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03/07/2000FIRE TASK FORCE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 7, 2000 Present: Bill Horne Chair (non-voting) Joe Calio Task Force Member Joe Evich Task Force Member Rowland Herald Task Force Member Russ Kimball Task Force Member George Krause Task Force Member John Lee Task Force Member Scott Nall Task Force Member Bill Schwob Task Force Member William Sherman Task Force Member Duke Tieman Task Force Member – arrived 3:11 p.m. Doug Williams Task Force Member Jean Stuart Task Force Alternate – arrived 3:31 p.m. Also Present: Margie Simmons Finance Director Tina Wilson Budget Director John Carassas Assistant City Attorney – arrived 3:04 p.m. Cyndie Goudeau City Clerk Sue Diana Assistant City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM 2 – Approval of February 22, 2000, Meeting Minutes Member Lee asked that sentence 3 on page 2, paragraph 1, of the minutes be clarified. The sentence will be changed to read “Ms. Wilson said an item may have been overlooked and not included in the summary document.” Member Schwob moved to approve the minutes of the February 22, 2000, meeting as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Revisit Funding Sources It was noted if the members want to make a change regarding what has already been approved, previous motions would have to be rescinded. Discussion ensued regarding suggested changes to the language in the final report to the Commission. Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed the differences in the numbers shown in the latest draft of the final report versus a summary that was provided in the Task Force’s red booklets. It was felt no statements should be included in the report referencing strong support for one project over another on the Penny for Pinellas list. Chair Horne said all agreed upon changes would be made to the report and a final copy will be provided to the members prior to the next meeting. It was questioned if after having heard the City Manager’s comments at the last meeting, the Task Force wants to reconsider the motion regarding a fire fee. Task Force members said in their discussions with individual Commissioners there have been indications some are not in favor of a fire fee and/or find the recommendation to allocate up to $17 million of Penny for Pinellas dollars unrealistic as those funds have already been designed for other projects. An opinion was expressed the Task Force is violating the mission statement to stay focused and make realistic recommendations. It was indicated the Commission feels the Task Force should not place the responsibility back on them to reprioritize Penny for Pinellas dollars to fund the Fire Department’s five-year plan. It was noted at no time did the Commission recommend a fire fee. It was believed the Task Force did not violate its mission. The Commission asked for its opinion and the Task Force used its best judgment to make recommendations. The Task Force has recommended that as much as possible of Penny for Pinellas funds be used to fund capital needs for the Fire Department. It was noted this is a volunteer advisory committee and the Commission can or can not choose to consider the Task Force’s recommendations. A request was made for information regarding the time schedules for projects listed on the Penny for Pinellas list. In response to a question, it was indicated the current Penny for Pinellas list does not reflect the $12 million in proposed federal funds for the new bridge. Finance Director Margie Simmons said it is possible that if $12 million in federal funds is received, the $12 million freed up in Penny funds may be considered for funding a new main library. The meeting recessed from 4:18 to 4:28 p.m. Member Tieman moved to rescind the Fire Task Force’s previous motion that Penny for Pinellas funds be used entirely for all capital requirements as specified per Florida Statutes. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, Members Calio, Herald, Krause, Lee, and Tieman voted “aye”; Members Evich, Kimball, Nall, Schwob, Sherman, and Williams voted “nay”. Motion failed. Member Calio moved to rescind the Fire Task Force’s previous motion that the Task Force not consider a fire fee in obtaining funds to pay for the increased expenses in the Fire Department that the Task Force considers essential. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, Members Calio, Herald, Krause, Lee, and Tieman voted “aye”; Members Evich, Kimball, Nall, Schwob, Sherman, and Williams voted “nay”. Motion failed. It was requested the minutes reflect the individuals voting in favor and against the motions. ITEM 4 – Discuss Combining Part I with Part II of Report and Presentation Parts I and II will be combined with the recommended changes for the final report. The presentation to the Commission and the final report will be reviewed at the next meeting. Member Schwob moved to schedule the next meeting of the Fire Task Force at 3:00 p.m. on March 21, 2000, at which time the Committee will review the presentation and the final report to be presented to the Commission on April 6, 2000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. It was requested the meeting be held in Commissioner Chambers if possible. ITEM 5 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.