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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 20, 2012 Approved MinutesCITIZENS' BUDGET COMMITTEE Meeting Date: April 20, 2012 Conference Room 3 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Culverhouse, Chair Ron Knaggs, Vice Chair Edward Lounds Jane Bachelor Patricia "Pat" Ferrick Dan Kurek Craig Mundt Carl. Hensley James Clasby William Donovan Jay L. McBee Stephanie Morgan MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Pancoast Bill Casey Dana McSweeney OTHERS PRESENT: Lee Ann Lowery Beth Ryder Marie Gouin Jennifer Hill Sandi Morando Don West Mark Satterlee John Ferrick Laurie Waldie Karen Smith Donna Carlsen Ron Roberts Garry Wilson Michael Quinn Toby Long Kara Wood Corine Williams Roger Shinn Diana Wesloski Susan Jacob Stefanie Myers Robert Valentine Jeff Buchanan Wayne Teegardin Kathryn Hensley Gertrude Walker Ken Pruitt Audrey Jackson Annie Clark Tod Mowery Johnnie Ortiz CALL TO ORDER Mr. Culverhouse called the meeting to order at 7:31 a.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -March 16t" Meeting Citizens' Budget Committee April 20, 2012 Page 2 After a motion by Mr. Mundt and second by Mr. Knaggs, the minutes were unanimously approved. Mr. Lounds reported that at the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meeting the night before they did something unique. Ordinance 12-003, which tells that St. Lucie County is open for business, was passed by P&Z. It came from the Committee. He expressed his thanks for Mr. Mundt, the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Satterlee's group and others. It proved to him that when asked, "What if?" government can respond, "Why not?" rather than saying it can't be done. Small business is the beat of the community. Mr. Culverhouse agreed and was glad to see staff work so well with the community. He also expressed his appreciation. GUEST SPEAKER - COMMISSIONER TOD MOWERY Commissioner Mowery said he was there to answer questions. Mr. Knaggs, after informing the group that he was appointed by the Sheriff, said he has had many discussions with Mr. Long about budgets. Port St. Lucie has recently significantly reorganized their police department. Mr. Knaggs had thought during the tough economic times the Fort Pierce Police Department, Port St. Lucie Police Department and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office might work together. He asked Commissioner Mowery if he saw any of those kinds of opportunities the Committee should focus on. Commissioner Mowery said from day one he has said that he hoped they would look at opportunities to create collaborative efforts, whether it related to the Utilities Department or Police/Sheriff. He is curious to see what Mr. Oravec will do in Port St. Lucie. He feels there are always opportunities for the County to stretch out their hand and offer to unite. Things that were examined ten years ago should be reexamined. Mr. Knaggs asked about the agenda for a future City/County meeting. The meeting with both Cities has been canceled and a meeting with each City is being scheduled. Each City came to the County and asked for a separate meeting. The County wants to keep things open. Commissioner Mowery has not seen an agenda. Mr. Knaggs said rather than consolidating, we seem to be going the opposite way. He used solid waste and law enforcement as examples. It may be right, but you would think as you combine you would save money. Commissioner Mowery does not know that anything is off the table. He thinks the Sheriff's Department has been willing to examine options. He has had conversations with Ms. Waldie regarding Utilities. He feels the County should be willing to do what is best for citizens. Mr. Lounds thinks the ordinance passed at P&Z was a tremendous step in helping small business. He is concerned that the Economic Development Council (EDC) focuses a lot of their efforts south of Port St. Lucie Blvd. He is concerned about the Airport and Kings Hwy. The County pays EDC $250,000. Fort Pierce pays $25,000 and Port St. Lucie pays $50,000. He thinks it is out of balance. Can they get more development in the north part Citizens' Budget Committee April 20, 2012 Page 3 of the County from the EDC? Commissioner Mowery answered that across the State you see a reexamination of the EDC in a lot of Cities and Counties. He has been checking. Six Counties consolidated their EDC and Chamber of Commerce. As they focus on certain areas, other areas are not getting attention. Our County has developed some targeted industry lists. They may appear to exclude the industry Mr. Lounds mentioned. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce is working on them. He thinks there could be synergies with Indian River State College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), newer industries and the Counties. There is amazing potential with the Research Park. They may not always be working together. Mr. Lounds asked for an update on the Research Park. He mentioned the article in the paper about the Director's expenses without results. Commissioner Mowery does not know all the Treasure Coast Education, Research and Development Authority (TCERDA) Board's goals but he does know that sometimes it takes a few years to get started. He has learned that 80% of all economic development occurs from existing businesses being helped to expand and retain. It is different being the State's largest research park of 1600 acres. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) have been working with the TCERDA board.- He believes the TCERDA Board is examining the money. Mr. Lounds said the County invests a lot in TCERDA and EDC. He believes the $250,000 pays the EDC director's salary: Ms. Hill explained that it was $250,000 two years ago, last year it was reduced to $225,000 and this year is $200,000. $100,000 comes from the business tax. The balance normally comes from the General .Fund. Mr. Lounds said he feels that is a lot of money when we are trying to find money for more deputies and other items. He feels it should be more equal for the Cities and County. He feels the Research Park needs to get to the next level. Commissioner Mowery said there are a lot of viewpoints. The County has an EDC function in staff. TCERDA has their function and Board. EDC and Chamber of Commerce have their own. He hopes for better synergy. He thinks they should be willing to look. None of the Cities or the County has a voting right on the EDC Board. Mr. Lounds feels that since the County is contributing such a large amount of money, the EDC should focus on the entire County. Commissioner Mowery reported on the process Palm Beach County is now going through called the Seven Pillars. He was impressed with the aggressiveness. There was a state- wide meeting in Tampa. He gave information on the history in Florida and asked for suggestions. Mr. Lounds said the Task Force resolution sends a message and expressed his appreciation for those that worked together. He hopes Commissioner Mowery votes for it when it comes before them. Mr. Knaggs asked why they got the letter regarding Orange Blossom Mall. Ms. Lowery said it was an update to keep the Committee in the loop. Ms. Outlaw had asked for an extension. So much has happened since the Board workshop. Mr. Knaggs reported that at the Board's March 13th meeting they discussed space needs. The lease for the Supervisor of Elections is nearing completion. Alternatives were discussed. Since there are now four members on the Board, there may not be a majority to support funding a new building. Ms. Lowery added that it was coming to the Board on May 1St because the landlord had set May 15th as the deadline for a decision. Ms. Outlaw asked that deadline Citizens' Budget Committee April 20, 2012 Page 4 be moved to May 31St Ms. Ferrick asked about the major problems with the building. Ms. Walker said the roof collapsed during the 2004 hurricane. They replaced it, but since then there have been leaks. The County has replaced tiles because of mold. Staff members are having medical problems. The lease is ending and she is hoping for a new location. The relationship between the County and mall management is not good. They had taken the County to court about space that was specified in the contract. There was a problem during 2010 early voting. The Supervisor wanted it to look like an office. Mall management put a dumpster near the front door and will no longer pick up trash. She feels that because of the economy, this is the best time to build. At the beginning of the lease, 10 years ago, she was promised a new location at the end of the lease by the former County Administrator. Mr. Knaggs added that the landlord showed his colors when he gave rates for a one year and five year lease. He feels the landlord is taking advantage. He feels the County's back is against the wall. Too bad the County didn't plan. The cost of moving was discussed. Mr. Donovan asked about buildings available to buy at a good price. Mr. Culverhouse mentioned that parking was a selling point at the Logistics Center. Ms. Lowery added that the County owns the property. There was a concern about taking commercial property off the tax role. Mr. Donavan said today's prices are cheap comparatively. Mr. Knaggs said there were five alternatives presented. Mr. Knaggs said they were not asked to be involved. Ms. Bachelor asked about the Commissioners' action. Do they have a task force? Commissioner Mowery said that at the informal meeting it was agreed to move forward with a new building. Staff is working with Ms. Walker's office. It will no longer come to the Board May 1St. Commissioner Mowery added that it was a 3-2 vote. Since there is now one less Commissioner, it could be a 2-2 vote. It has not had a formal vote. That leaves Ms. Walker and staff in an awkward situation. There is also a timing issue. Commissioner Mowery said staff has to work on the direction given them by the Board. Mr. Lounds asked how the Committee could help the Commissioners with budget items. Commissioner Mowery answered that they should do what they normally do, examine areas of the budget to be sure the County is being a good steward with taxpayer dollars. He realizes people have different opinions. Ms. Walker was given an ultimatum, so she had to aggressively pursue a new location. She has looked at different locations. They have looked at layouts. Mr. Clasby asked if it was off the table to move into a current government location. Commissioner Mowery said staff is looking at other options. Ms. Bachelor did not understand how they could build in a few weeks. Ms. Gouin explained that May 31, 2012 is the deadline to tell the landlord that she would move when her lease was up May 31, 2013. Mr. Donovan asked about the terms. Mr. Knaggs believes it is almost double. Ms. Bachelor said it doesn't matter, it is a sick building. Citizens' Budget Committee April 20, 2012 Page 5 Mr. Clasby thinks they should look at how an extra bond would affect the 2013 shortfall. Mr. Knaggs said the debt service would be the expense part. The borrowing would go on the balance sheet as additional debt which might affect the rating of all the debt. Ms. Walker said she is continuing to look at other properties. She knows the Board is reluctant to take property off the tax role. She needs space and is working with the Board. Mr. Culverhouse thanked Ms. Walker. REPORT OF BOCC INFORMAL MEETINGS & BUDGET WORKSHOP -Ron Knaggs, Vice Chair Mr. Knaggs said they had touched on all the items. Mr. Lounds addressed the 12-003 Resolution. He said he thought everybody had read in the newspaper about the Solid Waste issue. Renovations for the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser have gone smoothly. He asked for the budget number. Mr. Shinn had left his report at the office. They are currently at $335,000. There are just under 4,600 man hours. It is not completed. Mr. Knaggs asked if it would be on budget. Ms. Gouin said we do not have a budget set up for it. It is being funded by the Tax Collector. The excess fees will be less than normally returned. Mr. Knaggs understood, but asked again about the budget. Mr. Shinn explained that they started with one project that has escalated. They did not have a budget to start. Mr. Knaggs did not like the answer. He is concerned that a project was done without an estimate and approval for additions. Ms. Gouin does not know if the Tax Collector had a budget. Mr. Knaggs reported to the Committee that the Comprehensive Annual Fund Report (CAFR) is now on the Clerk's website. It appears that the General Fund and Fine and Forfeiture Fund did not require sunshine funds to balance, which would mean from year to year there was not a deficit. They need to discuss it at a future meeting. Ms. Gouin said there was atwo-step process. Ms. Outlaw updated the Board in February. The next report will be the Budget Workshop for May 22nd at the Fenn Center. Mr. Knaggs asked that report be given at the CBC meeting, too. Ms. Gouin agreed. REVIEW OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS Ms. Ryder thanked the Committee for the opportunity to present their functions and budget. She introduced her team. She gave the PowerPoint presentation attached. They are trying to continue the same services with less staff. Mr. Knaggs asked for the FY11 actual budget. Ms. Gouin answered $52.5 million. Their budget is a moving target because of grants. Mr. Knaggs asked for their actual General Fund budget for FY11. Ms. Gouin answered $4.9 million. Ms. Jacob presented the Library section. Ms. Myers gave information about the Community Services Division. Mr. Mundt asked about FY11 compared to FY12. Ms. Gouin answered that FY11 was $24.8 million. The General fund portion is down $28,000. Citizens' Budget Committee April 20, 2012 Page 6 Mr. Lounds asked the difference in demand response and fixed route. The demand is the purple buses that go to a requested location. There is an increased demand for the demand response. Ms. Lowery asked for an explanation for providing demand response. Ms. Ryder answered that because of American Disabilities Act (ADA) you have to have complementary service. If the rider is able to walk and is more than'/4 mile from fixed route they will be taken to the fixed route. If unable to walk, they will be taken to the destination. Ms. Myers explained that they started with only demand response. As the demand grew, they identified originations and destinations and developed the fixed routes with the goal of shifting riders. As they increase fixed routes, the demand trips have decreased. Mr. Mundt asked for an explanation of the number. Ms. Myers explained it is each trip. Mr. Clasby asked about the minimum number of people on the bus. Ms. Myers said they have to have reliability. There is an increase in riders now because of gas prices. They are on the hunt for additional funding to expand the locations. Ms. Williams worked with the State to make a place for the bus during the 25t" Street construction. Ms. Myers explained the difference in the purple and blue buses. It is all Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funded. A little money comes in the fare box. Council on Aging runs Community Transit and has other funding to help. Mr. Mundt asked average ridership for each route. They get it monthly and can provide it. Mr. Lounds asked about the number of homeless in St. Lucie County. Ms. Myers answered that it is a hard count. Last year there were almost 800. They do apoint-in-time count the last week in January every year. There are people that don't want to be counted. The number this year was down about 100. There are about 70-80 homeless veterans. There are children involved. She gets calls from guidance counselors about every month. Housing is huge. Ms. Wesloski gave the Housing part of the presentation. The FY11 budget was $15,861,000. Grant funded budgets are moving targets. Six of the seven staff positions are filled now. Two of the major grants are Neighborhood Stabilization Program, she gave statistics, and Disaster Recovery Funding, for five drainage projects. Mr. Lounds asked if this was in addition to what the Cities do. Ms. Wesloski answered that the Cities were not permitted to apply directly for these grants. Ms. Lowery complimented the Department on the excellent job of teaming together after the reorganization. Mr. Hensley asked if they have enough access to the computers. Ms. Jacob said they don't have enough hours. The buildings are hard wired as much as allowed. They are experimenting with Wi-Fi at Hurston. The biggest problem is hours. Ms. Myers said that Ms. Jacob noticed a lot of her staff was helping people with applications online. They took Social Services case managers to the libraries with laptops purchased with grant funds to help with the process so the library staff could do their other jobs and freed the computers for other uses. Mr. Hensley asked about the ranking. There are some City and some County systems. Citizens' Budget Committee April 20, 2012 Page 7 Mr. Knaggs said some numbers don't equal the total. Ms. Ryder asked to meet later and explain. Part of it is the moving target. Ms. Hill explained that comparing the General Fund part from last year and. this year, there is about a million dollar difference. Approximately $100,000 is Library; the rest is Community Services. Some things are budgeted in the General Fund because there are requirements. During the year, they get a grant and move it over. Historically, they had money left in mandates. That will probably not happen in the future. Ms. Lowery said Ms. Ryder is an artist at moving money. Ms. Ryder said they try very hard to not use General Fund money. Mr. Culverhouse thanked the Housing, Community Services group for the presentation, working so well together and excellent service they provide to the community. ADJOURNMENT After a motion and second to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Culverhouse adjourned the meeting at 9:02 a.m. Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Marlin The next CBC regular meeting will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7:30 a.m., in Conference Room #3, at the St. Lucie County Roger Poitras Administration Annex.