Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_7/20/2020MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL JULY 20, 2020 6:00 PM ZOOM/YOUTUBE CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 6:00 PM. A roll call was taken by Deputy Clerk Mary Ann Grieser. Present were: Mayor Brennan, Vice Mayor Stone, Council Member Brandon, Council Member Prince, Council Member D'Ambra. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were none. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Review Proposed FY 202012021 Budget Village Manager Jeremy Allen provided a slideshow demonstrating the fiscal year 2021 which included: some sales tax numbers, a summary of the general fund, budget summary by department, general fund budgetary highlights, general expenditure history, five year capital improvement plan, general fund balance projection, capital projects funds, capital improvement surtax fund, capital projects -fund 303, enterprise fund - budgetary highlights, water utility highlights, water utility -fund 401, other enterprise funds, storm water utility and fund 403, and the refuse and recycling fund 402. Council asked various questions regarding water meters and costs/revenues associated with them. Utility Director Matt Hammond felt there would be improved water conservation with the new system. Additionally, accelerating the water meter project was discussed along with collection rates. Reconsideration of salary adjustments for the employees slated to receive a .33% rate increase this year was discussed. Manager Allen believed Tequesta Fest (if cancelled) could possibly provide some funding for a slight salary increase. Additionally, end of year bonus amounts were discussed, along with employee morale and Consumer Price Index (CPI). Bargaining sessions from prior years were part of the conversation as well as how to move forward in the upcoming fiscal year. Manager Allen reminded Council that there was still a $600,000 deficit in the reserve balance and that he had kept this in mind when creating the budget for the coming year. Fire Chief Trube presented a PowerPoint for Council which illustrated: fire rescue history, a personnel chart, Covid-19 management, overtime expenditures, fire rescue services, rescue statistics, 5-year operating costs, personnel vs. operating expenditures, fleet and infrastructure, capital improvement plan, inter -local agreements, revenue, and vision. Vice Mayor Stone asked about the aerial truck and why it was not included in the CIP. Chief Trube believed it currently did not fit in the 5-year plan but he was hopeful that it would be included in the future. The current ladder truck would be used until it could no longer be maintained. Council pondered whether an additional truck was actually necessary based upon the number of incidents requiring it per year. Vice Mayor Stone questioned the percentage of fire department salary increase and felt there was a disconnect with what residents received compared to this 4.5% increase. Additionally, Vice Mayor asked about personnel changes that had occurred since the 1990s. It was explained there was a minimum number of personnel required on the trucks per Palm Beach County requirments. Pastor Paul's salary was split between the fire and police department. Vice Mayor Stone stated that according to the figures, 37% of the fire budget was salary for supervisors, which represented 27% of the total general fund. Manager Allen would look into those figures and provide verification. The ideal structure for the Village, as it related to senior fire staff, questioned, as it was the biggest concern for Vice Mayor Stone. Chief Trube believed a Co -Chief was actually necessary, although he was not asking for the position in this climate. Council Member D'Ambra believed the current structure worked well for now, however he acknowledged it was a top-heavy structure. Fire department morale was spoken of and Chief Trube believed Covid-19 was having an effect although he believed morale was good overall. Police Chef Medina provided a PowerPoint presentation that included: a mission statement, employee breakdown, a decrease in employees due to transfer to North Com, calls for service, historical personnel budget, overtime operations and communications, police highlights and level of service, police accomplishments, community outreach programs, capital needs, and budget requested. Council Member D'Ambra asked if there were any funds remaining in the seizure account. Chief acknowledged there was still $84,000 remaining and he would not like to deplete the account as he anticipated it would be needed. Vice Mayor Stone asked about the structure of the personnel and it was confirmed that the current structure was as effective and efficient as could be, and would be continually re-examined. The marine unit was on the water more as the Bureau of Land Management contract indicated. Morale was important to Chief Medina and his door was always open. He felt the department was moving in the direction of what was best for the residents. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM. MOTION: Council Member D'Ambra made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Council Member Prince seconded the motion. Carried unanimously 5-0. Respectfully submitted, 'Ad - u4 4n.. Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.