09/05//2006
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 5, 2006
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
Carlen Petersen Vice-Mayor
Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember
William C. Jonson Councilmember
John Doran Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Mayor offered the
invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
4 – Administrative Public Hearings:
4.1 Pass Ordinance 7673-06 on first reading setting a final millage rate of 5.420 mills for Fiscal
Year 2006/07 levied against non-exempt real and personal property within the City.
In accordance with the State of Florida's "Truth-in-Millage" (TRIM) Act and the City
Charter ,it is necessary for the City Council to adopt a final millage rate for the upcoming year.
On June 30, 2006, the City Manager presented his proposed FY (Fiscal Year) 2006/07
Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget recommending a millage rate of 5.420 mills.
This millage rate was approved as a tentative millage rate by the Council at the July 20, 2006
Council meeting. This rate will generate $55,472,270 of ad-valorem property taxes for the City
of Clearwater in FY 2006/07.
Ordinance 7673-06 is now presented in order that this tentative millage rate be adopted
as the final rate for the 2006/07 fiscal year. This rate is a reduction of .333 mills from the FY
2005/06 millage rate of 5.753 mills, and reflects a 14.52% increase over the rolled back rate of
4.7326 mills.
Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed the budget process and the proposed budget.
As proposed, FY (Fiscal Year) 2006/07 General Fund Expenditures total $123.6-million.
Key financial issues affecting the budget include: 1) Property/liability insurance; 2) Fuel &
energy; 3) Outside agency funding; 4) Pension contribution; and 5) Beach Walk debt.
Council Special 2006-09-05 1
Other changes impacting the General Fund Budget include: 1) $257,000 – Jolley Trolley;
2) $675,610 – Beach Guards; and 3) $300,000 – PACT (Performing Arts Center & Theater).
Previously, the Jolley Trolley and Beach Guards were funded from the parking fund.
Approximately $400,000 is proposed to expand Sailing Center programming. Costs for salaries
and benefits also have increased.
As proposed, General Fund costs will increase $12.2-million from $111.4-million in FY
2005/06 to $123.6-million in FY 2006/07.
Ten people addressed the Council concerned regarding higher taxes and other costs.
Two people requested additional funding for the HEP (Homeless Emergency Project) to
address City homeless needs.
In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Department Kevin Dunbar reviewed
increases to the Parks & Recreation Department budget: 1) $800,000 for utility costs; 2)
$200,000 for salaries; and 3) $150,000 for special events.
Discussion ensued regarding the budget having been developed based on input from
the visioning process. It was also noted a recent survey indicates citizens are satisfied with the
high level of service they receive.
It was stated tax revenues are up due to increased property values and the millage rate
is being decreased. Save our Homes has created inequities in the tax system as only
homesteaded properties are insulated from large tax increases.
It was recommended that City residents be surveyed to determine what level of service
they are willing to pay for and then public meetings can be scheduled. It was requested that
discussions be completed before next year’s budgeting process begins. It was recommended
that an ad hoc committee review the budget and make recommendations.
Councilmember Jonson moved to reduce the millage rate by 0.003 mills by rescinding
Motion
the $300,000 PACT contribution for Ruth Eckerd Hall. died for lack of a second.
Councilmember Doran moved to set a final millage rate of 5.420 mills for Fiscal Year
motion
2006/07 levied against non-exempt real and personal property within the City. The was
duly seconded. Councilmembers Petersen, Hamilton, Doran, and Hibbard voted “Aye”;
carried
Councilmember Jonson voted “Nay.” Motion .
Ordinance 7673-06 was presented for first reading and read in full. Councilmember
Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 7673-06 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded
and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": Jonson.
Motion carried.
Council Special 2006-09-05 2
In response to a concern that opposing the budget seemed political it was indicated tthis
is not the case.
4.2 Approve the City of Clearwater Annual Operating Budget for the 2006/07 Fiscal Year and
pass Ordinance 7674-06 on first reading.
The City Charter, Pinellas County regulations, and Florida State Statutes outline
requirements that must be met for the City to be able to levy taxes and fees and spend
resources on mandated or desired goods and services. The adoption of this ordinance and two
related ordinances are an integral part of fulfilling these requirements.
On June 30, 2006, the City Manager presented to the City Council a detailed Preliminary
Annual Operating Budget that outlined estimated revenues and proposed expenditures for the
2006/07 fiscal year. Copies of this document were made available to residents and the news
media. The budget was discussed at several City Council meetings earlier this summer.
Ordinance 7674-06 is now presented in order to adopt the operating budget for fiscal
year 2006/07 and authorize the City Manager to issue instructions to achieve and accomplish
authorized services.
Eight people spoke in opposition to the budget.
It was requested that residents participate in the upcoming process and recommend
responsible items to cut.
Councilmember Doran moved to approve the City of Clearwater Annual Operating
motion
Budget for the 2006/07 Fiscal Year. The was duly seconded. Councilmembers
Petersen, Hamilton, Doran, and Hibbard voted “Aye”; Councilmember Jonson voted “Nay.”
carried
Motion .
Ordinance 7674-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7674-06 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": Jonson.
Motion carried.
4.3 Adopt the Fiscal Year 2006/07 Capital Improvement Budget and establish a six-year plan for
the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and pass Ordinance 7675-06 on first reading.
The City Charter, County regulations, and Florida State Statutes outline regulations that
require local governments to prepare and adopt comprehensive planning and development
programs. The Capital Improvement Program plan provides the mechanism to meet these
requirements. Major physical undertakings costing $25,000 or more and having a useful life of
at least three years are defined as "capital" projects and are accounted for in this Capital
Improvement Program.
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. On June 30, 2006, the City Manager presented to the City Council detailed proposed
operating and capital improvement budgets. The Capital Improvement Program budget outlines
projects and funding sources for $62.8 million of projects to be undertaken in Fiscal Year
2006/07. The FY 2006/07 budget also contains a six-year plan, which outlines projects and
funding sources for each of the next six years totaling $350.7 million. Each of these plan years
will be reviewed and revised as needed, and budgets presented for formal budget adoption in
subsequent years. The adopted Capital Improvement Budget can be amended with Council
approval through the quarterly budget review process.
One resident recommended limiting the capital improvement budget's scope to one year.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt the Fiscal Year 2006/07 Capital Improvement
Budget and establish a six-year plan for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7675-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass Ordinance 7675-06 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
. "Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
.
5 - City Manager Reports: None.
6 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
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City of Clearwater
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Council Special Meeting 2006-09-05
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