03-29-1994 CITY OF EDGEWATER
EQUITY STUDY COMMISSION
MARCH 29, 1994
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
City Clerk Susan Wadsworth called the first regular meeting of
the Equity Study Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City
Hall Conference Room.
ROLL CALL:
Members present were: Nancy Davis, Leslie Haughwout, David
LeBlanc, and Robert Morin. Scott Clark was absent. Also present
was City Clerk Susan Wadsworth, City Attorney Krista Storey, and
Recording Secretary Lisa Kruckmeyer.
NEW BUSINESS:
Selection of Chairman and Vice Chairman
The Commission decided they wanted to wait for Mr. Clark before
choosing the Chairman and Vice Chaimran.
Role and Purpose of the Committee
City Clerk Wadsworth presented and explained the following to the
Commission: a copy of the Florida Statutes Section 205, a copy
of the City's existing rate fee and classification Chapter 11, a
copy of the City's present occupational license printout, copies
of other cities occupational license fees and classifications,
and a copy of Daytona Beach Shores rate fees and classifications,
who have already been through this process.
City Clerk Wadsworth informed the Commission the City collected
$43,629.05 and the County collected $36,629.05 for occupational
licenses for FY 92/93. She stated if we double our fees, the
city would still not reach the cap.
City Clerk Wadsworth recommended raising all license fees under
$25 to $25 and raising all other license fees $5. She asked the
Commission to review this and bring back any recommendations at
the next meeting.
City Clerk Wadsworth informed the Commission at the next meeting,
they would talk about adding or deleting rate fees.
Mr. Haughwout asked if these funds are earmarked. City Clerk
Wadsworth stated they go into the general fund.
City Clerk Wadsworth stated she would provide a copy of how many
licenses are in each classification at the next meeting.
City Clerk Wadsworth informed the Commission she also provided
them with a copy of the Commission's purpose per Florida
Statutes.
Mr. Haughwout asked if this is being done statewide. City Clerk
Wadsworth informed him it is.
Ms. Davis asked if the County's money is figured on a percentage.
City Clerk Wadsworth stated it is but she would have to check
with Finance to find out what that percentage is.
City Attorney Storey stated she thought it was based on how many
occupational licenses the counties collect for the cities.
City Clerk Wadsworth stated the County does not collect for the
City.
Mr. Haughwout asked why they feel there needs to be a mandate to
say everything must be looked at and studied for the idea of
increases. City Clerk Wadsworth elaborated on this.
City Attorney Storey stated the Florida Statute for occupational
licenses was quite old. She stated if you don't act by October
1, 1995 then you may never raise the license fees.
Mr. Haughwout expressed concern regarding needing to have a State
License, County License and City License. He feels it is not
fair to be taxed by each government entity.
There was further discussion regarding this matter.
There was discussion regarding not all businesses having to pay
state taxes.
City Clerk Wadsworth informed the Commission as they are looking
over the rates if they see one classification that could be
listed under a different classification to let her know.
The Commission discussed some of the high fees in Edgewater.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding businesses having to pay
for everyone or each individual subcontractor agent having to
obtain a license.
Ms. Davis read Section 11 -8 of the Code of Ordinances which
refers you to Section 11 -1. City Clerk Wadsworth stated she
would have a copy of Section 11 -1 put in the packet for the next
meeting.
The Commission discussed listing more than one profession on an
occupational license instead of issuing separate licenses for
each occupation.
Mr. LeBlanc questioned the no charge listed next to the Alcoholic
beverages, spirits, beer and wind classification. City Clerk
Wadsworth stated the statute will not let the city tax an
establishment for alcohol, beer and wine but we can tax them for
a restaurant if they serve food or for coin operated machines or
for a band.
There was a discussion regarding pawn shops and arms dealer
licenses.
There was a discussion regarding charging a business if they own
more than one vehicle.
Sunshine Law
City Attorney Storey explained the Sunshine Law to the Equity
Study Commission and answered the questions of the Commission.
MISCELLANEOUS
Set Date for Reviewing Rate Structure
City Clerk Wadsworth informed the Commission she would like to
have this to Council by June 6th so the fees can be adjusted for
FY 94/95.
The Commission decided they would have their next meeting April
llth at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room.
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Equity Study Commission
March 29, 1994
City Clerk Wadsworth informed the Commission they would need to
elect a Chairman and a Vice Chairman at this meeting.
City Clerk Wadsworth explained what the Chairman and Vice
Chairman would do. She stated she would like one to be at the
meeting when this is presented to Council.
Mr. Haughwout made a motion to nominate Ms. Davis as Chairman,
seconded by Mr. Morin. The motion CARRIED 4 -0.
Mr. Haughwout made a motion to nominate Mr. LeBlanc as Vice
Chairman, seconded by Mr. Morin. The motion CARRIED 4 -0.
ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Wadsworth turned the meeting over to Chairman Davis.
Chairman Davis asked if there was anything else to discuss.
There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Haughwout made a
motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Morin. The meeting adjourned
at 7:48 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Kruckmeyer
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Equity Study Commission
March 29, 1994