Loading...
09-22-1980 - Public Hearing/Regular ,~ .~ ., . '-' ~ 0-1--<.1-., tl CITY OF EDGE~TER CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING September 22, 1980 Mayor Christy called the Public Hearing to order at 6:30 P.M. in the Edgewater Community Center. ROLL CALL Mayor Robert H. Christy Councilman Louis J. Rotundo Councilman David C. Ledbetter Councilman James H. Cameron Councilman Neil J. Asting City Attorney Judson Woods City Clerk Nancy F. Blazi Police Chief Earl Baugh Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present The purpose of the Public Hearing was to discuss the proposed millage rate of 5.968 and the 1980-1981 budgets (general fund, water, wastewater and garbage. Millage Rate: Mayor Christy spoke regarding the letters received in the mail by Governor Graham regarding the homestead exemption. Should the proposed increase pass the City would have to raise the taxes. As a taxpayer and citizen he is going to vote NO. Mr. Armstrong -"The City is increasing the taxes 10%. It takes 4/5 vote to increase more than 8%." He indicated the ad published in the paper for the Public Hearing was not large enough. For record he is opposed to an increase in the taxes, and also until qualified certified personnel indicates that we need an increase. Mayor Christy explained that the other cities had to put the larger ads in the paper because they raised their millage and ours remained the same. Mr. Veschusio -"Hhat are we getting with the taxes?" His street is not paved and there are not street lights, nor does he have City water. Mayor Christy stated the people voted down the paving two years ago. For street lights and water you must apply at City Hall. Mr. Gross - opposed the tax structure. He wanted to know what it is going to cost the citizens. Mayor Christy stated the tax millage would be the same as last year. Everything else is going up and the City cannot go backwards. Mr. Gross - stated the people should understand that this is going to cost the people more money. He discussed the figures on the tax sheets. Mr. Opal - said that a 1/4 page ad is mandatory for a hearing such as this. He spoke regarding a millage vote in August which he felt was illegal because it takes a vote of 4, not 3-1. He is opposed to increase. City Attorney Woods read from the statutes regarding the voting and millage increase. He explained the advertising procedure. City Clerk Blazi stated at the time this was done it was a "tenative" proposal that the City stay at the same rate. Mayor Christy called for a recess of the Public Hearing at 7:05 P.M. to open the regular Council Meeting. , u CJ CITY OF EDGEWATER CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING September 22, 1980 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Mayor Robert H. Christy Councilman Louis J. Rotundo Councilman David C. Ledbetter Councilman James H. Cameron Councilman Neil J. Asting City Attorney Judson Woods City Clerk Nancy F. Blazi Police Chief Earl Baugh Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present INVOCATION Reverend Boggs SALUTE TO FLAG Mayor Christy called for a recess of the Regular Meeting to return to the Public Hearing. Mr. Newell - stated the proposed figures are not a budget and you cannot tell anything from the figures listed. He also opposes the rates. Mayor Christy reminded the audience that the entire budget would be posted after its adoption. Councilman Asting - stated the City was working with a detailed budget and the audience was supplied only with a summary. He also stated that the workshops are open for public attendance. Mayor Christy invited the public to corne to the workshops and meetings that build up to "the Public Hearings. Mr. Kestchall - spoke that he opposed the millage rate. Mr. Bline discussed the assessed value increase. Mayor Christy stated the City has also had increases from its sources and in order to meet these increases the rates had to be increased. General Fund Budget: The City Clerk read the proposed budget for the General Fund. The Mayor itemized each Department's budget and stated they would be posted. Mr. Newell wanted to know about comparative figures for the last year's expenditures. The City Clerk said the figures were available through August 31st. These could be posted. Water Department Budget; Wastewater Department Budget; Refuse Budget The City Clerk read the budgets for the water, wastewater and refuse departments. Ms. Webber - asked about the Refuse Department being included with the water ahd wastewater budgets. Meeting 9/22/80 -2- (.) (,J Mayor Christy said when the City took back the garbage there was a separate account set up. Ms. Webber asked about the millage rate being so high when there are so many new homes. (She was late to the meeting.) Mayor Christy read the statement again concerning the operating millage rates. There was further lengthy discussion concerning the budgets. Mr. Opal spdk:e at length ,;.uegarding the water and wastewater rate structures. He reiterated statements from past meetings and things that had been brought out. Mr. Dietz - wanted answers to questions;why all the increases in water, wastewater, garbage, taxes utilities, etc. It all shows mismanagement. Since no deficits showed up there should not be an increase. Councilman Asting explained the budgets proposed this year are less than last year. Ms. Secki - wanted to know about assessment on the taxes. She lives in a mobile home. She tried to reach the County- offices for an answer. Councilman Asting told Ms. Secki to contact the County Tax Assessor. Mr. Gross - spoke on comparing the water to wastewater rates. Mrs. Murphy - said with the exemption passing the City would lose money.' If the budget is as tight as defined, what is the City going to do? Mayor Christy stated he was going to ask the Governor the same thing at the meeting in Bal Harbour in October. There was no further discussion. Councilman Rotundo made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing. Councilman Ledbetter seconded the motion. The Public Hearing was adjourned.and there was a short recess. Horne Occupational License Applications - Father & Son Roofing, 2325 Fern Palm was reviewed. Councilman Rotundo questioned if anything was to be stored at the home. Mr. Busman stated nothing would be stored. Councilman Asting made a motion to grant the license. Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. Ms. Webber wanted to know if they had to pay for this home license. The City Clerk stated yes, they had to pay an occupational license fee, the same as any other license for that particular business. The motion CARRIED 5-0. The application for David H. King, 2220 Lime Tree Drive was read. It indicated only the necessary paperwork involved in running a business would be at the home with nothing stored. Councilman Asting made a motion to grant the license. Councilman Ledbetter seconded the motion. The motion CARRIED 5-0. RESOLUTIONS The City Attorney read Resolution 80-R-176. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CERTIFIED MILLAGE RATE OF 5.968 MILLS PER $1,000 ASSESSED VALUATION FOR THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1979-1980; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Meeting 9/22/80 -3- o u Councilman Asting made a motion to adopt the Resolution. Councilman Rotundo seconded the motion. Councilman Rotundo stated that the budget requires this Resolution to keep operating. Councilman Asting said the cost of operating the City has increased and we must have this millage to balance the budget. Mr. Gross directed his statement to Councilman Rotundo regarding the millage increase and tax assessment.He stated the City should trim expenses. Councilman Rotundo explained that the City must keep the millage the same and that the City cannot operate on a shoestring. The budgets were cut as much as possible. Ms. Webber spoke on the amount of new homes in the area and stated we should get revenue from them and should roll bac~ the millage, not stay the same. She stated an increase was not necessary. Councilman Rotundo reiterated that this millage was needed to balance the budget. Mayor Christy stated again one reason for the increase was the cost of gasoline and that it has gone up. Another reason is the proposed increase noted by a letter of the Florida League of Cities. He spoke further about increases in all areas and the fact the City is not trying to bleed the public. Mr. Veschusio spoke again on the fact that he is not getting any of the City services. Councilman Asting reminded Mr. Veschusio that because of his well and septic tank he is not paying for services he is not getting. Mayor Christy reminded the audience that the City was benefiting from the services of the police and voluntary fire departments. Mr. Newell spoke regarding the increase and the fact that it was excessive. Rev. Boggs spoke regarding the living expenses increasing and the City trying to balance the budget. Mr. Burgess because of a homestead' exemption his taxes are lower. He does not see where the City can operate if a number of these decreases occur. Mr. Cloer has been trying to get county taxes lowered. He stated the audience should get better informed and then they could appreciate what the Council is trying to do in balancing the budget. Mr. Phillips said the people are mad at the increases in all levels and should turn out and vote in the elections. Mr. Opal wanted to know what the legal portion of the budget entailed. Mayor Christy explained it covered court appearances, preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and.secretarial expenses. Mr. Opal said it was not legal to pay for the secretary's insurance. in the City's budget and also questionea Attorney ~~ood's contract. Attorney Woods explained he was not under contract with the City. Councilman Cameron explained that the Attorney does not charge the City by the hour as some firms do. He feels the City is saving by paying the insurance of the secretary. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 4-1. Councilman Ledbetter voted NO. Meeting 9/22/80 -4- o (J Water Mayor Christy read from the Circuit Court Case #78-323-CA-Ol, Div. E regarding setting water rates. After a lengthy reading the audience stated they did not want to listen to it. He went over the rate schedule and asked for the Council's decision. Ms. Webber stated the City shouldn't use the figures of May Zima when they hired another firm. Mayor Christy read from a Brent Millikan report that the City waste- water was not operating to capacity because charges are insufficient. Councilman Asting made a motion to adopt the "proposition 5" increase, using base rate at $3.50 for first 2,000 gallons (remains same) and subsequent rate be charged at $1.10 per 1,000 gallons. On the multiple the rate would be $3.00 base and $1.10 for each 1,000 gallons thereafter. Councilman Rotundo seconded the motion. Mr. Gross asked if this was just for the water and stated that no one would get any breaks - what they use is what they pay for. Mayor Christy explained~yes because of the complaints last week about individuals paying more than commercial users. Mr. Opal was opposed to "proposition 5" and stated no one knows how to figure the rate schedule. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 4-1. Councilman Ledbetter voted NO. Wastewater There was a brief discussion regarding the Federal Revenue Sharing. Councilman Asting made a motion to go with 110% increase in the sewer rates (from 100% to 110%). Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. Councilman Ledbetter reminded the Council that the water increase would automatically raise the sewer rates. Councilman Cameron confirmed this statement however there are repairs to be made and the City does need the money. Mr. Gross stated the citizens are mad. He r:equested the Mayor to think before voting. He stated the City needed a new Council. Ms. Webber wanted an explanation regarding the repairs and Federal Revenue Sharing money. Councilman Ledbetter stated there was no revenue sharing money figured in the budget. Councilman Asting explained that if and when it was available it could be used for paving the roads in Florida Shores. Mayor Christy stated he did not see the reason for 110% that the water increase increase should be enough. Upon roll call the motion DID NOT CARRY 3-2. Councilman Asting and Cameron voted YES. Refuse Mayor Christy spoke regarding the garbage situation with Mr. Osban. The purchase of the tractor/trailer is not included in the proposed budget. A letter from Mr. Osban increasing the City's rate was read advising a 20% increase would be in effect as of October 1st. Councilman Ledbetter suggested that the Council hold off on the rate increase until the price of a trailer was researched. There was further discussion regarding additional customers, rates, etc. Councilman Ledbetter made a motion to increase the garbage fee to $4.00 per month and Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. Meeting 9/22/80 -5- (.) (.) Councilman Rotundo wanted to know if the $4.00 would be enough to cover the budget. Mayor Christy said it would not. Councilman Ledbetter stated he thought the City could live with the $.50 additional. Councilman Cameron stated that with 500 additional customers the City could live with it. There was further discussion by Councilman Ledbetter and Mayor Christy. Mr. Hatfield spoke that he was opposed to the increase. Councilman Rotundo would like to see the garbage service continue as it is presently, however if we go to $4.00 and it doesn't work we could cut down to one pick up a week. Mr. Lodico stated that large garbage collections should be made, however the people should pay for these. Mayor Christy felt $4.50 should be the charge. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 3-2. Councilman Rotundo and Mayor Christy voted NO. Another workshop was set for Thursday, September 26th, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss wastewater and garbage budgets. A motion was made by Councilman Asting to authorize the Attorney to draw up ordinance for the rate increases. Councilman Ledbetter seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 5-0. A short recess was called. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Asting made a motion to adopt the minutes of September 15, 1980. Councilman Rotundo seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 5-0. BILLS AND ACCOUNTS Councilman Rotundo made a motion to approve the bills and accounts for payment. This was seconded by Councilman Cameron. Mayor Christy questioned the bill from Moreland for chemicals. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS The City Clerk read the letter from Mr. Osban of Triangle Services regarding the increase in his rate. Councilman Rotundo made a motion to accept Mr. Osban's proposal. It was seconded by Mr. Asting. Mr. Demuch questioned the Counci~ if an independent contractor had been sought to handle -the trash collections. Attorney Woods stated the City would have to go out for bids for a private contractor rather than doing it themselves. Meeting 9/22/80 -6- Q Q Mayor Christy stated the City had bad experiences previously with private contractors. He also said the City could not stay within the budget at the $4.00 rate. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 4-1. Mayor Christy voted NO. The City Clerk read the letter from the Zoning Board concerning board criticism. Ms. Webber said that she is a member of the Planning Board. She has been a member of the Council, Zoning and previous Planning Boards. She stated that at meetings of the City Council she speaks only for herself personally, and not as a member of any board. She claimed ordinances are being rushed through, such as the one on the agenda tonight. She wanted to know why the Council couldn't wait and do it legally. Sne asked 'if .the Zoning. Board was trying to rule the Councilor trying to invoke a gag rule to keep people from speaking. Councilman Asting stated that he feels this was not what the Zoning Board was trying to do with the letter. The letter was only concerning the "special interest groups" she referred to earlier in another Council meeting. If such groups exist then proof should be submitted. Ms. Webber stated the B-3 change will only help-the special~contractors. This will increase the amount of rental homes that will be in demand. Mayor Christy read Ordinance #922 which amended Ordinance #880. He also referred to Ordinance #925 which also amended Ordinance #880. Ordinance 80-0-69 adds a special exception, not just a permitted use. Attorney Woods tried to explain the ordinances in question. There was no further action taken by the Council on the matter. The City Clerk read the letter from the City Planner concerning the consolidation of the Planning and Zoning Boards. Councilman Asting stated the proposal has a lot of merit ,and made a motion to table the request for further study until the next Council meeting. Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 5-0. COORDINATORS REPORT Councilman Rotundo - none Councilman Ledbetter - none Councilman Cameron - none Councilman Asting - none City Attorney Woods - none City Clerk Nancy Blazi - Requested the approval of a bill in the amount Of $1,950":00 from Matthew, Wood for laying bricks at the new fire station. Council Rotundo made the motion to approve the bill and Councilman Ledbetter seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Christy - read a letter from the Florida League of Cities concerning House Bill 7112. Meeting 9/22/80 -7- . . o (,) RESOLUTIONS Attorney Woods read Resolution 80-R-177. A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA ON NOVEMBER 4, 1980, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING COUNCILMEN FOR ZONES 2 AND 4; PROPOSING CERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 8, SECTION 13 AND SECTION 20 OF THE CHARTER LAWS OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, SAID PROPOSED AMEND- MENTS PERTAINING TO THE TERMS OF OFFICE AND MANNER OF ELECTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEN, THE MANNER OF FILLING A VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PROCEDURE FOR THE ADOPTION OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY THE CITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HEREIN TO THE DULY QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS RESOLUTION AS REQUIRED BY LAW AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Asting made a motion to adopt the Res.olution. Councilman Rotundo seconded the motion. There was a discussion by the Councilmen, Mr. Siciliano, Mr. Gross, Mr. Holahan, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Opal and Mayor Christy concerning the election of officials and the running of the City if this Resolution is adopted. Attorney Woods explained that if this is passed and if there were vacancies on the Council it is possible the Governor would have to appoint people to fill the vacancies, until a special election is held. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 4-1. Councilman Rotundo voted NO. ORDINANCES Attorney Woods read Ordinance 80-0-69 for the second reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, BY ADDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF DUPLEXES AND MULTI- FAMILY DWELLINGS, INCLUDING TOWNHOUSES AND CLUSTER HOUSING IN THE B-2, B-3, B-4 AND B-6 ZONING DISTRICTS AS SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS IN SAID ZONING DISTRICTS; PROVIDING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 603.01, R-4 MULTI-FAMILY DISTRICT; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF THIS ORDINANCE BY THE CITY CLERK AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Asting made a motion to adopt the Ordinance as read and Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. There was a discussion by Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Holahan regarding the changes in the zoning districts. They felt this Ordinance should not be brought up before the Council before May, 1981. Mayor Christy read Section 1105 concerning the rezoning. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 3-2. Councilman Ledbetter and Mayor Christy voted NO. OLD BUSINESS The City Clerk read a letter from the Magnuson Corporation regarding a request to vacate Guava Drive and the plat plan submitted. Mr. Wallace answered questions posed by the Councilmen and Mr. Cloer concerning this request. Councilman Cameron made a motion to reject the request to vacate Guava Drive. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 5-0. Meeting 9/22/80 -8- , , o u General Fund Budget The City Clerk read the individual totals under each department. Councilman Cameron made a motion to accept the budget as proposed. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Councilman Rotundo stated he would like the Police Department budget to be increased by $7,000.00. Mr. Shoemaker requested a breakdown of machinery and equipment budget. Councilman Cameron stated there were four cars to be taken off the road. This would save on gas and insurance. Mayor Christy stated the cars on the road have deferred crime. Mr. Rickelman presented comparison figures 'worked up with New Smyrna on vehicle repairs. Mr. McEver discussed the policemen using the police cars for personal business. He also discussed the rotation of the cars and the hiring of additional personnel if the cars are taken off the road. There was a lengthy discussion by the audience and members of the police force regarding using police cars for personal use and deterring crime by using the cars around town. Councilman Asting discussed the wear and tear on the cars and the insurance costs as reflected in the budgets. He also discussed the fringe benefits and the salaries of the officers. Mr. Isamone stated it was helpful to have officers with cars in the area because he lives quite a distance from the station and it is quicker to have someone near, if there is trouble. Mr. Burgess stated it is a good thing to have police cars in the area most of the time. Mr. Cloer said he felt it was good having the police cars in the same yard all the time but was not sure it was worth the money. Mr. Holahan stated the men are on call 24 hours a day and they should have means to respond. He felt there should be rules and regulations governing the use of the cars. Ms. Webber suggested we trim the Street Department budget and give it to the Police Department for operating the cars. Councilman Cameron stated the Street Department needed the money in their budget to pick up the trash; otherwise'it would create a health hazard. Also the sewer budget was cut and it a1so ',could create a health problem. There is no comparison in not picking up the trash to the policemen taking the patrol cars home. ' Ms. Webber wanted to know if lives were in danger would you call a garbage man or a policeman. Policeman do have training. Councilman Cameron stated that in some cases he might, the uniform doesn't make the'man. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED 3-2. Councilman Rotundo and Mayor Christy voted NO. Attorney Woods requested a dec~sion on the Southern County Building Ordinance and the Board of Adjustments and Appeals question concerning the number of members constituting a quorum and the number of members required on the Board. There was no action or discussion of Attorney Woods request. Meeting 9/22/80 -9- , ..., ' o o Councilman Cameron made a motion to have the patrol officers turn the cars in, take four cars out of service, and no cars be taken home as of Friday, September 26th. The motion DIED for lack of a second. The City Clerk requested a workshop to go over the budgets. It was set for 4:00 P.M. Thursday, September 25th. The City Clerk also requested a date for a Public Hearing for .final adoption of the budgets. This was set tentatively for 0ttob~Ln6~~l980. The City Attorney will prepare an ordinance for adoption of the budgets after the workshops. Councilman Asting made a motion to get rid of three (3) marked police cars (the three oldest). Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. Councilman Rotundo stated he felt October 1st was a better time to do this. Councilman Asting stated the people have requested the Council to economize and the Police Department should not be an exception. There was further discussion by Mr. Shoemaker and the Councilman on why only three cars, not four or five. Upon roll call the motion CARRIED-3-2. Councilman Rotundo and Mayor Christy voted NO. ADJOURN Councilman Cameron seconded the motion. ~. /' Minutes submitted by: Patsy L. McCann 4~~ ~.[ji~ councilman( ~~ ?/ tZ~/7_ Councilman rzp {' 5- \J ~ councija~~ YLA ATTEST: ~~~ f'~d' City Cl rk' rt c:/f - DAY OF ':. Meeting 9/22/80 -10-