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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIII (A) Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of September 7, 1999, Minutes of City Budget Workshop of August 11, 1999 Agenda 9-21-99 Item III A DAFT MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 CALL TO ORDER Mayor of the Moment Tyler Kingsley, representing Lake Whitney Elementary, opened the City Commission regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. The invocation was given by Commissioner Anderson, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Frances Watts. The roll was called and a quorum was declared. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Howell, Anderson, Johnson and Parker. Also present were City Manager Shapiro, City Attorney Rosenthal, Fire Chief Strosnider, Recreation Director Nordquist, Planning Director Wagner, Assistant City Engineer/Utilities Director Wheeler, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, and Deputy City Clerk Gosnell. ABSENT: None. Mayor of the Moment Kingsley introduced his family and friends. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Years of Service Award - James Mobley (25 Years) Mayor Vandergrift presented James Mobley with a plaque, gift certificate and knife for 25 years of service. Recreation Director Nordquist congratulated Mr. Mobley and spoke about his years of service to the City. Note: this item was not on the Agenda. POWR Awards Mayor Vandergrift presented certificates to each Commissioner for their participation in the POWR Campaign, and reported that since he was the winner, the contest would continue for another three months. Boy Scout Troop 198 Scoutmaster Paul Hershaw, Boy Scout Troop 198, thanked the Commission for the financial support received which allowed the troop to go to summer camp in Wyoming. Scoutmaster Hershaw provided a financial breakdown of the trip, introduced Brad Strong and Casey Owen, the two newest Eagle Scouts, and invited the Commission to attend the Eagle Award Banquet on September 25, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Ocoee. Mr. John Harris re: West Orange High School Mentor Program Mr. Harris gave a brief outline of the community based mentor program for at-risk students at West Orange High School, and requested volunteers from the community to help with those students. Mr. Harris announced 905-2494 as the telephone number at West Orange High School for any citizen interested in participating in the program. Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 [1'''� Certificate of Completion 1999 Institute for Elected Municipal Officials to Commissioner Johnson. Presented by Mayor Vandergrift. Mr. Gordon Wright re: West Orange Warrior Baseball Club Mr. Wright gave a brief overview of the roster, stating that he did not pick up players or "ringers", that all the children participated in the games, and requested that the West Orange Warrior Baseball Club be allowed to share the ball fields one night a week for practice, and would work around the little league schedule. Discussion ensued regarding team roster, use of the fields, allowing Ocoee children to use the fields, and current agreement with AAIJ Ocoee Fire team. City Manager Shapiro stated that a fax was received from Gary Hood, President of the Little League, who was not in favor of this action. Recreation Director Nordquist stated that he had discussions with all parties as well. Mr. James Blackwelder. 2009 Nancy Ann Terrace, volunteered to grade the fields after practice and spoke to the issue of allowing the AAU team to practice on the fields. City Manager Shapiro stated that a meeting would be scheduled with Recreation Director Nordquist, Public Works Director Smith, Mr. Wright and a representative from the AAU Ocoee Fire team to work together for a solution, and will come back to the Commission at the September 21, 1999 meeting with their recommendation. The Commission agreed, without objection, to table this issue until the September 21, 1999 Commission Meeting. Ocoee Middle School Presentation - Principal Kate Clark, Architect Fanning, Howey, and Landscape Architect Canin & Associates Ocoee Middle School Principal Kate Clark introduced Mr. Rene Tercilla, Mr. Hays Henderson, Mr. Rob Maphis, and Mr. Angel Goitia, who arc currently working on the Ocoee Middle School project. Mr. Tercilla gave an overview of the progress of the project including the budget cuts in landscaping the interior courtyard of the project, and requested community assistance in the sponsoring of the purchase of several large trees. Mr. Hays Henderson discussed the landscaping budget for the courtyard, and requested sponsorship of eight 16' - 18' magnolia trees to be located in the grassy area and around the bus area, as well as 10-200 gallon live oak trees, which would have raised planters with plaques and seating for the children. The cost would be $2,500 for each magnolia tree and $1,200 for each live oak tree. Page 2 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 V m ' Mr. Henderson stated that they were requesting a commitment or funding by December. 1999 from the community. Discussion ensued regarding how an account could be set up. and Principal Clark stated that the PTSA could possibly set up an account or the school could set up an internal account. Mayor Vandergrift stated that there was interest expressed from Commissioner Johnson for a pep rally and bon fire before the Building A was torn down. Principal Clark stated that she had received several ideas and suggested that a committee be formed to discuss them, and invited a commissioner to be on that committee. Commissioner Johnson was selected to be on the newly formed committee without objection. Mayor Vandergrift requested a list of plants and trees from Mr. Henderson. Mr. Jim Gleason, Vice President-Community Relations at Health Central Hospital. made a commitment to donate $2,500 for a magnolia tree for the project on behalf of the hospital. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson. made a motion to take $2,500 out of contingency to be earmarked for the purchase of one magnolia tree at Ocoee Middle School. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of August 17, 1999, Minutes of City Commission Budget Workshop of August 23, 1999, and Minutes of City Commission Budget Workshop of August 26, 1999. Mayor Vandergrift requested clarification on two issues in the Budget Workshop of August 26, 1999 concerning the POWR Program and the well water for the parks. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker. made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC Ms. Dianne Thompson (call-in) 714 E. Lakeshore Drive, expressed her concern that AAU can cut players at any time - may start out with several players and then none. Mr. Anthony Cooley (call-in) 601 Banderas, stated that City parks claim to be open to the public; why can't the kids play, and for them to be responsible for some maintenance and repairs. Mr. Don Burkhalter (call-in) 299-9510 - stated that while he was coaching the AAU team, the City originally agreed that AAU could use the fields only on Sunday during the day. and that the privilege was to be renewed each year. Page 3 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 Ms. Tamika Hillman (e-mail) requested information on Ocoee statistics. Her request will he forwarded to the Planning Department. Mr. Sean Scott (e-mail) - stated that the matching fund grants received for Shoal Creek will be used to re-sod the East parkway area and will be completed before the end of the month. Phillip (e-mail) - asked if the subject has been brought up to paint the water tower on Wurst Road because it looks rusty and looks bad on the community that it is in. City Manager Shapiro will check the status of funding for this project. Ms. Karin Vorh (e-mail) asked if there were any plans to paint the water tower near Wurst Road. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Parker announced the RSVP Line 656-2218, the City e-email address for questions, and that a volunteer citizen was answering the telephone lines to take questions to the Commission. RECESS 8:25 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS Fire Station Property on Montgomery Road City Manager Shapiro gave a brief history with regard to the ISO rating, with the rating of 1 as the highest, and that Ocoee was rated 4. City Manager Shapiro further stated that several locations have been reviewed, and that there were drainage and location issues as well as cost issues involved if the facility was re-built at the current municipal complex. Fire Chief Strosnider expressed his thanks to the community for donating $6,086 to Muscular Dystrophy over the holiday weekend. Chief Strosnider gave a Power Point Presentation and outlined locations within the City limits that had been reviewed for possible relocation sites, and stated that response time was based on a 1-1/2 mile radius. Chief Strosider requested that the property located between Montgomery and California Avenue be purchased from the Utility Department to relocate Fire Station 1 with noise and traffic safeguards. Mr. Mark Fredericksen, 623 Safeharbour Drive, Mr. Bob Johnson, 671 Safeharbour Drive, Ms. Christine Kelley, 593 Safeharbour Drive, Ms. Cassie Turiczek, 570 Safeharbour Drive, Mr. Jay Evans, 567 Safeharbour Drive, and Mr. Mike Victor Smith, 696 Montgomery Avenue, gave a Power Point Presentation opposing the relocation of Fire Station I to Montgomery/California location, requested that the spray field be turned into a park for the Page 4 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting — September 7, 1999 children, and submitted a Petition to convert the location to a park as well as opposing the site as a fire station with 200 signatures to the City. The Public Hearing was opened. Mr. Jim Gleason, 856 Hammocks - stated that he was not notified by his homeowners association and was not aware of the issue until one week before. Mr. Gleason stated that the tire station could potentially be a minimal conflict compared to what could he built in the area between that and Highway 50. Mr. Jeff Courterier, 732 Butterfly Creek Drive - opposed to putting the fire station on Montgomery. Ms. Maggie Musial (call-in) - stated the residents of Hidden Oak on S. Cumberland want the road closed and are working on a petition. Anonymous (call-in) - citizens are calling in that they are upset with the display of behavior that is taking place. Ms. Shannon Kane (call-in) stated that Commissioner Anderson is asking all the right questions and to keep up the good work. Mr. Glen Richardson, 774 Creekview Court, expressed is concern with industrial growth if the fire station was relocated to this site, and would like to see the mall and/or Health Central donate property for the fire station. Mr. Sean Scott, 648 Butterfly Creek Drive - spoke in opposition of the fire station relocation. Anonymous (call-in) - from the Highlands Subdivision - stated that Mr. Evans is making positive points. Mr. Fred Wilsen (call-in) 1019 Shady Maple - asked what studies have been done and what the basis of moving the fire station to Montgomery is, and expressed his opposition. Mr. Mike Tomlin, 824 E. Harbour Court, stated that there is fencing only on one side of Montgomery. Mr. Jeff Miller (call-in) 306 Sterling Lake Drive - asked why the fire administration building has to be within the newly proposed fire station and in a separate building. Jenny (call-in) Pioneer Key 2 - asked if it has been taken into consideration that the new fire station on the proposed Montgomery site may be too far away from mobile homes. Page 5 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 Mr. Lester Dabbs (call-in) stated that non support of Staff in a public meeting is not appreciated by the citizens. Ms. Melinda Covey (e-mail) 889 Keaton Parkway, Admiral Point - would like to see the fire station on the North Side of White Road on Montgomery by filling in the retention poind, and stated that the facts do not reflect the pulse of the surrounding neighborhoods in a complete survey. Ms. Wendy Robbins (e-mail) expressed her opposition to the relocation of the fire station. Mr. Lloyd Robbins (e-mail) expressed his opposition to the relocation of the fire station. The Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Parker stated that she would like to see a study but also would like to see what the opinion was of the Commission, and stated she would like the fire station built on that location and would welcome it in her community. Commissioner Johnson stated he did not receive invitations to the homeowners meetings and he was on the RFP committee for the Fire Station. Commissioner Johnson stated that he did not believe the location was suitable for the fire station but would like to see a facility for senior citizens be built there instead, and would like to see the fire station relocated to Bluford. City Manager Shapiro stated that something would be built there - either a senior center or an arts center, and that they would be hard pressed to put a park there. Commissioner Anderson questioned if Staff has considered all the alternatives and if they had done their job. City Manager Shapiro stated that Staff prepared the report as directed by the Commission and that Staff has evaluated all City property with regard to the relocation efforts; however, they would re-visit several locations and would need an engineering cost for the Maine Street location, re-visit the issues of the valuation of the property on Bluford, reevaluate the location on Kissimmee at the old water plant site, and would contact Mr. Hawthorne. Mayor Vandergrift stated that the presentations were exceptional, and asked if the City was coordinating their efforts with Orange County, and would like to look at the Geneva/Story Road 10 acre site for a Sheriff's/Police/Fire Station. Mayor Vandergrift stated that he was not satisfied with the Staff's presentation, and that condemnation of the Columbus Avenue site was not a bad idea. City Manager Shapiro responded that the Police Department required 7 acres for their own department alone, that he would need information from City Attorney Rosenthal regarding Page 6 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 legal fees for the condemnation, and would like to look at the Maine Street property again as well. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, made the motion to deny Staff's recommendation to purchase the property from the Utilities Department to relocate Fire Station One to the property located between Montgomery Road and California Avenue. Motion carried 3-2, with Commissioners Parker and Howell voting in the ne alb RECESS 10:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. Ordinance No. 99-27 - Adoption of Revised EAR for Comp Plan (Second Reading) City Attorney Rosenthal read Ordinance No. 99-27 by title only. Planning Director Wagner stated that he was available to answer any questions, and that the presentation for this issue was given at the last meeting. The Public Hearing was opened, and since no one wished to speak, was closed. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Howell, made the motion to accept Staff's recommendation to adopt Ordinance No. 99-27 approving the Revised Evaluation and Appraisal Report. Motion carried unanimously. Ordinance No. 99-28 - Amend Land Development Code re: Temporary Ballfield and Playfields (First Reading/Public Hearing) City Attorney Rosenthal read Ordinance No. 99-28 by title only. City Manager Shapiro stated that Staff was not in agreement with the Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation, that there were some liability concerns, and requested direction from the Commission. The Public Hearing was opened, and since no one wished to speak, was closed. Ordinance No. 99-29 - Amend Land Development Code re: Open Rear Yard Porches (First Reading/Public Hearing) City Attorney Rosenthal read Ordinance No. 99-29 by title only. The Public Hearing was opened, and since no one wished to speak, was closed. Page 7 out Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 OTHER BUSINESS Fire Station No. 4 Driveway Assistant City Attorney Wheeler stated that the majority of the cost for the driveway was due to the inability to re-use the collection boxes. Mayor Vandergift asked who did the inspection of the Fire Station. Mr. Wheeler responded that Gee & Jenson were responsible for all of the inspections except for a small portion of the drainage. Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, made the motion to accept Staff's recommendation to increase the contract amount for this project to $4,579.20, making the total authorized contract amount of $90,879.20, and authorize payment of this amount to Prime Construction Group, Inc. Motion carried unanimously. Founders' Day Fireworks Display Community Relations/Special Projects Director Shira gave an outline of the project and stated that the expenditure requires Commission approval because it is over $10,000. Discussion included information on the barge, the deposit required, the size of the fireworks and the company producing the show. Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, made the motion to accept Staffs recommendation to authorize the expenditure of $15,000 for Founders' Day fireworks. Motion carried unanimously. Maguire Road Widening Project City Attorney Rosenthal stated that the memorandum provided to the Commission in their packets recommends the approval of the purchase agreement. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Howell. made the motion to approve the Purchase Agreement executed by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, authorizing execution thereof by the Mayor and City Clerk, and further authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute all documents necessary to close the transaction, including, but not limited to the two Non-Exclusive Temporary Easement Agreements. Motion carried 4-I, with Commissioner Anderson voting no. Miscellaneous Improvements Projects - Change Order Request No. 1 Discussion ensued with Assistant City Attorney Wheeler answering questions from the Commission. Mayor Vandererift. seconded by Commissioner Howell. made the motion to approve Change Order No. 1 with Wharton-Smith. Inc. by increasing the contract amount by $1,412.28, with Page 8 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 an extension in contract time of seven days, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Change Order No. 1. Motion carried unanimously. Water Distribution Mains - Phase 2 Project Change Order Request No. Discussion ensued with Assistant City Attorney Wheeler answering questions from the Commission. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, made the motion to approve Change Order No. 1 with Georgetown Enterprises, Inc. by decreasing the contract amount by $27,057.35, with no extension in contract time, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Change Order No. 1. Motion carried unanimously. Appointments/Reappointments to Boards Board of Adjustment - Fill Alternate Vacancies (2); term expires May, 2001. Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Parker, made the motion to appoint Mr. Michael Savino as an Alternative to the Board of Adjustment, with a two year term to expire May, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. Code Enforcement Board - replacement for Alternate Member Dean Hall whose term expires October, 2001. The Commission agreed, without objection, to table this issue until the September 21, 1999 Commission Meeting. STAFF REPORTS - None. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Howell I. Would like to see signs on Taylor Street between Franklin and McKey. City Manager Shapiro will meet with Public Works Director Smith on this issue. 2. Stated that due to time constraints, he was requesting to be removed from the Education Commission. The Commission agreed, without objection, to appoint Commissioner Johnson to the Education Commission as an Ex-Officio Member, replacing Commissioner Howell. Page 9 of 1 1 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 Commissioner Anderson I. Asked if there is an update on the Orlando Avenue pavement issue. City Manager Shapiro stated that the bill has not been paid and that the company has not responded to their correspondence. 2. Asked if Jennings was allowed to pick up trash before 6:00 a.m. City Manager Shapiro stated that the would look at the contract to see the hours of operation. 3. Asked the status of the Pool Selection Committee. City Manager stated he would get with Recreation Director Nordquist to find out the status. 4. Reported that the Portland Telecommunications Act was ruled on. City Manager Shapiro stated that the information was forwarded to the attorney. 5. Requested that a retreat be held with Staff and an outside agency. City Manager Shapiro stated that he would follow-up on this. Commissioner Johnson I. Received a complaint from a citizen regarding limbs not being picked up. City Manager Shapiro stated that this issue would be addressed at Thursday's meeting with City Attorney Rosenthal, and that they would review the Contract to see what their options were. 2. Asked the status of the Master Plan Committee for the municipal grounds, which the Mayor was a member of. City Manager Shapiro stated he would find out the status of the committee. Commissioner Parker I. Stated that she felt Staff was doing a good job. Mayor Vandergrift 1. Requested input from the Commission on their thoughts about a town meeting to discuss Charter Schools, and invite the Education Commission to attend. The Commission agreed, without objection, for Mayor Vandergrift to hold a town meeting to discuss charter schools. 2. Stated that he would like to address the issue of temporary agencies where they would have to house those waiting for jobs, and proposed the City create an ordinance to that effect. City Manager Shapiro stated that Staff would look at the situation. 3. Received complaints that the field at Vignetti was very rough for those playing soccer. 4. Stated that legislation has changed for liability insurance for extreme sports for cities and would like to look at skateboarding/extreme sport opportunities. 5. Requested status on the Teen Club. City Manager Shapiro stated that he would meet with Recreation Director Nordquist to find out what the status is. 6. Requested that the section along the light poles on Starke Lake be mowed. City Manager Shapiro stated he would get with Public Works Director Smith to find out why this is not being done. 7. Stated that he would like to see Staff work with the Commission. Page 10 of 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting September 7, 1999 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:37 p.m. APPROVED City of Ocoee Attest: Fran Cosnell, Deputy City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor Page 11 of 11 • • • • Agenda 9-21-99 Item III A MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD AUGUST 11, 1999 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the Budget Workshop to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson, and Parker. Also present were City Manger Shapiro, Finance Supervisor Carter, Building and Zoning Official Flippen, Finance Director Horton, Police Chief Mark. Recreation Director Nordquist, Human Resources Director Psaledakis, Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira, City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Public Works Director Smith, Budget Analyst Strickland, Fire Chief Strosnider, Information Systems Manager Tartar. Planning Director Wagner and Acting City Clerk Green. ABSENT: None. Consensus was reached to end the workshop at about 8:30 p.m. and Mayor Vandergrift asked City Manager Shapiro to present his opening statements. City Manager Shapiro advised there was a shortage of revenues this year because the City had not received the anticipated revenues from growth or from the State as all State shared revenues were down. Mr. Shapiro further stated that, based on current figures, the budget only increased $185,000.00 and the working funds for this budget were less than $250,000.00. He said the proposed budget does not include a lot of capital items, but does include numerous lease payments for vehicles purchased in the last two years, bond issues, and an increase in health insurance premiums. Review/Dlscussiorv: BciGEI FV 1999-2000 In the discussion which follows budget message issues were interspersed with a page by page and line by line review of a portion of the Budget Workbook. The Finance Team, City Manager Shapiro and Department Heads responded to questions raised by Commission. There were no changes made to the line items during this session. Requests requiring action arc included below. Interim Services Fees Mayor Vandergrift expressed concern that the Commission was not involved in the decision to discontinue collection of Interim Service Fees as that had created a loss of $30,000.00. City Manager Shapiro explained that the collection of fees was stopped around mid July .when the City Attorney had advised that the Fees had been struck down by the Courts. Commissioner Anderson asked if the City was looking at another avenue to collect fees. Mr. Shapiro said our City is looking for other options as are other cities and the League of Cities. Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop August I I, 1999 Addition of Two Part Time Recreation Employees Mayor Vandergrift asked if the City has contacted the YMCA to help with the new building or any of our programs. City Manager Shapiro explained that the two part time employees were for the gym and teen programs and that they intend to approach the YMCA about lifeguards for the pool. He said the after school program will remain at Vignetti Park until construction of the new Beech Center is complete. City Manager Shapiro asked for direction from Commission on the use of the Community Center since the children are no longer using it. He said work to restore it to its former condition would begin with installation of a new roof this week. Ile asked Commission to advise him if they do not wish to return the Center to general community use and to make it available for rental. Mayor Vandergrift said he thought that was the original intent and the Senior Citizens could be emphasized as part of that. No direction for change was given to Mr. Shapiro in ensuing discussion. Recreation Director Nordquist said a before school program was now provided at Vignetti in response to the change to later school starting times. Health Insurance Mayor Vandergrift asked about costs for the increase in health insurance premiums. Finance Director Horton said the increase for City employees was $86,000.00. She said the increase for employee dependent coverage was $48,400.00 and that amount was not included in the proposed budget. She said if the increase is passed on to the employee, it would be $345.72 a year/$13,00 per pay period. (She said currently the City pays $2500 or 74% of employee coverage). City Manager Shapiro pointed out that two years ago the Commission decided any additional cost of the dependent portion would be borne by the employee. but that can be changed. Human Resources Director Psaledakis added that insurance premiums have risen nationally 45%, and this year the City has had some catastrophic claims and kept the increase at 10%. Commissioner Anderson said he would like to see the City pay the increase for dependents. Fire/Police Dispatchers Mayor Vandergrift asked what the City was doing about the Fire/Police Dispatchers. City Manager Shapiro explained that eventually the dispatchers should have a separate division or department. He said that Ocoee is in discussion with the City of Apopka about a possible joint dispatch center. Ile said the separate listing would facilitate tracking dispatch costs and that information would be needed when negotiation begins. Discussion ensued. West Oaks Mall Ad Valorem Tax Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop August I I. 1999 Commissioner Howell asked about the refund to West Oaks Mall. City Manager Shapiro explained that West Oaks Mall challenged in a lawsuit the amount they were being charged for ad valorem tax and the Court found they were overpaying by S15.000.00. Finance Director Horton explained this is not shown in the budget as no money will change hands. Mayor Vandergrift commented on page 2-2_ that in past years he has asked that the City look at hiring our own attorneys so the pass-through fees would come to the City, and he would like to see an accounting of what the pass-through is in a footnote on the page. He asked for more footnotes in future to clarify changes to the budget. Recess 7:25 p.m. to 7:38. COLA/Merit Increases Commissioner Parker said she supported a 2% COLA. In response to questions from Commissioner Anderson, Human Resources Director Psaledakis explained that reclassifications and grade changes are only done when indicated as a result of the annual survey, or if an employee is performing beyond the job description/grade level. Employees who reach maximum pay grade in their level would only receive COLA raises unless the job survey showed a need for reclassification. Commissioner Johnson asked if reclassifying an employee would yield an increase in salary greater than 5%. Ms. Psaledakis explained that this would happen if the job market showed they were underpaid. Commissioner Johnson asked for figures from the last two years for anyone who received an increase of more than 5% as a result of reclassification. Ms. Psaledakis added that if an employee is reclassified in grade level, the personnel rules and regulations state that the employee must receive the minimum grade level pay. Commissioner Johnson said he would like an outside firm to conduct the annual survey for classification/pay grade study. Ms. Psaledakis said the cost would be S15,000 to $20,000.00. compared to the information from the Florida League of Cities and Consortium. Commissioner Johnson said COLA increases should include City Officials and the City Manager. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Anderson said he feels that the 4% raise is out of control if continued for ten years. Mr. Shapiro explained that ten years ago more than half of the employees qualified for Aid to Dependent Children and 70% qualified for food stamps, so the employees were reclassified to a living wage. Discussion ensued Commissioner Parker emphasized that the Commission was here to discuss what to do with salaries and increases for this year. She said that every year the salaries arc 3 Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop August I I, 1999 discussed based on information from similar job classifications and she thought it is ludicrous to think that in 20 years a secretary will exceed the state standard. She said the City will never pay beyond what is acceptable in the industry. Commissioner Howell asked about the increase in budgeting overtime. City Manager Shapiro explained that the labor attorney had advised that some employees could not legally be salaried; therefore. would be subject to overtime if they had to work more than 40 hours. Commissioner Anderson asked for clarification on page 3-34 for the request of an accountant. Finance Director Horton explained that the addition of the accountant would allow the department to prepare the financial statements in house in lieu of using auditors. Commissioner Anderson asked to see a comparison of costs between using an accounting firm and hiring a new person for the accounting area. Mayor Vandergrift asked that on page 3-46 a tootnote be added to explain how much longer the City had to pay on the Griffin I.and Purchase. Mayor Vandergrift asked why the proposed and recommended amount for personal services was so different on page 3-52. City Manager Shapiro explained that Public Works Director Smith had asked for several new employees and the request was denied due to lack of funds. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Attest APPROVED: Marian Green. Acting City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor 4