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07-23-1991 Budget Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES BUDGET WORKSHOP TUESDAY, JULY 23, 1991 The Budget Workshop of the Miami Shores Council was held on Tuesday, July 23, 1991, at 7:04 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 LEGAL COUNSEL: Ms. Macdonald reviewed the budget. She stated that the largest amount Is for legal fees for the EPA investigation, $35,000 for legal fees and $10,000 for remediation. She reviewed the EPA investigation and how it will affect the Village. Mr. Loffredo stated that $35,000 Is way too high for legal fees for 6 barrels of oil; however, $10,000 Is reasonable for remediation. He suggested $10,000 - $15,000 for legal fees. Mr. Loffredo stated that the Village should keep a low profile. Mayor Johnson stated that he did not want to reduce the legal fee budget; however, $20,000 of the originally budgeted legal fees were transfered Into the Village Contingency Fund. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: WASTE: Mr. Fann was excused from the meeting at this time. Ms. Macdonald reviewed the budget describing the new tub chipper program and the expected savings. She stated that the new garbage fee is proposed to be $401.75. Mr. Loffredo stated that the tub chipper Is an admirable program and that It is good to eliminate 2000 tons of trash per year and it will save alot of money. Mr. Cook asked If equipment savings Is reflected In the budget due to the chipper. Mr. Benton responded no. Mr. Spahn stated that gas could be reduced by 15%-20% and that the Council should participate with Mr. Benton on the tub chipper program. Mayor Johnson asked about quarterly billing and reduction In printing costs. Ms. Varney stated that all invoices are printed at one time and mailed out at 4 separate times. With regard to the security system for the Public works yard, Mr. Loffredo suggested avoiding capital expenditures this year. He stated that he was concerned with the quality of the system. Mr. Spahn stated that if Miami Shores police respond to false alarms that It would cause a lack of coverage In the Shores. He suggested studying the system for 1 year. Ms. Macdonald suggested leaving In the budget the funds for modification to the office to protect the personnel who work In the office. Mr. Benton also suggested leaving in the funding for the automatic gates due to the fueling of the police cars. Mr. Cook stated that he concurs that the system should be studied for a year. Mayor Johnson asked how often will the police fuel at Public Works each day. Chief Zoovas replied 3 times per day. Mr. Joe lorlo: Asked about weekly pick up on recycling. Mr. Benton spoke about education to Increase participation In Miami Shores recycling program. Mr. Spahn stated that overtime should be a separate line Item. Mr. Brian Smith: Ms. Lillian Walls: Asked about street closure and if it Increased the cost of waste pick up. Spoke about garbage men monitoring garbage palls for recyclables. PARKS: Ms. Macdonald reviewed the budget. She stated that the proposed budget cuts personnel to balance the budget. She spoke about marking the boundaries of the Village to alert criminals that they are entering the Village. She stated that well marked boundaries reduce crime. Mr. Loffredo stated that beautification Is why Miami Shores is "Miami Shores". He spoke about the street closures program and using street closure dollars for beautification to give relief to residents who are on streets that are getting Increased traffic. Mayor Johnson stated that that was a very high priority. Ms. Macdonald described the proposed entrance beautification on 103rd Street. Mr. Loffredo suggested cutting down the protect to other intersections. Mayor Johnson suggested not using lighted signs. Mr. Loffredo suggested adding back 1 position and adding $6500 to fund beautification. Mr. Benton stated that if the Council keeps cutting people, the Public Works Department will not be able to continue providing the service that the residents want. Mr. Spahn stated that adding back personnel Is very expensive and that the Village should consider contracting out work. Mr. Benton outlined what the beautification funds are used for. Mr. Cook suggested contracting out more Jobs. He stated that he was not in favor of bringing on new people unless the Village must. Mayor Johnson stated that contracting out Is a viable alternative. He said that many of the calls that he receives are regarding maintenance of the Village. Mr. Spahn suggested privatizing major tasks In the maintenance of the Village and contracting those tasks out. He suggesting further study for the next budget year. Mr. Spahn suggested adding $14,000 for beautification and not funding any other positions. Mr. Benton stated that contracting out is not a cure all for budgets. He stated that the Village cannot control contracted labor. Mr. Cook suggested that the Village try privatization to see if it works and if it doesn't work the Council will then address getting more personnel. Mr. Loffredo stated that the Village should give it a try. Mayor Johnson stated that the staff should look at the Public Works Department and other areas In the Village to contract out work. Mr. Joe lorio: Spoke about the cutting and removal of trees In the Village. Ms. Lillian Walls: Asked If the Council Is aware of the citizens concern about the care of trees. Mr. Benton described the Village's tree trimming program. STREETS: Ms. Macdonald reviewed the budget and the proposed changes In the Streets Department. She suggested Increased enforcement on parking downtown. Mr. Loffredo suggested leaving the parking enforcement position In the budget and not converting the meters. Mr. Spahn stated that the Village should end the 15 minute courtesy and keep the parking enforcement position. Mayor Johnson stated that the Council should keep the 15 minute courtesy and also keep the position. Mr. Cook stated that the Council should keep the position and ask for more enforcement. Mr. Ed Harrigan: Mr. Patrick Duffy: Mr. Owen Henderson: Spoke about history of the parking enforcement position. Relayed the feelings of the Chamber of Commerce regarding the 15 minute courtesy and the parking enforcement specialist. Spoke about police protection on 2nd Avenue. Mr. Spahn spoke about the cost of electricity for the new street lights downtown. Mr. Loffredo stated that the Village needs lights downtown. Mr. Benton described how the cost Is calculated for the street lights. Mr. Spahn stated that the businesses that are open at night are concentrated and the Village Is lighting the whole street. Mr. Cook stated that the Tight will help the businesses downtown. Mr. Tom Bethey: Spoke about employees of his working late at night and how lights will help reduce crime. Mr. Spahn asked If the lights can be cut off at 10 pm. Mr. Benton replied that he will find out. Mr. Pat Duffey: Stated that the Chamber feels very strongly about lighting downtown. Mr. Jim Condit: Spoke about street closures, the cutting of positions and the proper accounting of street closure costs. PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION: Ms. Macdonald reviewed the budget. There were no comments from Council. POLICE DEPARTMENT: Mr. Spahn asked about the line Item regarding other contractual services. Chief Zoovas replied that it is for maintenance on the computer. Mr. Cook asked about the contract with the computer maintenance company. Chief Zoovas responded. Mr. Spahn spoke about Crime Watch and the reduction of crime In Miami Shores. Mr. Cook stated that volunteerism must be Increased due to belt tightening. He stated that he would like to see Mobile Crime Watch and Crime Watch put back In the budget. Chief Zoovas described the Crime Watch program. Mr. Loffredo stated that he supports Mr. Cook to put Crime Watch and Mobile Crime Watch back In the budget. Ms. Dottie Yates: Spoke about how good Crime Watch Is for the Community. Mr. Jay Stein: Stated that Mobile Crime Watch is an asset to the Village. Mr. Brian Smith: Asked about spending In the Department. Chief Zoovas described what the expenditures were for. Mr. Cook spoke about putting code enforcement under the Police Department. Chief Zoovas replied that the Police Department Is In agreement. FINANCE: Ms. Macdonald reviewed the budget and stated that the receptionist position is proposed to be eliminated. Mr. Loffredo stated that he has a problem letting go a 10 year employee. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 pm. Attest: Gall Macdonald Village Clerk By: Scott W. Davis Deputy Village Clerk Steven Joh on Mayor