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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal Minutes 04-27-2007BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA INFORMAL BOARD MEETING Date: Apri127, 2007 Convened: 9:00 a.m. Adjourned: 10:35 a.m. Commissioners Present: Chairman, Chris Craft, Joseph Smith, Charles Grande, Paula A. Lewis, Doug Coward (absent on county business) Others Present: Ray Wazny, Asst. County Administrator, Dan McIntyre, County Attorney, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk Com, Smith opened the discussion by requesting the Board members consider taking the budget process to the general public early and requesting their input as to what they feel are essential functions of the county's government offices. He stated he would like the public's opinion as to what they feel are essential departments. Com. Craft stated he had a concern with the request because he felt there was still a silent majority and you may have only the unhappy public come out to provide input. Com. Lewis stated these were exceptional times and the public needs to be educated as to what services may not be continued to be provided. Com. Charles stated he was more inclined to invite the public to attend the budget sessions and have them participate then. Com. Craft stated he would like to have the budget sessions held in the chambers and televised. He also requested from staff when a funding request comes before the Board, to include in the staff report where the funds are coming from to better inform the public. He would like to educate the public on government issues so that when the issue on taxation comes up, they would be well informed. Com. Craft commented on the state inmates being housed as the county jail. He suggested sending the state the bill for housing these inmates and this may get their attention to the problem with regards to the cost to the taxpayer. Com. Grande stated those who should be in a state facility should be separated from those who should be at the county facility. Com. Craft stated one of the problems is that 90% of the inmates have not been convicted yet. Keeping track of the cost and sending Tallahassee the bill will keep the state informed as to what they have caused locally with their unfunded state mandates. Com. Lewis stated she believed the trim notices do reflect some of the unfunded mandates costs. The County Attorney recommended he be given the opportunity to speak with the Criminal Justice Coordinator and the Sheriff and then they can come back to the Board with synopsis of the jail population, how many inmates are awaiting trial, the VOP's and why they are in the county jail and also the computer system. He advised the Board the $2.00 technology fee fund covers the Clerk, State Attorney, Public Defender offices as well as others. He would then schedule a meeting for the information to be related to the Board. Com. Craft commented on what he felt were duplicated services with the county and the cities. The city of Port St. Lucie stated if the South Causeway Park was turned over to them, they would fund it entirely. There are other parks that could also be discussed with regards to services such as the South County football stadium. Staff was asked to compile a report of the cost of maintaining these parks and possibly work out an agreement with the city. Com. Lewis stated she was advised by the Mayor of Port St. Lucie that they were requesting a 40% cut from the departments. Com. Craft requested staff look into the parks issue. Com. Craft also commented on the many dead trees near power lines, roads and structures within the county. He felt they needed to aggressively have a system to have them removed and also contact FPL with regards to the powerline issues with the trees. Com. Grande commented on Hunters Run PUD and the AG PUD and placing this concept on the Adams Ranch issue. Com. Craft stated the Board's interpretation of AG PUD is still pending. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms Pam Hammer, Reserve, addressed the Board and stated the Port St. Lucie city Council members had endorsed putting the Trauma Center on the ballot, but had not endorsed the center itself. She also addressed a meeting she would be scheduling with Mr. Csapo with regards to the designation circle at the Reserve. Mr. Bill Hammer, Reserve resident, addressed the Board with regard to the cost of city staff in Port St. Lucie. The meeting was adjourned.