HomeMy Public PortalAbout1987-04-13 Workshop Meeting35
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WORKSHOP SESSION
APRIL 13, 1987
The Bal Harbour Village Council -elect met in a Workshop
Session on Monday, April 13, 1987 in the Conference Room of the
Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m. by
Louise K. Miller, Village Manager. Those present were:
Mayor Sol M Taplin
James E. Boggess, Councilman -elect
Richard Olsen, Councilman -elect
Estelle Stern, Councilwoman -elect
Also present: Louise K. Miller, Village Manager
John F. Kelly, Finance Officer
Richard J. Weiss, Village Attorney*
Carole S. Morris, Village Clerk
Mrs. Miller explained that the purpose of this workshop is
to provide the newly elected councilpersons with an orientation
of the Village and its operation. Various documents were
distributed to the Council -elect, including: 1986-87 Budget,
Code Books, Village audit, etc. Mrs. Miller spoke briefly,
noting the following items.
1. Mrs. Miller noted that all meetings of the Village
Council are publicly noticed and are open to both the public and
the press. Further, all Village records are open for public
inspection.
2. Inherent to the concept of the Manager -Council form of
government is the idea that the Council will set the policy and
the Manager administer that policy.
3. Mrs. Miller noted that availability of the first -floor
office formerly occupied by Mr. Sherman. This office will, of
course, be available for use by the new Mayor. In the interim
the office is available for the council to utilize. Secretarial
services are also available.
4. Mrs. Miller made known her own availability to the
Council -elect. They may reach her either at Village Hall or at
home, she is listed in the telephone directory.
*Mr. Weiss arrived after the meeting had begun, following Mrs.
Miller's opening remarks.
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5. Finally, Mrs. Miller suggested that the Council -elect
may desire, at least initially, a workshop session prior to each
meeting. This will provide an opportunity for them to obtain
background information about procedures and policies which they
will require to make informed decisions.
The meeting was then opened for discussion. Mayor Taplin
began by questioning Mrs. Miller as to her competence to manage
the Village without a strong mayor. Mrs. Miller indicated
confidence in her abilities to do so. Additionally, she stated
that due to her experience with this municipality, she is aware
of the intricacies involved with its operation. Mayor Taplin
also requested that agenda materials be made available to the
Council before the agenda is finalized so that each Council
member will have input. Mrs. Miller requested that any Council
member wishing to have an item placed on the agenda work through
her office, in this manner she will ensure that the matter is
researched prior to the meeting - additionally, she noted the
provision for "other business" included in the agenda, should any
topics be omitted, they can always be discussed under this
heading.
Mr. Boggess and Mr. Olsen expressed disapproval of a
memorandum written by Mrs. Miller relating to questions raised by
Mr. Olsen at the March 31, 1987 Council meeting. After some
further discussion of this matter, Mrs. Miller thanked the
Council -elect for their candidness. Mrs. Miller reiterated that
she is a professional manager and as such operates under a strong
code of ethics.
Discussion turned to the upcoming meeting dates. Mayor
Taplin indicated that he will be unable to attend the April 24th
Workshop meeting, to hear the findings of the Harland Bartholomew
study, and requested that this meeting be rescheduled. Neither
Mayor Taplin or Mr. Boggess will be able to attend the regular
council meeting scheduled for the 28th. Consequently, it was
agreed that following the installation meeting on the 20th, a
special meeting will be held. Mrs. Miller noted that she has
several items pending which will need attention prior to the May
Council meeting, as it appears there will be no quorum at the
meeting of the 28th. If Malcolm Drummond, of Harland
Bartholomew, is available on the 20th, his report will also be
scheduled for that date. In anticipation of the workshop, Mayor
Taplin requested that the Harland Bartholomew report be mailed to
the new council members.
Mrs. Miller then introduced the Council -elect to Village
Finance Officer John F. Kelly. Mr. Kelly is a C.P.A. and serves
the Village on an "as -needed" basis. Mr. Kelly explained that
governmental accounting is far different from that of the public
sector. Mr. Kelly explained that the state mandates much of the
accounting activities handled by his staff. Mr. Kelly briefly
explained the budget and noted that the newly received audit was
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also being distributed to the council -elect at this time.
Mrs. Miller followed by introducing Richard J. Weiss, the
Village Attorney. Mr. Weiss presented a brief explanation of the
Sunshine Laws for those present. Essentially, the Sunshine Law
provides that no two or more council members may discuss
privately any business which the council may later have to render
a decision. He explained the process by which an ordinance is
enacted. Mr. Weiss also spoke briefly about conflict of
interest, and noted that a conflict of interest opinion may be
requested at any time. Opinions of this nature should be
requested by the person in question.
Discussion then turned to the Council vacancy created by Mr.
Sherman's resignation. It was agreed that the Village newsletter
would be utilized to request resumes from interested persons.
Mr. Boggess suggested that potential council persons be asked to
answer the same slate of questions which the Herald had posed to
each of them. Mr. Olsen and Mrs. Stern both agreed that this
would be an excellent idea. The council -elect will chose their
Mayor at the installation meeting of the 20th.
Village Clerk Carole Morris noted the manilla envelope
provided to each new council member. Inside, insurance and tax
materials were provided for their review. Mrs. Morris requested
that the council -elect review the insurance materials and
complete the enclosed W-4A and return them on the 20th. She also
noted that the agenda packet for the installation meeting should
be delivered to each of them no later than Thursday.
As there was no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at
12:45 p.m.
Ma or
ATTEST:
LkC tL Ogiul)
Village Clerk