On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   The Mayor confirmed a quorum and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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   [00:00:12] Very good. We have a quorum, so I'm going to ask you all to please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   Moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

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   [00:00:17] Remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:23] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America [00:00:27] and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, [00:00:33] with liberty and justice for all. [00:00:39] Thank you. You may be seated.

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4. 4.a

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Pavement Management Program” — transcript expanded below

   First Public Hearing - FY20-21 Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program

   approved

   City Manager Debbie Manz and Finance Director Crystal Feast presented the FY 2020-21 proposed operating budget ($24,203,600 general fund; $77,545,400 citywide) and Capital Improvement Program ($23,717,000), maintaining the millage rate at 8.7500 mills. Council adopted Resolution 2020-2048 setting the tentative millage and approved the tentative budget on first reading, with discussion of COVID-19 revenue impacts, staffing reductions (11 unfunded positions), the CRA loan repayment, and Councilman Bridges' recurring concern about Chamber of Commerce rent.

   • vote:Adopt Resolution 2020-2048 establishing the tentative millage rate at 8.7500 mills. (passed)
   • vote:Approve the tentative FY 2020-21 operating budget and Capital Improvement Program on first reading. (passed)

   🏢Chamber of Commerce🏢Pasco County Property Appraiser🏢World Health Organization👤Bridges👤Crystal Feast👤Debbie Manz👤Mr. Christopher👤Mr. Driscoll👤Nathan#COVID-19 revenue impacts#CRA TIF transfer#Capital Improvement Program#Certificate of Occupancy program#FY 2020-21 Operating Budget#General Fund Balance Policy (15%)#Pavement Management Program#Resolution 2020-2048

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   [00:00:43] We have one item on the agenda tonight, which is a public hearing on the operating and capital expenditure budgets. [00:00:50] Ms. Manz, take it away. [00:00:52] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's a pleasure to be able to present to you the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget. [00:01:01] The budget itself supports the direction that is established by you, the members of the City Council, [00:01:09] and represents many months of work. [00:01:16] In the case of this year's budget, maybe even a little bit more intensity than is typically the case. [00:01:23] The budget was developed in accordance with our city charter, along with the annual budget calendar. [00:01:33] I actually have a, I forgot I had a PowerPoint to turn on to you. [00:01:38] No? Are you doing it or am I? [00:01:41] Oh, you got it. You're better at it than I am, so thank you, Nathan. [00:01:47] The budget calendar and the financial management policies of the city. [00:01:51] The operating budget represents an effort to balance not only the current projects of the city, [00:01:59] but future priorities, needs, and initiatives of the city against what we expect to be the projected available resources. [00:02:08] That being said, things changed for us as other cities on March 11th when COVID-19 was declared by the World Health Organization as a pandemic. [00:02:26] The pandemic has had considerable impacts on global markets and supply chains, businesses, and communities, [00:02:38] and it will impact our budget without question as a result of the fact that we have had to spend a lot of funding on emergency services, [00:02:52] and we've been short-staffed as a result of some COVID-related sickness in the workplace. [00:02:59] While the full financial impact is unknown at this time, we have planned for an economic downturn with additional projected revenue reductions in 2020 and 2021, [00:03:15] and resultantly we have reduced costs. [00:03:18] To put it in its simplest terms, some of our more traditional sources of revenue have been challenged. [00:03:29] In specific respect to state revenues, we've lost almost a million dollars. [00:03:36] That is a part of our general fund budget, and in addition to the revenues. [00:03:44] The framework for this budget, I would say, is based on three significance. [00:03:51] The first is our fiscal health and accountability. [00:03:54] We have estimated the city's revenues conservatively. [00:04:00] We are in full compliance with the city's general fund balance policy. [00:04:05] We have minimized staff increases by not only reclassifying and reorganizing operations where appropriate, [00:04:14] with very limited exception, the only increases in staff that we are proposing are in fact self-sustaining as a result of some additional revenue. [00:04:26] We have limited the growth in operating expenses by analyzing services and programs to ensure that they're all implemented efficiently and effectively. [00:04:36] And we have provided funding for a fiscally appropriate wage increase in the amount of 1.5% for all employees, [00:04:46] with the exception of department and division heads, who I'm sure you will recall, are compensated on a performance-related criteria system. [00:04:56] We will also be studying the future of traditional revenues and seeking non-traditional sources of revenue. [00:05:03] As our expectation is, not only will the state continue to pass along reductions in our traditional sources of revenue, [00:05:15] as a result of COVID-19, one of our larger sources of revenue, which is property tax, is also in question, [00:05:23] since there in all likelihood will be people that are unable to pay their taxes on a timely basis. [00:05:33] The other priority, which has been a priority for you through the city's strategic plan, is community engagement. [00:05:41] And we will continue to provide support and outreach for meetings of the council, boards and committee, [00:05:48] and any task forces that need to be convened. [00:05:52] We'll maximize face-to-face interactions with residents and businesses, [00:05:57] and we'll effectively and proactively communicate with the public leveraging of media outlets and methods of contact. [00:06:05] We'll continue to provide community events and seek engagement opportunities at events, [00:06:10] and recognize and celebrate with regularity the city's successes. [00:06:15] The third principle, which has been expressed to me by you, is the importance of customer service. [00:06:24] And in that regard, we'll continually assess all programs for purpose and value both. [00:06:30] We'll develop a performance data performance platform and associated analytics, [00:06:37] leverage technology to increase efficiencies, and continue to strive for the best in public service. [00:06:46] In respect to the structure of the budget, we practice what is called fund accounting. [00:06:53] And the fund is a self-containing accounting entity with its own assets, liabilities, revenues, expenditures, and fund balances. [00:07:04] And the city maintains operating capital and trust funds, all of which fall into one of three categories, [00:07:10] either governmental funds, proprietary funds, or fiduciary funds. [00:07:18] And our budgets are used internally and externally, and they are a force of law, [00:07:23] and that funds must be used in accordance with laws and regulations. [00:07:27] One of the most frequent questions that I'm asked as the city manager is, you know, [00:07:33] why, if we are, you know, not providing more cost of living increases, are we building roads? [00:07:42] And that's for the very reason that we have different funding sources for different purposes. [00:07:48] All budgets include both an estimate of what revenue sources are, as well as expenditure. [00:07:55] And the budget, in short, establishes a spending plan for a year, [00:08:00] and may only be adjusted by you, the city council, during the year to reflect any new opportunities [00:08:08] or changes in circumstances that might be appropriate. [00:08:14] The general fund balance is one of the best indicators of the city's financial strength. [00:08:21] Each year, there's a focus on ensuring that there are sufficient fund balances [00:08:26] to provide necessary funding for unanticipated needs, as well as opportunities, [00:08:33] and to ensure that we'll have a satisfactory cash flow. [00:08:37] This year, the city's general fund balance equals 15% of the general fund expenditures, [00:08:42] which is an acceptable level, but it should be increased in future years [00:08:48] to mitigate against what I believe could be the city's vulnerability to fluctuations in revenue sources. [00:08:56] The size of the general fund budget is $24,203,600. [00:09:08] And on July 1st, the Pasco County Property Appraiser provided an estimate of values, [00:09:18] which indicated an increase of values in the city of 5.9%. [00:09:24] The total taxable property value then was increased to $6,062,331,521 in 2020. [00:09:42] And just for your information, I thought it would be important to note [00:09:48] that 54% of our just value of property is residential, [00:09:53] 28% of our total value is commercial property, [00:09:58] 8% is governmental or institutional property, [00:10:03] and our personal property values equate to only 8.5% of the total. [00:10:08] The proposed budget that we have before you this evening, [00:10:13] which has been introduced to you in great detail in other sessions, [00:10:18] is based on a property tax rate of 8.7500 mills, which is the same rate from last year. [00:10:27] I recognize fully that it has been your priority to reduce the millage rate each and every year, [00:10:39] and we've been able to do so for six years. [00:10:43] This year, based on the fact that we've lost so much revenue, [00:10:50] I didn't think it was appropriate or prudent to be able to recommend a reduction to you, [00:10:56] particularly in lieu of the fact that we've had to make some very difficult choices this year, [00:11:02] and some of them have affected some staff that we would very much have liked to have continued positions. [00:11:12] Can we go back to that one back? [00:11:15] We sure can. [00:11:16] Where is the hospital in those three choices? [00:11:19] Well, they're tax exempt. [00:11:22] Right, that's why I asked that. [00:11:24] And they're actually... [00:11:27] That's an institutional property then? [00:11:29] Yes, it is. Thank you. [00:11:32] All right, roll it forward, folks. [00:11:36] So that being said, several staffing changes are proposed in the operating budget, [00:11:42] which in total reflects a decrease of 8.13 full-time equivalent employees [00:11:49] and 3.73 full-time equivalent positions that will be funded for only six months of the year. [00:11:57] That will be the second six months of the fiscal year. [00:12:07] To provide services, we, of course, need staff. [00:12:13] And as part of the development of the budget document, [00:12:17] we do review and determine each year that the staffing levels are structured [00:12:22] to reflect the current needs of the city and the changing needs of the community. [00:12:27] In respect to the 2020-2021 budget, [00:12:32] we are recommending the addition of a technology solutions specialist, [00:12:37] which will only be funded for six months of the year. [00:12:41] We are converting a part-time to a full-time status. [00:12:46] Two positions in the city. [00:12:48] One, the aquatic supervisor and an accounting clerk. [00:12:52] We have increased the hours of our head lifeguard position by 14 hours per week to 29 hours. [00:13:02] We are recommending that we fund for six months a part-time building inspector [00:13:10] and an administrative clerk, [00:13:12] both of which will be used in conjunction with the certificate of occupancy program. [00:13:21] And we believe that it is essential that we provide all of these positions [00:13:31] in order to staff your vision for the city as outlined in the strategic plan. [00:13:43] We're going the wrong way. [00:13:47] So, in addition, this year several staffing changes are being proposed [00:13:52] to protect the adequacy of the city's general fund. [00:13:55] These changes are being accomplished through use of several approaches, [00:14:00] which are attrition, reclassification of positions, [00:14:05] and as demonstrated, funding positions for only a portion of the fiscal year. [00:14:11] A total of 11 positions are not funded and three positions are funded for only six months. [00:14:20] The proposed 2020 operating budget also continues the provision of continued group health care insurance [00:14:28] for full-time employees and retirees of the city. [00:14:32] This year the premiums associated with the benefit have increased by 4.9%. [00:14:38] The premium increase was shared by employees and the employer [00:14:48] in order to be able to pass along the 1.5% cost of living increase [00:14:55] that we're recommending for the general employees of the city. [00:15:00] The 2020 Operating Budget allocates resources recognizing all of these as commitments and [00:15:08] exercising strong fiscal responsibility. [00:15:13] I would like at this time to thank Crystal Feast and the department heads for being appropriate [00:15:19] and prudent in their requests for their work on the budget and Mrs. Feast has a presentation [00:15:25] on some of more of the specifics of the budget than what I've provided to you in my address. [00:15:33] Good evening, I'll wait for Nathan. [00:15:49] Thank you. [00:15:50] As the city manager mentioned, over the last few months we've had several work sessions [00:15:58] that went where we were able to go into great detail of the budget being presented tonight. [00:16:05] Each department budget was reviewed and all capital projects were brought to you for consideration [00:16:10] then. [00:16:11] So tonight I will provide you with a high level review of that and point out some key [00:16:16] highlights from the budget. [00:16:22] The citywide budget across all funds totals $77,545,400. [00:16:29] It's broken up by fund and that's what's being displayed here. [00:16:34] As always, the two largest funds are the general fund which total $24,203,600 and the water [00:16:42] and sewer fund which totals $25,663,420. [00:16:49] The next slide provides the same breakout but by percentage and you can see that it [00:16:54] displays again the water and sewer totaling 37 or making up 37% of the budget. [00:17:02] General fund making up 35%. [00:17:06] We have coming in at 12% the capital improvement fund, storm water utilities at 7%, street [00:17:14] improvement fund is at 4% and our remaining funds which are the street light, debt service [00:17:20] and central garage make up the rest. [00:17:29] The general fund which houses the majority of our departments, like I mentioned before, [00:17:35] totals $24,203,600. [00:17:40] What's listed here is the breakout by department. [00:17:44] Our largest departments which are public safety, our police and fire, make up the majority [00:17:50] of the budget. [00:17:52] Police coming in at 34.8% of the general fund budget, fire coming in at 13.9%. [00:18:00] Public works which is our public works supervision, facilities maintenance, grounds maintenance [00:18:06] which handles the parks and our streets and right of ways makes up 12.1% of the general [00:18:11] fund budget. [00:18:14] And the other department that makes up the five largest departments is finance coming [00:18:20] in at 4.6%. [00:18:28] One of the items on the agenda is to approve resolution 2048 which establishes the tentative [00:18:35] millage rate and staff is proposing 8.75 mills which is the same as last year. [00:18:43] The slide here provides you with an illustration of the millage rate over the last 10 years [00:18:49] and you'll see that the highest was in 2013 at 9.5799 mills and then in 2011 at 8.1037. [00:19:00] So the millage being proposed tonight falls somewhat in the middle of that but we're still [00:19:05] on a downward trend compared to the highest point in 2013. [00:19:17] In order to manage the anticipated revenue reductions for next year, there were several [00:19:23] personnel changes. [00:19:25] This is just a summary of what the city manager has already described to you. [00:19:29] We have 11 positions that aren't funded in the next year's budget which totals 8.13 full [00:19:36] time equivalent. [00:19:38] And I want to point out that the majority of these positions are currently vacant. [00:19:42] So it's not like we're, you know, it's not someone losing their position. [00:19:50] The majority of them are already vacant. [00:19:53] Three positions will be funded for half of the fiscal year. [00:19:56] Three new positions will be added but funded for half of the fiscal year. [00:20:00] And two positions will be increased from part time to full time. [00:20:08] The capital improvement program being proposed tonight totals $23,717,000. [00:20:15] The list here is broken out by category. [00:20:18] We have some general capital projects which total $72,000. [00:20:23] Our stormwater projects total $305,000. [00:20:27] Parks and Rec at $745,000. [00:20:31] Public safety and public facility projects total $5.2 million. [00:20:36] Transportation comes in at $1,375,000. [00:20:40] Our water and sewer projects come in at almost $6.5 million and the majority of those are [00:20:46] funded by bond proceeds that we've already received. [00:20:51] Redevelopment projects come in at $7 million and that does include our parking garage. [00:20:56] And street improvement projects total in at approximately $2.5 million. [00:21:08] The final slide is an overview of the general fund and it demonstrates that we were able [00:21:14] to balance the general fund without the use of prior year fund balance or prior year reserves. [00:21:20] So that means that the total expected revenues is enough to cover the projected expenditures [00:21:26] in the budget. [00:21:28] Department budgets, I'm sorry, expected revenues total $24,203,600. [00:21:34] Our department budget expenditures total $21,724,940. [00:21:41] We have reserves set at $295,000 and we have a plan transfer out of $2,183,660. [00:21:51] And those transfers out include $325,000 going to the street improvement fund for the pavement [00:21:58] management program and the rest of it going to the CRA for TIF. [00:22:06] And that will conclude my presentation. [00:22:08] I will take questions and then turn it over to the mayor to approve the resolutions. [00:22:11] Are there any questions for Crystal? [00:22:12] Are we going to have any money left over from this year? [00:22:18] It's very tight this year based on the fact that we've lost so much revenue and some of [00:22:26] our operational expenses have been higher as a result of COVID-19. [00:22:32] Mr. Christopher, you can say something if you want. [00:22:37] I can just add that each year, the general fund balance has been enough to meet the 15% [00:22:48] emergency fund requirement that we have set in policy. [00:22:52] And last year, fiscal year 19, we ended with about $282,000 in just unrestricted, undesignated [00:23:01] fund balance. [00:23:02] This year, as city manager mentioned, it is going to be tight. [00:23:06] And so, of course, we want to try to increase that fund balance. [00:23:10] You know, we're meeting our policy requirement, but we don't have enough unrestricted, in [00:23:17] my opinion, and we want to build that. [00:23:19] So if we can balance the budget without using any of that unrestricted or undesignated fund [00:23:23] balance, I think we should do that. [00:23:25] And so that's the plan. [00:23:27] Mr. Driscoll, question from the peanut gallery. [00:23:32] Am I correct we need to adopt the millage rate first and then the budget? [00:23:36] Correct. [00:23:37] I'll need to read both of them. [00:23:38] I thought you might. [00:23:40] Any other questions before we have him do that? [00:23:42] Please. [00:23:43] Yeah. [00:23:44] You have a question. [00:23:45] Go ahead. [00:23:46] Yeah. [00:23:47] I mean, we're being provided a budget with an awful lot of different elements to it. [00:23:52] So first of all, to the general fund transfer out that you talked about for the pavement [00:23:59] management, do your general fund dollars incorporate these other non-proprietary funds [00:24:05] into them on the revenue side? [00:24:07] Because I look at the street improvement fund and I see the expenses there, including the [00:24:15] local option gas tax and the revenue for the special assessments on streets. [00:24:23] So why would the general fund be transferring money out? [00:24:32] When the pavement management program was approved, that was part of what was approved, that the [00:24:38] general fund obligated $200,000 a year to go to the pavement management program. [00:24:44] And then the other $125,000 is an estimate, but that is the garbage hauling franchise [00:24:49] fee that we collect each year in the general fund. [00:24:51] That's transferred over to the street improvement fund. [00:24:53] I may be able to amplify that a little bit. [00:24:55] As I recall, Chopper was the one that brought this up, that if we were going to charge a [00:25:01] pavement assessment, that 100% of the pavement assessment needed to go towards asphalt and [00:25:09] not for operating the thing. [00:25:10] Well, and that was the whole thing of taking the money from the waste haulers too, because [00:25:15] it was road damage, and it's one of the reasons we wanted that. [00:25:19] Should I see the general fund transfer slide again? [00:25:22] I don't know if I had a slide specifically. [00:25:28] Well, you had a listing of what was going on. [00:25:32] Right here. [00:25:33] What's with that CRA? [00:25:36] It's not this slide, I think. [00:25:42] I see the $325,000 there, but when I'm looking at the document that you provided, you're [00:25:49] saying... [00:25:50] And I guess this is going to the capital... [00:25:52] So that's what's coming in to the general fund. [00:25:59] Transfers out, $2.183 million. [00:26:02] That's the one I'm looking for. [00:26:05] The CRA TIF money, that's just the tax money going back out again. [00:26:09] So I'm just going to reassert a couple things from the budget message while we're in the [00:26:15] public hearing, seeing one member of the public here, but maybe some are also watching, but [00:26:23] there was little mention or no mention of the CRA loan payment as an additional revenue [00:26:30] source this year. [00:26:31] I do see that you've got $600,000 or so in there. [00:26:34] Is that reflecting the annual payment on that debt? [00:26:38] Yes. [00:26:39] And does that include the interest? [00:26:40] Yes. [00:26:41] So you also have an interest category in your budget, but you don't post it to interest [00:26:47] and separate the repayment to principal on the form. [00:26:51] You have interest from other places, but not... [00:26:54] Since it's a transfer from an interdepartmental fund or a city fund, it's listed as a transfer, [00:27:01] as revenue, but as a transfer, not as interest revenue. [00:27:07] But the city's charging interest, and so there's a component of interest to it. [00:27:10] It is. [00:27:11] This is recognized on some level in the accounting, I'm assuming, right? [00:27:15] I mean, you've got the liability and the asset, and you just match that up behind the scenes [00:27:23] then? [00:27:24] Right. [00:27:25] Yeah. [00:27:26] A comment was also made by Debbie that the taxes are not always paid, worry about the [00:27:32] economy and for people who don't pay their taxes on a timely basis. [00:27:37] I'm one of those people over the years that hasn't, but I know every time when this time [00:27:42] of year passes that the city gets its tax money. [00:27:45] So I really don't see that as an issue, unless you're thinking that people will stop buying [00:27:50] the tax certificates, because tax certificates are sold every year. [00:27:54] So if we put something on the tax roll, the money comes to the city. [00:27:58] The investor of the tax certificate gets the interest, and the tax collector has to [00:28:03] pay that investor back. [00:28:05] Does someone think I'm incorrect on that score? [00:28:08] No, I agree with you. [00:28:12] It's getting our money in a timely fashion, though. [00:28:14] Right, exactly. [00:28:15] That's exactly what it is. [00:28:16] Well, yeah. [00:28:17] November, it's better than April or May. [00:28:20] It's just a cash flow issue. [00:28:24] But it's in the current year, so it's not like we won't get our money in the year in [00:28:28] which we put the budget out, because we should get all of our money, unless things really [00:28:32] go south and people stop buying the tax certificates, which is just a minuscule amount compared [00:28:37] to the value of all of our real estate in town, I think. [00:28:40] So I don't see that as an issue, but I guess it's all a matter. [00:28:46] Also I see the rent from the Chamber is in here for $5,400, and not for nothing, but [00:28:54] I just have to bring it up every time that I think that there's a lot more value to [00:28:58] the city economically and tax-wise than getting the rent from there. [00:29:01] And I know it's a sore spot. [00:29:03] Some don't maybe agree with me. [00:29:04] I brought it up several times. [00:29:06] I don't know how many more times I'll need to bring it up. [00:29:08] I agree with you, Councilman. [00:29:09] Yeah, okay. [00:29:10] So we've got two of us, and one that doesn't. [00:29:12] So I'm thinking that, you know, it's up to the other two of you at some point to weigh [00:29:17] it. [00:29:18] We can make better use of it, yeah. [00:29:19] So in any case, it looks like we're going to increase their rent. [00:29:24] I just don't think it's fair to somebody to play them along when we know that we ought [00:29:27] to get them prepared to start making some plans. [00:29:30] And if they want to stay in the city, maybe there's another spot we can find for them. [00:29:34] But I just want to reiterate that because it is in the budget. [00:29:42] The other issues that are related to the Capital Improvement Fund, will that be under a separate [00:29:47] discussion, or is that part of what we're doing now? [00:29:49] Part of what we're doing now. [00:29:51] Okay, so I'm just going to bring it up again that I mentioned before, we had a good discussion [00:29:56] about it with the downtown parking lot. [00:29:59] With the Duluth. [00:30:00] in the Hacienda and the ability for us to find funds [00:30:04] when we have a project ready. [00:30:08] I would like to ask if we can transfer [00:30:11] that entire project of the overpass [00:30:16] on the Marine Parkway up a year. [00:30:18] It's only got 350,000 for engineering. [00:30:21] If we do the engineering, we're project ready. [00:30:24] Whoever wins government-wise is going to be putting out [00:30:28] a lot of infrastructure projects. [00:30:30] There's transportation money we can go after. [00:30:32] I don't see why we wouldn't push that forward [00:30:35] and hold off on the parking study. [00:30:37] I went back and looked at Mr. Starkey, [00:30:40] not this Mr. Starkey, but not really his brother, [00:30:43] but people think he is, Frank Starkey's parking report [00:30:48] that had 200 and some spaces in town. [00:30:51] We're about to get 200 spaces in our parking garage. [00:30:54] With the shuttle could potentially help. [00:30:57] The place hasn't opened yet. [00:31:00] We're paying for that parking garage out of the CRA. [00:31:04] We should be paying for all parking garages [00:31:06] out of the CRA. [00:31:08] We've started a trend. [00:31:10] I think Penny for PASCO can be used [00:31:17] for the project you're using it for. [00:31:20] But it'd be nice to have that Penny for PASCO money [00:31:24] to help that project. [00:31:27] I'm just going to throw it out there again. [00:31:29] I don't see us authorizing with a new city hall, [00:31:32] a new fire station, a new storage facility, [00:31:36] $5 million in public capital projects [00:31:39] and us doing another six month parking garage [00:31:43] in advance of what else is going on [00:31:47] without knowing who the tenant is. [00:31:49] And all we've been told is that we have sufficient [00:31:52] parking downtown in the current environment. [00:31:56] We're worried about our economics. [00:31:57] I think working towards the tourism element [00:32:00] and putting more money into the effort [00:32:05] to establish our trails across the state [00:32:08] and into Pinellas County is a smart economic thing to do. [00:32:12] So I would like to see if I could get some support [00:32:14] for bumping that project up, [00:32:17] putting the parking lot back a year. [00:32:20] It's always said at this time, [00:32:21] you can amend the budget and change things. [00:32:24] I would not like to start thinking [00:32:26] that we're going to have the city underway immediately [00:32:29] looking to build a parking lot [00:32:31] when we don't know what the development project is. [00:32:34] That's my request. [00:32:35] Excellent points, Mr. Allman. [00:32:36] Anyone else? [00:32:37] Mayor? Yes. [00:32:38] I agree with Councilman Allman on the chamber building. [00:32:40] I have from the start, [00:32:41] I disagree with Councilman Allman on the parking. [00:32:43] We're in the end stages of this project. [00:32:46] It's already been funded. [00:32:47] As I indicated last time we spoke about this, [00:32:50] the overpass is second behind the overpass [00:32:54] at the expressway. [00:32:55] It's before the overpass as far as priority list, the MPO. [00:32:58] I am confident that we're going to be, [00:33:01] have a very good chance of getting state funding, [00:33:03] DOT funding for that project. [00:33:05] So why take a million dollars out of the city budget, [00:33:08] put it towards there, [00:33:09] when I'm confident we can get that money from the state. [00:33:12] And once again, even with the parking garage, [00:33:17] which is going to be used primarily, in my opinion, [00:33:19] for the college and then the hotel, if it does go there. [00:33:24] It's extremely important to me, [00:33:26] and I would assume the city as well, [00:33:28] that we have sufficient parking for the Hacienda. [00:33:31] I know we have the spots allocated, [00:33:32] but I think the Hacienda is going to do really, really well. [00:33:35] That parking lot is in really, really bad shape. [00:33:38] It's not a, it's an eyesore in my opinion, [00:33:40] the way it currently sits. [00:33:43] We're almost done with the project, [00:33:45] and I'm opposed with shifting any of that money [00:33:47] towards overpass. [00:33:48] I do want the overpass for Marine Parkway. [00:33:50] I want the overpass for Marine Parkway [00:33:52] to include golf carts access, [00:33:53] because I can't tell you, [00:33:54] I have a lot of clients at Gulf Harbors, [00:33:56] and they've worked with the county to, [00:34:01] and the Homeowner's Association, [00:34:02] where they can now legally have golf carts [00:34:05] without license plates in Gulf Harbors. [00:34:06] And all of those people are itching, [00:34:08] they're excited they can get to Widow Fletcher's, [00:34:10] but they are itching to get downtown. [00:34:11] So when that project does go, [00:34:13] whoever's on the MPO board, [00:34:15] for some reason I think it's going to be you, [00:34:16] Councilman Altman, [00:34:17] because for my replacement there, [00:34:19] I think you did a good job. [00:34:21] When that project does go, [00:34:22] I do think we should push for golf carts, [00:34:24] just like we did with the underpass, [00:34:25] because they tried to slide that one through [00:34:27] without golf cart access as well. [00:34:28] But it's my opinion that we keep that funding [00:34:31] for the parking lot. [00:34:32] When we get to communications, [00:34:33] don't let me forget to mention the conversation [00:34:36] I had with Gulf Harbors person about golf carts. [00:34:39] But once again, that's just one of the four remainers. [00:34:44] Anything else? [00:34:45] No, let's sort this out if we can. [00:34:47] I mean, it's my only chance to try to get this in, [00:34:49] and I look at nothing changed since the last time. [00:34:52] I would agree with the Deputy Mayor. [00:34:54] I don't want to switch it right now, [00:34:56] particularly if, like you say, [00:34:58] there may be some shovel-ready funding [00:35:01] coming down the pike after the election. [00:35:05] But I certainly would like us to be flexible [00:35:08] if there's an opportunity to fund that. [00:35:11] Again, especially if it's got golf carts across 19, [00:35:15] above, below, or on grade level. [00:35:19] I would certainly entertain it. [00:35:22] We'll know a lot better what our parking situation is [00:35:25] if we can ever get the Gloria Swanson lot finished. [00:35:30] They're once again doing banker hours today. [00:35:34] They show up first thing in the morning, [00:35:36] they work for a couple hours, and then they're gone, [00:35:38] and I can't see any appreciable progress [00:35:41] happening on that parking lot. [00:35:43] It's been weeks. [00:35:45] I'll get a report for you, Mr. Mayor, [00:35:47] on the status of that project. [00:35:49] So, when you say it's nearly complete, [00:35:52] we're nearly done with some design, [00:35:54] and it's my belief that that design [00:35:56] is not gonna be the design that is best [00:35:59] to fit the economic development around it. [00:36:02] And I'm still believing that Nebraska [00:36:04] can go all the way to Lincoln, [00:36:06] and so I'd just hate to build something [00:36:08] without knowing what's going up around it, that's all. [00:36:11] But with Mr. Pruden's property, [00:36:13] he's been sitting on that property for an awful long time. [00:36:15] There's been some ideas thrown around. [00:36:16] I mean, if there were something pending where, [00:36:19] hey, the next two years, we're definitely doing this, [00:36:21] and of course, I would support your idea, [00:36:24] but he's been sitting on the property for a long time. [00:36:26] There's been some ideas thrown around, but nothing. [00:36:29] Also, just to go along with what you're saying, [00:36:31] there's the county, once the county abandons [00:36:34] or does whatever they're doing in the old bank building, [00:36:36] the health department there, [00:36:37] that's gonna open up a lot of spots that they're using now [00:36:40] that we'll be able to use, too. [00:36:42] And their parking there in the evening [00:36:45] is when we really need the parking spots. [00:36:48] And then I also think that if we work with the Hacienda, [00:36:52] especially their employees, [00:36:53] that we have them park over at the new parking structure [00:36:57] and walk the two blocks to work, [00:36:59] that that might help out in Gloria Swanson lot, too. [00:37:02] Or to use the shuttle, like Mr. Altman has suggested. [00:37:07] You coming to the dark side with me, [00:37:08] or are you gonna be, you know? [00:37:10] My only hesitation, well, not my only, [00:37:15] but with moving up the overpass project [00:37:21] would be if it goes before the state, [00:37:23] it goes before in legislative session, [00:37:25] and it's not ready, it's gonna get kicked out. [00:37:28] And I know that they're gonna kick it out [00:37:30] if we don't have the right-of-ways acquired yet. [00:37:35] And so that's already been told to us. [00:37:38] I don't think we're there yet. [00:37:40] So I hate to put the project ahead [00:37:43] and then for it to get kicked back again [00:37:45] and have that money not being used. [00:37:50] That's my biggest hesitation. [00:37:52] I would agree, but if you look at the priorities [00:37:54] of the city right now, that parking lot's [00:37:57] before that overpass, in my opinion. [00:37:58] Yeah. [00:38:00] So that is on the timing-wise if that works. [00:38:03] I don't think so. [00:38:06] I mean, I want it, and I understand what you're saying. [00:38:09] But I think timing-wise, pushing it forward, [00:38:12] it may just get rejected because we're not ready. [00:38:15] Well, this is not even to build it next year. [00:38:18] This is to try to be prepared to build it. [00:38:20] Oh, I understand that. [00:38:21] And it's engineering that's in the thing, [00:38:22] so I think they, DOT. [00:38:26] They have to fund it before anything starts. [00:38:29] So let me ask a question. [00:38:30] I understood from the DOT at the Regional Planning Council [00:38:35] that they were contacting the city [00:38:39] and ready to try to begin to do engineering. [00:38:41] I don't know if the Public Works [00:38:43] has heard from them or not, [00:38:45] but I don't know who pays for the engineering. [00:38:47] I don't know if DOT will or we do. [00:38:49] So you've got it in the budget. [00:38:51] It can always be amended. [00:38:54] It's not something to take a last stand on here, [00:38:57] but I think we need to push to figure out [00:39:01] what's gonna happen with Mr. Bridgen. [00:39:03] And he paid a million dollars for that lot that's there. [00:39:07] They park a couple hundred cars there [00:39:08] during the Chasco Fiesta. [00:39:10] We now have parking lot ability, apparently. [00:39:15] As that other parking lot is closed, [00:39:17] I think you said you made an arrangement [00:39:19] with Mr. Bridgen that we could use it [00:39:20] for public parking? [00:39:22] We did, yes. [00:39:23] Immediately, so right now it's being used for parking, [00:39:26] and the lot behind the existing businesses, [00:39:35] the social, the other, those spaces are planted. [00:39:39] They're in pretty good shape. [00:39:40] It's the small piece on the back [00:39:41] that doesn't look so hot. [00:39:44] People are pulling on the grass, but they're parking. [00:39:46] When did he purchase the lot, the property? [00:39:50] 2005, I think. [00:39:52] Right, it's 15 years. [00:39:54] Peak of the year. [00:39:54] Right, so I raise my hand for, it's not a formal vote, [00:39:58] but for keeping the funding in the parking lot project [00:40:02] at this time, for this fiscal year budget. [00:40:04] I would, sure, let's leave it where it is [00:40:07] for the time being, but obviously, [00:40:09] if we have an opportunity to jump on something [00:40:13] on the overpass, I am all for figuring out how we do it. [00:40:18] Okay, can I ask a question? [00:40:20] Say DOT comes back and says, [00:40:22] you guys are in charge of 100% land acquisition. [00:40:25] Can we use CRA funds for that, or no? [00:40:27] Yes, we could. [00:40:28] We could, okay. [00:40:29] That's good to know. [00:40:31] Anything else before we open this up? [00:40:36] Mr. Driscoll. [00:40:36] All right, Mr. Mayor. [00:40:37] Resolution number 2020-48, a resolution [00:40:41] of the city of New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida, [00:40:43] adopting the tentative levying of ad valorem taxes [00:40:46] for all non-exempt real and personal property [00:40:48] in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida [00:40:50] for fiscal year 2020-2021, providing for an effective date. [00:40:55] This is a public hearing on the millage rate, [00:40:58] which is proposed to be set at 8.75%, or 8.75 mils. [00:41:05] Do we have any public comment on this? [00:41:11] Seeing no one come forward, do we, [00:41:14] do you have anything online? [00:41:16] Seeing no one coming forward or online, [00:41:18] I will bring it back to council. [00:41:20] Move for approval. [00:41:21] Second. [00:41:22] To the maker. [00:41:23] Nothing. [00:41:24] Second. [00:41:25] Nothing further. [00:41:25] Mr. Murphy. [00:41:27] Nothing, good. [00:41:27] Mr. Altman. [00:41:28] I would still like to see the millage rate [00:41:30] drop to some degree. [00:41:31] We dropped it just a point, or something. [00:41:34] To keep it steady is not that big of a deal. [00:41:39] But it's a first reading, so it'll be a final reading, [00:41:41] so we have to put it at this level. [00:41:43] But I would still be advocating when the final comes [00:41:48] to see some kind of a millage, [00:41:51] at least maintaining our commitment to trying to drop it, [00:41:54] whether it's a point, whatever it was last time. [00:41:58] It wasn't even a full tenth of a mil. [00:42:02] Any other year, I would agree with you completely. [00:42:05] However, this is a global pandemic, [00:42:07] which is all the rules are out the door. [00:42:10] I'm thrilled to death we're not having [00:42:12] to raise the millage rate. [00:42:14] Mr. Starkey. [00:42:15] No, nevermind. [00:42:16] Just in response, I mean, the millage rate [00:42:18] was 4.6 mils back in my day, [00:42:21] so I know that things have changed, [00:42:22] but there comes a point where investment [00:42:25] is not going to be so easy for us to draw. [00:42:28] Right now, we've got a good thing going, [00:42:30] but we've got to ultimately drive that millage rate down [00:42:34] by growing the city. [00:42:36] Agreed. [00:42:37] Agreed, for sure. [00:42:38] Any further discussion? [00:42:40] Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, [00:42:42] please signify by saying aye. [00:42:44] Aye. [00:42:45] Opposed, like sign. [00:42:47] Motion passes. [00:42:48] Mr. Driscoll. [00:42:49] I read this as resolution number 2020-47, [00:42:52] a resolution of the city of New Port Richey [00:42:54] of Pasco County, Florida, [00:42:55] adopting the tentative budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 [00:42:59] and the capital improvement program [00:43:01] for fiscal year 2020-2021, [00:43:04] providing for an effective date. [00:43:06] This is a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2021. [00:43:11] Open it up for public comment. [00:43:15] Seeing no one come forward [00:43:17] and nobody emailing the city clerk, [00:43:22] I will bring this back to council. [00:43:26] To the mayor? [00:43:27] Second? [00:43:28] Nothing. [00:43:29] Deputy Mayor? [00:43:30] Nothing further. [00:43:31] Mr. Altman. [00:43:32] Yes, sir. [00:43:33] On the revenue side, when we look at the revenues, [00:43:39] the amount of fines and forfeitures in total [00:43:45] from our estimate of $2.6 million [00:43:49] is to go up $450,000 this year. [00:43:53] So we're anticipating our new get tough on renters, [00:44:00] good for that. [00:44:01] Wherever all of our fines and forfeitures are coming, [00:44:04] but we're apparently still counting on the ne'er-do-wells [00:44:09] to continue to ne'er-do-well. [00:44:12] I remember studying the report [00:44:15] from the red light camera people, [00:44:16] which warned that over time that those revenues would drop. [00:44:22] The estimate for the current year for that portion [00:44:27] is 1.75 million. [00:44:29] The estimate, the budget request is for 2 million. [00:44:34] So we're expecting another $250,000 in fines [00:44:39] to go up to $2 million in fines. [00:44:42] And when we look at the revenue, [00:44:46] all of our charges for services in the general fund [00:44:49] aren't even a million dollars. [00:44:50] So we charge for services a million [00:44:53] and we collect fines of 2 million from one place, [00:44:57] from the red light cameras. [00:44:59] So I've asked... [00:45:00] and I'm still waiting, but I really want to see the breakdown, the component of the right turn on red coming off of Main Street [00:45:09] and what that is, because even if it's a decision that's been made, I'm in the minority, I'm not going to try to change it, [00:45:15] but if, in fact, we can do design improvements on Main Street to go out to 19, [00:45:22] so we can have the same turns they have on Ridge Road and Little or on Ridge Road and 19, [00:45:28] or they give you a green light when it's fair to go when that left turn coming in is running [00:45:34] and you've got a whole onslaught of cars to protect you and you come up and you see that and you keep driving [00:45:39] and you get a $200 ticket or $180 ticket. [00:45:43] At the time I looked at it years ago, that was over 50 percent of all of the total. [00:45:50] So to the saving lives comment, which always wins a debate if you can prove death, [00:45:59] there are a million red lights on Highway 19, and our little city is not the only one that has to try to protect the public. [00:46:11] A deadhead red light runner, yes. [00:46:15] These right turn on reds taking $200 a pop out of our residents' and our visitors' pockets. [00:46:22] I just want to be prepared if we make the improvements so that we can solve that problem for them, [00:46:28] like we do drainage problems and everything else, that we're going to lose a lot of revenue, [00:46:32] so we can't become addicted to this red light camera income. [00:46:36] All right, Councilman, what I think would have to happen, and I'm sure this will have to go through DOT, [00:46:40] if you think about it, if you're going heading west on Main Street or heading east, [00:46:46] how it's set up right now is everyone heading west gets a turn arrow and the straight green light to go through, right? [00:46:53] So everything on the opposite side stops, vice versa that side. [00:46:57] If we set it up where both sides get the turn arrow, then the turn arrow stops and then open lights to cross, [00:47:04] at that point you could have that blinking green light saying you can go, [00:47:07] but you'd have to change the way the traffic signal operates, I believe, right? [00:47:11] Well, you would, but you'd probably also need one more lane because we've got two lanes turning south on 19, [00:47:19] but one of those two lanes also goes straight. [00:47:23] And I think part of the problem is if you're going right, turning north on 19 while you're heading west on Main, [00:47:27] you have to get all the way out there to be able to see past that corner because that's a whole right turn lane heading north, [00:47:34] and people just kind of drift through that and then they see it's open and they keep going. [00:47:37] And somebody will pull a U-ey anyway, and so it's a little tricky, [00:47:41] but the point is right now when you go out west to 19 and you have that extra lane that leads you into the phone place [00:47:54] and to the Gray's Real Estate, it doesn't let you know how to do it. [00:48:02] I mean, there's got to be some improvements on that intersection in any case. [00:48:06] I agree. [00:48:07] Just to help here a little bit because, I mean, this isn't really where we're going to figure it out. [00:48:12] I've had Robert and the county look into a couple different situations in town, [00:48:17] and I think that if you get with Robert, he'll get with the county or DOT and they'll work it out for you. [00:48:24] We can't do that. [00:48:26] I'll go through Debbie, but yeah. [00:48:28] We have an additional complication with that parcel being coming up for rezoning next meeting? [00:48:37] I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor, I don't know. [00:48:39] The one on the northeast corner? [00:48:41] Gray parcel. [00:48:43] Because if that is being developed for something that includes a gas station, [00:48:50] it becomes a little more difficult to do what I think you're suggesting, [00:48:53] which is to basically isolate that extra lane so it can be used as an Excel lane [00:49:02] so people can get out onto the highway without having to come to the stop and merge lane. [00:49:06] Thank you. [00:49:07] Yeah, I mean, if you go on Ridge Road or Ridge and make a right, [00:49:10] you've got all of that stuff with the Home Depot and the bank and all of that stuff, [00:49:14] and somehow they've managed it. [00:49:16] But any time you have a development plan, [00:49:19] that's the time to make them make the improvements and to think that through. [00:49:24] So I'm hoping that we can make improvements there. [00:49:27] Not for nothing, but, you know, those are the biggest complaint I get. [00:49:31] I don't know who else gets them about red light cameras. [00:49:33] I know the safety thing. [00:49:34] I'm all in favor of it. [00:49:35] But two things. [00:49:36] One, we're told by the red light camera company to expect to be reducing as you train people. [00:49:42] So we're really just either getting the easy pickings of these right turns on red [00:49:47] or we're getting no training because we have this commuting traffic going through, [00:49:52] so we're importing all this revenue into the city from folks that are driving on 19. [00:49:56] I just would like to know how those breakdowns go, and that's a request I'm making. [00:50:02] We'll provide that data. [00:50:03] And if we could also maybe get Robert to get with FDOT [00:50:07] and see if there are some alternatives on that particular right turn. [00:50:11] That could be interesting, if it's even possible, [00:50:15] because I know exactly what you're talking about. [00:50:17] If you're coming off a little road onto Ridge, it works out really well, [00:50:22] and then it compresses down. [00:50:23] It's a huge emergency lane. [00:50:26] But if we had something like that, it would actually be safe for people to scoot around the corner and go. [00:50:32] Thank you for your time. [00:50:33] Yep. [00:50:34] Anything else? [00:50:36] Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. [00:50:39] Aye. [00:50:40] Opposed, like sign. [00:50:42] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

5. 5Communications▶ 50:43
6. 6Adjournment▶ 1:01:20