Loading...
2023-06-28 Pre-Budget Workshop1 PRE-BUDGET WORKSHOP JUNE 28, 2023 6:00 PM 9900 BUILDING 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor George Burch Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky Councilmember Jerome Charles Councilmember Sandra Harris Councilmember Daniel Marinberg Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Sarah Johnston Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Joe Raya spoke about the Pride organization and expressed his gratitude for the resident’s support of the organization. Additionally, he asked the Village Council to include the organization in the yearly budget plan and asked for assistance, in the form of barricades, for a planned event scheduled on October 22, 2023. Kate Mason shared her wish to have more green spaces in the community. She suggested fund allocations be included in the budget. 5) DISCUSSION 5.A AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GOVERNMENTAL BUDGET PROCESS (ESMOND SCOTT, VILLAGE MANAGER) 2 Village Manager Scott informed Council that the Pre-Budget Workshop would allow the opportunity to address the process, priorities, and successes that drive budget planning for fiscal year 2024 based on the adopted Strategic Management and Capital Improvement plans. Village Manager Scott introduced key factors driving the budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. With regard to the Police Department’s Bargaining Union Contract obligations, the Village Manager stated the contract was soon approaching its expiration date (September 30th). Mr. Scott stated he is in communication with the police department to solidify the details of the contract and would soon have more on the topic to share with the Council. The Village Manager’s discourse included the absence of a full-time human resources professional, and the prioritization of employee retention. Mr. Scott took a moment to thank Ms. Audrea Hinds for returning from retirement to aid in the development of the Village’s Human Resources Department. Village Manager Scott highlighted the various accomplishments of the Village. To name a few, Village Manager Scott thanked the Chief of Police, David Golt, for his Police Accreditation involvement. Village Manager Scott mentioned the dash cams in marked police vehicles were also considered major highlights. He also reflected on the opening of the Sydow Children & Family Wing by celebrating Michelle Brown, Library Director, for her role in overseeing the construction and opening of the new wing. The Village Manager briefly referenced the five Local Agency Program projects which he stated were well in abundance as government typically only issues one project at a time. He thanked Public Works Director Christopher Miranda and Assistant Public Works Director Frank Ruiz for achieving the (LAP) projects for the Village. Other major accomplishments were said to be the achievement of consensus for the Village’s seawall. Mr. Scott noted the significant grant resources acquired with the assistance of Ms. Lakeisha Morris, with approximately eighteen projects in progress. Village Manager Scott asked Public Works Director Christopher Miranda to provide an update regarding the grants in progress. Public Works Director Miranda confirmed Village was currently under contract with (LAP) and stated one project was complete, but five others are currently in progress. Village Manager Scott added that the NE 96th Street building and resurfacing project to improve drainage had been stalled, but would soon commence. Mr. Scott provided an update on additional projects. Village Manager Scott addressed the Council by asking for their consideration in allocating funds for a Citizen’s Academy initiative. This academy would assist residents in their desire to learn how government operates. He stated planning and cost assumptions would have to be discussed. Village Manager Scott thanked the Council and turned the discussion over to the Council for comments. Mayor Burch shared comments, requesting the 2023 budget book be provided to Councilmember Charles and Vice Mayor Valinsky. Mayor Burch expressed his concern that the budget for this year is higher than average. Mayor Burch stated his biggest trepidation was the lack of funding allocated towards capital improvements projects. Mayor Burch asked Village staff to be considerate of the budget plans they would be submitting and said he was looking forward to future budget discussions. 3 Councilmember Marinberg expressed his interest in the customary effectiveness of budget spending exemplified by Village staff. Councilmember Marinberg echoed Mayor Burch’s sentiments regarding infrastructure. He shared a few ideas to create additional revenue from the tennis court by way of public/private partnerships. Councilmember Marinberg concluded his dialogue by highlighting investments in infrastructure was necessary, and emphasized human capital investments are the most critical. Vice Mayor Valinsky also stated his objective to review the budget conscientiously as all the elements affecting the budget are important and many factors should be considered. Responding to Councilmember Harris’ inquiry, Village Manager Scott confirmed all in- progress projects are fully funded. Councilmember Harris indicated a decision on the usage of the Council Chambers should come to a conclusion and advocated for increased focus on traffic calming efforts. Councilmember Charles stated transparent communication between all shareholders is important. Councilmember Charles further explained the approach of the Council should be to prioritize the projects based on resident feedback and realistic revenues that could bring about the commencement of projects. 6) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the workshop adjourned at 7:26 PM.