09-23-1997 Regular Meeting• MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
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The regular meeting of the Miami Shores Village Council took place on Tuesday, September 23,
1997 commencing at 7:45 PM with the following members present:
PRESENT:
Mayor Agosta
Michael Boyle
Louis Imburgia
Stephen Loffredo
Cesar Sastre
ALSO PRESENT: Michael R. Couzzo, Jr.
Barbara A. Fugazzi
Mark S. Ulmer
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Agosta presented a Proclamation to employee Ed Smith, who will be retiring at 32 years
of employment with the Village.
CONSIDERATION]
1. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 9,1997 BUDGET HEARING AND
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
B. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE VILLAGE MANAGER, SUBJECT TO THE
VILLAGE ATTORNEY'S APPROVAL, TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH THE ENGINEERING FIRM OF DEROSE & SLOPEY, TO COMPLETE
PLANS AND DRAWINGS FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE POOL
FACILITIES.
C. APPROVAL OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL FUNDS TRANSFER FROM
HUMAN RESOURCES ($15,000) AND CODE ENFORCEMENT ($19,900) TO
THE PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR THE
PURCHASE OF TWO FORD PICK-UP TRUCKS AND FROM HUMAN
RESOURCES TO THE LIBRARY ($7,000) TO FUND THE BATHROOM
RENOVATION TO MEET ADA REQUIREMENTS .
D. APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 1997-98 STORMWATER UTILITY
BUDGET PER INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS.
E. AWARD OF BID TO ATLANTIS CONSTRUCTION OF SOUTH FLORIDA IN
THE AMOUNT OF $12,950 TO REPLACE THE HARDWOOD FLOOR AT
THE C. LAWTON McCALL COMMUNITY CENTER.
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Mr. Loffredo asked to have items 18 and IC removed from the Consent Agenda for
discussion/clarification purposes. Mr. Sastre advised the Clerk of two typos contained in the
presented Minutes. Mr. Boyle moved to approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda (Items
1A, 1 D and 1E). Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
1B Mr. Loffredo expressed his concerns regarding the design/drawings scope of work for
pool renovations, indicating that there doesn't appear to be any consideration for tub
enlargement. Mr. Boyle moved approval of Item 1B. Mr. Imburgia seconded the item.
Mr. Sastre stated that he would like to hear what Mr. Loffredo has in mind for the pool
complex. Mr. Loffredo offered his opinion that once the project is begun, the Village is
committed to completing the Limited improvements, which would not address the need
for a larger pool where swan meets could be held. Mr. Couzzo clarified that the contract
does not bind the Village to renovate, but to submit designs with costing estimates. Mr.
Imburgia stated that based on the submitted information, there will be three phases of
design work submitted. Discussion regarding whether a tub expansion could be
submitted as an alternative design ensued, based on Mr. Loffredo's concerns. Procedural
requirements in regards to changing the scope of services, obtaining a new contract figure
from the engineer and whether or not the RFP/presentation process will need to repeated
were discussed.
Mr. Loffredo requested an amendment to the original motion, to include requesting that
the engineering firm broaden the design approach, looking at possible tub expansion. Mr.
Boyle agreed to amending the motion. Mr. Imburgia also agreed to the amended motion.
The vote was taken and was unanimous in favor.
1C Mr. Loffredo asked whether or not restroom renovation will meet the specifications as
outlined in the CFR Code Book. Mr. Couzzo stated that the item before the Council is to
allow for encumbering the funds to complete the renovation. Mr. Loffredo moved
approval of Item 1C. Mr. Sastre seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in
favor.
2) VILLAGE COUNCIL
A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING COMPENSATION
FOR THE VILLAGE MANAGER. Michael Boyle
In response to a request from Mayor Agosta to have a motion and a second on the floor prior to
discussion taking place, Mr. Boyle moved that the Council set a figure for the Village Manager's
compensation for the upcoming fiscal year. Mr. Loffredo seconded the motion.
Mr. Boyle outlined the background of the item, stating the compensation increase of last year and
the items which he looked at in evaluating the Manager's performance over the last year. Mr.
Boyle reiterated that monies have been set aside in the budget and suggested a 7% increase in
salary plus a 5% bonus.
• Mr. Loffredo stated that he had written a memo outlining his views and indicated he could not
support Mr. Boyle's suggestion.
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Mr. Imburgia expressed his opinion that Mr. Couzzo has saved the Village tens of thousands of
dollars, has worked hard for the Village and has proved his worth. Mr. Imburgia believes that
compensation should be increased by 10% plus a 5% bonus, the same as last fiscal year.
Mr. Sastre stated that his fellow Council members had made good points and comments and that
in reviewing the Manager's salary and benefits, he believes that Mr. Couzzo's contract is a good
one. Mr. Sastre feels that a 2% increase is too low but 7% plus a 5% bonus is too high. Mr.
Sastre made a suggestion for compensation, which, after clarification, was equal to a 61/2% salary
increase with no bonus.
Mayor Agosta clarified the suggested numbers and the budgeted figures, as to whether or not
figures included the Cost of Living Increase which is set at 1.5%. Mayor Agosta suggested an
increase of 3 '/Z%, and a 5% bonus.
Mayor Agosta called for a recess at 8:45 PM and reconvened the meeting at 9:00 PM.
Further discussion regarding each Council member's opinion on the Manager's compensation
package ensued. In an attempt to bring closure to the issue, Mr. Boyle amended his original
motion, moving to award the Village Manager a 6 1/2% (including the cost of living increase)
salary increase and a 5% bonus. Mr. Loffredo agreed to amending his original second of the
motion to allow for a vote to take place. The vote was as follows:
Michael Boyle Yes
Louis Imburgia Yes
Mayor Agosta No
Cesar Sastre No
Stephen Loffredo' No
The motion was defeated.
Mr. Sastre moved to award the Village Manager a 5% salary increase plus the 1 1/2% COLA
with no bonus to be paid. This motion did not receive a second and no vote was taken.
Council discussion regarding the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) and the merits of a bonus
ensued.
Mayor Agosta passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Boyle and moved to award the Village Manager a
5% bonus (inclusive of the COLA) plus a 5% bonus. Mr. Imburgia seconded the motion. The
vote was taken and passed with the following results:
Mayor Agosta Yes
Michael Boyle Yes
Louis Imburgia Yes
Cesar Sastre No
Stephen Loffredo No
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3) ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Village Clerk read the announcements.
4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kevin O'Connor
Mr. O'Connor, a former Mayor of Miami Shores, spoke of how things had
changed and spoke of a recent article in the Neighbor's Section of the
Miami Herald. Mr. O'Connor expressed his belief that he speaks for the
majority of residents and that he is very happy with the Manager's
performance.
William Heffernan Mr. Heffernan spoke of the Manager's compensation and stated that the
Council should not be cheap, the Village is about quality and the current
Council should keep that tradition.
Edward Harrigan Mr. Harrigan spoke of the Miami Herald article.
Arthur Rice Mr. Rice thanked the Council for their time and efforts on behalf of the
residents.
5) VILLAGE MANAGER COMMENTS
Mr. Couzzo thanked both the Council and the residents for their comments and support.
6) COUNCIL COMMENTS
Michael Boyle Mr. Boyle spoke of the Manager's evaluation process, indicating that he
respects the comments made by his fellow Council members.
Louis Imburgia Mr. Imburgia spoke of Kevin O'Connor's comments and the recent
newspaper articles.
Stephen Loffredo Mr. Loffredo spoke of the Property Owner's Meeting, stated that Yvonne
Perez, Herald Reporter, was just doing her job in respect to the newspaper
articles, and that he appreciates hearing everyone's comments.
Cesar Sastre
Mr. Sastre stated that debate is healthy in the democratic process and that
his comments and decisions regarding the Manager's compensation was a
business decision.
Mayor Agosta Mayor Agosta thanked everyone for their attendance, comments and
energy.
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• 7) ADJOURNMENT
The Council Meeting of September 23, 1997 was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Barbara A. Fugazzi, Village Clerk
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Mary Ross Agosta, Mayor