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08-30-1994 Workshop MeetingMiami Shores Village Council Workshop Meeting August 30, 1994 The Workshop meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council was held on August 30, 1994 at the Village Hall commencing at 6:09 p.m. with the following members present: Present: Also Present: Absent: Mayor Heffernan Michael Boyle Steven Johnson Robert Cook Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. Scott W. Davis Richard Fernandez The Village Clerk called the roll. Mr. Cook moved to:add to the agenda on an emergency basis: DISCUSSION REGARD/NG THE PURCHASE OF THE BUILDING SOUTH OF VILLAGE HALL ON N.E. 2ND AVENUE. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous In favor. Mayor Heffernan called for a recess at 6:12 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 6:24 p.m. Mr. Couzzo discussed the background regarding the purchase of the building at 9990 N. E. 2nd Avenue. He stated that the Village had the property appraised and the appraisal came back at $200,000. The Arch Diocese had the building reappraised and their appraisal came back at $260,000. Chief Zoovas stated that the Arch Diocese encourages the Village to make an offer on the building as there are other people interested In the property. Mr. Boyle recommended that Council go forward with looking at the property. He stated that the current police facilities are substandard. Mr. Cook stated that the building would not be coming off of the tax rolls. Mr. Couzzo stated that the funds to be used for the purchase would be from the forfeiture account. Mr. Johnson stated that he agrees with Mr. Boyle and that the Police Department Is doing an outstanding job and that they need quarters that are required by their operation. Mayor Heffernan stated that the Village Is looking at a $115,000 savings from what the Village was going to do a few months ago. He stated that the Village would use grants and forfeiture funds for the purchase. He said that the Village should be authorized to make an offer not to exceed $260,000. Mr. Cook suggested that the Village find a sublease for the old space that the police occupied. He suggested Metro Dade and the use of the old fire station for the sub lease. Mr. Boyle stated that he was not comfortable with giving direction to the Manager to go up to $260,000. He stated that he was not convinced that the appraisal from the Arch Diocese was more accurate that the Village's appraisal of $200,000. Mr. Couzzo stated that the Village may strike other deals In the terms of the purchase. Mr. Cook spoke about purchase terms vs Investing the funds. Mr. Couzzo stated that modifications will be needed and additional funds will be required. The consensus of Council was to pursue the purchase of the building. ITEM *2 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER. Mayor Heffernan suggested that the Council review the categories of the evaluation and that there would be discussion In the areas that there was a difference of the score that was given by the members of Council. Leadership: Mr. Boyle stated that Mr. Couzzo has enough time to demonstrate as much leadership as was and that Is why he gave Mr. Couzzo a score of 8. Supervision: Mayor Heffernan stated that Mr. supervision Is good but that as Mr. Cook has stated Council would have to speak to all of the Department get an accurate appraisal. not had possible Couzzo's that the Heads to Council Communication: Mayor Heffernan stated that communication with Mr. Couzzo Is tremendous. Mr. Johnson stated that It Is a difficult task interacting with�5 very different members of Council. Mr. Boyle stated that everything Is fine when the manager has control over the communication. Professional relations: Mayor Heffernan stated that the manager should participate In the Dade League meetings. Mr. Johnson stated that Mr. Couzzo's average overall score was a 9. GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR: Mr. Cook stated that he would like to see Mr. Couzzo get a handle on the over all politics of the Community and the History of the Community. Mayor Heffernan reviewed the goals presented to Council from Mr. Couzzo. He stated that In Goal *1 Investigate New revenue Sources, that he would like to see the annexation Issues concluded In the next year. Mr. Cook stated that he would like to have Mr. Couzzo explore other communities for proven sources of non tax revenue. He stated that he Is looking for new creative ideas that have been tested. Goal *3 Improve Code Enforcement: Mr. Boyle stated that the perception Is that enforcement is not being carried out fairly throughout the Village. Mr. Couzzo stated that the master plan will handle the problem. Mayor Heffernan stated that the Department should be more proactive. Mr. Johnson stated that the Village needs more community awareness of existing code standards. Goal *5 Develop a plan to provide an effective and efficient transition for operation of the Village's Legal affairs, Mr. Couzzo reviewed the background of this goal and stated that Mr. Fann Is looking to step down next year. GENERAL COMMENTS Mr. Johnson spoke about education In the Village and how frustrating it Is because the Village does not control the education in the Village. He stated that he would like to see the Village pursue vigorously the Idea of Miami Shores Village seceding from Dade County Public School System (DCPSS) and establish our own school system. Mr. Boyle suggesting having the Village Manager pursue alternatives In education rather than seceding from the school system. Mr. Cook stated that it could be a source of revenue for the Village to create their own schools. He suggested that an Idea that has been spoken about Is purchasing the 999 building and turn it Into a high school. Also, utilizing Barry University property for a school. Mayor Heffernan stated that he likes the moderate approach and that he was In favor of investigating alternatives. He stated that the Village has already opened up communication with the School Board. Mr. Johnson stated that an additional goal would be for Mr. Couzzo to pursue the improvement of public education opportunities to the residents of Miami Shores Village, with objectives to: Initiate a greater interaction with• upper echelon officials at DCPSS, continue to open dialogwe with Dade County School Board and investigate the possibility of establishing a Miami Shores Public School District Independent of the DCPSS. Mr. Boyle stated that this will generate immediately controversy and opposition. He suggested letting the Manager investigate other alternatives for education In the Village. Mr. Couzzo suggested: continue to investigate alternatives for providing improvements to existing educational choices and opportunities to the residents of Miami Shores Village at all levels. COMPENSATION Mr. Couzzo stated that there are 4 Item that he Is seeking In the area of compensation: 1. Life Insurance In the amount of $400,000 with the Village named as a co -beneficiary In the amount of $200,000. 2. Change his vacation from 2 weeks to 4 weeks with a limit accrual of no more than 6 weeks. 3. Change severance package from 3 months to 6 month pay If he were terminated without cause. 4. Salary of $77,002.80 Mr. Cook stated that the life Insurance is an excellent idea. Regarding the severance package, He stated that he would not like to see any Village Manager subject to temporary political winds. Mayor Heffernan stated that he was in favor of giving the Village Manager Insurance for his family but not In favor of "Key Man Insurance". He stated that the Village should have life Insurance for alt employees. Mr. Cook stated that Insurance Is the responsibility of the employee not the employer. The consensus of Council was to grant the Life insurance request. The consensus of Council was to grant the vacation request. Mr. Boyle suggested extending the severance package 1 month per year up to a total of 6 months. Mayor Heffernan stated that he was in favor of 6 months. Mr. Johnson stated that Mr. Boyle's idea Is a great Idea and that It would be a good Incentive. Mr. Couzzo stated that there is potential for Council to vote out any manager and that he agrees with Mr. Boyle's Idea. The consensus of Council was for Mr. Boyle's suggestion to add 1 month per year up to 6 months. In response to questions regarding life Insurance Mr. Couzzo suggested a 5 year renewal rate on a term policy. The suggestion was met with a favorable response by Council. Mr. Boyle stated that he has no problem with the salary request. Mr. Cook stated that it will take a few years to be fully deservant of this type of Increase. Mayor Heffernan stated that the Council likes the Job that Mr. Couzzo Is doing and expectations are even higher for the coming year. He stated that the Village does not want to loose him and the request Is reasonable. Mr. Boyle stated that Mr. Couzzo made concessions to come to Miami Shores and the Council should reward him for his performance. He stated that Mr..Couzzo has done a superlative Job. Mr. Cook stated that I; would show bad faith to nickel and dime the Manager after telling him what a great Job he has done. The consensus of Council was to grant the request of $77,002.80. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. By: Scott W. Davis Village Clerk William Mayor ernan