HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-08-09 - City Commission Budget Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF TAMARAC
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 1993
CALL TO ORDER* Mayor Bender called the Budget Workshop to order
on Monday, August 9, 1993, at 9:00 a.m, in Conference Room #1 of
Tamarac City Hall, 7525 Northwest 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida.
RRESYNm•
Mayor H. Larry Bender
Vice Mayor Irving Katz
Councilman Norman Abramowitz
Councilman Joseph Schreiber
Councilman Henry Schumann
ALSO PRESENT:
John P. Kelly, City Manager
Mitchell S. Kraft, City Attorney
Dina McDermott, Assistant City Manager
Mike Couzzo, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public
Services
Mary Blasi, Finance Director
Alan Levine, Operations Manager -Public Works Division
Morton Winter, Charter Board Chairman
Phyllis Polikoff, Secretary
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C/M Schreiber read a statement (Attachment #1) and questioned the
September 30, 1992 fund balance in the proposed budget and the
actual fund balance indicated by the Auditor, Grant Thornton. He
commented on revenues, expenditures, encumbrances, a possible
surplus and the millage rate.
Mary Blasi, Finance Director, said the figures were encumbrances
not paid in 1992. She also commented on the Ad Valorem taxes and
said approximately $400,000 would probably be used during the
current year and $1,500,000 was budgeted to balance the budget.
City Manager Kelly read his Budget Summary and indicated that the
implementation of a Storm Water Management District could reduce
the budget increase from 15.1% to 5.1%. He said Staff recommended
that $96,000 for hurricane shutters be eliminated and that would
reduce 5.1% to 4.1%. He referred to a Municipal Administrative
Services (MAS) report and FP&L. Discussion followed and Mayor
Bender directed Mr. Kelly to communicate with FP&L regarding the
money they owed to the City.
Mr. Kelly discussed the BSO contract, road improvements at
Tamarac Lakes North and South, internal service charge -back
increases, vehicles for grounds maintenance and repairs to Fire
Department equipment. Discussion followed on a bucket truck and
the BSO contract.
Mr. Kelly indicated salaries for the Social Worker and Clerk
Typist and discussion ensued. He mentioned beautification and
additional personnel for the City's parks and Multi --Purpose
Center. He said additional machinery and equipment was needed at
the City's parks and discussion followed. He said taxes would be
increased (less the Homestead Exemption) $.63 per year for a
$30,000 home to $12.58 per year for a $125,000 home.
Mayor Bender asked about FP&L Franchise Revenues from 1988 through
1990 and said increased residents meant increased revenue. There
was discussion and Ms. Blasi said she would research the matter.
V/M Katz questioned Drainage Improvement Fund Expenditures and
Revenues. Ms. Blasi explained that $650,000 was from the General
Fund original budget and $150,000 was subsidized by the Drainage
Improvement Fund and would be transferred into the General Fund.
City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 2
C/M Abramowitz asked if monies could be transferred if it was
needed for canal maintenance. Mr. Kelly said Council should
determine the amount and discussion followed.
Mayor Bender asked Mr. Kelly to look into franchise fee revenues
from FP&L and Continental Cablevision.
Mr. Kelly said the Building Department requested additional part--
time people for inspections and additional monies would come in
from the Building permits. He said anticipated revenues from
property taxes would be reduced.
Ms. Blasi commented on the Property Appraiser, the final assessed
valuation as of October 1 of $18,000,000 less than last year, ad
valorem rates and roll -backs.
TAPE 2
There was discussion and Ms. Blasi said nothing could be done
about the $18,000,000. Mayor Bender suggested that Ms. Blasi
should document her statements regarding the final assessed
valuation.
Mr. Kelly mentioned the estimated unappropriated fund balance and
he said that additional monies should not be used to balance the
budget.
V/M Katz commented on an article pertaining to the Federal
Government's budget and reserve funds should not be less than 5%.
Mr. Kelly said water and sewer rates for Utilities West would
increase over the next three years. Discussion ensued and C/M
Schreiber asked if the same thing would have happened if the Bonds
had not been refinanced. Mr. Kelly said, yes. Ms. Blasi said the
City would have defaulted if the Bonds had not been refinanced.
V/M Katz said commercial users paid higher rates and discussion
continued regarding CIAC funds and rates being changed at a later
time. Mr. Kelly said the City should consider short-term
financing for some of the projects.
Discussion continued about steps to conserve water and C/M
Abramowitz said residents would be paying more for water.
There was discussion about the 4.1% increase, the Customer Service
Records Clerk position, privatization, benefits, and the
Purchasing Division.
C/M Abramowitz commented on employees and their benefits in
Utilities West.
There was discussion about $36,000 which FP&L deducted from
franchise fees, permit license fees, and the letter to FP&L
requesting payment for the permit license fees.
Mr. Kelly referred to the Internal Service Charge -backs and
Recommended Capital Equipment on Pages 14 and 15, respectively.
He reiterated that $90,000 should be eliminated for hurricane
shutters.
Discussion was held on equipment for the Multi -Purpose Center and
resurfacing the parking lot at City Hall.
UTTLTTY_WEST FUND
Mr. Kelly referred to Item F (Transmission & Distribution) on Page
17 and recommended the figure be amended to $50,000.
C/M Schumann asked the age of the gas Chromatograph. Mike Couzzo,
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Services, said he would
research and provide the data.
City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 3
There was discussion regarding repairs to the water meters. Mr.
Couzzo said water meters were changed every five to seven years.
Mr. Kelly referred to Item N (Wastewater Collections) on Page 18
and suggested amending the amount to $50,000 because only Pump
Station 16B was involved. He also suggested removing Numbers 7
and 9 and replacing them under Item Q and the amount would be
changed to $262,000. Discussion was held pertaining to the video
cameras for the trucks.
UTILITY WEST RENEWAL & REPLACEMENT FUND
Mr. Kelly said $108,000 would be deducted from Item C on Page 18.
TAPE 3
Discussion followed regarding Item C and Mr. Couzzo said that the
pumps would not be replaced.
Mr. Kelly referred to Page 19 regarding the Pump Stations and said
the amount should be amended to $289,000.
V/M Katz referred to the System Extension in Item D. Mr. Couzzo
said the extension pertained to a portion of Commercial Boulevard
east of Nob Hill Road and an Agreement to contribute CIAC funds in
the amount of $100,000. He said the Utilities West budget would
be discussed on Wednesday, August 11, and discussion followed.
Mr. Kelly said Page 20 was a Summary and the beginning of the
budget.
Mayor Bender requested a recess at 10:30 a.m. and the Workshop
reconvened at 10:35 a.m. with the same people in attendance.
City Hall Ones -- Page 85
V/M Katz commented on the HVAC system on Page 84 - Mission
Statement. He said the number of personnel were unchanged,
vacancies were filled, and Overtime Pay increased $200. Mayor
Bender suggested that privatization should be considered and
discussion followed.
V/M Katz referred to $103,000 in #630 under TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY.
Mr. Kelly suggested that $90,000 for hurricane shutters should be
deducted and the $13,000 balance would be sufficient to resurface
the City Hall parking lot and Council agreed. Discussion ensued
on liability and flood insurance at City Hall.
C/M Schreiber asked about the cost differential on #520 under
TOTAL DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES. Mr. Couzzo said supply costs
increased and discussion followed on the paper towels.
Alan Levine, Operations Manager of Public Works, said the City
Hall did not receive any violations when it was recently inspected
by the State.
general Government Building -- Page 89
Mr. Kelly said salaries were unchanged, a part-time position was
added and COLA's were not reflected. C/M Schreiber questioned
Item 340 - TOTAL DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES. Mr. Couzzo said roof
repairs were needed at the Recreation Center and all buildings,
except City Hall and the Police building, and fell under Division
193.
Mr. Levine said Electricity (#430) was reduced due to the
installation of timers. Discussion was initiated regarding Demand
City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 4
Load Calculations, FP&L, timers, Load Control Programs, and
electric utility bill audit.
EDITORS NOTE: Mayor Bender requested Ms. Blasi to find out about
the electric utility bill audit and discussion was held regarding
#643 (Machinery and Equipment) and #640 (Vehicles) under TOTAL
CAPITAL OUTLAY.
Page 99
Mr. Kelly commented on the Police Building and V/M Katz commented
on the HVAC system.
Public Sarvicas Administration - Page 122
Mr. Couzzo recommended that Vernon Hargray's position be entirely
funded out of the Utility West and the Senior Records Clerk was
previously funded from Fleet Maintenance.
There was discussion concerning #470 (Printing & Binding of the
Annual brochure) and #494 (Photographic - audio-visual
presentation) under TOTAL DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES. Discussion
also followed on #220 (Pension) under TOTAL PERSONAL SERVICES.
V/M Katz asked if all of Mr. Couzzo's benefits were split and he
was advised that they were.
Discussion was held on the Mission Statement. V/M Katz asked
about a Tree Nursery Grant and discussion ensued. Discussion was
also held on "Welcome to Tamarac" signs and C/M Abramowitz
suggested that the present signs be placed on larger backgrounds.
C/M Schreiber suggested that privatization should be considered to
reduce expenses and discussion was held on grass cutting and City
employees. Mr. Couzzo explained that some barriers prevented the
property owner from accessing his own property and the City had to
maintain same.
C/M Schreiber requested clarification of 4RB (Commercial Blvd.
Irrigation) and 4RX (Beautification Miscellaneous) under TOTAL
DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES.
TAPE 4
Discussion commenced on 4RB (irrigation on Commercial Boulevard
through an agreement with Broward County), general irrigation for
City property, and 4RX (projects already approved by Council).
V/M Katz said no area should be beautified without irrigation.
C/M Abramowitz discussed McNab Road, Nob Hill Road, and
Beautification Grants.
Discussion commenced on Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year
1993/1994. Mr. Kelly said the majority were carryovers from the
previous fiscal year and he would provide clarification regarding
the percentage completed. He said the City of Sunrise contacted
him regarding improvements to Commercial Boulevard from the
Sawgrass Expressway to Pine Island Road. Mr. Couzzo said the City
would have to maintain everything taken from Broward County and
discussion ensued.
Discussion followed pertaining to 4RY (Beautification -Urban
Forestry) which represented start-up costs for the Nursery Tree
Farm and Arbor Day Tree Replacement Program. Further discussion
commenced on beautification, funding, Nob Hill Road and Broward
County's Agreement to maintain Commercial Boulevard (to McNab
Road) .
V/M Katz asked if more funding would be needed with regard to the
bucket truck. Mr. Couzzo said, no, and suggested seeking a short-
term lease.
u
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City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 5
Mr. Couzzo referred to Page 25, #343-210 (Lot Clearing Charges),
under TOTAL CHARGES FOR SERVICES and explained it represented
revenues derived from property owners for Code violations. He
said Parking Lot charges (#344-500) were revenues from residents
who parked at the Municipal Parking Lot adjacent to Fort
Lauderdale Executive Airport. Discussion followed on Caporella
Park.
Fle$t_Services - Page 376
Mr. Kelly said salaries were the same. V/M Katz suggested that
the City should consider privatization and discussion commenced.
Mayor Bender requested a report on productivity and the City of
Coral Springs. Mr. Kelly said his budget recommendation was
$517,779.
C/M Schreiber asked about the funds recommended for #301 (Gasoline
& Diesel), #303 (Grease and Oil) and #461 (Auto Parts/Inventory)
under TOTAL DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES. Ms. Blasi said the three
accounts were kept separately so they could be charged back.
V/M Katz asked the status of a six-month report on maintenance
costs and new vehicles. Mr. Couzzo said a five-year replacement
program was prepared and vehicles were replaced before repairs
became too expensive. He said recommendations for Gasoline and
Diesel were lower than 1992 because bulk purchases were made at
lower costs.
Mayor Bender ADJOURNED the Budget Workshop at 11:45 a.m. for lunch
and called it to order at 1:05 P.M. He said the same people that
were present at the morning session were present now except for
City Attorney Kraft.
TAPE 5
Streets/Roads - Page 134
Discussion followed on #340 and Mr. Couzzo advised that road
repairs would cost $250,000 for Tamarac Lakes North and South and
the annual rental of a street sweeper would be $15,000 which would
be eliminated if the sweeper was bought.
C/M Schreiber asked about #342 and Mr. Couzzo responded that a
company was contracted to remove trash and roll -off at the
shopping center on McNab Road, west of Pine Island Road. He said
the money would probably be recovered through a lien.
There was further discussion about the money and the road repairs.
Mayor Bender asked about #533 and Mr. Couzzo answered that it was
to repair potholes and utility cuts. Discussion followed on the
location of the roads to be repaired.
V/M Katz questioned #640 and Alan Levine, Public Works Operations
Manager, said it was the last replacement vehicle from the 1984
budget.
V/M Katz questioned #643 and Mr. Couzzo mentioned a roller and
trailer. There was further discussion regarding the street
sweeper and the funds to pay for same and Mayor Bender asked Mr.
Kelly to prepare a report on the costs regarding a street sweeper.
There was discussion regarding grass cutters, discharge chutes,
and canals.
Park Facilities - Page 157
Mr. Couzzo said there were three vacant Maintenance positions for
the Sports Complex, Veterans and Caporella Parks. Mr. Levine said
City Council Budget. Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 6
specialized grasses needed special attention and only the
bathrooms were maintained.
Discussion was held on #643 (the proposed purchase of a tractor
and turf machine) and the difference between the proposed and
recommended TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES. Mr. Couzzo referred to
Tract 27 and said impact fees for the lights was deducted and
discussion followed on the lights, photocell and timer.
8Sgr9ati4n Activities - Page 145
Discussion was held on the vacant Social Worker and Clerk Typist.
There was discussion on #344 (Instructors, Other Activities) and
#481 (Recreational Activities). Mr. Couzzo said #344 was for
services which were contracted in return for revenues and #481
represented a percentage for services, i.e., July 4 fireworks,
wherein a percentage was reimbursed.
C/M Schumann asked why money was budgeted in #440 when equipment
could be bought and paid for over a period of time. Discussion
followed on costs, the Public Address and sound systems, costumes
and equipment used for holidays.
TAPE 6
Discussion followed on the sound system and Showmobile
(Department #552).
There was a brief discussion regarding proposed and vacant
positions (Van Drivers, Facility Attendants and Temporary
Rec. Leader II) and present Assistant Service Coordinator,
#402 (Travel -Other) and #542 (Dues and Memberships). Mr.
Kelly said it was important for Staff to attend designated
seminars because eventually it would generate revenue. C/M
Abramowitz asked if the increased health insurance was due to
increased employees. Mr. Couzzo said, yes.
Mr. Kelly said Council should consider giving employee benefits to
the new Van Drivers because they do not receive anything. C/M
Schumann, V/M Katz, C/M Schreiber and Mayor Bender agreed.
C/M Abramowitz asked about the revenues from the Multi -Purpose
Center. Mr. Couzzo said approximately 30% would be returned and
as of June 30, revenues exceeded projections from the previous
fiscal year.
Discussion followed on the Facility Attendants, vacant Senior
Maintenance Worker and Maintenance Fitness Coordinator and their
responsibilities. V/M Katz asked about the Maintenance Fitness
Coordinator and Athletic Services Coordinator. Mr. Couzzo said
the Maintenance Fitness Coordinator instructed aerobics, cardio-
vascular, etc., and the Athletic Services Coordinator worked with
the Tamarac Athletic Federation and discussion followed. Mr.
Kelly suggested that Council should consider compensating the
Athletic Services Coordinator for the work done with the Tamarac
Athletic Federation. Mr. Couzzo suggested that Council review the
salary structure in order not to lose employees. Mr. Kelly said
he recommended four positions for reclassification and discussion
followed on same and revising job descriptions.
V/M Katz said the Multi -Purpose Center required more equipment and
discussion was held on same, turnaround time for equipment needing
repairs, and maintenance contracts. Mr. Kelly suggested a maximum
of $10,000 be added.
Mr. Couzzo said $40,000 for the Showmobile was deducted from #647,
Special Equipment. Discussion followed and C/M Abramowitz
requested information on purchasing versus leasing a Showmobile.
-- Page 163
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City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 7
Ll
Discussion was held on TOTAL GRANTS AND AIDS, Matching Grants and
Meals on Wheels. V/M Katz stated that the Broward Homebound
Program serviced those people below the "elderly" category and C/M
Abramowitz recommended increasing the contribution to $1,500.
Mr. Kelly suggested that Council consider purchasing a van and
making improvements to comply with Americans with Disabilities
requirements and a short-term loan could be obtained to do both.
V/M Katz said a van to accommodate wheelchairs and passengers was
purchased for the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center and
discussion followed on a van which would accommodate wheelchairs
and passengers or bus.
TAPE 7
Further discussion followed on what the bus could be used for.
C/M Abramowitz asked the cost of a regular -size bus, the number of
trips and how many times the bus would be used. Mr. Couzzo said
the cost would be approximately $100,000 and after some
researching, he would provide the information.
Mayor Bender asked if individuals paid when they went on special
trips. Mr. Couzzo said, yes, but they did not pay for trips to
the doctor, to go shopping or to the Lighthouse for the Blind and
discussion followed regarding Broward County's franchised bus
routes. Mayor Bender suggested that Mr. Kelly look into the
matter.
General Fund - Page 25
Under TOTAL CHARGES FOR SERVICES, discussion was held on #347-211
and #347-212, Summer Recreation Fees and After -School Program
Fees, respectively.
C/M Abramowitz stated that Principal William Bell of Tamarac
Elementary School requested using rooms in the Multi -Purpose
Center for one year because of overcrowding. V/M Katz commented
that the Broward County School Board did not comply with their
site plan and he asked for permission to critique the contractor
for the new addition to the School. Discussion was held and Mayor
Bender asked about the impact if the three rooms were used and
further discussion followed on using empty stores in a shopping
center in lieu of displacing senior citizens. Mr. Kelly said he
would have a report to Council within the week.
Ms. Blasi said a portion of utilities was
415, School Board Utility Reimbursement,
REVENUES on Page 26. Discussion was held
benches and bus shelters and Mayor Bender
the bus benches.
Parks AndRegreation Fund - Page 187
reimbursed under #369-
under TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS
on Impact Fees, bus
asked for a report on
C/M Schreiber asked about $150,000 in #6BC and said it should be
used elsewhere. Mr. Kelly said it was the City's share for
environmentally sensitive land and discussion followed regarding
Broward County's responsibilities about the land. V/M Katz
discussed the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Ms. McDermott
advised what the property would be used for. Further discussion
followed and Mr. Kelly said it was a passive park and nothing
could be constructed.
C/M Schreiber asked if a basketball court could be added to the
Tract 27 Sports Complex. Mr. Couzzo recommended it could be
deducted from Parks and Recreation Impact fees.
Page 224
City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 8
Mr. Kelly said $750,000 represented the personnel and equipment,
etc., who would maintain canals and drainage previously discussed
and which were moved to Page 224. Discussion was held on the
budgets for Canals, Storm Drains, Street Cleaning, Canal
Maintenance and Storm Water Drainage Maintenance and Special Storm
Water Drainage Projects.
Ms. Blasi noted the money allotted for salaries and personnel
services expenses of the Street Drainage Program which were
charged to the General Fund. She said the remaining $97,000 was
in a Contingency Fund for special projects.
Discussion followed on the $750,000 and Mr. Kelly said the
Engineering Department did calculations based on the impervious
soil surface and residential units. He said there would be
different rates for shopping centers. C/M Abramowitz confirmed
that single family residential units would pay $2 and there was a
different formula for vacant and empty lands, shopping centers and
for commercial property.
C/M Schumann asked when the budget would become effective and
where would the funding come from. Mr. Kelly said the budget
could be passed prior to October 1 with two Public Hearings. Ms.
Blasi said all cash and investments were pooled instead of having
them put into separate savings and investment accounts.
TAPE 8
Further discussion followed on scheduling the dates for the Public
Hearings. C/M Abramowitz said no one should object to the Storm
Drainage Improvement Program and added that he was constantly
getting complaints about the waterways. He said the City of
Sunrise advised that waterways on private property were not
maintained by that City.
Mayor Bender said City Attorney Kraft was asked to draft an
Ordinance similar to the City of Margate. Mr. Kelly added that
the Ordinance also incorporated input from the Engineering
Department.
Mayor Bender discussed waterways which were privately owned. C/M
Abramowitz said the City insisted that all developers and builders
deed the waterways to the City when they came in for permits. V/M
Katz disagreed and discussion followed.
Mr. Kelly said people driving vehicles contributed to pollution in
the canals. C/M Abramowitz recommended that the City should not
insist the developer or builder deed the waterways to the City.
Discussion followed on the deeding of waterways and private
streets, pollution in the canals, the quality of the water and the
improper way to cut grass.
Mayor Bender discussed the Ordinance pertaining to the $750,000
and waterways in Kings Point and the Pulte project.
Charter Board - Page 72
Mr. Kelly discussed TOTAL PERSONAL EXPENSES and said the employee
was moved to the City Clerk's Office and City Attorney Kraft would
perform the legal services.
Morton Winter, Charter Board Chairman, discussed the cost to
repair a typewriter and Office Expenses. Ms. McDermott said she
would follow-up with Purchasing because the typewriter was under a
service contract and a minimum of office supplies would be used.
C/M Abramowitz suggested #510 be amended to $250.
Discussion followed on a request to advertise in the newspapers
for another member to the Charter Board and purchasing a set of
the Florida Statutes.
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City Council Budget Workshop
08/09/93/PP
Page 9
City Council - Page 29
V/M Katz discussed the copier and Ms. Blasi said all rental leases
for copying machines would be combined into General Services and
that all paper supplies would come from Purchasing and would be
charged back to each department.
C/M Schreiber asked about the 1596 increase in 1230. Ms. Blasi
said the $14,273 would probably be closer to $18,000 or $19,000.
She said each employee was sent a questionnaire requesting
information on health insurance. Mr. Kelly suggested scheduling
an Executive Session to discuss health insurance with the Risk
Manager and the increase in the budget was the increase in
insurance.
C/M Abramowitz said it was the best budget he had seen and very
little could be eliminated.
Mayor Bender ADJOURNED the Budget Workshop at 3:30 P.M.
Carol A. Evans
City Clerk
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ATTACHMENT' #1 frcan C/M J. Schreiber
8/9/93 Budget Workshop (Page 1 of 2)
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ATTACHMENT #1 (Page 2 of 2)
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