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02/15/2000 (2) , : , , ;. J .,' 'I ,j ,." "... ", ....'.. .:':' ~; . " '.1 ~ ..~1., 1"; ,. ,'l:t. ., 'J~:..: , <u\......~,.t. ,"Joe .',' , , ~l, ' :.. ~, ~ '1,' ... '. ,\,1 .: :\ " j.' , i:~? :", ~,!, ~",. '::0, ,,~i~,',,:'- ".,; I:~; ;:,:' .' , ",. ',,}, FTF ',' :}.': :~ f ,:Ii ~" :, ...' " ! 'I ..:....;: +', ~', . ,.' <,,", ' ir/;:;' ~ ~~'.~~ ' .~,r,;:','.,' ,'.; .~':'"""', ' ' .: ~ . ~ ~ " ", , ' ;, Fire Task Force MINUTES ,! ':,' , 'j :, .,. J, I; ':," I ! . I l I ~'> ..... t_~~;~.o"" , , ','" , :'.f '.:,' ~ '.. 'I. ',')' .' ." i ; ,,' ,~ .:" I' ,. ", ,"~ - 1 i , , ,I ,000 Date ',.' , " . '.'. ,'e"... '.\ ", '" ,! I' ,r. " ' >1 " ',' , ,", '. ~ e " '" " . , :'} .i.':.':" 'I 1 ,I , . " ~o3 ":' ,. ...~ "..e~, "\,....,,t:V....~........--...,..,........ ~ I ~T"'.e:-- <..F......~~..4i-~~....."",........ .,4' .. . ~..........,. > .......0. 4& ~,"".-~,~L..e'_...~~ :'_ ~. '.. ',,:: r ,.e 1.,t............~t./"ic ~'e':.'.+~;l.'...._1"...,...-. ,'~~ ;, . "L ,. .. , ,. ... ", ~. ... ....' :'. . o. . ",' . , ~< " " I, cr. e"'" " ' .~ ' I. ' ',. ~ , " ,> ":. , " " .~' "1. :-:..'-:~ FIRE TASK FORCE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER 'February 15, 2000 Present: Bill Horne Joe Calio Joe Evich Rowland Herald Russ Kimball George Krause John Lee Scott. Nail Bill Schwob I Duke Tieman William Sherman Doug Williams Jean Stuart Chair (non-voting) Task Force Member Task Force Member - arrived 3: 11 p.m. Task Force Member Task Force Member - arrived 3:03 p.m. Task Force Member Task Force Member Task Force Member Task Force Member Task Force Member Task Force Member Task Force Member Task Force Alternate , , '. , e' ~ ~ ; .I . ' Also Present: John Carassas Margie Simmons Tina Wilson Cyndie Goudeau Sue Diana Brenda Moses Assistant City Attorney - departed 4:48 p.m. Finance Director Budget Director City Clerk Assistant' City Clerk Board Reporter !..' " ':'0 ~ '~ . . > t',..--' The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. ", To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. i..':' .:.~, . ITEM 2 - Approval of Minutes Member Tieman moved to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2000, meeting as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded .and carried unanimously. Member Schwob moved to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2000, meeting as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Finance Director Margie Simmons requested that page 3, paragraph 6, sentence 2 of the February 1, 2000 minutes read /lScenarios will reflect a combination of a fire fee and ad valorem taxes, a 25/75 split, a 50/50 split and a 75/25 split." Member Tieman moved to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2000, minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried ,unanimously. " .. ,~~:') . ~ " ',j. '. , :~<':", ' . mft02bOO 1 02/15/00 ,~, ~ I ""L',: "!' ., " , ': " . ~ " . '.. !. :' " ~. "rJ .'.' 'J ';.T;~;:~.J- ~'~i"+': ./';,.. ITEM 3 - Discussion - Reachlna Consensus on Fundlna ODtions Member Leo clarified, according to Florida Statutes, Penny for Pinellas funds can be used for purposes such as remodeling of fire stations. Ms. Simmons provided additional funding scenarios, requested by the Task Force, reflecting a combination of ad valorem taxes and a fire fee: Option 7 A iSO/50 split); Option 7B 125/7S split) and Option 7C (75/25 split). The scenarios were based on using $4 million from Penny for Pinellas with a 25% buydown. Discussion ensued regarding a fire fee and it was indicated comments that have been received from the public include: 1) a fire fee is just another tax; 2) concern churches will have to pay the fee; and 3) amazement in the City not having allocated, any funds from Penny for Pinellas to the Fire Department. One member said feedback received indicates residents prefer a fee to a tax increase. It was remarked because of the timeframe to educate the public about a fire fee, conceptual issues, and disparity between fees to homeowners with lower assessed property values, a fire fee will be harder to sell to the public than another method of funding. It was commented a fire fee has merit as a single funding source. Discussion ensued regarding the motion and whether it should specify a specific amount. It was suggested the motion include what percentage of capital items, if not all, would be paid for with Penny for Pine lias funds. It was noted that at a previous meeting, the Task Force already validated that Penny for Pinellas funds would be a component of the funding recommendation. The Task Force has stated that the Fire Department's capital needs should be funded with Penny for Pinellas funds, and that ad valorem taxes pay for personnel, operations, and other capital needs. The Task Force also had suggested a priority ranking for construction of fire stations. Member Schwab withdrew his motion. The seconder agreed. Member Schwab moved that the Task Force not consider a fire fee in obtaining funds to pay for the increased expenses in the Fire Department that the Task Force considers essential. The motion was duly seconded. Discussion ensued and it was remarked if $4 millio,n in Penny funds is not approved in its entirety, the Task Force has recommended the balance of funds for the fiv'e-year plan come from ad valorem taxes. It was suggested the Task Force's mft02bOO 2 02/1 5/00 , I . \~. IJ T>' ' ,) o report to the Commission include a recommendation that the City consider a fire fee some time in the future. It was indicated individual members could add addendums regarding their personal perspective to the report. It was recommended and hoped all Task Force members would attend the presentation to the Commission. Concern was expressed that dismissing a fire fee now will preclude its implementation in the future. It was commented the Fire Department has a dire need for a funding option such as a fire fee, and it was felt it should not be excluded. It was remarked the library is slated to receive a large portion of Penny for Pinellas funds and it may not be feasible to expect the Commission to allocate $4 million to the Fire Department. It was noted tourists pay 35% of the Penny for Pinellas tax. It was commented many projects slated for Penny for Pinellas funds 'are for Parks and Recreation and none provide real infrastructure to the City. Upon the vote being taken, Members Calio, Evich, Kimball, Nail, Schwab, , Sherman and Williams voted "aye"; Members Herald, Krause, Lee, and Tieman voted "nny". Motion carried. Member Evich moved that Penny for Pinellas funds be used entirely for all capital requirements as specified per Florida Statutes. Assistant City Attorney John Carassas clarified Florida Statutes allows the use of Penny for Pinellas funds for reconstruction or improvements as long as the item has a life expectancy of 5 years or more. He noted vehicles are also included as previously discussed. Regarding the motion, when citing the Florida Statutes, the Task Force means using Penny for Pinellas funds for what is legally acceptable. , Member Evich said he preferred not to specify a dollar amount in his motion, , but recommended the City find all available funds from Penny for Pinellas for capital items. The motion was duly seconded. Ms. Simmons suggested the Task Force's recommendation include interest payments in addition to the amount requested in the event moneys need to be borrowed. It was noted the Fire Department received no funds from Penny I and it was felt it was time for them to get a fair share from Penny II. Upon the vote being taken, Members Calio, Evich, Herald, Kimball, Krause, Lee, Nail, Schwab, Sherman, and Williams voted "aye"; Member Tieman voted "nay". Motion carried. It was remarked the Task Force's recommendations are not intended to suggest that taxes should go up to cover what is specified in the Fire Department's mft02bOO 3 02/15/00 o proposal, but Tather prompt the City to revisit where dollars are currently being spent. It was noted the Task Force believes the Fire Dapartment's needs are high on th,6 public's list of pr,iorities. It was indicated other projects may need to be cut back. It was suggested the Task Force's report reflect this philosophy. Discussion ensued regarding the Task Force's support of using ad valorem taxes for the balance of costs not funded by Penny for Pinellas to absorb any shortcomings that mayor may not require additional taxes. It was noted the Task Force is not suggesting that taxes be raised dollar for dollar for the balance of funds not obtained from Penny for Pine lias. It was suggested the Task Force's report to the Commission reflect statements regarding the importance of prioritizing the Fire Department's needs on the Penny for Pinellas list and that the Task Force has identified and validated the Fire Department's needs, etc. It was noted that information is already in the first draft of the report. <:> Discussion ensued regarding using ad ,valorem taxes to pay for the balance not paid for from Penny funds. It was felt the term "General Fund" rather than "ad valorem", is more comprehensive and expresses the ability for the City to find a better way to manage placing a high priority on public health, safety, and welfare. It was remarked this issue might require an elimination of services or changes in policy. Mr. Horne, on behalf of the City Manager, remarked the Task Force needs to be more specific regarding funding as competition exists for General Fund dollars and there is the risk of the five-year plan not being completed within the timeframe specified. In response to a question, Member Herald said he believes the City could and should afford the level of service proposed in the five-year plan. He believed Fire Department staff has proposed a level of service commensurate with the level of service the community deserves in conjunction with what is appropriate. The meeting recessed from 4; 13 p.m. to 4:21 p.m. Member Kimball moved that the balance of items in the Fire Department's five-year plan not funded from Penny for Pinellas be funded by the General Fund with consideration given to reducing non-essential services and/or raising additional revenue. The motion was duly seconded. Discussion ensued regarding expectations and it was indicated the Commission would ask the Task Force of their intention regarding increases to the ad valorem tax base. Ms. Simmons said although only one-third of ad valorem comes from the General Fund, the rest of the funds are not easily manipulated, as they include utility taxes, franchises fees or caps that are established by the legislature. o mft02bOO 4 02/15/00 , ' t,. ' ".e I'} '" It was noted in th,e future, there would be a reduction in the contributIon to the pension plan for the Fire Department and it was felt this revenue source should be scrutinized. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. Select Memb~r(s) to prepare Part II - Financial Discussion ensued regarding preparation of Part II of the Task Force's report. Ms. Simmons said she would be happy to work with Member Evich in preparing this part of the report. , ,~:) It was suggested the Task Force's report include: 1) seeking funding sources such as developer and/or joint partnerships for facilities such as the Clearwater Mall, the Coast Guard facility, etc.; 2) a statement reflecting the Task Force's recommendation that the City consider a fire fee in the future to address the Fire Department's needs; 3) identifying the items to be funded by Penny for Pinel/as and include a timeline; 4) an executive summary; 5) an appendix; 6) references to exhibits that were used during the course of meetings for informational purposes; 7) references to fire inspection prevention fees and developer fees levied but not allocated to the Fire Department; 8) clarification of acronYIl1S in the document; and 9) notations in areas where motions were not unanimous. Mr. Horne said any addendums written by Task Force members will be included as part of the report. , He encouraged members to send him any input they wish to incorporate into the report. Discussion ensued regarding who would present the Task Force's report to the Commission. Member Krause moved that Member Tieman present the report to the Commission. The motion was dUly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 4 - Discuss Part 1 - BackQfoundJNeeds Discussion ensued regarding the draft of Part I of the report. Suggestions included removing references to the St. Petersburg Times, providing supporting documentation, and more comparisons being cited regarding the number of service . calls. It was suggested the Fire Department produce a video tape of the equipment required for rescue vehicles, training requirements, and the types of rescue vehicles, etc., to demonstrate the needs of the Fire Department. It was also requested aerial views of the City in 1978 compared to date be shown to indicate the City's growth be included. I '-.-/ An opinion was expressed the Fire Department's five-year plan was conservative. Member Herald said the five~year plan enables the City to get "caught up" and acceptance of the plan would be an enormous accomplishment for the City. It was requested that staff provide the narrative version of the Strategy for Excellence presentation. mft02bOO 5 02/15/00 . :'. .' 'r'. ~'.' I.' '. ,'... '. ", .' .. ", ~ J :r;T " I"', " ~;,;f::~:\':"':'}'~..n'1.:"e,.."".,., ',"r.'~.""'~; < ': ,j~ :..1, , \'. ~': r> 't ' 't~~.~ ~ ..' " , '" r. "" " ,'" , " \_t~",,', . I ~;, ::.~., , . ,;' {\," ;' ,'{;', 'i." , ,~ . :, , . , (~;:<,,:,' '<,'. ',(' . ...' +, T;:" ., l~~ .' '(L,~:. . '\.: ::~. ':f "I." Y~"}',::' l ",'" I ". < V:. e'. 1;.~' ~, , ,. ~.~ '\ :', ' " ,e, '..:: "0.' '.:'; "'; , \', .T+'T 1 ' 'e .. " ..' ;~ e, " (', L .' . e" < , '.) , '-..;..../, '(: \: ' ,,. . Mr. Horne said he would provide the Task Force with a revised Part I report . f.or review at the,next meeting. Consensus was that Task Force members be given a dry run of the presentation to be presented to the Commission. It is anticipated the presentation will be given at the March 16, 2000, Commission meeting. A memo will be sent to the Commission regarding the Task Force's progress and , Intentions. , Staff 'was congratulated for their efforts in serving the Task Force. It was , suggested kudos to staff be included in the presentation. , ITEM 5- Adiourn " The meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m. I ' 13dt,~' " Chair , Fire Task Force Attest: ..~nrkrn~ Board Reporter I " , '~T { l Ii' , , , , . " j, , ,I '" , . mft02bOO 6 02/1 5/00 , ~ ., .... +-.._........."., ...' ,. .'T""'~ ~'.." ~ \. , . ,j ,. . ',.' < ..: r ..: :.', :"'.., ~,..',', t' . ". ~;.+' . \. . . ' .' ,.