Minutes 09-13-07
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
ON THE FIRE ASSESSMENT HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13,2007 AT
6:30 P.M. IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS. CITY HALL. BOYNTON BEACH. FLORIDA
Present:
Jerry Taylor, Mayor
Jose Rodriguez, Vice Mayor
Ron Weiland, Commissioner
Carl McKoy, Commissioner
Kurt Bressner, City Manager
Mike Cirullo, Assistant City Attorney
Janet Prainito, City Clerk
Absent:
Mack McCray, Commissioner
I. Call to Order
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.
II. Public Hearing on Fire Assessment
Mayor Taylor explained the purpose of the special meeting was to hold a public hearing
on the imposition of the fire rescue assessment.
III. Adoption of Proposed Resolution No. R07-104 Re: Relating to
the provision of Fire Rescue Services, facilities and programs in the City of
Boynton Beach, Florida; amending the preliminary rate resolution; reimposing
fire rescue assessments against assessed property located within the City of
Boynton Beach for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2007; approving the rate
of assessment; approving the assessment roll; and providing an effective date.
Attorney Cirullo read Proposed Resolution No. R07-104 by title only.
Mayor Taylor opened the issue for public hearing.
Dom Desiderio, 2755 S. Federal Highway, advised the Boynton Beach Alliance was
never against the fire assessment. He recalled the complaint was the apportionment
was not fair and logical because it favored large property owners of more than 50,000
square feet. The Alliance filed a lawsuit and spent over $300,000 in fees. Mr. Desiderio
contended it had been proven the apportionment was not fair and logical. He felt it
was a joke and a house of cards would fall because fire assessment funds were spent
on emergency medical services (EMS). He further contended 80% of the monies spent
Meeting Minutes
Special City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL
September 13, 2007
would have to be refunded to the citizens of Boynton Beach, plus pay the extensive
legal fees. Mr. Desiderio alleged it was a phony deal and asked the Commission to vote
no on the proposed resolution.
No one else coming forward, Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Weiland mentioned there had been complaints that the hearing was
being held on a Jewish holiday which would end at sundown. He explained it was
unfortunate the meeting could not be held due to prior commitments for the chambers
and the paperwork had to be filed the next day. He apologized to the Jewish
community that may be offended and requested their understanding.
Commissioner McKoy inquired if any written objections had been filed.
Bobby Jenkins, Assistant Finance Director, explained there were exemptions for those
falling below the poverty level. He had received 25 applicants who had applied for the
exemption and most were recurring applicants.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez inquired about the amount allocated for fiscal year 2006. Mr.
Bressner responded the monies received were $2,675,000. The $3M figure for fiscal
year 2007/08 was an estimate. The net budget figure had been allocated as $2.7M for
capital improvements. He also noted this was the sixth and final year of the
assessment. It could only be continued if it were reauthorized, based on the resolution
originally adopted in 2001. Mr. Bressner further added if the resolution would not be
approved the capital improvement costs would have to be absorbed by the capital
improvement budget or other sources. Other projects would have to be terminated or
restructured.
Commissioner Weiland commented he had voted against the fire assessment in 2001.
He agreed the improvements were needed; however, he did not agree with the formula
for the assessment as being fair and equal. He gave the example that multi-family
dwellings that pay less would be more difficult to access, in the case of a fire, rather
than a single-family home that would pay more. However, in light of the fact it is the
last year of the assessment and the budget cuts the City of Boynton Beach could be
facing, he supported the proposed resolution. He also noted once the last fire station is
completed there would no longer be a need for further stations.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez inquired if the anticipated revenue had been included in the
budget. Mr. Bressner confirmed the figure was included in the budget to be approved
at the next City Commission meeting.
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Meeting Minutes
Special City Commission Meeting
Boynton Beach, FL
September 13, 2007
Motion
Commissioner Weiland moved to approve Resolution R07-104. Vice Mayor Rodriguez
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
III. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Taylor properly
adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
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