07-20-1987 Budget Workshop MeetingBUDGET WORKSHOP
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE COUNCIL
JULY 20, 1987
The Budget Workshop scheduled for Monday, July 20, 1987, commenced
at 7:01 p.m. to review the Library, Building and Zoning, Mobile Crime
Watch, Police Department, Legal Counsel and Mayor and Council budgets.
Present: Mayor Spero Canton
Stephen Loffredo
Robert S. Butler
Karen Kirby
Marty Stofik
Also Present: Elly F. Johnson, Village Manager
William F. Fann, Village Attorney
and members of the Village Staff
Library
Elizabeth Esper, Librarian, noted that municipal and donated funds
if not used are deducted from the next year's budget. Hours open to the
public will be cut from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Employees will be doing
other library duties during the time. Ms. Macdonald clarified that all
merit Increases for Village department heads are budgeted in the
contingency In the Non -Departmental budget. The Library contingency
Includes $3,200 for staff merit Increases and $2,500 for unforseen
expenses.
Dr. Butler recommended reports which would Identify the
Interdepartmental transfer of funds. Mr. Johnson stated such reports
would be supplied on a quarterly basis.
Mrs. Stofik presented a check for $500 from Friends of the Brockway
Memorial Library to Mrs. Esper and requested that the donation be used
for the purchase of adult non-fiction.
Building and Zoning
Much discussion addressed the efficiency of the computer and the
effectiveness of surveillance and follow-up code enforcement. Council
members expressed their concern for stronger code enforcement capability
to handle their commitment.
Mr. Johnson advised the Council that he and Mr. LuBien, Director,
would evaluate the need for additional personnel for FY 88-89 after
having an opportunity to work with the computer and civilian service
aides as potential manpower resources. The Installation of the computer
In October is expected to enhance efficiency by generation of reports
and outstanding permits (to Include electrical and plumbing).
Mr. Loffredo made a motion to approve the budget as proposed. Dr.
Butler seconded. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
Mobile Crime Watch
Mayor Canton expressed concern for reduction In the budget as the
Council and the Mayor's Community Task Force have a strong commitment to
the program. Lela Jacobson, Coordinator, stated the reduction was due to
the elimination of a mall recruitment compaign which was Instead
campaigned through the Village and Chamber newsletters.
Dr. Butler made a motion to approve the budget as presented.
Mrs. Stofik seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
A 15 minute recess was called at 8:00 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
Police Department
Chief John Fletcher advised the Council that the department had 1
vacancy for 6 weeks and 1 vacancy for 6 months. Poor recruitment
response had been received and the department was considering putting a
potential candidate through the Police Academy. Other officers were
presently working overtime to handle the vacancies.
Mrs. Stofik questioned the expense related to the donated boat, the
need for 14 marked patrol cars, and the $55,000 In the maintenance
account. Chief Fletcher explained that of the 14 cars, 2 were canine
cars, 5 were purchased In 1987, 4 spares purchased In 1985, 1 spare
purchased in 1983 and 1 station wagon purchased in 1981. The 1983 and
1984 spares are planned for auction this summer.
Dr. Butler questioned a 50% increase In maintenance expenses when
1/3 of the fleet Is new and suggested a shifting of some of these funds
to the gas, oil and lubricant account.
Mrs. Kirby made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Dr.
Butler seconded.
Mr. Loffredo offered an amendment on the basis of protected need
for more sworn police officers In the next 3 to 5 years, especially as
recruitment was a long process. He recommended extending the limit of
sworn officers to 5. He stated this would help provide a balance while
officers were occupied in court with prosecutions and depositions.
*Minutes were corrected 8/17/87 to read: Motion died for lack of a
second.
Dr. Butler suggested not making too many changes at the present
time but rather allowing the many recently offered options to take
effect. These Included the change in patrol schedules, suggestions from
the Crime symposium, and the limited access study. The anticipation of
a new police chief would also have an Impact.
Mrs. Kirby requested a minimum of 3 officers on the night shift.
Mr. Johnson advised he would evaluate this and the number of police cars
needed and report back to the Council.
Dr. Butler made a motion to approve $20,000 which the department
requested In regular salary to allow a latitude for the next 12 months
If the Council wished to recommend more officer support.
Mr. Johnson requested the Council leave the budget as proposed.
Dr. Butler withdrew his motion.
The motion to approve was passed by a 4/1 vote with Mr. Loffredo
dissenting.
Legal Counsel
Mr. Fann advised that although the work had not diminished, Council
had taken appropriate action at the last budget hearing. Dr. Butler made
a motion to approve as proposed. Mrs. Stofik seconded. Mr.Loffredo
asked for an opinion on his eligibility to vote on this Issue as he and
Mr. Fann were sharing the same office. There being no disagreement, Mr.
Loffredo voted and the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor and Council
Dr. Butler moved to approve the budget as proposed. Mrs. Stofik
seconded.
Mrs. Kirby requested a change In the travel reimbursement policy
for other than flight and room expenses. Mr. Johnson stated he would
prepare an ordinance with Mr. Fanns approval and present It to the
Council.
Mayor Canton presented a request from the Dade League of Cities for
a $600 donation for "Keep Dade Beautiful".
Dr. Butler moved to approve $300 for the budget, one half of the
requested amount. Mr. Loffredo seconded. Mrs. Stofik stated her
concern with providing operating funds for a non-profit organization.
The motion passed by a 4/1 vote with Mrs. Stofik dissenting.
The motion to approve the budget passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
ATTEST: Elly F. Johnson
Village Clerk
BY:
Aria Clayton
Deputy Village Clerk
Spero ant
Mayor