07-31-07 Minutes SpecSPECIAL/WORKSHOP
JULY 31, 2007
A Special Meeting of the City Commission of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, was called to order
by Mayor Rita Ellis in the Commission Chambers at Ciry Hall at 6:09 p.m., on Tuesday, July 31,
2007.
Roll call showed:
Present - Commissioner Gary P. Eliopoulos
Commissioner Fred B. Fetzer
Commissioner Woodie McDuffie
Commissioner Brenda B. Montague
Mayor Rita Ellis
Also present were - David T. Harden, City Manager
Susan A. Ruby, City Attorney
Chevelle D. Nubin, Ciry Clerk
Mayor Ellis called the special meeting to order and announced that it had been called for the
purpose of considering the following items:
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
1. PROPOSED MILEAGE RATE: Consider approval of a proposed millage rate for FY
2008, and set the budget review and adoption schedule.
David T. Harden, City Manager, presented this item. Mr. Harden suggested a proposal that
would keep millage at nine percent (9%) below the rollback rate or 6.5783 mils for the Fiscal
Year 2008. Department Heads have suggested a number of steps to either cut costs or
increase revenue, which staff will continue to work on. As a result, the number of layoffs
has been reduced from sixteen (16) to two (2), and those positions could possibly be funded
when the process is completed.
Mr. Harden noted that $1,763,884.00 in changes would be added back to the budget which
would include the additional cost for the Police and Fire Pension Plan of $433,000.00.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Ellis announced this is a public meeting and opened the floor to public comments on
the millage rate proposal.
Jim Smith, 1225 S. Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, requested that the shuttle be saved.
He expressed his concern that Delray businesses would be at a serious competitive
disadvantage. Mr. Smith presented to the Commission, the results of a survey conducted on
the necessity of the shuttle bus. Mr. Smith advised that Diane Colonna, Director of the
Community Redevelopment Agency; Scott Aronson, Parking Management Specialist; David
T. Harden, City Manager; and Marjorie Ferrer, Downtown Marketing Cooperative
Coordinator, were also given a copy of the survey.
Todd L'Herrou, 830 Kokomo Kev Lane, Delray Beach, stated the discussion of cuts
scare him. He urged the Commission to do something less than the nine percent (9%) cut
that the Legislature has mandated.
Robert Heath, 1 Harbourside Drive, Aptartrnent #1402, Delray Beach, discussed
property taxes and stated Mr. Harden's proposal in the Palm Beach Post has no lasting cost
reductions. He explained his displeasure with Mr. Harden's proposal.
Sergeant Vinnie GraX, Delray Beach Police Department, speaking on behalf of the
Police Benevolent Association, recommended having the Palm Beach County Sheriff's
Office take over the police services in the City of Delray Beach. This takeover would save
the City ten to fifteen ($10-15) million dollars over the next three (3) years.
Gabriel Bargerstock, representing the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches,
discussed their budget cuts and requested that the Commission lower the millage rate to the
state mandated nine percent (9%).
Eugenia Deponte~24 Marine Way, Delr~ Beach, a resident and landlord, requested that
the Commission vote for the full nine percent (9%) decrease in the millage rate as mandated
by the State. Ms. Deponte says that she cannot afford to subsidize a rental property she has
in the NW/SW area of Delray.
Denise Ziemba, business owner located at 640 E. Atlantic. Avenue, Suite #5, Dekav
Beach, requested Commission reconsider its decision to cutback or stop some special
events completely. Special events draw residents and tourists to the City; generate income
for both businesses and the events, and they appreciate the arts.
Jury 31, aooy
Mayor Ellis closed the public hearing
Commissioner Fetzer made the motion to set the millage rate at 6.5783 and comply with the
State's nine (9%) rollback, seconded by Mr. McDuffie. Upon roll call, the Commission voted
as follows: Mr. Fetzer -Yes; Mr. McDuffie -Yes; Mrs. Montague -Yes; Mayor Ellis -Yes;
Mr. Eliopoulos -Yes; Said motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Harden requested authorization from the Commission to proceed with offering an
additional one (1) year retirement credit fox General Employees who choose the general
retirement option.
Commissioner McDuffie made the motion to approve one (1) year retirement credit to
General Employees who choose the early retirement option, seconded by Mrs. Montague.
Upon roll call, the Commission voted as follows: Mr. McDuffie -Yes; Mrs. Montague -
Yes; Mayor Ellis -Yes; Mr. Eliopoulos -Yes; Mr. Fetzer -Yes; Said motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Harden introduced David James, the City's new Fire Chief, who introduced himself to
the Commission and expressed his gratitude to work with his new colleagues, the City, and
the Commission.
Mr. Harden stated the first hearing of the budget adoption schedule meeting will be held on
September 4, 2007 and the second hearing on September 18, 2007. Mr. Harden
recommended, as a usual practice, to have an extra workshop session on August 28, 2007 for
budget discussion, as well as, budget discussion during the Commission's August 14, 2007
Workshop.
Mayor Ellis concurs with Mr. Harden's recommendation. She stated it is the direction of the
Commission to have the budget review and adoption meetings on the scheduled dates as
recommended.
Mayor Ellis adjourned the Special Meeting at 6:57 p.m.
A EST:
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MAYOR
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Ciry Clerk
3 July 31, 2007
The undersigned is the City Clerk of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, and the information
provided herein is the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Commission held on Tuesday, July
31, 2007 which Minutes were formally approved and adopted by the City Commission on
August 7, 2007
~.
City Clerk
NOTE TO READER: If the Minutes you have received are not completed as indicated above,
this means they are not the official Minutes of the City Commission. They will become the official
Minutes only after review and approval, which may involve amendments, additions or deletions to
the Minutes as set forth above.
4 July 31, 2007