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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07-29-2003 Special CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING CITY HALL ANNEX 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida TUESDAY July 29, 2003 5:30 P.M. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: Council Members: Council Member Bob Hoog Council Member Jim Morgan Mayor Rocky Randels Mayor Pro Tem Buzz Petsos Council Member Richard Treverton Others Present: City Manager Bennett Boucher City Clerk Susan Stills City Treasurer Andrea Bowers Public Works Director Ed Gardulski Recreation Director Nancy Hanson Fire Chief Dave Sargeant, CCVFD RESOLUTION: 1. Resolution No. 2003 -29; Adopting a Tentative Proposed Millage Rate for the Levy of Ad Valorem Taxes for FY 2003/2004. Mr. Morgan pointed out that the voting order listed on the Resolution was out of order. Mayor Randels made note to correct the voting order. Mayor Randels read Resolution No. 2003 -29 in its entirety. Mr. Morgan spoke in favor of the budget presented. Mayor Pro Tem Petsos concurred. Mr. Treverton expressed his hope that with the growing tax base expenditures would decrease. Mayor Randels said that the City of Cape Canaveral could provide the higher level of service and still conserve $1.04 per thousand of dollars on the millage. Mayor Randels asked three times if there were any comment from the public. fkliW There was no public comment. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Special Meeting July 29, 2003 Page 2 Mayor Randels asked if there were any comments from staff. Mr. Boucher replied that Mr. Gardulski was working on the use of inmate services along with Beautification funding. Mayor Randels reviewed the approved tax rates and stated that on the Police services tax 2 mills was approved and 1.75 would be used, on the Fire services 1.50 was approved and 1.2060 would be used, on the Beautification .50 was approved and .4504 would be used and on the Library .50 was approved and only .05 have been used. He stated that the millage is approved for each fund's specific use. Ms. Bowers reported that she had spoken to Ms. Escapa and the Brevard County Library Services Director and found that the City is not responsible for maintaining the building. The City is responsible for grounds maintenance and insurance only. Chief Dave Sargeant expressed his concern that 82 percent of the City's ad valorem for Fire/ Rescue pays for the service, however only 55 percent of the Sheriff's ad valorem pays for Law Enforcement services. Chief Sargeant replied to Mr. Treverton that he would favor a decrease in the Fire ad valorem. Mayor Pro Tem Petsos stated that he would favor reducing taxes in a subsequent year. Chief Sargeant brought out that the previous year the Council raised the Fire ad valorem and found $140,000 to pay for Law Enforcement service. Mayor Randels asked if the Fire capital expenses were lower? Chief Sargeant replied that there are future capital expenses on the horizon. Mr. Boucher explained that there is $140,000 in the Fire Capital Fund and $175,000 anticipated. He stated that by the time the Fire equipment purchase is needed, the money would be there. Chief Sargeant restated that he favored seeing the ad valorem between the Fire and Law Enforcement more in line. Ms. Bowers stated that the City of Cape Canaveral has the lowest tax rate however the population is growing and demanding more services. Mr. Morgan responded that the need might plateau with a decrease in the demand for services. Mayor Randels cited that the City's millage value increased and the City is faring well due to growth. Mr. Hoog questioned the Chief on Fire Department staffing. Chief Sargeant replied that staffing would increase at the Port, however an administrative staffing increase might occur, as he would need an additional person to keep up with State mandates. Chief Sargeant related however that his staff could not afford to live in the City. Mr. Morgan expressed that affordable housing was not adequately addressed in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Chief Sargeant reported that six emergency calls per day are run on an average. Chief Sargeant replied to Mr. Hoog's question and reported that a minimum staffing requirement of three paid fire personnel per unit is an upcoming mandate. Mayor Pro Tem Petsos requested information on the Florida League of Cities position on such a mandate in light of Home Rule. Chief Sargeant stated that staffing was adequate at this time. There was no further discussion on the Special Meeting item. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Special Meeting July 29, 2003 Page 3 Mayor Randels announced that the City Manager's office would distribute a citywide newsletter He also announced the National Night Out sponsored by the Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, August 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Mayor Pro Tem Petsos requested to have the National Night Out article be placed on the front page of the newsletter. Council agreed to switch the placement of the Night Out article and the Community Emergency Response Team article. Mayor Randels stated that the newsletter printing cost would be paid from the Contingency Fund. A motion was made by Mr. Hoog and seconded by Mr. Morgan to Adopt Resolution No. 2003 -29; Adopting a Tentative Proposed Millage Rate for the Levy of Ad Valorem Taxes for Fiscal Year 2003/2004. The vote on the motion carried 5 -0 with voting as follows: Mr. Hoog, For; Mr. Morgan, For; Mayor Pro Tem Petsos, For; Mayor Randels, For and Mr. Treverton, For. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting the Chair adjourned the meeting at 5:55 P.M. C C)64, 1 Rocky Randel , MAYOR WWI Susan S ills, C TY CLERK