09-10-85 v AGENDA
CITY COMMISSION
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
SEPTEMBER 10, 1985
INVOCATION
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
1. Public Hearing regarding uses of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds
2. Public Hearing on proposed budget for fiscal year 85/86
3. Action by City Commission on setting of the tentative
budget and proposed millage.
4. Introduction and first reading of an ordinance providing
for estimated revenues and expenditures for fiscal year
1985/86 and setting of a public hearing for September 23, 1985.
5. Miscellaneous
6. Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY
COMMISSION HELD AT THE CITY HALL ON SEPTEMBER 10, 1985 AT 7:00 P.M.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 : 15 p.m. Those present were Mayor
William S Howell; Commissioners Robert B. Cook, Sr. , William I. Gulliford, Jr. ,
John W. Morris, Jr. , Catherine G. Van Ness; City Manager Richard C. Fellows;
City Attorney, Claude L. Mullis, and City Clerk Adelaide R. Tucker. All Depart-
ment head were also present.
Mayor Howell announced the City Commission was meeting for the purpose of hold-
ing a Public Hearing on the use of the Federal Revenue Sharing Funds and a
Public Hearing for the proposed budget for FY 1985-86.
The Mayor opened the floor for the Public Hearing on the use of Federal Revenue
Sharing funds, and said the amount of $43,332 was proposed for use in the Police
Department for a computer and police vehicles. As no one spoke for or against,
Mayor Howell declared the Public Hearing closed.
The Mayor announced the next Public Hearing would be on the proposed budget for
fiscal year 85/86 totaling $7,590,382 which was an increase of $43,579 over the
revised FY 84/85 budget. The proposed tax millage was reduced from $2.35 per
thousand that was charged in 84/85 to $1.9535 fiscal 85/86 which is the rolled
back figure. He opened the floor for a Public Hearing and invited comments from
the floor. As no one spoke for or against, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing
closed.
The Budget Ordinance was introduced on first reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-85-40, AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1,
1985, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1986; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF AD VALOREM
TAXES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Said Ordinance was presented in full, in writing by Mayor Howell on first read-
ing.
Commissioner Gulliford moved for passage on first reading. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Cook. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Morris asked about the personnel requested in the City Clerk's
Dept. (Acct. 517) . The City Clerk responded that a full time Records Management
clerk was requested who would also act as Deputy Clerk to cover the Clerk's
office in case of illness and/or vacation. A half time person was provided in
FY 84/85.
Acct. 514 - Legal Counsel. Commissioner Morris asked the City Manager for an
explanation of the increase in item 31 (Professional Services) - 83/84 was
$2, 156; 84/85 was estimated $6,000, and 85/86 proposed to be $20,000. Mr.
Fellows explained he was not knowledgeable of 83/84 expenditures. For 84/85
$6,000 was budgeted for a retainer, and $58,000 was budgeted for litigation.
For 85/86 he was suggesting for Commission consideration that the retainer be
raised to $20,000 and reduce the amount of money budgeted for litigation to
$46,000. Basis for raising the retainer was that presently the City Attorney
4
PAGE TWO
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 10,1985
charges for all calls, etc. Mr. Fellows said he had prepared a letter of under-
standing with the City Attorney relative to what the retainer would cover, and
he listed the legal activities as follows: 1.) All regular and special meetings
of the City Commission including out of town meetings as well as all boards of
the City requested by the Commission, Mayor and City Manager; 2.) All phone
calls relating to City business from officials, department heads or citizens;
3.) The drafting of routine contracts, Ordinances and Resolutions; and 4.)
All legal opinions not requiring detailed research. Mr. Fellows expressed the
opinion in the long run the City would benefit from the proposed new arrange-
ment and total budget was only $2,000 more in 85/86 than 84/85. He reminded the
Commission, however, they had, the night before, voted to appeal the JEA case
which could create some un-anticipated additional expenses.
Commissioner Morris said he had requested from Mr. Mullis a detail of his ex-
penses over the last few months, as they were drastically increased over the
last year. Mr. Mullis detailed his travel and said Mr. Royal could furnish
detailed expenses. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Morris moved to table consideration on Acct. 514 until we have
had an opportunity to study a detailed report on the break-down of legal costs.
The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Van Ness. Following a lengthy discus-
sion, the question was called and the motion failed with a three to two vote.
Commissioners Morris and Van Ness voted aye and Commissioners Cook and Gulliford
and Mayor Howell voted nay.
A question was raised on Acct. 510-General Government - item 49 Other Current
Charges in the amount of $40,000. Mr. Fellows said that amount was put in as
surplus in case of emergencies.
All other departments were discussed in detail, including the proposed loan
under the provisions of The Fla. League of Cities Municipal Loan Program. The
short term loan would be made in order to not have to raise the taxes, and could
be distributed over a period of time. The 10-year loan, in the amount of about
$700,000 would be to finance some of the originally budgeted Capital Improve-
ments, including major construction improvements to the Public Safety Building.
No action taken on any changes.
The question was called on the motion to pass Ordinance No. 20-85-40 on first
reading with the Ad Valorem tax rate of 1.9535 per thousand dollar valuation
which is down from 2.35 in 84/85 FY. That is the rolled back tax rate. The
motion carried unanimously.
There being no other business to come before the Commission, the Mayor de-
clared the meeting adjourned.
William S. Howell
ATTEST: Mayor/Presiding Officer
Adelaide R. Tucker, City Clerk