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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09- September 13, 2011 1st Budget Hearing Meeting Minutes CITY OF OPA-LOCKA "The Great City" CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES FIRST BUDGET HEARING September 13, 2011 5:01 P.M. City Commission Chambers 777 Sharazad Boulevard Opa-locka,FL 33054 1. ROLL CALL: The City Commission of the City of Opa-Locka met on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 @ 5:05 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 777 Sharadad Blvd. Opa-locka, Florida. The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Rose Tydus, Vice Mayor Dorothy Johnson, and Mayor Myra L. Taylor. Commissioner Timothy Holmes arrived at 5:18 p.m. Also in attendance were Interim City Manager Bryan Finnie, City Attorney Joseph Geller and City Clerk Deborah S. Irby. 2. INVOCATION: The invocation was recited by Mayor Myra Taylor. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison. 4. FIRST READING ORDINANCES/PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Taylor stated that if it pleases the Commission, both items will be read. A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012, COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2012; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGET EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATION AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by C.M. B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY'S PROPRIETARY AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012, COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2012; PROVIDING FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 1 BUDGET, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGET EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH APPROPRIATION AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Sponsored by C.M. The above ordinances were read by title by Attorney Geller. Attorney Geller informed the Commission that he would leave the meeting early and that Michael Rodriquez will take his place on the dais. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public hearing: Ronnie King of 12950 Lejuene Road, Opa-locka, Florida appeared before the City Commission as the President of local union 68. He said that the commission should come to an understanding that the employees of Opa-locka are hurting enough with taking a 4% pay cut. David Norris of 260 Perviz Avenue Apt. 18, Opa-locka, Florida appeared before the Commission and stated that he was speaking as a citizen on some issues that concerned him. He continued to say that he observed that all sprinklers were on Perviz Avenue even though it had rained. He said this was monies being wasted. He also stated that he was concerned how employees in the $20,000.00 range were being treated. He said it was his opinion that so much can be done, but nothing is being done. Mayor Taylor asked Mr. Norris if he was speaking as a citizen or an employee. Mr. Norris replied that he was speaking as a citizen. He further said that he was also concerned about the 4% pay cut and the employees could not afford this hardship. Vice Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Norris if he was an official with the union. Mr. Norris replied that he was an official with the union. Vice Mayor Johnson stated that he should present himself as a union official and then he could speak for the body of the employees. She continued to say that whenever anyone observes misuse of anything it should be brought to the attention of the individual's supervisor, and this could be cost saving. She also informed Mr. Norris that she valued the feedback that he has given to the City Commission. She further informed Mr. Norris that she would not support any reduction of services. First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 2 Joseph Kelley of 485 Dunad Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida appeared before the City Commission and asked what is the impact on the transfer of $500,000.00 from water and sewer and what amount is left. He also said that the document stated that it will be supplemented by a new organization structure reflected. He asked if this document was already prepared because he would like to see what it means because that has an impact when you start to restructure government. He said this impact services and everything else, therefore, he would like to see this before the final budget is passed. Vice Mayor Johnson informed Mr. Kelley that she met with the City Manager to come up with a draft to present to the citizens. She said it would be a drastic change, but no reduction in services. Mr. Kelley said the question is not only the balance but what type of structure will there be to repay the monies. There being no other interested parties to speak on behalf of the public hearing, the public hearing was closed. It was moved by Vice Mayor Johnson seconded by Commissioner Miller to pass the above ordinance on first reading. Attorney Geller had to leave the meeting and was replaced by Attorney Rodriquez. Manager Finnie stated that the scenario he would like to recommend to the commission for the budget approval is scenario A (which is a part of this record) He stated that this scenario details the transfer of$565,000.00 from the water and sewer fund which will eliminate the need for the 4% salary reduction and the 12 furlough days. He said there will be impact on the fleet management position, police department, CET, Human Resources, and Housing Inspector position. He said there will also be no funding on vacant positions such as the Asst. Public Works Director, positions at the police department, recreation leader, community development these positions will not be funded. Mr. Finnie continued to go over the other scenarios with the City Commission. (Scenario A,B,C are hereby made a part of these minutes) He said after his discussion with the Commission they were not in agreement with any scenarios that would reduce salary or services, therefore scenario A is being recommended. Manager Finnie further asked the commission for direction on the Crime Prevention which was always funded by grant monies which is no longer available for the program. He also stated that he wanted to look into the privatization of fleet management operations. First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 3 He also informed the commission that he would like to investigate the possibility of privatization code enforcement. Vice Mayor Johnson stated that in her opinion scenario A will be the better choice. She stated that she supported Crime Prevention and wanted the Manager to look into finding some additional funds. She continued by asking about the CET program and the sergeants position. She stated that to make certain that those positions that are grant funded be stated. She said that legislations should be brought back to the commission to support the community development department because there is nothing in the charter relating to this department. She asked about the recreation leader, she asked will this position be eliminated? Mr. Finnie said the position is vacant and will not be filled. Charles Brown spoke about the tutoring program and sports program and said that the ratio was 1-15 kids in the program. Vice Mayor stated that all employees who deal with children must be FDLE 2"d level background checks, including volunteers. Commissioner Miller asked, after the transfer of monies from the water and sewer, how much is left. Mr. Finnie replied, Seven Million dollars. He said after the transfer the amount will be 6.5 million dollars. Commissioner Holmes asked, how much is the deficit? Mr. Finnie replied 2.3 million dollars. He said the changes which have been made in the budget process the amount is now zero for a balanced budget for this fiscal year. Commissioner Holmes asked, therefore there will be no deductions or furlough days. Finnie replied, this is correct. Commissioner Holmes stated his discontentment over those individuals which were hired at the beginning of the year. After further brief discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Miller to pass ordinance 4a with scenario A (general fund budget) on first reading. First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 4 Commissioner Tydus asked if there were any legal requirements as far as reimbursements that the city must repay the money. She said she would support scenario A with the understanding that performance is priority. Vice Mayor Johnson stated that on pump station 11C over$275,000 was paid just on the air. She also stated that there must be more accountability among the employees. She directed the attorney to bring back a resolution for 2011, 2012 for no hiring during the budget year without the approval of the commission. She said the monies should be paid back from the water and sewer transfer. She also stated that the auditor was needed at the budget meetings. Commissioner Holmes stated that he wanted the auditor at the budget meetings. Commissioner Tydus stated that the commission received the annual financial report. Vice Mayor Johnson said that she wanted the $556,000.00 to be a loan from the water and sewer fund. It was moved by Vice Mayor, seconded by Commissioner Miller to pass the motion for the transfer of monies to water and sewer to be repaid as a loan. Commission Vote: 4-1 Vice Mayor Johnson Yes Commissioner Tydus No Commissioner Miller Yes Commissioner Holmes Yes Mayor Taylor Yes Vice Mayor asked staff to bring back the amount of monies in the reserves. Faye Douglas stated that $565,000.00 is funded in the reserves for next year. Vice Mayor Johnson stated that she wanted the true amount of monies in the reserves. She also stated that she wanted documented job performances from the three appointed officials. Manager Finnie stated that the money can be borrowed or transferred. The motion passed by a 5-0 vote on the original ordinance. Commission Vote: 5-0 Commissioner Tydus Yes Commissioner Miller Yes First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 5 Commissioner Holmes Yes Vice Mayor Johnson Yes Mayor Taylor Yes Ordinance 4 B: Adopting the city's proprietary and special revenue fund budget for fiscal year 2011-2012. Mayor Taylor opened the floor to public hearing. Joseph Kelley expressed his concerns reference the proprietary and special revenue. He said he hoped that on a quarterly basis there could be some kind of report generated for the citizens. Mayor Taylor requested that the Manager furnish a quarterly report for everyone. After there were no other parties to speak on behalf of the public hearing, the public hearing was closed. It was moved by Vice Mayor Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Miller to pass ordinance 4b. Manager Finnie stated that if the City is to fund Crime Prevention then it would be under this budget item. Faye Douglas stated that currently Crime Prevention has expenses of$143,000.00 and in revenue $40,000.00. Therefore there is a budget gap of$103,000.00. She said the Manager made reference that he is in support of an adjustment in the budget and is funding the program with adjustment in services and dollars will be found to do this. She continued to say that the commission advised them that grant programs should not be funded, but this is up to the commission and this program will be funded. Vice Mayor Johnson stated that Crime Prevention was not a grant. She said that the monies were taken out of general funds and funds are available through DJJ program. She said that she totally supports the program. Faye Douglas stated that Crime Prevention was started as a grant program and historically it has always been a grant funded program. She said the past two years some of the expenses in the program were supported by the general funds in parks and recreation. She said since the programs are separated, this is where the budget gap is coming from because the two employees that were in Parks are now back in Crime Prevention. Manager Finnie asked, are we precluded from funding crime prevention out of the general fund. Faye Douglas replied no. She said Crime Prevention is a special revenue funded program. First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 6 Mayor Taylor asked, how much does it take to run the program? Faye Douglas replied, $143,000.00 Vice Mayor asked, how many children does Crime Prevention service. Starex Smith replied that the program services 200-300 children per year. Mr. Finnie stated that he would look for special funding to run the program. Commissioner Miller asked if all the kids were from Opa-locka? Starex Smith replied, no. He said the only kids that are outside of Opa-locka are the ones that are a part of the grant from Miami-Dade County which mandates they service District One. Vice Mayor asked Starex Smith to explain more about the program. Starex Smith said a large grant was received from the Children's Trust called the Youth Violence Prevention which was over One Million dollars and Miami Gardens wanted these monies to be equitable to the City of Opa-locka and the city received over $400,000.00 and the police department also received monies. Commissioner Tydus stated that she needed to ask Mr. Smith a question regarding program participation. She said on the report which had been provided to the Commission dealing with the enrollment, it states that there up to 48 kids in the program. She further said that Mr. Smith stated that there were over 300 kids in the program, however he reported 48 kids. Mr. Smith states that in the program, each one has a certain amount of kids that are enrolled. He said the list which he submitted to the Commission in the report was only dealing with the students that come daily. He said if they come through the suspension program, they are enrolled and are counted as number that has been serviced. He said the number that is serviced in the Crime Prevention Program is 200-300 kids. He said this is the number of kids that come from Monday thru Friday. Mr. Manager stated that he will have further discussion regarding the number of kids and bring the information back to the commission. After no further discussion, the motion passed by a 5-0 vote. Commission Vote: 5-0 Commissioner Miler Yes Commissioner Tydus Yes First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 7 Vice Mayor Johnson Yes Commissioner Holmes Yes Mayor Taylor Yes 5. Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. • .V..i/ AYOR ATTEST: CITY CLE ' K First Budget Hearing Minutes—09/13/2011 8