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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2022 MinutesOCOEE CITY COMMISSION TENTATIVE BUDGET P UBLIC HEARING Ocoee Commission Chambers September 15,2022 MINUTES 6:00 P.M. I L CALL TO ORDER -6100rM A. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance I Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was led by Mayor Johnson followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. B. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum - 6:01 PM City Clerk Sibbitt called roll and declared a quorum present. Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Brinson, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Oliver Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Attorney Cookson, City Clerk Sibbitt, Finance Director Roberts 11. TENTATIVE BUDGET PUBLIC BEARING A. Mayor's Announcement - 6:02 PM I Mayor Johnson announced this is a public hearing on the tentative budget and proposed millage rate for the City of Ocoee. Notice of this hearing was contained in the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes mailed by the Property Appraiser. The City Commission has previously set a proposed millage rate of 5.05 mills which represents an 8.9% increase in millage over the rolled -back rate of 4.6361 mills. B. Briefing by City Attorney - 6:03 PM City Attorney Cookson announced the preliminary millage rate set by the City Commission and contained in the TRIM Notice is 5.05 mills. The maximum millage rate, which may be levied by the City by regular majority vote for the 2022-2023 fiscal year is 7.0701 mills, such maximum millage rate having been determined pursuant to Section 200.185(3)(a), Florida Statutes. The establishment of a millage rate between 7.0702 mills and 7.7771 mills requires a two-thirds vote (super majority) of the membership of the City Commission (or 4 votes). The establishment of a millage rate between 7.7772 mills and 10.000 mills requires a unanimous vote of the City Commission. Additionally, any millage rate adopted above the preliminary millage rate of 5.05 mills would require notice by first-class mail to each taxpayer. The tentative millage rate adopted at this hearing will become the maximum millage rate which may be adopted by the City Commission at the public hearing on the final millage rate. A unanimous vote or a two-thirds vote may be required to adopt the tentative millage rate as the final millage rate. At the final public hearing, the City Commission may adopt a millage rate which is less than the tentative millage rate. Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15,2022 C. Briefing by Finance Director: Review of additions/deletions to the budget since distribution, the percentage increase in millage over the rolled -back rate necessary to fund the budget and the specific purpose for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased. 6:03 PM Finance Director Roberts provided a PowerPoint summarizing the Proposed Budget for FY 2022-2023. Highlights in the presentation covered: • Economic Highlights • Fiscal Sustainability • Budget Commitments ® Proposed Millage ® Annual Pay Enhancements • Sidewalk Maintenance/Repairs ® Paving and Drainage Improvements ® General Fund Revenues/Expenditures Summary ® Changes Subsequent to Publication She further explained the recommendations made at the Budget Workshop were as follows: Alcade & Faye (60,000) Youth Council (5,000) Paving, Striping, Re -striping City Wide 25,000 Six Speed Tables - Location TBD 72,000 HRD13 - Future Events as Approved 20,000 Neighborhood Matching Grants 14,000 Hiring Incentives 25,000 Items discussed with no action taken were as follows: • Youth Council Travel Expenses - Funded in Youth Initiatives • Hackney Prairie Speed Calming — Funded • Resurfacing Moore Rd. — McGuire to 7 th - Added to CIP Plan for FY24 ® Commissions' Spousal Travel Privileges - No Budget Adjustment, but will be amended by Resolution ® Coventry Park Exercise Equipment — Not Recommended for a Neighborhood Park • Small Business Grants • Reflective Park at African American Cemetery • Sculpture of Children at Unity Park, 2 1 P a g e Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15, 2022 1. Comments by Citizens - 6I PNI, Mayor Johnson opened the floor for comments by citizens. The following persons addressed the City Commission: - Tonya Dorisca, Ocoee Resident and HRDB Member, summarized the objectives of the HRDB and requested $100,000 in additional funding for cultural events. - Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, requested better local signage, $500 to promote membership to American Legion Post 109, up to $25,000 to promote City motto, and $120,000 for Ocoee Remembers History. - Lori Hart, Ocoee Resident and HRDB Chair, requested the approval of funding for the currently proposed 2022-2023 HRDB events: MLK Parade ($8,000), Black History Essay Contest ($2,100), Ocoee Remembrance Event ($30,000), and Hispanic Heritage Event ($9,000). - Dorcas Dillard, Ocoee Resident and OYC Coordinator, questioned the reduction of her consultant contract for the Ocoee Youth Council, and explained the work, she devotes to the Ocoee Youth Council, - Chris AdIdns, Ocoee Resident, commented on being proactive and efficient with tax payer's money. - Marci Jernigan, Ocoee Resident, commented on the need to focus on the community with items such as improving roadways, sidewalks, traffic lights, and driver safety awareness. - Vivian Lyte-Johnson, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the funding for the Ocoee Music Festival, and what line item it is listed as in the Budget. She further shared support for the HRDB getting additional ftinding for cultural events. Commissioner Brinson commented on the request by Ms. Dorisca and explained he agrees that the HRDB Board is always coming before the City Commission for funding; therefore, he supports the request for the increase to their budget. Brinson, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Finance Director Roberts announced the new proposed millage rate will be 4.9671 mills. Commissioner Wilsen voiced her objection with the budget increase. A brief discussion ensued on the lack of a business plan and the current funding placed in Support Services for HRDB events. Support Services Director Butler explained the current budget for the HRDB and their approved events. He further commented that an increase of events would require additional staff as advisory boards are made up of volunteers who only guide events. Commissioner Brinson shared his disagreement with the need for additional staff personnel, Commissioner Firstner stated he does not have a problem with the funding, but feels the HRDB needs to be more unified. Commissioner Oliver addressed the requests made by the HRDB members, and commented on the need for cultural awareness in the community. Mayor Johnson commented on the budget responsibilities of the Elected Officials to their citizens, and the role of volunteer members. He voiced his support for the funds already budgeted in Support Services for the current HRDB events. 3 1 P a g e September 15, 2022 11��Ij p�gjijmplij�� I pIIqI;ygpg1j 11� Commissioner Firstner inquired if funding could be found so that the millage rate would not be affected. City Manager Frank explained the ARPA funding that is allocated for the proposed Gun Range and Fire Station. Further discussion ensued. Commissioner Brinson stated his change of opinion on the decision for the reduction of the OYC Coordinator's budget, and requested it to remain at the $ 10,000 originally budgeted. Inlyr• r liTIPIM 1101M. 1111111"Iffl- I'll 11m, 11"In. 1111-11 1 iffliff"Iffil-91ne PIT Commissioner Wilsen voiced her concerns with the youth council travelling outside of the City limits. Dorcas Dillard, OYC Coordinator, addressed her questions and concerns, and further commented on the benefit of the students interacting with other Youth Councils within the State and having experiences outside of the City. Commissioner Oliver summarized the discussion that occurred during the Budget Workshop, and explained the benefits the students would receive from the trip to Tallahassee. Marci Jernigan, Ocoee Resident, commented on her childhood experience doing fundraisers to be able to travel for school activities. She again voiced her concerns on the need for sidewalks, traffic lights, and driver safety awareness. Firstner opposing. Nis) 11119111 109 j I MqjIg MITI r*Itr*TaV*,T=- *94IN MINMe NINIMM. I 0141414MI214 M Motion: Move to reduce the HRDB budqet from $100,000 to 30,000. oved by Commissioner Wilsen. City Attorney Cookson explained that a motion to reconsider would be needed by one of the members on the prevailing side of the vote. ig carried unanimously. Commissioner Firstner inquired how much was budgeted for Contingency. Finance Director Roberts advised the current balance is $54,000. Recess 7:43 PM— 7:51 PM 41 P age Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15, 2022 Commissioner Brinson commented on the heated debates; and further, asked the citizens to be patient. He further explained the Transfer Out line item in the budget, and shared that is where the Music Festival is funded as that event brings funding in, and in turn funding is transferred out. He shared that many of his questions on the budget were already responded to by City staff and were satisfactory. He reminded advisory board members to request funding prior to the budget sessions so they can be considered thoughtfully. He concluded by sharing that their decisions are moving the City forward. Commissioner Wilsen commented that she would not like to see any funds being removed from the Police and Fire proposed projects, and further inquired if the Support Services Department budget could be decreased by $50,000 since an increase of $100,000 was made to their budget. Support Services Director Butler addressed her question and advised that the budget was increased up to $100,000 which is only an increase of $55,000. Commissioner Wilsen asked for the recomputed millage rate to be announced. Finance Director Roberts announced the millage rate would be 4.9732 mils. Lori Hart, Ocoee Resident and DRDB Chair, recounted the discussion that occurred at the last HRDB Meeting, and apologized if there was any confusion in her recollection of that evening. She explained that it was her understanding that the $100,000 could be used by any advisory board for any approved multi -cultural event. Further discussion ensued on the topic of the additional funding provided to the HRD13. Commissioner Oliver shared concerns, or asked questions, on the following pages in the budget book: Page 11 — Requested the Elected Officials be listed as part-time employees and not full"time employees. Motion: Move to list the Elected Officials in the Budg2LP22!ias part-time and not full-time employees. Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded b Commissioner Brinson; Motion failed 2-3 with Mayor Johnson Commissioner Wilsen and Commissioner Firstner oppqsjng. . 0 re- • In, %'T1WM=1T__WW opposing. (Mayor Johnson handed the gavel to Mayor Pro tem Firstner) Page 18 - Inquired about the $85,000 for equipment in General Government Services. Support Services Director Butler addressed his question. Page 19 - Inquired about the roof repair for the Lakeshore Center. Public Works Director Krug addressed his question and advised the roof is no longer under warranty, and shared the building is 8 years old. Page 23 — Inquired about the equipment budgeted for $45,000 under the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Recreation Director Johnson addressed his question. Commissioner 5 1 P a g e Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15, 2022 Oliver inquired if Coventry Park was evaluated for the exercise equipment. Parks and Recreation Director Johnson addressed his question. Page 26 - Inquired if any funds were designated for the claw truck. City Manager Frank addressed his question and shared a proposal will be presented at the Final Hearing; however, the assessment would not be done until next year's budget. Commissioner Oliver further voiced concerns with the current garbage service. Commissioner Oliver commented on the previous discussion they had at the Budget Workshop on the reflective park, inquired about the possession of the abandoned cemetery, and what would be the cost. City Attorney Cookson related the discussions about the property, and recalled it would be between $50,000-$100,000 to acquire the property and obtain title through the court system. Discussion ensued on the current maintenance of the property. to proceed with reflective park concept. Moved by Commissioner 01i 0 oil 0] Commissioner Wilsen and Commissioner Firstner opposing. Page 43 — Inquired about the City staff charges. City Clerk Sibbitt addressed his question, as she believed that anticipated revenue is related to staff/research costs associated with public records requests. Page 48 - Inquired about General Government Services and why there is fluctuation each fiscal year. Finance Director Roberts addressed his question. Page 53 — Inquired about the decrease in postage/freight from $400 to $100. Finance Director Roberts addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver inquired if the postcards that he and any other Commissioner sent to new homeowners were expensed to that line item. Finance Director Roberts addressed his question. Commissioner Wilsen shared she had a discussion with the City Manager, and the postage costs associated with their district postcards will be coming out of their discretionary funds going forward. Motion: Move to increase the postage/fE21ghIfUnAing back to 1400, in the City Commission's budget for sending out postcards. Moved by Commissioner Oliver; Motion died for lack of a second. Page 133 - Inquired about the Ocoee Music Festival being a zero -line item, and if that meant no funding is being requested for this event. Finance Director Roberts addressed his question and explained that the Ocoee Music Festival is not budgeted in that line item, but is budgeted under Recreation Department as a transfer out. Mayor Johnson further explained the sponsorships raised to cover the cost of the music festival event. Commissioner Oliver requested the page number for the transfer out line item and the budgeted amount. Finance Director Roberts advised that information can be found on page 139, and is listed as a $115,000 transfer out. Commissioner Oliver requested that the transfer out title also include Ocoee Music Festival for transparency. 6 1 P a g e Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15, 2022 Commissioner Oliver stated his final request this evening is funding for a Financial Audit. 2016. Moved by Commissioner Oliver; Motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Brinson shared that decision was before his time as an Elected Official so he is not sure what audit was referenced. Finance Director Roberts explained the financial statement audit conducted every year. She shared a new audit firm was just selected by the City Commission, A brief discussion ensued on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the City. Commissioner Brinson inquired if there was approval in 2016 by the City Commission. City Manager Frank addressed his question and explained that there was $50,000 budgeted, but there was never a discussion on the type of audit. The conversation to conduct the audit was initiated after a Commissioner had returned from a Florida League of Cities Conference. Commissioner Brinson commented on the audit film they hired and inquired on the status of the process. Finance Director Roberts explained the current audit process. A brief discussion ensued on the qualifications listed on the audit firm bid. Mayor Johnson commented that all the Elected Officials are doing what is best for their citizens, and he supports the Finance Department. He further shared that each Elected Officials should be meeting with the City Manager to go through all questions on the budget before they come to the meeting. City Attorney Cookson summarized the amendments discussed that will affect the budget: • Increase the HRDB Budget to $100,000 • Increase the OYC Coordinator budget by $5,000 • Decrease the Youth Initiative budget by $5,000 • Increase of Sidewalk Repair budget by $50,000 He advised these amendments are in addition to the revisions proposed in the Budget Workshop as outlined by the Finance Director in her presentation. Commissioner Wilsen shared that the amendment for the Youth Council travel also specified it was for local travel only. D. Announcement by Finance Director of the recomputed proposed millage rate and the percent by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled -back rate. This percentage is the proposed tentative percentage increase in property taxes. Announcement regarding the vote required to adopt this millage rate (Regular Majority, Super Majority, or Unanimous). Finance Director Roberts announced with the amendments to the proposed tentative budget; the millage rate is 4.9732 mills and the percentage is an 7.2% increase in millage over the rolled -back rate. Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to work with the Finance Director to refine the numbers by the next meeting. City Manager Frank reminded the City Commission that there will also be a presentation on the cost of a claw truck at their next meeting. City Attorney Cookson announced as the millage rate is under 5.05 mills they will only need to make a regular vote as this increase will not require a super majority vote. 7 1 P a g e Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15, 2022 1. Comments by Citizens - Mayor Johnson opened the floor for comments by citizens. The following persons addressed the City Commission: - Chris AdIdns, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the transfer out funding for the Ocoee Music Festival and how a resident could see the line items within the budget for that event. Finance Director Roberts addressed his questions. Mayor Johnson explained the sponsorships received which covers the event costs, and explained a public records request can be made to see what is received and what is paid for. - Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, commended the Finance Director for a great job on the City's budget, and pointed out that they are just in the planning stages of the budget as the fiscal year has not commenced. - Tonya Dorisca, Ocoee Resident and HRDB Member, thanked the City Commission and commented that she came before them as she was asked by the Board, but will reach out to the City Clerk to provide her with the exact statement of what was decided at their HRDB Meeting. - Andrea Simpson, Ocoee Resident, commented on the travel limitation for the Ocoee Youth Council as she feels travel experiences are important to the children. She also commented on the Ocoee Music Festival, and the need for transparency on the revenue generated and expensed in the budget. 2. Comments by Commissioners - None E. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Millage Rate - 9:30 PD,11 City Attorney Cookson read the title of the ordinance. Mayor Johnson asked the City Manager to work, on lowering the millage rate down to 4.95 mills. I. in with Commissioner Wilsen opposing. 8 1 P a g e Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 15, 2022 F. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Budget - 9�30 I'M City Attorney Cookson read the title of the ordinance. I I Ism A 111111 1 1 .—V CO23; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE D&TE. 11111110111 11 1 11 n 1111111 irlilirri'lli rIT--TM71F1U=- MUCIII= otam=0- q 11TIrOlIME1711 ir run ME "Mm 1 111 M M, FIT 1=011MUN 113 1 "MI Va.] Rlom,.= -1114KEJILIIII KID] 0191111W61101 V400-1911"o "17 11-MrS M-911011:1 1 0 Mayor Johnson announced the public hearing to consider the final millage rate, and final budget, is scheduled to be held Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Commission Chambers. The hearing has been advertised in accordance with the provisions of Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, and Section C-37 of Article VI of the Ocoee City Charter. The appropriate Ordinances necessary to adopt the Final Millage Rate and Final Budget will be prepared by City staff, and all other action necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, will be undertaken. The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 PM. Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk 0- Aw. M- [WHign, 111MIMM 1-1 Rusty Jois tMayor