HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-03 Minutes WS
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
HELD SEPTEMBER 22, 2003
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Anderson called the Budget Work Session to order at 6:45 p.m. in the
Commission Chambers at City Hall. Because he had missed the workshop, he invited the
Officials to come and express their concerns regarding the budget prior to the final budget
meeting.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson and Johnson. Also present were City
Manager Gleason, City Clerk Grafton, Development Director Wagner, Building Official Phelps,
Public Works Director Wheeler, Information Systems Director Ross, Police Chief Goclon, Chief
Communications Supervisor Simanski, Support Division Chief McNeil, and Human Resources
Director Diedrich.
ABSENT:
Commissioners Howell and Parker.
REVIEW AND DISCUSS: BUDGET FY 2003-2004.
Commissioner Anderson stated his concern with the need for road resurfacing and sidewalk
improvements. He further stated he would like to see more repairs done. He requested that the
City Clerk direct his inquiries to the appropriate department directors for a response. A review
of the book began at page 2-1, whereas he noted the proposed and projected budget revenue for
FY 2002-2003 was $1.7 Million. However, in FY 2003-2004 the proposed revenue was $2.669
Million, which represents an 8% increase. He expressed that the solid waste utility fund was
being allotted an additional $1 Million compared to previous years and he asked for an
explanation as to why. Public Works Director Wheeler directed the Commission to page 7-1
and proceeded with a showing of the beginning balance and cash carried forward amount for the
solid waste program. In previous years, this amount was zero. However, since the program is
being phased out and upon approval of the Commission, they have pulled the reserve funds of
$800,000 over to the cash carried forward line item.
On page 3-5, Graph of Expenditures, Commissioner Anderson expressed concern that the
personnel cost ofthe Fire Department was 24% and the Police Department was 32.9%.
However, looking at the breakdown of operating costs for each department, Fire is 9.8% and
Police is 16%. He asked why the percentage totals are not consistent with each other. Police
Chief Goclon replied that their operating costs are minimal compared to their personnel costs in
the overall budget.
On page 3-1, Total General Fund Expenditures, Human Resources Director Diedrich showed
that personnel costs and operating costs are two different things; they do not match. Discussion
ensued until the question was answered.
Ocoee City Commission Work Session
September 22, 2003
On page 4-62, Commissioner Anderson asked if line item number 4 represented the new fire
station. Public Works Director Wheeler responded that our facilities maintenance department
was taking over all maintenance contracts within the City.
On page 6-11, item 7200, Commissioner Anderson inquired why operating expenses have
raised substantially since last year. Public Works Director Wheeler responded that the rise in
personnel costs resulted in a rise in medical coverage, etc. for the additional employees.
Commissioner Anderson asked Information Systems Director Ross if the budget amount for
computers and laptops was sufficient. He stated he felt the figures were too high. Information
Systems Director Ross assured Commissioner Anderson that he budgeted high due to contract
pricing and expected a 10-15% savings for multiple purchases, etc. Commissioner Anderson
proceeded with his concern of an $8,000 purchase of a laser printer/copier by finance, even
though they have a laser printer in their budget for next year. Information Systems Director
Ross explained that the budgeted printer was for check printing at the water counter; and checks
could not be printed on the copier.
Mayor Vandergrift expressed his concerns for the increased funding that would result from the
three new positions of battalion chief in the Fire Department. Human Resources Director
Diedrich explained that each battalion chief would be responsible for several management duties
of an entire shift.
Support Division ChiefMcNeiI mentioned that the City ofOcoee was the only municipality in
the area without the position of battalion chief, and according to NFDA Standards No. 1710, the
City of Ocoee is required to have an intimate commander responding in his own vehicle on the
initial dispatch with his own crew to take control of the response.
Human Resources Director Diedrich stated that the City would be promoting from within for
these positions.
Support Division ChiefMcNeiI discussed the shift requirements with Mayor Vandergrift.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7: 15 p.rn.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee