HomeMy WebLinkAbout1725 - MINUTES - City Commission MINUTES
DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 17, 2001
1. Call to order by Mayor Flury at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call:
Present:
Mayor: Pat Flury
Vice-Mayor: Robert Chunn
Commissioners: John Bertino
Charles McElyea (arrived 7:15 p.m.)
Bob Mikes
City Attorney: Tom Ansbro
Acting City Manager: Jason Nunemaker
Deputy City Clerk: Charlene Johnson
3. Discussion of revised draft EIS response. (White & Case, LLP)
Attorney Douglas Halsey, White & Case, LLP., Special Counsel for the City, presented a revised draft
letter incorporating the changes requested by the City Commission from the April 9th workshop meeting
relating to the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) on the airport runway expansion. Attorney Halsey
advised that Attorney Brenda Chalifour, Special Counsel for the City, has also included additional
changes, which he felt were more germane to the actual permitting occurring with the South Florida
Water Management District and Army Corps of Engineers. He stated that the City's response must be
submitted to the FAA by April 20th and that FAA will review all of the written comments from all
commenting agencies before a final EIS is completed.
Attorney Halsey clarified that the airport expansion project has been in process for 13 years and that it
would be unlikely that any of the submitted comments would halt the expansion of the runway project.
However, he did support the City's actions to set forth its position in writing to FAA and Broward County
so that as individual permits are issued by various agencies the City will be informed on how to best
protect its citizens interests. The City's response in general requests that FAA conduct more air
studies, increased and better evaluation of noise impacts, including impact of the elevated runway, and
the intensity of the impact on wetlands, stormwater, water quality and wildlife issues. Attorney Halsey
was confident that the response letter identifies issues and provides bonifide comments that can be
used by the City as a future development strategy to enhance the protections already in place by the
Interlocal Agreement between the City and Broward County.
Commissioner Bertino agreed that everyone realizes that the City's review of the EIS was not going to
stop the expansion project. He questioned whether the Interlocal Agreement removed any future
litigation rights that might need to be initiated by the City to protect the safety of residents. Attorney
Halsey assured Commissioner Bertino that the City has legal and administrative avenues to pursue and
that the City could file a Declaratory Judgment action in Circuit Court as an intervention on air quality or
health welfare matters.
MINUTES 1 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Commissioner Mikes agreed that there are no guarantees of stopping the expansion project but pointed
out that there could be delays in completing the project during the permitting process from several
environmental agencies. He stressed the critical importance of protecting the City's tax base, securing
all measures for safety for residents, and for the City take advantage of emphasizing comments
favorable to the City's position in the EIS response. .
Attorney Halsey clarified that Broward County has the right to proceed with the expansion based on the
permits that are issued from several environmental and regulatory agencies. Should the City disagree
with the final selected alternative, the City could challenge the legal sufficiency of the EIS if the Federal
agency failed to consider relevant statutes or to address key central facts relating to environmental
matters. After discussion, Mr. Halsey agreed to include a sentence in the EIS response with respect to
the proposed runway elevation being more susceptible to cross winds.
Attorney Brenda Chalifour advised that Broward County proposed a request for four phases from 1993
to 1997 and that Phase 4 was construction of the runway expansion. As of this time, she stated that the
FAA has not filed application for the runway expansion. She pointed out that the Army Corps of
Engineers permit only provides for phases 1 through 3, which is the current expansion activities as
outlined on Page 14, second paragraph, in the EIS response. The Army Corps of Engineers is
obligated to complete a full environmental statement before they can approve the selection of the
runway site due to a variety of environmental and health reasons. Because the Army Corps of
Engineers has a different set of authorities and responsibilities that deal more with the wetlands and
impact issues, than that of the FAA, she was hopeful that a more unbiased, comprehensive and full
evaluation of the alternatives would be presented. Attorney Chalifour recommended that the City
pursue a close working relationship with the Army Corps of Engineers and other regulatory agencies
that are responsible for preserving and protecting wetlands as well as fish wildlife and plants.
. A motion was made by Commissioner Mikes, seconded by Commissioner McElyea, approving the
amended EIS response by adding additional language in the last section to read "Although many of
these facilities would be displaced in the short term, the overall impact on Dania Beach residents and
the environment would be much less under Alternatives A & B in the long term", all comments
submitted by Attorney Brenda Chalifour, and a sentence relating to runway elevation being more
susceptible to cross winds.
The motion passed on the following 5/0 roll call vote:
Commissioner Bertino-yes Commissioner McElyea-yes
Commissioner Mikes-yes Vice-Mayor Chunn-yes
Mayor Flury-yes
The City Commission requested that staff send the document via Federal Express to FAA by April 181n
4. Goal setting with City Commission:
Acting City Manager Nunemaker suggested that the City Commission allow each department an
opportunity to present their department requests and that the City Commission provide direction on the
important projects that they wish staff to work on for the upcoming budget session. He also pointed out
that there are financial concerns with services from Public Works, Utilities, emergency medical and
BSO for the upcoming annexed areas due to come into the City September 15, 2001.
MINUTES 2 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Brief State of the City of Dania Beach
1. Current fiscal issues
a) Fund balance
i) Implications
ii) Future reserves
Dave Keller, Finance Director, reported to the City Commission that at the end of fiscal year 1999, the
City's General Fund balance was approximately $3 million and that during fiscal year 2000, the City
used approximately $2.2 million. The General Fund balance at the end of fiscal year 2000 was
$850,000.00. He mentioned that this is a good average since a minimum fund balance should be
around 5% of the operating budget or$1 million based on the City's $20 million budget. However,
during 2001, the City has budgeted to use approximately $800,000.00 of the fund balance assuming
that the revenues and expenditures are accurate. With these projections, there would only be
approximately $50,000.00 at the end of this fiscal year (September 30, 2001) in the General Fund. Mr.
Keller clarified for the City Commission that reserves would not be able to be used to balance the
budget unless something extraordinary were to occur.
b) Annexation
i) Revenues
ii) Fixed and operating costs
Mr. Keller advised that staff is working with Broward County and the State to identify revenue
projections that may be coming from the newly annexed area. The county is required by law to provide
• the projections by June 1st and staff will be attempting to obtain preliminary estimates towards the end
of this month and beginning May. If the assessed valuation of the City's property increases by 4%,
which is conservative, the City could generate an estimated $250,000.00. If estimated costs for
salaries increase by some 4%, the $250,000.00 would be taken. Mr. Keller pointed out that the cost
would be higher the first year than in future years to provide services to the newly annexed area
because of the one-time fixed costs involved.
c) Union Negotiations
Mr. Keller advised that negotiations are currently ongoing with the IAFF and AFSCME unions.
d) Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Under Acting City Manager Nunemaker, Mr. Keller advised that staff is working on a Capital
Improvement Program throughout the City that will include suggestions presented by the City
Commission.
e) Implementation of a CRA
Mr. Keller explained that the CRA is in its first phase and that the second phase involving
redevelopment is estimated to cost around $80,000.00.
2. Timeline
is
MINUTES 3 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Mr. Keller advised that he would be sending out budget instructions to all departments within the next
week and that departments will begin compiling their budget requests. He expected to present a
proposed budget in early July with a final approval of the budget in September.
Goals & Expectations
Commissioner Bertino stressed the need for a study to be conducted on the taxes that were charged to
residents and collected by the County from the newly annexed area in the Southwest section of the
City. He mentioned that residents in the Davis Isles section have advised him that the County promised
drainage improvements to be installed over the past 18 months and that the improvements have not
occurred. He advised that Representative Tim Ryan will support the City's position to look into the
revenue situation and that legislative action may be needed as each home was also charged for fire
fees covering fire equipment that should come to the City. The Legislative Delegation has mentioned
that annexation areas are supposed to be brought up to speed before they are turned over to
municipalities and that the City is in need of start up dollars.
Commissioner Mikes concurred with the comments from Commissioner Bertino in regards to the need
to obtain more information on the revenues from the annexed area. He was concerned that there may
be a recession period coming and that the City may not have the growth that has been provided in the
past. He pointed out that the rate of growth in benefits for public safety employees has always been
extremely high and that the expense has caused an under funding in other departments in the City. Mr.
Keller advised that he has contacted the employee pension actuaries to obtain a projection on pension
costs and agreed to provide quarterly reports to the City Commission outlining costs.
Mayor Flury stressed the need to improve neighborhoods and parks in the City. She mentioned that
staff needs to think of creative ways to increase revenues and that grants may also be helpful. She
suggested that the Acting City Manager see what can be done to reduce the use of reserves in the
current budget and was glad that the City does not appear to have a lot of debt.
Commissioner Bertino mentioned that the bond issue that was proposed some time ago was going to
help with the long-term capital improvements needed in the City. He mentioned that a bond must be
over 10 — 12 million in order to make it worth going through the bond process. He recommended an
acquisition of the land south of the City to create a downtown campus program and pointed out that
City Hall is becoming too small. In addition, more personnel will be needed with the newly annexed
area coming into the City. He mentioned that there are excellent long-term loan plans with the League
of Cities that could be pursued and that the City Commission should hold sessions on where to spend
money. Mr. Keller advised that he would be exploring financing alternatives once the goals of the staff
and City Commission have been established.
Acting City Manager Nunemaker was encouraged that the County is currently working on some
drainage improvements in the western portion of the City north of Griffin Road. He mentioned plans to
review the annexation agreement between Pompano Beach and Broward County on the Cresthaven
annexation because it provides detailed procedures to follow on annexation.
Commissioner Mikes requested that staff provide a written report on what is needed for staffing
changes, costs from departments and changes for City Hall. Mr. Nunemaker agreed to provide
department information and a debt service schedule for the City Commission in the future. Mayor Flury
requested that the Acting City Manager review the City's revenue sources to ensure that the City is
receiving the correct amounts.
• 1. City Commission (Jason Nunemaker)
MINUTES 4 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
• Acting City Manager Nunemaker suggested that minor modifications be made to the Commission
Chambers and estimated presentation equipment to run around $25,000.00 for the electronics for the
presentation panel, televisions for the public to view the presentation materials, and some wiring on the
dais.
Commissioner Mikes recommended that staff purchase presentation equipment that would be video
friendly for the audience watching the meetings at home.
Mayor Flury recommended that new chairs be purchased and that the orange Formica be replaced on
the dais.
2. City Manager's Office (Jason Nunemaker)
a) Reorganization
Acting City Manager Nunemaker advised of his plans to bring the City Clerk Division under the City
Manager's Office because of the important contact for information for the City Commission and the
public. He mentioned that this change would also involve impact to the Administrative Services
Department, which he would explain later.
Commissioner Mikes mentioned the need for staff to address responsiveness to public complaints and
to provide an openness of information through the City Clerk Division since the city manager is not
always available. Acting City Manager Nunemaker advised that the change would not deter openness
and communication with the City Clerk Division and the City Commission.
b) Economic Development
c) Grants
Acting City Manager Nunemaker advised that efforts are coordinated within all of the departments to
work on quality of life issues to improve economic development by pursuing projects that are good for
the City and that grants are a way to pursue revenue. However, grants sometimes require matching
funds from the City and that this must be a consideration in the budget. As an example, he mentioned
an application for a grant with the Department of Commerce for water delivery infrastructure that will
utilize existing stormwater funds. The City may have to expend $300,000 to $400,000 to generate $1.2
million in improvements for the City.
Commissioner Bertino suggested that the City considering hiring a professional consultant or staff
person to work with the Broward Alliance to improve economic development. The Main Street and
Chamber are doing a good job for the City. He recommended that the City Commission hold workshops
on determining how the City should develop so that infrastructure can be implemented and that staff
pursue grants for infrastructure improvements. Commissioner Bertino advised that Griffin Road needs
to be rezoned and that Sheridan Street needs a Commercial PUD (Planned Unit Development), which
requires an infrastructure plan to be developed.
Mayor Flury recommended that a professional grant writer be considered. She mentioned that the City
will eventually have a City Manager and an Assistant City Manager and that the City Manager
departmental responsibilities must be specifically defined.
Commissioner Mikes stressed the need to pursue quality development like hotels and to maintain the
integrity of the Codes to improve the City.
•
MINUTES 5 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Vice-Mayor Chunn recommended that efforts be pursued to get the restaurant opened at the Pier in an
. effort to increase revenues. Acting City Manager Nunemaker advised that a workshop is being planned
for the first part of May with Neal Aronson, Architect, to discuss the plans that he presented on the shell
of the restaurant, bait shop and restrooms in 1998.
Commissioner McElyea advised that the City Commission needs to address the pier restaurant, a Fire
Station out west, and the matter relating to the equipment at the Public Works Compound being moved
from the Water Plant. Acting City Manager Nunemaker expected to close on the property at 803 NW
1st Street this coming week. The City Commission requested to discuss the fire station with the pier
issue at the workshop May 1st 2"d or 3rd
Commissioner McElyea recommended that the entire southern block by City Hall be purchased and
advised that the owners are interested in negotiating with the City. Discussion followed on an appraisal
that had been conducted on the southern parcel years ago and opposition to pursuing condemnation
for the land. Commissioner McElyea suggested that the grant writer be hired on a percentage basis so
that the person would be paid based on amount of grants brought into the City.
3. Administrative Services (Sheryl Chapman)
a) Reorganization
Acting City Manager Nunemaker advised that the reorganization would focus primarily on Personnel
Services and customer and resident relations in Administration.
Sheryl Chapman, Administrative Services Director, advised that negotiations will be coming up with the
unions and that an Executive Session will be scheduled in the future with the City Commission. In
addition, the City is self-funded on health insurance and an RFP was advertised and proposals were
received for an Insurance Consultant. Administrative Services Director Chapman advised that she
plans to interview two of the firms next week with Dave Keller, Finance Director and that a
recommendation would be forthcoming to the City Commission. Once the insurance consultant is
selected, an RFP would be advertised for both self-insurance and fully insured to determine the best
alternative for the City's health insurance program. The General Liability Property Casualty with the
Florida Municipal Insurance Fund is not doing well and this area of insurance would also be addressed
in the upcoming RFP.
Sheryl Chapman, Administrative Services Director, advised that there is a need for a classification
study and that a partnership committee has been established with Eula Gardner, Leo Williams, William
Johnson and herself to review processes and employee performance aspects. The Fire Department is
the only area that has a consistent employee performance program and there is a need to establish
employee class descriptions first. Mayor Flury recommended that a focus be placed on the employee
evaluation process during alternate years since health insurance and union negotiations are currently
being addressed by Administrative Services.
Commissioner Bertino explained that he has had experience forming two insurance companies for the
League of Cities and that the insurance consultant that is selected cannot have any agency ties to the
insurance companies. The City has to be careful with Self-Insurance because the costs can be low the
first year and then the next year the rates are doubled or tripled and then the City is in a bind because
they no longer have a Third-party Administrator Company in tact. Discussion followed on the City's
efforts to reduce accidents and employee training for safe work sites.
•
MINUTES 6 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Flury suggested that Information Technology be looked at in the departments for better record
keeping. Acting City Manager Nunemaker advised that Information Technology falls under the Finance
Director and that he would report back on the issue.
Commissioner Mikes wanted to know how performance evaluations would be structured with regards to
salaries and wondering if longevity pay could be changed around. Sheryl Chapman advised that she is
attempting to negotiate three-year Union Contracts and expected the first year of the plans to remain
the same with the second year moving towards a pay system based more on employee performance. It
was noted that the first priority to be established was clear and specific guidelines for employee
performance.
4. Finance (David Keller)
Dave Keller, Finance Director, explained that under his department there is accounting, purchasing,
utility billing, and Information Services, which are support functions for other operations. He did not see
a great need for changes in his department and he expected that employees in his department to be
freed up from some duties once HTE is fully implemented. He agreed to bring back a draft report on
how to use current technology to increase the efficiency of existing employees and information on how
the City stands with other cities in regards to the implementation of technology.
Commissioner Mikes requested that the report include a breakdown on staffing and budgeting from
comparable cities with diverse communities with populations from 15,000 to 35,000. Commissioner
Bertino pointed out that you have to be careful on comparisons as Westin has three employees and the
rest of the work is contracted out.
Dave Keller, Finance Director, advised that HTE is a flexible program and that he is currently working
on obtaining additional training in running reports with Cognos with some of his staff to better utilize the
program. Mayor Flury questioned whether HTE is being used to its capacity in Personnel, Accounting,
Utility Billing, and Code Enforcement. Staff advised that there are still components that have not been
implemented and Acting City Manager Nunemaker agreed to report back on the program at the next
meeting. Mayor Flury urged staff to reach a level where reports could be obtained easily and City
Commissioners could be trained to run reports form themselves.
5. City Attorney (Tom Ansbro)
City Attorney Ansbro advised that there have been difficult litigation matters that have been dealt with
over the past few years such as Lauderdale Sand & Fill, Dismas Charities, Trailways Bus Company
and Pilot Travel Center. The Sign Ordinance and [ROM took extensive time, however, he was happy to
report that no court cases have been filed because staff worked so close with everyone involved to
reduce law suits.
City Attorney Ansbro advised that a Request for Legal Services has been implemented with the Acting
City Manager Nunemaker to help reduce costs and mentioned that the form has been used
successfully in Miramar. There is also a cost recovery system used for development requests in the
Growth Management Department to reduce staff and legal time on projects. Efforts have also been
implemented to use standard contracts and to obtain ordinances and resolutions from other cities to
reduce legal research.
The City also gained $130,000.00 on the Minnet Funds lawsuit that was a coalition with other cities and
that a similar coalition lawsuit involving FPL will be coming up at the next meeting.
MINUTES 7 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Commissioner Mikes mentioned that the City used to utilize an in-house attorney and that there are
many ordinances and resolutions that can be copied from other cities that have already had
professional legal review. Commissioner Mikes recommended that the City consider hiring a Paralegal
to assist with the legal matters and reduce costs with the firm for grant work and requests.
Commissioner Bertino agreed that a Paralegals could be used in some cases but there is a need to be
careful with the use of Paralegals compared to an attorney. He suggested hiring an in-house attorney to
be available to staff on the day to day legal questions that come up and that special counsels could be
hired for special situations. He recommended that the use of a firm or in-house attorney should be
evaluated by Administration and considered in the upcoming budget.
Commissioner Mikes advised that requirements could be set for the Paralegal and that a Paralegal
could save legal costs and that an out-side firm does promote a variety of legal expertise even though
the was concerned with the costs.
Mayor Flury mentioned that another consideration is that the City could pay considerably more on
litigating cases if they had an in-house attorney as a general attorney would not handle most of the
litigation and specialized attorneys would have to be used. She agreed with looking into the use of a
Paralegal and recommended that the person work very close with Attorney Ansbro's firm.
6. Fire Rescue (Ken Land)
Acting City Manager Nunemaker pointed out that the rest of the department presentations are impacted
by the newly annexation.
• Chief Ken Land, Fire Rescue Department, advised that Acting City Manager Nunemaker has already
instructed department directors to have a better working relationship with the City Commission.
Chief Land advised that he would like to finish some lose ends from the 1991 annexation and the
current annexation by finishing the Fire Station in the western portion of the City. He also requested an
increase of three personnel on each engine and agreed to spread out the hiring of the manpower over
a gradual period instead of all at one time.
7. Broward Sheriff's Office (Robert Anton)
Chief Anton, BSO, advised that the City is in the third year of a five year contract and that one
addendum was added to increase in one position of an Administrative Support Specialist for the
administering the vehicle impoundment and alarm ordinances procedures. In addition, the addendum
upgraded one Administrative Support Specialist to a Crime Analyst position at an increase of
$2,000.00. The Parking Enforcement Specialist was removed.
Chief Anton requested a Motorcycle position to handle the school zones and the possibility of utilizing a
drug dog at an estimated cost of$100,000.00. He mentioned that he is looking into sending an officer
to Canada for six weeks and is also looking at some training locally.
Chief Anton explained that he took over the newly annexed area effective January 10, 2001, which is
currently one zone staffed by one deputy. Chief Anton advised that he will need 11 additional deputies
for the area, which will need to be split into two zones to bring the area up to par with the rest of the
City on police protection. Discussion followed on an average deputy costing $74,000.00 a year and 1.7
deputies needed to staff each shift per zone (3 shifts a day) or five deputies to cover one zone with
• three shifts a day 7 days a week or 1.7 deputies per shift. The 11 positions will include 10 Road Patrol
MINUTES 8 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Deputies and one Criminal Investigator. Chief Anton advised that the annexed area is one of the most
rapid growing areas and that the UCR (Uniform Crime Report) shows Part 1 crime down by 20% for
2001 through the end of March, which is a direct result from the COP and Turn Around Dania Beach
organizations.
Mayor Flury inquired as to the number of tickets that are written on speeding as speeding is so bad in
parts of the City. She asked if the drug dog would pay for itself in monies confiscated on drug crimes.
Chief Anton advised that all confiscated funds go into the LETF (Law Enforcement Trust Fund) and that
he would explore the idea of using LETF funds to pay for the drug dog or the training of the dog.
Discussion followed with the City Commission on the efficient use of an automobile patrolman verses
the use of a motorcycle patrolman who is limited on working due to whether conditions and drug dogs
being obtained from BSO.
8. Public Works & Utilities (Bud Palm)
Bud Palm, Public Works/Utilities Director, advised that the plant is producing quality water and that a
program is in place with replacing the 2" water lines with 6" water lines. He advised that his goal
currently is to improve the drainage system in the City.
Commissioner Mikes requested that the City Commission be notified of projects that are scheduled in
the City so that they may be able to respond to the public.
Discussion following on a engineering drainage study that was conducted in 1990 and how the
drainage coming from Federal Highway impacts the southeast section. Mr. Palm advised that a
• contract needs to be approved with Calvin, Giordano &Associates to complete the drainage study for
Federal Highway and that he would be bringing this to the City Commission. Commissioner Mikes
commended the efforts by Bud Palm to improve the drainage in the southeast section of the City and
mentioned that a Special Assessment District will most like be needed to address major drainage
improvements for the area. Commissioner McElyea commented on forced pumping that was used by
Hollywood to improve drainage and Mr. Palm advised that the problem will never be totally solved when
major storms hit.
9. Consulting Engineers (Bud Palm)
Commissioner Mikes suggested that engineering services be opened up to other firms and that he felt
that Calvin, Giordano &Associates seems to take the City for granted. Mr. Palm advised that Calvin,
Giordano &Associates are not being used very often anymore and that the City does not recommend a
list of private engineering firms to developers.
10. Growth Management (Larry Leeds)
Laurence Leeds, Growth Management Director, advised that most of last year the City was working on
the IROM rezoning process, which cost the City around $35,000.00 in legal fees. The City has one
lawsuit relating to IROM and the use of property being used as an outdoor storage yard. The rezoning
of Griffin Road would most like cost the City around $35,000-$45,000.00 for public hearings before the
City Commission and Planning & Zoning Advisory Board.
Mr. Leeds reported on the street closure project and advised that permanent street closures should
cost around $5,000.00 per intersection in order to provide the proper landscaping. He advised that he
•
MINUTES 9 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
is currently working on 40 different projects and that the Growth Management Department is very busy
® right now.
Mr. Leeds advised that one additional Code Enforcement Inspector will be needed to cover 3 square
miles in the newly annexed area and an additional Code Secretary. The Building Division also needs
an additional Clerk to handle the paperwork generated and to reduce the over time required by the two
existing Clerks. Mr. Leeds also mentioned that the City may want to consider setting aside a small
portion of money to hire a traffic engineer consultant to handle the street closure plan.
Mr. Leeds commented on some of the evasive activities that he deals with on a daily basis and the
following issues being brought before the City Commission in the near future:
Dumpster Ordinance
Sign Ordinance Revision
Re-examining the zoning on Federal Highway
Rezoning of Griffin Road
City Attorney Ansbro mentioned that he spoke with Lynn Shatas, FPL, regarding 95 foot poles being
installed in public easements along Dixie Highway and the FEC corridor from Greynolds Park Sub
Station up to Port Laudania in Dania Beach. He advised that he would look into the situation and report
back.
Commissioner Bertino suggested that a moratorium be considered for Griffin Road until the rezoning
can be addressed and quality development can be provided for the area. Discussion followed on a
specialized zoning classification that would eliminate certain uses.
• Mayor Flury agreed that the positions requested by Mr. Leeds are not excessive because the
department remains so busy and he was asked to see if processes could be improved on some of the
smaller permit requests to make it easier on citizens and reduce red tape.
11. Parks & Recreation (Randy Wilkinson)
Randy Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Director, advised that the City is running an After School
Program for 100 kids at Thomas Park . The Hollywood Little League, a non-profit baseball and softball
program, conducts a program at Meli Park. He clarified that they are a national area program and not
connected to the City of Hollywood. The Recreation Department assisted with the BSO PAL program
this year and all of the baseball fields have been renovated and improved. The Recreation Department
has plans to begin a 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under and 16 and under baseball team
program through the BSO PAL Program at all of the parks.
Mr. Wilkinson mentioned plans to implement the roller hockey at Frost Park with younger groups or
taking the fence down to make a patio if there isn't enough interest. There is also a Paint for Fun
program for seniors at Frost Park.
Mr. Wilkinson stated that the buildings at the parks are in dire need of replacement and that he has
written $2.8 million in grants for improvements to Tigertail Park, Meli Park and Thomas Park. Mr.
Wilkinson recommended that a master plan be created that could be used for each park so that costs
would be clear.
•
MINUTES 10 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING
Mr. Wilkinson suggested implementing programs through the use of special revenue funds to pay
instructors for programs without any money being spent by the City and requested three (3) full time
employees to cover each parks and the need for lifeguards at the beach to be full-time.
Commissioner Mikes stressed the need for money to be used for funding improvements at the parks.
Commissioner Bertino mentioned that there is a need to change staffing hours so that there are
workers at the parks when the children are out of school. Mr. Wilkinson advised that his Supervisors
are used for administrative tasks for each park facility and that staffing is provided on school days after
2:00 p.m. He mentioned that the use of part-time employees is not productive.
5. Adjournment.
This meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
MAYOR-COMMISSIONER
ACTING CITY ICL RK
Respectfully submitted by Charlene Johnson
Deputy City Clerk
Approved on: May 8, 2001
•
MINUTES 11 APRIL 17, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING