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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-97 WS MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD APRIL 23, 1997 Mayor Vandergrift called the budget workshop to order at 7:00 p.m. in the commission chambers. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), Glass, Howell, and Parker. Also present were Interim City Manager Shapiro, Finance Director Horton, Personnel Director Psaledakis, Finance Supervisor Carter, Budget Technician Strickland, and City Clerk Grafton. ABSENT: None Interim City Manager Shapiro reported that the City is in better shape than ever before with revenues/expenditures and this proposed budget will reflect those items that were held in abeyance early in the budget year and are now within reach. He stated that one goal is to change the City's image by providing and using up to date equipment. He expressed appreciation to the budget team: Finance Director Horton, Personnel Director Psaledakis, Finance Supervisor Carter, and Budget Technician Strickland, both for their continued excellent work in controlling the funds and in preparing for these meetings. Mayor Vandergrift asked that, if it has not already been done, the new Commissioners be provided with last year's budget as well as the current budget for purposes of comparison. He suggested that at 10:00 p.m. a decision be made about continuing later or recessing to April 24 to the "if needed" meeting. For this work session, he proposed using the same procedure as in the past; i.e., going through the budget workbook page by page, stopping for discussion on any line item that any Commissioner wishes to have explained or changed. The following items brought discussion requiring either Staff action or change to the budget line items: Page iii Page A-I 3rd paragraph "...Additionally, a plan has been proposed to implement upgrading of street lighting city wide increasing public safety." Mayor Vandergrift asked if they will be able to see the plan. Interim City Manager Shapiro said they would, and the plan would include generally those issues already discussed by Commission, (neighborhoods and trailer parks), but majority ofthe funds would go to the major thoroughfares that are unsafe (Silver Star, extension of Clarke Road, A.D.Mims Road). Commissioner Glass mentioned that Palm Drive should be included. In response to Mayor Vandergrift's question regarding the line showing revenue down in Fines and Forfeitures, Mr. Shapiro responded that the officers are sensitive to the economic climate and are giving more thought before writing tickets, and also they are so busy with calls they do not have time to write tickets. Finance Director Horton advised that another reason would be that they have Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop April 23, 1997 Page A-8 ***** Page A-9 ***** Page A-I0 not been collecting false alarm fees because of a flaw in the ordinance and an amendment/repair to that ordinance will be proposed. Line item 4001 -Mayor/Commissioner Fund. Commissioner Glass proposed increasing this line item by $5,000. Agreed. Mayor Vandergrift opened discussion for a gas allowance (in lieu of trip tickets and reports), and was advised this has been discussed in the past and that the attorney had advised it would not be an advantage tax-wise. Mr. Shapiro said he would find the memo and distribute it to Commission, also would pursue revision oftravellexpense requestfor reimbursementform. There was discussion regarding when the salary increase goes into effect and whether it will be for the entire Commission or only for those newly elected officials. Need to research the law concerning seated elected officials voting a raise for themselves. Line item 8200 - Community Promotion. Commissioner Glass proposed adding $3,500 to have a total of $5,000 added. Agreed. Line item 4700 - Printing and Binding. Mayor Vandergrift asked that Commission have some input in this Economic Development Brochure. Then he talked about the Web site that is ours but is not done by the City. Shapiro advised that a Web site is in the process and that Commissioner Anderson could provide some information about it. Commissioner Anderson arrived at this point in the meeting. Mr. Shapiro reported about the Expo at the Mall on Saturday, April 26. Page A-18 Page A-24 Line item 3101 - Legal Expense. Mayor Vandergrift asked for discussion regarding having in-house attorney/staff. Commissioner Glass gave some figures and Mr. Shapiro pointed out some areas of concern and said he could work it up when directed by Commission. Line item 4602 - Building Maintenance. Mayor Vandergrift asked for canopied access from Police Department to City Hall and was advised that the buildings were not joined together because of building regulations but that staff would see about a rain cover. Page 2 of 6 Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop April 23, 1997 Page A-26 Mayor Vandergrift also brought up the fact that rain run-off makes walking across the parking lot very difficult while it is raining. Mr. Shapiro said he recalled that former Public Works Director Brenner was to take care of that and did not. Mr. Shapiro/Ms. Psaledakis discussed the fact that police officers have not been hired because our standards and requirements are very high. They said that they will soon be recommending an upgrade in salary and consideration should be given to making our salaries competitive with Orlando's. Mr. Shapiro suggested going to the Police Academy on their career days to entice good students to come here. Mayor Vandergrift asked about starting an Explorers group again and Mr. Shapiro said he would send a memo to Chief Mark. Mayor Vandergrift proposed using the Indianapolis Plan for the police cars (or a modification of that plan and let the officers make a decision about taking the vehicles home). Both Mr. Shapiro and Ms. Psaledakis explained why the plan is not in use at this time. Page A-27 Page A-27 Line item 2303 - Accident/Disability Insurance. Mayor Vandergrift asked if this was the result of an Employee Committee request. When advised that it was he asked that a list of such Employee Committee successes be presented at the year end. Commissioner Glass said that the CACOPD has indicated a desire for a motorcycle patrol. Mr. Shapiro said that he and Chief Mark had discussed it already and both had concern for safety vs benefit. Commissioner Glass reported further that the CACOPD also asked that the City spend more dollars in community policing - pens, pencils, candy etc. (Also members had expressed concern that all the unmarked cars are white Crown Victorias.) Mr. Shapiro will get with Chief Mark regarding these requests and comments and advised that they already have junior police officer badges, etc. Line item 6302 - Capital Improvements. Mayor Vandergrift asked about the $10,000. Finance Supervisor Carter explained that this is to restructure the communications center. Mr. Shapiro explained that for $200,000 the City could go back to dispatching fire and police rather than continue with the First Response Agreement with Orange County and this would be desirable. He explained further that Windermere pays for fire coverage; however, new county development will be receiving the same coverage without reimbursement to the Page 3 of 6 Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop April 23, 1997 City, which is unfair. Commissioner Howell asked about pension increases. Mr. Shapiro advised that will be included in the regular budget instead of midyear. Page A-31 Page A-35 Page A-36 Commissioners Glass and Howell talked about the Code Enforcement officers, whether there was a need for more overtime payor more officers to get the job done. Mr. Shapiro advised that several officers had left, the training period takes some time, and one position is now open. He said for the record that Ms. Psaledakis does not make the choice of who is interviewed when jobs are advertised, the Department Head does. Line item 4609 - Park/Beach Maintenance. Mr. Shapiro pointed out this is what has already been spent. Mayor Vandergrift asked for a weed whacker to knock down between where the mower cuts and the water edge. Commissioner Howell asked about maintenance on Clarke Road. Mr. Shapiro explained that Clarke Road is about to be extended another mile and trees have been put in the median also. Commissioner Glass noted that there is trash at Walmart all the time. Mr. Shapiro will contact them again. Line item 6303-Sidewalk Construction. Mayor Vandergrift asked about this. Mr. Shapiro advised this is the money from Orange County Commissioner Freeman, and that, as Orlando Avenue itself may be scheduled later, that sidewalk may be saved to do at the same time. RECESS 8:45 - 9:00 P.M. Commissioner Glass asked if the new school will use our crossing guard. Shapiro advised that he will put one there when school is ready. Page A-38 Page B-4 Page C-I0 Line item 6401 - Vehicle. Horton advised this should be changed to 1 vehicle. Line item 6302 - Capital Improvements. Commissioner Glass asked about the need to adjust the figures. Mr. Carter explained that the funds from the county for the boat dock have not been received yet but that should be in this week. Mayor Vandergrift asked to see the organizational chart for this department. Line item 3400 - Contractual Services. Mayor Vandergrift asked if these figures Page 4 of 6 Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop April 23, 1997 Page D-l Page E- Page E-6 Page E-7 should be adjusted. Mrs. Horton said this was for a project they have not yet received payment on. Mayor said to searchfor an answer for this one. Solid Waste - Mr. Shapiro explained that when the fees were finally raised for these services this budget was so far behind that it still has not caught up. He proposed contracting out the trash service, which would enable the present staff to take care of the garbage routes. He noted that a new route for garbage pickup would be inaugurated at that time, and he suggested discussing the needs of that department with Public Works Director Corwin at a special workshop or regular seSSIOn. Mayor Vandergrift asked about budgeting for Christmas lights. Mr. Shapiro said that a report can be prepared for the full budget. Commissioner Glass suggested contacting the West Oaks Mall about partnering with the City for lights along the Clarke Road corridor. Mr. Shapiro reported that with new computer system it would be possible to accept Mastercard and Visa for utility payments, which the Finance Department is considering. Item 6302 - Public Works Facility Improvements. Mayor Vandergrift pointed out a typo to be corrected. (Add the letter v in improvements.) Mayor Vandergrift asked if the Police Department is getting/using cam corders. Mr. Shapiro said that he would relate to Chief Mark the Mayor's interest in pursuing the use of cam corders. Mayor Vandergrift noted that with the present equipment it is not possible to include inserts in the utility bills and he would like to see such equipment available. Mr. Shapiro will do a report. Mayor Vandergrift reported that Mr. Broughton had accepted a position in Kentucky and asked for the Commission's pleasure in calling a meeting to consider the next step for hiring a City Manager. Consensus was reached to have this as an item on the May 6 regular meeting agenda. Mr. Shapiro expressed appreciation for the support of the Department Directors and the Budget Team in the preparation of this budget. The entire Commission commended Staff for ajob well done. Mayor Vandergrift asked that a red carpet strip be placed in the lobby to help impress citizens that the policy is to give the "red carpet treatment" in City Hall, and to help with the noise Page 5 of 6 Ocoee City Commission Budget Workshop April 23, 1997 problem in the lobby as well. After considerable discussion Mr. Shapiro said he would see about a solution for the carpet/sound issue. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: City of Ocoee <_.,-~ j J j (~"--* ttUf~ ) S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayoro Page 6 of 6