09-10-2003 VC PH-MMINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING
• OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HELD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1Q 2003
Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
Charles R. O'Meilia, Vice Mayor
Joseph A. Tringali, President Pro Tem
Dr. Edward M. Eissey, Councilman
Don Noel, Councilman
Doug Smith, Acting Village Manager
George W. Baldwin, Village Attorney
Kathleen F. Kelly, CMC, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m. All members of Council were present. All
members of staff were present.
PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear comments from the public on the operating
budget for Fiscal Year 2002-2003, including the North Palm Beach Country Club.
STATEMENT OF PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN MILEAGE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK
RATE
Mayor Norris announced that the proposed millage is 6.80, which is 29.71% more than the
rollback figure of 5.2425. This year's proposed millage rate of 6.80 is 17.24% more than the
2002-2003 millage rate of 5.80. The three main purposes for which ad valorem tax revenues are
being increased are as follows: 1) Salary adjustments; 2) Increase In Pension Plan Contribution
and Group Health costs; and 3) No funds from unappropriated surplus are used.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Manny Grinn, 536 Greenway Drive, addressed the Council regarding the proposed budget, which
included his statement that the unappropriated fund balance, which is 4.9% of the budget, which is not
the minimum amount of 10% that the GFOA recommends. Further, Mr. Grinn told the council that the
Debt Service which was shown on Page 11 of the first draft of the budget doesn't appear on the revised
copy. Mr. Grinn said that the Council overspent the budget for Village Hall renovation by $700,000, but
money was taken from dredging to pay it, which Mr. Grinn feels is an indication that the Council is
over-budgeting in order to have money available when in a pinch. He further stated that the Public
Safety Director's salary has increased 35% in four years, and Mr. Grinn asked if the new Village
Manager would be comfortable having someone who works for him making over $100,000 when he is
• being asked to work for less. How did the Village Council allow a 35% increase in four years, and how
will that impact the hiring of a new Village Manager.
~i.~~i G 77QGt r. h q
Minutes ofRegu}at-Sessiett'
Held Thursday, September 10, 2003
• Lucia Traugott, 130 Yacht Club Drive, told the Council to realistically go over the budget and do what
they originally intended, which was to cut 10% off the top. Ms. Traugott does not feel there is any need
for an increase to 6.8 mills. Ms. Traugott feels that the increase in taxes is due to credit card use,
telephone charges, and building maintenance costs. Regarding the marina and the proposed increase in
leases, she asked why there are so many empty spaces. Ms. Traugott told the Council that if a spaces is
unused for two years, the lessee should lose their lease and the space be given to someone else who is on
the waiting list.
Hank Hasecker, 808 Harbor Isles Place, spoke on behalf of the Homeowners Association of Harbor
Isles. He told the Council that if they go forward with the proposed increase in millage, the taxes will
have more than doubled in a period of five years. He further stated that five years ago, the Village had a
reserve of three months of operating capital, and now only has enough for 2 and a half weeks. Mr.
Hasecker urged the Council to not only stop the spending, but to reverse the trend by reducing staff
costs, which is 74% of the budget.
Bob Brander, 130 Yacht Club Drive, relayed his concerns and the concerns of other boaters who use the
marina with the proposed 75% increase in marina fees. He felt there should have been some notice to
the boaters so that input could have been provided. Mr. Brander suggested that the Council consider the
petitions that had been sent regarding the increase and find the revenue somewhere else. He also
suggested that a sensible program be initiated to control that property.
The Village Council commented that it would like the maintenance work that is scheduled for the new
budget be done prior to the first of the year, and that Public Safety come up with a security plan for the
marina. Additionally, the area in the center which is empty could possibly be used for additional storage
spaces.
ADOPTION OF TENTATIVE BUDGET
President Pro Tem Tringali moved to adopt tentative operating budgets for Fiscal Year 2003-2004,
including the North Palm Beach Country Club. Vice Mayor O'Meilia seconded the motion, and all
present voted aye.
AD OURNMENT
Wit no further comments from the public, the meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
K thleen F. Kelly, Village Clerk ~
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