presentation. Proclamation designating
July as Parks and Recreation Month. Whereas parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country including the village of Tquesta. Whereas parks and recreation promotes health and wellness improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks. Whereas parks and
recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's. Whereas parks and recreation encourages physical
activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking, trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles. Whereas parks and recreation programming and education activities such as out of schooltime programming, youth sports and
environmental education are critical to childhood development. Whereas parks and recreation increases a community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses,
and crime reduction. And whereas parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community. Whereas parks and recreation is essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change.
And whereas our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors. Whereas the US House of Representatives has designated July as parks and
recreation month and whereas the village of Tequesta recognizes the benefits from parks and recreation resources. Now there be it resolved by the village council that July is recognized as parks and recreation month in the village of Dquesta. >> Thank you Lori. And I think Greg is here
to accept the proclamation today. And we even have Peter from Jalona in the audience today too. But I'm sure I speak on behalf of council, Greg, to you and your department. Thank you for everything you guys do. I know you're beloved uh by our residents and our businesses, and you guys create such a
sense of community here. We really appreciate it. Thank you. Sorry it was so long. I wrote that whole thing. >> I was getting tired of reading it. >> I was thinking about >> I was thinking All
right. Is there a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Okay. On to communications from citizens on items that are not on tonight's agenda. Or are there any cards?
Harold Taylor. Harold Taylor, 13 Chapel Court here in Questa. A week ago, I called the Florida East Coast Railroad to ask them about quiet zones and what they may have done.
They do have battery backup. They verified that. So, they thought about that process. The person I talked to is their customer service rep thinks the way I do, quiet zones ought to be outlawed at the
federal level. What we don't know is has anybody taken a look at their schematics and see how the system operates? We've got battery backup, but there must be relays
or contactors or some other electrical equipment in their control panel that operates it. Do they have any battery backup for the mechanical and electrical properties of that equipment? That's something I think we need to know before
you risk 6,000 lives here in Tqua for a dozen chronic complainers. It doesn't make sense to me. I think it's absolutely immoral to uh try to police 12 or so people
and risk 6,000. That's not right. Not right at all. Thank you. Thank you, Gerald. And uh Jeremy, is that something you guys can look into? >> Sure. >> Okay. I know Doug will probably assist. He's a resident expert now with with the
FAC. Thank you. Any other comment card? No. Any other comments on items that are not on tonight's agenda? All right. Moving on to communications from council. >> Uh I have nothing. >> I have nothing, mayor. >> Same here.
>> Same. Um, one quick item to bring up. Um, FDOT recently had a public meeting for a feasibility study process. They are, uh, in the process of for to connect the Sun Trail in portions of Jupiter on US1. It does come into our
jurisdiction. Uh, it stops at Questa Drive. I attended the virtual one last week. Uh, or actually was I think it was Monday, I think. Where's Jay? I saw Jay. There you attended in person. It was Monday, right? And my days are are blurry at this point. Um but I since it
does come into our jurisdiction and um they've talked about you know partnering with the municipalities if they have other projects planned for that um specific area and since we do have our commercial corridor plan I know adding shade trees was important to us. I
thought it might um warrant them coming to a workshop so we can learn more educate our public and and see if there's any opportunities to to uh work with them during this project. >> Sounds good. Okay, >> great. So, we'll reach out and invite them to our next workshop.
>> Perfect. Thank you. All right. On to standing reports. Village attorney. >> Nothing further tonight. >> Thank you, man. >> Uh, so just a couple updates. Work has begun on the Questa Bridge. I know it's been something we've been talking about for the last couple years. We're
estimating uh I think there was 180 days total. Um it should have minor impacts as far as traffic, but uh you will see some work workers out there doing some work on the bridge. Uh Palm Beach County, we've talked about this a couple times, they pushed it back, but they
will be uh resurfacing Old Dixie Highway um starting July 27th. So they have put that date in place. Um there will be it's approximately 15 days. It' be during the daytime. There will be some temporary lane closures. They're shifting traffic patterns. U they're
supposed to maintain, you know, traffic throughout. There will be some access to homes throughout in businesses, so that shouldn't be any block. But just want to let you guys know that's coming July 27th, and we'll do all of our public notices that we typically do to inform
everybody. Um, notwithstanding what Mr. Uh Taylor just said our quiet zone. We have received rightway and maintenance of traffic permit from Palm Beach County to uh cut the trees um on Old Dixie Highway. That was part of our kind of
our next step. Um so once we get that th those cleared and and that work done, uh we'll officially submit notice of establishment. Um and that's a 21-day waiting period. And once that's done, then we can move forward with the quiet zone um at Tequesta Drive.
If you haven't drove by the village annex, the landscaping is nearly done. Looks great. Um, encourage you to do that. I think that's been a very a good improvement and will be a good improvement. And then July 20th, we do have our budget workshop. Um, that's coming up on Monday. That's it.
>> Thank you, council. Any comments or questions for Jeremy? >> No, ma'am. >> No, ma'am. Thank you. >> Hey, police department. Evening, mayor, council. Uh before me, you have the council updates for the month of June. Just a couple of highlights. Uh fingerprinting services.
Uh as I always remind our residents, it is no charge to our residents. For non-residents, it's $45 for our non our residents. It's for free. We had eight that came in, seven of them being residents. We did two car seat installations at the PD. We actually had
five ride along with community members uh for the month. The nautical club is still ongoing. It will finish on August 8th. August 8th. Yep. It will be the last day and it'll be at JD Park. Uh it's going very very well. Uh we did
coffee with the cop and we have our next one scheduled for August 7th at Oceanana. So we'll be there on August 7th. Uh the summer camp, uh Parks and Rec has a summer camp going. We have our officers stop by there and speak with
the kids every so often. It was officer Terrell and Officer Puit that did it this this time around. And then for Father's Day visit, I think I said it last time, not sure. We had our explorers go out to Questa Terrace and Brookdale and provide flags to our uh fathers that are staying at those
places. Uh other than that, uh what I really like to kind of talk on was August 1st, we have an event coming at Constitution Park, which is Gaming with the Guardians. Uh, we're gonna be setting up a tournament of at 2K,
Madden, Super Smash Brothers, and Super Mario Kart. Sound right? Look at that. Uh, so it's we're capping it off at 32. So we're asking people to obviously sign up online. And at the same time, we'll be having a bike course for the younger kids right out in front doing bike
helmet fittings as well as food. Lots of food. Just so everybody knows, former Councilman Vince Arena uh will be at the hot dog stand. He's very excited. Kurt spoke to him for about an hour and a half yesterday about it. Uh so he's looking forward to that. Uh we have a lot of people, Evo, uh Domino's, Rico
that have donated and uh have been a part of that. So we're real excited. We just did a story about it yesterday with Mike Trim for uh WPTV. It should be on sometime next week. Uh he said his son is part of the nautical club and he was raving about the nautical club and what
we have going on in the village. So uh he did ask uh any events that we had in the future to let him know just so he could highlight it in the mornings for us while he's out there. So uh that's a great partnership. Other than that, that's all I have unless anyone has any questions. >> Thank you, Chief Council. Any comments
or questions? >> Thanks, Chief. >> Is there another officer that's going to be competing because Officer Terrell claims he's going to beat everybody? Well, in the newscast, not to give it away, I might have said that I need someone in the community to come out and beat these officers because they swear they're going to kill everyone. I have
no idea what they're talking about, but they're saying there's some serious gamers among us. I didn't know. >> I think y'all are underestimating the youth these days. >> Oh, I I know. And I'm hoping so because if not, then I'm going to have to hear from them. But, uh, yeah, Kurt is being shy right now, but he's one that plays
until the morning hours. So, yeah, our guys, I think, have been practicing. So, we'll see. But we will have uh four categories. I think it's 12 to 17 uh for the kids. And then we'll have extra uh consoles that uh the officers will play along with the kids as well. So, should
be a good event. >> Chief, if you're in town, I'll challenge you to any game. You pick it and uh it's >> I am horrible in those video games. I am horrible. >> Pick whichever one you want. >> I'm good. No, thank you. >> Um one item, Chief, if you could address
I know we've talked about this. There's a lot of buzz out there right now about flock. The village does not use flock. So I just for the public, for education, can you explain what we do use uh just to maybe uh you know debunk any any
misinformation out there? >> Yes. So we've gotten a lot of records requests. I know that you know flock is like the hot topic across not only in Florida, I think across the nation just with a lot of their systems and some flaws that they find them. I really don't know much about their system, but I do know where ours differs. We have
what's called Genitech. Uh Brad and I early on talked about, you know, when there was an early movement for Flock as far as one of the appealing things were that municipalities were able to share information basically when they needed it. So if you're a part of Flock, like
you could be on one side of the state or the other, you'd be able to check into their into their system. So with ours, which is positive, is ours is a closed loop system, which means someone can't just log into ours to look at our cameras. So unless we give them authorization and Brad always sets that
up, we give them a temporary pin. If they're looking for an investigation, whether it be Martin County or someone local that they're looking for something specific, we'll give them a pin, give them a time limit and say, "Hey, you know, this is good for a week for your investigation, they have to provide a case number with that. We'll give them access, but other than that, no one can
just chime in to our to our LPRs to look at it." Uh there's a lot of capabilities that Flock has that ours doesn't. And to be honest, Brad and I early on, it was in 2018 when I got here and we started having these conversations. Things that are kind of coming to light now are
conversations that we had in 2018 as far as just making sure that it was safe because like any any equipment, any tool, it's a tool, right? And it's like what you do with it. Uh not saying that someone's doing good or wrong with it, but it's just a tool. our officers know
that even when you check something through our AOPR, you still have to verify if the information is legitimate. Whether it pops up that a tag is not registered, we still run it through Northcom who advise us it is or it may not be because sometimes you never want
to take the chance where the system may not update it. It's supposed to update and you know, and you always say that, but I we always tell our officers verify that. It's a tool. It is not an end- all beall. So, you have to be mindful of that with any type of system. So, uh, that's how our officers use it. But the
major thing with with Brad and I was in our area, especially when we got here, everyone was at the time it was vigilant and then it went to flock. People were looking at it and we just felt that for our system and how what we need from it, I think this was our our best course with Genitech. Uh, we don't
give access unless again you ask for it and it's on a temporary basis. So, >> great. Thank you for addressing that. Appreciate it. >> All right. Fire department. Good evening, Mayor Council. Uh before I start, I just want to
recognize Deputy Chief Steve Shaw from Jupiter Fire Rescue. He came here to support us uh and our consent mutual aid agreement. And uh it's important to us. I've known Steve for 30 years and uh in their starting with their own fire department, us to be able to help them in any way we can. So, it's a good
partnership and uh we're going to be doing some training moving forward and uh really getting to work with them a lot. So, it's a it's going to be a great thing for us. Um, before you have my my standing report, my normal meetings that I go to every month, um,
little light this month, we did have a Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce where we honored Andre Dodd. Again, like I said, it's the year of Andre and uh, this is his second award of probably three. We have had our Knox safe delivered, which is going to put us in
compliance with the DEA. They're being installed in our trucks. Uh probably two of them are already there. I'm sorry I'm bouncing around a little bit. Um we have also been that's grant our Lucas device for CPR has been awarded through a grant and it has been delivered and
you will see me a lot tonight. So I'm going to keep this very brief. I have a lot of things on the agenda. I would like to recognize one other person. We're doing that training at Toquesta Country Club right before they uh start the demolition on it. And uh Mr. Brandenburg is here and I just want to say thank you to him because he's given
us an opportunity that we don't normally get to work in a live building and really tear it up before they knock it down. So, uh, you're all invited. It is August 1st through August 9th. I would come out in the morning before it really gets hot outside. And, uh, we did a walk through the other day and it's going to
be an amazing nine days. We're going to be working with Jupiter, Palm Beach County, Martin County, Palm Beach Gardens, and North Palm have all been invited, and we've heard back from just about everybody. Um, there will be no impact to the village traffic-wise. There will be no live smoke. It all be Hollywood smoke. So, you probably won't
even know we're there unless they see a fire trucks from outside the municipality cruising around uh to Questa Drive. So, uh we just completed a BLS ACL instructor course for about 12 people. And so that means over half of our department is able to teach CPR to
the public and we've already reached out to JIC and we're going to be certifying their entire police department coming up here really soon. So we're strengthening that relationship as well. Um that's all I have for now because like I said you will see me quite a bit tonight. Uh does anyone have any questions?
>> Council, any comments or questions for the chief? >> Thank you chief. No questions. But that's always good to know if you guys are either doing a trainer training on the river or at a building like that because it is a small town. You one officer car goes flying down the street that alerts residents like, "Woo, something big must."
>> I was told that immediately when I said we were in train, they're like, "Okay, we need all the information so we know exactly what you're appreciate that when we start getting phone calls too, like what's going down? Is everything okay? >> There's smoke coming out of the club." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I get it. So, >> I'm good. Thank you. So, did you say
that we could people can actually come watch? >> Oh, yeah. >> Ah. >> Oh, yeah. Someone would love that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Like I said, the mornings are probably going to be better just because it's going to get so hot after lunch. They're going to go from 8 to noon. They're going to take an hour break and then they're going to go from 1:00 to 5. >> So, where would um spectators be
watching from like the >> You'll probably I can probably have you in the building to where there is no it's Hollywood smoke which you can breathe in, but I can probably have you pretty close to the action. >> Could kids come in? >> What's that? >> Kids? Uh they'll I would have them outside probably asking for
>> but they're going to simulate some fire responses and we'll be able to work on communications with the other department stuff that you don't get to train on a lot uh because there's always an issue with communications and logistics. Do hoses fit together? Do air packs work together if you have a man down? Uh do the radios talk to each other the right
way on different channels? So these are things that we don't get to practice all the time until it's game day and that's when you don't want to find out that you're doing it wrong. >> Exactly. >> That's cool. You said August 1st through the 9th. Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> I don't have anything. Thank you. >> Thank you very much.
>> Utilities department. >> Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council. Glad to see you tonight. Um Allison Bberg, utilities director before you. You have my update for the month. Um a couple items to highlight or that have changed since the update. We have completed our lead and copper testing,
which we're required to do every 3 years. Um the 90th percentile came back and we are in compliance with the lead and copper rule. Um Juan Rivas, our capital improvement project manager, did receive his PMP certification. So we're really proud of him. Um next week we will be getting our storm water pipe
lining. So we'll get notices out to any affected customers nearby um that there will be some trucks in the area to line some of those pipes. Um we have received two of the three vehicles that we budgeted for this year and our third will be coming tomorrow. So we're happy to get all of those in. Um, Water Man 1,
we're still completing final restoration. We're staying on top of the contractor. Um, and they will be completing uh, road striping at the end of the month along to Quester Drive. Um, there are still a handful of items on their final restoration list that need
to be completed. So, they are not done yet. Um, in Water Man 2, we are completing Palm Beach County rightway permitting and Army Corps of Engineering permitting. Um, Palm Beach County coordination for resurfacing was completed. So, they're going to wait on resurfacing
um until Beach Road until we're done with the project. Um so, that's kind of held up the rightway permitting a little bit, but happy to make sure that we're not going and tearing up a road that they just resurfaced. And with that, you have my update. >> All council, any comments or questions?
>> Thank you. >> Hey, on to our regular agenda. We do not have any old business tonight, so on to the new business. Agenda item 14, request approval of an updated construction plan that's associated with site plan modification 08-25
for Dquesta Country Club. Jay, >> good evening. Jay Hub, community development director. So, back in February when you approved the quest, the Country Club, there was a construction plan there and um we promised that we'd bring it back to you if any, you know, kind of substantive changes happened there and uh the the
country club has made a few changes to their their phasing of construction and and so they've updated the construction plan and we wanted to get it before you just to make sure you're okay with it. Um the applicant, Zach Cer, representing the country club, will start off and then Meg's going to uh finish up.
They have the power. I don't need it. >> The clicker's up there. You want a different one? >> There we go. Well, thank you, Madame Mayor, Council, uh, Mr. Manager, and thank you, Jay, for the introduction. And my name is Zach Ceera with Kyler and Herring in Jupiter,
Florida. I'm here on behalf of Tquessa Country Club. We were last here in February. Jay gave the context. I was going to bring that back up, but we got approval for the uh project itself, the redevelopment of the club. Uh just for anyone that wasn't privy to that
project's approval, and now we're coming back to show you um the changes we've made to the construction management plan. Really, you all seem to have loved the project itself. you just didn't exactly love how we were going about the construction. It's very important in
people's lives. It's two years of people's lives with construction going on on this corridor here. So, we wanted to make sure that we got this piece right. And I really think we did. I think you'll be very pleased with these changes that we've made here. So, um I'll break this presentation up into
comparing the old plan to showing you what we've done new. and I'll skip over here to the old plan. So, this is the plan that you saw back in February. We were trying to do a lot of things all at the same time. We were
keeping the club open through the entire duration of the construction process and we were splitting the construction up into two phases. We were doing all of the maintenance buildings first. After the maintenance buildings were done, we were then knocking down the clubhouse and rebuilding that. All while the club
is still operating. Golf is still operating and that's not to mention the cart storage on the east parking lot which of course we had concerns with the resident there. Um we have planted that hedge that we've agreed upon that 8ft kusia hedge. So that is in place now and
it'll take a little bit to grow thick and full but that is in place. So there was a lot of I wouldn't say a lot of concerns but this plan was kind of halfbaked when we brought it to you. Now, we've made a lot of changes and we fixed all those issues.
So, I'll split this up into two halves. This is the for the next year of construction here. So, basically starting today until August 2027, the club will shut down entirely. The only people that will remain at the club are the maintenance crew just to
maintain the course, but there will be no golf available whatsoever. And we're going to construct all of these buildings all at one time. So, all the maintenance facilities and the clubhouse and the cart barn, everything will be done all at one time. And it will finish
in August 2027 except for two small pieces. But during this time, there will be no activity whatsoever on the east parking lot, which I know was a big concern last time. We've just eliminated that entirely this time. Now, what happens after August 2027? So,
the only construction to finish is the interior of the clubhouse. So, the clubhouse building will actually be up. It'll look great from the road, but it'll be the interior and probably the patio in the back that we'll be working on. Also, the pickleball courts that will be the last uh to be constructed.
So, starting in August 2027, we're going to reopen golf. So, what will happen with that is members or guests will park on the east parking lot. You can see it in orange there highlighted. And the club will actually provide a shuttle service from their car across the parking lot to the temporary pro shop
right behind the cart barn. The cart barn will already be constructed at this time. So they'll already have their carts. We won't need to store them in a temporary facility like we were proposing last time. And just for the record, we did contact that neighbor adjacent to the temporary pro shop. He
is all on board with this. I'm sure the club can provide some written consent or something along those lines, but he's completely on board and supportive of this project. So, um, but August 2027, it'll take about 8 months to get to final completion of everything. So, I I
really think you'll be pleased with this plan. I'm hoping that you are. I think we made a lot of major changes. This slide just summarizes pretty much everything I just said on the construction, but we anticipate being done in 2027, early 2028 at the latest. We do have uh
Black Diamond general contractors working as a general contractor on this project. Um they're absolutely first class. They keep a very strict deadline. And of course, when I say we, when we made all these changes, I'm not talking about me at all. I'm just here to present to you this project. It's Rick
Brandenburg and Lorie Hood behind me that were really the masterminds of making these changes and I think really making everything right. We wanted to make everything as effective and efficient for the construction timeline but also for the community um as a whole because this is such an important site
in the village. So with that being said, happy to answer any questions or any additional clarification items. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Jay, do you want to do your presentation and then we'll open up for a discussion or what do you think is best? >> Okay. Good evening, council.
Um, Zach, thank you for the wonderful presentation. Um, I honestly don't know if I have too much to add, but I put together just a brief summary for your review. So, this is about the Toquesta Country Club and their updated construction plan. We know about the redevelopment project and how it was
approved. Um the applicant is coming back due to updates in their construction timeline. Due to the approval document SPM0825, there was a specific condition of approval that required village required the applicant to use the construction
plan that was presented to council on February 12th. So they are coming back requesting an update to that plan. The biggest changes here, they are moving the construction plan and lay down from whole 10 to the main clubhouse and the chem storage facilities.
Previously approved was two temporary structures to support construction activities. They are now requesting three. Uh the layown area has changed from two layowns to one main layown at the clubhouse parking lot. And as Zach said, the east parking lot use remains
the same as the approval. It is going to be for member parking only. no construction equipment or use there and the construction entrance will remain off of Country Club Drive. So, here was the previously approved location. Here is what the applicant is now requesting.
We can see the construction access remains the same and the east parking lot use. Like I said, this is due to condition number seven of SPM0825. There are no changes proposed to the previously approved redevelopment
program. So council's consideration is limited to the proposed revisions for the construction logistics plan. That was my presentation. Please let me know if you have any questions. >> Okay. Thank you, Meg. Council, open it up for discussion. >> Um I do not. Thank you to the applicant
and everybody. Thank you. >> No questions in particular. Um, again, just appreciate your partnership and also working with other departments, letting them use the property for good use. Um, and talking with the neighbors
that are surrounding the actual club because that's a big deal. So, I appreciate you just keeping that communication open and being good partners in the community. >> I get to see my father more now since not going to be able to play.
Uh, yeah, I know it's a bummer to have to close the course, but I actually think it makes a lot more sense from a logistics and sequencing standpoint. So, um, all good. No, no comments. >> Um, I'm assuming Wayne has is has reviewed this. Okay. I mean, I do think it's I I don't think council's ever
opined on a construction plan before that I'm aware of. I I don't know that we should get in the habit of requiring that. I think it's a little bit too in the weeds for us. We're not the experts at this. our uh community development department and building department are. So Wayne Wayne has reviewed I thought I saw him here but he he must not be here.
Um so he's good. Okay. And then um just a I'm just curious does a new um phasing and layout plan. Is that reducing the construction schedule? Because if anything that's a good thing if it might reduce the overall schedule and the impact to the >> Yes ma'am. Yes. It actually shortens the
schedule. So we're just under two years now. >> Yeah. So it's a good thing. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. Any comment cards? No. Any public comment? All right. With that, is there a motion to approve? >> Make a motion to approve. >> I'll second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Thank you all. Thank you. >> Agenda item 15, ordinance number 10-26, which is a first reading to update our artificial turf ordinance to align with
state law. >> Thank you, mayor. Ordinance 1026, Ordinance of the Village Council, village of Toquesta, Florida, amending chapter 78, zoning article 9, supplemental regulations section 78396.5, artificial turf/synthetic
grass to conform the ordinance with new rules adopted by the state of Florida Department of Environmental Protection related to artificial turf. Providing each and every other section subsection of chapter 78 shall remain in full force and effect as previously adopted providing for conflicts severability authority to codify effective data and
further purposes. Uh good evening Jay Hop here to present ordinance 1026. So this is a kind of a state mandate um uh goes back to um the village uh in um 2013 yeah 2023 we adopted ordinance 1123
which established regulations for the installation of artificial turf and synthetic grass in the village. Uh I think most of you were on council when this was adopted so you may recall but just a quick refresher um artificial turf must be concealed from the rightway. It may only be placed in the
front yard as a decorative grid design in a driveway or walkway. It's prohibited in the right ofway and it can only comprise up to 10% of the required landscape area on a lot. And then there are specific installation and material standards. Um during the 2025 legislative session, the Florida
legislature adopted House Bill 683 known as the construction regulations bill which created section of the Florida statutes. Uh and the um legislation directed the D to establish statewide standards for synthetic turf installations on single family
properties 1 acre or less. So the D worked for some time after that to workshop these new standards. Um I think the first draft of it came out in August of last year and then it finally got adopted on 59 of 2026. Uh so kind of a a
long process but finally got adopted and that's why this is now in front of you. Um, just to be clear, this this only pertains to uh single family properties that are 1 acre or less. Um, so we still retain regulatory authority over artificial turf installations on
properties larger than 1 acre, two family, multif family, commercial, mixeduse developments, public rights away, and other locations that aren't exempted here. Um, so we're really just bringing our our existing artificial turf regulations into compliance with the state's um, regulations. There's
nothing new here. it's just, you know, simply adopting what what the state is requiring us to do. Um, interestingly though, the D create a few uh provisions that are actually stronger than what was in our code. Um, so they um have, you know, I think which is a a good
regulation here, which is that artificial turf cannot be installed within 10 ft of any natural or man-made water body. So it creates a little bit of a buffer there so that the that water is not draining directly into water bodies off of artificial turf. Um it
says artificial turf can't have PAS. It's a good thing. Uh clarifies that it must be permeable and that the subgrade cannot be overly compacted. Sometimes um artificial turf gets so compacted that it doesn't even it doesn't even um perk into the water table. Uh and then it
also says that uh storm water runoff um shall not uh go onto adjacent properties and that inground irrigation shall not be used to irrigate artificial turf. At the planning and zone boarding uh meeting in June, they voted 5 to zero to recommend approval to council. Um they
did add a condition to clarify something related to the storm water runoff. Um there is some language there um from the DP regulations that said artificial turf must be designed and installed to prevent pooling or an increase in the storm water runoff volume, direction or
rates to adjacent properties and where possible the runoff shall be directed to on-site pvious areas. They wanted to u make sure that nothing was leaving the site that that there was and there was a little bit of legal wiggle room in the the state's language. Um so they made a
recommendation that if it was feasible that we should um clarify that artificial turf has to meet our drainage standards in our um storm water management practices manual. So spoke with the attorneys uh village attorneys after the meeting. They confirmed we can add that. So just a point of
clarification um that the the PZB's recommendation is to um add add to an existing condition to say artificial turf installation shall utilize the village's storm water management practices manual in
accordance with our code. With that happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you Jay Council. Um, while I'm okay with the recommendation from PNZ, um, I I think it's sad and yet another example of just the attack of on
local municipalities and just the abuse of home rule and just how we're losing control of that. Um, I like what we had in place before and now we're told we have to do this. I am grateful that they did strengthen some of that language that is in there is good. Um, I'm glad they said no PAS involved after what
we're having to do and the expense that we're having to do, but I just think it's it's sad because it's just an attack on home rule, but I'm okay with what's been presented. >> No questions. >> I'm good. Thank you. >> Good. Thank you. >> State preemption. I don't have any
questions either. >> Any comment cards? No. Any public comment? Okay. So there uh there should be a motion to approve or deny and then also if uh the PNZ clause if we want to add that should be part of the motion as
well if someone would like to make a motion. >> I'll make a motion >> with the PNZ >> with the PNZ >> to approve >> re recommendation. >> I'll second that. >> Right. All in favor I >> thank you councel. >> Moving on. Agenda item 16, resolution
number 12-26 to update our refuge recycling and yard waste collection rates. >> Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, council. It's a pleasure to be here. Um, this has to do with the waste management contract that we signed uh two years
ago. This is going to be our third year into the process. Um, they have a clause that says they'll receive CPI for uh water, sewer, and trash collection. Um, so we use that CPI this year and it is
capped at 5.75 this year. It's at 4.71. This is a complete pass through to waste management for their services. It equates to $11.91 a year and it brings us up to $264.87
a year for two day a week collection. >> Thank you, Jeff. Council, any comments or questions? I'm not. >> No questions. >> Thank you. >> Any comment cards? No. Any public comment? >> Right. Is there a motion to approve? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Agenda item 17 uh consider the use of the asset forfeite uh forfeitures to purchase and install boat lift and security camera on the BLM property. Jalona. >> Good evening, Mayor, council. Uh with me
before I start I have Peter Det who is the program manager for the BLM and has been a great partners from the onset. Uh has it how long it been now? >> 2020. >> You remember a long time but a great partner and this involves uh
the BLM. So before you have uh a memorandum to consider the use of asset forfeertures, our special law enforcement fund to purchase and install a boat lift and a security camera at the Bureau of Land Management Jupiter and Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. Uh
we are requesting $60,000 at this time. Uh we do currently have $442,000 in our asset forfeite special law enforcement fund at this time. So uh we still obviously have money in there for other things. Uh this is a project that we're doing in conjunction with uh
Peter. Uh as you all know, they have been renovating uh the BLM property for quite some time and we had an opportunity to have an area where we could put our police boat in there and put a boat lift. So those of you that are on boats a lot more than I am, I'm never on one
know to get it off the water so it's not as dirty. We're not maintaining it as much as we usually are now and painting the bottom every so often. But it gave us an opportunity as well as quick uh deployment from that area. Uh like I said, we have a great partnership. What we wanted to also do, speaking with
Brad, is to put a camera out there obviously uh motion or 24, however we we set it up just to make sure obviously for safety concerns, but we asked for 60,000. The project came out comes out to for the boat lift over $80,000 and
Peter was able through the renovation of the BLM to provide $40,000 towards the cost. So, we actually only RM for the boat lift itself was 40,142 and that's what we're asking for. And then the camera. So, that price comes out to 50,200 and we just left in there for
incidentals in case anything, you know, has to uh be uh changed and what have you. And we also will have water on there to help clean the boat uh when we get it out of the water. So, >> Peter wants to say anything, Peter. >> Yeah. Well, thank you for having us and
uh it's been a pleasure working with the police department here in Toquestera on this project. Uh the commitment of the government uh was to provide uh the actual pilings for the boat lift. Uh we explored several options including concrete pilings. The dock itself uh due
to the weight of uh the boats that would be using it uh does have concrete pilings but it was just cost prohibitive for the boat lift itself which is completely detached from the dock to have that. We uh didn't plan on putting full electricity down there, although there was going to be water. So, BLM was
able to make that commitment of $40,000 to fund a large portion of getting the electrical uh connections down there. And uh obviously using our oncontract uh contractor to do the work is far more efficient than going through a separate
process. So although there's probably a few dollars of savings by putting it out to open bid, that process itself could take in excess of another year. So this gets it done and completed by December 3rd. I'll be happy to take any questions specifically about the the dock or the
boat uh lift. >> Thank you councel. >> I am none. Thank you for being a great partner. >> Who do we thank for building up that asset forfeerture amount? Is that officer erout or both? Both. >> Okay. Well, thank you out to them. >> And Detective Blow. You got Don't mind
it. >> Yeah. Maybe they deserve a little boat ride after this. >> He goes out. >> Yes, he does go on the boat. >> Yeah. Maybe a little pup cup on the way out. Yeah. Pump cup. >> Are there going to be any other boats on this uh dock? >> No. The uh the dock itself is for
permitted use only and it's shortterm use. So maybe a water taxi picking up passengers or a bride who wants to travel on a small vessel across to the Pelican Club. uh this would be the only boat that was permanently there and it's going to be situated in a location where
it's not interrupted by those uses continuous access for um boarding the boat and and using the lift at all times >> and where it's located is there a current issue or >> so there is a up seven to n current depending on time of year in that location the boat lift after talking
with engineers uh boating experts has been situated in the best possible place uh for ease of ingress and accurate um you know access to the the the boat lift itself and where the boat lift would sustain the least damage from the currents with a uh less experienced
captain. >> Can it come from both directions? >> No, it can only come facing towards the inland. >> Okay. Um thank you for everything that you're doing for us. >> Yeah, likewise. Thank you. >> Yeah, I'll just echo that. Thank you for your long-standing partnership and for
being able to help with some of the funding towards this. You know, I think uh it's always great when you have multi-jurisdictional coordination, you know, hence why I wanted FDOT to come because that just it's it's better for the public, right? There's usually cost savings and things get done that might
not would have happened otherwise. So, thank you. My only question is well, you did say they are bringing water. That was one of my questions. Um because I know those pedestals sometimes there'll be you can get a hose bib on that. So, um you'll need that out there for sure. And then what about the long-term
maintenance? Are we just responsible for the lift itself? Are we responsible for the the pure maintenance as well? I can't remember the layout if there if it's like a finger dock that goes out to the boat lift or if it's just off the main dock. But overall, because we should just if we are responsible for
maintenance, we just want to plan for those costs. >> So, uh you would not have any maintenance of the dock itself. Um and so all of the dock, the boardwalk connecting it would be federally maintained. You would have maintenance for the security camera and the lift itself.
>> Just simply they put my horse on. Perfect. Okay. Thank you. Right. Any public comment card? No. Any public comment? Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. Thank you.
>> Agenda item 18. And do we have Brad on? They've been hanging out on Zoom. Hi Brad. Okay. He's on vacation. Thank you for joining us tonight. Agenda item 18, consider approval of early renewal of the Palo Alto firewall servicing license. >> Yeah. Um, so I can hear it.
>> Hold on. It's very loud. >> Sorry. One one second. Let me uh try to get to a better place. Um, it's not a very not a very conducive uh location. But here, this should be better. Can you guys hear me? Okay. >> Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
>> Okay. Um, yeah. So, basically, uh, I'll try to keep it short. Um, the Palo Alto is our firewall vendor. Um, this is an obligatory purchase. Um, you know, I reached out to them and and and asked if
there's a way that we could save money, um, by, uh, you know, engaging in a longer commitment like we did last time. Um, not only did they agree to that, but they also said if you can get it done before their end of fiscal year, they'll apply an additional discount. So, um,
this is basically a a a $20,000 swing over 3 years, um, to benefit us. Um, we have to do it anyway as long as we have Palo Alto Hardware. So, uh, this is just a way to to push the purchase forward,
uh, and and save and save money over the long term. Great. Thank you, Brad. Council, any comments or questions? >> No questions. >> None. Thank you, Brad. >> Yeah, Brad, thank you for just being proactive on this and uh saving us some money in the long run.
>> Absolutely. My pleasure. Thanks for your consideration. >> Any comment cards? No. Any public comment? Right. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you, Brad.
Agenda item 19, resolution number 09-26, uh, declaring and memorializing council's action regarding the census water meters that were not reading properly. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, council, Allison, utilities
director. Before you tonight is a resolution um related to the event that was presented to you at the council workshop on June 1st, 2026. Just a reminder, um, roughly 66 water meters were installed between 2022 and 2026 that were inadvertently returned and
installed with a 1,00galon resolution rather than the required one gallon resolution. This basically means that whenever a customer used 1,000 gallons, it would send us that they only used one gallon. Um, so that resulted in some incorrect billing over those years. Um, legally we're allowed to back bill up to
one year. The billing alternatives that were presented at that workshop were back bill the affected cu uh the affected customers using the applicable tiered water rates, back bill the affected customers using the lowest tier water rates or forego back billing and continue billing customers prospectively using the appropriate tiered rates. Um
so following that discussion, the majority consensus was to proceed with option three. So that is the option that is being presented to you tonight to um make a decision on and I will take any questions. >> Thank you council. Any questions? I do. Have we made any attempt since this
occurred to collect or to notify the people? >> As soon as it happened, we did notify residents that um they would be receiving water bills that were higher than what they had noticed because we started billing them immediately at the appropriate tiered rates. Um that
communication to them was that we are working towards deciding the path forward on how we would go about back billing. Um we did not try to collect any um previous revenue because we weren't sure the decision that we were going to go from there. So we haven't tried to receive any of that revenue. Um
but we did begin billing at the appropriate rates as soon as we noticed and notified those residents. >> So the only reason the their bill went up was to bill them the correct amount. It wasn't to try to recover anything. And we have made no effort to communicate with them. Okay. Well, I'm I I'm disappointed that we haven't. I I
think with what we're faced with um potentially in November, losing up to $3.1 million or $3.5 million, whatever that number is, I think we should be looking at everything. And and I'm disappointed that we are not even going to try to ask to say because I can I
guarantee you if it was a power bill, a gas bill, knowing those providers, um when you receive the service, you should pay for it. And we're only trying to collect one year, not the three. So I'm disappointed and that we're not going to try something and I stated that I was
the I think the loan dissenting person during the the last discussion of this. So I remain the same with that. I'm just disappointed that we haven't tried to collect any money because there are some people we could get $5,000. You never know what we could get and we're electing not to try anything. So I'm disappointed in that. But thank you for
the presentation. >> No questions. >> Yep. No questions. No. Thank you. Any comment cards? No. Any public comment? >> All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. >> Thank you. Agenda item 20, resolution number 13-26, which is adopting a revised merit pay policy for non-bargaining unit employees.
>> Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, council. Thank you for having me this evening. Um this evening we're talking about um the career and service m award program that we currently have for our non-union employees. It provides an annual lump sum payment based on years of service and a satisfactory
performance review. Following review of the Florida state statutes and related attorney general opinions regarding extra compensation and employee incentive programs. staff has evaluated alternative compensation structures that more clearly align with the Florida law and modern public safety compensation
practices. Florida law generally prohibits um retroactive bonuses or extra compensation based on services that have been rendered unless the compensation is provided um pursuant to pre-established performance-based compensation programs adopted in advance
by the governing body. Um, our current program is based on years of service like a longevity program. Um, we previously tied it to performance in which our employees receive a performance bonus as long as they have a
satisfactory review, but our options are satisfactory versus unsatisfactory. So, the other obstacle that we are presenting tonight is that the program was never formally adopted by the council. So as a result, we are recommending the implementation of a
revised merit program policy that would eliminate the longevity or the years of service based um payments and instead establish a performance-based incentive comp program tied directly to annual bonus evaluations. Um in this framework and based on
previous feedback at our workshop, this merit program would be lump sum payments based solely on performance. Um, it would be tiered merit levels depending on performance achieved. So, you would have to at least meet expectations or exceed expectations. It would be for
part-time, full-time, and directors. Um, it has been reviewed by legal um, and does meet the requirements for the program and state law. And fiscally, it would be um, neutral compared to last year. Um, we do do not expect any
increase nor any significant increases in the future. And do you have any questions? >> Thank you, council. Any comments or questions? Can >> I add Let me add one thing to, you know, this is a a program that it it it does it is specific on budget. So, if we do
have future budget considerations or or challenges, this is something that can be um considered and and will be considered. So, just FYI, it's not you were passing it and it's guaranteed. So, >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um thank you for that. I know you've put
a lot of time and effort into this and I've always felt that we need to reward our employees and sometimes you want to keep them around with some of these different longevity bonuses and things. So, I'm in favor of this and thank you for the hard work on it. >> No more questions since the last workshop. >> I love it. Thank you.
>> Yeah, that's great. Thank you. >> No comment. Any public comment? Cars. No. Any public comment? All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. Thank you, Catherine.
Agenda item 21, ordinance number 09-26, which is a first reading for right-of-way regulations. >> Thank you, mayor. Ordinance 0926 ordinance of the village council village of Tquesta Florida amending code of ordinances chapter 63 right of way regulations article one in general
creating a new village rights of way policy for all village of the questa rights of way adopting and codifying uh same into the villages code of ordinances amending chapter 78 zoning at section 78704 control of access to streets to conform
that provision to the new rightaway provisions provided that each and every other section Subsection of chapters 63 and 78 shall remain in full force in effect as previously adopted providing conflict clause severability clause authority to codify effective date and for other purposes. Good evening mayor, vice mayor, village
council Doug Chambers, public works director. This is the first reading of ordinance number 0926 right ofway regulations. I have a very short presentation and I can take any questions that council may have. So again, the purpose is to create a clear and consistent ride ofway
standards, protect drainage, utilities, sidewalks, roadways, and public safety, clarify permitting, maintenance, and allowable improvements, and provide comprehensive set of village regulations. We've presented this at three separate workshops. The ordinance has been
revised based on feedback that we've received from council, from residents, and staff's input. The proposed ordinance has been refined throughout the entire process. On June 23rd, I presented the ordinance to the planning and zoning board. The board supported the proposed ordinance
and voted 5 to zero and recommended approval to the village council. The board PNC board did have some uh requests and that request was that uh we continue public education and uh if this is adopted staff will be sure to provide
that information through the Friday news, the smoke signals village website and obviously throughout the entire permit process when somebody applies for a permit and I'm here to answer any questions you may have. >> Thank you Doug. Council open up for
discussion. I have some comments, Doug. Thank you. And thank you. I know you put a tremendous amount of work into this. Staff, manage it, meant to have, everybody has. So, thank you. Um, I'll try to keep them high level. Um, because I know there a lot of information was
sent out. Um, I've said before, I think that if I want to get up in the middle of the night and I can't sleep, I should be able to read code, not have any questions. And I I still have questions on this and that's why I'm glad this is first reading. So something's and and I admittedly was not able to make my agenda review with
Jeremy. So a lot of these things are coming out for the first time. I only communicated via email with him. Um but I know that right away we talk about um lawful non-conforming things like that and that that people's right away
current as they sit today and if it's not if it's non-conforming by this it's going to be lawful non-conforming and we move forward. Right. Correct. >> And the only time they'll have to change that is if it's permitted or something with a driveway or >> so a modification to the property,
>> right? Um in this first section 632- A1 says the following shall not be considered lawful non-conforming. So any installation consisting of but not limited to rock and gravel. So I can think of a few yards that have
gravel in the rightway. So are they conforming? Are they legal non-conforming or are they non-conforming and that in that gravel has to be removed? >> They are non-conforming. And so I know a couple properties that you're referring to. There are properties throughout the
village um where some folks have had some stones and rocks in front of their property for 10 years or more. The the goal is not to um issue a notice of violation to them if there if there's not a public uh safety concern. if it's
not an obstruction to the storm water system or underground utilities. Um, this is pretty much the standard that we're going by and it's when it creates a public safety hazard or interference with drainage, visibility access or existing infrastructure. >> Okay. Um, now if there's something new
that's been out there and they've been they've received notice from the building department, then we will follow that through. >> Okay. So, something that's been there for said 10 years, >> right? >> We're not looking at that. However, when that homeowner makes a modification to the property, they'll have to understand if this is approved.
>> Village approved products. Um, so we can village can plant in the rightway where if I if I read this, we can design, approve and install materials, shrubs within the public rightway as approved village project or beautifification
program. What would be the example of that? why we would plan and right away where we would do something that we're telling residents that they can't do. >> Well, you have a perfect example of uh toquester drive the beautifification project um where we were enhancing the tree canopy on toquester drive. The
village obviously on on the main arteries has a much more substantive uh ride ofway. um there's there's a larger footprint and so that would be an example of where the village may plant in the future some trees or some modifications and then following
engineered standards as far as how close we are to utilities installing a root barrier and all the others that apply. And is that would that be consistent if somebody that say was on Questa Drive and wanted to put something else in a swale where
the village has done something because they're within engineering requirements to you know certain maximum certain uh distance from the utilities. So would a an individual a homeowner be able to go to come to the
village and say you guys just planted an oak tree in there or a palm tree or something. I want to do something on the other half of that on the other side of that swale to balance it out. Is that something they can do or or not? >> If it meets the standard. Yes. >> So there's a standard where we we define
where where we can't plant but then we're allowing the ability for that to be overruled or overridden. >> This is a confusing part you might be referring to. There are trees on Tquesta Drive on Seabbrook on a lot of the main arteries where trees were planted in a
very small footprint. And perhaps there should have been uh some more regard in where those were planted, not on top of utilities, not on top of sidewalk. That's part of the reason we're here today to talk about these things, right? >> And and make the code uniform and and
provide some uh safety and some protection for those underground utilities and above ground utilities. So I mean we have you know part of the presentation I presented to the planning zoning board was an example of water mane break sidewalk damage you know where trees were planted directly on top
of water manes where they planted right next to a piece of sidewalk you know a section of sidewalk that that is not the goal the goal is that the village applies these standards as well >> okay um
I see throughout there's opportunity for I'll use the word exceptions by the building official or the designate within the village. So there will be some room if somebody comes in and said this is what I want to do and and why I want to do this. Somebody there's the
ability for somebody to plant something that >> may be within the three-foot limit or something one of these multiple requirements that are in here. So there is the ability and that is going to be done by who who will make that decision of this is okay but that's not okay.
Well, we follow the guideline, right, in the code and then the building permit application. The application goes to the building department that's distributed to myself and typically utilities department for review, review the plans, review the scope of work, and then typically we'll meet with the homeowner
and and discuss it. For instance, this morning I got a call from a resident who's redoing their driveway and their landscaping and they just wanted to understand what they can do, what the limitations are, what's acceptable. So I spent about 45 minutes on the property. I also informed them that if they decide
to move forward, I would like to have a second meeting with their contractor before they start construction. So the contractor, we don't have an issue with the homeowners. Most of the issue typically comes through the contractors because they submit the permit. So I ask the homeowner, you are you submitting
the permit or is your contractor? Typically the contractor submits the permit. the homeowner doesn't go through that process and then somebody in the office doesn't pass those documents and those conditions down to the field crew and the field crew just moves forward. We're trying to eliminate that. So, I
always like to meet with the contractor and the homeowner pre-construction and go over the plans and the requirements. >> Okay. Um, so to answer your question, in short, it comes out to the public works department and the utilities department. >> Okay. I
there's a language in here that says that um within 3 feet of the road of the of the side of the road that 3 ft inward to the pardon inward to the swale has to be
grass. The three foot we >> right and and that is for what reason? number one for drainage and number two to protect the road, lock in the road and have have a have an edge along the road, have a rooted edge. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Is there is would there be a chance or is there is it reasonable to think that I don't know how far grassroots down? I don't know that. But are there occasions where there could be a say a row of impatience or something that is low
rooting Florida native non-invasive something that could be there but we we're going to have just nothing but sod. The objective is to have nothing but sod from the road to three feet in to when the swale would start. >> Yes. To pro protect the edge of the road. Yes.
>> Okay. Um why would why why do we have to have straight row plantings? Why why cannot there be a straight road planting. Why does it have to be offset? It seems like we're we're becoming we're a we're such a unique village. And I understand the
need to to clarify this and bring it all together, but we're becoming an it sounds like we're becoming an HOA. We're not becoming a unique full of character village of Tquesta. You know, we're going to have straight rows. Now, why did what's what's the purpose of a straight road? >> Staggered planting.
>> Yeah. Why? Why? Why does it have to be staggered versus Why? Why can't it be staggered versus We want a straight row or we want staggered? What do we want? >> Staggered. >> And why can't it >> in the flow line? We want staggered plantings, right? That allows for better flow in in the in the um in the flow line in the swale.
>> Okay. Um >> rather than creating a wall with plantings planted straight across. >> Okay. Um All right. I just again, maybe I'm just not grasping this. I understand the exercise and what we're trying to do. I think I'm more confused now in
reading this when I we start out with and maybe it's just me. I've read it over and over and over again. I' I've dissected it. I've marked up every paragraph, every word, and I just have more and more questions. I think we're we're it seems to me that we're doing things that we won't allow the resident
to do. And it seems like we are becoming rigid and strict. when Florida was is a was a swamp land at one point. And I just think that we're taking away that from what could be considered unique, the ability to have a
unique yard versus something that might look like an HOA. But that's just my concern right now. So that's it. It's all my comments. >> Jeremy, could you pull up the PNZ slide? I'm not going to go through this whole presentation, but this was the presentation at the P&Z meeting.
And so sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. >> I don't know where you want to start. >> I'll let Do you have >> Oh, I don't have control here. >> You do? Yeah. Let me I'll get you control. Thank you, sir.
So, here's an example of a property without a swale, right? So, the what happens? The water sits on the edge of the road. What typically happens to the road? This is toquester roadways. This is what it does to the roadway. This was Fair View East, Fair View West,
Golf View Drive, Mars, Venus, you name it. This is what the roadways will look like, right? I go backwards here. This is storm water project. Replacing storm water in the rightway. Right? We need access to the right of way to
replace underground infrastructure. Not just the utilities department, but Florida Power and Light, Comcast, Sprint, AT&T, uh, Lockxahhatche River District. We need access to the right ofway. So if everybody's planted out into the right
ofway, it becomes very difficult to complete these projects. And when these projects are completed, if somebody has rocks and stones and trees and all these other elements in the rightofway, the contract in the village is not putting those back. Right? We have a big project coming up next year with FPNL to
underground in the country club community. Right? Hopefully most of it can be bored, but there will be impacts to the right ofway in the village rightway in front of every home that's impacted by that project. Let's see if I have a couple other here I want to show you. >> We did, didn't we? >> When you're saying like what are we
trying to achieve? We're trying to protect underground utilities, right? We're trying to we need a place for water to go off of the road, right? We we don't want that impeded by plantings and trees and everything else in the ride ofway. You certainly don't want to be planting a root base on top of all your underground utilities. Those are
the essential services that are provided throughout the entire community. I wanted to show you some of the pictures here. Uh let's see where those were. So this is a tree. This is root system in the rightway, right? Destroying sidewalk and destroying the edge of
road. These are tree roots in the rightway, breaking water mains and sidewalk. Crews are out there constantly repairing, tearing out. They need access to those underground utilities in those areas. And when folks are planting out in the village rightway, it makes repair very
and maintenance very difficult. These are tree roots under the sidewalk from plantings in the rightway. >> I I >> This is a utilities technician working on a water domain under a tree in the middle of the night. >> Is that a tree that is that a tree that
the village planted? >> It is. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He's under a tree at night. I don't want to >> has a water man. >> Oh my gosh. >> So, here's another question. Here's another water mane break and impacts the entire roadway. Entire, you know, not only is it costly, but
>> Well, my question was more about low rooting plants or things that could be just as porous or water absorbent as sod. Yep. That's >> So we are allowing ornamental grasses and flowers and plants within the rightway. >> Not in the first
>> and in the flow line. We're simply asking that in the flow line those be staggered so it don't create a dam, they don't create a wall. >> And I thought I just heard you say that when there's like something is torn up like with gravel, it's not replaced. Correct. >> What' you say?
>> Did you Did you say something about a minute ago about something when like gravel is dug up because of rightway work that it is not replaced? When gravel is dug up, it's not I don't understand your question. >> I thought you just said that we if if there was >> put back to the original like if it was
all rock or or whatever the >> We're not going to put rock back in the ground, >> right? >> But we did put rock back in the driveway. We did put rock back in the rideway on Questa Drive, >> didn't we? >> Not aware of any rock that went back in the rideway.
>> Okay. All right. All right. Thanks, Doug. round and round we go. Um, as a whole, I still can't get on board with this, but I I like parts of it and I appreciate parts of it have been compromised.
Struggle with my name's not Karen, right? The three feet from the road that Mr. Sartorii is bringing up. I understand having an open buffer for safety reasons. Let's say a pedestrian needs to
get off the road real quick. Um, but I struggle with residents asking that spacing. Why can't they be a solid hedge? If, let's say, it was permitted and approved and it's in the correct spot away from utilities, but it can't
be a solid one hedge because water will find its way through. And at the base of every plant, it's not a wall. It's a couple root sticks that come out. So, your claim, no offense, but that it's creating a wall and it's going to impede water. I don't agree with that. Water
will find its way through the bases of plants. And there's many other little things that I brought up before. I still still stick with it. Um, I do agree with many of Mr. Stori's points as well. Again, I like parts of this and I understand the
overall goal of it is to protect our utilities. Is that my fault that people don't call 10 years ago 811 and find out where they're putting things safely? That's not my fault. That's just a lack of education on society. Um I think this
has been over complicated still and we just need to maybe go back to the roots of it with some specifics. Um I know the goal was putting specific trees that would be allowed as long as they were permitted. Um but again again and again I just can't get on board with the whole
thing as an entirety. That's all. >> One of my favorite things to do when it rains really hard is right down from my piece of property there is a storm drain. >> Um, and it's in the grass. It's in the it's in the in the swell area of of the
rideway, but it's full of mulch. It's full of leaves. It's full of other debris that is coming in that because of upstream there is stuff in the rightway. Um, yes, water might flow through the roots of a bush or hedge, but that bush
or hedge has leaves and those leaves do fall off and those leaves do clog up the drains. But going in there, I like to clean it up and all of a sudden we get this little circular, you know, cyclone going down and it's fun to see all the water come off the street. My kids love doing that. My point is, this is really,
really, really important for drainage of just the natural flow of heavy rains. I know when I was on the on the council a couple of years ago, um we had a massive rain and we had a couple houses um Jeff being one of them that had flooding in his house because of improper swells,
improper maintenance of that area. So for me, it's very very important. We don't we're not a curb and gutter municipality. We are in a couple areas, but if we were curbon gutter, we could do a lot more to the edge. Um but we're not. And and so as a result, we've really got to protect that from a storm
water side of things. That's one area that you haven't really talked about, but I know you know a lot about it, but that to me that is why I'm in favor of this. >> Yeah, it's a good point. Um, great work on this, Doug. I know it's been a long process. Um,
this is one of those areas where I mean, I've read I've read the code. The summary that Jeremy put out was very, very helpful, by the way. um confirmed it with the code, but just really helpful for any any council members if you didn't get a chance to read it. Um I
think it really does a good job of answering a lot of the questions I would have had, which again I did confirm aligns with code obviously. Um but no, I I think it's it's a it's hugely important to protect our utilities. Um, I can I can see how this can be looked
at as kind of maybe too too far, but I don't I don't see it that way. I think uh it's a change. So, people don't, you know, like change. They don't like to be told what to do on their property, which this isn't their property, you know. So, um I don't have any other questions.
Anything I would have had was in here. Um so, whoever put that together, great job and I appreciate it. Um, when did we start working on this? When did we start talking about it? When was our first workshop? Do you know? >> I see. September of 2025 is when the
first workshop we had for it. >> So, we're we're kind of getting close to almost a year. >> Yeah. >> Working on this. So, I think we've been extremely thorough, extremely transparent. Um, I think this is a great tool. I've
said this on the DAS before, I'll say it again. Um when I've received concerns uh messages from citizens I have maybe received citations it was very convoluted to find the information. We have to go this ordinance and then this resolution and this manual. So this puts
everything in one place so anyone can easily go look in our code and see what the requirements are in the rightway. So I think this is a good tool for village staff. I think it's a good tool for owners and businesses. I think it's a good tool for the contractors. So, we
all have guidelines and um is this perfect? Maybe not. But we can't let perfect be the enemy of good on here. This is a big uh complex matter and we might be doing an update in a year and a half, two years as you discover, you know, things in the field. I think that
is normal and acceptable for something of this magnitude. So, thank you for all your hard work. I really think this is a good thing. I have some minor formatting tweaks that Jeremy has. I think you guys can get updated for the next um ordinance second reading if this gets passed. Nothing I need to bring up. Um I
did have a couple minor tweaks that I wanted to bring up with council. The decorative features about well the mailbox section and I think this arose from one of my comments at the last workshop. I don't believe this was in the last draft we saw. It states,
"Decorative features associated with mailboxes shall be limited to customary mailbox post and address identification. Shall not include statues, ornaments, rock features, decorative structures." Um I I don't
well from a federal standpoint, I don't know if the uh federal regulation allows for like the adorable manity statue mailbox. And I've seen some others where they might put like sighting around the post, which I don't think looks bad. If
if there's a federal regulation where truly it should just be a mailbox and a post, that's one thing. But if not, um I would like to maybe simplify this and and have staff discretion. Um so people can if you want to wrap
your post with some siding and it it looks nice and decorative, is that really detrimental to the rightway? Are those manatee statues which those make me happy every time I drive by and see them like are those detrimental to the rightway. Do you do you have a
>> United States Postal Service regulates mailboxes right as you just mentioned and so they regulate the height which is 41 to 45 in maximum and the setbacks are 6 to 8 in. There are some other requirements that they have to be on a breakaway post. So if a car is coming
down the road and you know the mailbox is hit, it's going to break away and not injure anybody, hurt anybody. >> Uh masonary concrete is not permitted. So you see some folks building pavers and concrete around their mailboxes. That is not a good suggestion. The United States Postal Service isn't
against um you know decorative pieces on the mailbox. Um, however, if we change the verbiage in the ordinance, perhaps we recommend that they get approval through the United States Postal Service right here, our local branch. Um,
because the United States Postal Service can reject delivering mail based on what your mailbox looks like. I think if you follow the reg the general guidelines, you you know, typically if you do if you um take a look at other cities and what the United States Postal Service has done, they do allow that. Um, so we
could we could tweak the language on that if you would like. >> So I would prefer that than the language being updated to follow USPS standards. >> Yeah, then yeah, absolutely. >> And take out the decorative features and that that language. >> It already says applicable. It already
says it there actually. >> Yeah, I would I would leave it at that. >> What does council think? >> Who enforces it? >> The village would have to enforce it in their rightway. So, if you're putting a mailbox in the ride ofway, you still have to file for a permit, right? You have to apply for a permit. It's the
village rightway. Um, if you're just replacing a mailbox, you don't need a permit, obviously. But it's that first three-foot dig into the ride ofway where you could potentially hit utilities. You need calling 811 locates and have a permit to do that. >> So, that construction,
>> like a complete new construction might get rid of the mailbox >> versus everyone else that's already established. Okay. Yeah. >> So, what what does council think? Just remove that portion. Just keep it deferring to USPS.
>> Yeah. I mean, that could it knows if they're going to change it and at least it'll then follow whatever their changes are and then we don't have to update our code. You know, >> I'm fine with the USPS regulations, but when we talk about a new mailbox, what
property doesn't have a mailbox already? This isn't a new village, so no one technically should be pulling a permit. >> New construction, tear down everything, empty the new the new h all the >> You could put you could put language in there. Unique and decorative mailbox designs and post or enclosures may be
approved by the village as part of a right-of-way modification provided they comply with USPS requirements. >> Yeah, that >> I think so. Yeah. >> Okay. And Keith will have to opine if these are items that can be sometimes I
know we can edit for second reading. Sometimes it has to do a second second first reading. So Keith, you just uh let us know when we're done with this. >> No, so far that that that change can be made on first reading and you can still move forward. >> Okay.
um the area where it talks about, you know, the minimum flat area and that trees, shrubs, and hedges shall be planted within a flat area. Um this is super nitpicky. Can can it be worded? Can we
say reasonably flat? I think it might be difficult for some property owners to get a perfectly flat surface and it might look awkward because many houses, mine included, um it slopes up all the way to the house. So, I think if we can say reasonably flat that gives some
flexibility, I mean there's a house um I know they have a swale, they have beautiful oaks um on the property side of the swale, but it's not perfectly flat. It just can't be. So again, super nitpicky, but if council's amendable to that, I would like to put reasonably
flat. We can't have a table flat surface. It's just not feasible. >> Is that permissible too without an >> Yes, Council Member Stori did bring up the um staggering
in the flow. I do agree with that. Um, but does that count? It doesn't apply to the highest side of soil. So, we wouldn't ask people to like be staggering trees. >> No. >> Okay. So, we're good there. >> And then um let's see the root barrier
requirement. Uh, it says unless waved in writing by the village manager's designate due to physical constraints or an engineered alternative. I would like to get rid of the due to physical constraints or an engineered alternative. Um, super standard practice
to install root barriers where there's utilities, you're close to the sidewalk. I mean, I've seen a a coconut palm, not that big of a coconut palm, lift pavers. So, you know, if if it's but if it's in a location where it's really not going to impact um utilities, sidewalk,
roadway, I don't think we necessarily need to um require a root barrier. But the way that's worded with physical constraints or an engineer alternative doesn't really um meet that. So, I think if we just get rid of that part and then we'll leave it at staff's discretion,
um, if it's a condition where a tree or a larger shrub isn't really going to impact any infrastructure that they don't have to do the root barrier. >> That's my only thought is future use of the utility in that right away, but if there is, they'd have to dig it up anyways and
then put a root beer back. they would and usually they could do some root printing, install the barrier at that time. So that's why I figured >> how how expensive or hard of a process is it to do the root barrier >> for um 18 inch in depth and 15t across
is about $60. >> Okay. >> And it comes in sections that you just put together. Comes in small sections and you pop them together. >> I mean for the I I tend to agree with what you just said. I guess you just never know what's going to go in, >> right? And if it's I mean it's not
nothing. I'm not saying that. But to not have to deal with it later, it's probably a good idea just to have it. But I also totally understand it could never really be uh necessary. >> Well, Mary, you're just referring to where there's physical constraints, where it's unique, where there's an
obstacle. >> Yeah. The part just just delete due to physical con. Put a period at the end of design manager's design period and get rid of the rest. That way you guys have the discretion if if there's no impact infrastructure that a root barrier doesn't need to be installed.
>> Yeah, there and so you you do bring up a good point. There are many mature oak trees in the right of way and you're not going to get a root barrier in against mature oak tree roots. >> So it's just it's just impossible. >> So that would be a unique situation
>> if Well, if there you mean if there's nothing there. Now, if let's say let's say you're replacing the side of the rideway and you have oak trees beyond that and those roots are encroaching into the rofway, you have mature oak tree roots there, you're not going to get a um or even if it's on private
property and those oak tree roots have extended into the rofway, it's be very difficult to get a root barrier across that. >> So, you can't do like root pruning and >> it depends. You know, we had a situation out on um River Drive. They had a real steep property. property was really
elevated and they cut back those root those um mature roots the best they could without compromising the trees. The trees were on private property. We certainly didn't want to compromise their trees. So that would be a situation where it's going to be very difficult probably to get a root barrier in there because we couldn't cut the roots back any further.
>> Okay. >> Even though it's on their property. >> I don't know how many conditions I mean a lot of our rideways already have utilities in it. I mean, what are the chances that an a lot that has an area in the rightway that has no utilities in it will
eventually have utilities down the road? I mean, you never know, but I mean, we're pretty well established here with our infrastructure. Um, I don't know. Again, I'm just trying not to be too excessive with everything. So, what's it consensus or no to to add that
flexibility on the root barrier? I'm okay with it. >> Yeah, I'm I'm fine with it either way, but that's fine. >> Okay. So, give them the flexibility. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, I think that was my last comment. >> So, if council is amendable to all
those, Keith, those don't have to come back for first reading. >> We can make those changes between first and second reading and bring the second reading version back to the council with those amendments. >> Okay. Great. All right. That's all I have. Thank you, Doug.
Lori, are there any comment cards? No. Any public comment? >> Mayor, can I can I address a comment? >> Absolutely. >> Um, a comment was made that said, "We spent a lot of time on this and basically saying we spent too much time on it. We need to move forward." But
everybody's definition of what is right up here doesn't always agree. And my comments have been the same, and I've questioned the same thing over and over again. So, I apologize if um it sounds like I'm dragging something out. I'm just merely trying to state how I feel. I think it's my that's what I've been
voted in to do is to stand up for what I believe in, what I think is right for the village. And my definition of right may not be equal to everybody else's definition of right, but it doesn't mean I'm delaying a process. And that's how I kind of took that comment. But >> I don't think it's right. I think it's
confusing. I think just from the first article it talks about what is legal non-conforming and then it says if it's legal non-conforming it's cons it will not have to be removed but then the next paragraph says the following shall not be considered legal non-conforming and it can be removed so I think there's confusion from the first two paragraphs
all I'm asking is for if I read this at midnight am I going to understand it and not have any questions and I think there's a lot of questions in here and that's all I'm trying to do is clear that up and if that takes longer then I will continue to bang the gavvel and ask for let's get this stuff right. So this
one may my definition of right may be different than everybody else's different right up here. Councilman Story, if I could just add on a daily basis, I'm out there with residents and they're applying for permits and they're I mean, is booming as you know and for
the most part 97% of the residents that we meet are fine with what we're doing and what the require they just want to know what the requirements are and they're happy that we're there to walk them through it and tell them this is a restriction. This is what you can do here. This is the way the driveway is. This is what a swale is. They don't even
understand what a swale is, right? and the purpose. Then when you show them the neighbor's house that just did a swell and this house was just redid their sod and this house, then they understand it and they're typically fine with it. Or there are those folks that go without a permit and they just start uh you know
remodeling the house and and uh redeveloping the grass and the sod and and planting trees and putting rocks in the rightway. It's a very small percentage that where that's happening, right? But for the most part, once you go out there and you meet with the resident, they're okay with it.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> I think our biggest concern is at some point you're going to after a long career going to retire and it's the future that might not be as active as you and so that's why it's important that it gets gets right. So
>> yeah, the village just spent $9 million in infrastructure repairs. >> Yeah. >> With our culture, I would think person will be as active. That's way down the road. >> We don't have to worry about that. This council doesn't have to worry about that.
>> All right. Any other discussion? >> All right. Um Keith, with a with a motion, do the edits have to be read out loud again? The edits uh were to revise mailbox decorative features, add that the flat area for soil plantings be reasonably
flat, and um add the flexibility to root barrier um um by getting rid of the physical constraint or engineering alternative and giving the staff more flexibility. Is that correct? So, so if
there's a motion to approve with those um >> big public comments somebody >> Oh, yes. I did not do public comment. No, yes, I did, didn't I? No, I did not. Sorry. >> I did. You did. You did. Thought you had >> Yeah. >> her then.
>> No, I appreciate Better be safe. >> I appreciate the oversight in case I did. I really I truly I appreciate it. Thank you. So those would be the if if that's what the maker of the motion wants, you can you know with my >> I'll make that motion based on the comments Keith made. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second it.
>> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Opposed. >> Okay. Thank you, Doug. >> Thank you. >> Moving on. Agenda item 22. Consider changing the effective date of our annual increase to Questifa Fire Rescue Master fee schedule from July 1st to
October 1st. >> Good evening again, everyone. Um, fire rescue respectfully requests that the village council consider changing the effective date annual increase to quest a fire rescue master fee schedule fees from July 1 to October 1. Currently,
village resolution 722 from February 11th of 2022 and updating July 1 of each adjustment year. All the fees shall be adjusted by CPI. So, we do this as soon as it comes out. We use two indices and I'm going to try to paraphrase this. um
when it comes out in May, we get it in and it comes out July 1st. I would request that we move everything to October 1st to match up with our fiscal so there's no confusion and there's some transparency there and everything is streamlined with the fiscal year as opposed to doing some master fee schedules in the middle of the year. It
still runs a year. It it doesn't make we don't lo we don't capture we don't lose any capture of income. Um but uh and you'll see what I'm talking about when we get to one of these next presentations I have. But, uh, like I said, just making everything October one as opposed to having two of these master
fee schedules come out, one four months after the other one, is a little bit confusing. So, I, like I said, I request it to all go to October 1st. >> Okay. Thank you, council. Any comments or questions? >> I have none. >> None. Thank you, Chief. >> Any comment cards? Any public comment?
>> All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. All right. One for one. One down, two more to go for agenda item 23, ordinance number 11-26, first reading. Um,
oh, this is to update our um EMS fees to align with uh CPI for annual increases. >> Uh, thank you, mayor. Ordinance 11:26, Ordinance of the Village Council, village of Tquesta, Florida, amending chapter 34, fire protection and
prevention, article 5, prehosp emergency medical service, section 34124, establishment and review of fees to modify the fee establishment provisions to allow for automatic adjustments based on USCPI data, providing that each and
every other section subsection of chapter 78 of U. Chapter 34 shall remain in full force and effect as previously adopted providing conflict plus clause severability clause authority to codify effective data and further purposes. >> I have a very brief presentation. It's actually not brief but I'm going to make
it as brief as possible. All right. Um once again this ordinance first reading 11:26 is for an increase in our EMS fee structure uh going by two CPI indices. And I can't it's going to be hard for me to read that. So if I'm looking down,
I'm looking at my own notes. So the first question is why the adjustment and why now the cost of doing business in fire rescue doesn't go down. As you can see, the cost of diesel is going back up again. Um personnel, the cost of apparatus maintenance, wear and tear, uh
medical supplies, everything is going up. So this ordinance is going to fix that gap. And using these two indices, the same ones we use for our fire inspection fee schedule, we already use it as you see in number three, the same formulas already in use. And this is a
very low conservative impact uh which I will get into in in slides as we move forward. As you can see, the numbers raise very very low about 26 to $32 over the course of our five different types of transports that we use.
So, this is 3.75 adjustment. And you can see on the bottom right in that table, you can see how much we're going up. It's an average of about $31 um as opposed to where we were. We're currently on that left column. And this
still doesn't get us close to what we actually spend on a call. And I did a very conservative estimate after talking to some of my colleagues actually this morning. They look between 2500 and $3,000 for a 90-minute call. I did ours
between 12 and,400. So we are very very low compared to what we're getting back. And this is the formula that we use. So in the end of May, urban consumer southern region in the May the CPI medical care group comes out. We use an average of that and this is how we get
that number. This is how this number is derived. And these are the exact same indices we use for fire prevention. So that goes up in an automatic fashion every year in usually June or May. Council, you guys will still retain control. I know it does say automatic,
but I will have no issue bringing it to you this time of year. As soon as we get those numbers for CPI, we'll bring it to you for your approval or disapproval. So this is not automatic was probably bad terminology to use. The fees are still never going to exceed the cost because
Medicare specifically will only pay 80%. So the resident is only going to be responsible for 20% and we'll get to that in another slide. And then we'll know the predictable timing of it. Every October one we will be able to see the master fee schedule and this this
increase will come out. So you see where we are right now with where we fall behind in 2020. That was before we did that bulk adjustment last year. We had to go up 15%. We were in the bottom of the county. And for for a
city that's 91% or 92% insured, um we were leaving money on the table when it came to collecting. So there is a significant gap between where we were to where we are now. We had that big increase last year, but it's still just getting us to a little over half. So
currently, I would say we're probably in the six or seven range to the 12 departments that transport. And we're right in the same ballpark with Palm Beach County. We're actually under them currently. If we get this increase, we will be able to be I think we would be sixth. So, we're not I don't need to be
the highest transport fee in the county, but I would like to be competitive to where I don't leave money out there when it comes to what we're able to collect. And there has been a surge since we've gone to EMSC, which is a bill collection agency that we currently use. We contracted them right before I came on
board, and our numbers have skyrocketed um when it comes to collection. Before it was in-house and it was generally one person. We had some significant turnover there and I've gone through this with Mr. Allen and with Chief True before he left and uh it was just very difficult for one person to use and then I have
somebody working overtime doing it at the same time. So that was the challenge then and we left a lot of money on the table, money that we desperately need to continue moving forward. So I don't want to do the 2025 rate shock, the 15%. I don't want to have to ever do that again
because that was very difficult to bring to you all to get us up to speed. So, if we go incrementally and we do it for three or four years and then you decide one year that we don't, I'm okay with that as well as long as we're trying to keep we're keeping pace to a degree.
So, here's the rates in the last 5 years for Medicare. They've all gone up. All right? Everything has gone up between 16 and 18%. And this is their allowable. So, this is what the they're paying us or they're collecting back is about 80%.
So, here's where we are. It's kind of tough to read. We're in the red. If we get this adjustment, we will sit about sixth and right now we're under what Palm Beach County and Jupiter are. Jupiter mimicked Palm Beach County as they're
developing their own. And this is where it goes. And as I said, this is a very conservative estimate. So, a medical unit, you can see that that's with a lieutenant and a firefighter paramedic most of the time. about 65 to 70% we actually have a third person on there. So you can add another
uh 57 some odd dollars to or what is that pardon me 47 some odd dollars to that medical rescue unit per 90 you know per hour and we're looking at a 90minute from start to finish um transport time and then you can see all the other
adjustments on the right and then if an engine is attached we're looking at almost $300 an hour and this is what our scenarios look like this is what they would go to and that's kind of broken down a little bit further for you to see where where this money and how much it costs. Even if we don't
transport, it still costs hundreds of dollars for us to run a call. And the transports regardless of whether we make this increase or not, we still are going to short we're still going to have a shortfall for what we bill because Medicare is only going to pay so much compared to even with this
increase, we're nowhere near what a call costs. And as I said, this is a conservative estimate. So this is us approximately 6,300 residents. You can see where most of it is private with no supplemental is about half. Um and then about one out of six
carry an AFLAC type plan. 94% of our residents Medicare- wise will have a supplemental. So they will see zero increase. On the next slide, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. So if you look at those top three, they won't feel any impact whatsoever.
So if you have Medicare with metagap or some type of a supplemental or Medicare advantage, you won't have you will owe EMSMC nothing. They will cover the shortfall from what Medicare allowable is. So that other 20%. If you are private with an AFLAC type supplement, it'll be very minimal.
Or if you have reached your deductible for that year, you will also see no no impact whatsoever. We have less than 1% Medicaid and the only people that will see the significant impact is going to be somebody who is uninsured or self-pay, which we also have very few. Any questions so far? I'm trying to be quick
with this for you. >> The uninsured self-pay, what was the percentage of those? >> Oh, that's probably about 6%. >> We might not see an impact through you, but we are seeing an impact through increase insurance. >> Oh, no. 100%. 100%. I'm just saying
specifically my end um it it will impact, you know, end user wise for your health care costs. Sure. Agreed. So this is this is what we're looking at bottom line 31% of the people in Questa will see zero change and about 61% will
see will be very largely insulated. So they're talking somewhere between 28 and $30 that they'll have to come out of pocket with if they get transported and that's on an ALS2 which is the most serious type of medical call we run. And then that 8% will have the full increase and those are going to be your self-pay
and uninsured. Five reasons why this is right. Costs keep rising. Uh the fees still won't outset what we're still will not exceed what we're asking for. We will still not be anywhere near the top. We're not I don't want to be number one. I don't
want to be the highest collector. Um but I do want to be in the in the ball game uh to cover that gap. And I would love to be able to keep these small increases as opposed to 15% like we had to last year. So here's our steps tonight. As we said,
first reading uh second reading in a month, October when it would go into effect and then why would come to you each summer in probably June or July and request the uh the CPI increase. Any questions?
If I can just add, you know, this is this is this isn't driven by any of the November election stuff. This is our standard EMS billing. Uh we did an increase in 2020 and then of course last year we did a large increase. So what we're what we're
really trying to do is is smooth any large increases out. Um but this has no ties to any of the November stuff. So just FYI. >> Thank you. Council, open up for discussion. >> Great presentation, Chief. No questions, sir.
>> No questions. >> Remind me again the nonthalorum tax is only for fire and not paramedics or >> Yeah, it only covers fire. It won't cover EMS. >> So, help me understand kind of the point
because we're we're charging residents >> property tax. >> We're only So, this is an on demand. So, this is only you are only getting a fee, right? You call 911, we show up, and we take you. >> Got it. >> That's That's it. Correct. >> It's So we're charging client or residents a property tax for paramedic
service. >> Yes, sir. >> And Right. And so we have some individuals paying thousands of dollars already for the property tax. >> We are now and I'm just this is I I understand the importance of this and I'm just trying to think from a hypothetical side of thing and and
>> big big thinking here. Um, and now we're also and we have been charging for that service when you do take them to the hospital or whatever. >> Where do you draw that line >> on one we got to have it just so we have
all the equipment and services and stuff and two >> when it's needed. >> So, excellent question. So basically this is just part of us doing business and as the price of our service continues to go up because it has never gone down. I've been in this industry
for 34 years and I've never seen it get cheaper to operate. Everything is driven by in my opinion largely by fuel cost and right now everything gets moved around by fuel cost and right now everything is more expensive than I've ever I'm in the wrong industry. I should be selling fire trucks. So for us to
stay competitive and the biggest deal before I even got here was switching to that private collection agency that that third party because now we're capturing so much more. >> When you're saying stay competitive who you're competing against >> just with our own fees like we're still
nowhere near what it cost to run a call. Like we're thousands away from what what we need to gather back. What percentage of your cost to make a run is covered by property tax? >> Oh geez, that's a good question. I wouldn't even be g I wouldn't even make
an educated guess on that, sir. >> Yeah. To me, that's an very interesting number. >> No, no, agree. >> What that would be and where do we >> Should it be 50%, should it be 60%, what do you in your mind, >> what percentage do you think it should be? >> I would say you're in the ballpark right
there, honestly. Um, it's uh it is an interesting topic to be quite honest with you. I just for us like I said it's it's a unfortunately a losing industry. >> Private private I mean government shouldn't be it is should not be
>> and uh fire rescue specifically because we have no other way to generate revenue other than this and fire inspection fees. >> Correct. >> And and it's um it's hard to keep up to be honest with you because then I just have to come back to you during budget time and ask for more money. We're just we have decisions to make here in the
next 18 months and and trying to figure out what is that ethical right >> way. >> For me it's it's once again it's this um >> I'd rather smooth it over like Mr. Allan said as opposed to coming to you every 3 or four years and go I need 12% increase
which sounds so jolting that number and keep it in a in you know 2 to 3% as CPI would be and then this way we can at least kind of bridge the gap a little bit between what Medicare allowable is and what we are able to capture from a
recovery standpoint. So should we as council members expect the same out of firefighters on union contracts not to exceed 12% 10% 5%. >> If I was a union member a pays doing doing a union member I would give you that answer. No no agreed agreed. >> No further questions.
>> Nope. Thank you. >> Um did you make that presentation? >> Uh yeah kind of >> man that was that was impressive. There was a lot of graphs and charts on there. It was really good. Um, >> I mean the numbers are mine and the
numbers I I dig up and some late hours the past few days to, you know, >> it was really good. I had one question that just out of curiosity was several sides back >> there was a cost for just the paramedic and then there was a cost if the fire engine there. >> Yep.
>> Is that in addition to the 182 the two or is that the total? >> No, that's just my hourly. Those two blue boxes are just the hourly of the personnel. >> Okay. And they're both you're getting both. >> Well, we're paying for our work. >> So, certain calls, references come in like if you call 911 and it all depends
on my staffing as well. So, if I my minimum is three on the engine and two on the rescue. So, most days I have three on the rescue. So, it's going to be probably the rescue will be able to ride alone cuz they won't need those extra bodies. But, it comes in as a as a higher referenced ALS call like a trouble breathing, a chest pain,
whatever, a car accident. We have to run the engine as well. >> And you said about 60 70%. Is that what you said? Uh it dep yeah for three people yeah I'm I'm over half. >> Um I've got a couple people out right now. So it's been a little thinner lately, but when I'm full staffed I'm at I'm at six mo most days.
>> Okay. >> And which which there's some other numbers out there that I didn't put in here. It's called unit availability which is good for us. When I have that third person, and I'm not asking for it. I'm just saying when I have that third person on the rescue, the engine can stay available. So now I can run simultaneous calls and I just wait for
mutual aid for that second rescue if there is indeed a transport on that second call. So there is a benefit to us as a village to h not having to worry about mutual or automatic aid from another agency. >> Okay. No, I don't have any other questions. I I get it. Um I think it's
better to smoothly get there than to get that big hit. >> I I mean it's it's it's a tough ask no matter what because it always sounds like, you know, I'm wanting more, but I don't want to ask for 15%. >> No, nobody does. >> Right. and and since we are the way we are as a village coverage wise with
insurance and supplementals and AFLAC and all that I think a lot of this is going to be be absorbed and and no disagreement with insurance hikes I get that but um I don't think it's going to change what you pay out of pocket uh when it comes to somebody nobody's going to be chasing you for a bill for $28
so >> thank you chief >> you got it >> great presentation thank you because I know when we met on Tuesday I was like chief where's the data I need the data what are the fees received cost incurred. >> Can I record that so you can I can show that share that with my wife tonight? >> Sure. Yeah.
>> So, you answered all those questions. Thank you. Um the only question mark still for me though is like the bottom bottom line which council member Stone brought up is like you know with the uh funding from property taxes and you know the the general fund and this like what's that bottom bottom line like? Are
we going to be in the red if we don't do this? It's it's cuz again like we we have to be able to justify >> understood >> on all those angles especially with you know um the conversations going on right now politically with the reform coming up. So you said you don't have that
answer. I don't know. I mean it'd be nice to just kind of understand that. >> Um again that's good information for us to have as we're talking to constituents and >> and I can have it ready. I can get some more information numbers wise for a second reading if you'd like and and I'll be able to answer those questions. >> I think we have the time. There's a
second reading. So, if you could gather that, I think that'll uh make me a bit more uh comfortable to use. >> And I'm I'm about a half a million dollars in collections right now to compare to when we didn't have the collection agency. >> Um I was in the threes. So, we're up
substantially with this company and it it behooves them to do a good job as we talked about the other day. >> Yeah. >> You know. >> Yeah. Well, and then I see we raise these fees and then the write off the big number we're seeing on the next agenda item that's going to be even bigger. Not I mean it shouldn't be because of the new but you know I mean
it could also backfire >> just trying to capture capturing the money that we have out there you know Medicare allowable is is the biggest thing I just don't want to leave money on the table um when it definitely is going to help the village and not even regardless of what happens in November. Um most agencies do this and they do
about the same way. There's really no automatics out there and automatic is probably a bad word. Uh it's more of a bring it to you again and and vote on it each year and I have no issue with that. So, this does say automatic, so we can remove that. >> I I have no issue with that. I'd love to make it automatic, like my fire inspection fees, but I totally
understand the the volatility of the topic. So, I have no problem removing that. >> So, would council want to strike that from the automatic or does is council comfortable with the automatic adjustments and not coming back to us every year?
>> I'm fine with it. I thought that was the intent. Yeah. >> And and it generally is, but like I said, if if if you want to review each year, I have no issue with it. >> Like in my mind, I envision if it is automatic during the budget process when we review the budget, we'll we'll report
that kind of like what we did with storm water. We told our um trash and refugees and recycling and put up a screen said it's going to be 4.71% for CPI. >> You know, speak now forever, hold your peace, and we just bring it forward as long as there's no issues. So during the budget process, if it continues to be
automatic, um during the budget process, we'll report CPI's 3%. That's what we intend to go up with C EMS. And during that budget process, you guys can say, uh I'm not comfortable with that this year because of, you know, whatever the circumstances is. So you'll have an opportunity if just because it's automatic doesn't mean you won't have a
chance to say no. >> Yeah. >> I mean, would it be like the resolution we just did for WM? >> Exactly like that. >> Oh, right. Okay. Yeah, that's good with that. Um, can you pull up the chart again that showed all the different uh fire departments and Yes. What some of
the ones that are on the lower end are really big outfits. So, how are they and I can't imagine that their costs per call >> much basically it's basically going to be the same roughly the same but once
again I spoke to West Palm Bokeh Palm Beach County and who else was there? There was a very small meeting today, but they told me that my numbers are very conservative. And so they also get something, and I just learned about this today because we really don't have
an impact here. And maybe Mr. Allen can expand on it, that PEMT money, which is you get more when you have more um Medicaid, you'll get reimbursed more of your what you're spending per call when because Medicaid doesn't pay. So you're
running a lot of calls in some of these other cities that there's no recovery. there's no collection in any way and that's where they're getting that money back. So, they may not have to charge as much because they're getting a lot of money back automatic like through the federal government or through the state government because of Medicaid uh
Medicaid coverage. >> Got it. Okay. >> And if you notice some of those other than maybe Highland Beach, they all have areas that would have higher Medicaid numbers than we do. >> Okay, that makes sense. And then the 8% of people that would bear the full cost
and and you said 6% are uninsured. >> Yeah, somewhere between six and eight. Sorry. >> Six and eight. So I mean usually those that are uninsured are could possibly be financially struggling because they can't afford to pay for health >> insurance uh medical insurance. Do we
work with pe like especially if pe you know we're going to increase on cost on people potentially that >> are struggling financially. Do we work with people on payment plans? Like you can pay like if you pay it off in a year, pay X amount each quarter. Do we work with them?
>> That's going to be your question for EMSMC, but I can definitely our collection people, but I can definitely find out for you. >> I would like to know that >> that that percentage is based on the population. Correct. Correct. >> Not based on the cost. >> No, there's a difference there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So they might not have
>> but we're very like it could be just somebody that just doesn't want to carry insurance and there's people out there that are like that that just don't want to have healthcare >> and uh there's not many I think the number was less than 240 or something like that inside the village. So >> yeah that that would be good to know. to the um
you know tying um or closing the loop with the numbers with um how property tax revenue um ties into this and then yeah I'd be nice to know if if someone's financially struggling if they work out payment >> plans I'm sure there's a plan uh you know if they're going to they'll get
anything they can from people these are bill collectors it's just like anybody else that that does that for a living they're going to they'd rather have something than nothing so I'm sure there is but I will find out exactly what that is >> I appreciate that All right. Any other council questions? Any public comment cards? Oh, any public
comment? All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> Was that to leave the automatic on or not? So, just make sure we're >> Yeah. So long as it comes like a resolution like at WM just did >> right >> today. Yeah, that I think that's fine.
So, we're still seeing it. Yeah. >> Did you make a motion? >> Is there a motion? >> Uh, so moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. >> Great. Agenda item, what are we on? 20 24 resolution 07-26,
which is a write off on uncollectible EMS transportation fees. So you will see attach resolution 726 allowing for the village of the Questa to write off uncollectible EMS transport fees dates ranging from 2021 to 2023
including a few from early 24 which is when EMSMC became our provider for collections. Uh these accounts represent older outstanding items from Toquesta Fire Rescue's prior internal EMS billing process. the village had some turnover and there was issues with internal
billing and so that's when we decided to go outside. Most of these are Medicare and there was an issue with um how we reported and timeliness and the other ones are let's see non-reoverable which
somebody is deceased and then no foring information they just can't find somebody. So basically our internal people from 2021 to 23 early 24 have done their due diligence multiple times of contact inside and we had and I'm
still learning the history. We had multiple people that were doing this job and Mr. Allen if you want to expand on that. There was some turnover there. Firefighter Wickert who was hired to do that then got hired as a firefighter was doing it on his days off. So, we basically had a part-time bill
collecting staff and it wasn't working. So, we're leaving a lot of money on the table. That is this write off is specifically why we went to a bill collection agency so we could capture the most amount of money back from our EMS transport fees. Um, it is a big number, but as a result of this, this
should be the last time that we have to do this with any substantial dollar signs. going forward with EMSMC managing this process and accounts being pursued more promptly, write-offs would be expected to be substantially lower. Um, the write-offs, uh, this is for
recordeping and it does not con constitute a forgiveness waiver or abandonment. What they do is they end up going to another like a real collection agency, but it's a very minimal collection rate that they'll get out of this big number. I was told 10%. Which I'd be thrilled to get something out of
it, especially since it's five and six years old. Um, but yeah, this is just moving forward. I just we kind of want to put this in our review mirror and move forward. >> So, >> thank you council. Any comments or questions? >> I have not. >> No, I would ask if I had.
>> Good. >> I have none. Thank you. >> I have not. Thank you. >> Any comment cards? Nope. Any public comment? Nope. All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> So move. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you, chief. You can go home now.
>> Agenda item 25. Approve setting the proposed maximum adorum millage rate for the village of Dquesta for fiscal year 2026 through 2027 at a rate of 6.4595 per,000 of assessed value. and setting
the public uh budget hearings on September 10th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. and September 17th, 2026, 5:30 p.m. >> So, I I made this PowerPoint myself, Patrick, Mr. Painter. Um, but um I I put
this slide up there. She has read that. Uh the other part I want to just add is that, you know, with a new with a new bill that was signed, and I think we talked about this a little bit, there is new voting requirements. Um and so in order to pass a millage rate um there's
some different different votes setting on the millage rate. So with our current mill rate um these are the the criteria that you'd have to go for. So for up a millage rate up to 6.1150 simple majority vote a millage rate up to 6.7265
2/3 of the vote. So for us it'd be 41. In the past we would just had to have a majority just a majority. Um for our millage rate we'd have to have a 4 to one vote. Anything over 6.7265, you need a unanimous vote of the governing body. So, it's important early in this process
that we uh kind of are on the same page when it comes to, you know, where we're setting the maximum millage rate can always go down from here. You just can't go up. Um and so just make sure that we everybody understands the, you know, the voting criteria.
So, if we were to go back to the >> the roll back rate, u we'd lose an estimate or up to 6.11 where we could only get a majority vote, uh we'd be losing $779,000 to our current budget, we'd have to trim if we just if we were just going for a
majority vote. So, that's it. Any questions? >> Thank you. Council, any comments or questions? >> No, ma'am. >> Nope. I'm none. None. Any public comment, card? Any public comment? All >> right. Is there a motion to approve?
>> I'll make that motion with a second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Right. And the final agenda item tonight, agenda item 26, annual performance review of our village manager, Jeremy Allen. So, um, usually how I like to do this, I
council let everyone speak and and give their review, performance review, and then we can talk the nitty-gritty after that. So, I will open the floor. Council, >> mayor, you do have a comment for this one, too. Hopefully, it's positive or not.
>> Hopefully. Um, no. I I think that um Jeremy does a great job. Um, I think he touches all his requirements, um, kind of his key measurement areas and and again, as I've always said, and
I've said this to him before, um, Jeremy helps me and makes me a better council person and make sure that I'm always prepared. um gives it comes up with alternative opportunities, comes up with uh different ways of seeing things is kind of the point to my counterpoint. Um
and I just think you're doing a great job. So, thank you. >> Let's see. Measuring the past year, I say you've been doing a great job at being proactive with things coming our way, whether it was legislative things,
um obviously what's coming in November. I know you and Jeff are working on possible whatifs and I just like that you're always kind of thinking ahead just in case and be proactive versus reactive. I have had concerns throughout the year,
but as usual, you are always open to taking our calls or meeting with us at any time, and I appreciate that. And I hope you just keep doing that. Always having your door open for residents who are upset or concerned or have questions or us who are confused or want to figure
out ways we can make the village better with planning. Um, you're still on that same path with planning. And I like that cuz when you first came in you there was no plan from the previous village essentially. So I like that you are still on that path. Don't lose that
path. Um stay humble. If you never don't get humbled I will humble you. I promise. Um I do like that again you're keeping us consistent and on one page. I know we get little memo updates for us
and if one is asking for clarification on something you are pretty good about sending it to all of us saying hey this was asked and here's information so that way we come prepared and we can make the best decisions possible for our village people. So stay on that path and just
make sure you stay humble and honest and always keep your door open. >> That's it. I've had the privilege of probably hiring over a hundred people. Um, and I would say you've been my best hire um that I've been a part of and I know Lori was part of that as well. Um,
however, I've only got to work with you like three months this this year. So, you know, I have like a a quarter of a of an opinion here. Um, I think your contract is coming up in a year or so. Um, and and I know there's a lot coming
up and I'd make a recommendation that we try to lock Jeremy in before November. Um, and if if you were open to it and the council's open to it, maybe renegotiate your contract for another four years, but have it done before November. Um, just because of everything
going on, I I I would like to have kind of synergy there. Um, and I think that'd be something wise for us to do. >> Yep. I would agree. I had that written down as well for the nitty-gritty part of the conversation. >> Well, and I agreed as well. Um, every
time we do these, I think about how awkward it would be if you weren't doing a good job, >> but that'll be fun. >> Would not. >> Lucky for you, you're doing a great job. So, um, yeah, I I will second what everybody else has said, but also just going through the
criteria. I mean, leadership, um, staff seems to really enjoy working with you. We obviously I enjoy working with you. Um you're extremely communicative which I really appreciate. Um I'm regularly late to Zoom meetings and you wait so I
appreciate that as well. Although you did it to me this week so we're even. >> Um >> and yeah, I mean just getting us prepared for this meeting. There's a lot of stuff um and just getting you know perspective and context is very helpful
for the meeting. So really appreciate that. Um fiscal responsibility. Love how proactive you're being. Um with hopefully what won't happen, but you know, a real possibility of the property tax really affecting how our little
local government does business. And I love how you're getting doing everything you can to try to think about how that might look and get ahead of it to the extent you can if it if it does happen. Uh which I think goes all to the to the creativity side. You know, you're you're
thinking outside the box. Um I mean I like this has been a big year obviously but Questa Park I mean it's so so big and um I know that was a lot of people's you know maybe came up with that idea but the fact that you know you
pursued it the way you did I mean that is going to be such an awesome asset for our village and so really really big um everything else I think you do a great job so fully for whatever where Molly would like to talk about.
>> So, I align with what all of council said. Um, you definitely excel at all five of the performance expectations criteria that um were in your contract. Uh, I think, you know, we've built a really good working relationship over
the past five and a half years. We talk multiple times a week. Um, if there's any, you know, room for improvement anywhere, we talk about it immediately. Adjustments are made. Um, so we would never get to a point where it's his annual performance review and it's like
we got a problem. Um, and again that's because of the leader you are and you're willing to have those conversations and take that feedback and um, make improvements because all of us constantly should always be improving. Um, these three are for looking forward for this next year. None of this is
going to be a surprise to you. at a micro level. Um, I think we should keep improving on just the consistency with code enforcement as well as uh communication with staff, making sure staff's all the same page and communicating the same message to
public. We've really improved on that this year and I think we can keep doing that. Um I personally it's one of the issues I hear about from residents the most with uh frustration and then um funding solutions you know especially if the property tax even if the property
tax reform doesn't pass just looking at ways to um you know we always talk about well capital projects are not going to happen eventually capital projects have to happen so how can we um figure out funding solutions to where we're not
always you know delaying or just not even doing any capital projects. At a ma macro level, how can we get in that growth versus scaling mindset? Um, especially if property tax reform passes, you know, the the private uh
entity, private businesses that, you know, they all are scaling. Everyone wants to scale their business. So, how can the government do that? How, you know, can we get that mindset? So, again, this is nothing negative. This is just um food for thought for things that I think all of us should be thinking of
um next year. Fantastic job. So, thank you. Thank you for everything you do for our community. Um so, the nitty-gritty. So, per uh Jeremy's contract, he gets the same percentage increase on his salary as the
non-union employees, which I believe is 3% this year. Correct? Is that still the budget? >> And then, um we've always given him a bonus. I suggest um 18,000 this year. I know last year was 17,000. I'm open to conversation on that, of course. Uh
again, I would like to talk about uh if Jeremy is interested in this extending his contract another four years now, not waiting um until, you know, the end of his contract. Um yeah, and that's about it. So, what
what are your thoughts, council? I guess regarding the contract, what would the timeline look like if it were to be bumped up a year? >> What do you mean? >> So, let's say we renewed it tonight. What would the years be?
>> There's one year left on the current contract. Um, the way the council did it the last time >> you um did a four-year a new four-year term that began when the prior four-year
term ended. So, if you did the same thing, if you uh then the new four-year term would start in 2027. >> Okay. >> The only question I have >> is there anything in the contract that we would want to renegotiate?
>> That's up to Does everyone have a copy of the contract? I mean, this could be if if we want to go down this road, this would be maybe another conversation. I was not here for negotiating the first contract, the full terms. I've been here for all the amendments. Um, so if we're really taking a look, if there's
something we want to look at, >> I'm just if there's anything that Jeremy would want to open up or not. I mean, there's a couple things probably. >> So, it's worth taking a look at. I mean, I haven't really I mean, I didn't know this was coming tonight, um, per se. So, um, but typically the process would be you guys would authorize the mayor to
negotiate would mean we'd have a meeting before the next meeting and then that that would come and we can do the the bonus part as we have in the past where we do it and then it comes back for a resolution or in consent agenda. So, it's already done, but the the the actual contracting tweaks of that, you
guys would authorize the mayor to negotiate with me and then we' we'd figure out what that looks like and it would come back. And and the bonus was structured in a way when we hired Jeremy that we were basically underpaid per the market >> and it was based on performance
>> driven to then get them up to the market basically in theory >> and I remember it was a percentage of the budget right 0001 of the general fund. >> So what is the max that you can get? I don't know for this this year. >> What's our general fund? 20 21.
>> It's right around $21 million. So 21,00 I number but >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. I just wanted to point that out to me. >> It was a decrease in salary >> with a with a merit-based bonus based on
performance. And and because of that, that's where I would be more leaning towards is getting going to the maximum amount, >> the full 0001 of the general fund. based on all the comments I heard tonight. >> I'm I'm I'm in agreement with that. I agree.
>> I'm good with that. >> So, that would be my motion along with giving you the permission to negotiate with them for the next contract. >> Is there is there anything Well, I guess if How does that work? So, I'm negotiating it and then we bring it back to council and they say or nay.
>> Yep. >> Basically. Okay. If you guys are good with that. Yeah, >> I'm good with that. >> That was my motion. >> I'll second. >> I need to take public comment. I KNOW I HAVE A PUBLIC comment card. >> Then I might hold my motion then because I'm comment
>> Lori. Is there a public comment card? >> Yes, there is. Scott Reynolds. >> I was glad to hear all the positive comments. Uh Scott Reynolds, I live at 370 Oak Avenue. Uh I've been a village quest residence to since 2012. Uh I've
only been to the uh uh council meeting twice uh in my residency. One when my son was very small, wanted to see how local government worked and I brought him to the council meeting. Uh I will tell you some things about Jeremy that I've already told him in private. I did
not realize his uh uh uh evaluation was this evening. So I see I see an opportunity to vocalize what I've already told Jeremy. Uh in my tenure being with the village, uh I've seen a transformation. Uh specifically starting when Jeremy started here, uh the you see
sidewalks being put in, you see roads being paved, uh things such as small things that most people don't even recognize that uh you know, swailes being dug out, uh storm drains, making sure that when uh before a storm gets here, you see workers out cleaning out
the storm drains. Very important. there's roads that flood as you're aware uh when if they're not cleaned out, but he's making sure that the uh the workers are out doing that. That's very very important. Those are the small things. Uh some of the bigger things that I've
noticed uh I'm I'm the CFO for the town of Jupiter, so I get to interact with uh Jeremy on a regular basis. Uh he's always at all the meetings uh to gather data to bring back to you all uh to help educate. Uh that's very very important.
uh you have a very professional manager here at the town. I'm very pleased to see that uh talking about what's going to be coming up on the ballot in November. Uh it's going to be very important to have a professional manager at the helm uh to help during that time. If if it does pass, if it does, it's
going to uh it's going to transform local government, especially for smaller jurisdictions like Dquesta. Uh but I just want to say, you know, uh the council uh you all do a very thankless job. Uh, thank you for your service as well. Uh, you're really unpaid uh,
volunteers. I get it. I've been in this business for 35 years, so I've seen a lot of really good managers and and and I see that in Jeremy as well. Uh, and what he's doing for the community cuz you give the vision, he has to implement it. Uh, and I can see it being
implemented across the village and, uh, allowing for opportunities for us as residents. And, uh, just wanted to take this opportunity. I've already told Jeremy these things in private cuz I want to make sure he was aware of it. Uh even just walking into the village, uh you get a different greeting than you
did uh 12 years ago. Uh the staff is is is has been upgraded. I'm not trying to say anything bad about or negative about the previous staff. It's just there's a different feel when you walk into the village hall. Uh and I I know it's uh attributable to Jeremy and the standard
that he's setting for staff uh and the expectations of of the community. So, thank you, Jeremy, for for what you're doing for the uh village. >> Awesome. I was ready to give you another three minutes if you ran past your time. >> Thank you. Thank you for your comments
tonight. We appreciate that. >> Great. >> All right. And on Oh, now we do. Yeah. Is there a motion? Uh Kyle, do you want to restate the motion? So, my motion is to um for Jeremy for his bonus based on merit to be at the maximum level possible and then to give the mayor
permission to negotiate his next contract. >> I'll second that. All in favor? >> I >> All right. On to any other matters. Council, >> I have nothing. >> I have nothing. >> Uh nothing here. >> I have nothing.
>> Um I want to bring up one item. As you guys have probably uh seen in the news and other outlets, um the BCC was talking about potentially doing um charging a fee for parking at the county
beaches. So, right now it seems like it's tabled. They said they're not going to look into residents um a resident fee, but I wanted to see if council wanted to be proactive. But we'll a see what council feels about uh a beach
parking fee because that would impact Coral Cove and then um things could change. You know, they could decide to talk about it again. So, do we want to be proactive and maybe have a letter or resolution if we need to use it down the road depending on how council feels about the beach parking fee since it
will impact our residents at Coral Cove? >> I think it's an awful idea and I'm happy to put a letter to send to the anybody thinks it's a good idea. Yeah. Um, 100%. >> In general, I am fully opposed a beach fee. However, I have not exactly looked
in detail at their budget and where they're putting their money. So, that's just my personal opinion. I don't like it, but I haven't seen all their facts either. >> Yeah, I'm opposed to any beach parking fees. >> So, so I guess the question here would be, and we don't need to do a
resolution, long as we have consensus, we write a letter. You know, my idea since they've came out publicly and said that they were not in support of residents paying that. I mean, do we want to have a letter or you guys authorize me to write a letter in case it becomes active an active
conversation, we won't have to wait till the next meeting. So, if we can get consensus just to hold the letter and then obviously I would let you guys know before I even sent out a letter if it started getting them. We'd have conversations at least internally. But if we got a consensus to move forward with that, then I can I can draft a
letter and have it ready in case we need it. >> Yeah, that that was my intent. I definitely don't want to send it. But I want to just have it ready and have the consensus among us so we can if we need to. >> And it would be on behalf of the mayor because you guys are authorized. I'm going to write the letter, but it's going to be, you know, she's going to be
acting on the behalf of the council for it. So, >> and is that consensus with this is okay? >> I'm fine with consensus. I'm just looking for all all heads to nod. fine without opposing it. >> Okay. >> All right. Great. With that, can I get a
motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> I just got to shut down. I can't. >> You got a show for me. >> I do have some food. It's late. >> Take a break. She uh