HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-99 WS
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION MEETING
BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD AUGUST 23, 1999
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the meeting to order at 7 :20 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson, and
Parker. Also present were City Manger Shapiro, Finance Director Horton, Finance
Supervisor Carter, Budget Analyst Strickland, Human Resources Director Psaledakis,
Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira, Building and Zoning Official Flippen,
Police Chief Mark, Police Captain Wilson, Recreation Director Nordquist, City
Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Public Works Director Smith, Fire Chief Strosnider,
Information Systems Manager Kevin Tartar, Planning Director Wagner, and Deputy City
Clerk Gosnell.
City Manager Shapiro requested discussion concerning the Police Department take home
car plan, stating that the City Commission appointed a committee last year to evaluate
this program, that there recently had been several discussions concerning the program,
and that he felt it was not within his purview but rather within the Commission's purview
to make changes, if desired, to this program. Discussion ensued with regard to the length
of time the program has been in effect, which Commissioner should be attending the
Committee meetings and when the next meeting would take place, when statistics would
become available, un-marked and detective take-home vehicles, and expansion of the
program to outside of the City limits.
It was agreed without objection that Commissioner Howell would be attending the next
Take-Home Vehicle Committee meeting, which shall include discussion concerning
expansion outside ofOcoee, which will be held sometime in January or February, 2000.
Discussion ensued concerning education and salary within the Police Department.
Human Resources Director Psaledakis distributed a study and stated that she had been
working with Officers Como and Payne on the study. Officer Payne reported that the
problem with filling positions in the Police Department was the result of Orange County
and the Orlando Police Department hiring between 140-150 officers a year, leaving very
few eligible applicants left.
The Commission reviewed the Police Department Budget beginning on Page 3-55 and
Staff responded to questions.
Mayor Vandergrift requested that all the departments be aware of the POWR Program
and should be monitoring the water consumption.
The Commission reviewed the Fire Department Budget beginning on Page 3-60 and Staff
responded to questions.
Minutes of the City Commission Meeting
Budget Workshop
August 23, 1999
Discussion ensued with regard to the creation of a new Communications Division, which
will be funded equally out of both the Fire and Police Departments.
Mayor Vandergrift requested that Department Directors create a "wish list" of items that
are needed but not funded, and stated that he would like to see if there could be donations
of money or items from the community to offset the wish lists.
The Commission reviewed the Protective Inspections Budget beginning on Page 3-65 and
Staff responded to questions.
Recess 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mayor Vandergrift requested the Commission to discuss the 2% C.O.L.A. and 4% merit
increases at this time due to the large number of employees in attendance.
It was the consensus of the Commission that the 2% C.O.L.A. and 4% merit increases
would remain in the FY 99-2000 Budget.
Discussion ensued with regard to the Increase In health Illsurance premIUms for
dependent coverage.
It was the consensus of the Commission that Staff was to re-evaluate the budget to
determine if money could be found to offset the dependent coverage, and report their
findings at the next Budget Workshop to be held on Thursday, August 26, 1999.
Discussion ensued with regard to mid-year budget. City Manager Shapiro stated that
unless the City received a windfall, a mid-year budget would not be required; however,
the Commission would still be receiving quarterly reports.
The Commission continued reviewing the Budget up to the Public Works Department
Budget beginning on Page 3-74 and Staff responded to questions.
Mayor Vandergrift requested that signs be upgraded to include directions (N, S, etc.) and
asked if the quality of the sign construction could be upgraded and included in the Land
Use Regulations. Discussion ensued. Planning Director Wagner and City
Engineer/Utilities Director Shira were requested to check into this issue.
Discussion ensued with regard to railroad easements. City Manager Shapiro reported that
the City has no jurisdiction over those easements.
2
Minutes of the City Commission Meeting
Budget Workshop
August 23, 1999
Discussion ensued with regard to sidewalk expenses, and Staff was requested to provide a
five year plan to repair existing sidewalks. Public Works Director Smith reported that it
would take approximately 2 years to create the 5 year plan.
It was the consensus of the Commission that Staff re-evaluate the sidewalk expenditures
versus employee health care benefits. Commissioner Parker stated that she did not wish
to see an "all or nothing situation."
Discussion ensued with regard to Lot 5, Pioneer Key and the City's progress on the
possession of title to that land.
The Budget Workshop was adjourned 9:15 p.m.
~~
Fran Gosnell, Deputy City Clerk
3