Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 08-20-08 special minutes - budget — reading text

Uptown Phase II and Landmark. M[r. Sassano discussed the EDC' s efforts in filling these vacant offices. Further discussion included that last year the City requested assistance from the EDC on the sprayfield issue, and what, if any, action was taken. Mr. Sassano advised he went as far as the Governor on the s behalf, City' and was told to look into ft~deral funding. Mr. Sassano stated the EDC went back a second time and was told not to bring the issue up again. Mr. Garvie mentioned the TechMen meetings he attends through the EDC and they are very worthwhile, and that the EDC does a lot of work behind the scenes. Mr. Sassano advised that the amount requested by the EDC is $ 22, 226. 00, which is the same amount they have requested in the past.  243 Special Council 8- 20- 08 EDC ( cont) Jim Breitenfeld of the EDC brought Council up to date on the defense support initiative; the status of the BRAAC issues; the retention of the 46th Test Wing; the Florida LambdaRail; military construction; and regional support. The City Manager advised the EDC amount of $22, 226. 00 has been included in the City Council's budget, which has been approved, so unless a change is desired, that amount is included. Mr. Minich moved to affirm approval of the funding in the amount of $ 22,226 for the EDC for FY 2008- 2009. Mr. Reeves seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell and Minich in favor (Miller absent). Mr. Minich noted the EDC does an excellent job behind the scenes, and stressed the importance of the Landmark Center and asked the EDC to get the offices filled. Chamber of Commerce Ted Corcoran, President of the Chamber of Commerce, discussed the services the Chamber provides for the promotion of the City, including relocation and visitor services that entail the printing and mailing of relocation guides and magazines; promoting the festivals in the Fort Walton Beach area; co- sponsoring with the City on the Fourth of July celebration; and additional ( non- tourism) advertising. Mr. Corcoran advised that the City' s logo is displayed on publications and brochures and flyers, and also explained the Chamber has become a resource for businesses looking at coming into the area. Council was advised that none of the other municipalities in the greater Fort Walton Beach area provides funding to the Chamber, and that half of the funding for the Chamber is a result of membership dues, and the remaining is sponsorship and the TDC, and funds raised from festivals the Chamber holds. Council was informed that the $ 25, 000 will come from the General Fund, and the $ 15, 000 requested will come from the CRA fund, which is responsible for the Downtown Historic Merchant' s Association. Mr. Minich moved to affirm the funding in the amount of $40,000 for the Chamber of Commerce for FY 2008- 2009. Mr. Garvie seconded motion. Dr.Pullen advised he requested funding for a 50 I- C from the Chamber and he will abstain from the vote. The City Attorney explained that unless there was a financial benefit to Dr. Pullen directly, that was not a reason to abstain, but disclosure is good. Dr. Pullen stated he would use his judgment and his ethical standards on this subject. The Mayor stated he understood unless Dr. Pullen receives a direct benefit from this vote, he cannot abstain. The City Attorney stated everyone votes unless they are otherwise restricted from doing so by the statutes. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried by a vote of 5 to 1 with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Hartwell and Minich in favor and Pullen opposed ( Miller absent). Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) Julie Terrell, Director of the CBA, gave a power point presentation and explained the CBA works with its municipal partners to ensure that good water quality is preserved while allowing the resources that are so important to our economy. 244 Special Council 8- 20- 08 CBA ( cont) Ms. Terrell discussed the common vision and mission of the CBA and the City; explained the CBA is a critical component of the: City' s National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which is a required federal stormwater discharge permit; that CBA services in fulfillment of the CBA/City contract have been well- n:ceived and commended by City staff; and that CBA coordinated monitoring in the Fort Walton Beach area results in in- kind services for grants. Ms. Terrell also discussed additional work by the CBA including directing research projects and providing assistance to researchers tor Fort Walton Beach issues; educational opportunities; and assisting with multiple restoration and enhancemtmt projects. In closing, Ms. Terrell reminded that the CBA is in the third year of a four-year contract with the City and requested the City renew CBA' s current contract with the City and fulfill the four- year agreement entered into in 2006. Discussion included that the CBA receives funding from membership and donations, and received funding from Walton County, as well as the City. She noted most funding is from grants received that are passed on to a restoration project. l\ 1s. Terrell advised the City of Destin will begin funding the CBA as well, and she is in constant contact with the County to fund the project but she has not been successful. Council noted the fact that the agreement states ' the City anticipated' a four-year agreement; it was not designated a four-year contract exactly. Ms. Terrell clarified the City can only fund one year at a time, but the agreement intended to be ongoing for four years. Ms. Terrell advised she has met with the City Manager and Utilities Director regarding the City contributing 20% to 25% of current funding, so there will be a reduction of services to the City. She advised the partnership with the City is important, and that ideally, the CBA needs $ 50, 000 to continue the current level of services. The City Manager clarifit:d that through this agreement, the City can only obligate itself for one year at a time, and for the past thret: years Council has voted to fund the project. John Hofstad, Utilities Director, advised that there are six areas where milestones must be established, and that City staff establishes those milestones.He explained that the services of the CBA are utilized to meet some of those requirements, but that those requirements still have to be met whether or not the CBA is involved, and if not it would be done internally with City staff. It was noted that volunteers were used for various aspects of the prqject and there is an extensive volunteer network in the community and the use of volunteers has been successful. Further discussion include:d the education requirements and the community outreach in the classrooms, and that the cost to retain these: services would be $ 15, 000. 00. The Mayor asked for pubhc input. Alec MacBeth, 6 Bay Drive, noted the importance of this program and urged Council to continue to fund the project. Mr. Minich moved to fUUld the CBA in the amount of $26,250, with $15,000 coming from the Utilities Fund and $ 11,250 from the General fund, for a total of $ 26,250. Mr. Garvie seconded motion. Mr. Minich noted the CBA is an important program and commends their efforts, and is unhappy the surrounding cities do not support the project financially. Mr. Minich noted the agreement was entered into unaware that funds would have to be cut from the budget later on, and believes this is a compromise position for both the City and the CBA.  245 Special Council 8- 20- 08 CBA (cont) Councilsupported the continued funding of the CBA for the amount stated and that it IS a decent compromise considering the budget restraints of this year. Mr. Holmes stated he appreciates what the CBA has done in the past, but feels that Staff can provide the services and that the City should follow the citizen' s desire to reduce the budget. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried by a vote of 5 to 1 with Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor and Holmes opposed ( Miller absent). BUDGET WRAP UP The City Manager stated that concluded staffs presentation for the budget and if there are any additional changes Council would like to make or ask additional questions, staff is prepared for that now. Mr. Hartwell moved to add back $ 40, 000 to the Police Department budget for the purchase of two police cars. Mr. Minich seconded motion. It was commented that the Police Department is the only accredited law enforcement agency in Okaloosa County and this is one way to show appreciation to the men and women who place their lives on the line every day. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried by a vote of 5 to 1 with Holmes, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor and Reeves opposed (Miller absent). Mr. Minich moved to add back $ 73, 463. 00 to the Fire Department budget for a Fire Prevention Captain. Mr. Hartwell seconded motion. Discussion included comments on the importance of a safety officer to present public education programs to prevent fires and for the safety of the firemen at a fire to protect them as they enter hazardous situations. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor (Miller absent). Mr. Hartwell moved to add back $ 80, 000 to the General Fund for an additional 1 % COLA. Mr. Holmes seconded motion. Discussion included comments on the exceptional job of the Department Directors and City Manager in cutting the budget by 8% and the employees need and deserve an additional 1 % even though it is below the cost of living index. The City Manager requested guidance on whether or not the intent is to use fund balance or to change the millage rate to fund the add backs. She pointed out the additional 1% COLA only represents the General Fund and staff will return with adjustments for the Utilities and Sanitation Fund. She explained that the add backs were not included in the millage rate, that staff prepared a budget based on a 4. 1986