HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes BOC 0726071
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
BUDGET OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
July 26, 2007
MINUTES
The Budget Oversight Committee met on July 26, 2007, in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Complex, located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The meeting was called to order by Harvey Goldberg, Chair, at 8:30 A.M.
ROLL CALL
Members Present
Harvey Goldberg, Chair
Martin Cohen, Committee Member (arrived 8:41 A.M.)
Mark Veil, Committee Member
John Chaplik, Committee Member
Members Absent
L. Marc Cohn, Vice Chair
Also in attendance
Hal Valeche, Council Member, Council Liaison
Allan Owens, Finance Administrator, Staff Liaison
Ron Ferris, City Manager
Mary Anderson- Pickle, Deputy Finance Administrator
Dan Clark, City Engineer
Stephen Stepp, Police Chief
Jack Doughney, Community Services Administrator
Eric Holdt, Information Technology Administrator
Patricia Snider, City Clerk
Pete Bergel, Fire Chief
Kara Irwin, Growth Management Administrator
Sheryl Stewart, Human Resources Administrator
Stacy Rundle, Assistant to City Manager_
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Minutes from June 28, 2007 meeting were approved unanimously by a vote of
3 -0.
2007/2008 BUDGET PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
• Allan Owens, Finance Administrator, Staff Liaison stated that staff has prepared a
report and issued it to the residents and committee members.
• Allan Owens stated the budget was well received by the majority of the Council
members.
• Final numbers received from the property appraiser determined that adequate
funding was available to restore the Honda Classic and remain within budget
restraints.
Budget Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes Page
072607
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
• Discussion ensued regarding past spending practices and changes that must be
made for the future to keep Florida affordable when insurance is included in
citizen cost. Allan Owen agreed that we must stay within the legislative restraints
and that spending be no greater than Florida's growth rate each year.
• Discussion of health benefits for Council members was raised. Mr. Ferris stated
the funding is planned within the budget, but that the policy is set by the Council.
The committee is free to discuss line items in the budget and make
recommendations, but not discuss policy.
• Appreciation was expressed to the department heads for their attendance at this
meeting. At this time they were free to leave.
• Alan Owens explained the reason behind the longevity pay is to encourage good
workers to stay. He then explained that there are actually three categories of
longevity pay, 1) employees hired before 1992, 2) Police and Fire contractual
obligation, and 3) general employee.
• Alan Owens explained that twice a year the City allows employees to cash in
personal leave time. Acute leave time is for illness lasting more than three days
and cannot be used for anything else.
• The possibility of withdrawing retiree health benefits was raised. Mr. Owen stated
that according to F.S. 112.08.01 all government agencies are directed to offer
retiree health benefits at a cost equal to no more than that of active employees.
• Alan Owens explained that the City Manager and City Attorney are part of the
senior management class and their compensation is determined by contract.
• Alan Owens explained that the only department heads that have take -home
vehicles are the Police Chief and Fire Chief due to their position requirements.
There are additional 24 -hour on -call personnel that have take -home vehicles. It is
scrutinized through an application process before anyone is given a take -home
vehicle.
• It was agreed by all that outsourcing the Fire Department was not a desirable
option. Mr. Ferris stated that we are better and more cost- effective than the
County.
• Alan Owens stated that the Council has made it clear in the past that the members
are not in favor of any great increase in density so that water stays available.
• Alan Owens stated that recreation program - related costs are covered by generated
income. Golf became a Special Revenue Fund as of last year. Due to the golf
course renovation, play has increased. Net income is approximately $240,000
over expenses.
• Alan Owens suggested that the committee members make a report that could be
submitted at the August meeting and that he would then post it on the web site.
ACTION
• Alan Owens agreed to furnish copies of the last two reports to all committee
members directly following the meeting.
Budget Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes
072607
Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
APPROVED:
Harvey Wldberg, Chair
L. Mac Cohn, Vice Chair
Y
Jo An Chaplik, tommittee Member
Martin Cohen, Committee Member
�V,� ��
-T
Mark Veil, Committee Member
Attest:
Patricia Snider, CMC
City Clerk
NOTE: These action minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not
verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio recording is available from the
Office of the City Clerk.
All referenced attachments on file in the City Clerk's office.
Budget Oversight Committee Meeting Minutes
072607
Page 3