Loading...
07-14-1993 Budget Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING JULY 14, 1993 The Budget Workshop meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on July 14, 1993, at the Miami Shores Village Hall commencing at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Present: Also present: Mayor Heffernan Steven J. Johnson Robert Cook Richard Fernandez Michael Boyle Tom Benton Scott W. Davis Patricia Varney ITEM *1 DISCUSSION OF THE BUDGET OF THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS: POLICE Mr. Benton spoke about Chief Zoovas' request for a 34th officer. Chief Zoovas explained the Blue Halo program. He also reviewed his request for a 34th officer and stated that forfeiture funds could be used to fund the officer. Mr. Boyle asked about a Boy Scout Explorer program. Chief Zoovas replied that he would be In favor. He also spoke about a Reserve Police program. In response to a question from Council the Chief stated that forfeiture funds can be used for reserve officer training. Mr. Boyle spoke about funding the 34th officer through forfeiture funds and that forfeiture funds are not guaranteed. He said that a year or two down the road there may not be any funding. He stated that he would like to put the 34th officer In the budget in case forfeiture funds are not available. Mr. Cook stated that the Chief and Village Manager have taken a creative approach to have the bad guys pay for the officer. Mayor Heffernan stated that in the future if the funds are not available then the Council will have to look at priorities and see if the officer will remain. Mr. Johnson stated that he was delighted that the program will progress, especially using forfeiture funds. He stated that the officer will be an ongoing expense and will act as public relations for the Police Department. Mr. Fernandez asked about burglar alarm permit fees and fines. The Chief responded and stated that they have Improved the number of false alarms. Mr. Tom McDermott: Complimented the Village on funding the 34th officer. Mr. Jim Condit: Asked about the Fire Department moving out. Mr. Mike Maguire: Spoke about telephone wires and marketing. Ms. Donna Baxter: Asked about the use of forfeiture funds and the length of time funds can be used to fund an officer. The consensus of Council was to make no changes. BUILDING AND ZONING Mr. Fernandez asked about the Comprehensive Plan professional services with regard to the Cushman School. Mr. Benton and Mr. Johnson replied. Mr. Cook spoke about Mr. LuBlen's request for new vehicles. The consensus of Council was to make no changes. Mr. Benton spoke about the Village's phone system. He stated that the cost for an automated phone system Is $13,674. He stated that with the automated system If a resident calls they will get a recording and a menu to chose extensions from. Mayor Heffernan stated that It will eliminate the need for a receptionist. Mr. Benton suggested $15,000 for budgeting purposes. Ms. Varney described the proposed system and the equipment needs for Village Hall. Mr. Boyle stated that the new system will not solve the problem that causes criticism. Mr. Cook stated that he agrees with Mr. Boyle. Mayor Heffernan stated that a new phone system is not that critical of an Item and that the Council should wait for a future budget to implement a new system. REVENUE Council reviewed various line items and the consensus of Council was to make no changes. Mr. Benton explained the Transportation Utility District to pay for sidewalk and road repair. Mayor Heffernan called for a recess at 8:45 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:48 p.m. Mr. Benton explained that the purpose of the utility district is to fund repairs out of the general fund ad valorem tax base. He stated that the good thing Is that everybody pays and that there are no exceptions. Schools and Churches will have to pay by how large their frontage is. He stated that homeowners will only be billed for repair of sidewalks In front of their homes. Mr. Boyle asked that If a home Is on a County street will the homeowner still be assessed. Mr. Benton stated yes, by the front footage because they will still have to use Village roads. Mayor Heffernan stated that this Is another creative way to bring back revenue for the Village. Mr. Boyle asked where are the funds that are allocated to barricade protects that are pending. Mayor Heffernan responded. Mr. Benton reviewed the protects that are pending: Narrowing of 96th Street Biscayne Boulevard and NE 10th Ave. Mr. Boyle asked If a protect Is not completed can the miliage rate be lowered. Ms. Varney responded yes. Mr. Fernandez stated that any overage should go Into a barricade maintenance fund. He spoke about what he called a tremendous source of revenue being the sale to the homeowner of right of way land on plots where it would be feasible. He described the protect and stated that It would have to be investigated on a plot by plot basis. Mr. Cook spoke about looking at different ways to get revenue that would not be a burden on the taxpayer. He said that It Is the single most Important thing to accomplish. He also spoke about a community without property taxes because they purchase electricity from FP&L and resell it to the homeowners. Mr. Ed Harrigan: Asked about parking meter revenue. Mr. Tom McDermott: Commended Council on their decorum. Mr. Jim Condit: Spoke about 96th Street and asked about the proposed utility district. Mr. Mike Maguire: Asked about special taxing districts. Ms. Varney stated that with the changes that the Council has made during the Budget Workshops the new budget Is $7,671,034 with a millage rate of 8.66. The consensus of Council was to certify the FY94 millage rate of 8.66 with a budget of $7,671,034. ITEM *2 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m. By: Scott W. Davis Village Clerk Mayor H '4/ - WI 11 J eff rnan