HomeMy Public PortalAbout050_020_20140528Minutes City Council Minutes 20140528
Mayor Buelterman called the Public Hearing for the First Reading of the Proposed FY2014-15
Budget to order at 6:00PM on May 28, 2014. Those present were Mayor pro tem Wanda Doyle,
Paul Wolff, Monty Parks, Rob Callahan, Barry Brown and Bill Garbett. Also attending were
Diane Schleicher, City Manager; Angela Hudson, Finance Director; and Janet LeViner, Clerk of
Council.
Public Hearing
First Reading of the proposed Budget FY2014-2015. Mayor Buelterman explained
that the purpose of the Public Hearing is to take public comment on the budget for
FY2014 — 15 which runs July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. There will be a second
reading on June 12, 2014 during the regular council meeting and final vote on June 26,
2014. Mayor Buelterman would ask mayor and council to share their questions with
Ms. Schleicher and copy all so all concerns would be known and answers would be
provided to each member of council. He stated that Ms. Hudson received information
from the current auditors to take the hotel/motel revenue and apply toward the items
that are servicing the tourists. After discussion with Mr. Hughes, Mayor Buelterman
explained that it might create concerns with parking revenue as the revenue from
parking needs to be applied to serve the people that are parking. Mr. Wolff asked if
there is surplus, could that be directed toward the future beach re-nourishment. Mayor
Buelterman responded that the entire amount of hotel/motel revenue goes to the
general fund and is evenly dispersed to all the general fund needs. Mr. Wolff asked if
there would be a problem from a budgetary standpoint with dedicating some of the
hotel/motel revenue and parking revenue directly to beach re-nourishment. Mayor
Buelterman explained the process at which time Ms. Schleicher stated that legally a
portion of the hotel/motel tax can go to the general fund. She is explained that she is
currently working on a list of things that impact of the beach. This was also used
during the LOST and SPLOST negations. Mr. Garbett stated he is pleased that the City
is working hard to get the correct formatting accomplished regarding the hotel/motel
and parking revenues. Ms. Hudson stated that 50% of the hotel/motel revenue is
allocated to tourism and the other 50%, the law states, the City can do allocate where
needed. Ms. Doyle stated she would like to see a decision made, have the changes
made, and mayor and council have a completed copy prior to the second reading on
June 12, 2014. Ms. Schleicher confirmed that mayor and council will have all the
completed documents prior to the second reading. Ms. Doyle complimented staff for
the presentation of the budget for first reading as it is easier reading and
understanding. Ms. Hudson thanked Ms. Doyle and confirmed a completed packet
would be provided prior to the second reading of the proposed budget. Mr. Callahan
added that he would ask that a completed set also be provided prior to the second
reading and not give mayor and council additional pages and changes at the onset of
the second reading. Ms. Hudson confirmed. Ms. Doyle stated that she has reviewed her
notes and those in the clerk's office regarding the grants for the non-profit
organizations and did not see the correct number for the Historical Society. She
explained that mayor and council had decided that no changes would be made from the
prior year, across the board, so all were treated equally. Ms. Doyle explained that she
did not see the funds added to include the painting of the lighthouse. Mr. Wolff
confirmed.
Mr. Wolff stated a discussion regarding the purchase of police vehicles. He explained
that the police department is open to the purchase of the Ford Fusion Hybrid's which
can be designed for police cars. Ms. Hudson stated the original budget for the police
vehicles was $50,000 which was changed to $60,000 and she added $5,000 for
equipment. A discussion ensued regarding the purchase of difference police vehicles
and equipment that will be installed on the vehicles. Mr. Parks stated that he is favor of
the Ford Fusion for an administrative vehicle and not a patrol car. After the discussion
Mayor Buelterman recommended the Public Safety Committee meet to discuss the
options and forward their recommendations to mayor and council. NO ACTION
TAKEN
Paul Wolff made a motion to adjourn. Monty Parks seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35PM