On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for servicemen and women.

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   [00:00:43] Well, it was different. [00:00:45] If I could ask you to all stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:55] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, [00:01:02] one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:01:13] Thank you, you may be seated.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   The council observed a moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women at home and abroad, following the Pledge of Allegiance.

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   [00:00:43] Well, it was different. [00:00:45] If I could ask you to all stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:55] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, [00:01:02] one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:01:13] Thank you, you may be seated.

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4. 4.a

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Marlow”

   Resolution 2015-23: Authorizing/Approving Mayor to Execute Amendment #1 - Agreement to Participate in CDBG/HOME/ESG

   Resolution authorizing and approving the Mayor to execute Amendment #1 to the agreement to participate in the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs.

   Ord. Resolution 2015-23

   🏢Pasco County👤Rob Marlowe#CDBG#ESG#HOME

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   [00:01:17] This is a public hearing on the budget for the City of New Port Richey for the next year. [00:01:28] We do, however, have a couple of items we're going to run through first. [00:01:37] We don't have it actually on the agenda, but does anybody here want to approach Council on Vox Pop? [00:01:45] Anything that's not on the agenda tonight? [00:01:49] Seeing no one come forward, we'll close Vox Pop. [00:01:53] The first business item is a Resolution 2015-23. [00:01:58] Ms. Manns? [00:01:59] Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council, this item is being presented to you as an emergency walk-on item. [00:02:06] It relates to the City's participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program, the HOME Program, and the ESG Program, [00:02:15] all programs that are administered by the County through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. [00:02:23] We became aware of the fact that the County made an error on their contracts, [00:02:29] and the purpose of the agenda item, the first one, [00:02:34] is to authorize and approve the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the agreement. [00:02:40] The second item that we'll be asking you about relates to the amendment to the cooperation agreement, [00:02:48] and there is certain language that was left out of the agreement that must be included, [00:02:56] and when we get to that agenda item, I can review that language with you, Mr. Mayor. [00:03:02] If you would please. [00:03:03] I'm going to open this item up for public comment if anybody has any questions or comments. [00:03:09] Seeing no one, come forward and bring it back to Council. [00:03:13] Move for approval. [00:03:15] Thank you. [00:03:16] Second. [00:03:17] Maker? [00:03:18] No, sir, as long as it's clean up. [00:03:21] It is clean up. [00:03:22] To the second? [00:03:23] No, thank you. [00:03:24] We're not looking at anything. [00:03:27] I'm not looking at anything to see. [00:03:29] Yeah, it was... [00:03:31] This is basically just authorizing me to... [00:03:33] Is that your special meeting? [00:03:34] Yes. [00:03:35] If you go back into your NOVIS, it'll say special meeting, and you can access into that portal. [00:03:42] There's not much there, but basically it's just authorizing me to sign the thing that [00:03:46] we're going to talk about in the next amendment. [00:03:48] Oh, we're going to talk... [00:03:49] Okay. [00:03:50] Yeah. [00:03:51] I'm sorry. [00:03:52] It's a little bit backwards. [00:03:53] Because I pulled up my special... [00:03:54] The special is just saying item added during meeting cover sheet not available? [00:03:58] Yeah. [00:03:59] I've got the same issue. [00:04:00] There's no further discussion. [00:04:02] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:04:04] Aye. [00:04:05] Opposed, like sign. [00:04:06] Next item is the amendment number one, which, Ms. Maynes, if you could explain to us in

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5. 4.b

   Amendment #1 to Cooperation Agreement Between City and Pasco County for CDBG, HOME and ESG Programs

   approved

   Council approved Amendment #1 to the Cooperation Agreement with Pasco County for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs, adding HUD-required boilerplate language prohibiting excessive force against nonviolent civil rights demonstrators. Councilmembers questioned the vagueness of 'excessive force' but agreed it was standard federal grant language.

   • motion:Move for approval of Amendment #1 to the Cooperation Agreement with Pasco County for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs. (passed)

   🏢Pasco County🏢U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development👤Davis👤DeBella Thomas👤Debbie👤Joe👤Sterking#Amendment #1 to Cooperation Agreement#Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)#Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)#HOME Program

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   [00:04:12] plain English exactly what it is that we're being asked to agree to. [00:04:16] The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a requirement that their agreements with [00:04:23] the sub-recipients for community development block grant funds, home funds, and emergency [00:04:30] solutions grant program funds, contain specific language indicating that the city will enforce [00:04:40] a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its [00:04:45] jurisdiction against any individual engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations [00:04:51] and a policy of enforcing applicable state and local laws against physically barring [00:04:57] entrance to or exit from a facility or location which is subject of such nonviolent civil [00:05:03] rights demonstrations within its jurisdictions. [00:05:07] Our sub-recipient agreement needs to be amended to include that language. [00:05:12] I will ask the police chief. [00:05:14] We don't have any problem with not using excessive force. [00:05:18] Not at all. [00:05:20] That's what I thought. [00:05:21] Open this up for public comment. [00:05:24] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:05:26] I just have a question. [00:05:30] That language, is that the language? [00:05:32] I mean, it seems so vague. [00:05:34] Is there a definition of what is that kind of force? [00:05:38] I mean, I don't know. [00:05:40] It just seems very vague. [00:05:42] Is it purposely vague? [00:05:44] Debbie, do you want me to respond to that? [00:05:46] You can. [00:05:48] The language of, you know, protecting folks that are picketing, if you will, you know, [00:05:53] and as long as they're not blocking someone's business, you know, the right, the freedom [00:05:57] to be able to exercise that right. [00:06:01] With us, in our department, it's, you know, without saying, we would do that. [00:06:05] The other requirement, which is that we not use excessive force, you know, when handling [00:06:15] a riot type situation, we obviously would not do that type of thing. [00:06:22] We certainly would, and it's not part of our policy to take that action, but I think [00:06:26] the federal government, in order to dole out these things like the grant, they want language [00:06:35] where you proclaim that. [00:06:37] We don't know what other jurisdictions around the country will and won't do. [00:06:41] We just know what ours is and our history and the way we behave. [00:06:45] So are they the ones to define excessive force is the question I'm asking? [00:06:50] We could simply use the language that they've given us, which is very broad, and say we [00:06:54] won't use excessive force in this circumstance, and we will protect those people who are picketing, [00:07:00] if you will, and exercising their rights, and we'll protect them with doing that. [00:07:06] I mean, I believe it's that simple, Debbie, when you've spoken to Joe. [00:07:10] I mean, I've written a lot of policies in my career that had to comply with requirements [00:07:14] like that, and basically you take the language that they give you, you plug it into your [00:07:18] policy, and they feel better about it than the federal government does. [00:07:24] My interpretation of this is, from our perspective, it's simple housekeeping. [00:07:28] There may be some jurisdictions that sometimes in the past have had, for lack of a better [00:07:34] term, rogue departments that have just gone off the deep end in dealing with protesters [00:07:41] and done a pretty good job of beating them up. [00:07:46] I think additionally, there's an expectation that if the inappropriate behavior was displayed [00:07:50] on the part of our department, that you as a council would take firm action to address it. [00:07:54] We'd be all over you. [00:07:56] Yeah, I guess I was coming at that at a different place. [00:08:00] I was coming at it that you are professional and you do not use excessive force, but I [00:08:04] wouldn't want us to be caught in a position where whatever was required for you to do [00:08:08] would be perceived as excessive force. [00:08:12] That's always a risk. [00:08:14] Move for approval. [00:08:16] We have a motion. [00:08:17] Second. [00:08:18] Second to the maker. [00:08:19] I just think it's boilerplate language, just redundancy to say it over and over again. [00:08:23] I guess if you say it enough times, I guess that's supposed to be reality. [00:08:29] I agree with Councilwoman DeBella Thomas. [00:08:33] It's like, why am I saying something that we already established and abide by just to [00:08:39] re-say it again, but if that's the only way that we can qualify between us and our recipient [00:08:45] to be the sub-recipient for these dollars by way of the county, then let's plug in the [00:08:50] boilerplate language and move to the next issue. [00:08:54] Councilman Davis. [00:08:55] Great way of saying it. [00:08:57] Thank you. [00:08:58] Councilman Sterking. [00:08:59] I have no comments. [00:09:00] Thank you. [00:09:01] Thank you. [00:09:02] DeBella Thomas. [00:09:03] No, I'm good. [00:09:04] This is basically make them happy. [00:09:08] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:09:13] Aye. [00:09:14] Opposed, like sign. [00:09:15] Motion passes. [00:09:17] Madam Clerk, I do want to recognize that Councilman Davis is here. [00:09:21] Thanks. [00:09:22] He has arrived. [00:09:23] He has arrived. [00:09:24] You can block the door.

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6. 4.c

   First Budget Public Hearing

   First public hearing on the City's budget.

   #Budget

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   [00:09:30] This is going into a public hearing. [00:09:36] We might need your vote to get past the budget here, sir. [00:09:42] This is a, my understanding, and Mr. Public could probably help me if I weren't doing [00:09:50] this, winging it, but we actually will hold two public hearings, and we have this one [00:09:58] and the next one, which will be on September the 23rd. [00:10:04] Wednesday, two weeks from tonight, the Wednesday. [00:10:10] The meeting tonight and then on the 23rd will cover two items. [00:10:21] One is adoption of a tentative millage rate, and then one is a temporary, a tentative operating [00:10:29] budget and capital improvement plan. [00:10:33] In order to maintain compliance with Florida law, we are going to cover these separately [00:10:39] and distinctly. [00:10:42] First item is the Resolution 2015-13. [00:10:50] Do we need to read that into the record? [00:10:55] Mr. Mayor, there are some legal conversation that needs to be entered into the record. [00:11:02] If it pleases the City Council, we could go ahead and have the City Manager introduce [00:11:08] the budget and have us do at least a brief overview before we take public comment on [00:11:13] it. [00:11:14] I think that would be appropriate. [00:11:15] Do we need to read that this is the resolution in title first? [00:11:19] I'd be happy to read into the record the method and what's going to happen. [00:11:26] Generally, at the point we do that, we immediately go to take public comment. [00:11:31] So, if you would like, we could go forward now. [00:11:35] Let's go ahead and do that then. [00:11:37] And then go to the introduction. [00:11:41] Florida Statute 200.065-2C1 prescribes that Council adopt the millage rate prior to adopting [00:11:50] the 2015-2016 budget. [00:11:52] A notification regarding the public hearing has been provided to every property owner [00:11:56] in the City by the Pasco County Property Appraiser's Office. [00:12:00] This notification in the form of the Truth in Millage or Trim Notice was mailed the week [00:12:04] of August 9, 2015. [00:12:07] Action requested is to adopt Resolution 2015-13. [00:12:13] The name of the taxing authority is the City of New Port Richey. [00:12:16] The tentative millage rate of 9.5 mills is 1.76% less than the rollback rate of 9.67 [00:12:25] mills. [00:12:26] Total ad valorem revenues that will be generated are $4,754,168. [00:12:35] That's approximately $109,350 more than was generated in ad valorem fiscal year 2014-15 [00:12:44] due to the increase in property values. [00:12:47] The millage rate of 9.5 is not an increase from the prior year. [00:12:53] Although the statute requires discussion regarding the percent increases over the rollback rate [00:12:59] and specific purposes for which ad valorem is being increased for the record in our case [00:13:05] neither apply. [00:13:08] It will be requested that the Mayor invite public comment on the millage at this time. [00:13:14] This is a public hearing. [00:13:15] We'd be happy to entertain comments from the public regarding the proposed millage rate. [00:13:23] Seeing no one come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:13:29] Move for approval. [00:13:32] Thank you. [00:13:33] Do we have a second? [00:13:34] I second. [00:13:35] To the Maker? [00:13:36] No, I mean, we've said it before. [00:13:39] Our goal, one of our main objectives up here is to increase the property value so we can [00:13:43] lower the millage rate. [00:13:44] I just don't think we're quite there yet. [00:13:46] If we want to try to see what we can do over the next couple weeks like Councilman Phillips [00:13:50] suggested and see what it would take to do so, I'm more than welcome to hearing that [00:13:56] and we'll go from there. [00:13:59] So it is my understanding that we can lower it at this point? [00:14:04] That's correct. [00:14:05] Going forward, okay. [00:14:06] And also, could you repeat that dollar amount that you said was over last year because of [00:14:12] the increase in the property values? [00:14:15] $109,350. [00:14:21] Thank you. [00:14:22] Deputy Mayor? [00:14:23] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:14:26] Councilman Davis was not here when we were having the CRA discussion and for his benefit, [00:14:32] I'd ask that we kind of task ourselves over the next couple of weeks to see what it would [00:14:40] take to reduce the ad valorem millage from 9.5 downward. [00:14:47] And I asked Mr. Altman what the magic dollar amounts were that we would be able to reduce [00:14:54] in this budget that would give us the opportunity possibly at this point. [00:15:00] meeting on the 23rd to not only reduce expenditures, but also reduce our millage rate this year. [00:15:11] That was my characterization of it, due to the fact that in the CRA budget we had some [00:15:19] dollars that we ended up reallocating into the Redevelopment Incentive Program, but I [00:15:25] did want to make sure that we at least strived to try to look at items within this budget [00:15:30] that would allow us to possibly, this year, drop that millage rate by .01, maybe .02, [00:15:38] and I've asked Mr. Allman what that magic dollar amount is from the budget so that if [00:15:44] there's a way to find that in this budget, we could make that before we make our final [00:15:50] vote on the 23rd. [00:15:51] That was my point. [00:15:52] Did you come up with a number? [00:15:53] I can give it to you. [00:15:55] I'm going to give it to you off my head and then ask Crystal for it, but with a $500 million [00:16:01] taxable amount at $2 per 10,000, which would be .2 mils or .2 per thousand, I'm hoping [00:16:13] that's equal to $100,000. [00:16:15] $2 per 10,000 would be, I think it's $50,000 twice. [00:16:27] So basically, in a short, within this budget, if there was a way that we found a way to [00:16:38] reduce $100,000 of potential expenses for next year, on the 23rd, we could a 9.3 millage [00:16:54] and that would obviously correlate to finding $100,000 worth of savings somewhere in this [00:17:01] particular budget. [00:17:02] Actually, a little less than that in the general fund because a portion of that money goes [00:17:09] to the CRA. [00:17:10] So it would probably be split somewhere between $80,000 and $20,000. [00:17:15] Let's just say $100,000. [00:17:17] Let's just make it easy on me. [00:17:18] I don't know if there's anybody else. [00:17:20] So that was what we kind of worked on. [00:17:23] For Councilman Davis. [00:17:25] You have trouble with that all the time. [00:17:28] It's the councilman part, not the Davis. [00:17:31] Excuse me. [00:17:36] Let me back up. [00:17:38] You should have locked that door. [00:17:41] At this hour of the night, I have no problem saying Davis. [00:17:46] I do sometimes stumble over Deputy Mayor, Councilman, Councilwoman. [00:17:51] This whole group out here is going to love that for a while. [00:17:54] And when I have to try Councilwoman development on this, I'm always stumbling over, no offense [00:18:01] Councilwoman, just because I get tongue tied. [00:18:05] But the discussion that we had and Councilman Phillips brought this up during the CRA meeting [00:18:12] that I think you need to understand where we came from. [00:18:16] There was $150,000 that was penciled in for a waterfront activity park. [00:18:24] And we took that money and shoved it into a different line item, which was for grants. [00:18:32] And with the specific idea that it would be aimed towards the residential areas of the city. [00:18:38] And that's sort of where we were. [00:18:41] I'll just tell you where I'm at. [00:18:45] I said this in X amount of meetings ago. [00:18:48] I couldn't tell you when I said it. [00:18:50] That I was hired by the public and the residents of this town. [00:18:55] And they stuck with us at 9.5 for a long time. [00:18:58] And I think it's time for us to start giving it back. [00:19:01] So I'm willing to find lots of places. [00:19:04] And I'm tapping with .3 or .4 if we can find the $150,000 or the $200,000. [00:19:13] So that's my approach to this. [00:19:16] I can hear the citizens clapping at home. [00:19:19] Cheering. [00:19:22] Well, after we get done with the vote on the millage rate tonight, [00:19:27] the next thing we'll be talking about will be the budget. [00:19:30] And we have an opportunity at that point to look at some of those potential areas. [00:19:34] Any other discussion on the millage rate? [00:19:37] So we're actually voting on adopting the 9.5? [00:19:42] For the first of two times that we have to do it. [00:19:45] We just can't raise it. [00:19:48] We can't raise it over 9.5. [00:19:51] But you can always reduce it before the last vote. [00:19:54] We can reduce it at the second meeting. [00:19:57] But we can't talk about the budget until after we do the millage rate. [00:20:00] I want to get it clarified. [00:20:03] It's backwards. [00:20:06] It's the way it works. [00:20:10] For 9.5 maximum. [00:20:13] All in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:20:16] Aye. [00:20:19] Opposed, like sign. [00:20:22] This will come back in two weeks at the second budget hearing. [00:20:25] The next item for budget consideration is the budget. [00:20:28] Mr. Mayor, members of the council, [00:20:31] before we get started, [00:20:34] I wanted to thank you for your investment in the development of this document. [00:20:37] We first presented it to you on July 21st. [00:20:40] You have been working along with us [00:20:43] on what I consider to be the most important document [00:20:46] that the city prepares [00:20:49] since it identifies the services to be provided [00:20:52] along with the sources that are to be relied on to fund services. [00:20:55] So thank you for your service [00:20:58] in allowing us to be able to present this budget to you. [00:21:01] One of the things over the past year [00:21:04] that you've provided a strong message to me on [00:21:07] is that the time is right to move the city ahead [00:21:10] and respect the redevelopment and revitalization of the city. [00:21:13] The city of New Port Richey has significant growth potential [00:21:16] and a bright future ahead [00:21:19] as long as those that live, work, and recreate here [00:21:22] collectively embrace the challenges that are ahead of us, [00:21:25] work towards honest and real solutions, [00:21:28] and are willing to invest in their community. [00:21:31] In the 2015-16 fiscal year, [00:21:34] the city will focus on key actions necessary [00:21:37] to preserve the functions best associated with government operations [00:21:40] at levels that are sustainable over time, [00:21:43] affordable to our residents, and meet our needs. [00:21:46] The city will continue to look for new and innovative ways [00:21:49] to provide public services [00:21:52] by not only gauging what we do [00:21:55] and improving where it is warranted [00:21:58] but also asking, are we doing the right things? [00:22:01] The city staff will also be promoting a customer-centric culture [00:22:04] by assessing the manner in which public services are provided. [00:22:07] With this organizational discernment, [00:22:10] stand and work sessions with the city council [00:22:13] the city ensures effective policy direction. [00:22:16] The budget addresses current and future community needs [00:22:19] and balances service demands with conservative [00:22:22] financial management [00:22:26] What I have learned from you over the course of the last year [00:22:29] I crafted some goals for the budget [00:22:32] and Pete, why don't you just flip to your first PowerPoint [00:22:35] because I think you used that for my budget message [00:22:45] Our goals are to employ a multi-discipline, well-planned [00:22:48] strategic approach to address the financial, social [00:22:51] and environmental dimensions of sustainability [00:22:54] for the city of New Port Richey [00:22:57] We want to supply high-quality, dependable public services [00:23:00] that residents and members of the business community expect [00:23:03] in order to enjoy a city that is safe and clean [00:23:06] This includes effective police and fire protection [00:23:09] safe and efficient water and sewer systems [00:23:12] We want to provide social, cultural and recreational [00:23:15] programs and services that enhance [00:23:18] the lives of our residents, help build strong families [00:23:21] and showcase New Port Richey as a desirable place [00:23:24] to live, work and play [00:23:27] We want to increase the commercial tax base [00:23:30] by cultivating a healthy business climate [00:23:33] and by working cooperatively with federal, state [00:23:36] and county agencies to provide assistance [00:23:39] to new and existing members of the business community [00:23:42] Last but not least, we want to elevate [00:23:45] the residential tax base by addressing property [00:23:48] maintenance deficiencies and mobilizing [00:23:51] reinvestment in the housing stock [00:23:54] Those are not only the budget goals, but the budget [00:23:57] highlights and the pinnacles upon which [00:24:00] most of the budget lies [00:24:03] This year, the general fund [00:24:06] budget is balanced without the use [00:24:09] of reserve funds. The total [00:24:12] general fund revenue budget is [00:24:15] $3,545,402 [00:24:18] which includes transfers [00:24:21] in from other governmental funds [00:24:24] of $3,920,271 [00:24:27] and contributions [00:24:30] from enterprise funds [00:24:33] of $4,263,728 [00:24:36] Also included in the general [00:24:39] fund revenue total is a budgeted [00:24:43] $24,660,000 [00:24:46] from proceeds of indebtedness [00:24:49] to be used to refinance $11,000,000 [00:24:52] in existing CRA indebtedness [00:24:55] and to fund an aggressive plan of investment [00:24:58] in public infrastructure and capital assets [00:25:01] As we have just [00:25:04] affirmed [00:25:07] the proposed budget is based on a property [00:25:10] which is the same rate as last year [00:25:13] and below the rolled back rate [00:25:16] of 9.67 mils [00:25:19] The city's ratio of estimated unassigned fund [00:25:22] balance and a minimum funding reserve to the [00:25:25] general fund is 22% [00:25:28] and includes the 2016 minimum funding amount [00:25:31] of $3,034,458 [00:25:34] and [00:25:37] $1,575,198 [00:25:40] in unassigned fund [00:25:43] This calculation does not [00:25:46] include our major non-recurring capital items [00:25:49] The total budget expender allocation [00:25:52] from all budgeted funds for fiscal year [00:25:55] 2015-16 is approximately [00:25:58] $62,264,681 [00:26:01] which represents [00:26:04] a 17.2% increase in expenditures [00:26:07] over the last year [00:26:10] Our growth in our [00:26:13] personal property values [00:26:16] increased by 2.4% [00:26:19] and the average [00:26:22] taxable value of a single family residential house [00:26:25] increased from $45,545 [00:26:28] to $47,843 [00:26:31] which is 5% [00:26:34] The budget that we are due to present to you [00:26:37] this evening [00:26:40] includes the equivalent of 7 additional [00:26:43] full-time positions [00:26:46] The positions [00:26:49] I will describe for you [00:26:52] so that you know where they are [00:26:55] Six of them are assigned to the general fund budget [00:26:59] One is assigned to the water and sewer department [00:27:02] The first position that I am proposing [00:27:05] to you is an assistant to the city [00:27:08] manager position [00:27:11] This is a member of the administrative staff [00:27:14] that will help solidify my team [00:27:17] and the goals that I have [00:27:20] for annexation, for grant writing [00:27:23] for residential redevelopment and other special projects [00:27:26] The second position [00:27:29] that we are [00:27:32] proposing is the addition of a rental [00:27:35] inspection [00:27:38] inspector [00:27:41] We also [00:27:44] are converting a part-time position [00:27:47] to a full-time position [00:27:50] so that we have some support staff [00:27:53] to help in the administration of the rental inspection program [00:27:56] We have also [00:27:59] added one full-time supervisor [00:28:02] to the Parks and Recreation staff [00:28:05] The person principally will be responsible [00:28:08] for membership recruitment and retention [00:28:11] and for customer service [00:28:14] training of staff [00:28:17] We have also included [00:28:20] one person in facilities maintenance [00:28:23] two additional people in grounds maintenance [00:28:26] and one person [00:28:29] to administer the Main Street program [00:28:32] if that meets with your approval [00:28:35] In addition to the full-time positions [00:28:38] I would also like to advise you that the proposed budget [00:28:41] does include a contingency fund [00:28:44] sufficient to provide for a 1.5 pay increase [00:28:47] With that, I'll let Pete move on [00:28:50] with his PowerPoint [00:28:53] and I'm prepared to respond to questions [00:28:56] that you might have [00:28:59] Mayor, are we going to go as he goes? [00:29:02] We're going to try to do something [00:29:05] to remember it all at the end [00:29:08] Mr. Ullman, do you have a preference? [00:29:11] I think if we could take little steps [00:29:15] and then stop and take some comments [00:29:18] maybe let me get through the full slide [00:29:21] and then we'll look to you [00:29:24] If you want to have a question in the meantime [00:29:27] I'd be happy to have you stop me as well [00:29:30] I'll try to engage you as we go [00:29:33] Do we want to hold off on the public comment [00:29:36] until we have a chance to get through this? [00:29:39] It would probably be most helpful for the public [00:29:42] It's a fresh document [00:29:45] Even the version that is tonight has improved [00:29:48] since the one we handed you on the 1st [00:29:51] I think it might be more helpful for the public [00:29:54] if they heard what we were talking about [00:29:57] In that case, from a logistical standpoint [00:30:00] let's do this presentation [00:30:00] and any questions that come up as we go through. [00:30:03] And then at the end of that process I will open this [00:30:08] up as a public hearing. [00:30:09] And then we can introduce the resolution after that. [00:30:13] Sounds good. [00:30:14] Okay, if we can move on, I'd like to also I guess introduce [00:30:17] to all of you who haven't met her, Crystal Dunn, [00:30:20] who's operating the controls back behind here, [00:30:24] who helped with the assembly of the PowerPoint. [00:30:28] Her skills have come just in time to allow us [00:30:32] to put this project together for you. [00:30:35] The first thing, of course, is the taxes. [00:30:37] I just want to point out that the taxes are budgeted [00:30:42] at 4.52 million. [00:30:44] You'll notice in the resolution that you passed earlier [00:30:46] that it would create more taxes than that. [00:30:49] The state requires that at least 95% [00:30:54] of the taxes are placed in the budget. [00:30:57] This dollar amount is 95% of the taxes, [00:31:01] and we generally receive more than that. [00:31:03] So in the past, historically, [00:31:05] the budget does not match the amount [00:31:08] of the gross millage assessment to allow for shortages [00:31:14] or adjustments that might occur so that you don't over budget. [00:31:18] But the law wants to make sure that we get 95% of it [00:31:22] into the budget so that it's fully utilized. [00:31:26] The total there of 5.3 million would be reduced. [00:31:31] The 4.52 would be reduced by about $95,000, [00:31:38] according to our logic, per couple of mills, [00:31:42] or 180 for four mills. [00:31:45] Next slide would be, and if you'd like in your budget book [00:31:49] as well, this is the first three pages of the general fund, [00:31:53] and I'm just showing it up here in concentrated form. [00:31:56] But the licenses, permits, intergovernmental revenues, [00:32:01] charges for services, fines and forfeitures, [00:32:04] and all of those categories in the budget total [00:32:09] for fiscal year 15-16, 7.275 million as compared [00:32:15] to our estimate of 6.7 million. [00:32:17] Increases are anticipated in all areas except for the fines [00:32:22] and forfeitures, which have been moderated, [00:32:25] but which continue to come in very strongly thanks [00:32:29] to the action of the police department. [00:32:31] We're getting an awful lot of success from their impound lot [00:32:37] and from the other activities as well. [00:32:38] So this is not an overestimate of revenues, [00:32:43] but it does recognize some increases in this area. [00:32:47] Next. [00:32:47] Can you highlight what the 500,000 [00:32:50] in CBD block grant money is? [00:32:52] Because it went from 220 to 500, and that's a pretty big, [00:32:57] that's doubling of the amount, and just some itemization, [00:33:01] so we understand a little bit. [00:33:02] Well, we didn't use the full amount last year, [00:33:05] so the allocations have been sort of rededicated and combined. [00:33:14] It's line 331-54 on page 1 of the general fund revenue budget. [00:33:21] Right. [00:33:29] 335 what? [00:33:30] 335-54. [00:33:34] I'm not respond, prepared to respond [00:33:39] to what the specific projects are [00:33:41] and the specific dollar amounts, [00:33:43] but we can get that information to you. [00:33:45] Yeah, what we'll do is we'll take some notes now, [00:33:46] and we can provide those to you right away first thing [00:33:49] in the morning in summary, [00:33:51] but the community development block grant monies are primarily [00:33:56] dedicated to the residential program. [00:33:59] The housing rehabilitation program [00:34:02] to code enforcement activities. [00:34:04] And the code enforcement. [00:34:05] Right. [00:34:05] I'm sorry to interrupt. [00:34:07] There's a park improvement as well in that. [00:34:08] There's the Francis Avenue Park improvement. [00:34:10] That's right, there's Francis Avenue Park. [00:34:11] There she is. [00:34:11] Thank you. [00:34:13] That makes up the total now. [00:34:17] Restrooms. [00:34:19] So next slide. [00:34:23] And don't worry, we're spending most time on this, [00:34:27] and we'll be moving through a little quicker as we go, [00:34:30] but I think it's critical and important to reflect [00:34:33] on this slide because the transfers that are coming [00:34:37] in from street improvement, redevelopment, [00:34:40] capital improvement, and the general debt service fund, [00:34:43] you know, if you look back a few years, [00:34:45] represent a pretty substantial change from a million [00:34:51] and a half to almost $4 million. [00:34:53] So, you know, as the council will recall, [00:34:56] last year the city basically solved its budget problems [00:35:01] through use of reserves. [00:35:04] You'll see in a minute that we have good news on that part, [00:35:07] but in order to avoid doing that and in order [00:35:10] to appropriately allocate funds, we've increased the transfers [00:35:14] as they've been identified, and we'll have a slide [00:35:15] to show you how we got to those numbers a little later. [00:35:18] The second part of the slide is the contributions, [00:35:22] and they're only called contributions because they come [00:35:24] from the proprietary funds of the utilities [00:35:28] and the stormwater, and you'll notice that the interest has, [00:35:34] the contribution from Tampa Bay Water, [00:35:37] on the Tampa Bay Water note, is slowly going to begin to diminish [00:35:42] as the interest would in any mortgage or any amortization, [00:35:46] which will help to wean the general fund off [00:35:49] of that revenue source as it expires [00:35:52] in the next 10 years or so. [00:35:53] And then the peel-off has been held steady. [00:35:57] Councilman, in response to two things, one, [00:36:02] the desire not to overreach the funding from that account, [00:36:06] and secondly, because of the debt service covenants [00:36:10] that we have to maintain an eye on to make sure [00:36:14] that we don't take more money out of that fund than we should. [00:36:18] We've done our debt service covenant calculations already. [00:36:23] You would have heard from the auditor last week [00:36:24] that those had been party or hadn't been completed. [00:36:27] We've done that calculation already to make sure [00:36:29] that our budget meets the conditions of the indebtedness. [00:36:34] Let me ask you a question. [00:36:35] If you were to reduce the peel-off and that, [00:36:38] and also the expenditure back from water, [00:36:40] isn't that a net savings to the bottom line? [00:36:45] No, this is actually money coming in from them. [00:36:48] Right. But I mean, if we reduce the peel-off charge, [00:36:51] then obviously it would be a reduction charge [00:36:53] on the water and sewer side. [00:36:55] I think that at this point, [00:36:58] until we have another water rate study, you're on a process [00:37:02] where you're still doing a 4% increase on an annual basis. [00:37:06] But when you look at, we'll take a quick glance at the water [00:37:12] and sewer budget. [00:37:12] I think this is not a big material. [00:37:14] It's not a material number to the water department. [00:37:18] And I know a couple years ago, we balanced that peel-off [00:37:23] because we were trying to make sure that we had our, [00:37:26] that it was equitably paying for what we were allowing them [00:37:30] to use as far as our right of way. [00:37:32] So. [00:37:32] Right. [00:37:34] I want to just, you know, since we're, [00:37:38] since you're taking the full page three [00:37:41] and then you're bringing it down to, you know, [00:37:43] kind of a highlight, you know, in there, [00:37:45] you had the other sources of 24 million [00:37:48] and that's the bond issue. [00:37:50] And I just, at this point, I'm not, I don't want [00:37:53] that in the budget. [00:37:54] I don't want to adopt a budget with that in it. [00:37:56] Right. Well, I'll explain what has to come out in order [00:37:59] for that to come out as well. [00:38:01] Well, I'm just saying that, you know, [00:38:03] until we have done something up here, I don't want to, [00:38:06] I don't want to prove a budget with something in there [00:38:09] that I have, don't feel it should be in there at this point. [00:38:13] So if we can do whatever you need to do the rest [00:38:16] of the book, change whatever, but I'm not happy [00:38:18] with this other sources that, in my opinion, it's looking [00:38:22] to pay off the, you know, debt at the rec center, [00:38:25] but it's also a $10 million slush fund [00:38:27] that we have no idea where it's going. [00:38:29] I'm sure there'll be plenty of dialogue on that. [00:38:32] That may be the most critical aspect [00:38:34] of tonight's budget hearing is to make that determination. [00:38:36] So I'll certainly rely on, as to the city manager, [00:38:42] to the city council to, you know, direct us. [00:38:45] The next page. [00:38:47] Mr. Altman, I'm sorry. [00:38:50] I hate to backtrack. [00:38:51] I really do, but we accelerated past page two to three and. [00:38:57] That's fine. [00:38:58] Obviously, there are some key line items [00:39:00] on page two that I have. [00:39:02] Sure. Concerns. [00:39:04] Charges for service. [00:39:07] Yeah, total charges for service, [00:39:10] and then the bottom where it has fines. [00:39:13] And once again, I return to my lovely subject [00:39:16] of red light cameras, which to me, this, [00:39:20] obviously it overstates revenue, [00:39:23] because that's the revenue you take in. [00:39:25] That's not the net revenue that goes to the bottom line, [00:39:29] because we have expenses back in the back part of the budget [00:39:33] that speaks to implementation, paying the state, paying ADP. [00:39:38] My only question there is this dollar amount, [00:39:41] and obviously we've seen the trend, [00:39:45] but my overall is this 1.15, or $1,150,000. [00:39:53] Two-fold question. [00:39:57] One, this would take us through the end [00:40:01] of our next fiscal year, which is it my understanding [00:40:05] that that contract expires in September of next year, [00:40:11] or does it go to January of 16th? [00:40:14] I don't recall the specific month. [00:40:15] Okay. And then number two is I don't see anything, [00:40:21] unless you've, I don't have a clear understanding [00:40:26] of uncollected red light camera revenue for prior years. [00:40:34] You know, I haven't seen a document that tells me [00:40:39] that when we went from the circuit, [00:40:42] when we went from the county courts to the magistrate, [00:40:46] what our experience has been on collecting our money, [00:40:50] because obviously if I'm not, we have to pay it, [00:40:54] whether we collect it or not, or only on a collectible, [00:40:57] only on a collectible, and I've not been clear as to what, [00:41:01] what that outstanding amount might be, [00:41:07] and there's been speculation over the last three years, [00:41:10] especially from county court to magistrate. [00:41:12] I'm just, you know, that's a collectible platform [00:41:16] that I just. [00:41:17] Right. Well. [00:41:19] I don't want to forgive that, like if in other things [00:41:21] within the city that we've taken, taking liberties [00:41:25] to not institute because it was hard times. [00:41:29] I just try, I'm trying to understand, because if that's, [00:41:32] if that's additional dollars, I would like to know where it is [00:41:36] and have a, and I know we have a plan on this amnesty code [00:41:40] enforcement element or all that, but at a certain point [00:41:43] when you roll into Tyler, [00:41:44] I'd like to make sure we got the right number. [00:41:46] So where do you have it? [00:41:47] I'll give you a quick, a quick answer, which is I think [00:41:50] that some of the speculation as to the amount of money [00:41:52] that was outstanding was overstated in the past [00:41:57] because it didn't take into account the money [00:41:59] that came from the clerk, and when the clerk sends the money [00:42:02] to the city, it has already paid the state, [00:42:05] so we just get the net amount after the state gets its fine. [00:42:08] So the, the answer is that when it goes to the clerk, [00:42:14] the licenses become suspended if they don't pay it, [00:42:19] and so it's a strong collection, you know, incentive. [00:42:23] But at the same time, we certainly are intending [00:42:26] and have talked already with the collection agent [00:42:28] that we would move even further to try to turn those folks [00:42:32] over to affect their credit as well. [00:42:34] But you are correct, there is no good number [00:42:38] that I can give you right now because of the complexity [00:42:42] of going back and doing the calculation, [00:42:44] but the good news is the calculation can be made. [00:42:47] We have all of the information to make the calculations. [00:42:50] It's just thousands of cases and how they've transferred. [00:42:54] I recognize, I recognize trying to go, to go back. [00:42:58] I'm just, I'm just, to me, it's an incomplete document [00:43:02] if there isn't a notation somewhere that says over [00:43:06] and above this, there are dollars [00:43:08] that have not been collected. [00:43:10] I don't care whether you put it in an addendum or whatever, [00:43:12] but I just don't want to, because in essence, [00:43:15] as you go down to the Code Enforcement Amnesty, [00:43:17] which Mr. Davis, Chopper, pointed out when we were [00:43:22] in that conversation that we'd [00:43:24] like to see that resolved next year. [00:43:27] That was our, that was our instruction. [00:43:30] And we saw those numbers that were around because of, [00:43:36] I guess, compounded fines and all that, [00:43:39] and we're only estimating, last year it was 150,000. [00:43:42] This year it's 80,000, and I guess at some point, [00:43:46] do I say I'm walking away from a million, I'm just, [00:43:48] I'm just using it as an example, because this is what I see [00:43:51] in front of me. [00:43:52] Over and above that is understanding how you're going [00:43:56] to go collect this, because, you know, [00:43:59] we talk about using outside firms. [00:44:00] We talk about percentages to them. [00:44:03] I do, would like staff [00:44:06] to discuss these collection elements along [00:44:12] with the city attorney, but I'd like for you [00:44:14] to also consider talking to our own tax collector [00:44:18] about maybe utilizing some of their local services [00:44:24] and paying them a fee that we would pay outside. [00:44:28] But I think, I think they're, it's my understanding [00:44:32] from a couple of conversations that there may be a tool [00:44:35] by where they might pay us quicker because it comes [00:44:41] from the tax collector, number one, [00:44:43] and or a tax certificate could be sold [00:44:46] to someone else and we get our money. [00:44:48] So that's a lot of moving around, but this 80,000, [00:44:52] if that went to 300,000 next year, [00:44:55] that extra 220 would go a long way for everybody to look. [00:45:00] I'm just, I'm wanting to make sure that not only do we know what we want to collect, but we have the tools and implementation to go collect it and not pay somebody in Arizona like we do on the red light cameras. [00:45:12] I'd rather reinvest my money right back here in Pasco County. [00:45:14] We'll put some conversation in the summary, which will be part of the final budget when you get it in the package. [00:45:20] Okay, thank you. [00:45:22] If we can move to the next slide. [00:45:25] This is the indebtedness issue that Councilman Davis has brought up. [00:45:31] That's the one line that he has suggested he'd like to come out of there. [00:45:34] The $24,660,000 is actually found in the debt service area as the proceeds, and it would be used as shown in there according to the budget. [00:45:46] So the removal of those funds would cause us to reduce the current year budgets in those areas by that amount. [00:45:56] Now, there's the potential to, for example, in street improvement, reduce it even further if you defer it or determine not to do some transportation projects, or the same with the CIP. [00:46:10] Although $2.1 million of that establishes getting the fire station underway because the grant from the USDA requires a bridge loan. [00:46:22] So one way or another, there would have to be money brought in for that. [00:46:26] And, of course, the general fund is receiving it. [00:46:29] So if it is all right with y'all. [00:46:33] When you did gloss over on the street improvement, we need to make sure that we have enough projects and enough things in the pipeline that it allows us to collect our local gas tax, both one and two. [00:46:44] However, their calculations are because other cities that didn't, we've always been in a much better position than other cities in Pasco because we always have had things in that pipeline. [00:46:56] We just need to make sure that we don't underprogram it so that we continue to collect our maximum dollars. [00:47:05] I think if I can get all of the pieces of the budget out that would be retracted if, in fact, there was a determination to remove it, [00:47:13] probably if we can hold off on that discussion until we get to see the debt service fund and the different funds and where the monies would go, I would recommend that. [00:47:24] The CRA, of course, 11 of that million has to do with the two Bank of America notes, which they have contacted us on and they're hopeful for us to refinance. [00:47:34] Isn't this going to be a bond issue? [00:47:36] It doesn't have to be. [00:47:37] I mean, this is just this is a general plan. [00:47:40] I think once a financial advisor comes, you could find that they would suggest that you do it in two parts, that you don't rush it and don't take more now, take less now. [00:47:49] All I'm trying to do is explain it. [00:47:52] Because I'm just looking at, you know, because if it's a bond issue, it's going out 30 years probably, am I correct? [00:47:58] Yeah, I mean, they can be set at different lengths. [00:48:00] So I'm saying I'm going to be a long time dead and these people are still going to be cussing at me because you've got this bond to pay. [00:48:06] But can you just break down the amounts? [00:48:08] I mean, we have $11 million we're looking to possibly refinance. [00:48:11] On top of that, with a bond issue, how much additional funds were you looking to generate through a bond issue? [00:48:16] The total is 24-6, so 13, well, am I saying that right, 13 million? [00:48:24] And I can understand Councilman Davis's concern putting something in here. [00:48:28] We haven't even sat down with financial advisors and discussed yet. [00:48:33] But, you know, refinancing the $11 million debt at a lower interest rate, I don't see a problem with having that in the budget. [00:48:40] I'm not even sure about that, even though we haven't approved it. [00:48:44] But to me, that's not that big a deal. [00:48:46] If we can get a lower interest rate on the outstanding debt, that's a lot more reserved than, you know, [00:48:52] than talking about a bond issue for the additional funds. [00:48:55] Well, I can appreciate that. [00:48:57] And, of course, when we get to it and we look at the projects that the Street Improvement Fund is trying to push forward [00:49:03] to encourage the forwarding of the trails, for example, [00:49:09] the Marine Parkway Trail is primarily in the transportation budget now, [00:49:16] and the Neighborhood Improvement Program, which I think is $300,000 a year or more. [00:49:20] You know, if we can just go through the capital improvements, because the point I'm making is you all can subtract projects [00:49:27] that would reduce the amount of funds needed, but in order to put them in the budget, [00:49:31] we're going to have to show where that would come from. [00:49:33] You could use reserves, for that matter. [00:49:35] I mean, you've got $4 million in reserves. [00:49:37] Real quick, on the Marine Parkway, not to get off track here, I mean, [00:49:40] is that something that we're definitely committed to doing? [00:49:43] The first time I vote on that, that's a done deal? [00:49:46] Well, you're committed to, I guess in the budget, we're already out to plan for the first section, [00:49:51] and Mr. Rivera can comment on that. [00:49:53] But, again, the need to have a master plan that would connect to the trails is a potential benefit to the city [00:50:01] that you'll have to look at. [00:50:03] You know, I'm sure we'll discuss it further later. [00:50:05] I'm not visualizing the need for that Marine Parkway bike and walkable trail going to a hospital site that's ready to be demolished. [00:50:17] There's nothing in that area out to 19 where there's nothing connected to it 19 currently. [00:50:22] Well, I think the plan is to make that happen, and that's why there's a good question. [00:50:26] I mean, would you want to take the Marine Parkway District, which is the second phase, from, if I'm not mistaken, [00:50:33] the first phase, why don't you tell us what the phases are real quick, Robert? [00:50:37] I just don't see that as a priority. [00:50:39] I mean, you know, I have citizens coming up to me telling me they don't feel their kids are safe walking home from [00:50:44] golf middle school and golf high school because we have sidewalks this wide that drop off into traffic going 35 miles an hour. [00:50:51] You know, we can get into that at a later discussion, whether it be tonight or not, [00:50:54] but I just don't see the need for a walkable, bikeable trail on the Marine Parkway section of 19 going to a community hospital right now. [00:51:01] Part of your task order, let me jump in. [00:51:03] Part of your task order on Madison incorporated the sidewalks, additional right of way, [00:51:12] so we've got the task order out there from Cecilia all the way to Massachusetts. [00:51:18] So that's being addressed. [00:51:20] It's two subjects to me. [00:51:22] It's what's the need to do something on Marine Parkway today, [00:51:28] and that element that we got the task order out to do the design elements on Madison. [00:51:33] As long as it's already implemented on Madison. [00:51:35] Yeah, yeah. [00:51:36] So that's great. [00:51:37] Yeah, that's a second element. [00:51:39] Once again, thanks for separating the two, [00:51:41] but I just don't see the need right now to commit to doing a trail from 19 to a community hospital. [00:51:48] I don't see it. [00:51:49] I think the word commit is the important word here. [00:51:52] The budget is a plan that allows you to go after some funding, whether you do it or not, [00:51:56] whether you borrow the money or not. [00:51:58] Nothing is being committed by the approval or the forwarding of the budget. [00:52:02] We're just trying to include the projects that have been talked about. [00:52:05] In particular, it was a week ago there was discussion of the over the bridge connection [00:52:10] and the safety issues and the connectivity of the folks on the other side of the highway. [00:52:16] That's the major component of the cost of the trail is getting over the highway to connect to the Gulf Harbors [00:52:22] and onto the Pinellas Trail. [00:52:25] That's the connection. [00:52:26] That project is coming, but it's not coming next year. [00:52:29] No, it's out for three years, but it hasn't. [00:52:31] I meant for the county to hook up to the county going south and hooking up with the Pinellas Trail. [00:52:37] That's not happening. [00:52:38] Well, the county doesn't have any plans to hook up to it, and so it ends at Gulf Trace [00:52:43] and it comes down to the corner of Marine Parkway right now. [00:52:46] Yeah, there is plans. [00:52:48] What do you mean it ends at Gulf? [00:52:49] You're talking about a big distance. [00:52:51] It ends at Gulf Trace and comes to the corner of Marine Parkway. [00:52:53] Well, the trail that they've designed is coming out Gulf Trace to Highway 19, [00:52:57] and the trail is running along the western. [00:53:01] When you say that, you're talking about the county? [00:53:03] Yeah, the county or the, yeah. [00:53:07] So it's going to run the west side of 19 down to Marine Parkway. [00:53:09] That's correct. [00:53:10] And what's the projection when they're hoping to complete that? [00:53:13] Oh, it's effectively, it's a trail now. [00:53:15] I don't know how many people want to cross all of those lights and, you know. [00:53:18] Yeah, it starts at Marine Parkway. [00:53:21] Well, actually it starts in Florimark. [00:53:23] It's a desired stage now. [00:53:25] And it's a physical trail that exists tonight and goes down almost to the McDonald's Holiday. [00:53:36] Gulf Trace. [00:53:37] There's a gap from there to the north end of the Pinellas Trail, [00:53:43] and there's a lot of moving parts, which Councilman Davis could probably explain, [00:53:49] where they're ultimately talking about connecting that. [00:53:55] If they get the gap from the Pinellas Trail to Gulf Trace, [00:54:00] then you've got bike trail that goes all the way to Florimark Terrace, [00:54:06] and you've got a side street now that would let you get all the way up to Marine Parkway. [00:54:14] What we're talking about here would get you from Marine Parkway and 19 to Grant Boulevard, [00:54:25] which then puts you six, seven blocks from the bridge. [00:54:32] This hasn't been addressed. [00:54:34] Does this incorporate a bridge over 19 in here? [00:54:43] I don't know. [00:54:44] It doesn't? [00:54:45] Yes. [00:54:46] It doesn't, right? [00:54:47] This budget does. [00:54:48] This budget does? [00:54:49] Yes. [00:54:50] So what's the projected cost on just that bridge? [00:54:52] Robert has got some numbers. [00:54:55] Three million? [00:54:56] Three million. [00:54:57] Because I bring that up at MPO meetings all the time, and the state or nobody, [00:55:01] no one wants to even discuss putting a bridge over 19 anywhere in our city limits. [00:55:04] They just can't afford it. [00:55:05] That's right. [00:55:06] You're telling me it can be done for $3 million? [00:55:07] Yes. [00:55:09] And it's in this projection? [00:55:11] In the budget, yes. [00:55:12] That's really what the budget cost is in that trail, primarily. [00:55:18] That would essentially get us most of the pieces between Southgate Shopping Center [00:55:27] and the corner of Congress and Mass, [00:55:30] which is our jump out to Sharky Trail and the Suncoast Trail from there. [00:55:36] It's a critical piece. [00:55:38] $3 million is a lot of a bridge. [00:55:41] Yes. [00:55:42] It's ridiculous. [00:55:43] But I will tell you that the first time that the Tourist Development Council has come together [00:55:49] with the people from the east, the central, and the west on a project that they all agree on [00:55:54] is to try to make a bikeable trail through Pasco County that hooks to Pinellas [00:55:58] and then hooks to the cross. [00:56:01] Across Florida. [00:56:02] Across Florida. [00:56:03] And this is our part. [00:56:04] This is our piece that goes from the city to the marine park. [00:56:06] Yes, right. [00:56:07] Yes. [00:56:08] But it's way in the preliminary stages. [00:56:14] It's not happening this year, and it doesn't need to be in the budget this year. [00:56:18] Not a bridge over 19, I can tell you. [00:56:23] The only thing that you have approved that the staff is proceeding with is the design phase. [00:56:31] And so if you choose to delay that project, that would entirely be up to you, [00:56:36] but no monies have already been expended that have been approved for the construction phase of the project. [00:56:44] We were technically trying to do it in phases to where we could get the pedestrians [00:56:51] and the bicycles and stuff like that into the downtown area and then, like the mayor said, [00:56:57] tie into the Starkey Trail on the other side of town. [00:57:01] But those were phases, and we had expected that we would apply for any kind of grants that were available. [00:57:08] The pedestrian overpass, if that was to be considered, we would have looked at federal funds. [00:57:14] A lot of those structures that are built are done with federal funds as well. [00:57:19] Now, would we qualify? [00:57:21] We haven't got that far, but we would definitely look at that before we would proceed. [00:57:27] Before we made it concrete. [00:57:29] But, yeah, explain the logistics. [00:57:31] The logistics are you can't say, yes, I'm going to build it. [00:57:35] You literally have to have plans on the shelf. [00:57:38] It's almost that Obama thing. [00:57:40] You have to have shovel-ready projects that you can actually put in front [00:57:45] because they won't consider just a commitment of dollars. [00:57:49] You have to almost give them a 3-D drawing and walk them through it before you ask for the money. [00:57:56] The only other thing, Mr. Starkey, that I'm seeing from the flip side is having those drawings. [00:58:02] Obviously, you talked about the demolition of HCA, [00:58:06] but if the ultimate is to be positioned correctly on all levels for when that building goes down [00:58:16] so that vision starts and opportunities arrive, [00:58:21] that puts you ahead of the game in stepping up to those groups that may be coming in [00:58:29] that may want to be in that area. [00:58:32] I guess I'm being coy enough about not identifying more than one or two entities [00:58:37] that may want to go back on that site, and overall you're going to pull that together [00:58:44] and that might drive other dollars. [00:58:46] But that's my thoughts on it. [00:58:48] Can I just ask this question of staff? [00:58:51] Is this number here, when we say yes to the budget, [00:58:54] are we going ahead and spending and looking for the 24 and we're going to the bond people [00:58:59] or are we going to be addressing this? [00:59:01] No, sir. [00:59:02] We would go and find a financial advisor who would come back and talk to you at the city council level [00:59:08] about the options, the areas. [00:59:13] Because I say, quite frankly, I'm saying no at this point to anything that touches this 24 million [00:59:21] because I'm not ready to do this to the kids in this town, this bond issue here. [00:59:27] So you've got to work it out a lot closer. [00:59:29] So if you want my vote on this budget, I want to hear real loud and clear [00:59:34] that this is not going anywhere without some kind of approval down the road. [00:59:38] I think there's no doubt that the approval of the budget only allows for Robert to go after federal money [00:59:46] to try to get matching funds and to show that we've got it in the budget. [00:59:50] From an economic standpoint, there's no authority that's vested to the city staff to borrow money. [00:59:56] It's going to come back to you with a plan that you all will have to endorse. [01:00:00] and you can, oh, same as the. [01:00:02] Is that backed up by you? [01:00:03] Yes. [01:00:04] Okay, I'm a happy guy. [01:00:05] Yeah, that's. [01:00:07] Well, the only other thing is that obviously, [01:00:10] Mr. Davis pointed out that, you know, [01:00:13] on a bond issue, it would be a 30 year situation. [01:00:15] I think we've had side comments [01:00:19] and overall talking points over the last six weeks [01:00:24] that have said, if we were to move forward [01:00:27] and we were gonna determine of refinancing the 11 [01:00:30] to lower the rate because it helps [01:00:32] with our debt service, number one. [01:00:35] The other part would be that we would allow ourselves [01:00:38] the ability to look at all of the revenue lines [01:00:44] and the length of those dollars, [01:00:46] whether it's 10 years on the penny, [01:00:49] whether it's 17 years on the CRA, [01:00:54] and those would come back from a financial advisor [01:00:57] or somebody that would walk us through those scenarios. [01:01:01] And it may not be 24 million, it may be 17 or 18 [01:01:05] because of where we're gonna find the funds. [01:01:07] So we're not extending our liability [01:01:10] outside of the sources of revenue to pay for them. [01:01:13] Is that, I think that's where you were coming from. [01:01:15] You were doing it for 30 years and be out there in 45, [01:01:19] when essence, our dollars that we know [01:01:21] that we have collectively go out to 24 or 25 [01:01:26] and to 30 or 31, I believe, is that a fair? [01:01:31] I think so. [01:01:32] And Councilman Davis has made a valid point [01:01:34] that we don't wanna be basically mortgaging our grandkids. [01:01:40] Correct. [01:01:41] Or kids. [01:01:42] He don't have grandkids yet. [01:01:43] Well, he will by the time this thing gets paid off. [01:01:46] I think if your grandkids are in the custody, [01:01:51] I'll be dead. [01:01:52] And I said parking garage. [01:01:54] That chopper, he went out there and did that. [01:01:56] I don't know what he was doing. [01:01:57] I was up there, but I don't know what he was doing. [01:01:59] No idea what he was doing. [01:02:00] I wasn't at that meeting, kid. [01:02:01] Yeah, he's a possible deniability, I think. [01:02:05] Councilman Davis, I think your point's very well taken. [01:02:09] The budget that's being proposed basically is a roadmap. [01:02:15] And I'm with you and I'm with the Deputy Mayor. [01:02:19] Somebody's gonna have to come to me [01:02:22] with a really, really good explanation [01:02:25] of what we're gonna go out borrowing money for. [01:02:28] The last thing I want happening on my watch [01:02:32] is for the City of New Port Richey [01:02:34] to do what it did back in the early 2000s [01:02:36] where it went on a buying spree [01:02:38] and bought a whole bunch of stuff with borrowed money [01:02:40] that came back and bit us. [01:02:43] Yeah, and I understand we're talking about money [01:02:45] and everything, but you didn't have to turn the air off [01:02:47] to make us wanna get through this a little bit faster. [01:02:49] I just wanna be clear. [01:02:51] Kind of mind-saving. [01:02:52] And I don't know if you would appreciate it. [01:02:54] We wanted the millage load. [01:02:56] That's right. [01:03:02] And I know there's at least one council member [01:03:04] who hasn't eaten yet either, [01:03:06] so I'll try not to belabor. [01:03:08] If we can keep moving then. [01:03:13] So the General Vet Service, as we were talking about it, [01:03:16] I threw this slide in, in the budget of 1415, [01:03:21] and I just want to show you that the amount coming in [01:03:25] in the Debt Service Fund, which is a 201 fund, [01:03:28] is the 1.25, the 80,000, and the 50,000 in utility taxes. [01:03:35] And those dollars are actually being used [01:03:37] to be sent back into the General Fund in the current year [01:03:41] to keep us from using reserves. [01:03:43] And the budget that we contemplated [01:03:46] was to allow the General Fund to continue to see its money. [01:03:49] So not only was the children or the folks of the future [01:03:54] being asked to pay for indebtedness, [01:03:56] but the projects themselves were trying to be identified, [01:03:58] as you had just mentioned, I think, Mr. Mayor [01:04:01] or Councilman Phillips, to come from specific, [01:04:04] Councilman Phillips, specific areas. [01:04:07] If we can go to the next slide. [01:04:10] The principle, again, this is kind of clearly delineates [01:04:14] what was happening. [01:04:14] In the Debt Service Fund through 2014, [01:04:18] $7,600,000 was paid through that fund [01:04:24] to pay off the 2012 note from SunTrust. [01:04:29] That had some unusual ripple effect [01:04:31] on the financial statements [01:04:33] because the CRA recognized the loss [01:04:36] because it took that debt internal to the city [01:04:39] because it's no longer due to anyone outside the city. [01:04:43] So the General Fund has already established itself [01:04:46] in an apparent role for the CRA with that move. [01:04:49] In 15... [01:04:51] This one for a second here. [01:04:52] Yeah. [01:04:53] This debt that you keep throwing on the CRA [01:04:56] is actually the rec center. [01:04:58] Some of it is. [01:04:59] Yes. [01:05:00] Okay. [01:05:01] Is, you know, maybe I can, between you and Crystal, [01:05:04] you can, is there a way that we can move that debt [01:05:09] because it's still being paid out of the General Fund [01:05:11] to the rec center and then let the CRA [01:05:14] do what it's supposed to do [01:05:15] instead of it being handcuffed all the time by this? [01:05:19] Well, I think the handcuffing was undone [01:05:21] by the city council when you forgave any payments [01:05:24] back to the General Fund for several years [01:05:26] to give it a chance to grow. [01:05:28] Yeah, but wouldn't it allow, [01:05:29] what my question is, [01:05:30] is wouldn't it allow the CRA to grow [01:05:32] and be able to do what it can do [01:05:34] to help grow this community? [01:05:36] Well, the recreation center doesn't have revenue. [01:05:39] Well, it's, but it's, you know, [01:05:42] we're all in the same building here. [01:05:45] You know, that's what I'm saying. [01:05:47] I'm asking as an accounting question, [01:05:49] if we move this to the rec center [01:05:50] and allow the CRA to grow, [01:05:52] I keep, you would keep handcuffing the CRA [01:05:55] and that's an economic development tool. [01:05:58] And the purpose of- [01:06:00] My question. [01:06:01] Your answer is you can do whatever you all want to do [01:06:05] and we'd be happy to give you all those options, [01:06:07] including the forgiveness of debt from the CRA [01:06:11] and that would eliminate the receivable [01:06:14] back to the General Fund [01:06:16] because it's the owner of the rec center. [01:06:18] So it's already paid off that debt. [01:06:22] Although the debt that was paid from SunTrust [01:06:24] was actually, I believe the Hacienda [01:06:26] and the rec center debt still remains [01:06:28] with the Bank of America debt. [01:06:29] So, I mean, it's all- [01:06:32] I just keep saying, [01:06:32] I just keep hearing the CRA [01:06:34] and I know what the CRA can do for us in the community. [01:06:37] And we have whatever amount of years left on this, [01:06:41] nine, nine, 10 or 11 years. [01:06:43] And I want the CRA to do something while it is [01:06:46] instead of just being handcuffed by the rec center. [01:06:49] Right, and I think the, in fairness to the CRA, [01:06:53] that's why the budget that the CRA has asked for [01:06:56] and it's incorporated into this [01:06:58] contributes additional money [01:07:00] so that the CRA can build a parking garage downtown. [01:07:03] All right, I want to see if we can move that debt [01:07:08] into the rec center where it belongs. [01:07:10] Or whatever portion belongs to the rec center. [01:07:12] I'm not sure that it's the rec center alone, however. [01:07:15] No, but what portion is the rec center? [01:07:17] It's out of one pocket and into another. [01:07:18] And if you do that, then you're going to be taking- [01:07:22] Yeah, but it'll allow the CRA to grow. [01:07:24] But yes, it would. [01:07:25] But it also would mean [01:07:26] that you're going to then take money [01:07:28] out of general revenue dollars [01:07:29] to cover the debt service for the rec center, [01:07:31] which means cutting the police department [01:07:33] and the library and public works and everything. [01:07:36] It's already taken it out of the CR- [01:07:40] What is this, Snickers? [01:07:43] Yes. [01:07:45] I think the whole financing discussion [01:07:47] is going to be worthy of a whole- [01:07:51] That might be time to- [01:07:51] I just put that in your notes. [01:07:53] I'd like, put that in your notes. [01:07:54] I'd like that investigated. [01:07:55] Because I want the CRA to do something for this community, [01:07:58] not live out the debt of the rec center. [01:08:01] But it was paramount. [01:08:03] It was paramount by us paying that off [01:08:05] that gave us the flexibility to where we are today. [01:08:10] First of all, it showed that we could pay, [01:08:12] that we took care of a debt, [01:08:14] that we didn't incur more at that time [01:08:16] because we had been told that in 14, [01:08:19] that's when all of the elements were going to hit. [01:08:22] So the ability to do that, [01:08:24] plus it freed up those two revenue lines [01:08:27] that you're showing in here [01:08:28] that are having some impact other places. [01:08:31] Because they're not encumbered on that debt service [01:08:35] as it is, so I mean- [01:08:37] Councilman Davis's comments cannot even begin to, [01:08:44] can't understate the importance of growing the city [01:08:47] to get the tax base back up [01:08:49] so that it can continue to feed the CRA. [01:08:53] If it feeds it well enough, [01:08:54] it'll be able to pay back the general fund. [01:08:56] If it doesn't feed it well enough, [01:08:58] at the end of the CRA's life, [01:09:00] the general fund doesn't get that money back [01:09:01] and there's no recourse. [01:09:03] So effectively, it's an unsecured obligation of the CRA [01:09:08] that has now been taken on by the general fund already. [01:09:11] So we've kind of done what you've said, [01:09:13] I just don't know how to explain it to you. [01:09:15] We've taken the heat off the CRA [01:09:18] and whether or not this money comes behind [01:09:22] the other 11 million, [01:09:23] because that existing 11 million [01:09:26] is pledged to CRA revenue. [01:09:29] So we're trying to get to where you're asking. [01:09:32] I just have to figure out a way [01:09:33] to answer your questions more directly [01:09:35] and the way that you're hoping for me to answer them to you. [01:09:40] If we could defer discussion on this [01:09:44] until you have a chance to come up with some [01:09:47] clear explanations for Councilman Davis. [01:09:51] I've been asked if we can take a 10 minute break. [01:09:54] And so we will be back here at 8.20. [01:10:00] Brian is working to try to override [01:10:02] the air conditioning system. [01:10:03] And if you could get the air conditioning to work too, [01:10:05] that would be nice. [01:10:06] Plotting us. [01:10:10] It's your fault for saying we wanted to produce this. [01:10:13] Well, you know, it's all that telepathic thing. [01:10:18] That was almost like beaming Mr. Davis in here [01:10:21] from somewhere else. [01:10:25] So he could enjoy this with the rest of us. [01:10:30] Oh, okay. [01:10:44] Be generous now. [01:10:45] Be generous. [01:10:49] Okay, yeah, sort of the same thing. [01:10:55] Quit home and fell asleep. [01:10:59] Although this is quite interesting. [01:12:00] Should take it. [01:12:17] I'm basically a part of the, [01:12:20] one of the notes that's being uploaded. [01:12:20] I think I fell asleep at home. [01:12:23] The note simply would be a freak. [01:12:25] I honestly, oh, thank you. [01:12:26] Now Paul Stiller's acquisition [01:12:28] stuff would come with Ms. Seira. [01:12:29] Basically, we're making it, right, [01:12:30] with a service, a service that's associated, yeah, [01:12:35] with a small office. [01:12:37] I'm focused on dealing with it right now. [01:12:38] Well, worse, I was completely out of water. [01:12:42] Oh. [01:13:00] I'm good. [01:13:01] I'm used to silence. [01:13:02] I've been in it all day today. [01:13:06] I love it. [01:13:07] It's like a spa season. [01:13:20] There is no air in this place. [01:13:30] Perfect. [01:13:37] You know, I've worked all this stuff. [01:13:43] Yeah, right. [01:13:44] Not now. [01:13:46] We need to get this rat-a-tat-tat out of some place else. [01:13:58] Five-year plan dug out, but it didn't fit, so I've got to. [01:14:02] I'm losing the jack on the project. [01:14:04] Oh, it is. [01:14:05] Well, you know, I didn't get the memo. [01:14:07] I thought we were down there tonight, [01:14:09] and I just didn't think about it. [01:14:11] I went home, got cleaned up, and I said, well, yeah, [01:14:14] because I asked her, are we up or down? [01:14:15] She said, no, you're down. [01:14:16] I'm like, OK, whatever. [01:14:24] But it took me almost 30 minutes to cool off [01:14:27] after being over at the Haas Inn. [01:14:29] I mean, I was just, it was unbearable. [01:14:33] I went upstairs and watched the second half of last night's news. [01:14:38] The first 15 minutes of Stephen Colbert's late show. [01:14:43] I just, I have no affection for him for some reason. [01:14:47] I'm sure he's different than he was on his show. [01:14:49] He is. [01:14:50] I'm sure there's a different persona, [01:14:52] and I'm sure I'll get there, but. [01:15:00] I forgot we had one in two weeks, and we missed three consecutive fire practices, and my fire [01:15:19] director said, shoot. [01:15:20] Wow. [01:15:22] Oh, wow. [01:15:45] Just craziness. [01:15:51] Do you want to change your mind? [01:15:54] We have this T111 on the other side of the house towards me. [01:15:58] It's got water damage. [01:16:00] Oh, I didn't know. [01:16:01] See, I mean, I don't know about that side. [01:16:03] I can obviously see the sides from the street. [01:16:05] But if you look at the side of the property, you can see the side from your side. [01:16:08] By the way, if you could stand on the middle row and see that side. [01:16:12] I'll get in line. [01:16:13] We're going to send a picture today. [01:16:15] That side. [01:16:17] Mayor Rob, do you feel like getting some of the signage out of the way? [01:16:22] Can you give me a home center? [01:16:24] Yep. [01:16:25] It's kind of like where I'm at. [01:16:27] Okay, this is the one with the CRA. [01:16:30] Oh, we're only... [01:16:32] Huh? [01:16:33] No, this is the one that we did in the CRA meeting. [01:16:36] Yeah, well, we're only three slides into about 30 here. [01:16:40] Oh, good. [01:16:41] And then we did two copies of this. [01:16:52] This was the one that allows you to sign the amendment. [01:16:56] And then two copies of the amendment. [01:17:10] Anything else we can do? [01:17:16] Yep, three copies. [01:17:28] I'm working on it. [01:17:29] I'm memo-ing it. [01:17:31] I want everything on the next one. [01:17:35] Everything. [01:17:37] Thank you. [01:17:38] This one might look done here. [01:17:40] But it's too long. [01:17:42] No, no. [01:17:43] Remember, you gave him a permit to do those, everything. [01:17:45] And you can't force him to do that. [01:17:47] You just give him the right to. [01:17:49] Oh, excuse me. [01:17:50] That's where we move. [01:17:52] That's where we do. [01:17:55] You haven't? [01:17:57] Oh, man. [01:17:59] You should order something. [01:18:01] I don't mind. [01:18:02] We have pizza delivered here during the meeting. [01:18:04] You could probably get a couple more of those. [01:18:06] You know, lifesavers. [01:18:09] Sorry, there's work to do. [01:18:11] Sorry. [01:18:16] Mayor, did you see this? [01:18:18] This was on Avery today. [01:18:20] It's a greenhouse just on this side of Jasmine. [01:18:23] I think the house is vacant. [01:18:24] Somebody just dumped it. [01:18:26] It's not found free. [01:18:28] It's not even broken up in this front yard. [01:18:31] That's what I'm talking about. [01:18:33] It's a legal dump. [01:18:34] That's not a pile. [01:18:35] That's covering the entire front yard. [01:18:36] It wasn't there to begin with. [01:18:38] Well, actually, there is a disadvantage. [01:18:43] At 730, you can scoot to the airport where nobody died. [01:18:46] You're going to be stuck in the traffic in a moment. [01:18:50] We're going to call the meeting back to order. [01:19:09] And in deference to one of my colleagues who apparently still has not had supper, [01:19:13] if we can move the program along, sir. [01:19:17] I think so. [01:19:18] Next slide, please. [01:19:21] This is just going department by department. [01:19:23] It's in your PowerPoint. [01:19:27] It's provided for information, and we'll post this online for those who would like to get the short version of the [01:19:33] general fund budget, and it divides it between personnel, services, operating, and other. [01:19:39] This particular slide shows the new administrative services division. [01:19:43] I would like to say there's an error in your budget in that in some of the org charts, [01:19:47] it indicates that whether it's the clerk, technology services, and human resources, [01:19:53] that that new assistant to the city manager is miswritten as an assistant city manager, [01:20:00] and I think shown in a position. [01:20:02] So on those org charts, we'll take that out and put city manager in. [01:20:07] The city manager will still be the direct leader of those four divisions, human resources, city clerk, technology, [01:20:15] and administration. [01:20:17] Sorry for that error. [01:20:18] We'll correct it. [01:20:24] You can go on to the next slide if you'd like, which is accounting, budgeting, billing, and purchasing. [01:20:29] Just before we go on, I'm not in favor of an assistant city manager. [01:20:33] I'm going to stay straightforward. [01:20:36] Period. [01:20:37] I didn't hear the second part of what you said. [01:20:38] I'm not interested in hiring an assistant city manager. [01:20:47] I don't know if I'm approving that when I approve this budget, but I'm not approving it. [01:20:51] What is Judy's title? [01:20:53] She is the executive assistant to the city manager. [01:20:58] So this would be someone between yourself and Judy. [01:21:01] It's actually someone between me and the department head that would work on this. [01:21:09] Actually, they wouldn't be a department head. [01:21:12] The way we have it proposed, it is a division head, and they would take on special projects [01:21:17] and assist me with things that are outside of the range of Judy. [01:21:25] It would be a college-educated person. [01:21:27] It's on page 20. [01:21:28] No, I'm just asking. [01:21:30] I mean, it's easier to discuss it. [01:21:33] Yeah, it's just with, like, contract negotiations and annexations and higher-level skill assignments. [01:21:41] And title-wise, it's not an assistant city manager. [01:21:44] No. [01:21:45] It's just assistant to the manager. [01:21:46] To the. [01:21:47] To the manager. [01:21:48] Yeah, I didn't... [01:21:51] That's the way that I understood it. [01:21:52] Right. [01:21:53] Okay. [01:21:54] My apologies for any confusion that it was an assistant city manager. [01:21:57] It was a mistype. [01:21:59] Well, then I think it needs... [01:22:01] Some kind of correction needs to be on page 4. [01:22:05] Yes. [01:22:06] Is that what you're saying? [01:22:07] Yes. [01:22:08] It's correct on 20. [01:22:09] Well, I'm not in favor of it. [01:22:14] Page 4 in the blue book does not have the assistant city manager in the... [01:22:23] Page 4 in the version we handed out, those top four categories, administration, public safety, public services, [01:22:33] those three are not departments. [01:22:36] They're just subcategories of city operations. [01:22:39] It just happens Robert has so many divisions that he gets to sit up there with the other non... [01:22:47] Well, in the public works department as a whole section of city services. [01:22:54] But it's identified as a division. [01:22:58] And it is in there. [01:23:00] Anyway. [01:23:04] So if you would like, we can move past this slide. [01:23:11] If you want to, we can go ahead and move on past. [01:23:16] Police is all in together. [01:23:19] Totals by division are pretty much the same. [01:23:21] And as has been described to you in the city manager's opening comments, there's really no significant additions of personnel there. [01:23:30] There are some folks moving around. [01:23:33] And in our org charts for both the fire and the police, we put a provision for step pay increases, [01:23:39] because the detail of who's probationary moves from month to month. [01:23:44] So we put the existing condition and put some funds there to provide for the normal climbing the ladder of those two divisions. [01:23:54] May I ask a question regarding policing? [01:23:55] Yes. [01:23:58] We just took $150,000 out of a waterfront recreation. [01:24:01] So we just found that. [01:24:03] I know we've tentatively put it towards grant funding. [01:24:06] But I feel we're going to need a very, very strong police presence in Sims Park. [01:24:12] Not just for the first week that it's open. [01:24:14] It's going to be a brand-new park. [01:24:16] We're trying to attract very, very law-abiding, nice people to our park. [01:24:23] And historically over the last few years, we've had several people that are not law-abiding and not nice people hanging out in our park. [01:24:30] So I don't want to build a beautiful, state-of-the-art park and have non-law-abiding citizens [01:24:40] that may make a law-abiding citizen, am I being politically correct enough, [01:24:44] not feel as comfortable as they should feel while strolling through our park. [01:24:49] So I'm just stressing that point. [01:24:51] I think it's very, very important. [01:24:53] Not that we need ten cops in the park and someone's visiting and saying, boy, what's going on? [01:24:59] But we're building this beautiful park, and I want people to feel safe in it. [01:25:03] And right now, with our park that's beautiful, but not as beautiful as it's going to be, they don't feel safe in it. [01:25:09] That's the bottom line, along with your cameras. [01:25:13] I think we've talked about the cameras in the park already. [01:25:16] But there's a thing that the county does is that the people that work in their park are uniformed. [01:25:22] And I think that we're going to definitely have some people there full-time to run an 80-acre park. [01:25:29] So I think it's time for us to step up and put some uniforms on these park workers [01:25:34] so they can address things that they don't like, situations they don't like. [01:25:38] Maybe down the road. [01:25:39] I just don't want to walk in our park and have a bunch of bicycles and people that are motorists. [01:25:45] And nothing against bicycles, but everyone knows what I'm talking about. [01:25:49] Smoking cigarettes, drinking whatever, and throwing it in our brand-new landscaping is my point. [01:25:53] I'm trying to be politically correct here, but I don't want to see it. [01:25:58] And if you need more funding to come up with an officer to hang out a little bit more for six months or the first year, [01:26:04] I'm just saying I don't want to build this beautiful park and have the citizens we're trying to attract [01:26:09] that want to be good citizens in our city not feel comfortable in our new park. [01:26:13] It's a waste. [01:26:14] It's a waste of $2 million, whatever it's going to be. [01:26:17] So I just think that's very, very important, whether you throw a nice shirt on the gentleman [01:26:22] or representative from Parks and Recreation. [01:26:26] I just think it would go a long way to have someone on our Segway strolling our park for a while after it opens. [01:26:31] We are prepared to staff the park with police presence. [01:26:36] The point that Councilman Davis raises about the Parks and Rec staff, or I should say the maintenance staff, [01:26:46] they, too, will be on the grounds, and they wear uniforms, so they're identifiable as a member of the city staff. [01:26:52] I don't want Parks and Rec staff packing. [01:26:54] No, no, no, no. [01:26:56] We need somebody who is. [01:26:58] But in the county, they move with authority. [01:27:02] Yeah. [01:27:03] You know. [01:27:04] But we've got a potential for people to re-infest Sims Park when it opens. [01:27:09] Right. [01:27:10] That needs to be dealt with. [01:27:12] I understand you want to make that a priority. [01:27:14] Okay. [01:27:15] I just want to have a question here on page 58. [01:27:17] It has to do with the code enforcement. [01:27:19] Yes, sir. [01:27:20] I mean, we're increasing, I understand, the two to three and stuff, [01:27:22] but could you explain to me what Code Enforcement Inspector 2 is? [01:27:26] Does that mean that we should have had that number three, or is there a code, is there a 1 and a 2 and a, you know, 3? [01:27:32] I mean, that's. [01:27:33] What is that? [01:27:34] I was just confused. [01:27:36] Code Inspector 2 is someone that has, like Liz, that has, that's elevated to a higher position with tenure on the job. [01:27:46] She's been here much longer. [01:27:48] Okay. [01:27:49] Well, then it doesn't make sense to me, because if you have Code Enforcement 2, [01:27:53] then you've got down in below, you've got personnel, you've got three personnel. [01:27:56] Yeah. [01:27:57] See, see. [01:27:58] No. [01:27:59] The organizational chart refers to the number of positions. [01:28:04] Yeah, but see, that doesn't match either. [01:28:06] Out of the general fund, and then one is grant funded. [01:28:09] So we have a total of three positions. [01:28:11] Two are Code Enforcement Inspectors, and a third is a Code Enforcement Inspector grant funded. [01:28:17] Okay. [01:28:18] Is this page 58? [01:28:19] Yes. [01:28:20] Yes, sir. [01:28:21] Yeah, see, that's why I said I didn't understand, because you had twos and threes. [01:28:24] Yeah. [01:28:25] And then I looked on page 61, and you got a zero. [01:28:28] So I'm like, what's. . . [01:28:29] I think we should take the two out of the org chart that's up above. [01:28:32] That's right. [01:28:33] And just have three people versus a number two and a three. [01:28:37] Okay, okay. [01:28:38] Because I wasn't even sure if it was that or if there was a. . . [01:28:40] Good point. [01:28:41] A grade level. [01:28:42] Top stat. [01:28:43] Just go back to my point real quick. [01:28:45] Just so I'm clear, we're good as far as funding for whatever police presence we are going to be in the park once it opens. [01:28:50] We're good. [01:28:51] In this budget. [01:28:52] Perfect. [01:28:53] If we can go to the next. . . [01:28:55] I'm going to keep moving, and you all stop me. [01:28:58] I'm not trying to rush you. [01:28:59] But the next fire supervision, firefighting, again, has been, you can see from middle slide to right slide, pretty much steady eddy in terms of cost. [01:29:10] One of the things that's in the org chart there will show you just the number of probationary or young firefighters. [01:29:17] I think that was mentioned by the chief at the big retirement shindig or the thing that you had last time. [01:29:25] The pay scales for some of those folks are a little lower, but a lot of them will not be probationary by the time they get through the year [01:29:32] and are passing exams, so there's a little bit more money in there to accommodate their step increases. [01:29:39] Just not the probationary. [01:29:41] If you look on page 71, we don't have a firefighter 7. [01:29:48] We don't have. . . [01:29:49] Right. [01:29:50] There's a firefighter 2. [01:29:54] It looks like somebody is going to go to that position. [01:29:58] We're dropped in firefighting. [01:30:00] Fighters 1 from 6 to 4, I mean it just, when you try to do the math on that, it just becomes [01:30:05] real hard for me. [01:30:06] You know, I was happy when I looked down at the bottom and one totaled 23.8 and the other [01:30:13] it was 24.06, it wasn't really much change, but it just seems to me when you're talking [01:30:19] about funding positions that there's a lot more than just moving these guys that are [01:30:24] probation to Firefighter 1's. [01:30:26] That's correct, the 1's, the 2's go to 3's or 4's, some of them can go two steps in a [01:30:30] year if they pass their tests and do their, you know, whatever they make their. [01:30:36] Chief, you see what I'm talking about? [01:30:40] So is that dollar amount right? [01:30:42] I mean we're only talking a difference of $9,000, you know, on a million dollar budget. [01:30:49] The dollars that I'm not going to, trying to interject in front of them, but the dollars [01:30:53] we worked with this department to get the current pay scale of everybody by name in [01:31:00] those departments. [01:31:01] So those are the, those are the current. [01:31:02] So the 1.28 is actually where they stand today? [01:31:07] No, the 1.28 minus the 1.19 at the bottom of that page is where they stand. [01:31:17] 1.19? [01:31:18] Oh. [01:31:19] The 1.19 is what I was saying is a provision for when they move up the ladder because they're [01:31:24] not going to stay down there. [01:31:26] It's unusual to have that many young firemen. [01:31:30] And so there's money in the budget to accommodate the pay scale increases that they will see. [01:31:35] Yeah, but that's really only, that's only, back to my same point, it's only $9,000 or [01:31:41] something like that. [01:31:42] Yeah, but that's because the department's been reshuffled. [01:31:44] You've got, you've had higher guys that have retired and you've got, you've restructured [01:31:49] that. [01:31:50] So, you know, you're not having guys that have had 22 years or 23 years of step pay [01:31:55] that are up there. [01:31:56] So that's where the adjustments come back. [01:31:57] Is that? [01:31:58] That's correct. [01:31:59] Is that? [01:32:00] The two guys that we've lost. [01:32:01] That's correct. [01:32:02] Yeah. [01:32:03] Yeah. [01:32:04] Okay. [01:32:05] Yeah. [01:32:06] That was Alex. [01:32:07] Yeah. [01:32:08] You're right. [01:32:09] Go ahead. [01:32:10] Sorry. [01:32:11] Next slide. [01:32:12] Hold on. [01:32:14] Economic development and development and the municipal building operation, again, the building [01:32:19] operations were moved to facility management and all of that has been covered by our previous [01:32:24] workshops. [01:32:25] If there's no questions there, we'll move to the next slide. [01:32:32] I thought rather than going through pages, we could just give you division by division [01:32:35] schedule. [01:32:37] Recreation and parks has... [01:32:45] They're picking up one employee. [01:32:46] Right. [01:32:47] Right. [01:32:48] And the main difference, well, they have a number of part-timers, so there's a net equivalent, [01:32:55] but there's one physical new employee to come. [01:32:58] Many of the part-timers, both in aquatics and in the parks department and rec department, [01:33:03] might have a little more enhanced hours if and when the hours are extended, so there's [01:33:09] funding in there to provide for additional staffing as the facility expands. [01:33:18] We're going to have winter hours again? [01:33:22] What is the aquatics director going to do during winter hours? [01:33:28] He has some events that he's working on. [01:33:29] He's also going to be doing additional programming at the pools as well as staff the pool to [01:33:34] keep it open for the winter. [01:33:42] Public works supervision stayed pretty much the same other than some capital improvement, [01:33:48] capital outlay in the previous year, so it actually dropped some. [01:33:56] Street right-of-way, again, the expenses there have been reduced, but we did show the cost [01:34:12] in the street improvement fund for the money that Robert will talk to you that he's having [01:34:18] to spend to fix the streets that have been damaged by the flooding, the recent flooding. [01:34:24] This is really the manpower that's out there every day working on the streets and operating [01:34:29] and includes the trucks. [01:34:32] You can see in 2014 it was much higher because the 2015 budget was higher, they just purchased [01:34:39] some new beautiful equipment for their yard debris removal and other equipment. [01:34:48] That's hard costs we're incurring this year. [01:34:50] That's not coming back to, were we affected by FEMA not awarding funds last week? [01:35:01] We were anticipating and hoping for it, but we did have the money in the option gas tax [01:35:07] or the street improvement fund, so we were fortunate to have those funds available to [01:35:12] us. [01:35:13] That's what we're going to request that we use. [01:35:17] So that will take care of that, but it won't be like Debbie or something where we got money [01:35:26] back. [01:35:27] Hurricane Debbie, not just Debbie. [01:35:30] Yeah, that happened three years ago. [01:35:33] The other one happened a year ago. [01:35:36] Okay, next slide, or I guess we're on it. [01:35:46] The new facilities maintenance and ground maintenance crews, and I think from a visibility [01:35:52] standpoint we've seen an awful lot, at least around here and around town, of the grounds [01:35:58] maintenance already. [01:36:00] They're already kind of starting to prepare and acting the part. [01:36:04] I don't know if it's in the budget or not because I didn't drill all the way down, but [01:36:09] the two items that continually cause me heartburn when I come to City Hall or I'm going down [01:36:17] Grand Boulevard is one, people having their plant material in our right-of-way. [01:36:23] It looks like it doesn't look good, let me put it that way, and number two, and this [01:36:28] is where the mayor and I got kind of crossed a couple months ago, is there any thoughts [01:36:35] of having the library building speak for itself instead of being hidden behind all of that [01:36:41] 22 years of growth in front of it? [01:36:45] Because with the oak trees and that, it just covers it up. [01:36:50] It's a beautiful brick building that ought to have a big sign on the front side that [01:36:53] says library, not over their back door. [01:36:56] So I don't know if that's it or if after we approve this budget and we do a budget amendment [01:37:01] after we figure out all our money is, but to me we're spending $2 million on Sims Park [01:37:07] and we got overgrown stuff that's just, I'm amazed that it's not damaging the foundations [01:37:14] and the brick walls and stuff. [01:37:18] I just think we lose a lot of curb appeal right there on the corner of, and I know we're [01:37:23] doing the task order to take the sidewalk improvements down to mass, so maybe you incorporate [01:37:32] it into that, but at the end of the day, that's a physical plant. [01:37:36] We just spent $400,000, $500,000 on roofs and parking lots and all that. [01:37:42] That's kind of like me fixing my house up, but not taking care of the curb. [01:37:46] So it's kind of the forest and the trees. [01:37:50] It's not so much the trees, it's all the shrubs that are just growing up all over. [01:37:54] So I just, that's mine. [01:37:57] Okay, next slide. [01:38:02] Transfers and reserves, this is where the funds, a transfer of $825,000 is going to [01:38:11] the CRA, that's the city's tax, ag-lorm taxes that are having to be transferred over, and [01:38:19] the reserves of $325,000 are where the city manager reflected that funds are available [01:38:27] for her to institute any employee raises and also for additional items that the city council [01:38:35] might find it wants to do during the course of the year that are otherwise not budgeted [01:38:41] without having to go into reserves. [01:38:44] The total of $20,885,000 is the total of the budget as it sits in a comparative fashion [01:38:53] to last year's $22,229,000, and the additional $600,000 is mostly in capital. [01:39:01] So if you went back and added up all those capital sides of the slide, you'd see that [01:39:07] the 1.3, almost 1.4 million of capital that's in this budget is being funded by the penny [01:39:16] for PASCO dollars, and that's a considerable amount of vehicles for police, the improvements [01:39:24] to the building here was mentioned, and I will provide you all with a detail of where [01:39:29] all that money is coming from as well. [01:39:32] Next slide. [01:39:34] This is the complex, just I figured you'd be ready to look at some numbers at this point [01:39:39] so we throw a whole bunch of them out at you, but this basically just shows the methodology [01:39:44] without going into it too detail of the percentages of the various departments that are funded [01:39:50] by other funds. [01:39:53] So the general fund is at the far right. [01:39:55] It pays anything from 100% all the way down to 27% as in Robert's pay, he's primarily [01:40:04] paid by all the other funds that he manages as well as the utilities, so he's just about [01:40:11] a third in the general fund, but other than that, some funds like the library and police [01:40:19] are 100% funded by the general fund, and you can see how those allocations are made, [01:40:28] and I'm happy to hear any response from you if you feel there's any adjustments to be [01:40:32] made. [01:40:33] I just wondered if you have a, can add another line to there, and then grants, another column, [01:40:42] excuse me? [01:40:45] Yeah, if we did that, what we'd probably want to do is take the total budget, subtract [01:40:50] the grants from it, and allocate the rest to the different funds. [01:40:53] Well, let me just, you know, I mean, there's probably three quarters of these that aren't [01:40:57] getting any grants, that's why I was wondering if that one quarter, you could tell me what [01:41:01] percent of their budget is by grants. [01:41:04] That's a good idea. [01:41:05] I'd be happy to do it. [01:41:15] You can always watch the film. [01:41:21] The next is just a, this is a table that you'll probably find in your budget summary in the [01:41:27] final version of the budget, but it shows the number of part and full-time employees [01:41:33] in each division, and with some of the changes that have occurred, I put instead of just [01:41:40] new full-time and new part-time employees, I went to full-time equivalents, because some [01:41:45] folks have gone from part to full-time and vice versa. [01:41:48] So if this chart, as you look at it, has any questions, I'd be happy to answer it, but [01:41:55] we show transferred employees as well, as example, coming into purchasing, we have someone [01:42:00] who was in the construction fund, I think, or in one of the utility funds, but again, [01:42:07] they pay mostly for that division, to begin with, anyway, to help us to shore up one of [01:42:12] our weaknesses in our purchasing. [01:42:16] And billing and collections has increased one, and that's the dedicated person that's [01:42:20] going to be coming from my accounting division to go be responsible for the amnesty program, [01:42:26] for the reports that you all mentioned earlier, and for making sure that invoicing is done [01:42:31] on all accounts. [01:42:32] So we've made some adjustments as a result of the audit and as a result of re-managing. [01:42:40] So those are just transferred from one party to the other. [01:42:43] Next slide goes on with more through the different divisions. [01:42:48] Next slide goes through that again, through the water, wastewater, and stormwater. [01:42:55] And finally, to the next slide, we move out of that and into the capital improvement summary, [01:43:00] which is part of our obligation, and we'll make this pretty quick. [01:43:04] Let's keep rolling. [01:43:05] You've seen all this before. [01:43:06] We met on the capital improvement before. [01:43:09] The five-year capital improvement plan includes on the top line there transfers back to the [01:43:15] general fund. [01:43:16] So it is a very robust transfer this year of $1,369,000. [01:43:21] There's a number of catch-up things that we hope to do. [01:43:25] We have only budgeted $650,000 going forward, which represents a little under 30% of the [01:43:34] total from Penny for Pasco funding back into the general fund to buy and improve the buildings [01:43:40] and the facilities in minor ways versus new projects as in most of the capital plan. [01:43:47] We've also transferring $500,000 a year in the out years to street improvement fund, [01:43:51] and we do show the acquisition, the beginning of a two-year plan to build a $3.5 million [01:44:01] fire station, and we'll find out soon enough how accurate that is or how that progresses. [01:44:08] Next, road and street facilities, there's $300,000 for downtown landscaping improvement. [01:44:16] That includes the medians. [01:44:18] Robert, you can fill in if you'd like. [01:44:19] I'll try the best I can to just throw all this out. [01:44:21] Medians, street replace, tree replacement, and some improvements. [01:44:25] The downtown parking lot improvements provide for both the paving of the two or so remaining [01:44:33] existing parking lots and the planning begin to get designed and concept plans for a parking garage. [01:44:40] The highway beautifications, a million bucks, a good portion of that. [01:44:44] Most of it probably come from the state grant or state funds. [01:44:48] The wayfinding has been increased to $300,000 per year direction at the last meeting, and [01:44:55] there's a few extra dollars for Main Street in the next year, for the corner of Main and 19. [01:45:00] sidewalk improvements on Grand and the second year after. [01:45:03] Let's stop for a second here. [01:45:04] I just want to bring up, I don't know if you're aware [01:45:07] of all the work that Greg Armstrong's doing, [01:45:12] but he's got RMOs, I think they're called RMOs, [01:45:19] I think he's called them RMOs, which are, yeah. [01:45:23] Okay, which is people are adopting the 70, [01:45:30] medians along 19 and to the tune of $700 a month. [01:45:35] So that one million's gonna have seven, [01:45:40] you know, another 700, you know, [01:45:41] another whatever the figure is, you know. [01:45:45] 70 or whatever, I'm not sure the total amount of them [01:45:50] that are in the city, that is. [01:45:53] Can I make one more comment as well? [01:45:55] I know we brought it up last meeting, [01:45:57] but I'm gonna agree with the mayor on this. [01:45:59] People hate seeing visual wastes of money. [01:46:03] So when we do these trees along Boulevard and Main Street, [01:46:05] again, can we please make sure the trees [01:46:07] that are gonna look good, [01:46:08] that we don't have to yank out two years later, [01:46:10] because I know what we spoke about it, [01:46:13] whether it's crepe myrtles or whatever, [01:46:14] let's get it right. [01:46:15] Because the mayor was against the trees [01:46:18] from day one that are in there, [01:46:20] and I couldn't visualize them. [01:46:22] And he's right, they look like Charlie Brown Christmas [01:46:24] trees and they're bad in my opinion. [01:46:26] So let's be sure to get this right. [01:46:27] Because I mean, it's a lot of money [01:46:29] to yank these things out and put them back in. [01:46:30] And I don't want to have to do it two years later. [01:46:32] So I'm just reiterating that. [01:46:34] Let's put a lot of research, [01:46:35] make sure we're not putting trees [01:46:36] that are gonna grow so large [01:46:38] that we're gonna damage our sidewalks, [01:46:39] but I don't want to have to replace them [01:46:41] two years later again. [01:46:43] I'd also like to see a business plan [01:46:48] with a $2.7 million fitness center expansion. [01:46:52] I'd like a business plan on that, [01:46:54] just a regular type business plan that we would do [01:46:57] if we expanded our business. [01:46:58] Performance? [01:46:59] Yes. [01:47:02] Because I just, I have really a hard time [01:47:04] putting $2.7 million in a facility [01:47:06] that we already owe whatever the number is, [01:47:09] $11 million on, and then we're gonna correct it. [01:47:16] So these numbers are in the document [01:47:19] that you have in front of you. [01:47:21] And they come from the bigger product [01:47:23] that we gave you, which gives more detail [01:47:25] on what each project is and where the money's coming from. [01:47:28] So we have reconciled that document to this one. [01:47:32] I will tell you that there have been some small adjustments [01:47:35] and we probably need to send you a little reconciliation [01:47:39] of what you had in the purple book [01:47:43] before you got to this book, [01:47:44] but there was nothing major that changed [01:47:47] from one or the other. [01:47:47] Mostly we- [01:47:48] Except page numbers. [01:47:50] Page numbers are in it, [01:47:51] and in some cases there were some mathematical issues [01:47:53] that we've tidied up. [01:47:54] So we feel real good about the blue one. [01:48:00] We needed to get the purple one out by the 1st of September. [01:48:03] Mr. Ullman, on the capital, [01:48:07] on the facility improvement side, [01:48:09] I see almost $600,000 for a warehouse improvement. [01:48:17] Where, what's the elements of that? [01:48:21] I'm not quite, I'm not speaking- [01:48:24] It's the old public works complex [01:48:26] where the fleet maintenance and the utility purchasing [01:48:30] division is at. [01:48:31] It's where we store all of our materials. [01:48:34] Yeah, we were going to turn it into a dog pound at one time. [01:48:36] Yeah, I remember that. [01:48:39] Is that where we store grits? [01:48:41] The chief looks around the corner and he's like, [01:48:43] oh, we're not going down that road again, [01:48:46] Councilman Phillips, I really appreciate you. [01:48:48] I really appreciate you throwing it out there [01:48:50] to keep me awake, [01:48:50] but I wanted to make sure that we were talking. [01:48:55] That's where we store the coffins. [01:48:56] Yeah, the concrete, right, okay, okay. [01:49:00] Very good, thanks. [01:49:03] So on to the next slide, please. [01:49:07] Water and sewer, you've got ahead of us [01:49:10] on your PowerPoint there, [01:49:11] so you're looking at all the projects that are out there. [01:49:13] I know perhaps some of the discussion [01:49:16] at the earlier visit about whether the numbers [01:49:19] were filled in in future years [01:49:20] might have been at the fault of the lack [01:49:23] of the detail being filled into these spreadsheets, [01:49:26] but this now includes the same amounts, again, [01:49:30] that are in the capital improvement plan. [01:49:33] And Robert's looking at some of this for the first time. [01:49:36] This is the version that's in the budget, [01:49:40] but it incorporates all the projects [01:49:42] that are in your capital improvement plan. [01:49:45] Would you just make sure on some of the grammatical things, [01:49:48] some of the spelling on some of the, [01:49:49] like the word public isn't spelled correctly, [01:49:52] it's Pulick, and then there's Martin, [01:49:55] Martin Plant, North Bay Hospital. [01:49:59] I mean, we're getting ready to go celebrate [01:50:02] an anniversary with them in a couple of weeks, [01:50:04] and I didn't know we had the Martons here. [01:50:06] I knew we had Morton Plant. [01:50:08] Yeah, that's the second time [01:50:09] you've had to bring that up, too, isn't it? [01:50:10] That was a year ago, wasn't it? [01:50:11] Well, you know, at least, [01:50:14] and I don't believe that's the way you spell Massachusetts. [01:50:16] I'm not positive. [01:50:17] I'm from Florida. [01:50:18] I was born in Naples, Florida, [01:50:20] but I don't think it's how you spell Massachusetts. [01:50:22] They do it, Gulf High. [01:50:25] Now, now. [01:50:25] Well, if that was Gulf High, it would be M-A Avenue. [01:50:30] That's how it would be. [01:50:32] Well, it's a lot better than if we had texted it to you. [01:50:36] That's all I can say. [01:50:37] Thank you. [01:50:38] If you texted to it, it would spell it correctly. [01:50:40] And it's not an emergency road repair. [01:50:43] I think it is emergency road repair, so. [01:50:46] It's got to be on the next slide, Crystal. [01:50:48] I think that's when, after we skip the lunch, I think. [01:50:54] Emerge, in urgency, in urgency. [01:50:59] Okay, we got you. [01:51:01] Okay. [01:51:01] Thank you. [01:51:02] I think that has something to do with- [01:51:03] We were so concentrating on the numbers, [01:51:05] I think we might have missed on the spelling. [01:51:07] Really, you're going down that road? [01:51:08] Well, it's got to be. [01:51:10] I mean, you got a better explanation? [01:51:17] All right, so the- [01:51:18] I'm leaving that alone there, I'm sorry. [01:51:20] I don't know if Bernie's wanting me to come over there, [01:51:22] or if it's just hot over there. [01:51:32] We may want to- [01:51:33] Bernie, it's not any better up here [01:51:34] underneath these lights, either. [01:51:35] You know, we got to, we got to- [01:51:37] We may want to add a capital expenditure purchase [01:51:40] for ceiling fans in this place. [01:51:42] It is hot. [01:51:43] Okay. [01:51:44] What is a water activity? [01:51:46] Back one? [01:51:49] No, the last one. [01:51:50] The water activity center? [01:51:52] That's been- [01:51:53] Waterfront activity center, by the way. [01:51:54] That's what we were talking about earlier. [01:51:55] That's going to come out. [01:51:56] That'll be moved to a- [01:51:58] That's going to move. [01:51:58] Yeah. [01:51:59] And that's going to wait for somebody [01:52:00] with money to come in and suggest something [01:52:02] that they can put- [01:52:03] Oh, that's the $150,000 that you're getting. [01:52:06] Put in Mario's pocket, or whatever. [01:52:10] Okay, we can slide on through all of these now [01:52:13] to see if we got some good summaries. [01:52:14] I think you all are probably ready [01:52:16] to have us try to wrap it up. [01:52:18] Is the street sweepers at the silence or on it? [01:52:22] So at this point, there are, in your book- [01:52:26] No, it's the floor in front of us. [01:52:28] Additional funds that have not been identified. [01:52:33] And if I could turn, we were going to ask [01:52:35] for public comment, is that right, Mr. Mayor? [01:52:38] Yes, sir. [01:52:39] We have finally managed to get to that point. [01:52:45] This is resolution number 2015-14, [01:52:49] Resolution City New Port Richey-Pasco County [01:52:52] Adopting a Tentative Operating Budget [01:52:54] for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 [01:52:57] and the Capital Improvement Program [01:52:59] for Fiscal Year 2015-16, providing for an effective date. [01:53:04] And if there is anyone who is still awake with us [01:53:07] in the audience that would like to address council on this, [01:53:11] this is a public hearing and you are welcome [01:53:13] to come forward and talk. [01:53:16] Seeing no one racing forward, [01:53:19] I'm going to close the public hearing [01:53:22] and bring this matter back to council. [01:53:27] Move for approval. [01:53:28] We have a motion. [01:53:29] Second. [01:53:30] And a second to the maker. [01:53:33] The only question I have is, [01:53:37] how will we address if we are, [01:53:40] between now and the next meeting, [01:53:42] if we find items that we would like to discuss [01:53:45] to reduce out of the budget, [01:53:49] to drive a lower millage rate, [01:53:51] how would you like for us to effective that? [01:53:53] You could submit them to me. [01:53:55] That'd be fine. [01:53:56] Okay. [01:53:57] In addition, we'd be happy to try to recommend some areas [01:54:01] to that we would suggest that you would. [01:54:03] And I'd like, as they become available, [01:54:07] as a team up here, that we get our team members' opinions. [01:54:12] So, you know, before the 22nd, [01:54:16] you know, I mean, if it can be in your weekly meeting. [01:54:19] How do we do that? [01:54:20] Weekly note. [01:54:21] You know, that, you know, [01:54:22] so we've come up with these different places, [01:54:25] so we're getting them every Friday. [01:54:26] She has to facilitate it. [01:54:27] Yeah, if she could put something in there. [01:54:29] Individually. [01:54:30] Right, but she can't say, [01:54:31] hey, Chopper thinks we should drop this, right? [01:54:33] No, no, but she can say these. [01:54:34] What do you think about possibly doing this? [01:54:36] Yeah, these have been places that we've looked at. [01:54:39] I don't care if it comes from us, it comes from them. [01:54:41] Are we looking at a couple of points on this? [01:54:45] Yeah, I think that's something to achieve for. [01:54:50] That would be about $100,000. [01:54:52] That's correct, yes, sir. [01:54:54] So that's Assistant City Manager's $100,000 [01:54:57] with the benefits. [01:54:59] All right, well, let's see if we can find [01:55:04] find some ideas for that then. [01:55:05] And it would be nice if, [01:55:07] as you talk to the department heads [01:55:09] and your finance staff, you can. [01:55:11] Well, this is always like a different, [01:55:14] because we can't speak outside the meetings, [01:55:16] obviously, Councilman Davis is opposed to the Assistant [01:55:19] to the City Manager position. [01:55:21] Is that something we want to discuss now or at the meeting [01:55:23] or we're just going to vote on the overall budget or? [01:55:28] I mean, it's $72,000. [01:55:30] Plus benefits, it's about $100,000. [01:55:33] I mean, I'd love to see it next year. [01:55:35] I'd love to see us back on track. [01:55:37] But, you know, I think the citizens, [01:55:39] after this many years, need a break. [01:55:41] And there's an easy $100,000 right there. [01:55:43] Well, we could also take $100,000 [01:55:45] out of the waterfront facilities [01:55:46] and just fund $50,000 towards a grant. [01:55:49] You know, the neighborhood grants as well. [01:55:51] If we could come up with some alternatives. [01:55:56] Other additions. [01:55:57] That's fine. [01:55:58] The other thing is, I don't know that the position's [01:56:02] been totally defined as to what the cost benefits are. [01:56:08] Because, you know, since we're talking about it, [01:56:12] my thought is, if we wait another year to get started, [01:56:16] then we're actually two years behind. [01:56:18] And I think there are items that should be looked at, [01:56:24] along with all the other things that we've been doing. [01:56:27] Just for sake of conversation is, obviously, [01:56:32] possibly an annexation program [01:56:35] that would have some benchmarks. [01:56:37] Because, obviously, that would add to the ad valorem side. [01:56:41] Over and above that, you know, [01:56:44] the ability to focus in our neighborhoods [01:56:48] from a technical standpoint. [01:56:51] So, I know Ms. Manns has kind of mentioned [01:56:54] that some of the qualifications. [01:56:55] I just don't want to dismiss it without further defining it. [01:56:59] Yeah. [01:57:00] Okay, then I'd need definitely a more concrete [01:57:03] what this person's going to do. [01:57:05] I think that would be good. [01:57:06] And one of the things... [01:57:07] Because just terms like grants and, you know, [01:57:10] whatever, whatever is not a good enough answer. [01:57:13] One of the discussions... [01:57:13] Negotiations. [01:57:15] One of the discussions Ms. Manns and I had had [01:57:18] when she first broached, [01:57:19] would this be something that we might entertain, [01:57:24] was that, ultimately, this person could well be going out [01:57:28] and doing grant work that would actually generate money [01:57:34] that would cover not only their position, [01:57:36] but, hopefully, some of the other projects we're doing. [01:57:38] It probably wouldn't hurt for us [01:57:40] to get a better definition of what... [01:57:42] Then let's also investigate the person [01:57:44] that you're interested in doing, [01:57:45] the Greater Downtown New Parichi. [01:57:47] That, you know, that position, too. [01:57:52] Because that, you know, we had a very talented person [01:57:57] doing it almost on a part-time basis. [01:58:00] Good enough. [01:58:01] I mean, I trust you. [01:58:02] I think you're... [01:58:05] It's tough for me to get an appointment with you. [01:58:07] You work hard. [01:58:08] You do a lot. [01:58:08] I don't think you're just asking for 72 grand [01:58:10] to have someone come in to the phone for you, by any means. [01:58:13] The return on investment, I think, [01:58:14] could be much greater than $72,000. [01:58:17] It could also be someone that we keep in our staff [01:58:21] for the next 10 years [01:58:22] that we could possibly look into taking over, [01:58:24] you know, once you're ready to move on. [01:58:27] So, if you could just... [01:58:29] I will. [01:58:30] You know, break it down a little. [01:58:31] But I'm definitely not opposed to it. [01:58:33] And I don't think you'd be asking for it [01:58:34] unless you thought it would be beneficial for the city. [01:58:37] If I might say that, [01:58:39] I don't think there's any more difficult thing to do [01:58:41] than to... [01:58:42] Well, first of all, let me preface it by saying [01:58:45] I've been impressed this past year [01:58:47] with what Ms. Manns has accomplished. [01:58:49] And I don't think there's anything more difficult [01:58:52] than trying to have the position of leadership [01:58:55] and not having either the help or the assistance... [01:59:01] And the time. [01:59:01] And the time, yes. [01:59:03] So, I would say that, you know, coming at it, [01:59:06] I'm not sure that it needs to be a $72,000 a year position, [01:59:10] but with that said, you know, you get what you pay for. [01:59:13] And I would say that if it enhances Ms. Manns' ability [01:59:19] to do more and to accomplish more, [01:59:21] then I would certainly entertain the opportunity [01:59:24] for her to have an assistant that would fit that bill. [01:59:28] Right, and as far as the salary goes, [01:59:29] let's not forget the steps in the process [01:59:31] that we went through when I first came on council [01:59:34] was trying to find a good candidate [01:59:36] for the city manager position. [01:59:38] And, you know, like you just said, nail on the head, [01:59:40] I said it back then, [01:59:41] and I think other members did as well, [01:59:43] that you get what you pay for. [01:59:43] And when we increased her salary [01:59:45] for that city manager position, [01:59:47] the candidates became much more, [01:59:51] much more what we're looking for. [01:59:53] Qualified. Qualified. [01:59:54] Yes, and I greatly appreciate the fact [01:59:58] that the council did that. [02:00:00] So we wound up with a good one. [02:00:02] And over and above that, I believe that it speaks well for the steps we took, [02:00:08] because obviously defining what Mario has done is one thing, [02:00:14] but now we've seen that, and obviously we're able to direct our approach. [02:00:20] We're not shotgunning with a lot of things. [02:00:24] We're being more strategic, and for each one of those strategic moves, [02:00:29] that basically raises what I call the tide, and it raises it across the board, [02:00:35] which is net in, as well as if you do it from a grant perspective also, [02:00:41] tandemly, I think what you end up having is we're ahead of the game [02:00:46] instead of trying to play catch-up against other cities. [02:00:48] And I think that's where we need to be today to make that next step, [02:00:53] and sometimes you have to spend a little money to have that plan in place, [02:00:58] and I know it's kind of, that's my thought. [02:01:01] I think that's a good point. [02:01:03] So, Ms. Manns, if you could work with staff in the ideas, [02:01:08] anybody from council might want to toss your way as well, [02:01:11] on ways to come up with that savings in the budget [02:01:16] that would let us drop the millage rate at the next public hearing, [02:01:20] which will be in two weeks, that would be great. [02:01:24] And also, if you could perhaps a little better define [02:01:28] what you would see this assistant to the city manager doing. [02:01:33] I think that would give us a good idea. [02:01:37] I don't want us to dismiss the idea out of hand. [02:01:42] I think it's worth considering, particularly, we respect your recommendations, [02:01:49] but it is a new-to-us position, much as the councilman mentioned [02:01:55] when we went out and hired an economic development director. [02:02:00] That was something totally new, which has paid off in wonderful ways. [02:02:08] So, it's one of those, let's think a little outside what we've always done. [02:02:13] Just give us something to go with. [02:02:15] I will prepare something. [02:02:16] Ms. Manns, the only other thing that wasn't covered in the budget, [02:02:19] it's a moving target, I know, but do we have any idea [02:02:26] what might be some of the rollover savings or some of the rollover funds [02:02:31] that aren't identified in this budget that will be carried over from this year into next? [02:02:37] Turn your attention to page three of the teal or whatever color it is book, [02:02:42] where you see the prior year fund balance unassigned in the second-to-right column. [02:02:55] At the bottom, you see $415,000 that was used from the fixed asset replacement fund, [02:03:05] but our estimate is that rather than spending $900,000 of reserves [02:03:10] that you had budgeted, that you will spend no reserves. [02:03:15] So, it gets to the point, Councilman, where some divisions have budget increases. [02:03:20] Mine, for example, with the audit, you're going to see a budget increase this year. [02:03:24] Others have saved money, but back and forth and between the estimates [02:03:30] that we have of revenues coming in, we're basically suggesting you have a break-even budget. [02:03:38] And we have used the last of the fixed asset reserves, [02:03:40] so your capital improvement plan takes it from there. [02:03:43] But the budget that's being presented to you tonight does not use any reserves. [02:03:48] So, you know, this is a balanced budget for the use of reserves. [02:03:53] The only caveat is that the interlocal agreement between the general fund and the CRA, [02:03:58] this goes back to Councilman Davis's comments again, that there is a further, [02:04:07] there is a further advance into the CRA of funds. [02:04:10] At the same time, there's money coming out of it, [02:04:13] and that's just a transfer or a loan between the two entities. [02:04:18] That affects your available reserves, but bottom line is it's a balanced budget. [02:04:25] Councilman Phillips, I don't know if I answered the question you were asking, [02:04:27] but some departments had a surplus, some didn't. [02:04:33] Almost all that had a surplus were able to backfill the use of reserves with that surplus. [02:04:38] That extra money that's not being used could well cover that 100%. [02:04:43] Many things, many things. [02:04:47] Any further discussion on the budget this evening? [02:04:52] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:04:55] Aye. [02:04:56] Opposed, like sign. [02:04:58] Okay. [02:05:00] Budget passes 4-1. [02:05:03] We are now to that favorite part of the evening communications and reports.

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7. 5Communications▶ 2:05:05
8. 6Adjournment