04-22-2002 - Workshop
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CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
WORKSHOP
APRIL 22, 2002
6:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Schmidt called the Workshop to order at 6:32 p.m. in the
Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Donald Schmidt
Councilman James Brown
Councilman Dennis Vincenzi
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes
Councilwoman Judith Lichter
City Manager Kenneth Hooper
City Clerk Susan Wadsworth
Deputy City Clerk Lisa Bloomer
Legal Assistant Robin Matusick
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Excused
Present
Present
MEETING PURPOSE
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss goal setting and a
policy for appointing members to City Boards and Committees.
(Agenda attached)
City Manager Hooper made a presentation regarding the ParkTowne
Industrial Center Design/Permitting Activity and Development
Activity with regard to a Community Redevelopment Agency.
City Manager Hooper spoke about the Council having to make a
decision in the near future regarding how they want to set up the
CRA Board. Councilwoman Lichter asked what the function is of
the CRA Board. City Manager Hooper commented on the Board's role
and who would serve on this Board.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if the CRA Board has the final say or
if the Council does. City Manager Hooper informed her the
Council does. At any time the Council can dissolve the CRA Board
and take that role themselves. He agreed to get copies of other
CRA's. He told the Council to keep in mind most of the other
eRA's are redevelopment plans.
Mayor Schmidt asked about conflicts of interest. City Manager
Hooper explained one of the requirements of the CRA is that
somebody has to own property. All the money that comes into that
geographic boundary has to be spent there. Early on the C0uncil
decides what the money will be spent on and the CRA becomes more
or less the function of administration by reviewing it to make
sure the money is spent wisely. There is an audit done. The CRA
has more authority than some of the other volunteer boards
because there is usually a large budget associated with that.
City Manager Hooper continued his presentation regarding
Development Activity with regard to lot sales. The City is not
trying to make a profit on the property or are they trying to
compete with those private property owners that are there. Our
role is to put in the infrastructure, get a business on it, put
it on the tax roll and sell it and we get our money back by
having the taxes kick in.
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City Manager Hooper stated they went out and got deed
restrictions and covenants for several other industrial parks,
very large to very small. Copies were given to the Economic
Development Board and Lynne Plaskett is working on pulling those
together. At the Council's next meeting in May, they are going
to have them review and come back and make some comments. The
trick is not to be overly conservative so you won't allow certain
kinds of businesses but yet at the same time to make it nice and
clean to attract those kinds of businesses. That is being done
as a draft. This will be brought back before Council.
Mayor Schmidt asked about a spec building. City Manager Hooper
stated they have talked about some. At this point, they seem to
have enough buyers that want to put up two buildings real quick.
He thinks there are two or three, the minute the City owns the
property they want to buy. Two of them are large buildings.
Councilman Vincenzi asked what type of buildings. City Manager
Hooper stated one is a cabinetry shop that wants to expand. He
is in the County and will be moving into the City. He is wanting
to buy a pretty sizeable parcel. The other is a local business
in New Smyrna that wants to move in. He is looking for a 100,000
square foot expansion capability.
Councilman Vincenzi clarified he wanted to know what type the
buildings will be. City Manager Hooper explained it would be
similar to what our gym looks like or what Scott Porta's
businesses look like.
Councilman Vincenzi stated one of the criticisms of some survey
or something that was done about a year or two ago was that
Edgewater had a lack of suitable structures. City Manager Hooper
stated that is pretty much all of Volusia. There's not much
vacant or spec buildings that somebody wants to move into. One
of the keys to this project is it is a turn key. When you come
in, the stormwater is already approved. All you would have to do
is get a building permit. Everything else is done.
Councilwoman Lichter feels one of the main advantages is that we
will be the only quality industrial park in Southeast Volusia.
New Smyrna will not be in competition with us because they
emphasize other things. She has been talking to Steve Dennis
from the Chamber and he feels we will have a very unique
situation. City Manager Hooper spoke about Edgewater, New Smyrna
and Port Orange being supportive and if there is an opportunity
for somebody and they don't have a building for they would send
them our way and vice versa.
Councilwoman Lichter suggested inviting them to the
groundbreaking.
Councilman Brown asked about the property on Dale Street in
Section 2 and what kind of buildings and is that going to be
included in the CRA. City Manager Hooper stated it is in the CRA
and their plan is to when they develop the restrictions and
covenants to go to those other property owners and have them
become part of the CRA as well as the Industrial Park.
City Manager Hooper then made a staff presentation regarding the
City Hall Site. Meetings are scheduled at Edgewater Landing and
Florida Shores Clubhouse to have an informational presentation
done by staff. They are trying to solicit support for wherever
the site turns out to be.
Page -2-
Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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city Manager Hooper stated they would like to hold a public
hearing in June for Council to decide where to put City Hall and
spend the next year negotiating actual purchase of property. He
spoke about a letter sent out to residents around the current
City Hall site asking if they would be interested in selling.
The response has been very strong. They are interested in
selling but they want to know how much. He then commented on the
appraisal process. A majority of the property owners are
interested in selling. Ms. McBride stated 10 out of 11
responded.
There was a brief discussion regarding condemnation coming in for
a property owner not willing to sell if everyone else is willing
to sell.
Councilman Vincenzi stated he wants to make sure nobody is forced
to sell. He doesn't want the City making promises that the
people will be paid more than their property is worth. It has to
be clear if they want to sell it has to be at the appraised
value. City Manager Hooper commented on an appraisal being done
to determine the true value.
Councilwoman Lichter feels there has been some misrepresentation.
She further commented on the Hawks house being valuable and
having historical significance. She would like to see this home
incorporated into some type of plan. City Manager Hooper
informed Council zero promises have been made other than the
Council is going to pick one of two sites and there will be
further work on trying to come up with a true value.
Councilwoman Rhodes questioned if a decision will be made on the
agenda in June. City Manager Hooper stated at the second meeting
in June they will hold a public hearing for Council to make the
site choice.
Councilwoman Lichter feels they need to look at the general
picture. She spoke of the widening on SR 442 requiring the
taking of properties. She thinks in the end people were
satisfied with what they got. She feels there is time to make
decisions on that type of thing.
City Manager Hooper explained the Statutes are clear regarding
how it all has to be handled.
City Manager Hooper informed Council he thought an offer was
about to be made on the McCallister property.
Councilman Vincenzi wants to see alternatives before they have
public meetings. He feels they have been inadvertently guided
into thinking this is the best site.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated they commissioned the City Hall Siting
Committee to come up with a site and they did that. She doesn't
know why they are being redundant and going over that again.
Councilwoman Lichter commented on circumstances changing within a
community on a constant basis. Everybody looks at things from a
different angle. She feels no group has totally wasted their
time because that is always a foundation for your thinking.
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Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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City Manager Hooper stated he has seen the report. He thought
what it said was if it is moved, here is the first choice. Their
charge was to find a new place if it is moved and what would be
done with this site. Councilwoman Rhodes stated she thinks the
upshot was they felt the best thing was the McCallister property
with this being retained as a park.
Councilman Vincenzi asked for a copy of the report from the City
Hall Siting Committee. He would also like to know alternatives.
We know this land is worth half a million. Then we know
approximately what all these other properties will cost behind
us, if they want to sell. He would like to see totals for that
and he would like to see estimates for the McCallister property
and if there were other sites selected, what the cost of that
would be too. City Manager Hooper explained in the work session
package, they presented the cost for the McCallister property,
the cost for this piece of property and the cost of the building,
which will be the same on any property.
Councilman Vincenzi stated if they chose to stay with this site,
then the Police Department will have to be relocated so that
would be more of an expense. He is not in favor of the
McCallister property because of the location. That property is
big enough where they could build an entire City complex that
would include City Hall, Police Station and Fire Station. He
feels the current site is limited. City Manager Hooper feels
this would not be a prime site for a Fire Station. They would
probably want it further south.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested relocating the Fire Station on U.S.
#1 at the complex and then put one further south. City Manager
Hooper stated yes, but it is costly.
City Manager Hooper further explained their goal is to talk
further on the property and define cost. Only after there is a
particular site selected, does he want to go any further. This
coming year they want to set aside money to buy property.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated when the auditors were here, they
suggested the Capital Improvement Fund.
Councilwoman Lichter stated the public has to have a vote on this
also.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated this City Hall is falling apart. This
has to be a priority to make it safe.
Mayor Schmidt requested they move the third Monday meeting in
June to the fourth Monday. He knows there will be a conflict
with his schedule.
Councilwoman Lichter would like included in the report, some
thought of if it is not situated here, what might be. She feels
that is very important in the look of Riverside Drive. She feels
it needs to keep a historical look.
City Manager Hooper informed Council they will have to tell staff
what they are looking to limited it to. Councilwoman Rhodes
stated everything around here is residential and doesn't feel it
should be anything different than that other than a park or a
museum.
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Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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Councilwoman Lichter asked if condominium fits in to our standard
residential right now. City Manager Hooper stated it would take
a comp plan, a zoning change and an act of congress.
Councilwoman Rhodes can't see destroying the neighborhood. She
mentioned keeping it a historical site and keeping it owned by
the taxpayers. She doesn't know that fiscally that is the most
responsible thing to do. She feels it should be what the people
of this City want.
There was a brief discussion regarding if City Hall was sold and
they made enough money to build a City Hall elsewhere. For the
most part, most of the residents that did vocalize comments on
that, did not like that idea.
City Manager Hooper continued his presentation with regard to
Revenue Enhancement. He spoke about the rate increase at the
landfill. There is no way we can continue what we are doing
without passing on some of that cost. He spoke about things that
have gone up since the rates were put into effect in 1994.
City Manager Hooper then spoke about expanding user fees to make
sure the cost it takes to run the recreation projects are what
the users are paying.
City Manager Hooper then spoke about development fees. He spoke
about new building codes that have gone into effect and people
rushing in to beat the deadline. They contract with an outside
firm that does plans review and provides inspectors to cover
those peaks and spikes.
Councilwoman Lichter feels the City is very kind in picking up
large appliances and other things. She asked if there should be
another look at the large trash pickup being twice a year for the
public. City Manager Hooper stated the ability to pick it up is
good but he feels there should be a specific charge for it.
City Manager Hooper spoke of people putting yard waste to the
road that should have been taken away by a tree company and the
City picking it up.
Councilman Vincenzi suggested Building Official Dennis Fischer
notify the contractors that any debris has to be taken away by
them. He feels regular yard waste is okay but if major trimming
is being done it should be taken care of by the contractor.
City Manager Hooper stated they are going to come back to Council
and recommend a cubic yard rate. Someone from Public Works will
go out and look at the pile and determine the cost. He feels
white goods need to be at a different cost.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about the tires that were found during
CleanScene Day.
Mayor Schmidt feels if someone is throwing a tire in the woods
they aren't going to put it by the curb to be picked up.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated and they certainly won't pay to have
it picked up.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested having two days a year where you
could put stuff out to the road and the City will pick it up but
between those times if you want something picked up then you have
to pay a fee. City Manager Hooper felt that was a good idea.
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Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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City Manager Hooper stated we are the last of the cities in
Volusia County that have employees picking up. Everyone else is
a contracted service at this time. Councilwoman Rhodes feels it
is a nice thing because it helps to keep the City clean.
City Manager Hooper spoke about equipment not being maintained as
well as it could and the staffing isn't there. Councilwoman
Rhodes questioned that being part of your refuse charge on your
water bill. City Manager Hooper informed her it is.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated then you are talking about raising
that rate and charge another rate on top of it. She doesn't know
about that. She suggested just raising the refuse rate where it
needs to be. City Manager Hooper explained the additional rate
would be for large items.
City Manager Hooper stated he wants to make sure our fees, every
bit that we can do locally on the Police, Fire that are maximized
and at this point we're probably not. There are some ordinances
that can be done to collect more revenues of what is turned in.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she wanted to thank Lynne Plaskett
for the wonderful job she is doing with grants. She spoke about
a grant New Smyrna got for a device to help stop polluting the
river. There are things out there and now that Lynne is on
board, maybe these grants will help revenue enhancement. Mr.
Corder informed her we have two of those devices across from
Kennedy Park.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about there being money from different
sources for stormwater enhancement. Brenda Johnson, Deputy
Environmental Services Director, stated they applied for a grant
and we were denied but we will be applying again in the future.
City Manager Hooper then commented on the millage rate. They
tried to put more of the capital in with the impact fees. Their
goal is to try and protect the millage and certainly not raise it
but just to maintain it. It takes about 18 months before
buildings or homes are placed on the tax rolls and you get the
money back. We have been starting to see that in the last two or
three years. There was $10 million the first year and $13
million the second year of increased value due to construction
and enhancements to property.
Mayor Schmidt feels maintaining the millage rate for the last
three years was great but now is a good time to look at something
between what it is now and the rolled back rate. He doesn't want
to see the City be stagnant but he wants the City to be able to
progress. City Manager Hooper stated the City is being asked
more and more all the time to do more services.
Mayor Schmidt stated things like washers and dryers, people can't
expect you to pick it up for nothing. Councilwoman Rhodes feels
one way or another taxpayers are paying for the trash to be
picked up. Councilwoman Lichter spoke of white goods not being
every day trash and this being a special service. City Manager
Hooper stated it is surprising the number of places that have the
recurring white goods.
Mayor Schmidt mentioned people driving by picking up some of
these items.
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Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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Councilwoman Rhodes feels the user should pay for it except that
she also knows that most of the people in the City find that a
valuable service. She feels they need to keep a couple days a
year where they still provide that service. Councilwoman Lichter
mentioned having a pickup charge if it is between the two
designated pickup days.
Councilman Brown feels if the City starts charging for white
goods, people are going to start dumping stuff in the woods. He
feels they need to allow people two times a year and any other
time charge them something.
Councilwoman Rhodes questioned how they would implement it. City
Manager Hooper stated you would do certain days and either the
City picks the stuff up or people bring it to a certain location.
Councilwoman Rhodes questioned how they would implement charging.
City Manager Hooper explained it would be put on the water bill.
Ms. Johnson mentioned paying ahead of time before items are
picked up.
Councilman Brown spoke about people dumping items at their
neighbors and their neighbors wrongfully being charged. This has
happened to him where people were dumping stuff on his property.
Mayor Schmidt asked for public input.
Andy Anderson, Pine Tree Drive, stated where he used to live they
had two free pickups a year with a record being kept of the
pickups and a charge for the third and any after that. He stated
when you buy an appliance, the appliance man will always ask you
if you want to get rid of the old one. When he delivers your new
appliance, he will pick up your old one.
Mike Visconti, 316 Pine breeze Drive, suggested putting $1 or $2
on the water bill monthly to pay for that pickup.
Mr. Visconti spoke about the City Hall Siting Committee
presenting recommendations to the Council of properties that were
available. Right now there are now large parcels on u.S. #1 that
are 30 acres or more. He recommended looking at the Port Orange
City Complex.
Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, stated if you purchase an
appliance, the company that sold it to you will pick up the old
one. He feels the City is doing a great job with trash and yard
waste pickup including trees. He feels the people that have
trees cut down and put it out to the road for the City to pick it
up is wrong. He spoke about obtaining a permit to cut the trees
down. Councilwoman Rhodes stated some trees you do not need a
permit for. He feels they could try to control some of the yard
waste.
Mr. Capria spoke about the rolled back rate. They could have
went back to the rolled back rate on the last budget and they
didn't. Depending on the budget, the FIND program, sell the real
estate as we should not be in, depending on the sale of this
property or what they are going to do. He thinks they could do
both. They could built a new City Hall and reduce the millage
rate.
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Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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Ferd Heeb, 115 N. Riverside Drive, feels we have one of the best
refuse and garbage collection services anywhere in the state of
Florida. They do an outstanding job. If it isn't broke, don't
try to fix it.
Mr. Heeb spoke about if a contractor takes a tree down he has to
take it away. If he cuts it down, the City picks it up. He
feels it may be an economic issue. If it is then you have to
determine whether the rate being charged to provide this service
is adequate. He feels the rate is fair. He feels the people
would go along with paying a few dollars more. He doesn't think
the people of Edgewater would like to give up the service.
Paul Jenkins, Willow Oak Drive, feels the City is going to
more items being dumped if the City starts charging more.
feels they need to consider how much lifestyle is going to
in this town if they want to be like Orlando, Seminole or
Daytona. He feels services we have had no problems paying for
all of a sudden are being looked at as a burden but is the real
issue that we are paying for other things and we need to raise
more money for those?
find
He
change
Mike Visconti, 316 Pine breeze Drive, recommended someone take a
look at the newspaper vending machine in front of the Post
Office. There is a nice unit there and that unit could be put in
different parking lots. He feels it would enhance the City.
Andy Anderson, Pine Tree Drive, mentioned the basketball hoops in
the City right-of-way where where children are playing in the
street in order to play with them. Mayor Schmidt felt that is a
Code Enforcement issue.
Gail Wells, 2503 Woodland Drive, feels the garbage guys are
fantastic and do a fantastic job. She asked about taking
batteries and paint to Public Works and if the City would ever
consider doing that again. Right now you have to take it out to
the Tomoka Landfill. She feels a lot of people are dumping their
oil and toxic stuff. City Manager Hooper asked Ms. Johnson why
that changed. Ms. Johnson stated the City used to have a paint
exchange at the Public Works facility and would take batteries.
That was considered a hazardous waste and had to be permitted
through DEP. It would be costly to do that.
City Manager Hooper mentioned the County setting up a trailer.
Ms. Johnson stated they have a hazardous waste transporter to do
that. If the paint cans are empty, the City will pick them up.
Paul Jenkins, Willow Oak Drive, spoke about the outdoor vending
machines. He feels the City should allow the business owners to
keep them on their porches. He knows they look tacky seeing a
bunch of them in an open area all by themselves but suggested
maybe there needs to be some regulation on that for safety
reasons, aesthetics and traffic flow.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated they have already worked that issue
out.
There was a ten-minute recess at this time. The meeting recessed
at 7:43 p.m. and reconvened at 7:53 p.m.
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Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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City Manager Hooper continued his presentation with Staffing
Requirements. Fire Chief Barlow made a presentation regarding
the Fire Department and the 2 in-2 out requirements. They would
need three more people which would put three on each apparatus.
They will also be changing their shifts to the traditional 24-48
hour shifts which will allow them to move more personnel around
and with hiring three, it will allow them to put more people on
duty per shift.
Mayor Schmidt asked if they can use volunteers for some of this.
Fire Chief Barlow stated you can use volunteers but you can not
mandate volunteers to be there.
Councilwoman Lichter asked what Fire Chief Barlow anticipated
this was going to cost. Fire Chief Barlow stated they haven't
done any cost analysis yet. City Manager Hooper commented on the
equipment associated with this. He then spoke about the
Consolidated Dispatch and Edgewater having to match New Smyrna
and Port Orange, which is three people on one piece of equipment.
City Manager Hooper then went over the Staffing Requirements for
Refuse. He spoke about as we annex further staff they have
talked about not trying to staff that with City personnel but
contract some of the new areas as they annex in. They are going
to get price quotes to see if that would work. The staffing the
City currently has is stretched to the limit. They are difficult
to retain and find. Most of the people that work on the truck,
as soon as there is an opportunity, they want to be promoted and
move up out of that. Ms. Johnson spoke about maintaining the
same staff for several years. There will be a time, even without
annexations, when they will need to put another truck on full
time to take care of what we have.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if it is logical to team up with the
County. City Manager Hooper stated they don't do pick up.
City Manager Hooper then went on to speak about Staffing
Requirements for Stormwater. The current staffing at best is
able to maintain the stormwater we have. He spoke about flooding
occurring in areas we have never had flooding in before. When
that occurs, usually it is because of a maintenance issue. He
briefly spoke on the Master Plan but not having the dollars to do
the capital improvement and even the dollars to maintain the
staff to go back and look at the existing maintenance of those
ditches is going to be an issue. They are talking of the ability
to either contract or hire additional staff. They will be
running some cost estimates to present to Council what they think
from a business end is the best way to do that.
City Manager Hooper then spoke about the $6 stormwater fee with
$3 pledged to a bond issue. The other $3 goes to the maintenance
and that is not covering the maintenance.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about this being a terrible problem in
certain locations, such as Riverside Drive and businesses on u.S.
#1 that are flooding. She doesn't know how they are going to
address this vital problem which has gotten worse over the years
because of the amount of building and the condition of the roads.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested they raise the stormwater rate.
Page -9-
Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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City Manager Hooper spoke about subdivisions being put in and not
being built to a kind of a standard. He spoke about an area on
Marion that chronically floods and a business wanting to come in
and do some industrial. Councilwoman Lichter asked if that is an
area of stormwater in relation to business that they might be
able to get some money out of. She stated all of the runoff will
eventually go to the river. City Manager Hooper stated there are
some grant opportunities but it will probably come back to having
to increase stormwater utility fees.
City Manager Hooper spoke about developers coming in wanting to
develop new areas and being forced to look at ways to connect
their system into some positive outfall. They have started doing
that with some of the newer developments that have come. They
need to find an easement to take it to somewhere so it has a
positive outfall. He further spoke about some of the problems
being whose jurisdiction the canals are due to some of them being
City Canals, DOT canals, and County canals.
Councilwoman Lichter feels they need to review the Master Plan.
City Manager Hooper stated we have a plan that is very clear on
what needs to be done, we just don't have the big dollars. Mayor
Schmidt asked about the bond issue. City Manager Hooper stated
that is seven or eight years out. Councilwoman Rhodes asked what
kind of dollars they are talking about. City Manager Hooper
informed her to do some stormwater improvements is probably in
the $3 million range. He further commented on Florida Shores
being a large area that had no drainage. When it was paved and
drainage was put in, it was kind of at best that you could do but
there is still no design for a storm event.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated the issue is with what is already
here. The new developments and industry, they are going to take
care of that so that is not an issue with them. City Manager
Hooper informed her that is correct.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested raising the stormwater rates and
that money put to solving this problem. When this problem goes
away, that money becomes ours.
Councilwoman Lichter wondered why someone hasn't come in here and
said the City is mandated to take care of the stormwater
problems. City Manager Hooper stated they have had hints of
that. FEMA has told us. Building Official Dennis Fischer has
gotten a letter on two or three projects that have had chronic
flooding. He spoke about having trouble getting the rest of the
City flood insurance if they don't solve existing problems.
Councilwoman Lichter suggested looking into what it would take to
get this going.
City Manager Hooper then spoke about Code Enforcement with regard
to Staffing Requirements. At the staff meeting this past week,
they talked of other folks assisting with Code Enforcement. He
doesn't think more staffing would solve things. At this point,
it is a matter of they are working on issues.
City Manager Hooper then spoke about Litter Control with regard
to Staffing Requirements. He spoke about using community service
workers. He would like to look at that before they add staffing.
Page -10-
Council Workshop
April 22, 2002
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Councilwoman Lichter spoke about the Chamber being very helpful.
They aren't just relying on volunteers. They are also working on
some new signage. It is very important that it some teeth in it
that the Police are monitoring certain spots. There are signs
now in several places. She doesn't feel new staffing is
necessary. She spoke about any employees on the road keeping
their eyes open.
Councilman Vincenzi feels the volunteers are great but they are
doing stuff the City should be doing. He spoke of them doing
stuff on major roads where they shouldn't be. Councilwoman
Lichter stated they aren't allowed on the highways. She stated
the no dumping sign by the school seems to making a difference.
Councilman Vincenzi asked who is picking the stuff up now. Mr.
Corder stated his staff does u.S. #1 and Indian River Boulevard
once or twice a week. Councilman Vincenzi asked about the other
areas. Ms. Johnson stated they don't have the staff to do it.
Councilman Vincenzi feels the City should be more proactive. He
feels something should be done. Councilwoman Lichter also spoke
about education. She feels this should be pushed in schools.
She also spoke about seniors that take walks that pick up litter.
City Manager Hooper then went over Staffing Requirements for
Parks and Recreation. He commented on programs that have been
added and beautification of medians and requiring more
maintenance. They either have to add staffing that will maintain
the additional medians every year or they do it by contract.
There is a mixture of what other cities do. He agreed to have
Mr. Corder look at the cost for staffing or a contract and bring
it back and have Council decide which way they want to do with
it.
City Manager Hooper then went over the Building Inspector
position under Staffing Requirements. The numbers are way up.
We have contracted with a company that does all of it. There may
be a requirement to add one inspector, with the rate he sees us
growing and the additional portions there. Those inspectors are
paid for out of the user fees so that isn't a cost or association
with the tax rate.
Mr. Fischer stated they have had a staff of four for the past
twelve years. With the upcoming mandates, they need to increase
their staff to meet the needs.
City Manager Hooper commented on the Building Department being
short staffed due to people on permanent disability and other
employees with health issues.
Councilwoman Lichter asked Mr. Fischer if he felt it was better
to have contract or in-house. Mr. Fischer stated right now we
have to contract because of the shortness of personnel and
finding the qualified personnel to train. Long term, he would
like to do it in-house.
Councilwoman Rhodes feels if it is in-house the accountability is
better. City Manager Hooper feels if you can staff to that
average level and let the peaks be a contract, that is when you
really win and is cost effective. He commented on the inspectors
being exposed to other cities and up on the rules.
Page -11-
Council Workshop
April 22, 2002