Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 01-21-1991 Workshop — reading text

187 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 21, 1991 INTRODUCTION A Budget Task Force workshop meeting of the City Council of Fort Walton Beach. Florida, was held on Monday, January 21, 1991, at 4: 30 p. m., in the Council Chambers I at City Hall, with the following members present: Mayor William J. Roberts, III Councilmen: Jim Wyatt, Mayor Pro Tempore Sidney Rosenbaum C. Thomas Maney Nick Nicholson Cissy Wyninegar Absent: J. C. " Buck" Smith David deVaux Also Present: Chuck Keeler, City Manager; Helen Spencer. City Clerk; Charles Evans, Finance Director; media CALL TO ORDER The Mayor Pro Tern called the Budget Task Force workshop meeting to order to discuss non- departmental/ donations and consolidation of governmental services. The first topic of discussion will be the consolidation of governmental services. CONSOLIDATION Grace Brown, member of the League of Women Voters. said over two years ago the League did a survey on merging of services and governmental facilities. She then introduced Annice Cowart, First Vice- President for the State League of Women Voters and who worked on the survey. Annice Cowart reported the specific areas addressed in the study included contiguous areas south of Eglin, Lake Lorraine, Longwood, Poquito. Shalimar, Ocean City, Wright. Cinco Bayou, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther. Santa Rosa Island, and any unnamed parcels or unincorporated land that lies within the parameters. After giving the position statement that the League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County supports consolidation of services within the defined of South Okaloosa I areas County, if pertinent data resulting from an independent professional study indicated that such consolidation would result in more efficient, effective and economical services; and the League would support political merging within those same areas if an independent professional feasibility study indicates that merging would insure a more efficient, effective and economical government; she said the League cannot take any action until a study addresses those specific things. 188 Budget Task Force Workshop 1- 21- 91 CONSOLIDATION ( CONT.) Mrs. Cowart first reviewed the several methods. and the process involved in each. to merge ( combine) of two or more municipalities, or adjacent unincorporated areas, as well as the pro and con arguments on merger. She then briefly reviewed the three forms of consol ida tion of services, as well as the pros and cons of consolidation. Following a brief discussion on the information presented. the avenues available, and the next logical step to take, Mr. Rosenbaum reported on possible legislative changes on annexation. A short discussion held comparison of taxes was on the between the City, County, and the various municipalities. It was requested information be provided comparing the services provided by the City and services provided by the County, and the rates paid for like services. Mayor Roberts left the meeting at 5: 00 p. m. NON- DEPARTMENTAL/ The Mayor Pro Tem noted that Anita Martin, of Head DONATIONS Start, came before Council requesting funds to operate the 1991 Summer Recreation program and provide this service for the low- income citizens in Fort Walton Beach. and she was requested to meet with the City Manager compare the programs available, to then provide that information at a workshop meeting. Anita Martin, Acting Director of Head Start, explained the reasons she was unable to research the information requested, but noted the percentage of children from Fort Walton Beach last summer was 85%. Ms. Martin was requested to meet with the City Manager to compare the programs available through the Recreation Department with the Head Start programs, then return to Council with the information. SPECIAL MTG CANCELLED The Manager announced the February 5th Special City Council meeting has been cancelled because the Fire Union has accepted Management' s position. CONSOLI DATION/ Discussion reverted back to the consolidation/ annexation ANNEXATION issue. Mr. Rosenbaum pointed out thatstopping the automatic response and mutual aid might precipitate the consolidation of services. A brief discussion was held on the overall effects of this action.