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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-28-2009CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING CITY HALL ANNEX 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2009 1:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: The Chair called the Meeting to order at 1:00 P.M. Council Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member Council Members Absent: Council Member Mayor Others Present: Bob Hoog Buzz Petsos Betty Walsh Shannon Roberts Rocky Randels City Manager City Clerk City Treasurer Public Works Director Planning & Dev. Director Building Official Recreation Director Brevard County Sheriff Cmdr Brevard County Sheriff Lt. DISCUSSION: 1. Goals & Objectives. Introduction/Welcome: Bennett Boucher Susan Stills Andrea Bowers Walter Bandish Bary Brown Todd Morley Robert Lefever Douglas Scragg Jeff Ludwig Mayor Pro Tem Hoog welcomed everyone. Mr. Boucher explained this is an informal workshop to talk about what the City has been doing this year as far as the budget and issues that Staff is looking at going forward. He stated this is an informal way for Council and Staff to communicate and have some good dialogue. Overview: Department Heads report on the 2009 Goals and Objectives & Inform City Council on issues related to the 2010 Budget. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1't Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 2 of 14 Rules: No idea is a bad idea; Be creative; Take risks (reasonable); No criticism allowed Summarize: After each departmental presentation; Review ideas; Vote on top ideas and consolidate Next Steps: - What happens next: Staff to research the ideas generated & Incorporate into the 2010 draft budget. - City Council budget workshop meetings in July: Start turning ideas into reality; City Council to set tentative millage rate end of July. 7 Deadly Budaetina Sins: • Rob Peter to pay Paul. • Use accounting tricks. • Borrow. • Sell Assets • Make something up. • Nickel and dime the employees. • Delay asset maintenance or replacement. Community Development Department: Status Review of Goals and Objectives discussed for FY 2008-09: The Building Official, Todd Morley, began the presentation. General • Consider purchasing a large scale Plotter/Printer. Staff is currently using the archiving tool, Laserfiche, to scan letter and legal -sized documents, but full sized construction plans are backlogged and there is no way to scan these presently. Need funding. Looking into alternatives. • Look into accepting Credit/Debit Card payments. Additional 3% cost involved. Consideration should be given while reviewing the permit fee revision ordinance anticipated for June 2009. • For Local Business Taxes — Look into internet-based applications, on-line payments, and on-line licensing. Staff will be looking into changing to Springbrook software for this functionality. • Charging for permits for tree removal for trees which are diseased and/or damaged, but not an imminent threat This will be addressed in the upcoming proposed tree protection code revisions. Points of Discussion: o $17,000 had been previously budgeted for a plotter/printer but was never purchased because of declining revenues. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1't Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 3 of 14 o As an alternative to purchasing a plotter/printer, the possibility of using the City of Cocoa Beach or Brevard County Building Department scanners was suggested. The recommendation was also made to team up with another city to accomplish this task. o Setting up Credit/Debit Card payments will be implemented after the City Treasurer looks into vendor and software set-up options. It was suggested that a bank could become the vendor saving the City the 3% additional cost. o Implementation data with Springbrook is forthcoming for intemet based and on-line Local Business Tax functionality. Bary Brown, Planning and Development Director presented the following: Zoning • Continue Land Development Code Review process. Staff requests that future updates are made on an as -needed basis. • Comprehensive Plan & Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) process. EAR report approved by DCA. EAR -based amendments are next. Hoping for extended timeframes from DCA. • Review Zoning fees. Research in progress. Include a fee for Comprehensive Plan amendments. Staff is monitoring current State Legislative action to determine the effect on proposed zoning fee revisions. • Implement Redevelopment Plan. Council will have an opportunity to prioritize Goals, Objectives and Policies for implementation with the next quarter. During the Community Visioning, the plan will be further developed. • Change P&Z meetings to once per month. Have been changed to an 'as - needed' basis. • Change CAB meetings to once per month. Have been changed to an 'as - needed basis. • Add a `Zoning Review' fee to Building Permit The (for new construction and redevelopment only). Will be considered while reviewing the permit fee revision ordinance anticipated for June 2009. • Charge for pre -application meetings (our ordinance currently offers these at no charge.) Staff requests input. Points of Discussion: o Management of the flow of work is better due to changing the Planning and Zoning and Community Appearance Board meetings to an "as needed" basis. o The expense of personnel time is not being recouped during the Zoning Review process for Building Permits. Other municipalities are charging for this expense. An estimate of the time being used will be provided. o It was explained that considerable staff time is involved in pro -application meetings with developers and that if you don't charge a fee, applicants may show up unprepared. Although it has not been a problem up to this point, charging a fee would ensure that the applicants show up prepared to have a full City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1"t Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 4 of 14 meeting. The City Engineer is paid by the City to attend these meetings as well. It was noted that pre -application meetings are not required by the Code, but they are recommended. Mr. Morley asked for consensus from Council to propose a fee for the pre -application meetings. The group agreed this would save time and money for the applicants. Code Enforcement • Complete review of International Property Maintenance Code (2003 Version) Staff requests we look at the 2007 edition and consider adoption. • Focus on Increase maintenance of foreclosed and/or dilapidated properties, maintaining quality neighborhoods. Staff continues to focus on foreclosed properties and those properties which appear to affect neighborhood quality. • Move Code Enforcement meetings to once every two months. Meetings remain on a monthly schedule. Points of Discussion: o Mr. Morley asked for support from Council to buy the 2007 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code and bring forward a conceptualization of what this code does. He explained that if the entire book is not adopted, it would be possible to use some of the concepts, but they still have to buy the book to do it. o The Code Enforcement meetings are still running monthly for up to two hours. Mr. Morley asked to continue the meetings on an "as needed" basis if that is okay with Council. Buildina • Complete review of Sign Code. LPA has recommended draft approval to Council. Final adoption anticipated June 2009. • Update building permit fees. Staff intends to present a revised draft in June. • Building Official to work closely with Planner to streamline and document the development review process from start to finish. We are currently flowcharting procedures toward the departmental management system. • Charge for hurricane mitigation insurance forms. Staff does not perform this function. • Amend the schedule of fees to allow a charge for plan review fees for permits which are not picked up. The proposed draft will allow staff to collect a deposit for certain large projects. • Adopt an ordinance which provides for the denial of permits if there are any outstanding fees. The proposed permit fee revision ordinance will include this provision. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1'` Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 5 of 14 Points of Discussion: o The deposit for large projects was specified to be for projects that are one million dollars or more. o Mayor Pro Tem Hoog proposed charging a fine for expired permit applications. Council aQr�eed: • To buy the 2007 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code. • To continue Code Enforcement Meetings on an "as needed" basis. Community Development Department New Goals and Objectives 2009-10: Mr. Morley continued this portion of the presentation. General • Management Training for Planning and Development Director and Building Official. • Update Tree Protection Code. • Maintain current level of service. Mr. Brown continued this portion of the presentation. Zonine • Complete EAR -based amendments. - Mr. Brown expressed that he would not be able to complete this alone within the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) time -frame and stated his desire that the DCA would extend the State -established schedule. - Mr. Brown informed Council of the need to use either Miller Legg or another consulting firm for help in specific areas of knowledge in certain elements of the EAR such as Housing and Transportation. - Mr. Brown stated he would present proposed budget dollars to Council as the budgeting process moves further. • Work with Council on prioritizing the implementation of the Redevelopment Plan. • Implement Visioning outcomes. Code Enforcement • Continue to utilize civil citations for Code Enforcement. - Mr. Morley pointed out that this is a good tool but that they are having trouble collecting money after the citations are issued. He clarified that collection of fines is a different process that they (Community Development Department) cannot control and suggested that this may be an issue for the City Attorney to look into. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —14 Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 6 of 14 - Mr. Morley also described a scenario that happens when some people will start work with out a permit and are then issued a Stop Work Order citation. A Notice of Violation sometimes gets issued by Code Enforcement, the work ends up never getting finished and the property owner is left holding the bag. - Mr. Morley stated that civil citations are not a cure-all. • Consider inter -local agreement with Brevard County Contractor Licensing & Enforcement. - Mr. Morley explained in detail why this agreement would benefit the City and the Community Development Department. - Mr. Morley explained how this agreement would give the City the power to help Brevard County to suspend or revoke licenses of County Licensed Contractors and how they will carry out their own enforcement. - Mr. Morley was asked to bring more information about this back to Council. Buildino • Building Department Accreditation. - Mr. Morley informed the total budget for this item to be $12,000. Points of Discussion: o A bill that, if it goes through the Florida Legislature, may exempt the City of Cape Canaveral from the Transportation portion of the EAR -based amendments. o Form based codes may come out of the Community Visioning Process as it relates to architectural design standards. o Ms. Walsh suggested more public education as a way to make people aware of possible code enforcement actions, possibly on the City's web site. o The possibility of a state legislative bill that will grandfather in and extend all building and zoning permits for a 3 year period and the impact that will have on the City; taking authority away from cities. Council agreed: • To Management Training for the Planning and Development Director and the Building Official. • To have the Building Official bring information back to Council in regard to signing the inter -local agreement with Brevard County Contractor Licensing & Enforcement. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FY 2009-2010 ANTICIPATED OBJECTIVES: Commander Douglas Scragg addressed the Council and Staff. He requested that, after the presentation, they have an open and frank discussion of the Council's likes and dislikes. 1. Improvement in DUI enforcement. (Re-established objective from 08-09 FY) City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1" Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 7 of 14 This goal is to be accomplished by providing necessary training and equipment to Canaveral deputies, conducting saturation patrols, "storefront" operations and DUI checkpoints. • Our goal is to increase DUI arrests by 10%, thereby decreasing traffic related deaths and crashes. 2. Improvement in traffic enforcement (Re-established objective from 08-09 FY) Traffic continues to be an issue in the City of Cape Canaveral. This goal is to be accomplished by increased enforcement by uniform patrol and the Motor Unit whose sole responsibility will be traffic enforcement. Additionally, efforts will be made to educate the public concerning traffic laws. • Our goal is to increase traffic enforcement by 10%. 3. Improvement in the satisfaction of the community. (Continuing goal from previous year) Law enforcement in this area must be customer oriented and must recognize we exist solely for protection and service to the community. We must take steps to ensure we are providing adequate service by randomly surveying complainants and adjusting our strategies to improve upon our relationship with our community. Additionally, we are going to create an on-line survey to be included on the City of Cape Canaveral, Sheriffs Office web link. • Our goal is to maintain a 90% satisfactory rating or above. Points of Discussion: o There were a total of 16 DUI arrests in the City for the 1" Quarter of this year; The precinct is a little below the 10°x6 increase in DUI arrests for this year; Additional resources are available for DUI enforcement between the Port Canaveral and Merritt Island precincts; there is a need to do a better job at determining alcohol related accidents. o Responding to the City Manager's question regarding emerging issues the Council needs to pay attention to in the Community; Cmdr. Scragg stated that he is not seeing a great spike in relation to the economy. However, he is telling his deputies to be careful; Cmdr. Scragg brought out that historically, this precinct has shot more people, per capita, than any other precinct in the Brevard County Sheriff's Department; he explained the reason why as being that they get to the Call as it is happening and much of it is domestic in nature. Also drugs are driving a lot of the violent crime in the City. o Cmdr. Scragg requested direction from Council on what they want the precinct to focus on: core issues or the non tangibles, Surf Camp or PAL (Police Athletic League). He advised keeping these programs in some form or fashion. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1 �t Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 8 of 14 o The City Manager inquired about the Sheriff's Department's ability to handle the call level and patrol adequately in the community at the same time. Cmdr. Scragg responded that it is not optimum at times and has more to do with the time of day; Cmdr. Scragg urged Council to ride on patrol with the deputies to see what the job is like first hand. o The suggestion was made to hire a part-time, retired police officer. o Cmdr. Scragg urged Council to talk to Deputy Mitch Boshnack if they desired to keep him for another year. o Mr. Petsos proposed that the SRO position be fully funded by the City if need be. o Mr. Petsos urged Cmdr. Scragg to encourage more officers to stop by during PAL (Police Athletic League) meetings. o Cmdr. Scragg requested that Council recognize one of the Co -officers of the Year and his co -officers from the Canaveral Precinct. Council aQneed. • For Cmdr. Scragg to provide more information about the 20 accidents at Astronaut Boulevard (A1 A) and Central Boulevard. Mr. Petsos explained the need for this is because he received an e-mail from the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) stating a tum lane signal is not merited because there are not enough accidents at the intersection. • That the Cape Canaveral Precinct Deputies should stay inside the City Limits in reference to Traffic Enforcement. • To fully fund the SRO position if the Brevard County School Board pulls out. • To have another workshop with the Sheriff's Department. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 2008-09 STATUS REPORT: Parks and Recreation Director, Robert Lefever, addressed the group by stating he would talk about the status of the Goals that were established last year right now. He brought out that his Department is operating with one staff person less than it did the year before. The Department has managed to keep athletics, special events, programs and special activity instructors operating at a higher level than last year, even with less staff. Canaveral City Playground FRDAP Grant #F07105 • Project completed & closed out on March 3, 2009. • Check for $112,500 received on March 13, 2009. • Playground name — Sandpiper Park. Youth Center 9 Interior & exterior renovation by the Streets Department. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1'' Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 9 of 14 PAL Program • Program officially started on February 24, 2009. • PAL allocated $6,000 for the program; Currently 15 children are in the program. Banana River Park • Canoe/Kayak Launch has been approved and will be constructed by the Streets Department; the launch will be located at the north end of Banana River Park. • Restroom possibilities are still being researched; to increase usage during the interim we have agreed to rent portable restrooms during soccer season. • Sidewalks and additional parking are still an issue and a deterrent in park usage. Community/Senior Center • No site has been identified; requires funding. Fee Increases (year-to-date) • Court Fees — Up $2,232; Facility Rentals Up $2,490. Weekend/Holiday Closing (year-to-date) • Weekends — Savings of $7,176. • Holidays — Savings of 1,665. • No Vandalism to report. • Lack of restrooms is a concern. Sailing School • Possible Summer Program; Completion of Canoe/Kayak Launch. Points of Discussion: o The children involved in the PAL Program are slowly taking ownership of themselves, the property and the supplies; this is helping since there is only one person on staff at the Youth Center. o Using grants for help in improvement of Banana River Park: construction of restrooms; portable restrooms; and Mr. Petsos suggested the possibility of working with a local company, AJT & Associates, Inc., for a "green project". o Charging higher rates for Non -Residents. o Restrooms at the Recreation Center; still monitoring whether there is a need when the Center is closed on weekends and holidays. o With the completion of the Canoe/Kayak Launch the goal will be to host a program using the launch for classes and hiring a special instructor for that. Council a_ar�eed: • For staff to look into establishing a way to differentiate between Residents and Non -Residents of the City and charge a higher The to Non -Residents. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1't Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 10 of 14 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT 2009-2010 PROPOSALS: Athletics • Tum over coordinating responsibilities & daily operations to sub -contracted referees & umpires • Kickball League • One Day Basketball Tournaments New Revenue Sources (year-to-date) • Boot Camp - $1,440 • Quick Start Tennis Program - $1,200 • Tennis Pro (private, group & team lessons) - $1,500 • Summer Camp (projected figures/registration in progress) - $5,000 • Sponsor Banners (to be displayed on the outfield fences a the softball field, the racquetball observatory deck & tennis court fences) - $2,400 • Fees for Softball & Soccer Field Rentals — None collected at this time Recreation Complex • Tennis Nets & Wind Screens were re -placed due to Tropical Storm Fay • Annual Tennis & Shuffle Board Tournaments • Dodge Ball League in Racquetball Courts • Racquet Court Sports Lighting Marketing & Advertising • New Monthly Newsletter • Full Page Ad in the Press Tribune • Craig's List (Community Section) • Data Base E-mail to all HOA's & Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce • Flyer Roosevelt & Freedom 7 Elementary Schools Special Events • Movie in the Park (6 times per year) • Parents Night Out (4 times per year) • Kids Night at the Youth Center (Friday & Saturday) • Letters to Santa • Summer Camp • Chili Cook -Off Facilities • New Youth Center — Requires Funding • Skate Park at the Youth Center — Possible PAL (Police Athletic League) Funding • Restrooms at Banana River Park — Requires Funding City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1 N Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 11 of 14 Points of Discussion: • The Department contracted with Tennis Pro, Sydney Melia, in February. He is contracting with USTA (United States Tennis Association) to bring all of the USTA Leagues into the Recreation Department's program; this will enable the City to offer all of the same things that other competitive agencies, like Satellite Beach, offer. Mr. Lefever stated revenues are likely to skyrocket from this. • Banners in the racquetball observatory deck will not be visible from SR A1A. • The possible use of mercury vapor lights for the racquetball courts; at a cost of $10,000, Mr. Lefever, stated they would pay for themselves over a five (5) year period. Mr. Lefever requested, from Mayor Pro Tem Hoog, information on new and cheaper sports lighting. • The need for a second projector in case a bulb goes out during Movies in the Park. • Chili Cook -off will occur during the Annual Fall Festival. • The need for additional parking at Banana River Park; the playground is not being used so much because there is no sidewalk or parking at the south end; Mr. Bandish added that the north parking lot can be expanded using impervious stone. No Council Consensus was given. ADMINISTRATION 2009 Goals & Objectives: The City Manager, Bennett Boucher, addressed the following issues with Council and Staff. • Evaluate C.O.L.A. and Merit increases for employees. City Council approved 4.15% C.O.L.A. and merit increase funds. • Re-establishing a quarterly newsletter. No funds were budgeted for a paper newsletter and mail out. Use of website for e -newsletter and looking for a volunteer to help write stories. Recreation established a monthly newsletter. • Analyze off-year election costs. The 2009 estimated election cost is $12,519. Staff is suggesting four year elected official terns to reduce costs. The Charter Review Committee should review this as well. Points of Discussion: o The cost for off-year elections appears to be rising. The City Clerk, Susan Stills, clarified that piggy -backing onto the general election would be more cost- effective. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1 m Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 12 of 14 PUBLIC INFORMATION • Launched new website for the City, each department maintains their section. • Completed new marketing video. • Staff submits press releases to local media about City activities and projects. • Published the annual State of the City report. 2010 ISSUES: The City Treasurer, Andrea Bowers, addressed the following issues and handed out the City Fund Balance Policy, fiscal year 2008/2009 (attached) to Council and Staff: • Revenues are flat and declining. • Property tax base continues to decline. • Continued loss of State Shared revenues. • Do not use reserves for operating, only for one-time capital expenditures. • Focus on maintaining "core -basis" services. Retain workforce. WAGES: • Employees normally receive C.O.L.A. and Merit increases. CPI is — 0.4% March 2009 Merit —1 — 3% ITEMS TO CONSIDER: • Implement Community Visioning action plan. • Funding of N. Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. • Fund the construction of the new Police Department and City Hall facilities. • Start a volunteer program. • Implement GovQA online customer service and tracking system. • City Council Legislative items. • City management improvement items. Points of Discussion: o Ms. Bowers shared information received from Scott Ellis, Brevard County Clerk of Court. Compared to other municipalities, Cape Canaveral has done pretty well as far as property values. o Ms. Bowers advised Council not to use reserves for operating expenditures; only for capital; twenty percent is set aside and will be kept. o Pulling in and tightening up the budget to weather out the recession. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1N Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 13 of 14 o $439,448 is the total remaining in the Undesignated Fund Balance. o The Police Trust Fund is generally not a budgeted account; it is money received from police forfeitures and regulated by the Federal Government; there is enough money in this fund for a School Resource Officer if need be. o Impact Fees can only be used for new items that allow for expansion. o The new rate system, a flat rate per unit, in the condominiums is in place for the Wastewater Treatment Fund and should pull the City out of what could have been a bad situation; revenues are down as a result of no impact fees coming in and empty buildings. o Mr. Boucher brought up new legislation and possible constitutional amendments, revenue caps that could have a negative impact on the City; especially the 13.5 millage rate that would have to be shared among all cities in the County. He advised Council to be mindful in selection of projects and programs with recurring maintenance expenses. o Mr. Boucher emphasized that the City focus needs to be on maintaining the core basic services and the workforce. o Ms. Walsh stressed the need for some sort of multi-year plan and pointed out that maintenance issues are a part of any budget. Ms. Bowers reminded Council that they requested a Strategic Budgeting Plan process and staff has completed the first stage of this. o Mr. Petsos agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Hoog that increases in insurance coverage for the employees should be looked at before merit increases. o Ms. Walsh suggested going to a 38 -hour workweek and outsourcing Payroll and Human Resource Benefits to save money; Ms. Bowers responded that outsourcing payroll had been tried before and explained that there is still considerable staff time involved; it would also compromise the general ledger with the auditors. o Mr. Boucher stressed that the community will expect action on the multitude of ideas that come out of the Community Visioning Project o The funding of N. Atlantic Avenue Project may require going to the community for a vote on a special millage rate. o Mr. Boucher announced that he and staff will be attending the Economic Stimulus Summit on May 14"' in Orlando with the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities to find out what Federal Programs are available. o Ms. Stills pointed out that background checks may have to be done before taking on volunteers; she would like to see someone step up within the volunteer agency to help with coordination so as not to involve too much staff time; Mr. Boucher specified that there will be a process involving an application, training, and matching skills and tasks. Ms. Stills urged Council to recognize the volunteers as well. o Using interns from Brevard Community College to implement the Council's request for a "green audit" of the City's departments, help with scanning in the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting 2009 Goals and Objectives —1� Mtg. April 28, 2009 Page 14 of 14 Community Development Department, input data for GovQA, City website maintenance and grant research. o Using GovQA as compared to E -Better Place for a complete work -flow system, tracking in real time. Ms. Stills cautioned Council regarding annual license fees for GovQA; she stressed the need to negotiate and cap the rate. Mr. Boucher thanked Ms. Stills for listening to Council's concerns and finding this web -based application. o Pros and Cons of hiring a full-time IT (Information Technology) person or bidding out IT services to an outside company. Council aQneed: • For staff to look into increasing insurance coverage before giving employees merit pay increases. • For staff to look into the possibility of outsourcing Human Resource Benefits and Payroll. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:44 P.M. oid Mia Groforth, '-r• ��� - -