09-04-90 v MINUTES OF THE BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY
COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL AT 7:30 PM ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gulliford. Present in addition
to the Mayor were Commissioners Cook, Edwards, and Weldon. Commissioner
Tucker had advised due to illness in the family she would be late. Also
present were City Manager Leinbach, Finance Director Royal and City
Clerk King.
The City Manager reported he had checked with Summerville regarding the
cost of clean-up operations after Hurricane Hugo. He was advised those
operations were still on-going but Summerville estimated the recovery
efforts had cost between $2.5 million and $3 million, but that all but
$100,000 would be paid by FEMA.
Discussion then ensued regarding establishing a policy for responding to
requests for donations. It was the general consensus no donations
should be made and that a written policy would not be necessary since no
funds would be budgeted for donations. The City Attorney would be
instructed to draft a resolution stating that while the city morally
supports charitable causes, city policy prohibits financial
contributions to such causes. The $500 annual contribution to USO was
discussed and it was agreed to discuss this further when Commissioner
Tucker arrived.
Atlantic Beach Water Fund: The Mayor pointed out there was a
considerable shortfall in revenues relative to estimated expenses. Tim
Townsend reminded the Commission the city was under a DER Consent
Agreement which required the city to complete certain repairs within an
established schedule. It was determined it would be necessary to
increase water rates and a lengthy discussion ensued regarding the rate
structure and how and when to implement increases. After a full
discussion of all the alternatives, it was concluded an increase of
$7.69 in the quarterly minimum water rate would be necessary to fund the
shortfall and it was agreed to round this figure off to $7.50. The rate
for excess water was also increased from $0.45 per 1 ,000 gallons to
$0.60 per 1 ,000 gallons.
The City Manager said the proposed repairs would cost in the
neighborhood of $1.5 million and he hoped the financial advisor would be
able to recommend ways to fund those repairs. Tim Townsend said he felt
the fixture charge for new water connections was too low and that the
city should revise these, particularly in light of the anticipated
development in Section H. It was also noted that even though the plans
and specifications for the water line improvements at the north end of
Beach Avenue had been completed, the project had been deleted from the
FY 1990/91 budget.
Atlantic Beach Sewer Fund: It was noted the extension of the sewer
lines at the north end of Beach Avenue had also been deleted from the
budget. The Mayor said Beach Avenue residents north of Seventeenth
Street were on septic tanks and it was further suggested that this
project could be undertaken in phases at some time in the future. The
possibility of polling the property owners and levying appropriate
assessments was discussed.
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Minutes of Budget Workshop Meeting
September 4, 1990
Discussion ensued relative to developing a policy regarding vehicle
replacement. Tim Townsend said he would like to be able to trade the
vehicles in after about five years. The Mayor suggested consideration
be given to purchasing a 4-wheel drive vehicle which could eventually be
passed on the lifeguards.
Sanitation Fund: In response to a question from Commissioner Edwards,
Harry McNally explained the amount of overtime performed by the
Sanitation Department. Bob Kosoy said the city's ordinance did not
require residents to place garbage at the curb for collection and he
felt it was too time-consuming for sanitation workers to pick up and
replace trash cans in side yards. The Finance Director noted that the
most recent rate adjustment had applied to only residential properties
and it was agreed the rates for dumpster collections should be reviewed.
Mayor Gulliford said the solid waste committee was working to develop a
method of charging for garbage collection which would be based on
volume.
Buccaneer Water: In response to a question from Commissioner Weldon,
it was explained the figure "transferred in" was to cover the cost of
Buccaneer personnel to operate the Oak Harbor system and the Mayor
explained consolidation of the systems would eliminate such
transactions. Harry McNally explained the capital improvements included
sandblasting and painting #3 and #4 water treatment plants, 10-inch
water main extension on Sherry Drive, extension of loop system for
better hydrant and fire protection, 10-inch water main extension on
Pioneer Drive, and 8-inch water main extension on Wonderwood Drive.
Buccaneer Sewer: Brief discussion ensued regarding the Buccaneer
system, including consolidation of the utility accounts. No adjustments
were made to this budget.
Oak Harbor Water: The Mayor pointed out that revenues fell
considerable short of expenditures and that this situation could be
expected to worsen when the Capital Facilities Charge was paid off.
Oak Harbor Sewer: The Mayor pointed out that revenues fell $7,000
short of operating expenses and nothing was being held in reserve for
the considerable capital improvements which would be necessary. The
City Manager said these improvements were proposed to be undertaken over
a five-year period. Tim Townsend said repairs to the Oak Harbor sewer
system in the area south of Boca Grande Avenue were urgently needed but
the northern area was in quite good condition.
Stormwater Utility: The Mayor asked whether a date for implementation
of the stormwater management utility had been mandated by the state.
Tom Bowles said the Department of Community Affairs in their comments on
the city's comprehensive plan, had requested implementation by 1992.
After brief discussion it was decided to leave the Stormwater Utility
budget as presented.
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Minutes of Budget Workshop Meeting
September 4, 1990
At 10:15 PM the Mayor called a brief recess.
The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 10:25 and asked that the following
items be considered: setting appropriate level for rainy day fund; pay
increase for general employees, and review of salaries of City Manager,
City Clerk and Recreation Director. He also pointed out that state
revenue sharing funds had decreased over the last two years. Discussion
ensued regarding the $96.00 garbage fee approved by the City of
Jacksonville and the Mayor suggested a possible agreement with Duval
County to reduce the county portion of the millage assessment in
Atlantic Beach by an offsetting amount so the city could pass this
saving along to the citizens. The Mayor further suggested renegotiation
of the interlocal agreement.
At time time Commissioner Tucker entered the meeting.
Mayor Gulliford explained the action which had been taken relative to a
water rate increase.
After discussion relative to the rainy day fund, Commissioner Weldon
suggested the present level should be maintained and that the dollar
amount not be allowed to drop below $500,000.
After brief discussion regarding pay increases for the general employees
Commissioner Tucker moved to authorize a increase of 3% across-the-
board subject to collective bargaining where required. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Edwards and was unanimously approved.
The Mayor advised Commissioner Tucker of the action taken relative to
donations to charitable organizations and Commissioner Tucker requested
that the $500 annual donation to USO and the $75.00 donation to Fletcher
High School football program be continued.
Mayor Gulliford said in comparison with other similar positions
throughout the state, Parks & Recreation Director Rose Blanchard was
considerably underpaid and he felt her salary should be adjusted. After
discussion, Commissioner Weldon moved to increase Ms. Blanchard's salary
to $21,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tucker and carried
unanimously.
After discussion regarding the City Clerk's present salary, Commissioner
Tucker moved to authorize an annual salary of $27,000 for the City
Clerk. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cook and was unanimously
approved.
Discussion then ensued regarding the City Manager's salary and
Commissioner Cook moved to approve an annual salary of $48,000 and
increase vacation time to twenty days per year. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Weldon and was unanimously approved. All salary
adjustments will be effective October 1, 1990.
Page Four
Minutes of Budget Workshop Meeting
September 4, 1990
Discussion then ensued regarding setting the millage rate and Finance
Director Royal was directed to factor in the recommended changes and see
what millage rate would be required to fund the budget as amended.
After a brief discussion Commissioner Tucker moved to raise the millage
in an amount not to exceed .5 mil to meet the increase in the budget.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cook and was unanimously
approved.
There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 11 :25 PM.
C n Q.tt L Li
Maure King, City Y