HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-07-27 - City Commission Budget Workshop Meeting MinutesMAIL REPLY TO:
P.O. BOX 25010
TAMARAC, FLORIDA 33320
5811 NORTHWEST 88TH AVENUE 0 TAMARAC, FLORIDA 33321
TELEPHONE (305) 722-5900
July 23, 1984
NOTICE
BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
TAMARAC, FLORIDA
There has been a City Council Workshop meeting scheduled for
Friday, July 27, 1984 at 2:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at
City Hall to review the General Fund Budget for FY 1984/85.
The following Budgets are anticipated to be discussed at this
Workshop meeting:
Public Works
Legislative
City Manager
City Engineer
Personnel
General Administrative
Fire
Sanitation Services
Contingency
Building and Community Development
Revenues of General Fund
The public is invited to attend.
Carol A. Evans
Assistant City Clerk
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes
If a person decides t0 appeal any decision made by the city
Council with respect to any matter considered at such meeting o.•
hearing, he will need a record of the proceedings and for such
purpose, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record include:
the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING
July 27, 1984
Tape CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kravitz called the meeting to order at 2:00 P.M.,
1 on Friday, July 27, 1984, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Mayor Kravitz read the notice of the Budget Workshop Meeting which was
called to review the General Fund Budget for FY 1984/85.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Philip B. Kravitz
Vice Mayor Sydney M. Stein
C/M Jack Stelzer
C/M Raymond J. Munitz (at 2:45 P.M.)
C/M John J. Dunne
ALSO PRESENT: City Attorney, Jon Henning (at 3:00 P.M.)
Finance Director, Steve Wood
Deputy Finance Director, Linda Baker
Secretary, Carol Thrasher
Council reviewed the Budget, as revised 7/19/84, for the following Depart-
ments, using the amount in the column Recommended by the City Manager as
PUBLIC WORKS Pa es '14 - 25 - Public Works Director Greg Turek
presented a flip -chart presentation indicating the Department's budget,
manpower and responsibilities in providing service to the City and its
residents. Mr. Turek stated that four.additional positions are requested
for the overall Department, with decreases in some Divisions, and transfers
within the Department; the total increase being from 32 positions to 36.
Mr. Turek advised that certain positions have been eliminated in lieu of
outside contractual services and added that services that cannot be provided
effectively in-house will be contracted. He stated that the Department
cannot become involved with special projects for an excessive number of
manhours but smaller jobs may be programmed into the schedule. He referred
specifically to the guard rail at Commercial Boulevard and recommended
against in-house services for that project. Mr. Turek continued that with
only maintenance related activities, there has been a decrease in non-
productive Sick Time, better safety procedures, and curbing of past abuse
of overtime.
Mayor Kravitz asked Mr. Turek if the budget could be reduced on any item
and still permit efficient operation of the Department. Mr. Turek stated
that there is the possibility of reclassifying some positions but overall
the Department suffers even when one man is out on Sick Leave. C/M Stelzer
asked what the total increase is since last year and Mr. Turek advised
$42,000.00. C/M Dunne asked if most of that was for wages and Mr. Turek
confirmed that it is.
Mayor Kravitz questioned the expense for Automobile Allowance which the
City Manager is not recommending. Mr. Turek stated that the City car is
ready for replacement and if it is replaced, he would not need the allowance
for using his own car. The Vice Mayor referred to the item on Vehicles
for $10,000.00, which the City Manager also deleted.
Alice Norian, resident, questioned the increase by the City Manager in
the Regular Salaries on page 17. Mr. Turek advised that it was to cover
Janitorial services proposed on that same page.
Sam Pizzarello, resident, asked why Public Works would need four additional
people and a higher budget if contractual services were going to be increased.
Mr. Turek stated that Public Works personnel will not be able to perform
tasks for special interest groups and will be contracted out except in
minor cases. C/M Dunne confirmed with Mr. Turek that resurfacing of streets
would be contracted.
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The Vice Mayor referred to the stipulation for Public Works to do the
work at the Villas and Mr. Turek stated that if the task could be done
in increments, they will be able to manage it. Vickie Beech, resident,
asked if patch work would be done by Public Works and Mr. Turek confirmed
that it would.
Alice Norian referred to an overall increase of 25% for salaries across
the board and Mr. Turek advised that total personnel costs for Public
Works is $678,000.00 on last year's budget and $797,000.00 proposed for
next year. Ms. Norian asked if that is based on an increase in number
or salaries and Mr. Turek replied both.
Council recommended no changes to Public Works Department's budget.
LEGISLATIVE (Pages 1 & 2) - Mayor Kravitz questioned the expense for
Travel and Mr. Wood advised that this is the maximum amount, which is
always budgeted for that office. He added that this will also cover the
pending amendment.
C/M Stelzer questioned the effect of the recent action of removing lj�
personnel from the office staff and asked if there will be enough to do
the work for four Council members. He added that Lucy is constantly
doing Committee minutes and only j� of Honey's time will be for Council
members. Mayor Kravitz advised that if two full-time people are needed
for Council, they could call back the other half of Honey's time. The
Vice Mayor agreed that with Luce copGta.r_tly doing minutes, four Council
members are left with z person. He stated that the minimum that Council
could operate with is two girls and if time is available they could do
extra work. C/M Stelzer asked what would happen to Lucy's duties. Mr.
Wood confirmed with Council that the office would be staffed by three
people, with one being the Mavor's Secretary andthe other tT.,o being
full time for the four Council members. He explained that Pearl would
be reassigned right away and Lucy's duties would be allocated elsewhere.
C/M Munitz entered the meeting at 2:45 P,M...-
CITY MANAGER (des_ 7 & 8) - Mayor Kravitz confirmed with Mr. Wood that
this was based on the present salary of the City Manager and suggested
that this be held for later review.
CITY ENGINEER (Pages 26 & 27) - Mayor Kravitz referred to the same problem
Tape with the City Engineer's Department. Mr. Wood suggested that the two
2 Assistant City Engineers operate this Department next year, with the services
of a PE and that a Utility Director be hired. The Vice Mayor agreed and
asked that Mr. Wood propose that in the budget and report back to Council.
PERSONNEL (Pages 38 & 39) - The Vice Mayor suggested that only one Secretary
be authorized for this Department and that they use Honey for any extra work.
Council made no other recommended changes to the Personnel Department's budget.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE _(Pages 40 & 41) - The Vice Mayor questioned whether
there was a change to account for this -large increase and C/M Stelzer stated
that this was moved from other Departments. Vickie Beech asked which Depart-
ment this came from and C/M Stelzer stated that it was from many small
Departments. C/M Munitz stated that so many changes from Department to
Department have been discussed that Council does not have a fair comparison
for this budget. He added that Mr. Wood was asked at the previous workshop
to indicate a cross-reference for these changes and C/M Munitz stated that
he is not satisfied. Mr. Wood advised that he will provide Council with
a report on these changes.
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C/M Munitz questioned the expense for Professional Services and Mr.
Wood advised that it includes engineering work done for the City relating
to streets and other charges. C/M Munitz asked if that could be provided
by in-house professionals. Mr. Wood could not answer the question but
assumed that the services included development type items and could be
provided more efficiently by outside professionals. The Vice Mayor
disagreed because most of these services are paid for by the developer.
Mr. Wood advised that there is a revenue item for engineering fees that
offsets much of this expense. Both C/M Stelzer and C/M Munitz agreed
with that.
Sam Pizzarello asked if the Grants person was covered under the General
Administrative budget and Mr. Wood advised that that came from the City
Manager's budget. Vice Mayor Stein advised that this will not be in the
budget for next year.
City Attorney Henningl entered the meeting at 3:00 P.M.
C/M Munitz questioned the expense for Rentals and Leases and Mr. Wood
advised that this is for the Kodak Copying Machine in the City Clerk's
Office. C/M Munitz asked if the purchase of that equipment had been
considered. Mr. Wood advised that the maintenance of the machine was
also included in that amount. The Vice Mayor disagreed with the amount
and asked what was included. Mr. Wood advised that he will provide Council
with the back --up for this item.
FIRE DEPARTMENT (Pages 45 -- 48) - Assistant Fire Chief Ray Briant advised
that the majority of the increase in salaries for the Fire Department are
covered under contractual, agreement. The Vice Mayor questioned the expense
for Holiday Pay and Assistant Chief Briant explained that this started
under last year's contract and is a sum paid to the Firemen with the first
paycheck in December. Mr. Wood advised that it was paid last year but was
reflected with Regular Salaries. He suggested that the line item for
Holiday Pay not be used in the budget and Council agreed.
C/M Munitz stated that the Department is requesting an additional employee
and questioned the need for Overtime expense. Assistant Chief Briant
explained that the contract reduced the work -week from 52 to 50 hours
and for the safety of the people another Fireman will be added to remain
at strength. He continued that Overtime is required to cover possible
loss of time following fires in the City.
C/M Munitz questioned the expense for Incentive Pay - Ambulance Service
and Assistant Chief Briant advised that this is a total of 4 men a day for
365 days per year and 4% incentive pay for those men. C/M Munitz confirmed
that this is assuming that the City approves that service and that there
was revenue to offset that expense. C/M Stelzer clarified that there would
be $5,000.00 in ambulance revenue and the only expense would be for the
maintenance of the two ambulances and the extra salaries. Assistant Chief
Briant continued that with this service, less fuel will be used than with
the Fire Trucks at an estimated savings of $3,000.00.
Mayor Kravitz questioned the expense for Uniforms and Assistant Chief Briant
explained that the State Fire Marshal has recommended new fire -fighting
equipment for the Firemen. In reply to the Mayor's question, he advised
that it is a one-time purchase. He added that the Workers'Compensation
endorsed this as the latest protection and it could avoid costly claims
against the City.
C/M Munitz questioned the expense for Fire Apparatus and asked what new
equipment will be purchased. The Assistant Chief advised that this item
was for maintenance of the equipment and agreed with C/M Munitz that the
item should be reflected properly as Maintenance of Fire Apparatus.
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Mayor Kravitz questioned the total budget increase and C/M Stelzer
pointed out that the total increase is less than the increase for
personnel because everything else has been reduced. Assistant Chief
Briant stated that the operating expenses have been reduced by main-
taining the level of service by adding the new personnel. Mayor
Kravitz asked if there was anything that could be reduced on the budget
and still operate the Department. The Assistant Chief stated that he
had intended to ask for an increase and added that nothing could be
reduced.
C/M Dunne questioned the increase in the Department's proposed budget
over the last two years and the Assistant Chief stated that the 5-year
capital plan included plans to increase Station 2 capabilities and
space, which amounted to $228,000.00. C/M Dunne disagreed with the
need for additional space at Station 2. Assistant Chief Briant explained
that additional space is needed somewhere in the City and must be provided
for proper storage.
C/M Munitz suggested that it would be easier for each Department Head to
review the budget and voluntarily suggest cuts before Council cuts the
budget. He stated that Council would not take any action that would
endanger the health, safety and welfare of the people but added that cuts
must be made somewhere. Assistant Chief Briant advised that the Depart-
ment's budget has already been cut by the City Manager and he believes
that it is a bottom -line amount. He suggested that consideration be given
to the savings in Fire Insurance rates for the City in view of the high
rating given to the Fire Department. C/M Stelzer pointed out that the
increases covered by contract cannot be changed.
Vickie Beech questioned why the motor is kept running on a truck when
answering emergency calls and Assistant Chief Briant'replied that it is
recommended to keep diesel engines running to avoid using extra fuel and
oil. Ms. Beech complained that she has observed misuse of Department
apparatus by Department personnel and the Assistant Chief explained that
this has happened with Station 2 because of the shortage of personnel
and when something is needed, they felt it was better practice to take
the truck for quick response to calls. He apologized for this practice
as it evidently offended the residents and stated that it would not happen
in the future.
C/M Munitz referred to the possibility of converting to a Public Service
Department to include Fire and Police and asked if any study had ever been
done on this subject. Assistant Chief Bryant explained that this Depart-
ment started as a Public Safety Department in 1975 under a Federal Grant;
however each time an officer was cross -trained to a higher level, the
officer went to another City for more pay at that level. He concluded
that it has been tried and there were too many problems.
Council recommended no changes to the Fire Department's budget.
SANITATION SERVICES (Pa e 54) - Mr. Wood suggested that even with this
increase, it may not be enough and the City will be going out to bid on
this service. The Vice Mayor agreed and stated that the cost of garbage
removal is increasing. Vickie Beech suggested that waste be separated
with paper items being bagged separately and asked if the new contract
is being negotiated by weight. Mr. Wood advised that the collections
Tape are by units serviced, not by tons of garbage. He continued that the
3 collector adjusts fees upward based on tonnage tipping charges that the
County levies on them. Mr. Wood stated that there is newspaper and maga-
zine collection in the City for which the City collects revenue.
John Lachmann, resident, referred
for these contracts, which was to
advised that the current contract
has the right to ask for increases
budget could be cut by $850,000.00
collection.
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to his question at the time of renewal
consider two-year contracts. Mr. Wood
is for four years and the Contractor
yearly. C/M Stelzer suggested that the
if residents paid for their own garbage
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Council recommended no changes to the Sanitation Services budget.
CONTINGENCY (Page 62) - Council recommended no changes to this budget.
BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (Pa es 49 - 51) - Chief Building
Official Sam Stevens advised that the budget is practically the same
as last year but he has cut out a few items. Mr. Wood advised that
the current year budget was amended at the last Council meeting and
that amount would provide a better comparison for next year's budget.
Mr. Stevens added that as demands increase, so will the services and
he anticipates that the Department will improve its revenue next year
because some fees have been raised to offset the expenses. He added
that the Department is self-sufficient and he intends to keep it that
way by hiring employees only when he needs them, rather than laying off
regular employees. Mayor Kravitz agreed that a good portion of revenue
comes into this Department.
Alice Norian pointed out that the increase in salaries amounts to over
$100,000.00 and the Mayor advised that the amount reflected is not a
true figure because the amended budget amount for 1983/84 is not included.
Mr. Stevens advised that the developers pay fees for services provided
and those fees are used to operate his Department. Ms. Norian asked
why the salaries are increasing and Mr. Stevens advised that it takes
more people to do the work. John Lachmann asked how many employees
were in this Department and Mr. Stevens replied 182. Mr. Lachmann
asked if that included part-timers and Mr. Stevens confirmed that it
did, adding that he intends to request more for this next year. He
explained that this is more economical because he can hire what he needs
for the time that he needs it. He continued that he is upgrading and
modernizing the Department's records and will need part-time employees
for microfilming and operating the computer, for the time required to
accomplish these tasks.
Sam Pizzarello questioned the expenses for Professional Services and Mr.
Stevens advised that the City Planner's salary is included in his budget
as well as part-time inspectors.
Council recommended no changes to the Building Department's budget.
REVENUES (Pages 1 - 6) - Mayor Kravitz referred to the Revenues portion
of the Budget for Council's review.
Vice Mayor Stein questioned the proposed amount for Revenue on Page 1 and
Mr. Wood advised that this amount is needed to meet the proposed budget
of the Departments; and added that it is a legal impossibility. The Vice
Mayor agreed and asked if the amount recommended by the City Manager was
the maximum. Mr. Wood confirmed that it was and added that it is for
2.48 mills. The Vice Mayor confirmed with Mr. Wood that the budget must
stay within that figure. Mr. Wood added that this is the maximum millage
that the City can generate.
C/M Stelzer questioned the revenue for Newspaper Collection and stated that
they have not been able to get Durbin to establish a collection schedule
throughout the City. Mr. Wood advised that collections are being made in
several sections and the City is realizing revenue for that.
C/M Munitz asked if the total assessed value in the City has decreased and
Mr. Wood advised that it has remained flat,__ He added that the millage rate
was 2.25 and the rolled back rate to generate the same amount of money
would be 2.16 which shows approximately 5% increase. C/M Munitz asked
what the amount recommended by the Manager was based on and Mr. Wood
replied that it was 2.48 mills. C/M Munitz pointed out that the figure
for Previous Year Actual was higher and Mr. Wood advised that the millage
that year was 2.98 mills.
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`f
14
The Vice Mayor referred to an addition of $1.6Million to the total
revenues and Mr. Wood pointed out that amount on Page 4 in the
Appropriated Fund Balance. He added that he has been informed of an
additional decrease in State Revenue sharing, so approximately
$55,000.00 will be lost there. He referred to that item on Page 2
and stated that that figure will fluctuate by the State's actions.
The Vice Mayor referred to the total revenue amount on Page 6 and
asked where this leaves the City with the proposed budget by Depart-
ments. Mr. Wood advised that this is for a break-even budget, with
using the $1.6Million from surplus and levying a millage of 2.48 mills.
The Vice Mayor confirmed with Mr. Wood that any reduction would then
be reflected back as surplus. Mr. Wood added that Council would have
the option of returning that.to surplus or reducing the millage.
Alice Norian referred to deposits made by residents for utilities
and asked what happens to the interest on those deposits. Mr. Wood
advised that those amounts are used in the Utilities budget to keep
the rates down.
The Vice Mayor suggested that residents should compare their rates with
the surrounding Cities and continued that rates are increasing everywhere.
C/M Dunne stated that the residents East of 441 have been paying double
the water and sewer rates than those West of 441.
Sam Pizzarello asked how much profit the City generates from the water
and sewer rates East of 441 above actual costs. C/M Munitz advised that
the reserve in Utilities -East has been increasing each year and the Vice
Mayor advised that some of that will be returned to the residents this
year by a reduction in their bills. The Vice Mayor asked that Mr. Wood
provide a report to Council indicating the average City rate collected
in each year for comparison purposes. He suggested that the City should
not be separated into two areas. He referred to C/M Stelzer's suggestion
that it would be easy to balance the budget if the City did not supply
garbage collection, and stated that his reply to that was that Council
would not be able to face their people if that were done.
Vice Mayor Stein stated that he did not specify any certain area in his
comments. He asked that the record show that discussions in these Budget
Workshops concerned this potential possibility. He added that if this
could be done, either all would be taken or it would be subsidized since
the ad valorem tax cannot be increased, and it is against the law to have
a deficit budget. He suggested that such discussions could be reported
as his comment being to recommend that Council take the East off garbage
collection and leave the West on such collection. He continued that these
discussions concern the entire City, with no distinction between East and
West.
Mr. Wood advised that he has reviewed the average as well as the cumulative
taxes collected for the East side of the City. He added that the City
encounters a deficit by providing the services, based on the ad valorem
taxes generated from that area.
Mr. Pizzarello stated that his question was on the water
Vice Mayor advised that the budget shows a reduction for
of the money in the fund. C/M Munitz clarified that the
reduced because they were overcharged in previous years
Mayor agreed.
Nov
rates and the
the East because
rates are being
and the Vice
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M
John Lachmann suggested that such presentations be prepared on audio-
visual for Public Hearings. Council agreed with the suggestion.
Mayor Kravitz adjourned the meeting at 4:05 P.M.
Carol A. Evans
Assistant City Clerk
This public document was promulgated at a cost of $ /Q B.SD or $ 3•0 A
per copy, to inform the general public and public officers and employees
about recent opinions and considerations by the City Council of the City
of Tamarac.
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