Town Commission

Budget Workshop

August 23, 2006

The Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida held a budget workshop on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 in the Masny Room, 507 Ocean Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m.

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In attendance were Mayor William Stacey, Vice-Mayor Sandy Wilson, and Commissioners Donnie Price, Paul Guglietta and Steve Walters. Also present were Town Manager Jim Bursick, Municipal Accountant Jane Antonsen and Interim Town Clerk Karan Rounsavall.

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Mayor Stacey called the meeting to order and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The purpose of the meeting was to continue review of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007.

Stormwater Utilities Fund Town Manager Bursick noted that while no additional funds were budgeted for stormwater improvements, there was a carry forward from previous years in the amount of $175,530. He proposed that approximately $30,000 be expended for development of a master plan to assess storm drain needs, condition of streets, and update the cost of improvements. It would also address Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The manager felt the plan was critical; it was a necessary component of any grant application. Commissioner Walters stated that despite promises by previous town administrations, nothing had been done to improve the town’s drainage situation in the past.

Speaking from the audience, Jay Gurecki asked how the stormwater fund could have been used for a purpose other than that for which it was originally established. He cited the terrible drainage situation on Sixth Avenue. Mr. Gurecki preferred to see available stormwater funds used for immediate improvements to Sixth Avenue rather than a master plan. Seth Stark voiced similar concerns.

The Town Commission directed the manager to investigate how much it would cost to effect storm drain repairs to Sixth Avenue.

As to the master plan, it was the Town Commission’s consensus to expend $30,000 for a stormwater master plan. Vice-Mayor Wilson disagreed with this approach, preferring to spend the funds for immediate repairs to Sixth Avenue.

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Other funds reviewed included: Debt Service Fund, Capital Project Fund – Oak Street Pedway, Historic Preservation and Awareness, and Law Enforcement Trust Fund. As to the Pedway Project, Town Manager Bursick awaited reimbursement of approximately $300,000 from Brevard County transportation impact fees. Additional funds for this project might be available from St. Johns River Water Management District. Six thousand dollars was budgeted for historic preservation purposes. When added to the carry forward, $16,216 was available in this fund. The Town Commission discussed what it would take to bring the Ryckman House up to standard. Jay Gurecki advised that the consensus of the History Board was that the Ryckman House should be restored as a replica that could be toured by the public. As the Town budgeted and expended funds for improvements to the historic structure, grant opportunities increased.

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Miscellaneous budgetary issues discussed included the telephone system, as well as Nextel wireless service, and health insurance. Town Manager Bursick advised that the town’s health insurance renewed in March 2007; a ten percent increase was budgeted. He would speak with the insurer regarding the possibility of changing the renewal date to coincide with budget preparation.

Mayor Stacey advised that the Town’s Charter allowed up to one percent of the budget for Town Commission salaries. Because of fuel increases, he felt that a salary adjustment of $20 to $30 per month for each commissioner was justified. Commissioner Price supported the salary increase, however, Vice-Mayor Wilson and Commissioners Guglietta and Walters did not.

As to the Town Commission’s travel budget, Commissioner Walters asked for consensus that these funds continue to be maintained in separate accounts with each commissioner receiving $1,500 and the mayor, $2,000 ($8,000 total). Commissioner Walters also questioned the need for so many commissioners attending the Florida League of Cities Conference. Commissioner Walters and Vice-Mayor Wilson felt that travel funds should be separately maintained, however, Mayor Stacey and Commissioners Price and Guglietta favored a commingled pool.

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The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

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William G. Stacey, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Karan J. Rounsavall, CMC

Interim Town Clerk