HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #01 Approval of Minutes
Budget Workshop
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, FL
August 31,2010
Minutes
6:00 P.M.
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Mayor Vandergrift called the budget work session to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers of City Hall. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and declared a quorum present.
Roll Call: Commissioner Hood, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner
Johnson and Commissioner Keller.
Also Present: Finance Director Horton, Finance Manager Brosonski, Chief Accountant Briggs
Finance Director Horton advised there were several items discussed at the last workshop;
monetary amounts were associated with those items. A copy of those were sent to the
Commission via email as well as placed before them on the dais. Also placed on the dais is a
copy of the latest wish list.
City Manager Frank stated that the budget was presented at the last meeting balanced at
5.4974; there has been some fine tuning and we are balanced at 5.3229 mils as you begin the
evening tonight. Commissioner Hood asked what the contingency fund was with this new
millage rate and Finance Director Horton answered that it was $50,000. She added that the
wish list has an additional $50,000 for the contingency fund. Commissioner Hood asked if the
$150,000 for additional projects was no longer there and City Manager Frank confirmed it is not
included in the lower millage rate of 5.3229.
Commissioner Keller asked about the blown engine on a fire vehicle recently? He said with that
being considered he would like to move the $6,078 from the wish list into the regular budget to
get that vehicle replaced. City Manager Frank said that vehicle is 10 years old and needs to be
replaced. HR Director Carnicella said the multi peril insurance will not help in this case.
Commissioner Johnson asked about the use of this vehicle. Chief McNeil advised the budget
discussion last meeting included $15,910 to purchase and Escape for the Administrative Vehicle.
There was discussion that it would be better to replace the old Battalion Chief vehicle currently
being used by the Training and EMS officer. That is why there is the additional money on the
wish list. As it turns out that was a good discussion because since that time the motor blew on
the vehicle on the way to a training class. That vehicle has 139,000 miles on it and now a blown
motor. The new Taurus would go to Chief Stanley and his SUV would go to the Training and
EMS Officer. He added they looked into hybrid cars but it was not cost effective. Public Works
Director Krug said fleet found that the cost of a hybrid was about $6000 more than a gasoline
engine. Chief McNeil said they are not opposed to a hybrid at all, just trying to keep costs
doWn. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that an Escape is cheaper than a Taurus. Mayor
Vandergrift asked if we have anything in the budget this year that would pay for the car. Chief
McNeil said no. Commissioner Johnson said if the car it going to the Assistant Chief it will not
be going to calls so we should look at ways to save money like possibly purchasing a second
hand car at the auto auction. Commissioner Keller asked for agreement on a type of vehicle so
he can figure it into the budget. Discussion followed regarding costs on different types of
vehicles, use of pool cars, liability insurance on employees with car allowance, Fire and Police
Chief s vehicles, take home vehicles, auto brokers for the auto auction, etc. City Manager
Frank said we have not looked into used vehicles vs. new vehicles as far as what the cost
savings would be. We would need to consider extended warranties, etc. Mr. Krug said we use
the state sheriff s bid list as a barometer to see what the costs would be and then we see how
much better we can do. City Manager Frank stated we were purchasing used police vehicles
from Longwood because they would only keep them for a year, but now they have changed their
purchasing strategy.
Finance Manager Brosonski explained that the money is budgeted to buy the Ford Escape; the
additional money is to purchase a Taurus instead of an Escape.
Commissioner Johnson said we have $325,000 in an account that we put aside for a Fire
Station and an additional $301,000 in adjustments that were made since the last meeting, which
gives us approximately $625,000 to use for projects and wish list items and still keep the budget
at 5.4974. He said he would like to do 1.5 to 2 percent salary increase to general employees.
City Manager said costs would depend on whether it was merit or COLA. Finance Director
Horton confirmed the amount for the Fire Station was $320,000. Commissioner Johnson asked
if we are getting complaints regarding calls or response time to the Northwest area of the city.
Fire Chief McNeil said this year we have had 117 calls with an average of 6 minutes and 35
seconds, which remains under the five minutes when you back out the 1-2 minute turn out time
out of the station. He said they are on track for 140 calls for the year in that area, and department
wide for 4400 calls. He said he is not aware of anyone complaining about the service. There was
discussion about running ALS units with Winter Garden and Winter Garden should be going
ALS soon. Chief McNeil agreed that we will need a station on the north end in the future, but
we cannot financially support it at this time. Other agencies are also delaying new stations.
There was discussion about the geographical boundaries for different agencies running fire calls;
Deputy Chief Stanley explained.
Mayor Vandergrift announced to viewers that our video cable is temporarily down although
audio is still working; you can get the live stream on the city's web site if you want to continue to
watch.
Commissioner Wilsen asked why we need new motorcycles. Police Chief Brown said the main
issue came from fleet based on frequency of repair. The average life cycle is three years and we
are going into the fourth year where maintenance costs will get more expensive. The Mayor
confirmed that the Sheriffs Office is 2-3 years, depending on mileage. Commissioner Wilsen
asked why this is not in the normal budget. City Manager Frank said that the money to cover
personnel caused less money to be there for capital expenditures. Chief Brown added that the
police department has vehicles they can use if the motorcycle does not last all year.
Commissioner Keller said he wished we would have received the same support from the police
for the salary reduction agreement; however they need to be on the safest equipment.
Commissioner Johnson said he will not vote for anything for the police department other than
what they need for safety. There was some discussion regarding value of the existing
motorcycles and the cost of new motorcycles, etc.
Commissioner Wilsen noted the items on the wish list regarding air conditioning; she felt there
should be money in a fund that would be used only if the air conditioner needed to be replaced.
City Manager Frank stated that is the same theory we used with computers; it is always a good
idea to have a reserve account like that rather than just replacing them when they reach a certain
age. Commissioner Keller said there is $190,800 on the wish list for new air conditioners.
Commissioner Wilsen continued to review items on the wish list.
She said she is in favor of demo of building of the Dr. Scott building.
She was not in favor of the sign for the police department for $10,000; she would rather make a
sign in-house until we have more money. She would rather spend money on street resurfacing or
concrete that we need rather than a sign.
Commissioner Hood-had no comments.
Mayor Vandergrift-asked about what we are doing for Founders' Day. City Manager Frank
said we have to square up from the last two years; the proposed budget has $50,000. Ifwe leave
it at that we will probably find ourselves in the same situation as the last two years if we continue
doing the same type of celebration. We need to either increase the contingency, or consider
more for Founders' Day, or come up with some parameters on the dollar amount we want to
spend. Mayor Vandergrift confirmed we are short approximately $39,000 for the last two
years. Commissioner Johnson said we give away $13,000 to the charitable organizations that
we could keep if we handled the beer sales in house.
Commissioner Wilsen asked if that should go on the agenda for the next meeting to clean up the
$39,000 deficit and start new going forward. City Manager Frank said that we need to either
add money to contingency or consider spending less on the event. Mayor Vandergrift stated
that we should consider "right-sizing" it, and keeping it local. Commissioner Johnson stated
that we have to think about what type of event we want to have and fund it accordingly.
Commissioner Keller felt that downsizing this event would not be well received in the
community. Commissioner Johnson said we have been getting approximately $70,000 worth
of sponsorship, but that has been difficult in these times. This is one of the things Ocoee is
recognized for all around the state. Commissioner Wilsen agreed this is one event everyone
seems to look forward to; she would hate to try to alter it. Commissioner Vandergrift felt it
should be right-sized and use more local talent. Commissioner Johnson said they should vote
on continuing the event or not doing it any more after this year; downsizing it is not a good
option because it will not be a successful event. Consensus of the Commission was to
discuss the deficit for the Founders' Dav events on the next reaular commission
meetina aaenda.
Finance Director Horton clarified that there are two issues; one to clear up the deficit from the
last two year's Founders' Day events which will be handled at the next regular commission
meeting and; add $25,000 to the budget next year to fund the Founders' Day event.
Commissioner Keller said we have to determine what we are going to add to next year's fund.
Commissioner Wilsen suggested placing $150,000 into the air conditioning fund, rather than
$190,000 and free up some money for Founders' Day. City Manager Frank suggested if you
are going to start a capital fund and hard needs are for $190,000, we should probably only place
12 of that this year and then do the same next year. There will be units this year that will go
another year. He suggested taking $25,000 and adding it to contingency and dedicate it to
Founders' Day and have a workshop in after we get the final numbers for the event in November.
Commissioner Wilsen said she prefers to just place the money in the Founders' Day item. She
felt they could save money in other places such as the leaving Education amount at $30,000 and
save $10,000 there. Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Hood,
and Commissioner Keller agreed that an additional $25,000 should be added to the budget for
Founders' Day.
Commissioner Wilsen asked about the designated fund for air conditioners and how to do that.
There was discussion regarding the amount needed for a reserve fund to cover all the air
conditioners for $190,800 and the carpet is additional $18,000. Commissioner Johnson
reminded them that the $320,000 is sitting in the Fire Department fund that we will not be using
for a while.
There was discussion regarding salary increases: merit increase at 1.5% is $64,000.
Commissioner Wilsen stated she is not in favor of salary increases when so many citizens are
suffering, she feels happy that we are laying anyone off.
Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the firefighters drive their own vehicle to work as
opposed to police who have take-home vehicles.
Mayor Vandergrift said he had some research done by the Finance Department and there are 21
employees making over $80,000 and 9 employees making over $100,000. He said if we give any
of those employees a raise it should be a one time amount and not added to their salary. He said
the $80,000 cut off was picked because it was equal to the average household income in Ocoee.
Development Services Director Shadrix and the commission had a lengthy discussion about
the socio economic and average salary information used to promote the CRA. Commissioner
Hood mentioned that you can go to the Florida Housing or HUD site and get that information
broken down by counties and cities. He said the average in Brevard County was $52,000 and he
is quite certain the average household income in the City of Ocoee would fall under $80,000.
Mayor Vandergrift felt that the Commissioners should look at the numbers to figure out how to
distribute a COLA fairly. Commissioner Hood asked what millage rate we are looking at that
gives us an additional $300,000 to spend. City Manager Frank explained that the wish list
included reductions that brought the millage rate down; we could still spend approximately
$300,000 and stay at last year's millage rate of 5.4974. There was discussion as to what needs to
be done to arrive at various millage rates. City Manager Frank noted that if the millage rate
went up to the rolled back rate (6.3755) it would actually be reported as a zero increase because
that would bring in the same dollar amount. Right now they are at 5.3229 mils. Commissioner
Keller stated that millage rate would not leave any additional funds for Founders' Day,
contingency, or alc repairs. Commissioner Johnson said if we keep it at 5.4974 we have some
additional funds without raising the taxes. Discussion regarding the salary increases for
employees and it was confirmed that the budget was balanced with no raise for the general
employees and 3% for the firefighters. Options for salary increases were 1.5 COLA and 1.5 merit
which equals $201,900, or a 2% increase at mid year which is 92,000, and 1.5% at mid year
which is approximately $64,000. Additional options were discussed regarding bonus, longevity,
and merit increases. Commissioner Hood said he does not think they need to go all the way to
5.4974; he has spoken to employees and they understand the possibility of no increases this year.
Commissioner Keller said we found additional funds (fire department salary, personnel
adjustments, projects) that brought the balanced budget from 5.4974 to 5.3229 mils and thinks
we could now balance the budget back at the original rate (5.4974) and put some necessary funds
in place for contingency, air conditioning repairs, etc. He added that if they do not do that one
large emergency expenditure could wipe out the contingency fund. Commissioner Hood
preferred to leave it at the lower millage and give the money back to the tax payers.
Commissioner Keller stated he does not want to go the roll back rate of 6.3755 which
represents a zero increase in dollars, but he would like to add funds to cover emergency
expenditures. Commissioner Keller and Commissioner Hood agreed they would rather leave
the $320,000 in the budget for the fire department without using those funds. There was
discussion about using some of the 12 million in the reserve funds. Finance Director Horton
said that they have been using reserve funds for the last few years; in the current year we
budgeted 2.5 and in the proposed budget for FY 2010/11 there is approximately is 2.6 or a little
over 2 million dollars. City Manager Frank reminded them that whatever is not used is placed
back in the reserves. He stated that after this year, the reserve fund will probably drop down into
the 11 million range. Finance Director Horton was asked if that will affect the bond rating, to
which she replied that we are still okay at that level; if we drop below 10 million with our current
amount of debt there may be an issue.
Commissioner Wilsen stated she is leaning toward Commissioner Hood's concept, although she
thinks 5.3229 is too low. She stated the items on the wish list she is interested in keeping; a
$150,000 fund for the air-conditioning and carpeting items on the list, $15,000 for demolition of
the Scott Griffin building, $6000 additional funding for HRDB, $25,000 additional funding for
Founders' Day.
Commissioner Hood said he would like to see the $4,000 for Christmas lights. Public Works
Director confirmed that is to rent lights for Bluford and McKey; at this time we just have
banners.
Commissioner Johnson stated that he thinks the installation of tennis courts at Tiger Minor
should be reconsidered because the only one using them is the tennis instructor who is selling
lessons. Most don't live in Ocoee. The kids who live here prefer the basketball courts; that is
what they like to play. He asked how much it would cost just for basketball courts. CIP
Manager Butler said the $75,000 cost would cover basketball courts where the old treatment
plant was, modifying parking area, lighting, access walks- a trail through the woods to connect to
the courts, and amenities. He stated just for the courts would cost $60,000. There was
discussion about type of lighting. Parks and Recreation Director Hayes stated that the figure
has to include access, parking, and security. Commissioner Johnson suggested that the courts
are built inside the park instead of outside where additional money needs to be spent; he stated
there is additional land inside Tiger Minor Park on the backside by the bathrooms for two courts.
There was discussion about the two activities not mixing well because of language used, etc.
Commissioner Hood said the other sports (baseball, football, and soccer) don't get any financial
assistance and those people spend countless volunteer hours to make those sports happen. They
are not getting paid like the tennis instructor is. Commissioner Johnson said we need to consider
basketball at Tiger Minor Park. Mr. Butler said we will have two new half courts at Prairie
Lake Park and Coventry Park. Commissioner Keller said he thinks we should have had
basketball courts at Vignetti as well. We have tennis courts all over the place and lost some
basketball courts and that is not what the residents wanted according to the survey we did
recently. He stated the dog park was higher on the list of priorities than. He said we need to put
basketball courts back in.
Commissioner Wilsen asked Finance Director Horton where we would be if we added in the
Founder's Day-$2S,000, Capital alc carpet fund $150,000, Demo $15,00, HRDB $6000, Tiger
Minor Basketball Courts-$50,000. Finance Manager Brosonski said those five items add back
$246,000 and would create a millage rate of 5.4652. Commissioner Keller said he agrees with
those items but thinks they need to consider more than $50,000 in the contingency fund.
Commissioner Wilsen asked about cutting the Educational Reimbursement Fund by $10,000 to
stay with $30,000 rather than go with $40,000.
She discussed allocating funds to each commissioner for those who come before the Commission
and ask for it. Once you finished with that funding you are done. Mayor Vandergrift said that
was tried at the County level, but the newspaper ate them up.
Commissioner Johnson reminded them the items discussed would not include raises for
employees. Mayor Vandergrift said he would still like to leave that option open.
There was discussion regarding pool vehicles.
Commissioner Johnson asked about the possibility of general employees going to a union if it
appears only union employees are going to get a raise. HR Director Carnicella said if a small
amount of money could be freed up; they could come back with some recommendations on how
to allocate that money across the general employees. He said it is tricky because they have to
worry about pay equity, etc. Commissioner Hood said he was going to suggest that City
Manager Frank go back and try to find $92,000 for the 2% increase at half year. City
Manager Frank said there is not much, but he can give them a dollar figure of what are able to
find at the first budget Public Hearing.
Commissioner Keller confirmed that we had added $236,000, which is $246,000 minus the
$10,000 from the Educational Reimbursement Fund. He asked how much more money we
would need to find to add in $92,000. Finance Director Horton advised $26.385.
Commissioner Keller said for that and the additional $50,000 in contingency, we would need to
find approximately $76,000. City Manager Frank said he will see what he can do.
Mayor Vandergrift said he would like to consider looking at the uniform fund for the
commissioners and see if there is anything left over. Commissioner Wilsen said what ever is
not used will be carried over into the next budget year.
Mayor Vandergrift announced the Tentative Budget Public Hearing will be held on September
15,2010, at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
Beth Eikenberry, City Clerk
S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
TENTATIVE BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Ocoee Commission Chambers
September 15,2010
Minutes
7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Vandergrift
A. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
Mayor Vandergrift called the Tentative Budget Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Commission Chambers of City Hall. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and determined a
quorum was present.
Roll Call: Commissioner Hood, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner
Johnson and Commissioner Keller.
Also Present: City Attorney Rosenthal, City Manager Frank, City Clerk Eikenberry, Finance
Director Horton, Finance Manager Brosonski, Senior Accountant Briggs
Mayor Vandergrift 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, by majority
vote, has previously set a proposed millage rate at 6.4174 mills. Due to a decline in property
values, the rolled back rate of 6.3755 is higher than the current year millage rate of 5.4974.
This proposed millage rate represents a .66% increase over the rolled back rate.
II. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Briefing by City Attorney to discuss the maximum millage rate which may be levied
and the rates required to exceed such millage.
City Attorney Rosenthal stated that the preliminary millage rate set by the City
Commission and contained in the TRIM Notices is 6.4174 mills. The maximum millage
rate which may be levied by the City by regular majority vote for the 2010-2011 fiscal
year is 6.4181 mills, such maximum millage rate having been determined pursuant to
Section 200.18S(3)(a), Florida Statutes. The establishment of a millage rate between
6.4182 mills and 7.0599 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 7.0600 mills and 10.000 mills requires a unanimous vote of the City
Commission. Additionally, any millage rate adopted above the preliminary millage rate of
6.4174 mils 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 adopted this evening
Mayor Vandergrift added that the Final Budget and Public Hearing will be held on
September 29,2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
B. Briefing by the Finance Director: Review of additions/deletions to the budget since
July 30, 2010 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.
Finance Director Horton stated that Ad Valorem taxes are being assessed to provide funding
for operational expenses, capital items and salaries necessary to provide municipal services to the
citizens of Ocoee. She advised that a copy of the Wishlist has been placed on the dais for the
Commission. She then recapped the actions that have been taken so far:
The millage rate for the current year 09/10 is 5.4974. The commissioners tentatively set a
proposed millage rate in July 2010 of 6.4174. The city manager originally presented you with a
budget for fiscal year 10/11 balanced at the same millage rate as current year budget at 5.4974.
The rolled back rate for next year is calculated to be 6.3755. The rolled back rate generates the
same amount of revenues in the new year as the current year. However, because of the declining
property valuations the rolled back rate is actually higher than the current year millage rate.
Adjustments that were identified by staff and the commission during the two budget workshops
included reducing personnel costs, funding some projects from the capital projects fund and
increasing the funding for Founder's Day. This further reduced the millage to 5.3374. This is
where we are going to start tonight. There are some additional adjustments on the wishlist were
discussed but no consensus was reached during the workshops; these items are itemized on the
updated wishlist as well as their impact on the millage rate for you to consider later tonight.
The budget you are considering tonight is balanced with a 5.3374 millage rate. This millage rate
is less than the rolled back rate of 6.3755. There is no percentage increase over the rolled back
rate necessary to fund the proposed budget.
The highest millage rate the commission can levy tonight with a majority vote is 6.4174. Any
rate higher than this will require re-noticing the taxpayers and the appropriate required vote.
City Manager Frank explained how the TRIM (Truth in Millage) bill works as far as rolled
back rates. The last few years have been unique in that the property values have decreased and
the rolled back rate is higher than our current rate. A higher millage rate is required 6.3755
rolled back rate is required to generate the same tax income as last year at the millage rate of
5.4974. Mayor Vandergrift explained the 14% decrease in property values causing the rolled
back rate to go up rather than down. He further explained some historical information on the
TRIM laws.
1. Comments by Citizens.
Eric Jorizah 2311 Holly Ridge Drive, Ocoee said it appears to him as though the only one
raising their millage rate is Ocoee, and he is against it and feels it is unfair to the residents. City
Manager Frank explained that the rate included in the TRIM notice is the highest rate that can
be set without re-noticing residents. The preliminary rate is set in July when cities do not have
Page 2 of8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
all of the information, so they allow some room for movement, if needed. The Mayor and
Commissioners explained that they will most likely come in far lower than the advertised rate.
R.P. Monacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Blvd., asked for a copy of the budget with the department
breakdown. Commissioner Wilsen said we would get him a copy or it can be obtained online. A
staff member loaned him a copy of the budget book.
2. Comments by Commissioners.
Commissioner Hood asked if the 5.3374 included any of the employee salary increases
discussed at the previous meeting. Finance Director Horton explained that the millage of 5.3374
does not contain any of the items listed below it. Those additional items and their impact on the
millage are listed. City Attorney Rosenthal said to add in any of those additional items you
would need to make a motion:
Move to amend the tentative budget of the City of Ocoee distributed along with the budget
message of the City Manager dated July 30, 2010, along with the changes proposed in the Budget
Workshops as outlined by staff, in the following manner: [Indicate nature of amendment]
He added that if the motion receives a majority vote of the commission, the finance department
can keep you apprised as to how it affects the millage rate as you go.
Commissioner Hood asked Mayor Vandergrift if it was his intention to give pay increases to
those employees making under $80,000. City Manager Frank reminded them that the original
recommendation in the proposed budget is zero increase. He stated that we will have rising
pension costs in the coming year. He said through the Employee Committee there have been
many discussions about the possibility of zero increases, and they were very understanding about
the tight budget year and that the city is trying to prevent layoffs, etc. as we have seen in other
cities. Commissioner Wilsen said she cannot support pay raises this year with the tight budget
and the residents all facing difficult economic conditions. Commissioner Johnson brought up
the matter of using the $320,000 set aside for the fire station. Mayor Vandergrift asked about
supervisors and above not getting a pay raise. City Manager Frank stated that everyone was in
the mindset of not getting a salary increase; no matter where we make a cutoff it is going to cause
some morale issues and possible salary inequities. Commissioner Wilsen said she thinks we
should just give the Fire Department the 3% per their union contracts and deal with other salary
issues next year. Commissioner Johnson asked the union representative if the firefighters
would mind the City keeping the money if they are expecting the money back if it is not used for
salaries for other employees. Local 3623 Union Representative Lt. James Kelly said the spirit
of the donation of the 3% salaries was so that other employees would get an increase, but if it
does not work out that way it should be used to benefit the city. Commissioner Keller asked
what a 1.5 % increase would cost. Finance Manager Brosonski said it would be $69,000 which
is equal to what the firefighters gave us. The millage rate would then be 5.3484, with the
$49,970 (savings to auto insurance) taken into consideration. Further discussion ensued with
regard to salaries. Mayor Vandergrift discussed that higher level employees received one time
bonuses so that it would not continue to accrue over the years. HR Director Carnicella said
when someone reaches the maximum of their salary range, they do not get further increases. The
salary system now in place was created to be competitive in the market; there are only a few
Page 3 of8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
employees at the top of their range. Further discussion ensued regarding salaries, merit pay,
longevity, median salaries, bonuses or appreciation monies, service to residents, cut-off salary for
salary increase distribution. City Manager Frank reminded them that a cash payout would be
$92,000 for 1 % as opposed to a 2% salary increase at mid year which would also be $92,000.
After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Vandergrift polled the commission for a second time:
Commissioner Keller said he is in favor of giving an "appreciation" one-time payment using the
$69,000 contributed by the fire department and distributing it to general employees.
Commissioner Johnson said we should use the $69,000 for the general fund; no pay raise for
the employees. Commissioner Wilsen confirmed that the one-time appreciation payment would
be approximately $250 per person which she would support, but she is not in favor of any type of
pay increase. Commissioner Hood said to use the money in the general fund and give no raises
to city employees. Mayor Vandergrift noted that he would not break the tie and since there was
no consensus on this issue, they should move on to other discussions and come back to this at a
later time.
3. Motions by Commissioners for amendments to the proposed tentative budget.
Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen, moved to amend the
tentative budaet to include all of the items on the Wish List under Adiustments
Suaaested at the 8/31 Workshop, excludina the 2% pay increase.
Commissioner Wilsen asked if the basketball courts at Tiger Minor Park would be a prudent
move at this time to spend $50,000 for that. Commissioner Johnson said there is no place for
anyone to play basketball on the south side. The kids like to play basketball, not tennis. He
added we did not think it through when we tore out the basketball courts before we had
replacement courts; he is still getting calls about that. There was discussion with CIP Manager
Butler about the basketball courts and he advised he will get a price to add it on to the tennis
court project that is in progress right now and bring it back for the next meeting.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to advise the motion on the floor.
City Clerk Eikenberry stated the motion was to amend the tentative budget with the workshop
adjustments on the wish list, excluding the 2% pay increase, which included the following items:
Adiustments SUQQested at the 8/31/10 workshop:
HRDB Advisory Board (MLK parade/Hispanic Heritage) 6,000
Demo of Scott/Griffin Bldg on McKey St 15,000
Education Reimbursement Program (10,000)
Basketball Court at Tiger Minor Park 50,000
NC and flooring replacement Fund ** 150,000
2% iAsrease {RElA !dRieA) (FRiEl }lear) ~
Increase Contingency (Budget $50,000) 50,000
Amendment to the Proposed Amendment to the Tentative Bud2et
Commissioner Hood, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen, moved to amend the
proposed amendment to the tentative budaet to exclude the followina items:
Demo of Scott/Griffin Bldg on McKey St 15,000 0.0087
NC and flooring replacement Fund 150,000 0.0868
Page 4 of8
0.0035
0.0087
(0.0058)
0.0289
0.0868
o..oAa
0.0289
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
Amendment to the Amendment to the Proposed Amendment to the Tentative Bud2et.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Hood. moved to amend the
amendment to the proposed amendment to the tentative budaet to reduce the A/C
and Floorina replacement Fund from $150.000 to $75.000. Motion carried 4-0.
with Commissioner Wilsen opposed.
Discussion occurred regarding how to vote to accomplish specific actions on the next
amendment. City Attorney Rosenthal clarified that a "yes" vote would remove those two items
from being added to the budget.
Vote on the Amendment to the Proposed Amendment to the Tentative Bud2et
Vote was then taken on the amendment to the proposed amendment to the tentative budget, as
amended. to exclude the demo of the Scott/Griffin Bldg at $15.000 and Ale Flooring and
Replacement Fund for $75.000. Motion failed 5-0.
Public Works Director Krug stated that the $15,000 estimate included the house on the
Sylvestri property on Marshall Farms Road (both houses) as well as asbestos remediation, if
needed. City Manager Frank added that they will look into having the demolition done in-
house to see if no asbestos remediation is needed and money can be saved.
Mayor Vandergrift suggested everyone vote against the original motion so the items can be
voted on one at a time.
Vote on original motion. Motion failed 5-0.
After original motions and subsequent amendments failed, the Commission voted on the
following items individually.
Commissioner Keller. seconded by Commissioner Wilsen. moved to amend the
tentative budaet to add $6000 for the HRDB Advisory Board (MLK
Parade/Hispanic Heritaae. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Wilsen. moved to amend
the tentative budaet to add $15.000 for the demolition of the Scott/Griffin Buildina
on McKey Street and the Sylvestri Buildina on Marshall Farms Road. Motion
carried 5-0.
Commissioner Keller. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to amend the
tentative budaet to remove $10.000 from the Education Reimbursement Fund.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Keller. moved to amend the
tentative budaet to add $50.000 for basketball courts at Tiaer Minor Park. Motion
carried 5-0.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Wilsen. moved to amend
the tentative budaet to add $75.000 for an AlC and Floorina Replacement Fund to
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
cover expenses from any of the items listed below. if necessary. Motion carried
5-0.
Police AlC replacements (16 yrs old) (6 units)
Fire Station 3 AlC replacement (14 yrs old)
Fire Station 2 AlC replacement (12 yrs old)
City Hall AlC universal network controller (17 yrs old)
City Hall West Wing AlC dampers and controllers
City Hall 2nd floor AlC dampers and controllers
City Hall 1 st floor AlC dampers and controllers
Fire Station 2 carpet and VCT replacement
Fire Station 3 carpet and VC;;T rgplacement
37,200
15,000
15,000
6,600
32,000
49,000
36,000
9,000
9,000
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded bv Commissioner Keller, moved to amend the
tentative budaet to add $175,000 to the continaencv fund. Vote taken after
discussion.
City Attorney Rosenthal asked the Finance Department to advise the millage rate with the
motions that have passed. Ms. Horton advised without the $175,000 added to contingency they
are at 5.4161; with the $175,000 added to contingency, the millage rate would be 5.5173. She
reminded commission they still need to vote on the $49,970 (savings on auto insurance/general
liability premium funds) that the City Manager found in the budget; she advised that would
reduce the millage to 5.4884.
After the discussion the vote on the motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Hood. seconded bv Commissioner Keller, moved to amend the
tentative budaet to delete the -($49,970) savinas on Auto Insurance/General
Liability Premium and place $49,970 in continaencv. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Hood. seconded bv Commissioner Keller, moved to amend the
tentative budaet to add the savinas from the Fire Department salary reduction in
the amount of $69,260 to the continaencv fund. Motion carried 5-0.
Finance Director Horton stated the total in the contingency fund is now at $344,230.
C. 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 Horton stated that with the no further amendments to the tentative budget, the
millage rate is now at 5.5574. This is lower than the rolled back rate of 6.3755 therefore the
percentage increase over the rolled back rate is 0%.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
There was discussion among the commission regarding that they had done well because there is
still some room for wish list items and they are still well below the rolled back rate and the
advertised rate.
City Attorney Rosenthal stated that with the no further amendments to the tentative budget, the
millage rate is now at 5.5574 which does not exceed the rolled back rate therefore the percentage
increase over the rolled back rate is 0%.
1. Read title to Ordinance regarding millage rate.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the Ordinance No. 2010-020.
2. Motion to adopt the tentative millage rate.
a. Comments by Citizens.
none
b. Comments by Commissioners.
none
c. V ote on motion to adopt the tentative millage rate.
Mayor Vanderarift. seconded by Commissioner Hood. moved to adopt the
Tentative Millaae rate of 5.5574 mils for the Fiscal Year beainnina October
1. 2010 and endina September 30. 2011. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Read title to Ordinance regarding budget.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the Ordinance 2010-021.
4. Motion to adopt the tentative budget.
a. Comments by Citizens.
none
b. Comments by Commissioners.
none
c. V ote on motion to adopt the tentative budget.
Mayor Vanderarift. seconded by Commissioner Hood. moved to adopt the
Tentative Budaet of the City of Ocoee distributed alona with the budaet
messaae of the City Manaaer dated July 30. 2010. alona with chanaes that
resulted from budaet workshops and as amended at this meetina. such
tentative budaet beina for the Fiscal Year beainnina October 1. 2010 and
endin Se tember 30 2011. Motion carried 5-0.
D. Motion to schedule the public hearing on September 29, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the
Commission Chambers to adopt the final millage rate and budget.
Mayor Vanderarift. seconded by Commissioner Hood. moved to hold a public
hearina to consider the final millaae rate and final budaet be scheduled on
September 29. 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at a special meetina of the City of Ocoee City
Commission in the Commission Chambers of City Hall: that the hearina be
advertised in accordance with the provisions of ~200.065 F.S and Section C-37 of
Article VI of the Ocoee City Charter: that the appropriate ordinances reauired to
adopt the final millaae rate and the final budaet be prepared by city staff: and that
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15,2010
all other actions necessary to complv with the reauirements of ~200.065 F .5. be
undertaken. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Hood asked the City Manager to explain the difference between last year's taxes
and where we are right now on a $100,000 home. City Manager Frank said if the house
appraised at the same price as last year the increase would be $6.00 per year, however most
homes will appraise at 14% less.
There was a short discussion regarding the need for a fire department on the north end of the city
and a rescue call at an Ocoee High School football game. They discussed the response of EMTs
vs. paramedics and how that affected the care given at the scene.
E. Announcement by Mayor Vandergrift of end of hearing and date for final millage and final
budget hearing.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that the public hearing to consider the final millage rate and final
budget is scheduled for September 29, 2010 at 7 :00 p.m. at a special meeting of the City of
Ocoee City Commission in the Commission Chambers of City Hall.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
Beth Eikenberry, City Clerk
S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
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