05-11-1998 Special MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Miami Shores Village Council held a Special Council Meeting on Monday, May 11, 1'998 at
the Village Hall, commencing at 11:00 AM with the following members present:,
PRESENT:
Mayor Agosta
Michael Boyle
Lows Imburgia
''Stephen Loffredo
ALSO PRESS: Tom Benton
Barbara A. Fugazzi
Richard Sarafan
ABSENT: Cesar Sastre
CONSIDERATIONS:
1) .DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE SETTLEMENT
PAYOUT OF MICHAEL R. COUZZO, JR.
Mr. Sarafan indicated that he had reviewed Mr. Couzzo's contract and addendums, as well as
discussed the particulars of the contract with both Patricia Varney and Michael Couzzo. Mr.
Sarafan stated that there was a discrepancy noted within the addendum and the supporting
documents but that it is his recommendation that the Village payout six months of severance pay
plus the other benefits Mr. Couzzo is entitled to based on the contract provisions. Additionally,
Mr. Sarafan stated that he had drawn up two releases which wi l need to be executed by Mr.
Couzzo prior to releasing the funds.
Mr. Sarafan stated that he had asked Council members for their comments on whether Mr;
Couzzo was terthinated with or without cause, and had not received any response.
Mr. Imburgia moved to approve the payout of Michael Couzzo's benefits as outlined, based on
the recommendations of the Village' Attorney as stated, and to transfer funds in the amount of
$23,759.38 froin.the Marketing Department to the Village Manager Department to accommodate
the payout. Mx.'uBoyle seconded the motion.
Mr. Loffredo questioned the need to have a statement regarding the releases within the motion.
Mr. Imburgia. clarified his motion, indicated that it was inclusive of all of the Attorney's
recommendations.
A brief discussion regarding the vacation benefit payout, as well as the Village's general
u;p
ensued. It was ironfurmed that the payout was per the provisions of the contract.
It was also confirmed that if Mr. Couzzo did not'sign the releases, the funds would not be
released.
Mr. Boyle asked whether or not "releases" should be made a part of any future contracts
Village Managers. M. Sarafan indicated that such a clause should not be included in con mets,
but reviewed on a case by case basis when contracts are terminated.
Mayor Agostacalled for the vote which was unanimous in favor:
2) PUBLIC COMMENT
No one stepped forward for public ctSnment.
3) - COUNCJL COMMENT
Stephen Loffredo
Louis Imburgia
Michael Boyle
Mayor Agosta
No Comment
No Cotnment
No Comment 7.
4) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Agosta stated that this is a difficult time for the Village and
reminded everyone that we are friends and neighbors.
The Special Meeting of the Village C tincil, held on May 11, 1998, was adjourned at 11:15 AM. ,
Mary Ross Agosta; Mayor
Barbara A. Fugazzi, CMC
Village Clerk