Town Commission

Special Meeting

September 6, 2006

The Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida held a special meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 in the Community Center, 509 Ocean Avenue, beginning at 6:30 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, Interim Town Attorney Gary Sack and Interim Town Clerk Karan Rounsavall.

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Mayor Stacey called the meeting to order and announced its purpose was to conduct the first public hearing on the tentative millage rate and budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007.

Town Manager Bursick advised that this evening’s public hearing was advertised on the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes which was mailed to taxpayers by the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s Office. The proposed operating millage rate of 2.6331 represented a 9.9967 percent increase over the rolled-back rate of 2.3938 mills. In addition, the millage rate for voted debt on the public library was set at .1477 mills representing the amount necessary to pay the principal and interest on the outstanding bond for the ensuing year. The proposed tax rate would generate an additional $76,958 for General Fund operations which was necessary in order to fund the construction of a handicap accessible dune crossover at Ocean Park and introduce a new full-time position to handle building plan review and inspections as well as code enforcement activities (Building Official – Protective Services).

Commissioner Price moved to approve a tentative millage rate of 2.6331 which represented a 9.9967 percent increase over the rolled-back rate of 2.3938 mills along with a millage rate of .1477 for the public library. Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion.

Mayor Stacey opened the public hearing. Jean Marshall was disappointed that no new funding was budgeted to address stormwater drainage issues in the town. She just heard that the cost to repair a large hole at the intersection of Andrews Drive and Citrus Court was $25,000 to $30,000. Town Manager Bursick advised this was an emergency repair, the cost of which would reduce the stormwater carry forward. (Note: It was later learned that the actual cost of this repair would be $2,150.)

Dean Darling commented that there appeared to be a $4,500 salary increase budgeted for the Town Manager. He went on to note that his inquiries discovered that one of the town’s commanding police officers allegedly had a fraudulent degree from an unaccredited university. To his knowledge, the Town Manager had done nothing about this fact. Mr. Darling also expressed concern about salary increases for a lieutenant who did not assume command of the department in the absence of the police chief. He made a public records request to the town for a copy of surveillance video that had not been provided. Could the public expect prompt responses to public record requests?

Several members of the Town Commission responded to Mr. Darling’s comments, particularly with regard to his request for public records. Town Manager Bursick advised that staff was actively working on the request.

No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was closed.

The motion to approve the tentative millage rates carried unanimously.

Commissioner Guglietta then moved to approve the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007 as presented. Commissioner Price seconded the motion.

There were brief comments from individual commissioners with regard to funding for stormwater drainage improvements, staff turnover, and the need to update the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Guglietta noted that even with a ten percent property tax increase, homeowners with homestead exemption would see an overall reduction in their municipal taxes.

Mayor Stacey opened the public hearing. Jean Marshall felt that it was not the individuals who worked in town hall who caused the problems that the town was facing. Rather it was commissioners who had seen the problems going on for years and did nothing about it.

The public hearing was closed.

The motion to adopt the tentative budget carried on an all yes vote.

The final public hearing on the budget was scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2006.

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The only other item was a Special Events Permit Application to allow several holiday events on December 16, 2006 (i.e. Christmas Parade and tree-lighting ceremony) as requested by the Melbourne Beach Parks Board.

Commissioner Walters moved to approve the permit as requested. Commissioner Price seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

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The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

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William G. Stacey, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Karan J. Rounsavall, CMC

Interim Town Clerk