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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08172004 WorkshopHOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL FY200412005 BUDGET WORKSHOP TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2004 - 6:00 P.M. MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. Mayor McCollum called the Budget Workshop to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. ROLL CALL City Council Present: Mayor Nathan McCollum Vice-Mayor Joe Barczyk Councilmember Ray Coniglio Councilmember Mike Heptinstall Councilmember Lisanne Monier Staff Present: City Manager, Terrence Moore City Attorney, Rich Stringer City Clerk, Sally Maio Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams Airport Director, Jason Milewski Airport Intern, Ryan Denner Building Director, Wayne Eseltine Finance Director, Shai Francis Human Resources Director, Jim Sexton General Services Administrator, Paul Wagner Golf Course Director, Greg Gardner Growth Management Director, Tracy Hass Police Chief, James Davis Police Lieutenant, Michelle Morris Police Lieutenant, Greg Witt Police Lieutenant, Bob Lockhart Public Works Director, Terry Hill Stormwater Engineer, Ken Jones Public Works Superintendent, Jerry Converse Parks Superintendent, Chris McCarthy Garage Superintendent, Pete Socci Head Garage Mechanic, Steve Jennings Budget Workshop August 17, 2004 Page Two FY2004/2005 BUDGET A. Openinq Comments - City Mana,qer The City Manager began stating this is the fourth continuous year for the operating millage rate to remain at 4.5904 due to the growth of the City and conservative budget practices. The total budget estimate is over $21.7 million which includes general revenue, grant funds and enterprise funds. He further clarified that only 15% of this budget comes from property taxes. Endorsement Presentation, Sebastian Budqet Advisory Committee - Chairman Chairman Richard Smith presented the Budget Advisory Committee's comments. (see report attached) C. Department Goals, Objectives, and Pro.qrams, Fiscal Year 2005 Mayor McCollum noted personnel costs have gone up 29%, advised that he is not inclined to cut any personnel costs at this time, but that the City should be looking at other insurance opportunities available in the future. ADMINISTRATION 1 ) CITY CLERK/COUNCIL Sally Maio, City Clerk presented her department's accomplishments and goals; and responded to an inquiry about the increase of $1800 in Council travel, noting it was the inclusion of the monthly expense allowance which may now have to come out. 2) GENERAL SERVICES Paul Wagner, General Services Director, presented the department's goals for 2005. The City Manager responded to questions about the need for the two part-time positions, stating the positions would be administered by his Executive Assistant in the new building at the front lobby desk to receive calls and register visitors. Mr. Heptinstall noted that the part-time positions remove the necessity for benefits. 2 Budget Workshop August 17, 2004 Page Three Tape I, Side II (6:55 pm) 3) CITY ATTORNEY Rich Stringer, City Attorney, presented his 2005 budget and said he was adding an administrative assistant with the move to the new building. The City Manager responded to an inquiry about the need for a computer for the assistant, stating the savings from the vacant position until the end of the year would provide for the computer. Mr. Coniglio asked about a part-time assistant and whether the car allowance could be changed to providing a car. Mr. Stringer said a prior study found that an allowance vs. providing a vehicle was a savings to the City. Mr. Coniglio suggested looking at providing an allowance to the City Manager rather than providing a vehicle in the future. Mr. Heptinstall said the cell phone cost looked a little steep. Mayor McCollum noted that cell phones are replacing 800 MHz radios and the City Manager expounded on this noting there will be no duplication of service. Mr. Barczyk suggested unifying the cell phone system. 4) FINANCE/MIS Shai Francis, Finance Director, presented her department's accomplishments and goals and noted the issue of the City Attorney's computer has already been taken care of. 5) HUMAN RESOURCES Jim Sexton, Human Resources Director, presented his goals for 2005, cited the increase in costs for insurance premiums over the last several years, said the City is going out to bid, but there are not many providers in the market, cited employee incentives and pro-active safety committee steps preventing workers' compensation claims will result in an 24% increase anticipated for next year; said it was difficult to decrease health claim issues; reported on the supervisory training that has been conducted over the last several years, commended the City Attorney for his legal assistance in personnel matters; said PBA negotiations are moving forward and he hoped to have a contract in place by October 1. Budget Workshop August17,2004 Page Four Mr. Heptinstall asked if consideration had been given to cafeteria plans and Mr. Sexton said that is what is currently in place, however, noted there are no HMO's in Indian River County. He said as the demographics of the County change, HMO's will come to town. Mayor McCollum suggested it may be time for all governmental agencies in Indian River County to work together to seek a better insurance program. Mr. Coniglio commended Mr. Sexton for finding fraud in the City; and asked about Charter officer evaluation process, requesting input for the process and copies of the entire financial package for each during the process. He commended the Human Resources staff for their coordination with the health community with health fairs and screenings. Mr. Coniglio commended the Human Resources Director and City Clerk for their involvement in the Amedcan Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Mayor McCollum celled recess at 7:17 p.m. and reconvened the workshop at 7:23 p.m. All members were present. 6) POLICE DEPARTMENT Police Chief Jim Davis introduced Lieutenant Michelle Morris, Lieutenant Greg Witt, and Lieutenant Bob Lockhart; and presented his department's accomplishments, statistics and goals by division. Police Administration The Chief responded to questions about overtime and retirement figures. Mr. Coniglio requested a future presentation on community policing. School Resource Officer Unit Lieutenant Witt noted that the Life Skills program will be utilized in 2005. Mayor McCollum noted that safety of school students should be a school distdct responsibility. He said he was fully supportive of the program, however, believed funding should be shared. The City Manager said he had met with the School Superintendent on this subject, and had not been successful in obtaining a commitment for funding. Council members commended the officers who perform this duty. 4 Budget Workshop August 17, 2004 Page Five Tape II, Side / (8:03 pm) Chief Davis responded to Mr. Heptinstalrs question about the $32,500 for the vehicle. Patrol Division Mr. Barczyk noted #5 under Capital Outlay Schedule should be "replacement radios"; and asked questions about taser models and use. The Chief of Police said while he recognizes the controversies surrounding use of tasers, sufficient training programs will be provided. Mayor McCollum said this is not approval of the taser purchase, only the funding. Mr. Heptinstall asked if two additional officers were sufficient and the City Manager said two additional officers per year wilt be the number recommended. Mr. Heptinstall asked why there are always two officers at traffic stops, The Chief explained that when officers are not busy they will routinely back each other up as a safety measure and this is typical for the CR512 corridor. Community Policincl Unit The Chief commended the 25 police volunteers who contribute many hours to the City. Code Enforcement Division Mr. Heptinstall said he would like to discuss the time volunteers put in at a future meeting. Mayor McCollum suggested another Code Enforcement Officer be added to add more weekend coverage. The City Manager said a starting officer with benefits would probably be in the area of $40,000; but would have to come back with further information for vehicle and equipment; and suggested that funding be found in the first quarter budget amendment. It was the consensus of Council to pursue this in the first quarter. Mr. Barczyk suggested a part-time position for weekend coverage. Lieutenant Witt said there is currently weekend coverage. 5 Budget Workshop August 17, 2004 Page Six Detective Division In response to question about request for a Narcotics Detective, the Chief said the Division seems to be working better with DEA than MACE. Support Services Division No questions. Police Dispatch Unit Mr. Heptinstall said in his prior experience, six hours was the maximum hours worked, based on studies conducted, and there was no turnover. Special Operations The Chief said the Marine Officer's salary difference was based on longevity. Professional Standards No questions. Mayor McCollum called recess at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened the workshop at 8:45 p.m. All members were present. 7) ENGINEERING/STORMWATER Ken Jones, Stormwater Engineer, presented the department's accomplishments and goals. Mayor McCollum noted a paragraph on page 6 of the City Manager's letter regarding need for new engineering inspectors in fiscal 2005, noting annexations do increase City costs despite comments that were made that there would be no impacts from annexations other than police impacts. The City Manager responded that with revenue adjustments in the fiscal year there will be minimal impacts to the general fund in this regard. Mr. Heptinstall noted that properties not annexed will also cause stormwater impacts in the City. 8) ROADS & MAINTENANCE/PARKS/CEMETERY Terry Hill, Public Works Director with assistance of Public Works Superintendent Jerry Converse, Park Superintendent Chris McCarthy, and Garage Supervisor, Pete Socci presented the Public Works/Roads and MaintenancelParkslOemetery budget. Budget Workshop August17,2004 Page Seven Tape II, Side/I, (9;11 pm) Mr. Coniglio asked if the City was ready to take over maintenance of CR512, and the City Manager responded that funding will not become available until 2006/2007, at which time appropriate personnel recommendations would have to be made. Mr. Coniglio inquired about curbing of street corners to prevent wear, and Mr. Hill said no report has yet been prepared. Mr. Coniglio asked if shrubs can be planted to prevent people from parking in the swale on Tulip Street adjacent to the park. Mr. McCarthy responded to questions relative to the proposed storage building at Barber Street Sports Complex, and Iow spots adjacent to concrete paths at BSSC. Mr. Heptinstall questioned the use of clay on the tennis courts and bocce courts due to high maintenance costs; and suggested using an alternative surface. Mr. McCarthy said one of the new employees would be dedicated to the new park. Mayor McCollum suggested putting the tennis courts on the next agenda. Mr. Coniglio recommended bringing back ail information that was provided originally, and seeking information on surfaces at Florida League of Cities this week. Council stated their decision to reconsider the surface had no effect on the additional personnel. 9) GROWTH MANAGEMENT Tracy Hass, Growth Management Director, presented his department's goals for 2005. 10) BUILDING DEPARTMENT Wayne Eseltine, Building Director, presented his department's goals for 2005. 11) GOLF COURSE Greg Gardner, Golf Course Director, presented his department's goals for 2005. Mr. Coniglio suggested increasing advertising expenditures. 7 THE CITIZENS BUDGET ADISORY REVIEW COMMITTEE, SEBASTIAN, FL THE BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF SEVEN MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL. I WAS ELECTED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THIS COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING IS OUR ~PORT TO YOU. WE REVIEWED THE PROPOSED 2004-2005 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, WHICH PROVIDES FOR ALL CITY SERVICES DURING THIS PERIOD. PERSONNEL EXPENSES, SUCH AS HEALTH IN S URANCE, SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING CONTINUE TO BE FACTORS IN THE OVERALL EXPENSE INCREASE 1N CERTAIN AREAS. I CALL YOUR ATTENTiON'TO THE FOLLOWING: THE NEED TO CONTINUE TO-SEEK A REDUCTION IN THE OVERALL COST OF THE HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM, FOR STAFF, THROUGH CONTINUED RESEARCH AND LABOR P, ELATIONS. REDUCTION OF SOME TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED BY WORKERS TO A FLORIDA STATE MANDATED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM, FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES. BY USING AN ON-LINE PROGRAMAVAIL ABLE THROUGH THE STATE WE CAN REDUCE THE NEED OF MUCH ON THIS TRAVEL. 3. CELL PHONES MUST BE LOOKED AT VERY CLOSELY. SEBASTIAN PRESENTLY PROVIDES ONE (1) IN EVERY THREE (3) CITY F2MPLOYEES WITH A CELL PHONE AT A COST OF FIFTY-FIVE ($55) DOLLARS PER MONTH FOR EACH CELL PHONE. THANK YOU FOR PRIVILEGE OF SERVING THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN. RICHARD S. SMITH Budget Workshop August 17, 2004 Page Eight 12) AIRPORT Tape III, Side I (10:01 pm) Jason Milewski, Airport Director, presented his department's accomplishments and goals for 2005. Mr. Coniglio suggested increasing advertising expenditures. 5. COUNCIL COMMENTS/DIRECTION = The Mayor clarified Council's consensus on the need for an additional code enforcement officer and that the tennis court discussion be added to the next agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. Being no further business, Mayor McCollum adjourned the Budget Workshop at 10:18 p.m. Approved at the 8/25/04 N[tfiar{ B. ~cCollum, Major A'FI' . Sally A. Mai./o~/CMC, City Clerk meeting.