2008.08.07_TC_Minutes_Workshop• TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
2008-2009 PROPOSED BUDGET
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, August 7, 2008 1:30 P.M.
Mayor Jim Newill, CPA called the Budget Workshop to Order in Commission Chambers
at 1:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Roll Call: Commission Members Present: Mayor Jim Newill, CPA, Vice Mayor
Miriam S. Zwick, Commissioner Sohn J. Pagliaro, Commissioner Sohn J. Sorrelli and
Commissioner Doris M. Trinley. Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney,
Town Manager Dale S. Sugerman and members of the General Public.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was given, with a moment of silence
for the men in the armed forces.
Civility Pledge: Deputy Town Clerk read the civility pledge into the record for the
• members of the Town Commission and the Public.
1. PRESENTATION OF 2008-2009 PROPOSED BUDGET:
Town Manager Dale Sugerman presented an overview of the budget to the Commission
and the public, noting that the theme for this year's proposed budget is "lean thinking in
local government." (Presentation and budget attached hereto and made a part of these
minutes.) Mr. Sugerman highlighted many points, several of which follow:
. Reserve for contingency is $225,000
. Library asked for an additional $50,000. This request has not been added into the
budget.
. For employees, add one extra personal day off, and an education incentive of $2,000 per
year for employees who hold an Associates degree (currently 4) and $4,000 per year for
employees who hold a Bachelor's degree (currently 2). The total cost would be
$16,000/year.
After review of the cover letter, Mr. Sugerman walked through the proposed budget page
by page with the following comments noted:
Page 1 - Shows the "value of the Town".
Page 2 - Revenue page (money that comes into the Town)
Page 3 - Expenditure Page
Page 4&5 - Detail of revenue
Town of Highland Beach Budget Workshop Minutes
• August 7, 2008 Page 2 of 3
Page 6 - Town Commission - Wi Fi program -would need a consultant
Travel & per diem -may need to increase
Page 7 - Town Manager -The main Town Hall currently has three departments; Town
Manager with 2 employees; Town Clerk with 2.5 employees; Finance with 2.5
employees. Looking at restructuring by creating a single department called
Administration and use all existing personnel for cross training and shared
responsibilities.
Page 8&9 - Town Clerk - $7,500 for software for media management
Page 10 - Finance -nothing unique to discuss
Page 11 - Legal - no settlements paid out on lawsuits
Page 12 - Debt payment fund
Page 13 - Public Works -Professional Fees - NPDS permit
Page 14 - Post Office -nothing to highlight
Page 15&16 - General Govt. -non departments
Page 17 - Police Dept. - 100% funding for 16 officers; 1 civilian; refurbish Police Dept.
Page 22 -Delray Fire Rescue -nothing unique to discuss
Page 23 -Building Dept. -learned today that Dick Olbrych will retire October 1. As
Mr. Dawson is also retiring, Mr. Sugerman will look at reorganizing the department.
Page 26 -Waste Management -nothing unique to discuss
Page 27 -Library -Marie Suarez presented her justification for adding a new full time
• position and the monies needed for books, supplies, etc. (see attached accounting.)
Commissioner Trinley supported the addition of an employee and the funds due to the
high usage of the facility. Comm. Pagliaro felt the requests were legitimate. Comm.
Sorrelli also supported the requests. Commissioner Zwick supported the requests, but
suggested that the millage rate be increased to 4.95 to obtain the funds.
Commissioner Trinley. asked Mr. Sugerman to present an analysis on garbage and solid
waste at the next Budget Workshop Meeting.
Page 28 - Interfund transfers -nothing to note
Mayor Newill noted that residents have indicated to him that they are against the
education incentive program. Comm. Pagliaro commented that he was surprised that
residents would be against employees obtaining further education not only to benefit
themselves, but benefit the Town. He hopes that there are people out there who will
speak to this. Commissioner Sorrelli asked Mr. Sugerman what he hopes to expect from
this. Mr. Sugerman felt that it is his belief that anyone who takes the time and effort to
get an advanced education is a more valuable employee.
Page 30 -Library Donation Fund -anyone who donates to the library
Page 31 -Cultural Board Fund -showing revenues and expenses (in balance).
Page 32 -Law Enforcement Trust Fund -any confiscations or grants go to this fund (in
balance).
Page 33 -Utility (water) fund - There are some fire hydrant maintenance fees.
Page 34 -Water Fund - Need a new AC handler for R.O. plant
•
Town of Highland Beach Budget Workshop Minutes
August 7, 2008 Page 3 of 3
Page 35 -All of the debt service for the water fund. This is the item going to the voters
in November to see if they are willing to use ad valorem taxes to pay the debt service,
and if approved, will allow the Town to lower rates in the future.
Page 37 -Sewer operations.
Commissioner Trinley asked Mr. Sugerman to provide the reorganization plans at the
next Workshop Meeting for the Building department and the Town Manager, Town Clerk
and Finance departments. Mr. Sugerman noted that he would provide that information.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Max Angel -Discretionary fund -the Town has none, as it has been spending $87,000 a
month average. The Town will have an increase in the Fire Department, the Police will
get (more) benefits, and there will be other costs to hire a new police chief. There should
be no tier pricing on water.
Mr. Yucht -Suggested the library use volunteers rather than (hire more) paid employees.
Asked how much is spent on funding the fire department with Delray employees,
compared to having Town of Highland Beach fire employees.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Board Motion to ad'ourn was made by
Commissioner Sorrelli/Commissioner Pagliar~at 3:35 p.m„
APPROVAL
Mayor~fi'ii Newill, CPA
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Vice M or Maria S. k
Comma sinner Doris M. Trinley