JOINT CITY/COUNTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2005
ATTENDEES
Mayor Russ Hauck, Altamonte Springs
Mayor Bob Goff, Casselberry
Commissioner Susan Doerner, Casselberry
Commissioner Mike McLean, Lake Mary, Vice Chairman
Commissioner Brian Sackett, Longwood
Mayor Tom Walters, Oviedo
Councilwoman Regina Bereswill, Oviedo
Commissioner Velma Williams for Mayor Linda Kuhn, Sanford
Commissioner Randy Jones
Mayor John Bush, Winter Springs
Commissioner Don Gilmore, Winter Springs
County Chairman Carlton Henley, Seminole County
Commissioner Randy Morris, Seminole County, Chairman
Marty Chan, PBAS Representative
Hank Lander, Casselberry C of C
Tom Marin, Seminole C of C
Jonathon Moore, Seminole C of C
David Gierach, Sanford C of C
ABSENT
Commissioner Jon Batman, Altamonte Springs
Mayor Thom Greene, Lake Mary
Mayor Butch Bundy, Longwood
Steve Glazier, Winter Springs Business
Kim Hengehold, Oviedo C of C
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Morris at 3:10 pm. It was noted that Chairman Henley should be referred to as County Chairman in the minutes, not Co Chairman as submitted.
Chairman Morris asked Don Fisher, Acting County Manager, to update items discussed at the November meeting. Mr. Fisher stated there were three items discussed that will not be covered today; 1) A presentation by Peace River and Citrus County Water Authority will be either at the February or March meeting; 2) Presentation regarding negotiating a letter of understanding for use of school facilities is scheduled to be presented at the February meeting; and 3) the Visitors Bureau will also make a presentation in February.
Stormwater Committee: Mosquito Control District Report, Review of projected budget/start-up cost estimates; Review proposed presentation to cities; Schedule for development of storm-water utility recommendations.
Mark Flomerfelt, Stormwater Manager, presented the cost and analysis on this program and reviewed the proposed recommendations (received and filed).
In response to questioning from Chairman Morris, Mr. Flomerfelt explained the proposed dollar amount provides for an increased level of service. Currently, Seminole County sprays from June until October. The new proposed program would encompass seven full time field positions, spraying all year long as well as larviciding with an emphasis on spraying during the heavy season. Currently Seminole County is not doing over flights - the current cost of $1.47 per acre with the county approximately 320 square miles equals $300,000 for one spray. The new program would be an enhanced program but does not include aerial spraying.
Commissioner Henley stated he has concerns with this information because there is no program presented - he does not know what is proposed other than personnel and equipment. He suggests looking at the mission of controlling mosquitoes, ask what would it take to accomplish that mission and then implement a program. He asked the number of personnel that are currently working on mosquito control both in the cities and the county. Mr. Flomerfelt responded that currently all municipalities use existing staff on a part-time, night-time basis. The County has a part-time administrator that is now managing the current contract. In response to continuing questioning from Commissioner Henley, Mr. Flomerfelt stated to privatize this function would cost approximately $2.5 million at the current contract price of $38.00 per mile.
Chairman Morris asked that information on the level of service each municipality is providing be brought back at the February meeting.
Commissioner Jones, Mayor Walter, and Mayor Hauck entered the meeting.
Mayor Goff asked if this program would be an enterprise fund or be created as a dependent program under the Health Department which would determine the outcome of any budget excess. Mr. Flomerfelt stated that has not been determined at this time. Chairman Morris added that a cap could be put on the funding with a rolling millage such as is done with the Library. Mayor Goff continued that although there is an assumption that the County would be the lead in the control of a mosquito district under the Health Department, it might be that one of the cities may want to bid for the program. He wants to ensure that funds for a mosquito control stay with the mosquito control program.
Discussion continued on the governance issue, funding, and the components of the program.
Mr. Marin asked what is the level of dissatisfaction with the current services and has anyone compared the numbers of extending the current level of service to a 12 month program? Mr. Flomerfelt stated currently the cost for spraying in Orange County is about 30 cents an acre and in Seminole County it’s about $1.00 per acre. 80% of any program is based on chemical and personnel costs. He continued that existing spray units will not be used as they are out of date and there has not been a customer satisfaction survey done.
Commissioner Williams asked when will this information be presented to the cities. Chairman Morris stated that if it is decided to move this forward it would be presented to the cities in the next few months. She continued by asking if a comparative, service study in terms of what is current versus proposed will be included at that time. Chairman Morris stated that yes direction can be given for a matrix showing current level of service by each jurisdiction, what the program calls for and what other counties are doing such as Volusia and Orange.
Commissioner Sackett reiterated that the recommendation is to move this issue back to the working subcommittee with a presentation at the February meeting with information on combined services, a mission statement and a matrix showing level of services. Mr. Lander added that education should also be included. Mayor Bush stated that when this is brought to Winter Springs, he would like to see a comparison on how this will improve their current services. He continued that the cost of a county wide program should be divided equally amongst the municipalities and the County. Ms. Chan asked to include any existing usable equipment available. Commissioner Henley asked that aerial spraying be added to the enhanced cost estimates.
Review of topics covered and agreement to date: Parks and Recreation; Solid Waste; Telecommunication; Stormwater Utility.
Ms. Marilyn Crotty stated the Parks and Recreation subcommittee has been focusing on the school system and is looking at the development of an interlocal agreement for the use of facilities. This will be on a case by case, school by school issue but this agreement will anticipate and hopefully answer any questions and concerns the individual principals may have. A Volusia County model is being used. A progress report on this issue should be ready by the February meeting.
The subcommittee is also focusing on the development of a sports business task force looking at the use of the private and public facilities to enhance current programs to the next level.
Ms. Crotty continue that the Solid Waste subcommittee have given some preliminary reports on the land fill and solid waste management already. They have studied a number of issues such as recycling, use of the land fill, disposal of hazardous waste materials, joint contracting for collection, hurricane debris response collections and educational programs. This subcommittee will bring forward the hurricane response coordination as the idea of having disposal sites available throughout the county is very important. They also are looking at a consistent fee for dumping at the landfill for all county residents and will be present their recommendations at the March meeting
Mr. Rafael Montalvo stated there is not much to report on the stormwater utility as this is the same subcommittee that ha been focusing on the mosquito control district, although there will be an update in March.
Ms. Matt Chesler, SGTV, referred to the summary update on the Cable Broadcast subcommittee provided (received and filed). He concluded there is not a recommendation from the subcommittee at this time as it seems each city wants to do their own thing. Chairman Morris stressed that SGTV is a countywide station and available to all cities.
Commissioner McLean stated the mission of each subcommittee was to think outside of the box to bring back information so that this committee, the policy makers, could make decisions. The idea that a subcommittee members wants to or needs to check with their city before making any recommendation would defeat the purpose
Mayor Goff stated that originally the cost of production would have been prohibitive to Casselberry, but by working with SCC students the start up cost will be approximately $10,000. This is a result of the information provided by Jonathon Moore.
In response to a question regarding uniform expiration dates, Chairman Morris stated he is currently working with Bright House on county negotiations and one possible recommendation may be to extend all contracts to the longest date out. That date is 2015 which is the current expiration date for Lake Mary and Winter Springs. Matt Chesler added that to get to a uniformed franchise expiration date, the cities have the opportunity to ask Bright House, before their contract expires, to renegotiate and extend the deadline. Commissioner McLean added that if all of the expirations extended to the same date, any agreement and negotiations at that time would be a joint decision and agreement by all eight entities.
Commissioner Henley reminded the subcommittees to come back with information on what ought to be using each person’s expertise. It is not necessary to get the jurisdictions approval at this point – that is part of the process of this committee - but to think outside of the box.
Mr. Marin asked if the subcommittee could prepare the benefits of a countywide branding which could help in cross-marketing and cross-selling. Other parts of the country have systems set up which not only advertise for the county, but also for the cities, hand-in-hand.
Chairman Morris stated every County Commission meeting is recorded. Previously only tapes were available which often were difficult to hear, but now there are CD’s, video tapes, and internet viewing. This is not a single media broadcast concept.
Mr. Chesler referred to the last page of the update stating there is proposed legislation to basically do away with local franchising. There is concern this may be introduced in Florida and if this passes, SGTV would lose the ability to get a channel, to set customer service standards, or the possibility of obtaining grants for equipment. Discussion on current franchising continued.
There were no objections to the suggestion from Mayor Bush to include Wi-fi in the tasks this subcommittee brings back.
Mr. Montalvo stated there were some additional issues identified at previous meetings and asked for direction on the following: 1) Water Supply; 2) Public Safety; and Community Development. Since this committee is committed through April and recommendations from each of these subcommittees would be presented by that date.
Mr. Montalvo stated there has been discussions and presentations regarding Water Supply with the reminder there is an on-going study involving SJRWMD, the County and the municipalities. The study this group (the Cooperators) is preparing is focusing on the cost, feasibility and desirability of water supply alternatives. This study will not be completed until at the earliest this fall and this study does not look at governance issues. This study is basically looking at the options and technical side of water supply working on the assumption that once the technical study is completed, those governance questions will be given to the Mayors and Managers group for their consideration.
Commissioner Henley asked where did the direction to return the information to the Mayors and Managers group come from continuing that reason this committee was structured the way it is to be all policy makers. Mr. Fisher interjected that because the Cooperators was created by the Mayors and Managers, they had a responsibility to report back to them.
Mr. Montalvo asked for direction on this issue. One option would be to turn it over to the Cooperators, another would be to develop governance suggestions for consideration or to develop strong recommendations. Chairman Morris asked if the cities were willing to have another subcommittee established to look at this issue other than the Cooperators. Mr. Montalvo replied that this committee could make strong recommendations to the Cooperators.
Discussion followed on the governance of the water supply issue, the role of the Mayors and Managers group, the purpose of this committee and the necessity of making decisions under the sunshine.
Chairman Morris asked that outline of Mr. Dean’s presentation be given at the February meeting showing the alternatives to exam and possible directions. Mr. Montalvo suggested bringing that back in a form that has been refined in cooperation with the Cooperators so they too can look at it and have a heads up. Chairman Morris asked that Mr. Montalvo attend the next Cooperators meeting as a representative of this committee.
Ms. Crotty stated there is another technical subcommittee that has been formed but has not met yet – the Public Safety committee (fire services). Their first meeting will be on January 25th. She asked that if an April timeframe stays, what realistically can that subcommittee be expected to bring back. Commissioner Henley stated he does not recall the discussion that this committee would terminate in April. He thought we would work until the job is done. Chairman Morris replied that originally it was discussed that this committee would meet no longer than one year unless it determined to extend plus the contract with the facilitators concludes in April.
Mayor Hauck suggested renaming the subcommittee to Fire/EMS services. He continued that what may be valuable is for that subcommittee to come back and give us a plan of action with some sort of time line. This will probably be a three month effort to address all of the issues in this subcommittee.
Commissioner McLean stated he thinks that deadlines are important and we need to be reasonable about the time given to the subcommittees to do their work, but if we do not have timelines we will be continually waiting for final recommendations.
Mayor Hauck added that another approach to save time would be to look at all of the cities with respect to this issue and see if there are some cities that are absolutely not going to participate. Then it may be of more value to discuss with only the cities that are interested in the blending of services and focus on what would it take to study their issues – this may be more manageable and meaningful.
Discussion continued on the purpose of the entire subcommittee addressing the issue, the need for information exchange in a public forum, the necessity of hearing the positives and the negatives of the issue, and the exploration of saving money for the citizens.
Mayor Goff stated he feels that the comments have always been that if the county can do it better, then lets consolidate. Chairman Morris interjected that is not the case, if the cities can do it better then consolidate with them. Mayor Goff continued that there are some cities that have cheaper services so the governance should be that we consolidate with the entity that provides the best service at the best price.
Chairman Morris strongly disagreed with the comments made because merging the fire services with Altamonte Springs was not a question of control and both entities have won because of it. This committee would not have been set up with two members representing 50% of the population being out numbered if it was a matter of control. He has consistently stated that if it works better going the other way, then go the other way.
Continuing Chairman Morris asked for an update from the Fire/EMS subcommittee in April to determine if it will be necessary for an extension of this committee. Ms. Crotty stated the subcommittee will make a report prior to April with initial discussion and direction. Mr. Lander asked that disaster preparedness be included in this subcommittee.
Mr. Montalvo asked if the task of this subcommittee is the exploration of what would it take to move forward and the preliminary assessment of those options. Mayor Hauck stated not only what would it take to move forward but the preliminary assessment would be helpful. One of the key issues Altamonte Springs and the County faced was the ranks structure and retirement, fire service ratings, what to do with the current leadership, what do you do with the land and equipment. The city also retained a first right of refusal if the county wanted to make any significant changes in staffing or location of facilities for the first five years the city had an active role in those decisions. Looking at these issues would give a preliminary assessment and perhaps it would be easier to focus on one municipality. Mayor Goff asked the committee to think outside of the box so that there can be mergers going either way.
Mayor Hauck added that there is logic in saying that if the County is providing services to approximately 50% of the population and to another 43,000 residents in Altamonte Springs, there are lessons to be learned from that - it makes more sense to consolidate with the larger force. Mayor Goff replied that the focus of this committee was to provide the best level of service for our citizens in the most cost-effective way.
Discussion continued on enhancing first response systems and the possibility of combining services of cities. Chairman Morris asked that Mayor Hauck’s comments be taken in consideration at the subcommittee meeting.
Mr. Montalvo continued that another subcommittee not formed would address the Community Development issues. Mr. Fisher explained that earlier there was discussion that center on consolidation of building permitting services, land permitting services and code enforcement. It was discussed that because Code Enforcement is under the Sheriff’s Office, any city interested in exploring some sort of consolidation should contact the Sheriff’s Office directly. There is remains the possible consolidation of the permitting processing and development review services.
Chairman Morris suggested an assessment be done on the length of obtaining permits by each jurisdiction and the issue is that there may be some greater efficiencies discovered. Mr. Marin stated this is an area that is difficult to bring personnel together because of the work load – these folks are busy. There are some areas where we can all learn from one another. Commissioner McLean asked to also include the problems of maintaining staff. The consensus of the committee is to move this issue forward to a subcommittee.
Chairmanship discussion - Chairman Morris stated there have been internal issues recently that have caused external reactions from at least one city manager which he feels has reflected on his ability to lead this committee properly. Therefore, he is stepping down as Chairman and asks for a new Chairman be chosen.
Motion by Mr. Lander to nominate Mike McLean for chairman, seconded by Commissioner Sackett. Discussion continued on the time constraints of the chairman, the progress of the committee thus far and the consensus of the committee to support Chairman Morris. Due to the fact that the committee did not accept Chairman Morris’ resignation, Mr. Lander, as maker of the motion, and Commissioner Sackett, as second, withdrew the motion.
Chairman Morris stated the next meeting will be February 15 at 3:00 pm.
Commissioner Henley expressed his appreciation for all of the members of the committee as he knows everyone attending is trying to do what is best for Seminole County. Personally, he has seen many positive things occur already and he believes that the final outcome will be very good.
Mr. Moore agreed with Commissioner Henley stating as an outsider he appreciates the candor and can see that everyone wants to explore doing things in a more cost-effective, efficient manner.
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.