1992.06.16_FAB_Minutes_Regulara
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
FINANCIAL ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING - MINUTES
Tuesday, June 16, 1992
9: 30 A.M.
Chairman S. Myron Browner called the Regular Meeting to order in Com-
mission Chambers at 9:30 A.M.
Deputy Town Clerk Doris Trinley called the roll. Present were the
Chairman, Vice Chairman Victor P. Hadeed and members Fred Firstenburg,
Frank A. Magarace and Thomas J. Reid.
Also present were Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Finance Director
Michael Seaman and Commissioner John F. Rand.
Chairman Browner noted Dennie Freeman's resignation from the Board and
acknowledged his contributions to its work. He also welcomed Thomas J.
Reid, who was recently appointed by the Town Commission. Mr. Reid was
invited to give a brief professional background and did so.
Upon MOTION by Mr. Firstenburg/Mr. Hadeed, Minutes of the January 28,
1992 Regular Meeting were unanimously approved.
• OLD BUSINESS
Substantial discussion took place regarding the Town's participation in
the State Pool Investment Fund. A model portfolio comparison of state
pool investment versus treasuries, prepared by Mr. Seaman, was dis-
tributed to the members and reviewed (attached to and made part of
these Minutes). Mrs. Mariano again noted that the ultimate responsi-
bility and decision for investment of funds rests with the Town
Manager; she expressed her willingness to meet with Commissioner Rand
and individual members to discuss alternate investment strategy, noting
she did not foresee a total change in the current strategy at this
t i n►e .
NEW BUSINESS
1992/1993 Fiscal Year Budget Review (Expenditures) and any Available
Revenue Information.
Before review, Mr. Seaman advised that all insurance costs had been
shown the same as last year, since no revised inforn►ation was available
when the proposed budget was prepared. It was also advised that
salaries included a 3% COLA increase (to begin in December 1992), as
well as the inclusion, at the request of the Town Commission, of merit
raises (5% cap) .
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Financial Advisory Board
ISRegular Meeting - Minutes
June 16, 1992
Page 2 of 5
Following are Departments reviewed, including any pertinent comments
and/or discussion.
TOWN COMMISSION
None.
TOWN MANAGER
None.
TOWN CLERK
It was explained that an original $800 expenditure for a computer soft-
ware package [5640] was halved to $400 each to this Department and to
the Finance Department, since whatever software was selected could be
shared by both.
FINANCE
Mr. Seaman noted he had been looking into various banks to get a better
rate on bank charges [5490], but thus far had not been successful.
0 OTHER GENERAL GOVERNMENT
It was noted that as requested previously by the Board, Communications
[5410] now included all departments.
Machinery and Equipment [5640] included funds for the purchase of re-
cyclable Town benches, including materials for the atrium between the
two Town buildings. It was noted that this action may qualify the Town
for a recycling grant. Funds for a new truck were also included in
this category; the current vehicle is now 10 years old.
The additional part-time maintenance position would be assigned to the
Water Plant; at this time all maintenance of the plant grounds is being
done by the plant operators. It was included in this Department's ex-
penditures for tax purposes.
POST OFFICE
Norman Tress, Lead Postal Worker, explained the funds budgeted under
Machinery & Equipment [5640] were for an electronic scale, which would
allow for faster processing, especially during heavy mailing times. It
was noted a service contract would be purchased when the warranty ran
out.
Financial Advisory Board
Regular Meeting - Minutes
• June 16,_1992 _ _ Page 3 of 5
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Chief William Cecere addressed the Board and explained his request for
an additional Officer. He noted the reasons why the Department is of-
ten short of manpower, as outlined in a memo to the Town Manager (copy
attached to and made part of these Minutes). He also suggested that an
additional Officer could assist in Code Enforcement.
Mrs. Mariano advised this request tied in with the Protective Services
Department (yet to be reviewed) in that it was her recommendation the
Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer position be put back to
20 hours per week (no benefits) this coming fiscal year, given the fact
the Town was for the most part built out.
PROTECTIVE INSPECTIONS
Mrs. Mariano advised that in regard to her recommendation of a 20-hour
work week for the Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer, Harry
Heithaus, who currently holds the position, had been offered a 21-hour
week in order to protect his benefit status.
Regarding Travel & Per Diem [54001, it was noted this figure could
•possibly be decreased or even deleted, should someone other than the
present Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer fill the position.
LIBRARY
Elizabeth Poulsen, Library Director, addressed the members regarding
her request for a part-time employee (20 hours per week; no benefits).
She explained the Library had grown to the point where it could no
longer be run efficiently with volunteers only. She noted the large
volume of books that are handled weekly, as well as the fact that some
of the volunteers were not proficient at the tasks required; last week
alone 30 books were found to be mis-filed (wrong cards in wrong books).
Mrs. Poulsen also noted that many of the volunteers were unavailable on
a consistent basis; for the month of July this year, five (5) volun-
teers were available for eleven (11) slots. Referring again to the
growth of the Library, she emphasized the need for a reliable staff
member, who could substitute for the Director when needed, as well as
provide assistance and supervision at the front Library desk.
PALM BEACH COUNTY-FIRE/RESCUE (01-10-22)
Substantial discussion took place regarding the increase in rates for
the coming fiscal year, with the Town Manager advising that although
nothing could be done this year, she had submitted a proposal to
Palm Beach County Commissioners Mary McCarty and Karen Marcus, which
would base future charges on population not assessed value. Both
•
6 ..
Financial Advisory Board
Regular Meeting - Minutes
• June 16, 1992 Page 4 of 5
Commissioners had responded favorably. She noted that since the Town
accounts for 10% of total assessed value, while it constitutes only 2%
of total population, costs could decrease by 40-60% if the proposal is
successful.
It was also advised that the figure shown would be reduced by at least
$50,000 per Fire/Rescue Administrator Herman Brice, due to a cut in
capital equipment expenditures.
THE MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 12:05 PM; RE -CONVENED AT 1:30 P.M. ALL
MEMBERS WERE PRESENT.
LEGAL COUNSEL (01-05-14)
Mrs. Mariano answered members' questions to their satisfaction.
REFUSE COLLECTION (01-12-34)
It was explained the 4% increase (maximum) was due to the conditions of
the existing solid waste contract. It was also noted that a State
mandate requiring County Sanitation, as well as all other collectors,
to separate yard trash from garbage would increase this line item by an
• amount yet to be determined. These increases will be pass -through
charges to the Town's customers.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION (01-14-37)
The Town Manager explained not recommending any expenditures under
Contractual Services [5340]. She said when the new contract was en-
tered into with County Sanitation, the Town charged them a 5% con-
tractual fee, which monies were recommended by a former Town Com-
missioner to be put into Resource Conservation. Noting only $150 had
been spent thus far (turtle program assistance), Mrs. Mariano said
funds for this category could be found elsewhere; thus it was her
reconunendation to absorb this contractual fee in a effort to keep
garbage rates as low as possible.
RESERVE FUND BALANCE [5990]
It was suggested this figure be calculated using a certain percentage
amount after subtracting fixed costs. Mrs. Mariano said that although
the Town's budgets had historically used a fixed figure, she would give
consideration to using a percentage amount in the future. It was noted
the figure shown would also show on the revenues portion of the budget
and, therefore, would not affect taxation.
ENTERPRISE FUND (WATER & SEWER)
• Water revenues were discussed at some length, including current water
rates versus increased rates. It was the CONSENSUS of the members to
delay any recommendation on water rates until their next meeting.
Financial Advisory Board
Regular Meeting - Minutes
• June 16, 1992 Page 5 of 5
Utilities Director Jack Lee explained the unique expenditure requests
for his Department:
.telemetry equipment is obsolete; chart recorders and control
and remote telemetry units have been malfunctioning. The
computer requested with the new telemetry would replace the
control telemetry unit.
.slaker now is use is approximately 20 years old and badly
worn, with no back-up. Old slaker could be kept for spare
parts.
.transfer pump rated at 2400 GPM needs to be replaced; however,
piping and check -valve could be utilized for standby pump.
.Replacement of broken meters and registers, as well as in-
ventory replacement.
Regarding budgeted funds for a new Intracoastal pipeline, Mrs. Mariano
explained it was the consensus of the Town Commission to include same.
She also reminded the members that approximately $50,000 of the origi-
nal budgeted funds for 1991/1992 had been expended on engineering
studies, permitting, etc.
. After some discussion, it was the CONSENSUS of the members that sewer
rates should not be decreased.
Concluding this review, it was announced the next meeting would be held
on Tuesday, July 7, at which time revenues would be reviewed.
There being no further business to come before the Board at this time,
the meeting was adjourned upon MOTION by Mr. Hadeed/Mr. Reid at 3:10
P.M.
dn►t
APPROVE:
0 ATTEST:
DATE:
Thomas J. Reid
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MODEL PORTFOLIO COMPARISON
STATE INVESTMENT POOL VS TREASURIES
TREASURIES
AMOUNT OF
TYPE
OF
MONTH
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT
INVESTMENT
AVG RATE
INTEREST
JANUARY 92
(JAN)
1,350,000
1 YEAR
T-BILLS
3.95
4,444
(JAN)
500,000
90 DAY
T-8ILLS
3.81
1,588
1,000,000
STATE
POOL
4.95
4,125
MONTH TOTAL
10,156
FEBRUARY 92
(JAN)
1,350,000
1 YEAR
T-BILLS
3.95
4,444
(JAN)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.81
L,588
(FEB)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.85
1,604
500,000
STATE
POOL
4.61
1,921
MONTH TOTAL
9,556
MARCH 92
(JAN)
1,350,000
1 YEAR
T-BILLS
3.95
4,444
(JAN)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.81
1,588
(FEB)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.85
1,604
(MAR)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
4.04
1,683
MONTH TOTAL
9,319
APRIL 92
(JAN)
1,350,000
1 YEAR
T-BILLS
3.95
4,444
(FEB)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.85
1,604
(MAR)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
4.04
1,683
(APR)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.78
1,575
9,306
MAY 92
(JAN)
1,350,000
1 YEAR
T-BILLS
3.95
4,444
(MAR)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
4.04
1,683
(APR)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.78
1,575
(MAY)
500,000
90 DAY
T-BILLS
3.65
1,521
9,223
Y-T-D TOTAL
47.560
STATE INVESTMENT POOL
JANUARY 92
2,850,000
4.95
11,756; '
FEBRUARY 92
2,850,000
4.61
10,949
MARCH 92
2,850,000
4.59
10,901
APRIL 92
2,850,000
4.56
10,830 '
MAY 92
2,850,000
4.46
10,593 '
Y-T-D TOTAL
55,029
Y-T-D DIFFERENCE
7,468
•
MEMORANDUM
TO: MARY ANN MARIANO, TOWN MANAGER
FROM: WILLIAM CECERE, CHIEF OF POLICE
DATE: MAY 1, 1992
SUBJECT: HIRING OF A NEW POLICE OFFICER
The vacation time of all current police officers totals
28 weeks, which means that for more than 6 months out of
the year we are 1 officer short on a shift. Then there are
sick days to cover, which last year totaled 76 days, which
is roughly another 3 months of being 1 man short.
In addition, the Town continues to see growth in the number
of buildings and residents year after year, and the possibility
of a county park to be built in the near future, all of which
will require additional police protection.
In response to the above information, it is my recommendation
• that we hire an additional police officer, and therefore I
have included this position in my proposed budget for fiscal
year 1992/93.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
William Cecere
Chief of Police
// J