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09/12/1996FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE CITY OF CLEARWATER September 12, 1996 Present: John Rich Chair Daniel Moran Member Carol Warren Member Janet MacNutt Member Daniel Fleck Member Tina Wilson Budget Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 4:33 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items listed were not necessarily discussed in that order. Members discussed the direction of the (FRC) Fiscal Review Committee. The FRC is a budget review committee, which also reviews various other City issues and business plans. Budget Director Tina Wilson will supply FRC members with Commission agendas. When the FRC mission statement is finalized, copies will be sent to all departments. Ms. Wilson said review of the air park business plan may be on the next FRC agenda. The gas management and utility rate studies are not ready for review. It was noted Harbormaster Bill Held’s business plan was very impressive and clear. The CGS (Clearwater Gas System) business plan is complex. The results of the gas management report may be helpful before further review of CGS. CGS hired a computer programmer to ensure full utilization of the computer system. In response to a remark, Ms. Wilson said the City has excellent staff and everyone is helpful in providing information to the FRC. It was suggested by Committee members that the FRC review: 1) downtown lake options; 2) plans for downtown economic development; 3) Harborview Center operations; 4) need for a downtown hotel; 5) the CRA; 6) the DDB (Downtown Development Board); 7) Penny for Pinellas allocations; and 8) the proposed new bridge. It was requested after the Police Department is settled into the new building, they speak with the FRC regarding current projects and new enhancements. FRC field trips to various locations related to specific issues were suggested. A question was asked should the CRA and the Downtown Development Board merge, how funds would be spent, and if they would have a common goal with separate responsibilities. Ms. Wilson said Deputy City Manager, Kathy Rice, has been maintaining the CRA on an interim basis since Mr. Gozza and his assistant resigned. It was noted downtown residents and business owners pay one mill for the privilege of owning property in the downtown area. The downtown lake was discussed. A full-fledged lake would cost $30 million to $59 million, and a scaled down lake would cost significantly less. The proposed new bridge was represented by a model developed by USF (University of South Florida) architectural graduate students, and displayed in Commission Chambers for public view. The model was very well done and very well received. In answer to a remark regarding promotional events at the Harborview Center, it was noted the Harborview Center’s Facilities Manager advertises and implements various promotions at the Center. A percentage of the management company’s income is derived from City-sponsored events. Ms. Wilson will provide information on the Harborview Center to FRC members at a forthcoming meeting. Trade shows and other events are anticipated, and future promotions will increase public awareness of the Center. A marquee displaying current events at the Center is anticipated. Ms. Wilson said departmental budgets are adopted in September. The opportune time to review proposed budgets is during spring months, however they are not always complete at that time. Although the Marina and Pier 60 operations were reviewed at a previous FRC meeting, a question arose about profit goals. Ms. Wilson said the two operations are service-oriented operations geared toward providing a good service to the community. She noted Pier 60 will become a general fund operation in the new fiscal year. Any profits realized for the two operations have been used to maintain facilities. A question regarding FRC recommendations was addressed. Ms. Wilson presents all recommendations to the Commission for their consideration. She noted the FRC is required to present an annual report to the Commission in November of 1996. The report shall include prior, current and future plans of the FRC. This topic will be further discussed at the next meeting. Mr. Rich indicated his interest in other city governments’ Fiscal Review Committees. He will contact other cities to obtain information on committee goals and procedures. Ms. Wilson will supply FRC members with all City departmental goals and mission statements. She noted the Budget office gathers information and reviews quarterly goals for all departments. Some goals are numerical measurements and others are specific actions. Ms. Wilson gave examples of her goals. The minutes of May 16, 1996, May 28, 1996, and August 1, 1996 were reviewed. Ms. Warren moved to approve the minutes of May 16, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ms. Warren moved to approve the minutes of May 28, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ms. Warren moved to approve the minutes of August 1, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The next FRC meeting is scheduled for October 10, 1996 at 4:30 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. Ms. Warren indicated she would be out of town and would not attend the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.