HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-2021 Minutes Budget :Workshop
OCOEE-CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee,FL
August 12, 2021 MINUTES 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER— 6:01 PM
Mayor Johnson opened the workshop meeting.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Brinson, Commissioner Wilsen (arrived at 6:03 PM),
Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Frank and City Clerk Sibbitt
PRESENTATION- 6:02 PM
Finance Director Roberts introduced the City's Chief Accountant,Chantel Pierre,who will assist
with the budget going forward. She further presented a demonstration of the cloud-based budget
and performance management software called ClearGov, which will streamline and enhance staff
production.
FY 21/22 BUDGET OVERVIEW -Finance Director Roberts - 6:06 PM
Finance Director Roberts provided a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Proposed Budget
for FY 2021-2022. Highlights in the presentation covered:
• Fiscal Sustainability
• Economic Highlights
• Proposed Budget
• Millage Calculation
• Revenue/Expenditure Summary
• General Fund Revenues/Expenditures
• Proposed New Positions and Personnel Changes
• Capital Projects
DISCUSSION- 6:18 PM
Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to explain the plan in place to bring employees closer to
the $15 minimum wage required to be met by 2026. City Manager Frank explained the changes
proposed, which includes a 3.5 % increase for all general employees for the upcoming fiscal year.
Commissioner Brinson shared concerns with regard to the pay bands. City Manager Frank
addressed his concerns, and explained the proposed changes will keep a distance between the pay
bands.
Commissioner Oliver asked for confirmation that the City has historically provided a 3% annual
increase to employees. Finance Director Roberts advised that was correct. Commissioner
Oliver shared he feels the City has a good plan in place to meet the required deadline.
Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop
August 12, 2021
Mayor Johnson inquired if there were any questions pertaining to any area of the budget, and that
he would like to begin with those questions.
Commissioner Firstner shared he had a question pertaining to page 24, and if any of the General
Government Services listed on that page would be coming out of the bond money. Finance
Director Roberts addressed his question, and shared that all of the bond money has been
previously appropriated; therefore,what he referenced on page 24 would be coming out of current
operating or impact fees.
Commissioner Brinson inquired about the non-ad valorem collection.Finance Director Roberts
addressed his question, and shared she budgeted for a lower collection rate. City Manager Frank
further explained the City is able to shoulder the burden from reserves, if needed,as they anticipate
the funds will eventually be received and put back into reserves.
Mayor Johnson asked each elected official to share what they are seeking within their district. He
commented he is hoping they can keep the millage rate down. Finance Director Roberts
explained if they can keep special requests down to$160,000,they can keep the millage rate down.
Brief discussion ensued.
Commissioner Brinson shared a pressing item he would recommend in his district is a permanent
blinking speed sign on Wurst Road. He further inquired if speed bumps could be put on Wurst
Road. City Manager Frank addressed his question.
Commissioner Wilsen shared if they split the $160,000, it would allocate $32,000 for each
district. She further shared her district needs more sidewalks, but in order to keep the millage rate
down they all will need to restrict their wants; she is proud being conservative,and would be happy
with 5.05, or 5.15, mills. Brief discussion ensued.
Commissioner Firstner shared the Commission had asked for a proposal on yard waste
collection, and inquired if staff had any proposals to share this evening. Public Works Director
Krug advised he did not have anything formal to present, but he has been researching costs. He
shared an estimated cost for yard waste, which would be in addition to the existing solid waste
cost. Further discussion ensued about yard waste collection. Commissioner Firstner suggested
this year the City should police their vendor to determine if they can correct some of the problems.
If they continue to have problems by mid-year, then they should come up with a solution for the
following budget year. Commissioner Firstner shared his district is covered well in the budget,
and he does not have anything additional to add at this time.
Commissioner Brinson inquired if a street study has ever been done to determine which roads
need repairs. Public Works Director Krug addressed his question, and advised his department
handles determining if a road needs repair.
Commissioner Oliver shared he agrees with the comments he has heard this evening to keep the
millage rate down. He further shared his concerns with the trash pick-up. He proposed a five-year
plan to move back to a City operated garbage service. Mayor Johnson shared he has not heard
complaints on the garbage pick-up,but has about the yard waste service. Brief discussion ensued.
2IPage
Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop
August 12, 2021
Mayor Johnson further inquired when the contract is set to expire. Public Works Director Krug
explained they entered into a seven-year contract, and are currently in year two. Commissioner
Oliver shared it was his understanding there was a clause in the contract that would allow them to
terminate at any time. Brief discussion ensued.
Commissioner Oliver inquired about reclaimed water for Wellington Place. Utilities Director
Croteau addressed his question, and advised the issue is the lack of water, not installation of the
reclaimed water, as the infrastructure is in place. She explained the capital funding in place that
will assist in upgrading the reclaimed water system. Providing reclaimed water for Wellington
Place will be closer to 2025. Commissioner Oliver inquired if funds from the Recovery Act would
assist with this project. Utilities Director Croteau addressed his question.
Commissioner Oliver shared the biggest concern he has in his district is safety, and shared
concerns about the West Orange Trail on Clarke Road adjacent to Clarcona Ocoee Road. He
inquired about flashing signs and seeking assistance from the County. City Manager Frank
explained that signs being placed on the right-of-way of the West Orange Trail would have to go
before the County, as it is their property. The challenge is that the County may not agree to place
signs in only one portion of the trail as it runs within other cities. Commissioner Oliver inquired
if a letter could be drafted and sent to the County. City Manager Frank shared if City Commission
gives consensus at a future Regular City Commission Meeting, the letter can be completed.
Mayor Johnson shared one of the areas he would like a speed table installed is Geneva Street
going toward the cemetery. City Manager Frank shared that the two items mentioned, the
flashing speed sign in District 1, and the speed table on Geneva Street, can be priced out and added
into the budget. The remaining funds from the $160,000 can be carried forward to the next budget
hearing. If not used they can move those funds to contingency, or put into the fund balance.
City Manager Frank inquired if the next budget workshop was needed; and further, a
consensus of the City Commission was to cancel the August 18th Budget
Workshop. It was announced the Tentative Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for September
15th at 6:00 PM.
Commissioner Wilsen shared she is not committed to 5.05 mills, but would like to maintain the
millage under 5.15 mills. Mayor Johnson commented that the City has one of the best employees
and the City Commission appreciates all of their hard work.
IV.ADJOURNMENT - 7:14 PM
APPROVED:
ttest: ity f c e
Me anie Sibbitt;City Clerk usty John Mayor