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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2011
9:00 A.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM #3
1. CALL TO ORDER -COMMISSIONER CHRIS CRAFT, CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
2. PUBLIC WORKS
A. HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT FEES
B. PORT BOND
3. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
A. GIS CHARGES TO ENTERPRISE FUNDS
B. TOURISM
4. ADJOURNMENT
Roger Poitras Administration Annex
2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL.
RON ROBERTS
ROBIN MEYERS
DON WEST
JENNIFER HILL
MARK SATTERLEE
ED BLAINE
CHARLOTTELOMBARD
NOTICE: All Proceedings before this Board are electronically recorded. Any person who decides to appeal any action taken by the Board at these meetings will need a record of the
proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made. Upon the request of any party to the proceedings, individuals testifying during
a hearing will be sworn in. Any party to the proceedings will be granted the opportunity to cross-examine any individual testifying during a hearing upon request. Anyone with a disability
requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie County Community Services Manager at (772) 462-1777 or TDD (772) 462-1428 at least forty-eight (48)
hours prior to the meeting.
Item No. 2•A
2011 STRATEGIC PLANNING POLICY ISSUES
Work Team: Revenue Generation
Policy Question:
Which of the following options does the BOCC support?
1. A permit fee only on small quantity generators of hazardous waste;
2. A permit fee on all businesses that generate hazardous waste; or
3. No permit fees on hazardous waste generators.
Background:
There are two types of hazardous waste generators; small quantity and
universal waste. A "small quantity generator" is defined as an operation
that generates regulated hazardous waste volumes under 1,000 kilograms.
A "universal waste generator" is defined as an operation that generates
unregulated hazardous waste such as used automotive fluids and mercury
containing devices (i.e. fluorescent lights, bilge pump float switches and
certain medical devices).
Option 7: Fee on Small Quantity Generators Only
St. Lucie County is required by state statute to -inspect businesses that are
small quantity generators of hazardous waste as part of the Small Quantity
Generator (SQG) and Notification and Verification Assessment Program.
There are currently approximately 1,200 small quantity generators in St.
Lucie County. The Solid Waste Division performs inspections and has
funded the program using the Baling and Recycling Facility tipping fees.
Florida statutes allow the County to impose a $50.00 annual fee on small
quantity generators which would generate approximately $60,000 a year to
offset the cost of inspections.
Option 2: Fee on Small Quantity .and Universal Waste
Generators
Current regulations prohibit universal wastes from being disposed of in
landfills or waste-to-energy plants. The County currently has no funding
mechanism to establish permitting program to ensure universal wastes are
not reaching the landfill.
By placing an annual fee of $100 on businesses that generate universal
waste, the County would be able to hire three- (3) full-time staff members
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2011 STRATEGIC PLANNING POLICY ISSUES
with net annual revenues estimated at $500,000. This option imposes a
fee on small quantity and universal waste generators and would allow the
County to inspect, track and ensure proper disposal of all waste types.
Option 3: No Fee
The Solid Waste Division will continue to fund hazardous waste inspections
using the Baling and Recycling Facility tipping fees.
Estimated Annual Net Revenue:
Option 7: $ 60,000 to General Fund
Option 2: $500,000 to General Fund
Option 3: No revenue to General Fund
Estimated Implementation Date: FY 11 /12
Affected Department/Division:
Public Works/Solid Waste
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SOLID WASTE DIVISION
MEMORANDUM
1i-005
TO: Lee Ann. Lowery
Assistant County Administrator
VIA: Don West
Public Works Director ~ ~ °
FROM: Ron Roberts ~~
Solid Waste Division Director
DATE: August 4, 2011
RE: Small Quantity Generator Program
Florida Statute 403.7225 defines local government responsibilities regarding hazardous waste
management. It states that "local hazardous waste management assessments shall.. be renewed
every 5 years, based on the schedule determined by the Department". It requires that at a minimum
20% of businesses that are potential generators of hazardous waste shall be inspected annually. The
businesses to be inspected are termed Small Quantity Generators (SQG) of hazardous waste as
defined by federal regulations 40 C.F.R. part 260.10 that generate less than 1,000 kilograms of
hazardous waste per month.
It is the Florida Department. of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) opinion that the intent of the
legislature and the Department is that counties. perform inspections on all businesses located within
their geographical boundary. At the present time,. the Solid Waste Division performs the inspections
with funds derived from .tipping fees. We have performed this task for the past 18 years. It has not
been onerous until very recently.
The SQG roll has ranged from 300 in 1993 to 1,200 businesses today. FDEP is now requiring
businesses such as pharmacies, medical labs, tanning salons, and hair salons be placed on the roll.
This could potentially swell the roll to more than 4,000 businesses. This quantity of businesses would
require a full time employee to perform nearly 20 inspections per week.
Florida Statutes allow counties to impose an annual $50 surcharge on the SQG's occupational
license to fund the program. This could potentially generate in excess of $200,000 annually. If an
inspector was hired in the Code Enforcement Department the excess funds could be placed in the
general fund.
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It is my opinionthat the SQG program would be better served in Code Enforcement than Solid Waste
as we have no enforcement powers whatsoever.
Attached is an email from the. County Attorney's office. regarding conversations. with FDEP on the
matter:. It appears as though the .legal opinion is-that to' collect the surcharge in the incorporated
areas would require an inter-local agreement with each municipality..
RR:dls
Attachment
2
Ron Roberts
From: Daniel McIntyre
Sent: Monday, July 18,2011 10:24 AM
To: Ron Roberts
Cc: Katherine Barbieri
Subject: FW: SLC's Questions About DEP's SQG Program
-----Original Message-----
From: David Dee fmailto:ddee~ayvlaw.netl
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 12:29 PM
To: Daniel .McIntyre
Subject: SLC's Questions About DEP's SQG Program.
Dan,
Glenn Perrigan, a 20 year employee of DEP, called me this .morning to discuss the DEP program
for srnall quantity generators (SQG) of hazardous waste.
The SQG program provides information and assistance to companies concerning the proper
methods for handling and disposing of the hazardous waste they generate. The purpose of the
program is to identify and fix potential problems before the haz waste causes real problems
for the county as a result of improper disposal in the county landfill or elsewhere.
Glenn believes it was the Legislature's intent,-and it is DEP's intent, for counties to
provide SQG programs for all of the businesses located within the geographical boundaries of
the entire county, including businesses located within municipalities.
Pursuant to Section .403.7225(12), F.S., counties are able to fund their SQG programs by
collecting a "surcharge of up to $50 on the business or occupational license or renewal" of
any SQG. However, Glenn acknowledged that there have been "disagreements" in the past when
counties attempted to collect such fees from businesses that are located in incorporated
areas. These issues apparently were resolved informally. He is not aware of any judicial
opinions or DEP. policy memos that would explain how these disagreements are to be resolved.
I assume that a county would have difficulty collecting SQG fees in incorporated areas,
unless the county issues occupational licenses .countywide or otherwise has a program for
collecting fees. countywide.
In .light of Glenn's comments, if SLC wants to .fund its SQG program., SLC may wish to consider
entering into interlocal agreements with Ft.
.Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and the other municipalities so that the County will have the ability
to collect a fee or surcharge from those businesses that are SQGs and are located within the
municipalities.
:Glenn explained that, if a county does not wish to provide an SQG program, it can arrange for
a regional planning council to provide the program. However, the RPC will charge the .county
for its services.
Consequently, the SQG programs normally are provided by larger (more
populous) counties. The RPCs normally are used to provide SQG programs in smaller counties.
At .this. time, every county has an SQG program..
If a county refuses to provide an SQG program, DEP (Glenn) will "hound"
them to provide. one. Indeed, Pinellas County did not have an SQG program for many years and
only implemented an SQG program about 5 years ago.
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If a county refuses to provide an 5QG program, DEP could initiate an enforcement proceeding
against the county, based on the claim that the county failed to comply with a requirement of
Chapter 403, F.S.
However, Glenn was not aware of any case in which the DEP pursued an enforcement case against
a county .that failed to provide an SQG program.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David S. Dee
850-222-7206 (office)
850-566-5810 (cell)
Please Note: Florida has very broad public records laws. Most written communications to or
from County officials .regarding County business are .public records available to the public
and media upon request. It is the policy of St. Lucie County that all County records shall be
open for personal inspection, examination and / or copying. Your e-mail communications will
be subject to public disclosure unless an exemption applies to the communication. If you
.received this email in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete all
materials from all computers.
z
Item No. 3-A
8/4/2011
t~®~~~~` ,.r GIS - Functional Overyriew
-` St. Lucie County's geographic information system is an
advanced, centralized GIS.
• The centralized approach provides a framework for County
departments to collect data, share information and collaborate
in cross-departmental analysis.
• The GIS group supports all BOCC departments as well as
providing data and mapping services to citizens and outside
consultants.
• This group also coordinates spatial data exchange between
the County and adjacent municipalities, the state of Florida
and various federal agencies. Direct, read-only access to the
GIS database is provided to the SLC School Board, Property
Appraiser and Fire District for use within their organizations.
GIS Staffing & Funding Source
• In FY2007 the GIS group consisted of a coordinator, one
specialist, two analysts, two mapping technicians and one
intern (7.5 FTE's). These FTE's were split across the
Information Technology and Growth Management
Departments. The budget for the GIS group during this time
was approximately $668,000.
• Currently, the GIS group consists of a coordinator, two
mapping technicians and one analyst.
• GIS in Planning & Development Services (3 FTE's) is currently
funded through the Unincorporated MSTU fund with a budget
of $278,560. The one analyst position is permanently attached
to and funded through the Emergency Operations Center's,
911 fund.
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8/4/2011
i
L ' -~.' GIS Funding-
• The GIS group currently provides no-cost services to the Utilities and
Building & Zoning enterprise funded divisions and to the TPO. An
estimated 400 staff hours were spent directly assisting these
agencies in FY2009/2010.
• This amount of direct staff time dedicated to these agencies would
likely not support funding for the GIS program or staff solely from
enterprise funds.
• A comparison of funding mechanisms for GIS functions indicates
most cities and counties in this area fund GIS as an internal services
fund. This model spreads the cost of GIS across multiple funding
sources.
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Item No. 3-B
8/4/2011
~~,
Tourism
History
• Since FY2005, tourist tax revenues have decreased 26%
with an all time low in revenues in FY2009.
• Tourism staff:
• FY2005: 4 FTE's
• FY2006 & 2007: 2 FTE's
• FY2008: 1 FTE
• FY2009 & 2010: 1.5 FTE's
• Since FY2010, tourist tax revenues have been increasing.
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8/4/2011
~.~~ ~ }
'~~~~~_ Tourist Information-Center (TIC)
~,
• In FY2008 and FY2009 tourism was located on the 3rd floor of the
Admin Building. Visitor access to information was very limited.
• In FY2010, the Tourist Information Center was opened to provide
better public access to visitor information and staff.
• The TIC receives daily visitors seeking information and since July
2010 over 300 visitors have used the service.
• The TIC is also the public access point for the purchase and
issuance of permits for horseback riding on the beach.
• There are two designated parking spots for TIC guests.
• Brochures, travel guides and maps are available 24/7 in a display
outside of the TIC doors.
_._
.__
.. ~..
- Tourism
• Tourism develops and executes strategic plans that
market and promote St. Lucie County.
• The operation of the TIC is a component of the plan.
Tourism works closely with all other area Visitor Centers,
specifically the SLC Chamber and area hotels/attractions,
sharing information and serving visitors.
• It is a shared belief among local tourism partners that
"the more visitor information that's available, the better."
• Tourism staff provide administrative and budgetary
support to the Tourist Development Council.
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8/4/2011
.~ ,
Tourist Development Council
A BOCC-appointed advisory board established to oversee and make
recommendations on expenditures of the tourist tax.
SLC has a 5% tourist tax that is allocated in the following manner:
• First & Second Cents -Operation and maintenance of St. Lucie
County's Sports Complex (Digital Domain Park).
• Third Cent -Promote Tourism (tourism operating budget).
• Fourth Cent - Pay debt service on bonds used to finance the
reconstruction and renovation of the St. Lucie County Sports Complex
(Digital Domain Park).
• Fifth Cent - 67% of the 5th cent tax is allocated to pay debt service on
bonds issued to finance the renovation and reconstruction of the St.
Lucie County Sports Complex (Digital Domain Park).
The remaining 33% of the 5th cent tax is allocated for capital facilities
that promote tourism located north of Midway Road.
~- _;_.
Tourism Operating Budget History
FY
~~U
'
TOURIST TAX
% CHANGE FROM
> REVENUE PRIOR YEAR
2006 $552,345 +.2%
2007 $513,448 -7%
2008 $495,064 -4.5%
2009 $392,651 -20.7%
2010 $407,919 +3.8% -
2011 (projected) $465,027 +14%
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8/4/2011
ey Tourism Operating Expenditures
Average annual expenditure percentages of total budget:
1. Treasure Coast Sports Commission: 25% to 35%
2. Marketing/Advertising: 20% to 25%
3. Salaries/Benefits: 13% to 19%
4. General Administration (general fund) 5% to 6%
Tourism staff monitors tourist tax revenue trends, prepares annual
budgets and makes recommendations on expenditures to the TDC.
~£
~~:.
~.~ -
0``' ' ~ Tourism Partnerships
Below are some of the ongoing SLC Tourism partnerships:
Visif Florida (VFW
/ SLC Tourism is a Visit Florida partner. VF is the State's official marketing
organization for travel and tourism it is a resource for market data, advertising &
publicity opportunities.
City of Ft. Pierce
/ SLC tourism manager serves on the City's "Fort Pierce Authentic Tours" eco-tourism
advisory board and works closely with FP City Marina to increase boating and
fishing tourism.
City of Port St. Lucie
/ In FY2011, SLC tourism began working closely with the PSL Civic Center sales
team to develop a marketing plan to attract conventions and meetings to increase
business tourism.
St. Lucie County Chamber
/ Partner with the Chamber to provide visitor information and assistance via phone and at
tourist information centers daily. Share information.
/ Attend and participate in monthly Chamber Tourism Committee meetings.
/ SLC tourism spearheads the partnership with the Chamber to coordinate the annual
"National Tourism Week" event and publicity campaign.
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8/4/2011
Tourism
Indian River Countv Tourism & Martin Countv Tourism
/ Partnerships that leverage budgets. Jointly attend Travel Trade Shows and participate
in cooperative advertising opportunities.
St. Lucie County Hotel & Lodging Association
/ Regularly participate in meetings to gain insight on the current state and outlook for
local hoteliers.
Treasure Coast Sports Commission (TCSC)
/ TDC provides annual funding to the TCSC to attract sporting events to SLC to
generate room nights.
/ SLC tourism works closely with the TCSC to provide hotel and visitor information to
competitors and spectators to ensure repeat visitors.
NY Mets
/ SLC tourism annually sponsors NY Mets Spring Training season and creates
promotions and conducts in-stadium promotions to further promote the assets of the
County and generate room nights.
/ In 2012, SLC tourism will administer an in-stadium visitor survey in partnership with
the Mets to profile the visitors attending Spring Training.
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