08-31-2006 VC SP-Mu
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
AUGUST 31, 2006
Present:
David B. Norris, Mayor
Dr. Edward M. Eissey, Vice Mayor
William Manuel, President Pro Tem
Charles R. O'Meilia, Councilman
Judy Pierman, Councilman
Mark Bates, Village Manager
Glen Torcivia, Village Attorney
Christine Wilcott, Deputy Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. All members of Council were present.
All members of staff were present.
PURPOSE OF THE MEETING
The purpose of the meeting was_t_o_consider_and_take action concerning_the_lease_agreement_to
conduct Food and Beverage Operations at the Village of North Palm Beach Country Club
Restaurant.
Village Attorney Glen Torcivia reviewed options available in regard to the request from Eddie
D'Ambra to terminate the restaurant operations lease of J.E.D.L., Inc. and assign the lease to
Peas and Carrots Concessions, Inc., Mr. Randy Epstein, President. During discussion, Mr.
Torcivia explained that if all parties were agreeable then the lease could be terminated and the
remaining two years could be renegotiated with amended language or a new lease could be
written. Mr. Torcivia stated that the Village did not have to go out to bid as Mr. D'Ambra was
asking for the termination before the lease expired and had a recommendation for a replacement.
Mr. D'Ambra stated that he would not agree to terminate the J.E.D.L. lease if a lease was not
agreed upon with Mr. Epstein.
Village Manager Mark Bates distributed a schedule that showed the deposits held by the Village
and the financial obligations owed by J.E.D.L., Inc. Mr. D'Ambra responded that he is willing
to pay what is owed. Mr. Bates clarified that the deposit amount on the schedule does not
include any interest accrued, but would be included. Mr. D'Ambra said he would assist in the
transition.
Mr. Randy Epstein, President and CEO of Peas & Carrots Catering, Inc. d/b/a Continental
Catering, told the Council he wants to fulfill the remaining 2 years of the restaurant lease.
Mr. Epstein said he plans to do renovations such as painting, cleaning and/or replacing the
carpeting, re-varnishing the bar, cleaning and/or replacing the kitchen equipment and doing other
refurbishing and decorating.
Vice Mayor Eissey moved that if the parties agree, the Village terminates the existing lease with
J.E.D.L., Inc. and re-negotiates a new lease with Peas and Carrots Concessions, Inc. for the
balance of the remaining 2 years, to include that renovations and updates to the existing facilities
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION AUGUST 31, 2006
be performed and that any existing bookings be honored; and providing that the Village has
• come to an agreement with the previous tenant on the past due amount and all outstanding
financial obligations be paid and settled in full. Councilman Manuel seconded the motion.
During further discussion Mr. D'Ambra restated that he and his wife would agree to terminate
the existing lease only if the Council enters into a new lease with Mr. Epstein. Discussion took
place regarding reassignment of the existing lease. Mr. Torcivia explained that if the lease was
reassigned then J.E.D.L., Inc. would still be responsible. Mr. Epstein stated he needed a
minimum time of 2 years to make the improvements and after the two years be considered as a
bidder or to re-negotiate the lease for a longer term. Mr. Torcivia explained the process for
implementing the terminated and new agreements.
The motion passed 4-1. Mayor Norris, Vice Mayor Eissey, President Pro Tem Manuel and
Councilman Pierman voted aye and Councilman O'Meilia opposed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Christine Wilcott, Deputy Village Clerk
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