07/10/1997FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 10, 1997
Present: Daniel Fleck Board Member
Janet MacNutt Board Member
Carol Warren (arrived 4:50 p.m.) Board Member
Dan Moran Board Member
Tina Wilson Budget Director
Gwen Legters Board Reporter
Budget Director Tina Wilson opened the meeting at 4:37 p.m. In the absence of a formal agenda, Ms. Wilson provided an update of City events since the Committee’s last meeting in May, 1997.
She highlighted effects of new City Manager Michael J. Roberto’s arrival during the budget preparation process. She noted the budget will focus on the City’s vision statement. The
TRIM must be set and forwarded to the County by next Wednesday so it can be advertised. Mr. Roberto will announce the new millage rate at Monday’s work session. Budget public hearings
are scheduled for the regular City Commission meetings September 4 and 18, 1997. Enterprise operations are following their business plans, with annual updates due soon. Performance
measures and goals are not in the preliminary budget due to lack of time and direction, but should be in the final budget. Consultants will update their materials regarding the utility
rate study. Water and sewer fund reworking should be finished by early Fall. Member Warren was updated when she arrived.
General discussion ensued regarding City Manager Roberto, his management style, and new Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick’s duties, when he arrives from North Miami Beach. Staff was
requested to invite Mr. Roberto and Assistant City Manager Bob Keller to the next meeting, schedules permitting.
Ms. Wilson will provide copies of the updated budget with changes highlighted. General discussion ensued regarding the most recent rolloff financials, mid-year adjusted numbers for
the Gas Division, status of Harborview Center and its proposed catering operation, mid-year General Fund status, changes to the retirement budget pool, how pensions are being set up,
and sick leave accrual modifications. Discussion ensued regarding the sick leave cap and how it is paid. Discussion ensued regarding impacts from the decrease in anticipated Gas revenues
resulting from the recent mild winter.
Discussion ensued regarding scheduling and conduct of future Fiscal Review Committee meetings. Consensus was to change the meeting time to 8:00 a.m., on the second Thursday of each
month. Members who cannot attend will be expected to leave a voice mail for Ms. Wilson prior to the meeting. It was indicated an agenda and time limits should be set and observed.
As the Committee did not want to elect a new chairperson before all five members are seated, Ms. Wilson has reiterated her request for an appointment from Commissioner Seel.
Several members were interested in seeing data from an investigation by the previous Budget Review Committee regarding privatization or outsourcing of landscaping and other work currently
being handled by City Departments. Ms. Wilson felt it likely such information would be outdated by now.
Discussion returned to changes that will be happening under Mr. Roberto’s administration. Ms. Wilson said he is listening and forming opinions now. He will not shy away from reorganization
and streamlining processes established under former City Manager Betty Deptula’s management. For example, format of the 100-page quarterly report is under review. A website will be
created when time permits. Difficulties of working with a small staff were discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.