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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 05 08 Public Meeting with Staff on The Budget MinutesCITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES PUBLIC MEETING WITH CITY STAFF ON THE BUDGET MAY 8, 2008 CALL TO ORDER The Public Meeting with City Staff on the Budget of Thursday, May 8, 2008 of the City Commission was called to Order at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 600. Office Of The City Manager Discussion Of Potential Budget Reductions. (During This Discussion, Staff Would Be Very Interested To Receive Input From The Citizens Of Winter Springs On Related Potential Budget Reductions). City Manager Ronald W. McLemore welcomed everyone and noted that Mayor John F. Bush, and Commissioner Sally McGinnis were present in the audience, and that Deputy Mayor Donald A. Gilmore was on the telephone. Manager McLemore then introduced the Department Directors who were also in attendance. Manager McLemore opened the discussion with a PowerPoint Presentation on the Budget. Mr. Bob Rucci, 673 Turkey Hollow Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: asked if the suggested cuts were for this year or next year? Manager McLemore responded, "This year." Mr. Rucci then asked if Grant monies to enhance the Dog Park were going to still be available through the year 2011 as originally understood. Mr. Chuck Pula, Director, Parks and Recreation Department stated, "On the Dog Park Grant, the project must be completed by April of 2011." Further discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES PUBLIC MEETING WITH CITY STAFF ON THE BUDGET -MAY 8, 2008 PAGE 2 OF 4 Manager McLemore recognized former City Commissioner Edward Martinez, Jr. who also was in the audience. Mr. Edward Martinez, Jr., 205 Little Creek Lane, Winter Springs. Florida: commented on spending reductions and the Millage. Manager McLemore explained, "Those are expenditure reductions and after those expenditures, there was a Revenue Budget to pay for those things that were not eliminated." Further comments included the benefit ratio on the proposed Police Department automated ticket system. Chief of Police Daniel J. Kerr, Police Department spoke briefly on this. Mr. Arnie Nussbaum, 687 Andover Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: noted the merits of community Events and asked if there was some way to salvage some City Events, and suggested that the Holiday Parade, the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Orlando Philharmonic Holiday show, and Dancing under the Stars be held. Mr. Nussbaum suggested that there could be an intra-agency discounting of City services. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs, Florida: commented on the design of the Dog Park and that the space was also to be used for Special Event parking; and Ms. Weisman mentioned that there are funds that have not yet been used for the Dog Park. Ms. Isabelle Laub, 1372 Blue Spruce Court, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke on the merits of the Senior Center and the services provided to the Senior Citizens. Ms. Laub also asked that the current part-time staff person for the Therapy Pool be changed to a full-time position as her services were in great demand. Ms. Laub suggested that perhaps roads and lawns not be maintained as much to save some money; and asked that funding not be cut for the Senior Center. Mr. LeRoy "Doc "Holloway, 705 Glasgow Court, Winter Springs, Florida: thanked the City for the Senior Center and especially for the Therapy Pool. Mr. Holloway asked that there not be any Senior Center cuts and stated, "Liz (Elizabeth Abitante, Therapy Pool Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department) is doing a fantastic job" and suggested she become afull-time employee with benefits. Mr. Holloway also commended Ms. Susie Coffman, Senior Center Manager, Parks and Recreation Department on her work. Manager McLemore pointed out, "There are no cuts on this list, involving the Senior Center." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES PUBLIC MEETING WITH CITY STAFF ON THE BUDGET -MAY 8, 2008 PAGE 3 OF 4 Mr. Ron Ligthart, 1036 Winding Waters Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: asked why the Budget was higher two (2) years ago, and why Special Events were now costing more than in previous years. Continuing, Mr. Ligthart asked about Workforce Housing. Tape 1/Side B Discussion ensued on such housing and a related reduction in crime. Next, Mr. Ligthart commented on a referenced cut; spending on beautification and streetscape improvements; and growth in Lake Mary. Mr. Matt Matisak, 794 Seneca Meadows Road, Winter Springs, Florida: remarked about whether any cost cutting was done in City Departments; and asked if unspent funds as of today, could be frozen and added back into the Budget? Mr. Michael Carpino, 110 Woodleaf Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke on the merits of City Parks, especially Central Winds Park; commented on the benefits of sports programs; and hoped that Fees for sports programs would not be increased. Ms. Pamela Carroll, 865 Dyson Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke about the Splash Pad planned for Trotwood Park; suggested that some Special Events be alternated with neighboring cities Longwood and Oviedo; and asked if a wage freeze was being considered. Mr. Ron Pillera, 882 Benchwood Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke on the Dog Park and matching funds; and that someone should also be looking at the postponed projects so that they "Don't go away." Mr. Matt Matisak, 794 Seneca Meadows Road, Winter Springs, Florida: asked whether there were some Employee Development dollars still available? Mr. Kevin Smith, Director, General Services Department stated, "I don't have the exact numbers on memory." Mr. Smith added, "What those exact numbers are, I don't remember. I will check." Mr. Matisak suggested that perhaps the total Employee Development dollars could be tallied up and submitted to citizens. Mr. Anthony Colon, 394 Twelve Oaks Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: asked about the comparison of the top funded Departments and how they compare with neighboring municipalities. Brief discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES PUBLIC MEETING WITH CITY STAFF ON THE BUDGET -MAY 8, 2008 PAGE 4 OF 4 Mr. Matt Matisak, 794 Seneca Meadows Road, Winter Springs, Florida: inquired about tonight's Meeting and what was the next step? Manager McLemore stated, "The Clerk is taking these comments and we will deliver it to them Monday -for them to consider." Mr. Ron Pillera, 882 Benchwood Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: commented on Amendment 1 and what municipalities could do. Mr. Bob Rucci, 673 Turkey Hollow Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke further on previous legislative actions and majority Votes. Ms. Yolanda Serrano, 431 Boxwood Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: asked if there would be an increase in water bills? Manager McLemore stated, "I don't know of any water rate anticipated in the next Budget cycle." In closing, Manager McLemore remarked, "I appreciate you coming and I appreciate the tone of your discussion and we will relay that on to the Commission." ADJOURNMENT The Public Meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: AN A LORENZO-LUACES, CMC CITY CLERK APPR~'VED: MA R JOHN ~". I3USH NOTE: TheFe ?Minutes were approved at the June 9, 2008 Regular City Commission Meeting.