HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-91 WS
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE BOARD OF CITY COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP SESSION
HELD AUGUST 20, 1991
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This Budget Workshop Session of the Ocoee Board of City
Commissioners was called to order by Mayor Dabbs at 6:35 p.m. in
the commission chambers.
Present:
Woodson.
Services
Director
Flippen,
Mayor Dabbs, Commissioners Combs, Foster, Johnson and
Also present were City Manager Shapiro, Administrative
Director Beamer, Finance Director Poston, Public Works
Brenner, Personnel Director Psaledakis, Building Official
Fire Chief Strosnider and City Clerk Grafton.
City Manager Shapiro called attention to several changes that had
been made since the last workshop. A memo dated August 19, 1991
from Director of Administrative Services Beamer replaced pages B-
64, B-65, B-68 and B-69. The new pages, under Parks, Parkways,
Trees and Drainage, deleted references to sidewalk and paving
improvements listed on the previous document. The amounts remain
under the general caption of sidewalk improvements and street
improvements and now allow the Commission to inventory specific
improvements and make them as necessary. The capital purchase of
Christmas lights in the amount of $5,000.00 and the operating
expense of Christmas Light Maintenance in the amount of $1,000.00
have been removed from the budget.
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The Fire Control budget has been adjusted to reflect a $5,000.00
decrease in line item expenses to permit the purchase of a used 1/2
ton pick up to be utilized by the three fire lieutenants.
Director of Administrative Services Beamer reviewed for the
Commission her findings on Solid Waste. Wi th a $3.00 rate
increase, 1-1-1 pick ups would be operationally feasible for fiscal
year 1992. It does not, however, provide monies for upgrading
equipment for off-setting the current deficit. A $5.00 rate
increase at 1-1-1 pick ups allows for equipment replacement and
some recovery from the current economic condition. A $5.00 rate
increase at 2-1-1 pick ups maintains current level of service with
initial steps toward modernization. Her recommendation in terms of
the money involved were: 1. Raise rates from $13.00 to $18.00 per
month per residence, 2. Add one additional refuse collector, and 3.
Enforce the provisions for additional charges regarding bulk pick
up. Her recommendations are in direct response to the State
Mandates for separate yard waste disposal, the increase in tipping
fees by Orange County, and the demands for special services
provided to the citizens of Ocoee. These would allow continued
collection of two (2) Class I pickups, one (1) recycling pickup,
and one (1) yard waste pickup.
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Commissioner Foster proposed a $5.00 charge, two (2) collections a
week and a special assessment for yard waste. Mr. Shapiro pointed
out that the assessment route has some major costs involved with
it. He proposed that a fee basis would be better than an
assessment. Commissioner Woodson expressed his concern about
raising prices and cutting services. Commissioner Johnson felt the
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Page 2
Ocoee City Commission Workshop
August 20, 1991
City had to let the citizens know that the tipping rates were being
increased from $17.00 to $31.00 and that these increases were not
City originated, the County is responsible. Mayor Dabbs believes
that citizens want the commission to be fiscally responsible and
would appreciate the changes that have caused the current
situation. Commissioner Combs recalled that the Commission had
talked of privatization for years. Should the City go to
privatization, it will cut back on service and it would not have
control of the money that would be charged. Under the current
conditions, the Commission does have the control over money
charged. He felt the people would appreciate knowing the truth.
This department cannot continue to lose money. The commissioners
continued to discuss the plans in detail.
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Commissioner Combs asked if it would be possible to put out a
newsletter to advise citizens on the budget/sanitation/stormwater.
Mr. Shapiro estimated $5,000.00 would cover a well done newsletter.
The $5,000.00 cost could be divided between the four funds
involved. This newsletter should be out within 30 days.
Commissioner Woodson, seconded by Commissioner Foster, moved to
approve the 2-1-1 plan with an increase in rate of $5.00.
Commissioner Combs stated that he had listened to this same
discussion for years and had seen no improvement. He would rather
see a $5.00 increase with a 1-1-1 plan. Motion carried as
presented wi th vote of 4 in favor. Commissioner Combs voted "nay".
Commissioner Woodson questioned the amount of dues paid to East
Central Florida Regional Planning Council. The dues are based on
population. Mr. Shapiro stated that this membership is necessary
for a "voice" in planning for the area.
Mayor Dabbs asked if Maguire House maintenance at $10,000.00 is
enough. Mr. Shapiro answered that this amount would only fund
maintenance not actual improvements.
On page B-28, Safety Committee expense is new and an amount was
placed in the account for tracking purposes this year.
Page B-30, there is no way to realistically estimate legal
expenses.
Page B-54, 4602 Building Maintenance increase from previous year to
$15,500.00 is because of the Fire Station roof.
Page B-53, the amount for Reserve Salaries was reduced to $7,200.00
from $10,800.00. This is salary for Reserves and, since the number
of people involved has declined, the amount is reduced accordingly.
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Page B-77, Commissioner Foster asked again about the tennis courts
repaving. Mr. Shapiro responded that once the court surface is not
there and the base is exposed it begins to deteriorate. If the
surface l:::! not replaced before the base shows problems, the
repaving becomes a much bigger job.
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Page 3
Ocoee City Commission Workshop
August 20, 1991
Page D-4, Commissioner Foster asked what a Kroy Lettering Machine
was. City Engineer Shira answered it was a piece of equipment that
uses tape to produce titles and names for maps.
Page D-6, Commissioner Johnson said 1/2 of the car allowance will
not be used if the Engineer Assistant is on contract.
Page D-10, Commissioner Combs would like to wai t to employ the
Assistant Engineer at mid-year. Commissioner Johnson emphasized
his previous point of contracting for this individual so that the
position does not become permanent. Mr. Shapiro mentioned that he
is planning one year at a time. City Engineer Shira was commended
for his efforts and no one is trying to deprive him of this
assistance.
Commissioner Johnson suggested that the City purchase 2 used cars
that would be available to City Staff for use during the day and do
away with the car allowances.
City Manager Shapiro asked if the insurance proposal was all right
and was assured by the Commissioners that it was.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Ci
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