04/24/1997FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 24, 1997
Present: Daniel Fleck Member
Janet MacNutt Member
Carol Warren Member
Tina Wilson Budget Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Daniel Moran Member
Budget Director Tina Wilson called the meeting to order at 4:55 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items
listed were not necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Strategic Planning Process/City Vision Statement
Budget Director Tina Wilson explained that the City Commission has conducted a series of 2-hour meetings throughout the City to present the City of Clearwater’s Vision to all employees.
This is a concept that involves all City employees and residents. The plan focuses on 6 particular strategies to help achieve the City Vision: 1) public safety; 2) economic development;
3) tourism; 4) events and venues (special event activities); 5) human resources; and 6) fiscal responsibility. Individual departments are working on strategies to develop goals for
the next 3 to 5 years. Ms. Wilson distributed and explained a handout entitled “Fiscal Responsibility,” which is part of a broad-based City Vision strategy. Members were asked for
their input. It was noted this information will be presented to the City Commission at the May 5, 1997, worksession. FRC members reviewed the information and remarked that the strategy
was very well-thought out and impressive. It was noted that providing quality, service, efficiency, and consideration will make Clearwater a better place to live. Well-trained, well-educated
employees will be a priority to achievement of the City Vision. Members felt that the strategies and Vision are definitely a step in the right direction.
It was noted the line item budgets are due to Ms. Wilson by the end of May for review with the City Manager the first week of June. The County gives the City preliminary tax estimates
in May and final numbers in June. The City Commission will determine preliminary millage for the City by June 14, 1997. A member remarked that all citizens want the government to be
run mean and lean. It was noted that the strategies and concepts being developed are important to the success of the City Vision.
2. Selection of a New City Manager
Five candidates have been selected for the all-day interview process on Saturday. Site visits will be scheduled for those candidates on the short list to narrow it down further.
3. Utility Rate Study
Ms. Wilson distributed a handout on the Utility Rate Study as presented by Burton & Associates, and as presented to the City Commission on February 20, 1997. The scope of the study
included water and wastewater, solid waste, stormwater, recycling, and evaluation of rate structure and revenue sufficiency over a 5-year planning horizon. Recommended changes were
also included in the study. Members received a handout on the 1995/96 pro forma results for the recycling fund. It was noted that this Board still has time to review Phase I prior
to implementation of Phase 2. Questions were asked about comparative information of other cities, how the City bills for reclaimed water, and how fixed service rates are calculated.
4. CGS (Clearwater Gas System)
FRC members had previously reviewed the Clearwater Gas System profiles. Handouts distributed included performance indicators through February 1997, and CGS February 1997, Financial
Statements. It was suggested that CGS staff be invited to a future FRC meeting to explain any questions FRC members may have.
5. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.