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Minutes 09-16-97 (2) MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1997, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Gerald "Jerry" Taylor, Mayor Jamie Titcomb, Vice Mayor Matt Bradley, Commissioner Shirley Jaskiewicz. Commissioner Henderson Tillman. Commissioner Kerry Willis. City Manager Jim Cherof, City Attorney Sue Kruse, City Clerk I. OPENINGS: A. Call to Order - Mayor Jerry Taylor B. Invocation - Reverend Randall Gill, First Presbyterian Church of Boynton Beach C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Commissioner Henderson Tillman Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. He announced that two meetings would be conducted thiseven~ng. The Special Meeting on the Buqget will be held first, followed by the Regular Meeting. Following the ~nvocation offered by Reverend Gill. Commissioner Till-nan led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. PUBLIC HEARING ON 1997/98 PROPOSED BUDGET Attorney Cherof said this is the second public hearing required under Florida Statute Chapter 200 which is the process for establishing millage and budget for the upcoming l~iscal year. The first issue to be discussed will be the percentage increase ~ millage over the rollback rate necessary to fund the budget. That increase is 1.83%. During the public c~iscussion, members of the public have the opportunity to hear comments about the proposed increase over the rollback rate. In addition, the general public is permitted to speak and ask questions prior to the adoption of the budget. There is a Resolution for the final millage rate. which must be adopted prior to the adoption of the final budget. MAYOR TAYLOR OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING. Diane Reese, Finance Director, reported that the Commission was in possession of a copy of the proposed budget indicating adjustments that were made since the preliminary budget meeting two weeks ago. An $800;000 possible expenditure in the Sanitation Fund was added. This funding would cover the purchase of containers for Citywide containerized garbage collection. If a decision were made not to proceed with that program, the funding would go back into their fund balance. MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 16, 1997 There were other minor adjus[ments to the Vehicle Service Fund and Mass Transit Fund due to the elimination of some positions, and a few adjustments relative to new calculations. THERE WAS NO ONE PRESENT WHO WISHED TO S PEAK AT, THE PUBLIC HEARING. III. Proposed Resolution No. R97-164 Re: Adoption of the Final Millage Rate Attorney Cherof read Proposed Resolution No. R97-164 by title only. MAYOR TAYLOR ANNOUNCED THE PUBLIC HEARING. THERE WAS NO ONE PRESENT WHO WISHED TO SPEAK ON THIS RESOLUTION. Vice Mayor Titcomb questioned whether or not it would be possible to work the budget so as not to reflect an increase. Even though we have held the line many times, and even reduced taxes from time to time. the public view is we are raising taxes. Vice Mayor Titcomb requested discussion of the economic development issues raised at the last public hearing. Mayor Taylor explained that in last year's budget, the City Commission had the same option to go to the rollback rate. We did not do that. That decision provided us with $300 000 for the implementation of some Visions 20/20 programs such as "quick victories". If we had gone to the rollback rate last year. the cost to the taxpayers would have been less than $1. If we do not go to rollback this year. we will have a small cushion to do some of the "bricks and mortar" items discussed at the last meeting. Vice Mayor Titcomb asked if there is a single line item in the budget for Visions-related projects. Ms. Reese advised that if a decision were made to go to the rollback rate $325.000 would have to be cut from the budget, eliminating the "Contingency" line item. Revenues would be reduced; therefore, expenditures would have to be reduced There would be no money available for use by the Commission with respect to Visions 20/20. Vice Mayor Titcomb questioned whether the Contingency money is the same as Visions funding money. Ms. Reese said we set aside a certain amount of money every year for any emergencies that arise during the year. or for anything the Commission deems necessary that is unbudgeted. That funding is included in the Commission's Contingency Account. There ~s currently approximately $375,000 q that account. Going [o rollback rate would reduce that balance to zero. Therefore. if anything comes up during the year, we would not have money to expend. In response to Mayor Taylor's question. Ms. Reese advised that the difference between going to rollback rate and the increase proposed amounts to less than $1 per taxpayer. However. that figure depends on the properly owner's assessed value Vice Mayor Titcomb questioned whether the funding for the Visions 20/20 ~)rojects is being funded appropriately. He expressed concern that the only funding for these projects is in the Contingency Account. He pointed out that the completion of the Gateway Boulevard project might require all of the funds in the Contingency Account. If that happens, there will be no funds available for other projects. MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CiTY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 16, 1997 Ms. Reese explained that there are unappropriated funds available in ClP (Capital Improvements Projects) for those types of projects. Expenditures from CIP do not affect the General Fund budget. Commissioner Bradley said he was im pressed with Vice Mayor Titcomb's comments of the last meeting relative to the "bricks and mortar" projects. He feels it is 'ncumbent upon the Commission to get specific about how we are going to get money, what fund it will be put in. and how it will be spent, t is important to begin thinking about and acting in ways to create this type of fund. One possible funding source might come from the eady retirement program. Commissioner Bradley suggested consideration for setting those funds aside in a fund for "bricks and morta¢' projects for Ocean Avenue. These projects could include a wide sidewalk. landscaping, lighting, etc. n looking at the needs overall for the downtown, infrastructure and stormwater needs, are very present, He suggested using stormwater funds in conjunction with funding from early retirement to put the infrastructure in place. The stormwater runoff needs could be handled by building a reflecting pond on the western end of Ocean Avenue in the green space area. The Commission must be as particular as possible in its funding to bring these projects to fruition. Mayor Taylor agreed with all of the comments made. He feels Utility Funds can be used for wastewater projects throughout the City. In addition, taxes from the CRA must be put back into the CRA. Although those funds are not significant enough to rely on them only, this is one funding source that could be added to. Mayor Taylor said this is the reason for his support of this millage rate rather than going to the rollback rate, Commissioner Bradley also supports the millage rate. There have been remarks from the community that the TIF money is not going back into the community as stipulated, and that it is used to fund some salaries of people who work in the redevelopment arena. While we are allowed to do this, the community wants the money to go into "bricks and mortar~'. Commissioner Bradley suggested that this be g~ven close attention next year at budget time. Commissioner Tillman feels that the Commission should come up with funding sources as ideas about "bricks and mortar" come forward during the year. That information should be given to the City Manager, who can have staff work the numbers to be included in the budget next year so that projects are budgeted_ Vice Mayor Titcomb inquired as to whether it would be appropriate to insert a Visions 20/20 line item in the budget. Mayor Taylor does not feel that needs to be done at this time. This is an item that can be addressed at a workshop, City Manager Willis advised that staff has begun the process of updating the Capital mprovements Program Budget from 1989, This will be brought back to the Commission in approximately 60 days. Motion Commissioner Tillman moved to approve the final millage rate of 7.9251 mills (which is 1.8% above the computed rollback rate) as set forth in Proposed Resolution No. R97-164. Commissioner Jaskiewicz seconded the motion that carried unanimously. MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 16, 1997 IV. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 097-46 RE: ADOPTION OF FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/98 Attorney Cherof read Proposed Ordinance No. 097-46 by title only. MAYOR TAYLOR ANNOUNCED THE PUBLIC HEARING. THERE WAS NO ONE PRESENT WHO WISHED TO SPEAK ON THIS ORDINANCE. Motion Commiss~oner Bradley moved to approve Proposed Ordinance No, 097-46. Commissioner Tillman seconded the motion. Motion Commissioner Jaskiewicz moved to reduce the budget for the Economic Development Department by $121 000, Mayor Taylor seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Titcomb asked if these funds are being earmarked for "'bricks and mortaF projects or whether they are being eliminated from the budget in their entirety. Mayor Taylor advised that this would eliminate the funding for the position of Economic Development Director. The money can be earmarked in any manner decided on by the City Commission. He recommended that Vice Mayor Titcomb ask the maker of the motion to include earmarking these funds for "bricks and mortar projects" if that is his desire. Vice Mayor Titcomb requested that the maker of the motion add this request to her motion, Commissioner Jaskiewicz agreed to add the request that these funds be used in that area for concrete things that could be accomplished With "bricks and morta¢'. Vice Mayor Titcomb seconded the motion. Commissioner Tillman said the Commission did this same thing a few weeks ago in dealing with lhe City Attorney. After that. he was of the op~n~on that there would be no more "back-door issues". He pointed out that this City has a number of employees on contract It is important to look at the standards with regard to qualifications and job descriptions to see if the employees follow through, Mayor Taylor advised Commissioner Tillman that he was out of order However, Commissioner Tillman continued. Commissioner Tillman felt that what the Commission was doing was very wrong. We cannot be upstanding by continuing to take these types of back-door actions. He feels people are beginning to take note of this and feels this needs to be stopped. If the Commission wants to talk about a particular position, it is necessary to look at what that employee has done over a period of time. He does not feel this should be addressed by eliminating a department. He felt this action was shameful. Mayor Taylor said this is not a back-door issue. This subject has been discussed at two open meetings, and this is the time when the Commissioners are supposed to look at positions in the MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 16, 1997 budget. As managers it behooves the Commission to look at every position. As good managers, this type of review should be done in good times as well as bad times. If a determination is made that the City need not expend funds in a certain area. action should be taken. This has nothing to do with individuals or with anyone% performance. This issue has to do with a position in the budget. Commissioner Tillman feels the Commission should determine whether or not this item was funded and tracked otopedy and given time to grow. He also feels it is important to know if it was fruitful to include this item in the first place, and what the return has been. He questioned the purpose of originally including it. He does not feel the Commission should arbitrarily include items and then eliminate them. He feels consistency is needed. Commissioner Jaskiewicz said this item was discussed at length during the last meeting. Commissioner Bradley presented his opinion at the last meeting. He is vehemently opposed to ending the Economic Development Department. He feels it is insane to cut off the most ~mportant piece of what will make this City great. Economic development has to do with jobs and we need to make sure jobs come to this City, f those jobs do not come here. it will not matter how much "bricks and mortar" the City does. We must positively affect the tax base with light and clean small and middle sized industry. Commissioner Bradley feels the elimination of this department is a big mistake r~ addition Commissioner Bradley explained that he has debated the issue of Civil Service with oeople for a couple of years. Their concern was about protection for employees. Commissioner Bradley now understands why Civil Service ~s so important to employees. This is an awakening for him and he believes it should be for everyone. The experience the employees have from this is even contract employees are not safe. He will not support this m orion. Commissioner Jaskiewicz advised that prior to the formation of this department, the City realized 700 new jobs from APAC. In addition, BGI firm will be located in Quantum Park and they anticipate hiring 600 people. CarMax, Sun-Sentinel. Hampton Inn and Flowers are also on line. This City is almost at buildout. Staff and the Commission have done a tremendous job in bringing jobs into this City, and this was done prior to the formation of this department. Vice Mayor Titcomb realized that there is a difference in philosophies among the Commissioners about what economic development is. He is concerned about funding the projects the Commission has committed to in terms of Visions 20/20. He is very concerned that we will be provided with a great plan that nas cost the City $150.000 n consulting fees that cannot be implemented because a plan for that implementation was not put in place. He is also concerned about channeling money into "bricks and mortar" projects. Economic development will not leave the City of Boynton Beach as long as we begin to make things happen in the City. This is why he asked that the funds associated with the Economic Development Department be earmarked for projects in this area. He reminded the Commissioners that Boynton Beach has a long history of not getting a great,deal done in a short time period. The only way to get things done is to take the plan, start setting the money aside immediately, and start implementing it, The success of that will spell out economic development for this City. As you put in sidewalks. brick pavers, trees and infrastructure private industry wi'Il step forward and begin building behind the City. 5 mhave from this is that even ... MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 16, 1997 Mayor Taylor feels that raising the issue of Civil Service at this point is'similar to m~xing apples and oranges. He explained that because someone did not monitor the budget propedy three or four years ago, the City entered a crisis and many Civil Service positions were cut. Therefore, Civil Service did not protect those employees. Mayor Taylor feels the Commission has a responsibility to look at the budget in good and bad times to make certain taxpayers' dollars are wisely spent. Mayor Taylor restated the second motion to eliminate the funding for the Economic Development position. In addition, the money that was designated for the department is to be specifically earmarked to be spent on "bricks and mortar" projects in the CRA area. Commissioner JaskiewiCz and Vice Mayor Titcomb confirmed this to be their motion. Mayor Taylor called for a vote on the motion. The vote was 3-2. (Commissioners Bradley and Tillman dissented.) Mayor Taylor confirmed that the first motion was to accept Proposed Ordinance 097-46 adepting the final budget for the fiscal year on second and final reading. City Clerk Sue Kruse polled the vote. The vote was 3-2. (Commissioners Bradley and Tillman dissented.) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Commission. the meeting properly adjourned at 7:10 p.m ATTEST: City/Clerk ~~e~c;et~~ .: vsn ra ata ~cc~wp\minutes\comm\916spec.eec ~/T-ayor Commissioner Commissioner 6