THE CITY OF MARCO ISLAND
MINUTES
City Council Special–Called Meeting & Workshop – July 9, 2001 – 9:05 a.m.
Chairman Tucker called the meeting to order and presided.
ROLL CALL
All Present (Councilman Pettersen arrived at 11:10 a.m.)
Also Present: A. William Moss, City Manager
Ken Cuyler, City Attorney
Lisa Absher, Finance Director
Greg Niles, Community Development Director
Mike Murphy, Fire Chief
Roger Reinke, Police Chief
Vladimir Ryziw, Public Works Director
Laura Litzan, Deputy City Clerk
Interested citizens and visitors
BUSINESS
(A) WORKSHOP – Staff Presentations of the FY2001-2002 Budget.
(Editorial History: During the workshop, staff will present to City Council proposed departmental operating budgets and proposed capital projects for FY2001-2002.)
Following presentations by the City Manager and Department Directors, Council agreed to support the FY2002 Budget recommended by staff and the millage rate of 1.7437, with the following change:
· Defer hiring a Youth and Family Programs Coordinator until the issue is studied further. The funds allocated for the position, as well as the funds allocated for the programs, will remain in the budget, but will be reclassified to “Youth and Family Programs Implementation.”
Public Comment
Mr. Mario Curiale, 820 Eubanks Court, and Mr. Bob Dapis directed questions to the City Manager and staff regarding the budget presented.
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Recesses: 10:50 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m. to 1:20 p.m., 3:10 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. It is noted for the record that the same council members were present when the meeting reconvened.
(B) DISCUSSION – FY2002 Proposed Budget – Approve a Proposed Millage Rate, Announce the Current Roll-back Rate, and Set Date of First Tentative Budget Hearing.
(Editorial History: The City is required to follow a timetable established by the Truth In Millage (TRIM) statutes. Within 35 days (by August 2nd) of receipt of its taxable value, City Council is required to advise the Property Appraiser of the proposed millage rate, the current year roll-back millage rate and the date, time, and place of the first Tentative Budget Hearing.)
Following discussion, City Council agreed to approve the proposed millage rate recommended by the City Manager of 1.7437. The City Manager announced that the current roll-back rate is 1.2714, and that the date, time and meeting place for the First Tentative Budget Hearing is Wednesday, September 5, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. at Frank E. Mackle, Jr., Community Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island, Florida.
(C) RESOLUTION – A Resolution to Adopt a Unified Communication Rate of 5.1%.
(Editorial History: The 2000/2001 Florida Legislature made sweeping changes affecting local government’s ability to preside over its rights-of-way and franchise authorities, specifically in regard to companies in the telecommunications business. These changes to the law included the elimination of local government’s ability to negotiate and levy franchise fees, and replaced this revenue source with the “Unified Communications Tax” (UCT). This legislation provides a window through July 16th, 2001 to allow the City of Marco Island to raise its rates to any amount up to the maximum of 5.1%. The Florida League of Cities has
advised us that most cities in our predicament are choosing to enact the maximum rate.)
MOTION by Councilman Cowin to APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A UNIFIED COMMUNICATION RATE OF 5.1%. Second by Councilman Boyce. Motion carried 5-0.
(D) DISCUSSION – Future City Charter Amendments.
(Editorial History: On March 14, 2001 City Council met in a workshop session to discuss proposed amendments to the City Charter. At that time, it was the sentiment of Council to conduct a referendum election in November. There are
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two Charter issues that are “time sensitive” where a November referendum may be preferred. These are: (1) the number of counselors, and (2) a February rather than March election. Should Council prefer that these issues be deferred, a referendum in conjunction with the March 2002 city elections may be preferable.)
Following discussion, Council agreed that the number of council seats will remain at seven (7), and that the date of the City election will remain unchanged at this time. Council further agreed to hold another workshop to discuss other proposed changes to the City Charter, which will be presented to the electorate at the March 2002 election.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS & DISCUSSION
Council agreed to hold a workshop meeting on July 16, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the negotiations with Florida Water Services.
FUTURE AGENDA
Councilman Cowin requested that Council discuss the closing time for establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. (Ed. Note: this item will appear on the August 6, 2001 agenda.)
Councilman Boyce requested that Council discuss implementing a utility tax. (Ed. Note: this item will appear on the August 6, 2001 agenda.)
PUBLIC COMMENT (Items not on the agenda)
Mr. Mario Curiale, 820 Eubanks Court, commented on staff’s plan review process
for new construction and the need to build reserves into the budget by not rushing to complete projects.
ADJOURN
There being no public comment and no further business to come before City Council the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
(signature page to follow)
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City Council Minutes for July 9, 2001
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____________________________
E. Glenn Tucker, Council Chairman
Date________________________
ATTEST:
____________________________
A. William Moss, City Manager/City Clerk
Date________________________
PREPARED BY:
____________________________
Laura Litzan, Deputy City Clerk
Date: _______________________
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