Minutes 07-27-94MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION
CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994, AT 6:30. P, M,
PRESENT
Edward Harmening, Mayor
Lynne Matson, Vice Mayor
Matthew Bradley, Mayor Pro Tem
Jose Aguila, Commissioner
David Katz, Commissioner
Carrie Parker, City Manager
James Cherof, City Attorney
Sue Kruse, City Clerk
Grady Swann, Finance Director
Mary Munro, Budget Coordinator
I, CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Harmening called the meeting to order at 6:30 P. M.
II, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
III, MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER
A moment of silent prayer was observed.
IV, CONSIDER REQUEST FROM THE BOYNTON BEACH HALL TO HOLD A TOYOTA CAR SALE
UNDER A TENT IN THE HALL PARKING LOT - A~GUST 5, 6, AND 7, 1994
Mayor Harmening foresaw no problem with this, as long as the tent has a current
certificate of fireproofing, all the electrical is to Code, and they have a
permit.
Commissioner Aguila was concerned with setting a precedent. He stated that the
intent of having the mall and the parking for the mall was for certain uses and
considerations and he did not believe having this sale in the parking lot of the
mall is appropriate for the intended use of that facility. He felt it would be
a traffic and visual nightmare. He stated that in the past, the City has
allowed nonprofit organizations to hold a carnival for worthy causes. Even then
the City Commission agreed these events have gotten a little out of hand and
should be limited. Commissioner Aguila did not think this event was for a
worthy cause. He pointed out that there are plenty of car dealerships in the
area to go to to purchase a vehicle.
Commissioner Katz stated that this is a pretty dead time of the year for the
mall and maybe this event will bring in customers.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley would be opposed if it was a carnival atmosphere.
Commissioner Katz asked Police Chief Thomas Dettman if he has any problems with
this request. Chief Dettman had not yet reviewed this subject matter and,
therefore, could not respond to this question at this time.
!~i~i~Mayor Harmening said the parking lot east of Burdines is particularly slow and
:iluninhabited under normal conditions. In addition, there are very few cars that
traverse that area.
- 1 I
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COHMISSION FLEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
Vice Mayor Matson had no objection to this request.
Motion
Commissioner Katz moved to approve the request for the Boynton Beach Mall to
hold a Toyota car sale under a tent in the mall parking lot on August 5, 6, and
7, 1994, subject to all the proper safeguards, including any and all tents being
fireproofed and having current certification, including any electrical work in
the parking lot being according to the current edition of the Electrical Code,
and subject to the proper permits being issued by the Building Department for
the tent and any electrical associated with it. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the
motion, which carried 4-1. Commissioner Aguila cast the dissenting vote.
V, PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1994195
Eddie Mitchell, 329 N. E. 12th Avenue, said last year the Commission voted to
get concerned about doing more work at Ezell Hester Community Center. He said
he wrote to the Recreation Director regarding this matter. The Recreation
Director wrote him back, stating that even though the Commission voted on the
work to be done, there is no money available to do the work. Mr. Mitchell was
disappointed that the Commission voted to do this work, knowing there is no
money to do it. He stated that the City has found money to do other parks
throughout the City, such as the Meadows Park, but has not done anything about
completing the work at Hester Center. He asked if the budget contains any money
to complete the work at Hester Center that the Commission voted for last year.
Mayor Harmening advised him that very little money is in this year's budget for
work on Hester Center.
Commissioner Aguila recalled that the motion was to get going with the engineer
selection process so that they could plan Phase 3 of the park. City Manager
Parker stated that the Commission voted to update the cost estimates and review
the master plan, not proceed with any construction. She advised that the
updated cost for Phase 3 is approximately $615,000. In this year's budget, the
only dollars allocated are for some fencing and a portable stage for the
interior of Hester Center. In response to Commissioner Aguila, City Manager
Parker advised that a master plan has already been developed for Phase 3.
In response to Mr. Mitchell, Commissioner Aguila advised that no money has been
allocated for Phase 3 because there is no money to put into the budget for this
project right now.
In response to Mr. Mitchell, Mayor Harmening explained that every time a devel-
oper develops a piece of land, he either has to dedicate a portion of the land
for a park, or pay the City the appraised value of that much land for a park.
A park is then built in the general area where the development takes place. The
$1 million spent on the Meadows Park and Boynton Lakes Park came from the money
from the development of those properties. The City did not spend any money on
those parks.
Vice Mayor Matson pointed out that until those two parks were started last year,
there was not one park west of 1-95, other than Caloosa Park, which is a
-2-
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIOA
dULY 27, 1994
regional park. Boynton Lakes Park and Congress Park were paid for by the devel-
oper and the residents at closing.
Mayor Harmening advised that the fund used for these type of parks is almost
depleted. He pointed out that the City has spent approximately $3.5 million, in
capital cost only, on Heste'r Park so far. This does not include operational and
maintenance costs.
Rosen, 1 Glens Drive East, spoke in favor of the reorganization.
Marshall Friedland, 330 N. E. 26th Avenue, spoke in favor of the reorganization
in order to save the taxpayers and the City almost $400,000. He congratulated
City Manager Parker and her staff for having the courage to take this path.
Jerry Taylor, 1086 S. W. 26th Avenue, spoke in favor of Total Quality Management
and complimented the Recreation Superintendent, Melody Green, for trying to
institute this program in some limited scope. He said she typifies the enthu-
siasm and initiative required to make this program work. However, Total Quality
Management requires total commitment from the entire organization. It requires
an investment of time, training, and money. He advised that Motorola is totally
committed to this program and is, in some ways, into their tenth year of Total
Quality Management. This program has been tremendously successful for them.
Mr. Taylor spoke in favor of the reorganization. He believed the City
Commission made an excellent choice when they appointed Carrie Parker as City
Manager. He was impressed with her knowledge and obvious indepth thought pro-
cess that she had to exercise in putting this budget together. He felt this
reorganization is the right decision based on sound management practice of
making the best use of resources and that the Commission is fortunate to have a
manager with the fortitude to make these tough decisions.
Mr. Taylor supported new ideas that would help defray the need for taxpayer
dollars. However, if new revenues are generated, he felt they should go into
the General Fund and not be used to fund positions no longer required.
B~11 Sullivan, Personnel Director, stated that he has worked with the City for
over twenty-four years and ran three full-time departments for twenty of those
years. He ran Purchasing and handled all specifications, dealing with vendors,
purchase orders, and requisitions. He ran Risk Management and handled every-
thing from life to casualty, and he ran, and still runs, the Personnel
Department. The Personnel Department handles everything from job descriptions
to compliance with Federal and State laws, pay plans, and grievances. The
Personnel Department does this with five full-time and one part-time employee,
who service the needs of over 800 employees. Mr. Sullivan felt the Personnel
Department does a very good job. He stated that City Managers and City
Commissions have come and gone over all of these years. However, the Personnel
Department's and his loyalty has always been with the City. In this year's
reorganization, he has been given a choice of either retiring or being laid off
in March of 1995. He asked the Commission to reconsider that recommendation.
-3-
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COHMISSION HEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
~ULY 27, 1994
Mayor Harmening pointed out that Mr. Sullivan also acted as City Manager for a
brief period of time~ Mr. Sullivan advised that he has acted as City Manager
on more than three occasions.
Joy Currier, 449 S. w, 4th Avenue, asked Commissioner Katz why he suggested
cutting the annual Board dinner from the budget. Commissioner Katz explained
that the Board dinner comes out of the City Commission budget and he felt that
if there are going to be cutbacks, they should start with the City Commission
budget. He said his suggestion was not to totally eliminate the dinner, but to
ask spouses to pay, or have a breakfast instead. He said he is very appre-
ciative of what the Boards do and does not mean to imply that the people who
serve on the boards are not doing a fine job.
Henrietta Solomon, 230 N. E. 26th Avenue, referred to the suggestion of lowering
the Commission's salaries. She said if it were any other time, she would
suggest the Commission receive a tremendous raise. Mrs. Solomon also spoke in
favor of the reorganization, saying that this City is a business and it is time
it is run like a business. She expressed compassion for the people who get hurt
because of reorganization.
Mayor Harmening stated that there are several aspects of this reorganization.
He is totally opposed to including Mr. Sullivan in the reorganization. He felt
it is crass and callous, and shows lack of compassion and appreciation for the
many years that Mr. Sullivan has given to the City. Mayor Harmening stated that
Mr. Sullivan has dedicated his adult working life to the City. He questioned
City Manager Parker's capabilities as they relate to Personnel. He stated that
she has no background in Personnel, other than the little bit of work she has
done since she has been in the City. Mayor Harmening knows Mr. Sullivan's
background and has a great deal of faith in him. He does not propose to vote
for this portion of the reorganization.
The other aspect of the budget Mayor Harmening was opposed to is refilling the
Public Information Officer position. He was of the opinion that the City does
not need a Public Information Officer and stated that public relations is
nothing but an attempt by the City to manipulate and maneuver the media so that
we look good. He was not in favor of spending anybody's tax dollars in order to
hire somebody to make the City look good. He pointed out that we are trying to
reorganize and save dollars, but are spending lots of money trying to fill a
position that is vacant. ~/./
Mr. Rosen again approached the podium and stated that he has worked with Laura
Widmer for two years and she has provided people like him with many services to
make their tasks easier. Mayor Harmening agreed that Ms. Widmer did a nice job.
Harry Marcus, 650 Horizons East, complimented the Commission on their attitude
and the discipline with which they exhibited while reviewing the budget. He
complimented City Manager Parker for performing an excellent, ministerial, pro-
fessional presentation of the budget.
Mr. Marcus said he has known Mr. Sullivan for sixteen years. In his opinion,
Mr. Sullivan is probably the most dedicated employee he knows. He talked of
-4-
M~NUTES - SPECIAL C~TY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
OULY 27, 1994
Mr. Sullivan's competence as Personnel Director and Purchasing Agent. He did
not think it was wise to bring in someone new to take over the Personnel duties
at a time when the City is making changes like these. He said it takes a long
time to break somebody in and no matter how competent that person may be, he or
she is not going to be an outstanding, professional Personnel Director. It
takes time to train a person in public administration. He pointed out that
Mr. Sullivan knows the industry, the unions, the employees, and the plus and
minuses of every one of the 800 plus employees. A new person would not have
Mr. Sullivan's expertise, efficiency, and sixteen years of knowledge in every
phase of the City to do a good job for the Personnel Department. In closing,
Mr. Marcus stated that it is very important to allow Mr. Sullivan to retire in
dignity when he is ready to do so.
Mayor Harmening read into the record a letter from Gene Moore in support of the
reorganization. This letter is attached to the original minutes of this
meeting, which are on file in the City Clerk's Office.
No no else wishing to speak, Mayor Harmening declared the Public Hearing closed.
VI, COMMISSION COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley believed that the City Manager has done an excellent job
in putting forward a budget that reflects the needs of the different depart-
ments, as well as bringing forward some changes that the City and taxpayers will
benefit from.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Bradley, Mayor Harmening advised that there is more
than enough money in this budget to install new carpet in the library. The
Library Director, Virginia Farace, said she tried to get an estimate on how much
it would cost to take up the tile in the lobby in order to place carpeting down,
but nobody would even take a guess at it. She received quotes of $3,900 and
$4,850 to install carpeting around the circular desk and the pathway down to
Reference. She received a quote of $1 a square foot to level out the tile in
order to place carpet on top of it. Therefore, for about $600, the tile could
be leveled out and carpeted. At $25 a square yard, the total cost to carpet the
library would be about $7,500. Mrs. Farace estimated $25 a square yard to be
sure there is enough to get the best quality carpet so that this problem does
not happen again.
Motion
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley moved to accept the proposal to spend $7,500 from the
C.I.P. Fund for carpet purchase and renovation of those areas that need it in
the library. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the motion for the purpose of
discussion.
At the request of Vice Mayor Matson, Mayor Pro Tem Bradley amended his motion so
as not to cap the amount at $7,500 in case it should cost a little more.
Mayor Harmening stated that the carpet has been allowed to deteriorate and is in
deplorable condition. It should have at least been cleaned sometime earlier
-5-
HZHUTE$ - SPECIAL CITY COHHI$$ION HEETING
BOYNTOH BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
this year. He hoped the City Manager will make sure the new carpet is main-
tained.
The motion carried 5-0.
At the July 26, 1994 City Commission Budget Workshop, the Commission had
requested further information regarding certain items. City Manager Parker
discussed them below.
With regard to charges for City and County fire hydrants, City Manager Parker
advised that the City of Boca Raton has a system on the property tax bill. They
estimated an excess of about $200,000 in additional revenue. It is too late for
the City of Boynton Beach to do anything this year. However, the whole program
will be examined very carefully in the upcoming year. She stated that it looks
like it may be a good opportunity to bring in additional revenue.
With regard to the new rate structure at the Golf Course, City Manager Parker
requested a consensus or motion so that the paperwork can be prepared based on
Joe Sciorinto's presentation.
Notion
Commissioner Aguila moved to approve the Golf Course Director's proposal for the
new rate structure as presented last night. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the
motion, which carried 5-0.
Regarding the transfer to Self Insurance (liability), City Manager Parker
explained that Vehicle Service, Workers' Compensation and interest income were
subtracted from the total budget to arrive at the amount to be allocated to the
various departments. Sixty percent of this amount was allocated to the General
Fund. Thirty-four percent was allocated to Water and Sewer. Two percent was
allocated to the Golf Course, and 4 percent was allocated to Sanitation. She
further explained that in 1993/94, all the increases were allocated to the
General Fund only. She did not know why the former City Manager did this. This
year, the increases were allocated to all the funds, as was done in 1992/93.
With regard to the transfer to Self Insurance (Warehouse-Workers' Compensation),
City Manager Parker explained that the increase was due to the required reclass-
ification of clerical employees to municipal employees. The percentage for
clerical is 0.5074, whereas the municipal percentage is 9.2579. (See chart
below.)
Clerical 0.5074% x Salaries $76,817.52 = $ 389.77
Municipal 9.2579% x Salaries $76,817.52 : $7,111.69
With regard to the revenue and expenses of the Funfare Magazine, City Manager
Parker stated that the revenues are $2,500. Labor cost $4,196.25. Printing and
binding cost $30,000, and postage cost $15,560, for a total cost of $47,256.25.
Mayor Harmening stated that by not refilling the Public Information Officer
position, we could fund approximately 27 percent of Mr. Sullivan's salary for
-6-
MINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
another year. By eliminating the Funfare Magazine, we could fund another 50
percent, for a total of roughly 77 percent. He pointed out that this would be
done without eliminating any people at this point in time. We are just elimi-
nating something that is of very significant cost to the City.
Commissioner Aguila was not in agreement with Mayor Harmening at all. He felt
the cost to put out the Funfare versus the return in activity fees and users of
the Recreation Department far offsets that. He felt it was money well spent.
Mayor Harmening pointed out that when we encourage people to attend these
activities, we also utilize our facilities more and the maintenance and power
costs (air conditioning and lights) increase, which comes out of a different
section of the budget. In addition, the more of these programs there are, the
more people you have to have in order to operate these programs.
Commissioner Katz asked if the salaries of the people who operate these programs
are usually paid out of the program fees. Melody Green answered affirmatively.
Mayor Harmening pointed out that the fringes are still there.
Mayor Pro Tem Bradley felt the Funfare serves an important purpose. He did not
think there is anything as important as programs in this City for the youth. He
said if the youth are going to grow up to become productive citizens, they need
to be in school and they need to be busy when they are not in school, and
recreation is all a part of that. Mayor Harmening pointed out that many of
these programs are not directed toward the youth.
Commissioner Aguila stated that during the three previous budget years, there
had been discussion of eliminating, revamping, combining, or modifying programs
and the citizenry had persuaded the Commission no.t to do that because those
programs are used quite heavily. He could not imagine a good reason to elimi-
nate these functions. In fact, he would like to see more functions. He stated
that the reputation of the Recreation and Park Department, the quality of the
facilities, and the people and their dedication to the citizens and the children
is commendable. Mayor Harmening agreed with Commissioner Aguila on this last
point. However, he pointed out that many of the people who participate in these
programs are from outside the City.
Vice Mayor Matson said the bottom line is that our Recreation and Park
Department is a link that our residents have to a better quality of life. To
some people, other than the newspapers, which are not delivered to all neigh-
borhoods, Funfare is the only link they have to City Hall, to the programs, and
to what is happening. She felt it is a very important publication and if budget
constraints were not as they are, she would like to see more programs.
Mayor Harmening asked for the Commission's pleasure regarding the reorganiza-
tion. Vice Mayor Matson felt that we are treading on dangerous ground by adding
any personal aspect to this reorganizatiOn. She felt it should be discussed as
a total reorganization. She believed to attach any names or positions to this
reorganization may be opening ourselves up to litigation. City Attorney Cherof
felt the budget discussion is about positions and not about the names and the
people who fill those positions at this stage.
-7-
HINUTES - SPECIAL CITY COMHISSION HEETING
BOYNTOH BEACH,, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
Mayor Harmening was in favor of retaining the position of Personnel Director as
is. He said if he has to vote against the budget on this one basis, he will.
Commissioner Katz was not against streamlining the government for the purpose
of efficiency and to save tax dollars. He stated that in previous meetings with
City Manager Parker, he learned that there was a $610,000 General Fund budget
gap. He said City Manager Parker has presented a reorganization which repre-
sents $387,000 in savings to the taxpayers. Commissioner Katz felt this is par-
tially true and that it depends on how you look at it. He stated that approxi-
mately $83,000 of this $387,000 savings is due to the elimination of the Deputy
City Engineer, which is not funded from the General Fund. It is funded from
Utilities. Therefore, if this position is eliminated, the $610,000 budget gap
still exists.
Not including the Deputy City Engineer, the savings is $303,377. He asked City
Manager Parker how she arrived at that $307,000. City Manager Parker advised
that she took $60,000 from the fund balance which shows on the revenue page from
the General Fund and approximately $135,000 from the Sanitation Fund balance and
some miscellaneous small cuts throughout the rest of the budget.
With regard to the reorganization, Commissioner Katz stated that the Facility
Manager is a $70,087 budget cut from the General Fund. This includes salary and
benefits. The Building Official is $61,151, and the Personnel Director is
$94,900. Commissioner Katz is against eliminating these three positions, in
terms of the General Fund. Therefore, $226,138 is needed to save these posi-
tions, plus $25,000 for the fireworks, for a total of $251,138.
Commissioner Katz stated that City Manager Parker has allocated funds in the
budget for new hires, which would come out of the General Fund. He suggested
eliminating all new hires except for the three police officers and the security
guard at Ezell Hester Park. This would knock $96,852 out of the budget. He
suggested eliminating the reclassifications, except for the Fire Department.
This would save $9,273. He suggested deducting 10 percent from all travel
allowances, which would save $6,864. He suggested eliminating the position of
Project Manager, which would save $71,968. Based on the 12,426 launches that we
have on weekends and holidays, he suggested charging a $7 launch fee, which
would generate $86,922. All these cuts would amount to a surplus of $20,801.
We had saved $5,500 through various cuts, which would bring the surplus up to
$26,301.
Commissioner Katz suggested spending the $26,301 on books for the library. He
pointed out that Mr. Sullivan, a twenty-five year employee, Mr. Lusk, an
eighteen year employee, and the Building Official, whose knowledge of the Codes
can be matched by nobody and who is a ten year employee, would not have to be
laid off, and the City could even keep the new City Engineer.
In relation to the Deputy City Engineer's position, Commissioner Katz said the
City Manager has proposed new hires in the Utility Department, which is funded
by the Utility Fund, as is the Deputy City Engineer. Those new hires amount to
$66,011. The Utility Fund has more money than we know what to do with. If the
-8-
HINUTE$ - SPECIAL CITY COHHI$$ION HEETIHG
BOYHTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
City Manager chooses to keep those new hires, that is fine. If not, he
suggested keeping the Deputy City Engineer position and eliminating the new
hires.
Commissioner Katz stated that the Deputy City Engineer and the Building Official
are engaged in litigation with the City. The Deputy City Engineer sued the City
over the proposed Civil Service Ordinance that a majority of this Commission
decided to ask the City Attorney to bring forward. The City filed a Motion to
Dismiss; however, the judge felt this case has standing and did not dismiss the
suit. It was Commissioner Katz' opinion that the Building Official and the
Deputy City Engineer will be like the arms of a nutcracker and the innocent tax-
payers of this City will be the walnut if we move forward with this.
Commissioner Katz stated that the City has wasted lots of money and there is fat
in the budget to be taken out. He stated that a consultant was hired at $75 an
hour to assist the City Manager. The last Commissioner Katz heard, this person
was working on the Community Design Plan. He stated that the City Commission
approved $5,000 for a conceptual drawing for the Boynton Beach Boulevard align-
ment for the bridge, which was turned down by the Department of Environmental
Regulation. Commissioner Katz felt the City Commission wasted $5,000 on this
effort. He felt you are not truly saving the taxpayers money by hiring new
people and eliminating older employees at the same time. If you truly want to
save the taxpayers money, you do not hire new people. He stated that under the
guise of saving the taxpayers money, City Manager Parker has not saved us a
nickel.
Vice Mayor Matson said she spoke to the City Manager this afternoon about her
concerns regarding the transfer to Self Insurance. Her concern about the
funding for carpet for the library has been taken care of. Her other concern
was regarding take-home vehicles and this matter has already been turned over to
the City Manager. Vice Mayor Matson would like to see them phased out.
Commissioner Aguila stated that this is the fourth budget process that he has
been a part of since elected to office in 1991 and that this one, in many
respects, is the easiest for him to accept. He stated that City Manager Parker
is proposing to keep the millage rate the same for the third year in a row,
assuming we adopt the rollback rate, and funds have been provided for employee
wage increases. He felt there is considerably less fat in this budget. He com-
mended City Manager Parker and staff for making a good effort to work with what
we have and what we can afford. He stated that the proposed budget provides for
new employees in the Planning Department, which he thinks are necessary to meet
the Comprehensive Plan obligations. The proposed budget also provides for new
employees in the Police Department and the Personnel Department, which he was in
favor of. He stated that some positions have been unfrozen and several reclass-
ifications have been proposed. Capital Improvement projects and vehicle re-
placements have been recommended. New vehicles and other equipment are being
acquired. He pointed out that this has all been done without raising taxes.
Sewer and garbage collection fees will not be raised this year either. The pre-
viously approved water rate increase is not being implemented. He stated that
the City Commission has assigned the City Manager the task of providing the
-9-
HINUTE$ - SPECIAL CITY CONHISSION HEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
necessary services to our citizens, while making sure taxes are not raised. She
has done this. He supported her proposed reorganization. He pointed out that
in the past three years, the City Commission has terminated employees, without
guilt. Now, all of a sudden we are being unconscionable. He stated that the
duty of the City Commission is to review the City Manager's proposal without
being prebiased by the individuals who may be affected by this proposal.
Mayor Harmening recalled in previous budget discussions that one day it was
strongly suggested and accepted by a majority of the Commission that Animal
Control be eliminated. By the time the Commission got to the next budget
session, Animal Control was rescued overwhelmingly. In addition, one employee
was rather deviously going to be demoted and that had a way of correcting
itself. Mayor Harmening was very strongly against the reorganization as pro-
posed. He said there is really only one portion of the reorganization that he
does not favor, and would vote against it on that basis. Additionally, he was
totally, philosophically opposed to spending the taxpayers' money on somebody to
manipulate the news.
Vice Mayor Matson feels we hired the City Manager to manage the City
Administration and any proposal she has made regarding this budget was thought
out very carefully. She felt the City Commission needs to support her in order
for her to run City Administration efficiently and effectively. Vice Mayor
Matson supported City Manager Parker 100 percent.
Vice Mayor Matson stated that two years ago, at the budget hearings, there was a
motion made to remove a Department from another Department, and there was no
mention of terminating anybody. That motion resulted in a lawsuit against her,
the City, and Mayor Arline Weiner. She found it incredible that somebody
tonight mentioned getting rid of the Project Manager. She stated that according
to the Charter, budget time is the only time the City Commission can get
involved in Administration. Mayor Harmening disagreed with her. He said there
is no validity to that statement whatsoever.
VII,
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO, R94-126 RE: ADOPTING A PROPOSED #ILLAGE RATE
(FISCAL YEAR 1994/95) AND SETTING FORTH THE DATE, TIHE AND PLACE OF THE
FIRST PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED HILLAGE RATE AND THE
TENTATIVE BUDGET
Commissioner Aguila suggested using the rollback rate of 7.9251 as opposed to
the one presented in the budget (7.9558).
Mayor Harmening explained that the assessed value of the property in the City
went up. Therefore, the amount of millage levied against that to support the
General Obligation Bonds of the City went down. Instead of lowering the millage
in that portion, it was transferred over to the General Fund, which was not
proper. He felt this was a devious attempt to take money from one place and put
it in another.
Even though Mayor Harmening was going to suggest a little more because there are
plenty of places it could be taken from, he agreed to go with the rollback rate
of 7.9251.
- 10-
NINUTE$ - SPECIAL CITY COHHIS$ION MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 27, 1994
City Manager Parker stated that the rollback millage is 7.9251 percent, approxi-
mately a $58,000 deduction.
Mayor Harmening stated that one never knows what will happen next year and it is
always better to have a little more than you need than a little less than you
need. Therefore, he was willing to support this.
Commissioner Aguila moved to establish the rollback rate of 7.9251 as the
millage for the City this year. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the motion, which
carried 5-0.
The date for the first Public Hearing to consider the proposed millage rate and
tentative bUdget was previously scheduled for Tuesday, September 13 1994 at 6:00
P. M.
City Attorney Cherof read Proposed Resolution No. R94-126 by title only. A roll
call vote was by polled by the City Clerk. Proposed Resolution No. R94-126 was
approved 4-1. Mayor Harmening cast the dissenting vote.
Mayor Harmening stated that he voted against this not because of the millage but
because of part of the reorganization, which he is not in favor of. ,In addi-
tion, he was opposed to saddling the taxpayers with another public relations
person.
VIII, ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Commissioner
Aguila moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 P. M, Mayor Pro Tem Bradley
seconded the motion, which carried 5-0.
ATTEST:
'Ci ty//C1 erk -~-~
Recordi ~g Secretary
(Two Tapes)
THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
Commissioner
- 11 -