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08/17/1999 - Public MeetingPUBLIC MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER August 17, 1999 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Bill Horne Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Margie Simmons Finance Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. to review utility funds. Solid Waste/Recycling Director of Solid Waste Bob Brumback compared the department’s FY (fiscal year) 1998/99 and 1999/00 budgets including: 1) mandatory programs; 2) recycling collection and marketing; 3) solid waste costs; 4) solid waste rate history; 5) recycling costs; 6) recycling expenditures; 7) recycling key issues; and 8) recycling rates. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said the drop in transfers resulted from a reduction in minor capital expenses and debt service. The department performs minor maintenance to facilities. Support was expressed for proposed equipment purchases. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said Clearwater’s solid waste rates are higher than other cities but the department provides higher levels of service and does not charge for special services. The City is rate conscious as it competes with private companies. The Commission’s approval of rate increases over 4 years beginning in 1998 was mentioned. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said retained earnings had grown until the year before last when the department began operating at a small deficit, which prompted the need for a rate increase. It was noted the City picks up trash from the rights-of-way in enclaves because the County does not require enclave residents to have solid waste services. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said staff had returned more than 1,200 shopping carts to local stores as a customer service. Information will be provided comparing personnel and operating costs related to solid waste and recycling. Controller Paul Nystrom said costs vary as Solid Waste pays disposal costs whereas recycling does not. Water & Sewer Public Works Administrator Rich Baier discussed the water and sewer utilities: 1) customers; 2) daily averages; 3) rate study assumptions; 4) factors that affect rates; 5) net revenues; 6) rate study plan for FY 1999 – 2003; 7) budget comparison between FY 1998/99 and 1999/00; 8) new programs/FTE issues; 9) bond funded projects for FY 2000; and 10) purchasing water for resale. In response to a question, he said a master plan for the City’s wastewater pollution control plants is complete. Leaks and unexpected repairs increase costs. He plans to bring forward a proposed rate increase in January. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the 3.5% annual rate increase covers cost of living increases but not costs associated with capital needs. In response to a question, Public Utilities Director Kevin Becotte said the City cannot comply with federal regulations related to pumping scheduled for implementation in 2000 without constructing a treatment plant. Ongoing discussions with Tampa Bay Water are considering the City’s use of existing wells and construction of a treatment plant in the area. An open forum will address this issue. Rates are estimated to increase 10% during the next 9 years depending upon Tampa Bay Water. Staff will distribute updated information. Stormwater Mr. Baier reviewed stormwater utility: 1) system overview; 2) rate study assumptions; 3) other factors; 4) rate study scenario; 5) budget comparison between FY 1998/98 and FY 1999/00; 6) programs/FTEs; and 7) bond funded programs. In response to a question, he said most of Stevenson’s Creek’s compromised structural integrity is between Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Drew Street. Funds will be available to address flooding in other areas within 3 to 4 years. The increased stormwater fee, implemented last year, provides retention area maintenance but not improvements to aesthetic conditions. It was noted Sam’s Club has an unsightly retention pond. Mr. Baier said the Community Response Team can cite the business and require it to be cleaned and properly maintained. The City Manger said on August 31, 1999, staff will present the final budget. Reviews of the Marina, gas, and parking funds are planned. The meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.