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1986.09.05_TC_Minutes_WorkshopTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission RECESSED BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING Friday, September 5, 1986 4:30 P.M. A Recessed Budget Workshop was called to order by Mayor Edward J. Sullivan at 4:30 p.m. in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall. Others in attendance were Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser and Town Commissioners John J. Basso, William A. Grier and Betty Jean Stewart. Also present were Town Manager Hugh D. Williams, Town Clerk Mary Ann Mariano and members of the general public. It was determined that with regard to the Police Department, input had been requested from the Chief of Police which has not been received yet. The Town Manager noted that although there was a policy decision to be made with regard to retaining the Lieutenant position, there were funds in the budget to retain the position. Mr. Williams noted that the method of appointment of Lieutenant needed consideration, should the position be retained, and further that if retained, this command position work a separate shift than the Chief and the Sergeant. The Bel Lido entrance maintenance funding was then discussed. It was the consensus that this item be eliminated from the budget. Commissioner Stewart thought that an alternate solution to eliminating this funding might be to add the $1,000 to Michael Coppola's salary and have him handle the maintenance. The Town Manager and remainder of the Town Commission did not think that this was a viable alternative. The Town Commission felt that this funding should be eliminated, especially in view of the fact that repair work would be commencing within the next budget year on the Bel Lido Bridge and the maintenance should be in the Town's control. A five minute recess was taken. The Vice Mayor did not return to the meeting. Upon re-convening, discussion ensued regarding the millage figures on the front page, which millage included $108,600 in sewer debt service which in the past had been funded through fees rather than taxes. Commissioner Stewart noted that to change the 1980 sewer bond to include this in taxes would be inequitable across town. Commissioner Grier noted that he had spoken with Mr. James, Chairman of the Financial Advisory Board, who indicated that they felt that the sewer operating costs and the sewer debt service should be treated the same, whether through fees or taxes. Commissioner Stewart also commented that to change this to taxes now would mean a re-adjusting of all the enterprise fund items. It was the consensus that this matter be treated as in the past and eliminated from the proposed budget and possibly re-evaluated next year. Other changes in the budget included the changing of the amount in Item 369.5 Amd. Refund-Util. Dept. from $20,000 to $35,000. Mr. Williams • Town Commission Recessed Budget Workshop September 5, 1986 Page 2 of 3 also noted that Acct #311.1 which did read $1,368,388 was now $1,408,388. Further discussion ensued regarding the matter of retaining the Lieutenant's position within the Police Department. Commissioner Basso stated that it was his opinion that the Chief should be responsible for the promoting of command officers, assuring that the qualifications were present. With regard to new employees, it was the consensus that the Town Manager was responsible for the hiring of new officers upon the recommendation of the Police Chief. Commissioner Basso and Mayor Sullivan stated that they wanted the position of Lieutenant retained in the Police Department. The Town Manager again noted that the funds were in the budget to retain the Lieutenant position, however a policy did need establishing as to the process of promotion and the criteria to be used. After additional discussion regarding the millages, it was noted that the millage would be as follows: General Operating 2.3943 Mils Debt Service .4511 Mils 2.8454 Mils It was noted that this was a decrease from the 1985/86 millage of 3.3683. Mr. Williams noted that the enterprise fund budgets would be forthcoming prior to the Workshop Meeting of September 23, 1986. Commissioner Stewart then read a statement into the record which withdrew her support for an expense allowance previously recommended by the Vice Mayor in the amount of $100.00 per month per Town Commissioner. Commissioner Grier also felt that he could not support any allowance which would pay for non-accountable expenses, but did approve any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Commissioner Basso also concurred in Commissioner Stewart's position on this matter as did Mayor Sullivan. It was agreed that funds would be included in the budget to reimburse for actual documented expenses. Mr. Williams suggested to the Town Commission that a review be done of the budget quarterly in order to adjust any amount necessary. Mr. Williams noted that then have been three ordinances submitted for first reading, one of which was to adjust the 1985/86 budget, which information would not be available until the end of October, at which time this ordinance would again be considered. The Town Clerk then noted that the Town Commission needed to take formal . Town Commission Recessed Budget Workshop September 5, 1986 Page 3 of 3 action to keep the sewer and sanitation charges on a fee basis due to the fact that a formal Motion had been made at the May 19, 1986 Special Meeting to change this procedure to include the charges in the taxes. This will be taken care of at the September 23, 1986 Special Meeting. There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at this budget workshop, this meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. APPROVED: Edward J./ 1$ullivan, Mayor Mary L uise G.~ los er, Vice Mayor hn J. so, Commiss~ oner i ,-, /~ William~A. Grier, Commissioner Bet Jean Stewart, Commissioner ATTEST: ~y ~~ ~-%ti- ~G(. Q.~ TOWN CLE K '~~ DATE: ;: