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07-22-1991 Budget Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES BUDGET WORKSHOP MONDAY, JULY 22, 1991 The Budget Workshop of the Miami Shores Council was held on Monday, July 22, 1991, at 7:00 p.m. In Village Hall. The following members were present: Mayor Johnson Bob Cook Herb Spahn Stephen Loffredo Also Present: Gall Macdonald Absent: Henry T. Courtney ITEM *1 RECREATION DEPARTMENT Mayor Johnson asked Ms. Macdonald to present a brief summary for the department. She reviewed the budget cuts proposed for the upcoming year. Mr. Spahn stated that the Village has a serious revenue problem. He reviewed the extent of the problem. He also suggested making a list of Items that might be added back to the overall budget; however, he suggested not adding them back until equivalent cuts are made. Mr. Spahn stated that he has a problem with the post -season soccer program. Mr. JD Varney stated that better players might not play if the post - season program is not offered. Mr. Spahn spoke about the cost of the swim team and the coach for the team. Mr. Loffredo spoke about past mi1lage rates. He stated that revenues are down. He stated that he would like to add back to the budget the cost of maintenance for Halloween Howl, Independence Day, Pitch Putt and Drive, Tree Lighting and Memorial Day to continue these programs. He stated that he would also like to add back other Items. Mr. Loffredo suggested eliminating the Assistant Athletic Supervisor position. Mr. Varney stated that to eliminate the Assistant Athletic Supervisor would be a mistake. He outlined the duties of the Assistant Athletic Supervisor and the Athletic Supervisor. Mr. Cook stated that he would like to hold off hiring a new supervisor. In response to discussion regarding the tennis courts, Mr. Spahn stated that the additional unstaffed hours will not be significant. Mr. Cook suggested not filling the Assistant Athletic Supervisor position and adding back the Item Mr. Loffredo suggested. Mr. Spahn stated that Mr. Varney should decide what cuts should be made to add back the programs that the Council wished to add back. Mayor Johnson asked If the Assistant Athletic Supervisor could be a part-time position. Mr. Varney responded that he does not recommend it. Mr. Spahn inquired about chemicals and fertilizer. Mr. Varney responded. Public Comments: Mr. Bob Mortenson: Asked about non -staffed times at the tennis courts. Ms. Margaret Buchignani, the tennis professional, responded that there is a higher Incidence of vandalism when the courts are not staffed in the summer. Mr. Michael Clifford: Spoke about the benefits of swimming vs other land sports. Village should not cut swim team. Mr. Brian Gart: Commented on keeping Miami Shores "Miami Shores", the Fine Arts Committee, the Swim Coach and the pool hours. Mr. Raymond Simmons: in favor of keeping the swimming program. Mr. Larry Hull: Suggested raising user fees to keep the swim team. Mr. Varney reviewed Mr. Hull's proposed program to pay for the swim team. Mr. Cook suggested finding a coach who would get a percentage of the revenue from user fees to coach the team. Mr Ed Harrigan: Spoke about the work of the Fine Arts Commission. Mr. Drew Macintosh: Spoke about past cuts In the Recreation Department. Suggested fund raising efforts to save programs. Mr. Chuck Sennet: Spoke about Assistant Athletic Mr. Jack Rengstl: Ms. Joan Caldwell: Mr. Prospero Herrera: Mr. Cook spoke about Commission programs. Mr. Mike Williams: Supervisor position and the work of the Athletic Supervisor. Said the Village will lose good players if the position Is not filled. Spoke about other Recreation Departments. Suggested finding how they are so successful. Does not want programs cut and opposed to Increased user fees. Spoke about the work of the Fine Commission. Asked for funding the Commission. Increased user fees to continue Fine Mr. Loffredo stated that programs in the Recreation Council Is looking at the projects. Mr. Mark Stead: Ms. Donna Taylor: Mr. Varney responded. Ms. Sally Pumo: Ms. Candy Rengstl: Mr. Owen Henderson: Ms. Margaret Burch: out not Arts for Arts Willing to pay higher taxes and user fees to continue Recreation Department programs. other things may be cut to restore Department. Mr. Cook stated that the ability of the users to fund the The Council should continue to support Recreation Department's programs. The swim team is vital. Inquired about the use of chemicals on the field. Recreation Department is very Important to the community to bring in new families. Spoke about the Tiny Tot program. Opposed to eliminating the swim team. Spoke about the swim team and the commitment from the Village for the team. Spoke about service groups supporting Miami Shores athletics. Mr. Jim Condit: Spoke about street closure money being used for recreation Instead of street closures. Mr. Spahn reviewed the Items the Council wanted to place back In the budget. He stated that it would cost 15,000 to 16,000 dollars and Mr. Varney should be allowed to find the funding for the programs. Mayor Johnson called for a recess at 8:35 pm. The meeting was reconvened at 8:45 pm. ITEM *2 DOWNTOWN REVI?ALIZATION Ms. Macdonald described the work of the Downtown Revitalization Board and stated that most of the work Is being taken over by other entities. Ms. Macdonald stated that she has not funded Downtown Revitalization for next year. Mr. Loffredo spoke about legal fees of $60,000 for EPA investigation being cut from the budget to fund other protects. Mr. Cook spoke about past encounters with EPA problems and how expensive It Is. He stated that it is not prudent to fund Downtown Revitalization until the Ad-hoc committee makes Its report. He also stated that he would like to see Halloween Howl and the Sun Run continue. Mr. Spahn spoke about the crosswalk pavers and suggested not funding the project or the lighting protect. Mr. Loffredo suggested holding paver money In reserve and not using the money until Mr. Courtney returns. Mr. Cook stated that the goal of the meeting Is for Council to get a handle on the budget and determine what the mi1lage rate will be. He said that the Council should follow the recommendation of the Village Manager and not fund Downtown Revitalization until the committee reports. Mayor Johnson stated that there should not be a drastic cut off of the revitalization project and that the Council should continue to fund downtown events such as Halloween Howl. Mr. Cook stated that money should be spent to enhance the residential aspect of the Village. Mr. Spahn stated that funds should be put into the Recreation department's budget to fund downtown events. Mr. John Davies: Spoke about the work of the Downtown Revitalization Board. Mr. Ed Harrigan: Spoke about the history of the financial aspect of the Downtown Revitalization Board. Mr. Spahn stated that the Village as a whole resents taking care of 4 blocks and the property owners are not Interested In a special taxing district. Ms. Sheryl Piper: Spoke about the benefits of pavers and what downtown provides for the Village. ITEM *3 MAYOR AND COUNCIL Mr. Spahn suggested eliminating funding for Council attendance at the Autumn Ball. Mr. Loffredo suggested eliminating funding for Council attendance at the Autumn Ball, Chamber installation, Mayor's Ball and misc. seminars. Mr. Cook stated that he can not guarantee he will attend those functions if It Is not funded by the Village. Mr. Spahn agreed to cut funding. ITEM *4 NON DEPARTMENTAL Ms. Macdonald reviewed the proposed budget cuts. Mr. Loffredo asked about debt service and Insurance Increases. Ms. Varney responded. Mr. Loffredo suggested funding North Miami Foundation In the amount of $2500 and Dade Partners. Mr. Cook stated that he agrees with funding for the Foundation; however, Dade Partners is for businesses to participate In. Mr. Spahn stated that he agrees with Mr. Cook. Mayor Johnson stated that he would like to fund the Foundation for $2500 and Dade Partners for $500 for Horace Mann and Miami Shores Elementary each. Ms. Jackie Cook explained what the Dade Partners program Is. Mr. John Stokesberry: Spoke about the amount of money donated by the Village to the Foundation and the number of people using the elderly services. Dr. Mike Conley: Spoke about who uses the Foundation's facilities. Ms. Marsha Beisel: Used the facility and supports the Foundation. Ms. Ginny Solberg: Spoke about how the cost of the facility Is allocated. Mr. Spahn stated that he was In favor of giving the Foundation what was funded this year, $3,250. Mr. Cook stated that the Foundation was a valuable program and agreed with Mr. Spahn. Mr. Loffredo stated that he was In favor of funding the Foundation at $3250 and Dade Partners at $500 each. Mayor concurred with Mr. Loffredo. Ms. Macdonald stated that she would fund an additional $360 from the Village Manager's Budget. Mr. Cook spoke about the Capital Improvement Fund for the Pool. ITEM *4 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 pm. Attest: Gall Macdonald Village Clerk By: Scott W. Davis Deputy Village Clerk Steven Joe, son Mayor