Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2004 06 01 City Commission Workshop Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING JUNE 1,2004 CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of Monday, June 1, 2004 of the City Commission was called to order by Mayor John F. Bush at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). ROLL CALL: Mayor John F. Bush, present Commissioner Robert S. Miller, present Commissioner Michael S. Blake, arrived at 6:33 p.m. Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore, present Commissioner Sally McGinnis, present Commissioner David W. McLeod, present City Manager Ronald W. McLemore, present City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, absent AGENDA 1. Office Of The City Manager Discussion Of Budget Issues. Mayor Bush asked the City Commission, "Did you all get a copy from [H.W.] Bill Suber the County (Property) Appraiser, about extended Tax Rolls?" Mayor Bush added, "When this is over, I want to give this to Kelly [Balagia, Budget Analyst, Finance Department] for Finance." 1. Pension Plan Enhancements: City Manager Ronald W. McLemore introduced the first discussion issue related to Pensions. Commissioner Michael S. Blake arrived at 6:33 p.m. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 2 OF 10 With discussion, Commissioner Blake added, "So as far as the unfunded portion goes, I am absolutely in favor of reducing that to certainly under twenty (20) years." Commissioner Blake then suggested, "I think that from a City standpoint - General Fund funding source, that we could certainly - look at those years of service and find a way to fund a Benefit for that period, and in fact we have done that." Discussion ensued on matters related to the Fire Union. Commissioner Blake then inquired, "Have we done a census to look at exactly how many folks would be affected by this increase retroactively in Benefits, and what the present value of the cost is for each associated Employee?" Manager McLemore replied, "We have not." Mr. Donald D. Chapman, E.A., M.A.A.A., MS.P.A., Consulting Actuary, Retirement Plan Specialists, Inc., 2 Lawn Street, Oviedo, Florida: addressed the City Commission and stated, "We have figured that there - 153 people that this would impact - and we haven't tallied what the liability would be just for that group as yet - but we can get you that number. " Commissioner Blake then asked what the rest of the City Commission felt about "As to the issue of the policy decision of providing additional Benefits for Employees who have been here prior to 2000." Further discussion. Ms. Sandra Turner, Actuary, Retirement Plan Specialists, Inc., 2 Lawn Street, Oviedo, Florida: addressed the City Commission Commissioner Blake added, "There are three (3) or four (4) different ways that it reduces the cost of providing the benefit, by having it go through the City and not to the Employee back in." Commissioner David W. McLeod said "I would probably be more in favor of that." Tape I/Side 8 With further discussion, Manager McLemore explained, "The Plan was and the commitment was that at a point in time where it was feasible, we would try to lay this last brick in." Commissioner McLeod said to Manager McLemore, "You bring me that portion of the Commission Agenda that says that a later time we will come forward and lay this next brick." Manager McLemore stated, "Sure - I will try to find it in the Minutes, yes." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 3 OF 10 The "Cody" Study was addressed next. Discussion. Commissioner Blake presented a chart on suggested contribution levels and discussion followed. Commissioner Blake then said to Manager McLemore, "Here is the key - year 3, we go back and the Employee now is able to have is a four percent (4%) raise again, you see 4, 4, and 4. I just went out five (5) years here. Is that correct?" Manager McLemore responded, "That's correct." With further discussion on Commissioner Blake's chart, Commissioner Blake said to Manager McLemore, "Does this illustration depict what your recommendation is?" Manager McLemore stated, "Yes." Discussion followed with Commissioner Blake who stated, "How would this change affect current Retirees?" Mr. Chapman stated, "Thirteen (13)." Ms. Turner added, "We haven't done the ad hoc studies as far as what it would cost to increase or include them in any increases at this time." Commissioner Sally McGinnis asked about the total number of Employees and stated, "I do care how the other Departments feel about this. I think that is an important factor." Further discussion. Tape 2/Side A Commissioner Blake stated, "Should we find a way to make an additional contribution to shorten up the unfunded liability pay-off and if the answer is yes, then how do we fund it. Secondly, should we increase Benefits to prior service Employees, those that have been here longer than the new Plan taking effect in the year 2000; and if so, then how should we fund that. Has there been any consideration at all; have we looked at - rates being where they are, about bonding either or both of these?" Manager McLemore stated, "No." Commissioner Blake added, "The numbers may be interesting." Discussion. Mayor Bush then commented on Commissioner Blake's remarks and said, "Number one - should the Commission decide whether they want to reduce the unfunded - part of the Pension Plan; and, if so, where does it come from?" With further discussion, Commissioner Blake stated, "I would not support reducing the Merit Plan to pay for the unfunded liability." Mayor Bush then said, "Does the Commission feel we should be moving towards the fifteen percent (15%)?" Commissioner McLeod stated, "I think we should move down. I am not sure that we go half-way - maybe twenty percent (20%), and maybe twenty percent (20%) becomes one of the half percent (112%) contributions by the Employee." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE40FIO Mayor Bush then said, "So Commissioner McLeod is suggesting reducing it from maybe thirty (30) to twenty (20)." Commissioner McGinnis stated, "I am comfortable with twenty (20); I am comfortable with fifteen (15)." Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore said, "I support fifteen (15) years." Commissioner Blake stated, 'Ten (10) years." Commissioner Robert S. Miller responded, "I think shorter is better, we should strive to get back to a shorter period. I don't know if it is really fifteen (15) or twenty (20), but it ought to be less than thirty (30)." Mayor Bush added, "I think that what Commissioner McLeod is also suggesting on a twenty (20) is that we move in increments towards the fifteen (15) and not all in one fell swoop." Mayor Bush said to Manager McLemore, "I think it would be good if the Commission could see the reduction - from thirty (30) to twenty (20) to fifteen (15)." Commissioner McLeod added, "And also to see how these lines cross." Next, Commissioner McLeod stated that regarding the Fire Department, "I think the real story is, is they are in agreement to two (2) years, so however this thing plays out - I think their portion of that becomes a two (2) year commitment to what that is and I think you have got to play those numbers with it too. But I still think the crucial thing is going to come down the road and hit you is the "Cody" Study - and nobody can put in the numbers of that today. And I still do believe there is a difference between a fifteen (15) number you are looking at and a nineteen (19). They are both not fifteen (15) flowing all the way through - there is a difference in year 3 that starts out as nineteen (19) and the overall benefit becomes a four percent (4%) benefit down the road." Manager McLemore said, "I can chart that for you." Commissioner Miller suggested, "I think we - really need to get the City Employees to give us some kind of an indication of how interested they are in making this happen on the basis that you have put it together." Commissioner McLeod added, "ljust want to see the options." Commissioner Blake said, "I would be very interested to see some alternative method whereby we could more efficiently and effectively direct the benefit - and more affordably direct the benefit to where it is - I think truly deserved." Additionally, Commissioner Blake said that regarding the issue of "Those Employees who are long-standing, clearly dedicated Employees - I would like us to take a little bit of time and energy to see if there isn't something creative we can do to really get to the issue at hand." Commissioner McLeod spoke to Manager McLemore about possible options and suggested that, "We take one percent (1 %) from the Employees and we go over here to the General Fund and we get the balance of it and we pay it off - so that is really what we're saying." Commissioner McLeod added, "I think we are really giving him a better option than he came with and to go back to look at some other options." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1.2004 PAGE 5 OF 10 Mayor Bush summarized that "You have given Mr. McLemore the option to go back and come with more options." Mayor Bush further said, "I think Commissioner Blake's comments - I think are good in terms of trying to find some way to be equitable to everybody." Mayor Bush called a Recess at 8:20 p.m. Mayor Bush reconvened the Meeting at 8:38 p.m. 2. Salaries: With brief discussion on the provided documents, Commissioner Blake said, "'Information Systems Director' - it is a big jump - were we just that wrong before?" Manager McLemore stated, "There has been a big change - I think it was just underrated in the past. I have a comparison study - another study that was done, and it is almost on the dollar for what this number is and I think it has just been underrated in the past and there obviously has been changes recently in the marketplace. But historically, I think it has been underrated. I can show you another study that has basically the same results, independent of this company." 3. Health Insurance: Discussion. Ms. Fluffy Bel/us, Bel/us Insurance Services, 1251 Miller Street, Winter Park, Florida: presented information to the City Commission. With discussion, Mayor Bush said, "Does the Commission have any objections to the Manager's recommendation - '44 C'?" Commissioner McLeod said, "I think it is a good thing." No disagreements were noted. 4. Prepayment Of Notes: Regarding the Fund Balance, Commissioner Miller said to Manager McLemore, "What else is coming up in the next four (4) months that is going to draw on our Fund Balance that you are aware of? I am going to remember you said there was nothing, if you say 'Nothing' ." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 6 OF 10 Manager McLemore stated, "We do have an issue we're working on right now, over in the Senior Citizen's Center where - many of the windows are leaking, because of rot; and we're going to be bringing that to you pretty soon." Furthermore, Commissioner Miller added, "I just want to let you know that if some of these other things are coming down, I sure would like to hear about them tonight." Manager McLemore responded, "I am not aware of anything." Mayor Bush stated, "Accept the Manager's Recommendation? No objections were noted. 5. Urban Beautification Program: Brief discussion. Tap 2/Side B Regarding landscaping, Commissioner McGinnis stated, "I absolutely agree. I think that this is essential. The Town Center is already starting to shows signs of stress." Commissioner Miller said, "I also happen to think this is probably not a bad idea." Further discussion. 6. ADA Transportation: With brief discussion, Mayor Bush said, "Anybody disagree with the Manager's recommendation for ADA Transportation?" No objections were noted. 7. Senior Bus Transportation Discussion. Commissioner Miller stated, "If you take the Lynx - ADA, where they come and pick you up with a vehicle that will lift you into the thing in a wheehchair, if that is what is needed; they have a co-pay, I think it is two dollars ($2.00) per trip." Commissioner Miller added, I think it - may be worthwhile looking at some alternative like that, rather than go out to a Contract." Commissioner Miller then said, "However, the Paratransit system, they don't seem have any problem doing it and maybe you should ask them what they are doing? So, what is the ridership now? It is quite high from what I understand. Well, I would be interested to see - whatever the ridership is right now." Manager McLemore said, "I am saying I think we need to explore this - and we are going to have to be very careful with it - and I think you have got to involve the Seniors." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 7 OF 10 Commissioner McGinnis said, "I have no problem with a contribution." Furthermore, Commissioner McGinnis suggested, "When we look at it, we include - I think we need to have an objective, outside person do this, with input." Commissioner Blake suggested, "I think we ought to look into - at least know what is out there, and not spend too much time on it, but I do believe very strongly that we should put some sort of pay-sharing method in place. I think the better way to do is to just sell tickets. " Mayor Bush said, "How does that change the recommendation? Just fund the program at $35,000.00 and let it go at that?" Commissioner Blake stated, "Yes." Commissioner McLeod stated, "Pretty much." Mayor Bush summarized, "Okay, $35,000.00 8. Joint City-School Recreational Facility: Manager McLemore introduced this issue. With discussion, Mayor Bush stated, "The Manager has made a recommendation that if the Booster Club chooses to move ahead this year, it is recommended that the Commission pass a Resolution creating a Citizen Advisory Committee to determine the feasibility and desirability of going forward with the project." Mayor Bush asked Commissioner Miller, "Are you for the recommendation the Manager has given here on the bottom of this?" Commissioner Miller stated, "Yes." Commissioner Blake responded, "Yes." Commissioner Gilmore also said, "Yes." Commissioner McGinnis stated, "No." Commissioner McLeod said, "Yes." 9. Phase II Town Center Regarding this issue, Commissioner Blake said to Manager McLemore, "Through the analysis process, are you also going to look at the revenues that may be generated from Impact Fees, hook-up, on-going revenues, whether it be through water and sewer and electricity..." Manager McLemore responded, ".. . Yes." Mayor Bush stated, 'What Ron [McLemore] is doing is just informing you - he is looking into this and is going to come back with some more data." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 8 OF 10 10. 1~ Local Option Sales Tax: Manager McLemore advised the Commission that "I don't know how to deal with this one either until I know what is coming on Phase II. So I am trying to tell you that we may have to reprogram the initial Plan which I have attached here in order to accommodate the development of the Town Center." Discussion. Commissioner Blake added, "I would not want to forget that those folks who live on one of those roads are taxpayers too, and have been for a while." 11. 1999 Construction Fund In his opening remarks on this item, Manager McLemore stated, "There is a good possibility, very good possibility that we could get another $200,000.00 and we are going to apply for another $200,000.00 from the State to build Magnolia Park." Commissioner Miller stated, "I think this is something that we need to do, however, I would like to see us make it contingent on the City Manager bringing to us maybe on the next City Commission Meeting or the one after that, a briefing of some kind which shows us what needs to be done to meet these new levels of activity that he is referring to." Furthermore, Commissioner Miller suggested, "I do think that you need to bring us a detailed briefing on where we are on these expansion improvements that you are talking about that are now being looked at." Manager McLemore said, "When we get through, we will come back to this and I will give you a quick little update." Commissioner Miller added further, "Even after that, I would like to see some graphics on what it is that you are thinking about, and what do you think is going to be the worst case." The Village Walk project was addressed next and regarding this issue, Commissioner McGinnis stated, "I am just real concerned that down the line there will be some problems with Village Walk and there won't be the money to complete it to the full extent that was envisioned in the beginning and I just think that is a very important project in the City." Commissioner McGinnis added, "I don't want that project to suffer at the expense of anything else." Manager McLemore stated, "There is a lot of money in reserves for that." Commissioner Blake added, "I agree with the issues on Village Walk and wanting to make sure that - what we end up with there is what we started." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 9 OF 10 Next, Commissioner Blake said, "I am looking at the Capital Improvements Plan you have got listed in here for Magnolia Park and Town Center Trail - I would hope that whatever we are doing there would be a separate Agenda Item - I am okay with budgeting the money to work in those areas, but in terms of the specifics, I don't want this piece of paper to come back at some point in time and say well, the Commission approved this, here it is. Because there are some things on here that quite frankly I am not sure if this is the right way for us to spend the money for these improvements or not - whether we need to spend $50,000.00 on a VFW [Veteran's of Foreign Wars] Monument. " Mayor Bush also stated, "We want to make sure that the Village Walk is adequately funded and taken care of." Tap 3/Side A Discussion ensued on utilities in the area of the Village Walk project. Mayor Bush added, "On this Item, the Manager is going to give a little short presentation at the end of the meeting. Otherwise, you are in concurrence with his recommendation?" No objections were mentioned. 12. Budget Cut Restorations: Manager McLemore stated, "The thing that I am most concerned about is getting that other person for our Maintenance Program." Commissioner McGinnis sated, "I agree." Mayor Bush stated, "Isn't that one of the items we have already covered?" Manager McLemore said, "Yes." Mayor Bush added, "Then they agreed with it. Okay." Regarding Budget Workshops, Commissioner Blake inquired, "When are we going to receive our [Budget] books?" With discussion on a date for a Budget Workshop, Mayor Bush said, "Thursday [June 3, 2004]" for a Budget Workshop. After further comments, Mayor Bush said to Commissioner Blake, "You can make it 6 o'clock on Thursday?" Commissioner Blake responded, "Yes." Mayor Bush then clarified, "6 [o'clock] on Thursday." Additionally, Mayor Bush said to Manager McLemore, "Ron [McLemore], we are going to meet Thursday at 6 o'clock, on the 3rd [ofJune]. In other business, Manager McLemore gave a presentation on future plans for the City's Town Center project. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bush adjourned the Workshop at approximately 10:27 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: - -.::~ ~- -- - UACES, CMC .. "-f- r CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JUNE 1,2004 PAGE 10 OF 10