Michelle Gload

The meeting commenced with a call to order, noting the Mayor was participating via Zoom. Key agenda items included the addition and renumbering of an item to consider temporary construction activity outside of regular hours for roof replacement at Valerie Village Square. The consent agenda was approved. Citizen communication involved a follow-up regarding the Quiet Zone application status, with staff explaining delays due to ongoing funding and legal processes involving Bright Line and FDOT. Another citizen raised concerns about the negative impacts of the Jupiter Narrows Conservation Alliance (JNCA) plan, particularly regarding massive breakwaters, urging the Village to object. A representative from JNCA countered, detailing widespread community and legislative support for their project, the rigorous permitting process by experts, and fundraising success. Council communications highlighted praise for staff's temporary repair work on a chasm on Cross the Drive. Standing reports covered updates from the Village Attorney, Village Manager (including approval for a maintenance building plan at Tquesta Park, the launch of a villagewide survey, and updates on water treatment master plan analysis and perchlorate regulation monitoring), Police Department (increased patrols, community outreach at Hannah's Home, and firearm safety classes), and Utilities Director (updates on Stover Ditch project completion, planning for FY26 storm water pipelining, progress on Well 28 design and construction, membrane replacement at the water plant ahead of schedule, and water main replacement work).

The Planning and Zoning Board meeting addressed the infrastructure Surtax Oversight Committee's annual expenditure report for fiscal year 2025, noting that the Surtax sunseted on December 31, 2025. A major discussion topic involved the application from Tquesta Country Club (SPM08-25) for a site plan modification concerning improvements and landscape enhancements to the main clubhouse and cart barn, which requires a special exception. The presentation detailed the design by Leoa Daily Architects, emphasizing improved functionality, coastal architectural style, the shifting of the building's location, and detailed landscaping plans, including preserving existing trees and adding native landscape buffers. The construction plan involving temporary trailers, a temporary cart storage tent, and relocation of the pro shop was also reviewed. The board approved the Surtax expenditure report in accordance with state statute.

The meeting involved a detailed review of several site plans for the Tquesta Country Club renovation project, which is phased over time. Key discussions focused on Phase One improvements, specifically the demolition and rebuilding of the cafe, the relocation and construction of maintenance facilities, and the addition of new pickleball courts. Discussions covered architectural consistency, screening, landscaping buffers utilizing native plants, and operational efficiency enhancements. Board members raised specific questions regarding hurricane wind load resistance for metal buildings, the color of concrete walls, screening visibility from adjacent residences, and noise mitigation measures related to the new pickleball courts. The board ultimately voted to recommend approval of the site plan modification (SPM07-25) to the village council, contingent upon specified conditions outlined in the staff report, such as providing civil plans for impervious areas, drainage calculations, and construction staging plans prior to permit issuance.

The council meeting included an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by a presentation from a school board member discussing the district's achievements and programs. The council also recognized the village clerk for receiving the Florida Certified Professional Clerk certification. Discussions covered a parking agreement involving Constitution Park and a local church, as well as concerns raised by citizens, including garbage pickup issues and damage to lawns by large trucks. Council members provided updates on various topics, such as contractor cleanliness, solicitor activity, and the progress of the Dequesta Park local bill.

The Environmental Advisory Committee meeting included a presentation by the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation regarding the oyster habitat recycling restoration program. The program focuses on collecting shells from local restaurants, curing them for six months, and then using the recycled shells for locally based restoration efforts. The presentation covered the importance of oysters as a keystone species, their role in filtering water, providing habitat, stabilizing shorelines, and sequestering carbon. The discussion also addressed the challenges of sediment loading in the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Loxahatchee River and how vertical oyster gardens can help mitigate these issues.