CC07-12-2021Min_WS LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
July 12, 2021
1:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Brian D. Sackett
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matt McMillan
Commissioner Matt Morgan
Clint Gioielli, Acting City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David P. Dowda, Police Chief
Mike Peters, Fire Chief
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Craig Dunn, Information Technology Director
Judith Rosado, Finance Director
Magdala Riodore, Interim Human Resources Director
Maricarmen Colon-Medina, Accounting Manager
Rex Grice, Financial Procurement Analyst
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
2. REVIEW AND DISCUSS PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022
Commissioner Morgan moved to suspend the rules. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Mr. Gioielli started by expressing his appreciation to Ms.Judith Rosado,
Finance Director, and her team, along with the other Directors for
working hard to finalize this fiscally responsible proposed budget. He also
thanked the Mayor and Commissioners for their continued support. He
noted Ms. Rosado made additional improvements to the format of the
proposed budget manual and corresponding worksheets which he
believes will make it easier for everyone to follow. He said staff has
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continued to provide the Commission and any citizens who request not
only the proposed budget manual but also the worksheet manual which
offers full transparency and detailed explanations. He passed out an
itinerary that assists with corresponding page numbers in the proposed
budget manual as the presentation proceeds with different departments.
He clarified this is a working document and there will be changes,
updates, and corrections necessary before moving for finalization. It was
noted there could be another Work Session upon Commission approval
before August allowing Ms. Rosado to finalize the book.
Mr. Gioielli provided a brief overview of the budget. He said the
proposed budget is$53.6 million.This represents an increase of 3%over
the current approved budget. Proposed expenditures are approximately
$41.6 million representing an overall decrease of 5%compared to the
current approved budget. He noted COVID has impacted the budget and
this proposed budget includes assumed reductions in anticipated
revenue based on the impact experienced during the last two fiscal years.
He also noted during the current year,the City did receive
reimbursement through the CARES Act for some of the City's COVID-19
related expenses.Those reimbursements totaled approximately$88,000.
Mr. Gioielli said the City of Longwood is anticipating receiving$6.5 million
through the American Rescue Plan.The first of these two installments are
expected to happen soon and the other one year after the first. He noted
this proposed budget is offered without any consideration of the
American Rescue Plan funding and does not provide funding for any of
the capital needs on the capital improvement plan list. He suggested the
Commission consider utilizing some of the funding to replace lost
revenue which can allow for capital improvement needs to be met
without increasing the debt service, once the funding is received. He said,
if the Commission decides to do that, it would not hinder their ability to
take part in the American Rescue Plan and offer citizen assistance such as
small business or resident support or address other liable needs if
desired.Additionally, this same plan can move forward since the Plan
does allow for the recognition of the reduction in revenue in the current
and future budgets.
Mr. Gioielli said each Director will come forward and offer an overview of
the proposed budgets for their department before answering any
questions the Commission may have. He said the budget includes the
addition of the Community and Media Relations Manager position,
approved by the Commission. Additionally, one Police Officer position
has been recategorized as a Lieutenant which offers a succession plan
and upward mobility within the department, without increasing staffing.
Both these positions would be funded using the budgeted but unused
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Deputy Chief revenue.This unique opportunity increases the City's
community and media relations presence while preparing the next
generation of law enforcement leaders in our community without
increasing the budget. He thinks this is important considering the
approaching retirement of one of our Police Managers.
Mr. Gioielli said the proposed budget requests the addition of a Building
Inspector paid through the Building Fund.There has been a significant
increase in permits and inspections first experienced significantly in 2020,
and for the current year, it is on track to see comparable numbers.
Currently, this increased need is met through contract services. He
proposed that the service and turnaround time could improve should a
City employee carry out that function.There is a significant offsetting
saving in the Contractual Services line should the position be approved.
He believes the extra work in increased revenues justifies this need and
he said this is a good problem for our City to have. He mentioned Mr.
Kintner will be proposing the funding for a Mobility Fee Study offering
the City a special opportunity to start managing its own related funding
instead of relying on another organization to oversee and allocate it.This
is not a proposed new fee, it is simply staff's desire to manage what will
be an existing program internally, recognizing they would know better
what to do with the revenue of our community. He believes it is a short-
term expense for a significant long-term return on investment for our
residents.
Mr. Gioielli said that with the retirement of the Public Works Streets
Manager and the impending retirement of the Public Works Utility
Manager in the next fiscal year, Public Works has proposed a complete
reorganization.They plan to improve services for the community while
preparing the less tenured employees by increasing their level of
accountability so they can be leaders in the future. Also, included in the
proposed budget is the addition of the grants line overseen by a Grants
Manager after the grant policy was approved by the Commission based
on the recommendation during the audit.This was accomplished by
increasing the responsibilities of a current employee so that an increase
in staffing was not necessary.
Mr. Gioielli said there are budget lines for the department's impact fees
which is a newer program for the City.These strategic adjustments have
been proposed while accomplishing several of the City's priorities. He
said we plan to increase services for our citizens and continue to strive to
be a good employer, meaning no reduction in staffing.The proposed
budget does include a proposed 4%wage increase and the necessary
8.4%adjustment to cover the City's health insurance costs. He believes it
is critical during this current climate to continue to strive to be a good
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employer while potential applicants still have yet to return to the
workforce. He said others have expectations of higher pay based on
employer competition, especially in the private sector with the pressure
on the impending$15 an hour minimum wage, where many private
employers have already made that adjustment. He said staff proposed no
tax increases and reported an anticipated reserve of 27%.
Mr. Gioielli noted that while our City tends to meet its capital
improvement costs and needs through increased debt service, at some
point it may be advantageous for the Commission to consider using some
of the reserve money for direct purchase in place of increasing debt
service. If this can be done for a few years, combined with the American
Rescue Plan money used to meet our capital needs and recognizing the
recently passed impact fees would be allowed to be used for capital, we
could free up the past debt reducing our expenses and make the City
more healthy than it is in the future years to come. He noted the budget
from 2019 was considered when preparing for this year with the inflation
and growth of the current budget.
Ms. Michelle Longo, City Clerk, presented for the City Clerk, and
Commission Budget. She noted one change on the Commission's budget
for the Commission Development line 4020.The conference for 2022 will
be held in Hollywood, Florida so the budget was increased by$1,000. For
the City Clerk's budget, she said one of the changes was a cemetery
position. She felt this position was better suited to fall under Public
Works and would be a part-time position. No additional funds would
have to be budgeted because they can be covered by the sale of
cemetery lots. She said she would be able to cover that position and help
fund it. She noted this position could report to the Streets Supervisor and
would be easier because Public Works was already out there doing the
work for the cemetery. She has spoken with the Public Works Director
who also thought this was a good idea. If the Commission approved the
position, Public Works can finalize a list of duties which would include
having someone mowing the cemetery, picking up the trash, cleaning the
fountains,trimming the trees, pulling weeds, edging, clearing dead
flowers, cleaning around headstones, painting anything needed,
opening/closing the gates, assisting with funerals and grave markings,
and hauling any excess dirt. She then answered questions.
Discussion ensued on what the position would entail.
Ms. Longo noted work at the cemetery is being split by Leisure Services
and Public Works and this position would have one Public Works
employee dedicated to taking care of all the duties for the cemetery.
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Discussion ensued on the position being part-time, the pay for the
position, the issues currently faced at the cemetery, the specific duties
the position would have, and having the position in the Public Works
department.
Mayor Sackett suggested the salary of the Executive Assistant to the City
Clerk and the City Manager should be discussed at a later meeting to be
split and paid out of both budgets.
Mr. Gioielli, Acting City Manager,for the City Manager budget. He noted
there were no changes made for the upcoming fiscal year. He said for the
current year we anticipate a significant return and we are proud of the
fact we took significant cuts last year to be lean during COVID which will
be carried forward to the next year. He said some of the funding can be
used to facilitate the needs of the Community Relations position.
Ms. Longo for the City Attorney budget. There were no reported changes
to the City Attorney's budget.
Ms. Maggie Ridore, Interim Human Resources Director, for the Human
Resources budget. She said there were very few changes and reported
saving the City money by having an 8% reduction of the budget. With Ms.
Ricci's, former Human Resources Director, departure we adjusted for her
salary so there were savings there. She mentioned one major item on the
budget being the Contingency Fund which was reduced from $100,000 to
$50,000 because historically it has not been used and it is set aside for
the insurance deductible which is$10,000. If insurance claims are under
$10,000 it is handled in-house.There are no other major changes to the
budget lines. She said we do not have much control over liability
insurance because we have to plan for attorney fees and potential
liabilities that oftentimes we cannot foresee.
Mr. Gioielli pointed out the 3100 line and said the money that Human
Resources (HR) normally budgets for Police Department physicals has
been moved over to the Police Department and there has been an
increase in pre-employment background money from $1,000 to $2,000
because of the current employment-employee working climate.
Ms. Ridore noted she has budgeted out $20,000 for a Request for
Proposal (RFP)for Health Insurance.
Ms. Longo, City Clerk, for the General Services budget. She reported an
item that changed was the Citywide's copy paper moved from account
line 5200 to 5100 to follow the Uniform Chart of Accounts. It was also
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noted General Services Fuel line 5240 covers both the fuel of the City
Manager vehicle as well as the Facilities Maintenance vehicle.
Discussion ensued about how fuel is purchased citywide for all
departments.
Ms.Judith Rosado, Financial Services Director, for the Purchasing and
Utility Billing budget. She reported the total finance budget for the
Finance division is$404,072.The total budget change, when compared to
the fiscal year 2021, is $15,000 or 4%. Under Operating Expenses,the
changes total $17,558.These changes include $6,000 for Actuarial
Reports for GASB 75 and other post-employment benefits.This item
was moved from the Accounting and Auditing line 3200 into the
Contractual Services 3400 line. Under Employee Development, there is a
$3,500 increase for Tuition Reimbursement and Training for three
employees. Under Communications, there is an increase of$4,400. Under
Other Changes and Obligations, there is an increase of$47,000 to cover
bank fees, application fees for the annual financial report, and the
distinguished budget award that we are planning on applying for. Both
recognitions are provided by the Government Finance Officers
Association (GFOA). Under Operating Supplies, there was an increase of
$1,400 for small equipment.
II
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker asked about the budget for Merchant
McIntyre and Associates for grant management. She said there was
$44,000 budgeted last fiscal year and nothing this year.
Mr. Gioielli said this was the City's attempt at hiring a Grant Management
vendor.
Ms. Rosado,for the Purchasing Division budget. She reported this budget
only funds operations for one employee,the Purchasing Manager.The
total budget is$111,000.The change was$5,600 or 5%.
Ms. Rosado, for the Utility Billing Budget. She reported this division
includes$1.2 million under General Fund for Solid Waste Disposal and
$427 million under the Public Utility Fund.The overall budget change was
$11,000 or 3%and this due to some reductions in the operating lines and
increases in the Employee Development line to allow for$2,000, tuition
reimbursement, and $3,700 in Operating Supplies that include an annual
software fee previously budgeted under the Contracting Services line.
Mayor Sackett asked if there was anything in place to make sure that
customers are notified when their water usage increases.
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Mr. Gioielli said there is an immediate and longer-term proposed plan for
the Commission to consider. Immediately, we have updated all of our
meter reading equipment.There was an issue with equipment being
broken, periodically not working, and possibly even not accurate. We are
in a 90-day cycle to have that equipment, and the company
representatives will arrive here to set everything up and offer training to
our staff. Longer-term, we are pursuing the possibilities of government
grants approved for sewer and septic tank abatement programs which
offer 1%or less on loans allowing us to upgrade the entire water meter
system across the City for which the City is responsible. While there may
be a slight, moderate increase in water bills due to the accuracy of the
new meters, we would be accurate, able to identify spikes earlier with
real-time reporting and offset the expense of paying for the equipment
to be purchased. Another option is this being an allowable expense under
the American Rescue Plan.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker suggested a discussion on credit card fees.
Mr. Gioielli said we decided to carry out the Commission's priority which
is making sure there was a no-fee option when using cash or check.
Should a consumer decide to use a credit card they would pay a fee
instead of creating additional financial lines in the budget.The fee is
handled by merchant service companies. He noted that if and when we
move to the new system we hope to, it radio reads thus eliminating
human error. We will present the grant next month to the Commission if
approved by the state.
Mr. Craig Dunn, Information Technology(IT) Director,for the Information
Technology Budget. He reported a 1% increase because of increases in
product maintenance, licensing, and hardware maintenance licensing.
There were no other reported changes.
Chief David Dowda, Police Chief, for the Police Department and Citizen
on Patrol (COP) budget. He said the Police Department manages and
supervises all the personnel and program functions in support of law
enforcement operations in the City.The department is responsible for
maintaining and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the
community, providing enhanced staff training, and developing modern
crime prevention techniques utilizing advanced and innovative
equipment and procedures to protect and serve the citizens of
Longwood.The Department has recently grown our Community Relations
effort to emphasize transparency and community outreach.These
actions are designed to strengthen the positive relationship and further
develop the trust of the community.
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Chief Dowda noted some of the department's notable achievements over
the last year. He said they received 100%compliance with the
Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and were
awarded reaccreditation with that body for the fifth time. He said they
implemented bodywork cameras to supplement our in-cars camera
system which will help with the transparency that our officers are
engaged in on the street. A policy was created for that to benefit the
public and the department personnel. We also implemented some
updated software that allowed for a great deal of more online training.
The system can provide for further enhanced record management
capabilities including Police Department policy review and management.
Chief Dowda said the department increased transparency on its website
which included adding our policy manual as well as an opportunity for
the public to submit a communication to the department whether it be
positive or negative. We also created a Citizens Engagement Group
comprised of a diverse panel of community leaders.The group worked
with Police Department staff to create our Community Forum Program
designed to enhance citizen involvement and grow public trust.The
department has recognized statewide efforts partnering with local non-
profits to improve the lives of seniors in our community.This hard work
was recognized by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the AARP
resulting in Longwood being designated as an age-friendly community.
Chief Dowda said none of these things would be possible without the
Commission and manager's support.To continue to provide a consistent
level of service, he has requested an increase in certain lines equating to
3%. Some of this relates to funds that have been transferred from one
City department to ours to better account for spending money in more
efficient ways. For account line 3400, he said there is an expected
reduction in a couple of the contractual services such as Seminole State's
facility use as well as software.There was a procedural change made
which resulted in what appears to be an increase of the line but it was a
reallocation of funds. He said there are Reserve Officers that occasionally
work extra duty details. Previously,they were paid out of the salary line,
but since they are reserved and not paid employees, it was deemed more
appropriate for them to be paid out of Contractual Services. Money has
been moved from our Salary line to the Contractual Services line to cover
that expense.
Chief Dowda noted that previously,the Professional Development 4020
line, has not been funded with as much money because professional
development was completed out of our 116-4020 line, a line that is
derived from revenues generated by the issuance of traffic citations. This
is an area where COVID impacted us and the number of traffic citations
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II dropped dramatically based on the steps they took to lessen the risk to
the public and the officers.This resulted in a loss of revenue. He is
requesting the line be funded this year to supplement the 116-4020 line.
For the Communications line 4100, he said a small reduction was
experienced. He reported no changes for Postage line 4200 and the
Utility Services line 4300.A large portion of the expenses for line 4400, is
reimbursed by grants facilitated by the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency
(DEA) for an Officer we have assigned to the DEA.The vehicle leased for
him is paid in full by the DEA.There is a portion related to vehicles used
by the Police Department's Administration. We expect to be able to
recoup those costs by the sale of the vehicles through Enterprise Rent-a-
Car.The Fire Department is taking part in the same program. He reported
no change for the Repairs and Maintenance 4600 line, Printing and
Binding, and Community Relations line.
Chief Dowda reported on the Citizens on Patrol line 4810 and said the
only adjustment made was on their Vehicle Maintenance line which was
exhausted during the year and we have to transfer money into that line
to be able to finish the fiscal year. Rather than add money to it,there was
a surplus in their Operating line, so there was a transfer of$1,000 from
one line to another. Under the 4900 line, he reported expecting an
increase in the number of registrations for the coming year so the line
was increased.There were no changes under the Office Supplies line. He
reported several changes to the Operating Supplies line 5200, due to
procedural changes. He said all grant-related items previously paid from
this line have been reallocated from this line to a newly created line
5210, specific to grants.This change was made to more appropriately
document the use of grant funds at the suggestion of our auditors and
the Finance Director.The other new expense on this line is the body-
worn camera expense necessary for the maintenance and upkeep of the
cameras added this fiscal year.
Chief Dowda reported on the Grant Supplies 5210 line and said these
funds are passed through expenses the City received from the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Department of Justice.
All expenses were existing and reallocated to this new line from our
Operating Supplies 5200 line to better document them according to
accounting standards. For the Fuel and Lubricants line, he suggested an
increase of$5,000 due to the rising fuel costs we have experienced. He
understands additional increases in fuel costs are possible over the next
year. In an abundance of caution, he asked to add money to the
Contingency line so that they are prepared for that as well. Under the
Books and Memberships 5400,there is an increase of$115 based on an
increase in the pricing of the law enforcement manuals issued to every
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officer in the field. He noted that for the 3100 line, there is sufficient
funding.
Mr. Gioielli said that beyond the fact the body-worn cameras make our
residents feel safe with our transparency, he thinks the officers have
bought into the program. Beyond the huge impact,this has on collecting
digital and on-scene evidence and monitoring the officer, it has also been
used to capture some serious in-progress violent crimes and to mitigate
complaints and false accusations.
Chief Dowda said that regarding staffing, he has requested an
organizational change in the proposed budget. He currently has 50 full-
time employees and that number will remain unchanged if this request is
granted. Since he is not prepared at this moment to promote a Deputy
Chief, he proposed removing the funding for the Deputy Chief position
from the budget while leaving the position listed in the staffing
documents for the future.This would result in a significant reduction in
the Salary line. He said he is prepared to fill a Lieutenant position and is
requesting the addition of a Lieutenant in place of a Deputy Chief.The
addition of the lieutenant will permit him to better distribute some of the
administrative responsibilities of the Deputy Chief position and will also
allow this to begin some succession planning with the officers who move
up in the future.
Chief Mike Peters, Fire Chief,for the Fire Department budget. He said the
Fire Departments provide medical services and fire protection in the City.
Over the last two years, they have spent a lot of time responding to the
pandemic.The call volumes continue to increase slightly although there
was a slight decrease in fire calls last year. Staff levels have remained
consistent. Last year, the part-time fire inspector was added. With that
addition,they are on pace to be able to visit every business, every year,
to perform a fire inspection.This makes the City an overall safer place to
be and keeps people in line without having to make major modifications.
Chief Peters reported the Operating Budget is down by$2,000. He said
they have stayed pretty consistent in all of these areas. In line 3400,
there is a slight reduction due to the turnout gear worn. He noted their
replacement plan was to fund each year and the gear expires every ten
years. In that cycle, we add newer gear to the system which requires less
maintenance and repair and the maintenance costs decrease. He
reported a slight increase in line 4100 due to the Internet Service for the
mobile tables that the crews use to take inside homes when treating
patients.They start reporting right at the bedside.They are also able to
retrieve old information if there is a previous patient, speeding up the
whole process and allowing us to provide more efficient patient care. For
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account line 4600,there was a slight reduction due to the cylinders being
on a three-year testing cycle. For account line 5200,there is an increase
in EMS supplies due to inflation and disposable commodities. For account
line 5400, there was a reduction. He noted overtime was due to providing
vaccinations in cooperation with other agencies in Seminole County
which will be reimbursed.
Mayor Sackett asked if the Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) was
funded and if there was a contact person who does training for them.
Chief Peters replied Battalion Chief Andy Inman is in charge of the CERT
program and he coordinates training and interacts with the group to
determine what the needs are. Since last year was a bit off, we took the
projected revenues they felt they were going to create in the various
events and brought that same number forward,thinking we would get
back on pace. We brought$1,086 forward that was remaining ending up
with $1,805.26. Expenditures are anticipated at $8,100, finishing the year
with a fund balance of$10,400. We continue to look and try to find
different ways for the group to be involved. He said hopefully we will
continue to make additional strides and then we will add the support.
Mr. Gioielli said some of the increases in the CERT line are for
maintenance on preexisting maintenance issues for the air conditioning
and equipment.
Chief Peters noted that in the Capital line, he has requested a ladder
truck under the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 due to fiscal concerns. He said this
is the second year we have bumped this to the next year. We can
appreciate and recognize that there is a need for an aerial truck in the
City with all of the elevated structures that are going on not only here but
all over the County. Even the mutual aid resources that we rely upon are
in more demand. He said one thing to consider is that from the day the
truck is ordered it takes over a year to build it.The other piece is that
when the ladder truck shows up it will not be an additional. We will
replace one of the engines with the crew and provide that resource.
What this will also do is allow us to replace one of our fire engines
because the ones on the east side of the City are now ten and eleven
years old. If we do not move on this, we will have to move on a fire
engine.
Discussion ensued on fire trucks with ladders, their features, and
accessibility through the City.
Mr. Chris Kintner, Community Development Director,for the Community
Development and Building Services budget. He reported on the
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Community Development budget and said there is a total increase of 11%
due to the proposed discussion of the Mobility Plan and Fee Study. He 111
explained the Mobility fee is a fee that is paid one time by the developer
and covers several different things. More than just a road impact fee, it
covers the sidewalk and other connections. Developers now will pay a
county mobility fee that goes into a fund in the county that is broken up
into a few different districts.There is a core district that runs along with
the SunRail station, a suburban district, and a rural district. We would
establish projects in the Long Range Transportation Plan for Seminole
County and those would be jostling for funding in those different core
districts. We have proposed doing a plan and fee study resulting in a
mobility fee that the City of Longwood would charge replacing the county
fee.The benefit to us is that the money is coming into our project list.
The downside is that it is a smaller amount of money at any given time.
While that is an $80,000 plan and study, it is required by state statute
and fairly inescapable. Once implemented, that money would be coming
in right after implementation, starting to pay for itself almost
immediately. He provided examples of how having a Mobility Fee works
and says it would allow us to pay for growth.
Mr. Gioielli pointed out that if the county manages it, the money can be
used on county and state roads. If we manage it we can use it in
neighborhoods, local roads, or county or state roads.There is full II
flexibility.
Mr. Kintner said some of the projects that are in the Long Range
Transportation Plan now are not projects that either Community
Development or Public Works would have wanted. If we institute a
Mobility Plan we can help identify areas where people are seeing growth
and invite them for comment and it would be our list. Once we have the
unified list of projects we want this helps us to be able to go out for grant
funding. Additionally,there had been discussions earlier in the year about
the possibility of revisiting the discussion of the Downtown Master Plan
and Retail Update. Given there is a discussion about the possibility of
using the Police Station as the new Fire Station, he suggested setting the
Downtown Master Plan aside until we have figured out what we want to
do long-term with that property. We can, in the short-term and
potentially under this year's budget without having to ask for any
increases, update the 2015 market study.This could do some things he
has heard the Commission ask for at different meetings including
answering the questions of the impact on new apartments and
development.The market update was quoted at$15,000.The Downtown
Master Plan can be discussed at a later time depending on how we settle
out on that.
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Mr. Kintner noted there is money there for additional consulting. Many
of the things done in Community Development are done in-house such as
the preparation of ordinances. One thing we may need to bring in some
technical fees for is the changes to the Future Land Use Map and the
Comprehensive Plan.These are changes to a map that was adopted in
2010. We have also talked about the opportunity to have an Economic
Development element to the Comprehensive Plan. We would like to have
an Economic Development element where we can establish those goals,
objectives, and policies.This gives the public input on how we are seeking
businesses, where we are trying to direct those businesses to go, and
what type of businesses we are seeking. It also makes sure the
Commission, staff, and public are all working from the same sheet of
music. Some elements have changed in the Comprehensive Plan such as
graphics but we try to keep that at the staff level.This is where the
$20,000 in Special Projects Consulting would go. He then answered
questions.
Mr. Kintner, for the Building Department budget. He reported this budget
is funded through a special revenue fund.There is a total increase of
14%.The operational budget has a reduction.The total increase is related
to the proposed Plans Examiner/Inspector position. He said one thing
that has changed in Community Development over the past couple of
years is we have a Building Official now who has taken that role seriously
in terms of the entirety of the role, embracing the role of being a division
manager.This means he is not just an inspector, he is someone who
manages the employees and builds them up, is responsive to our
residents, and works with the software. We are bringing many more
functions in-house and building inspection services can get expensive. We
now have a Building Inspector and Official and can work more on existing
buildings and identify issues in an industrial building with multiple
businesses where some of them are doing things they should not be
without a permit. We proposed this Plans Examiner/Inspector position
due to a tremendous amount of inspections driven by some of the larger
projects we have had over the past few years, which is a great problem to
have. However,the result of that is running into a point where we are
having to increase staffing or reduce levels of service. We have a
tremendous level of service as far as building permits go. Our review
times are in days/weeks rather than weeks/months. We do not want to
lose that edge. He then answered questions.
Mr. Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director,for the Leisure Services
budget. He reported a 1%increase in the budget. He said there were no
changes in staffing except for taking one of the Tech II positions away and
making a Tech Ill position for the Parks crew.There was an increase in the
Communications line for cell phone stipends to our Parks employees. On
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the Rentals and Leases line,there was an expense added for the two
vehicles leased through Enterprise. For the Repair and Maintenance 4600
line, there was an increase due to the yearly splash pad maintenance.
After two years of operating, we have a better understanding of the
costs. For the Repair and Maintenance-Vehicles 4610 line, there is an
increase for the three vehicles in use.The largest increase came from the
Operating line for outdoor furniture for the Community Building.The
staff's uniforms expenses for the Community Building Assistant (CBA)
were moved from the 3400 line to Operating Supplies line 5200 where
the yearly chemical costs for the splash pad are also in.There were
decreases in the Utility Services line. We worked with Duke Energy and
replaced all of the sodium bulbs in Candyland Park with LED lights and
added a new spotlight going into the playground.This should provide a
savings of$10,000.
Mr. Capizzi said the new roofs have been put on the dugouts at
Candyland Park.The$20,000 addition to the pump track has been going
great.There will be more obstacles put into the skatepark. He then
answered questions.
Mr. Capizzi then noted they received word from the state in the last week
the $250,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program
(FRDAP) grant was approved and will be going towards Candyland Park.
Mayor Sackett commented on the Fourth of July event's success and
attendance. He then suggested this being an annual event and add it into
the budget.
Mr. Gioielli noted the 9/11 event is in the current year's budget.
Mr. Capizzi reported no change between the 2021 and the 2022 Plan
budgets. He said the Fourth of July event is going to cost us around
$15,000. He then answered questions.
Discussion ensued on previous and future events, and budgeting for
events.
Mr. Capizzi reported on Special Assessments and said there are several
subdivisions broken into: 1. Professional Services which includes routine
mowing, edging, and trimming 2. Other Contractual Services include
fertilizer programs, pest control, landscaping, mulch, new plant material,
electrical, front entrance, additional tree trimming, and fence repairs,
and 3. Utilities include the electrical and water for the irrigation of the
plants.The only increases came from a few subdivisions wanting to do
more with those things.
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Commissioner Morgan stated Leisure Services should not be in charge of
overseeing the work on the roadways or public right-of-ways and should
be given to Public Works.
Discussion ensued on Special Assessment Neighborhoods and what they
entail.
Mr. Shad Smith, Public Works Director,for the Public Works budget. He
said Public Works has four main lines including Streets, Stormwater,
Utilities, and Capital. For Streets, one of the division managers is retiring
and came up with the need of a Stormwater Supervisor.This position is
necessary to meet the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit. He said now we will have a dedicated supervisor and
staff focused on the stormwater tasks.This Stormwater Supervisor
position shows up under the Stormwater Fund,the other staff that will
be working for that supervisor do not. Payroll allocation shows how this is
broken up. He noted staff is aware of the changes and onboard.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker asked about the money given to Duke Energy
on the Public Works budget.
Mr. Smith said this is the Utility bill we pay for street lighting throughout
the City. He noted that to have LED lights, we have to upgrade the light
fixtures and pay capital. He clarified we are not paying for the fixture.The
fixture is paid for in the bill. He then noted the Operating line changed
about$20,000 over multiple lines. He also noted increases, decreases,
and items that were moved around in different lines in the budget.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker asked if Mr. Smith can incorporate a position
for the cemetery.
Mr. Smith said they can supervise it.The funding of the position would
come from Ms. Longo's fund. He said it would be beneficial to have that
position,the cemetery would look better, and we would have more
control over it.
Mayor Sackett asked about the Rocklake Outfall project.
Mr. Smith said the pump was ordered and they are finalizing the
permitting. We can only pump from that lake when there is a Governor
issued declaration.The idea of the project is called Dryline which means
you put a pump under the road on one side and it flows out of the other.
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It was the consensus of the Commission to move forward with the
budget for 2021-2022 and if there were additional questions they would
be asked at the Regular City Commission meeting on Monday,July 19,
2021.
Mr. Gioielli noted there was no increase in Longwood's millage rate.
3. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 3:31 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 08-02-2021
//))
Brian D. Sackett, .yor
A , ES
//`
Michelle L go,C , FCRM
City Clerk
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