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MINUTES OF JOINT BUDGET WORKSHOP/SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE CITY COMMISSION, THREE ISLANDS SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT,
GOLDEN ISLES SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT, CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH, FLORIDA, HELD ON MONDAY JULY 29, 2013 AND TUESDAY JULY 30, 2013 AT 4:00 P.M., COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 400 S. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, HALLANDALE BEACH, FL 33009.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor/Chair Cooper called the meeting to Order on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 4:15 PM
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners/Directors Julian, Lazarow and Sanders, Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Lewy and Mayor/Chair Cooper, City Manager Miller and Assistant City Attorney Andre McKinney – All Present.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - (Speakers must sign-in with the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting).
Csaba Kulin, 600 NE 14th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, spoke concerning the City’s plans for issuing a Revenue Bond and the construction costs associated with the implementation of the Citywide Parks Master Plan. Mr. Kulin spoke in support of placing the Bond Referendum on the November 2014 Municipal General Election Ballot.
Maggie Ivanovzki, 437 Golden Isles Drive, Hallandale Beach, suggested the City schedule the Annual Budget Workshops at 6:00 PM so more taxpayers may attend. Ms. Ivanovski spoke in opposition of the increase in City staffing levels and salaries during FY 2013-2014.
5. OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED FY 2013-2014 BUDGET - To be heard Monday, July 29, 2013
City Manager Miller and Robert Fraidenburg, Acting Director of Finance, presented the City Manager’s FY14 Recommended Budget utilizing a Power Point presentation covering the following topics:
- Overview of FY 2013-14 Budget and Financial Condition of the City;
- Strategic Priorities FY 14;
- Reserves;
- Budget Summary and Budget Highlights;
- Revenues and Fee Changes
City Manager Miller indicated the City Manager FY14 Recommended Budget is promulgated on maintaining a level millage rate of 5.6833 mills. However, she is recommending a 0.2 mill increase to 5.8833 mills to end the City’s dependence on reserves and address increased operating costs. The increase would generate an additional $775,000 that would be dedicated to the General Fund Reserve in FY14 and assist in mitigating the impacts of additional operational costs in the upcoming fiscal years. The proposed increase in millage rate will have an estimated $2.50 monthly impact to the average property owner who is homesteaded.
City Manager Miller recommended a water rate decrease to mitigate the $2.50 impact to the residents as follows:
- $1.00 base rate; and
- $0.20 per gallon rate.
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The City Commission discussed the impact of the proposed millage rate of 5.8833 mills to the average resident, and the proposed reduction in water rates to mitigate this impact.
The City Commission discussed the need for reducing the City’s General Fund Budget in order to reduce the use of Reserves.
Answering questions posed by the City Commission, City Manager Miller suggested the City Commission review its Strategic Priorities for FY13/14 for possible budget reduction opportunities.
Vice Mayor Lewy requested staff to prepare possible budget scenarios depicting a reduction in the General Fund and the uses of Reserves for the FY 14/15 Budget.
City Manager Miller suggested the City Commission decide whether or not they are comfortable with the proposed millage rate increase; further, City Manager Miller requested the City Commission provide staff with a dollar amount by which they would like to see the budget reduced, and direct staff to make the necessary adjustments to the proposed budget and bring back for consideration and approval.
The City Commission discussed the Strategic Priorities Table and reduced $617,000 from the General Fund as follow:
Strategic Priority / Initiative / FY 14 Funding / ProjectsCreate local jobs / Establish programs and policies that place an emphasis on priority utilization of local businesses and residents for contracts, jobs, and subcontracts. / $70,000 / Management Internship Program
Improve Functionality and Affordability of City Infrastructure / Establish a sustainable and consistent beach re-nourishment program. / $200,000 / Beach Renourishment
Improve Functionality and Affordability of City Infrastructure / Re-evaluate waste water treatment plant feasibility study. / $25,000 / Feasibility Study
Improve Functionality and Affordability of City Infrastructure / Complete necessary sewer and water line capital improvements. / $1,285,000 / I&I
Lift Station Rehab
H2O R&R
Sewer R&R
San. Sewer rehab
Operational Excellence / Implement on-going training / $50,000
$30,000 / Citywide Training
Operational Excellence / Implement citywide customer service training, monitoring, and mystery shopping. / $15,000 / Customer Service Training
Mystery Shopping
Improve Safety, Security, and Comfort of Residents / Apply "complete streets" model citywide (which includes auto, pedestrian, lighting and bike traffic) / $740,000 / Complete Streets
Improve Safety, Security, and Comfort of Residents / Renovate Main Fire Station / $200,000 / Main Fire Station
Improve Safety, Security, and Comfort of Residents / Implement programs that establish Hallandale Beach as "pet friendly" / $5,000 / Pet Friendly Partnerships/Activities
Establish Cohesive Visual Appeal / Upgrade the Northwest, improve main corridors, and beautify selected neighborhoods. / $354,000 / Sidewalk Repairs
Layne Blvd Impro.
SW Drain. Easements
HBB & I-95
Street Maintenance
Establish Cohesive Visual Appeal / Fund and implement the approved Parks Master Plan. / $850,000 / GO Bond Initiative
Enhanced Park Maint.
BF James Pool Operations
Replacement of Playground Equip/Mulch
Establish Cohesive Visual Appeal / Utilize “One Hallandale” concept to engage residents. / $10,000 / One Hallandale Coalition
Maintain a Civil and Respectful Government / Exhibit respectful and professional behaviors / $50,000
$42,000 / Business Survey
Maintain a Civil and Respectful Government / Improve resident accessibility and engagement (meetings and communications). / $8,000 / Telephone Town Hall Mtg
Sunny Awards
Improving Quality of Life and Services / Recycling program improvement plan. / $10,000 / Add’l Marketing Activities
Become a Vibrant Destination / Define the “brand” and identity of the CHB – gaming/tourism? / $195,000
$74,000 / Wayfinding
Branding Activities
Become a Vibrant Destination / Update the CHB Master Plan, Land Use Plan, and Zoning Map / $60,600 / Land Development Regulations
Total / $4,127,600
Less $617,6003
$3,510,0007
MOTION BY MAYOR COOPER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JULIAN, TO DEDICATE THE $617,000 REDUCED FROM THE BUDGET AS A FUND BALANCE RESERVE PAYMENT. The Motion carried on a 5/0 Voice vote.
6. CITY COMMISSION REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED FY 2013-2014 BUDGET
A. DISCUSSON OF INITIATIVES AND POLICIES
1. DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION SALARIES AND COMMISSION TRAVEL POLICY (SEE BACKUP)
The City Commission discussed the average base salaries of Commissioners and Mayors on a countywide level as presented in the agenda item backup information.
Commissioner Sanders suggested increasing the Travel Allowance for the Mayor and Vice Mayor positions; furthermore, he suggested each Commissioner – including the Mayor and Vice Mayor – should have the option of utilizing its Travel Allowance during the fiscal year: should the Commissioner not spend the full allowance, the remaining funds would then be reimbursed to the respective Commissioner in a similar fashion as what is currently done with their health insurance. Commissioner Sanders further suggested a Cost of Living Increase of 2.5% for the City Commission.
The City Commission discussed Commissioner Sander’s recommendation.
Mayor Cooper spoke in opposition of the proposal as it represents an increasing in the City Commission salaries. Mayor Cooper stated that she would support an increase in the travel allowance.
City Manager Miller suggested keeping the Travel Allowance at $10,000 for each City Commissioner and establishing an additional Travel Overage Account which will be dedicated for use by those Commissioners who are selected to represent the City at the Broward, Florida and National League of Cities and other similar agencies.
Commissioner Julian and Commissioner Lazarow spoke in support of the City Manager’s recommendation.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SANDERS, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JULIAN, TO KEEP THE TRAVEL ALLOWANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR EACH CITY COMMISSIONER; TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ESTABLISH AN ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ACCOUNT WHICH WILL BE DEDICATED FOR USE BY THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE CITY AT THE BROWARD, FLORIDA AND NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES AND OTHER SIMILAR AGENCIES; TO AUHORIZE THE REIMBURSEMENT OF ANY UNUSED PORTION OF THE TRAVEL ALLOWANCE TO THE RESPECTIVE COMMISSIONER; AND TO FURTHER AUTHORIZE A 2.5% COST OF LIVING INCREASE FOR THE CITY COMMISSION. The Motion carried on a 3/2 Roll Call vote as follows:
AYES: Commissioners Julian, Lazarow and Sanders
NAYS: Vice Mayor Lewy and Mayor Cooper
2. DISCUSSION OF PARKS MASTER PLAN GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND TIMELINE AND PHASE TWO DEVELOPMENT (SEE BACKUP)
City Manager Miller introduced the Item and turned the presentation over to staff. Jennifer Frastai, Assistant City Manager, gave a presentation and answered questions posed by the City Commission.
The proposed Phase II and Phase III of the Parks Master Plan are as follows:
Phase II: Bluesten Park, Ingalls Park, Golden Isles Park and Sunset Park.
Phase III: Golden Isles Tennis Center, Historic Village, Sunrise Park and Chaves Lake
HBCRA Funding: OB Johnson Park (Design 2014-2015; Construction 2016-2017)
The City Commission discussed implementation options for Phases II & III of the Parks Master Plan project.
City Manager Miller indicated that staff is in the process of evaluating costs for the complete project and will present the costs to the City Commission for consideration in January 2014.
The City Commission took no further Action regarding this Item.
3. DISCUSSION OF NEW CODE COMPLIANCE/POLICE INITIATIVE (SEE BACKUP)
City Manager Miller introduced the Item and turned the presentation over to staff. Charles Wu, Director of Development Services, and Dwayne S. Flournoy, Police Chief, gave a presentation regarding the Alliances for Community Excellence (ACE) Program and answered questions posed by the City Commission.
The City Commission discussed the various ACE Program initiatives:
- Certificate of Use
- Civil Citations
- Landlord Registration
- Unsafe Structures
- Nuisance Abatement
- Administrative Foreclosure
- Staff and Community Partnerships
Mayor Cooper suggested scheduling a City Commission Workshop to discuss the Mission and Objectives of the City’s Advisory Boards in order to determine which ones could be sunset.
Further, Mayor Cooper suggested the Nuisance Abatement Board be merged with the Unsafe Structures Board.
Consensus:
- To direct staff to schedule a City Commission/City Manager workshop to discuss the Mission and Objectives of the City’s Advisory Boards to determine which ones could be sunset and/or reorganized.
The City Commission took no further Action regarding the Item.
B. REVENUES - to be heard Monday, July 29, 2013
1. REVENUE PROPOSALS & NEW REVENUES (See Revenue Facts Tab)
The following Department Directors presented the revenue proposals and proposed new
revenuesfor FY13/14 and answered questions posed by the City Commission:
Steven Parkinson, Director of Public Works; Earl King, Assistant
Director of Public Works; Sheena D. James, City Clerk; Marian
McCann-Colliee, Director of Human Services; Cora Daise, Assistant Director of Human
Services; Charles Wu, Director of Development Services; Althea Jefferson, Planning and Zoning Manager;
Sergio Ascunce, Building Official; Cathie Schanz, Director of Parks &
Recreation; and Bob Williams, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation.
After discussion by the City Commission, the following consensus was reached:
- To reduce the proposed Administrative Fee for Variances to $250 (Development Services Department).
- To approve all the proposed fees for FY14 as presented.
- Swim Lessons: staff is to look at the feasibility of implementing a program for volunteers to give “free swim” lessons. Research is to include liability concerns, if any, and a proposed program structure.
- Rental Facilities at Parks: the City Commission discussed the possibility of waiving the minimum rental fees at City facilities and reached the following consensus: Should there be no rentals within 1-2 weeks of the event, staff will have the option to waive the minimum rental fee for a new costumer. It was noticed that for Foster Park the time frame can be within 1-2 days since Foster Park is already staffed. The Rental Fee Form is to be revised to indicate the new policy.
- For the North Beach Municipal Building the language is to be revised to reflect: “… unavailable until…”
The City Commission discussed the Water Revenue Matrix for FY2013-2014.
MOTION BY MAYOR COOPER TO DECREASE THE WATER BASE RATE BY $2.00.
Commissioner Julian Seconded the Motion for discussion.
City Manager Miller suggested the City Commission consider $1.50 reduction in the
base rate which will produce a cost-savings across the board with less impact to the
Water Fund.
After further discussion by the City Commission, Mayor Cooper called the question.
MOTION BY MAYOR COOPER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JULIAN, TO DECREASE THE WATER BASE RATE BY $2.00. The Motion carried on a 5/0 Voice vote.
NOTE: STAFF IS TO SEND NOTIFICATION TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS UTILIZING THE REVERSE 911 SYSTEM AND PLACING THE INFORMATION IN THE AUGUST UTILITY BILLS.
Mayor Cooper recessed the meeting on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 10:09 P.M.
Mayor Cooper reconvened the meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 4:09 P.M.
Refer to Items #6.C-F, 7, 8#A-C and #9 for Action taken on Tuesday, July
30, 2013.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners/Directors Julian, Lazarow and Sanders, Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Lewy, Mayor/Chair Cooper, City Manager Miller, City Attorney Whitfield – All present.
Mayor Cooper opened the floor to public comment.
Maggie Ivanovski, 437 Golden Isles Drive, Hallandale Beach, spoke concerning employee salaries in excess $90,000 and suggested the City Commission establish a salary increase cap of 7%.
Csaba Kulin, 600 NE 14th Avenue #220, Hallandale Beach, spoke concerning budget increases over the last five fiscal years.
Answering questions posed by Commissioner Lazarow, City Manager Miller stated the proposed budget for personnel -includes a 2.5% Cost of Living Increase and a 2.5% Merit Increase. Further, City Manager Miller stated that any increases in excess of 2.5% are due to a reclassification of the position.
After further discussion by the City Commission, the following consensus was reached:
- To direct staff to provide the City Commission with an electronic copy of the 2013 Public Employers Personnel Information Exchange (PEPIE) Survey.
Commissioner Julian and Commissioner Lazarow spoke in support of giving the public the opportunity to state their comments by each subject matter during the Budget Workshops.