MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

September 18, 2008

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners Brevard County, Florida, met in special workshop session on July 17, 2008, at 9:05 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chairman Truman Scarborough, Commissioners Chuck Nelson, Helen Voltz, and Mary Bolin, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.  Absent was:  Commissioner Jackie Colon.

 

 

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca introduced Chuck Ruoff, from FEMA; and stated he is going to give the Board some information about a status report, and to answer questions.

 

Chuck Ruoff stated he would like to give the Board some of the latest statistics concerning Brevard County; and advised he will leave the Board his business cards and information packets which includes information for elected officials on individual assistance.  He stated as of this date, Brevard County has 4,580 individual assistance registration; the total registration statewide has been over 13,000; and in Brevard County the majority of the registrations are in Melbourne at 1,889; but he has a breakdown of all the jurisdictions in Brevard County if the Board is interested.  He stated to date, the individual and household program that FEMA provides assistance for Floridians during declared events total almost $10 million; FEMA has provided over 10,000 inspections; and the turnaround time for those inspections is approximately two hours.  He stated the PA process is ongoing with elected officials and emergency managers within jurisdictions around the State; and the PA process, which its infrastructure is proceeding accordingly.  He noted he just returned from Iowa, which had historic summer floods; and the City of Cedar Rapids had 1,300 city blocks with six feet of water or more.  He advised he learned of something three weeks ago, in which there is language for the County’s Flood Plain Management Ordinance; if the Board wishes to modify the language in order to help someone who has had repetitive flooding can go to their insurance company and receive up to $30,000; and it is called Increased Cost of Compliance; but many people are not aware of that.  He noted he has language that will allow the homeowner to accept, or request, up to $30,000 for mitigation purposes, so that the repetitive flooding problem will be addressed. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he understands there is a mitigation program that allows the actual acquisition of homes that have flooded repeatedly; and inquired if there is information in the package related to that; with Mr. Ruoff responding affirmatively.  Mr. Ruoff stated that is one of FEMA’s top priorities; and mitigation is big on FEMA’s agenda.  He stated he usually recommends to a city or county official to contact the County Emergency Management Department which has a State Regional Coordinator. 

 

  

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca advised the issue is a brief report about some of the recent economic news and how is may or may not impact Brevard County; there are several people present to speak to the Board; and Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten is also going to get some people on the phone for the Board.

 

Mr. Whitten stated on the phone will be Rick Stevens, who is the County’s Bond Council, David Moore, the County’s Financial Advisor, and Steve Alexander, who is the County’s Investment Advisor; and Steve Burdett and Mark Peterson are also present to talk about a range of subjects  in terms of financial issues from investments to the solvency of the State retirement system, the safety of bank deposits and the commercial paper program.

 

Mark Peterson, County Finance Department, stated the County banks with SunTrust Bank; the question is how safe are the County’s deposits with SunTrust; and with any bank, the County has FDIC Insurance; but that only goes up to $100,000, and the County has greater than $100,000.  Chairman Scarborough inquired how much over $100,000 does the County have; with Mr. Peterson responding right now the County has approximately $16 million in SunTrust.  Mr. Peterson stated SunTrust is a qualified public depository; the State has a program it adheres to in the Florida Statutes that allows SunTrust, as a qualified public depository, the County can put money into SunTrust and the State has an insurance fund in which it monitors bank to make sure there is sufficient securities on hand to be able to pledge against any money that is put up by the County.  He stated banks have to pledge securities to money that is public funds; stated that gives the County some safety; and the County has to report on an annual basis to the State.  He noted if the State sees that banks have thresholds that are constantly have to be monitored to ensure there are sufficient securities, and if a bank falls below the threshold, the County will get a letter advising that the bank that it has money in is no longer qualified, or it has gone below the threshold; and that is something the County is able to look at in case it needs to move money somewhere else.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if the State has notified any Florida governments of any banks that are no longer qualified.  Mr. Peterson replied the County has received that notification in the past, but he cannot tell the Board which banks; a lot of times it is the smaller banks; there is a regular report published on the Internet giving a list of all the qualified public depositories.  Chairman Scarborough inquired what happens if SunTrust takes a turn for the worse; and inquired if the State is guaranteeing the County’s $16 million.  Mr. Peterson replied what happens is the pool that all the qualified public depositories have, there is a fee they pay; and in case a qualified public depository was to go under, the insurance pool would come in and support the money the County has.  Commissioner Bolin inquired if that is a yes, or no; with Mr. Peterson responding yes.  Commissioner Bolin inquired how fast could the County move its money out.  Mr. Peterson replied the money can be moved out instantly; and stated there is no threshold saying he can only move out $5 million.  He stated the securities SunTrust puts up as a qualified public depository are federal securities, so they have to be solid investments. 

 

Mr. Whitten advised Steve Alexander is the County’s investment advisor; stated County Finance does the short-term investments; and Mr. Alexander does the long-term investments. 

 

Steve Burdett, County Finance Director, stated the Government is having to take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; that is a concern because the County has securities there; and Mr.

 

Alexander’s position is that the Government is not going to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to go under. 

 

Steve Alexander stated when it comes to the public depository and the cash that government has on hand, the banks in the qualified program will have to deposit a certain percent of the deposits in collateral to the State Treasurer; and the State Treasurer maintains a pool of collateral securities for all the banks participating in the program; but it is not an insurance program, and it is not guaranteed by the State of Florida.  He stated it is a participation of banks putting up collateral; the State maintains the pool of collateral so that in an event that any of the banks fail, then the securities necessary to cover the value are paid to the participants; if there is not enough cash on hand, then all the banks participating in the program will be assessed a dollar amount to bring up the value needed.  He stated it is a unique program to Florida because not too many States have a program where banks put the collateral to the State Treasurer’s Office; and he wants to make sure everyone understands it is not an insurance policy underwritten by anybody, and it is not guaranteed by the State of Florida.  He stated depending on the financial strength of the bank, that will determine how much collateral per public deposit that has to be placed with the State; there is a State Statute that defines the program; and that is how the public depository is protected in Florida. 

 

Mr. Burdett asked Mr. Alexander to comment to the Board on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and why he feels part of the long-term should be continued to be in those securities. 

 

Mr. Alexander stated it has been a big issue for a number of years, given the situation with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; his position has been that the Federal Government would step in and protect both companies; and that was proven to be true.  He stated more recently, Congress passed the Federal Housing Act, which the President signed; and the second step was that the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and the Federal Government have pledged to backup Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  He noted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the two most significant players in the housing market, which serves as a major aspect in the nation’s economy; out of the $17 trillion in outstanding mortgages, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac combined own approximately half of them; and the federal government realizes that in order for the economy to improve, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have to be stabilized so they can continue underwriting mortgages and buying mortgages so that the economy can continue to try to move in the right direction.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated it appears the questions on Capitol Hill are increasing as to the appropriate behavior of the Fed and the Treasury; six months to a year ago, no one would have envisioned these issues; the truth is that the values erode and the problems occur, precautionary measures can be taken to move the Board’s portfolio directly into US Treasuries; and inquired if the Board needs $16 million in SunTrust, or can it be invested in the most secure investment possible.  Mr. Alexander replied the Board’s portfolio has been protected for a number of years.  He advised when he took over the Board’s portfolio there were some securities of which were not associated with the prime market, but they were asset-backed securities; they were liquidated years ago because there was no additional return for the perceived risk they had; and in recent times, the portfolio had no exposure to any asset-backs regarding sub-prime mortgages.  He noted none of the things in that area has been a part of the Board’s portfolio; the Board has had no exposure to Merrill Lynch, AIG, Lehman Brothers, or Morgan Stanley;  and so the Board has  not  had  exposure  to any  of the  companies that have been in the headlines.  He stated close to $65 million is already sitting in U.S. Treasuries; that was done over a period of time before any of this became front page news; and treasuries were instituted as part of the overall strategy to institute and put in place diversification as a portfolio; and that is how the exposure was reduced.  He noted in terms of what is in SunTrust, if the $16 million is not needed on a day-to-day basis, the comment is appropriate that some of the money can be pushed into treasury to buy some treasury bills as opposed to leaving it in the bank. 

 

Mr. Peterson stated the Board has several money market accounts, which are either in treasury backed, or in government-backed; there is a total of approximately $100 million between three money market accounts; and there is a total of $70 million in treasury-backed money market accounts.  Mr. Alexander stated the money market account funds Mr. Peterson is talking about are in treasury agencies; and those were looked at carefully to make sure they are just treasury agency securities because all money market funds are not created equal.

 

David Moore stated Moody’s is in the process of reviewing credit ratings for State and local governments all over the country; stated they are doing two things at one time; one is that they are adjusting their rating criteria so there is a better balance when looking at governmental credits and corporate credits; and the good news is there is a lot of local government credits that will actually get upgraded as they better align those two ratings.  He noted at the State level, where the State already had a very high rating because of the nature of the Florida economy, it is very possible the State’s credit rating will be downgraded; and that has the potential to have a ripple effect to cities and counties.  He stated there is no indication at this point in time that if Moody’s does downgrade the State that it would be a big change; so while there is a decent chance that the State gets downgraded, they are not looking at the State like they are looking at some of the sub-prime related entities; and it would be most likely a very small change in the State’s rating.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the County is linked to what the State has; and every time the State does not have money, the County has a problem.  Mr. Moore stated that is really what the rating agencies are frustrated with as it relates to the State; some of the legislators and some at the governor’s office do not appear to be seeing the problem between their policies and the reality of the economy right now; and that is what is driving Moody’s concern more than anything else.

 

Greg Lugar, Economic and Financial Development Program Director, stated the Florida Local Government Finance Commission is a six-member agency that basically has created a pool bond program to assist local governments in the State of Florida, as well as other agencies and special districts.  He stated it was created originally in 1991 or 1992; Brevard County was one of the first original members; and it has increased over the last several years. He stated the Florida Association of Counties is the Program Administrator of the Program; it has been such a good program over the course of a number of years because it is pooled, meaning all the various governments are involved in this; commercial notes are allowed to be marketed at a lower price; and sometimes the interest rates have been below 1.2 percent or 1.3 percent.  He stated staff is asking the Board’s indulgence in letting it continue to work with the Florida Local Government Finance Commission. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board has just short of $10 million in the program; and as they come due, the Board is not going to be allowed to roll them over; and the money has to be found elsewhere.  Mr. Peterson stated he talked to SunTrust and asked if they had any type of programs, or would they be able to assist; and they do have bank qualified notes, non-bank qualified notes; it is not like the Board is out of the picture; and there are other alternatives that can be done.  Commissioner Bolin stated with all due respect to SunTrust, she does not like to put all her eggs in one basket; and she would like to continue with other options. 

 

Mr. Moore stated the best option is to work with the Florida Association of Counties Program and then if needed, we can help you solicit proposals from multiple banks to get access to a lot of credit or whatever is needed on your side.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired if there is a list of the securities that are held by the State retirement system if employees wanted to access that directly.  Mr. Peterson said he could try to get that information for the Board.   Mr. Peterson stated the County is diversified; there is money in treasuries, agencies, money market accounts, and SunTrust; and not everything is in one area.  He noted the Board authorized him to talk to the Tax Collector to transfer the funds over; that was done last week; and the Tax Collector transferred $31 million into the Board’s account. 

He stated and additional 15 percent is anticipated to be transferred next week out of the State Board; and that will equal approximately $30 million.  He advised in the beginning of October there will be another release of funds; by the end of December, Fund A should be totally liquid; and all of the Board’s funds will be out of the State Board as far as Fund A at that time; and Fund B will have approximately $10 million in State Board.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated citizens need to know the Board deposited money with the State; the State was not prudent; and therefore, bad investments have tied up the money.  He inquired if any local governments are taking positions in gold.  County Finance Director replied gold is very volatile; it jumped $70 last night; and there is no telling where it is going to go.

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired how the Board would fund another MSBU if it has to.  Mr. Lugar stated the Board approved a project at the last Workshop for the repair of the Barefoot Bay utility system; it is a repair project of approximately $2 million or $3 million; staff has prepared an Agenda Item for September 30^th to ask permission to RFP the project; and it is not going to be a bond issue, but it is going to be a bank loan.  He stated there are ways for the County to secure funding for those types of projects; but it is very difficult timing-wise and not flexible compared to the CP Program; and the Board may have an internal fund that it might want to create to fund the smaller dollar amount MSBU projects.

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired how much would be available if the Board had to start borrowing from Solid Waste; and he would like to get that number because that is a good fall-back position.

 

 

 

Commissioner Nelson advised he and Commissioner Voltz attended the East Central Florida Regional Council meeting yesterday and presented a letter to the Council for an 11 percent reduction; the Council was concerned that it has a budget set around a number that includes the Board not only paying what it paid last year, but an increase up to 23 cents per capita; and as an  alternative, the Council offered to  take some of the money out of its reserves.  He noted the Council has $2 million in reserves; it has been putting money aside to purchase a building; but it certainly has enough money; and he and Commissioner Voltz expressed their concern that it is sending the wrong message for the Council to be increasing at a time when everyone else is decreasing.  He advised the alternative that was put forward was a combination of taking some of the reserves and using half of it, which would mean the Board would pay what it paid this year, which did pass, although he and Commissioner Voltz voted in opposition.  He stated at the end of the meeting he pointed out that Phil Laurien needs to come to Brevard County to make a presentation because there was significant discussion about the basic core mission of the regional planning council; and what is being done that is in excess of that and can be reduced at this time.  He stated at this point the Council has adopted the budget and there are at least three counties that are in opposition to it; and apparently Orange County is even lower than Brevard and Seminole.  He stated Brevard County asked for an 11 percent reduction from last year and Orange County has asked for even further reductions; but he is not sure what that amount was; and there are counties facing non-payment.  He stated the membership was changed a few years ago because the counties are the only ones who pay do not seem to have the majority vote on the Council; although it was indicated yesterday that that was not the case; but when looking around the room there were people voting who he is not sure was supposed to vote; and he would like to get some clarification on that.  He noted there were some ex-officio members who appeared to be voting; and there were St. John’s River Water Management District members who were voting.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated that does not seem appropriate at all; and stated Commissioner Nelson may need to check the rules.  Commissioner Nelson stated there is going to be some major discussion about what the County is required to do.  He stated the Council admits upfront that the State is going to cut it another four percent; and there is injustice inequity in the whole process that does not make sense. 

 

Chairman Scarborough advised Teresa Jacobs called him yesterday; stated Ms. Jacobs feels like she is caught in the middle; and he thinks the Board needs to question whether the vote was legal.  He stated agencies do not understand the dynamics of a larger environment; the Planning Council was very critical when growth was an issue; right now there are other issues that are much more profound; and somehow they are increasing, yet their role is diminished.  He stated the question is why the Board is giving more money to an agency that has less to do; and stated he is not inclined to give into them.

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated Orange County chose to reduce the amount it paid by 10 percent; and they simply wrote Orange County a check for 10 percent less.  She stated it is currently being negotiated out with the Regional Planning Council as the region is trying to give additional rationale to pay that money; and they are actually looking for a contract for services for that additional services; in some way, by Orange County saying it is setting what it is going to pay the Council, they may actually get something directly beneficial to them for that additional 10 percent that it owes; and that may be something the Board wants to think about.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated there was a two-page work plan and no dollar value on any of it; when the Board did its work plan for roads, it included how much it would cost. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated Commissioner Nelson and Commissioner Voltz can go to the Council  with  a letter,  but  the  Board  alone can allocate  the money; and if the Board  does not want to allocate the money, then it does not allocate the money.  He stated the Board has money in reserves that it can pay at some subsequent time, but as soon as it is paid, the argument goes away; and Ms. Jacobs was calling to find out where the Board wanted to go after the vote yesterday. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to direct the County Attorney to examine who has authority to vote on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

Commissioner Bolin read aloud a resolution recognizing Congressman Dave Weldon.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolution recognizing Congressman Dave Weldon for his dedicated and untiring public service which has made a real difference for the people of Brevard County.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

 

Donna Bollinger stated she is a firm believer in building leaders with character; as a mom, that is what she is trying to do; and she thinks it is important to support the local lifeguards.  She stated she has gotten to know a number of lifeguards in the past couple of weeks; stated a year ago her son got caught in a rip current; it happened very quickly; and she was able to swim to him and save his life.  She noted there were no lifeguards on the beach the day her son was caught in the rip current; the next day, she was on sandbar with her youngest son; the sandbar disappeared quickly; and she was once again fighting for her life.  She stated had there been a lifeguard on the stand, she would have been comforted knowing there would be someone tending to the other kids in the ocean.  She noted a couple of months later she and some lifeguards teamed up with P.A.L. to teach kids ocean safety. 

 

 

 

Lucia Belliveau stated she is eight years old and in the third grade in Indialantic.  She stated there should be full-time lifeguards because children can be grabbed by a rip current quickly; and the adult that may be with the child may not be trained for ocean rescue.  She stated if stung by a jellyfish, all a child has to do is walk up to a lifeguard stand and ask for jellyfish sting medicine; and the meaning of a lifeguard to her is that they guard lives.

 

 

 

Jerry McVicker stated he stands before the Board in support of the 12 full-time lifeguards, the five year-round tower sites, and the 13 additional seasonal sites; and as a retired Superintendent  of   Schools,  he  recognizes  and  appreciates the challenging  position County Commissioners face with limited resources and many legitimate requests.  He stated in difficult financial times, it becomes necessary to place financial resources in most critical areas; stated he cannot think of a more critical area to place the County’s limited resources than in saving human lives by serving and protecting the public; and as the Board is aware, since 2005 Brevard County has had 20 drownings.  He stated in an effort to protect the public, all Florida lifeguard agencies on the East Coast, from St. Johns County to Miami-Dade County, have year-round guards, with the exception of Brevard County; Forbes magazine has identified Brevard County as one of the six most dangerous beach areas in the world; and Brevard County needs to save lives and improve its image.  He noted while saving lives must be paramount, in this case, Brevard County can save lives and improve its image with a relatively small investment; in warm water coastal communities it is not unusual for lifeguard budgets to exceed seven percent of the total Fire Rescue budget; and if the requested proposal is approved, lifeguard allocation would still be under one percent of the Fire Rescue budget.  He advised the Space Coast Office of Tourism refers to Brevard County beaches as Orlando’s closest beaches; the Office of Tourism has indicated in its most conservative estimate that revenue generated by Brevard County beach tourist industry at $500 million annually in direct spending; stated Brevard County beaches are world class beaches; and the infrastructure in place is truly incredible, as there is plenty of parking, recreation for children, youth, and adults; however, there is one missing element, which is the security that full-time lifeguards would bring to the table.  He stated lifeguards are an integral part of public safety and just as important as police officer or firefighters; and he thinks the Board will make the right call by voting for the 12 full-time lifeguards, five year-round towers, and 13 additional seasonal sites.

 

 

 

Jerry Storrs stated as far as he can see, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of its citizens; and the secondary responsibility is the protection of its revenue.  He advised of the 20 drownings in the last three years, only three of them were in an area where there were lifeguards anywhere around; 17 of the drownings were in an area or at a time when there was no lifeguard protection at all; the United States Lifeguard Association took the lead on the issue since the County was not doing anything; and a report was released by the USLA in March, 2008.  He stated the Fire Rescue Department did another report; those reports indicated approximately 12 full-time lifeguard stations were needed; but with the budget problems, it was cut to five full-time lifeguards and five stands; the USLA supports that, as it is not much, but it is a big step. 

 

 

 

Daniel Rocque stated he would like to talk about the funding for the First Responder Program; the Committee authorized by the Board identified the merits, benefits, and cost effectiveness of the First Responder Program.  He stated through the process, a snapshot of the First Responder Program identified the benefits to those who live and work in Brevard County through an effective and efficient two-tier emergency medical system; public safety, which includes law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, including lifeguards, is the primary core  mission of any governmental agency;  and the First Responder Program should be held in high regard as a necessary core service.  He stated in the report provided to the Board, the question was asked if a First Responder Program saves money; one assumption was that no fire departments were providing First Responder Services, either by the city or the county; and that the Board desired an ALS response to 90 percent or greater of 9-1-1 calls for pre-hospital medical emergencies within 4 to 6 minutes.  He stated based on that, the start-up cost for the first year program was approximately $18 million; thereafter, the annual cost was going to be a little over $13 million; and those are very conservative costs.  He stated what he is asking is for $1.3 million to be allocated next year to the First Responder Program; it is an effective savings to the taxpayers of approximately $12 million; and for every dollar spent towards the First Responder Program, the County is receiving more than $10 worth of service.  He stated it also includes not only the municipal fire departments that provide advanced life support level of service; there are also three law enforcement agencies that also participate in the Program by providing emergency medical services to their citizens.  He stated in summary, prior to the funding of a First Responder Program, there are very few advanced life support responders within Brevard County; as a direct result of the First Responder Program, the citizens of Brevard County routinely receive the best possible pre-hospital emergency medical care within 4 to 6 minutes throughout Brevard County; the two-tiered First Responder Program itself is a national model that is seen as the most efficient pre-hospital emergency medical system; and the County has a regional EMS/ALS transport system, which is extremely efficient; however, that efficiency, both in response times and costs, is strongly influenced by the First Responder Program provided by the city and county fire departments.  He noted survey information demonstrates that cities expend far more funds for providing First Responder Programs than are reimbursed; Brevard County Fire Rescue provides ALS First Responder without reimbursement at the present time.  He stated it is his recommendation that the First Responder Program continue in its present form; and it is further recommended that Brevard County Fire Rescue partake in the First Responder Program.

 

 

 

Sherie Aston-Shell stated she is the Brevard Operation Manager for the Center for the Visually Impaired.  She stated she would like the Board to look at the budget for the transportation for the Route 1 bus line, as it has become a trunk route providing services for individuals throughout Brevard County, allowing them to interact with all the cities within Brevard providing them with jobs and doctor’s appointments; and with the economy, transportation is becoming a real issue for many people.  She stated there are people standing up on the Route 1 bus; and the Center for the Visually Impaired is requesting the route go to an hourly basis so that people are able to continue with their daily activities in a timely manner.

 

Jackie Burns, City Manager of Indian Harbour Beach, stated she would like to ask the Board to continue the First Responder Program; there was an incident in Indian Harbour Beach that reiterated how important the Program is; and she hopes the Board will see it in its budget to continue the Program.

 

Commissioner Colon’s presence was noted.

 

 

 

Jim McKnight, City Manager of Rockledge, stated he sees the value in the First Responder Program; he understands the Board is in a tough budgetary time; but he thinks if the Board can find a way to fund the Program, it makes sense for everyone; and he has seen many examples in which lives have been saved because of the First Responder Program.  He stated something that gets forgotten about is that the First Responder Program supplements the Ambulance Program; and that is one of the great values of the Program.  He noted he appreciates the time the Board has given to the City of Rockledge.

 

The Board recessed at 10:34 a.m. and reconvened at 10:47 a.m.

 

 

 

Chairman Scarborough inquired how much the Board added to reserves last year; with County Manager Peggy Busacca responding there was $5 million.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if the Board added or subtracted at mid-year.  Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten stated the Board added approximately $3 million at mid-year; and noted the Board also lost some revenues at mid-year because it reduced some of the revenues.  Chairman Scarborough stated normally, the Board does not use reserve reoccurring; it tried to move reserves from the individual departments into the General Revenue, which gave the Board a lot more discretion on what the priorities were because if things continued to get tight, it would give the Board that option; and inquired overall, how much was moved in reserves in the last year, including mid-year.  He stated another issue he would like to discuss is the dynamics in Washington D.C. as Space becomes an issue.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she would like to withdraw money for Baker Act beds because some things have worked out and there may not be a need anymore. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated he believes there was a consensus among the Board with the Agriculture and Extension Office; but he believes there was some confusion; and he would like to move that the Board fund the full-time custodian so that they can continue to use the building at night.  Chairman Scarborough stated he agrees with Commissioner Nelson.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve the request to reinstate full-time custodian position that is proposed for reduction to half-time for a fiscal impact of $21,000 for Agriculture and Extension Office.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Colon stated in regards to the sworn deputies and firefighters, all five Commissioners feel strongly about supporting the deputies and firefighters; stated she knows it has been a difficult year and she know it is going to get worse; but her idea was to look for a two percent increase for the deputies and firefighters; and it was her idea to fund it from the General Fund, which is right now at 8.7 percent of what the reserves are.  Chairman Scarborough inquired which one Commissioner Colon would like to talk about first.  Commissioner Colon stated she would like to talk about both.  Chairman Scarborough stated he would like for the Commissioners  to throw things on the table;  and inquired if  Commissioner Colon  would like to go to the Sheriff’s Office first.  Commissioner Colon stated she does not know how the Board feels. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he is concerned about the issue with Housing and Human Services and the additional resources for services provided by the Community Action Team; and he still has questions on how to make a more viable program.  He stated there are mortgage foreclosures and people are going to need assistance.  Commissioner Colon stated $200,000 is the dollar amount associated with the Housing and Human Services programs.  Commissioner Bolin stated that amount was arbitrarily brought up; and inquired how many more families will that amount help.  Ms. Busacca stated the average was $313 was the amount given to people.  Commissioner Bolin inquired what the Board can afford.  Gay Williams, Housing and Human Services Director, stated the amount is actually $265.  Ms. Busacca advised that would be 754 people.  Ms. Williams stated people are lining up because they want to make sure they are able to be seen; it has not always been this way; and this is a new phenomenon in the community.  She stated funding helps, but in addition to that human resources helps also with acting as a triage and helping people get their paperwork together.  She stated with the funding the Board is buying rent, food, utilities, and mortgages; it is not buying any administrative costs; social workers will no longer be used, as technicians will do the work; and by downgrading those positions, Housing and Human Services has been able to obtain two additional part-time personnel to help with the mass.  She stated within her budget she decreased the amount of money and funding that will fund positions; and she will have more resources to put directly toward those dollars.

 

Commissioner Bolin inquired what the Board can afford to help out.  Chairman Scarborough inquired how many people are turned away currently because funds run out.  Ms. Williams stated since October 2007 there have been approximately 8,000 individuals; to date, 3,192 people have been able to be served; the discrepancy between the two numbers is that sometimes people do not meet the eligibility criteria, and sometimes there is funding; and right now, a mixture of funding is done in the department.  She advised the department utilizes federal, State, and local dollars to do all the services it provides; and right now, the department is out of General Fund dollars to do the services.  Chairman Scarborough inquired if Housing and Human Services were to meet the needs of those who qualified in the last few weeks, how many more dollars would be needed.  Assistant County Manager Heidi Denis stated if the Board wanted to serve 50 people based on the average, it is $13,250; and for $200,000, the Board would serve 752 more people.  Chairman Scarborough inquired how many more people need to be served that are being turned away.  Ms. Denis responded what Ms. Williams is trying to say is there is no end to the amount of dollars that are needed.  Ms. Williams stated the phenomenon is an immediate thing happening in the community; the numbers keep increasing; and she has not been able to quantify.  Ms. Busacca inquired if Ms. Williams could give the Board a percentage of people who come in who are not qualified; with Ms. Williams responding approximately 10 percent of the people are not qualified.  Ms. Busacca stated if the Board wanted increase that by 30 percent, it would cost $256,000; and if increased by 10 percent, it would be $76,800. 

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired if people are served this month, what happens next month.  Ms. Williams responded people may be able to pay one bill, but have to roll over the rest of the bills.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if the help is for one time; with Ms. Williams responding for Housing and Human Services,  it is one time per calendar for services,  with the exception of the federal program LIHEAP for the elderly and disabled, which are able to get winter, summer, and crisis help. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Colon, seconded by Chairman Scarborough, to approve additional resources for services provided by the Community Action Team for a fiscal impact of $256,000 for Housing and Human Services.  Motion failed; Commissioners Nelson, Bolin, and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Colon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve additional resources for services provided by the Community Action Team for a fiscal impact of $200,000 for Housing and Human Services.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Bolin voted nay.

 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he had a memo from the County Manager indicating the Sheriff’s money was non-reoccurring; and stated there is always a risk in using non-reoccurring funds for salaries.  Commissioner Nelson inquired what is the non-reoccurring source; with Ms. Busacca responding the Tax Collector and excess fees.  Commissioner Voltz inquired if that was already spent somewhere, or if the Board is counting on that.  Commissioner Nelson inquired if that is considered a General Fund source.  Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten stated staff budgeted General Fund $3.5 million; with the Tax Collector updating their numbers, it will be $4.6 million; it is a General Fund source; and there is a difference in what staff projected and what the Sheriff believes he will receive.  He stated the Tax Collector collects a certain percentage of what the Board and the School Board bills out on the tax bill; and as less is billed out, then less is collected.  He stated it is a combination of the percentage collected based on the fee that is due from the Board, and also expenditure patterns; it is a combination of those two things; it is a General Fund, General Revenue difference; and the issue would be how to address the Sheriff’s MSTU because the Board has set the millage, and the road deputies are in the MSTU. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Colon, to take two percent out of the General Fund for sworn deputies and firefighters. 

 

 

Ms. Busacca stated the General Fund money would not be able to be utilized for the MSTU deputies; and the Sheriff would have to find the money within the MSTU because the millage has been set unless the Board would want to reset.  Chairman Scarborough stated he is concerned about going to the Sheriff’s Department because there will be more groups coming forward; and he is not going to support the motion.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated Sheriff Parker has done a good job with his budget this year; stated the Sheriff funded the STEP plan for the deputies, so at least there will be some assistance there; the Board has done the best it can on the insurance side to make sure the salaries did not get worse; and he does not support an increase at this time, as the Board has done the best it can do.

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired if the Board can legally take money out of the General Fund for the Sheriff’s Department.  County Attorney Scott Knox replied the Sheriff’s Department serves some functions in the cities as well as the County, so to some extent the Board can, but there are certain limitations he would have to go back and look at.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she supports the Sheriff; but at this time, she cannot support the motion.  Commissioner Voltz stated she has a hard time giving the deputies a raise and no one else; and stated she thinks the Sheriff understands the Board’s position. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he would like to go back to the Space issue; and inquired if anyone has ever heard of a Presidential debate that was closed to the public.  He advised there is going to be a closed Presidential debate between spokespersons of John McCain and Barack Obama on the Space issues.  He stated the Board has wonderful people working for it on the Space issue; but he has heard Bob Walker is the prime contact for the Kennedy Space Center in Washington D.C.  He stated the County is losing 6,500 employees; but in Washington D.C. the number of people are doubling in the Constellation Program; and the other centers are becoming healthier than the Kennedy Space Center.  He noted when he was first on the Commission he was opposed to lobbyists; but he has only recently become convinced that lobbyists are wonderful when the Board has Government Relations Manager Leigh Holt working for it.  He stated Ms. Holt is sending him to talk to the Association of Counties; there were 52 buses worth of labor unions going to the Space Center; but the activities beginning to occur in the State of Florida are fantastic.  He stated he met with Lee Solid, Frank DiBello, and Marshal Heard, who told him they have seen the evolution of federal agencies and there are going to be profound changes in NASA; and the County needs to have presence in Washington D.C. when the changes occur.  He stated Ms. Holt advised him the Board already put transportation to D.C. in its budget; and the Board can have Ms. Holt take on the NASA issues in Washington.  He noted Ms. Holt will need support if she is doing a lot of traveling, which could be hiring an assistant or secretary for Ms. Holt to have because she will be out of the office a lot.  He stated the number two location for engineers in the nation is Brevard County; and that great asset is going to be lost because of the loss of 6,500 jobs.

 

Commissioner Nelson inquired what is the dollar amount needed.  Chairman Scarborough stated $250,000 is needed in hiring a top-line person, down to hiring an assistant for Ms. Holt.  Commissioner Colon stated she cannot get over the fact that the Presidential debate is closed; stated the local media needs to be involved, as it is an opportunity to have them ask some questions.  She stated she is not impressed by KSC Director Mike Griffin; stated Mr. Griffin was condescending to two U.S. Senators at the Senate Hearing; and what she saw was that the Board is battling with NASA.  She stated NASA has its favorite Space Center, and it is not Kennedy Space Center; and that is really the problem.  Chairman Scarborough stated he agrees with Commissioner Colon. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated Ms. Holt has done a good job for the Board in showing what can be done in Tallahassee; she likes the idea of using Ms. Holt in Washington D.C. and have her team up with three gentlemen who can walk the halls and get into offices; and Ms. Holt can connect the dots for the Board between Washington D.C. and Tallahassee.  She stated she would like to see further work being done on the unification in the State of Florida towards having a group that represents the entire State. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated there are advantages of having Ms. Holt, as she knows the Board and the message the Board wants to send; but she does need assistance.  Commissioner Bolin stated the Board could make it a wait-and-see basis.  Chairman Scarborough stated no, he wants to put it in the budget because it should have hit the ground yesterday; and tomorrow will be too late to make an impact on the change.  Commissioner Colon stated things are not going to get better locally with the State; and she thinks the Board needs to leave Ms. Holt alone because the State is going to keep dumping on local government and there are going to be more unfunded mandates. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Crew Exploration Vehicle is being assembled in Brevard County because of Marshal Heard, Lee Solid, and Frank DiBello; the reason it occurred was because they knew what had to occur and they talked to the CEO’s of the contractors who would be bidding on it; and they got into the thought process. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the reality is that the Board is not going to be able to impact the Space Program and the direction, but what it can impact is pieces of that, which is where the benefit is.  He stated he likes what he has heard in terms of the direction the Board needs to go; but he thinks some money needs to be put aside; and he is not yet comfortable with a structure. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated Ms. Busacca can meet with Mr. Heard, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Solid and put some numbers together and the Board can discuss the issue Tuesday evening at the final budget meeting.  Ms. Busacca advised in the current budget there is $250,000 budgeted; the annual contract is $180,000; and to date, there has been an additional $30,000 spent in expenses.  She advised there is still $40,000 in the current budget which could kick off something immediately. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated the Board is already spending close to $180,000 for people in Washington D.C. and $50,000 for lobbyist; and that is already $230,000 spent.  She stated the Board is one of many contracts the lobbyists have; her idea would be to end both contracts and take the $230,000 the Board is already spending and use it however the next Board feels it should be used.  She stated the priority right now is the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the loss of jobs; and that is where she would use the money.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated the Board was not getting much out of Guy Spearman and John Thrasher until Ms. Holt became involved; stated lobbyists have a special role; and if the Board is just looking at the retirement of the Shuttle then it is short-sided because the belief is there is going to be one of the most profound changes at NASA that has occurred in a long time. 

 

Ms. Busacca stated in next year’s budget there could be what could easily be the residual $40,000 again and then it would be a matter of what additional funding would be needed; and she believes the proposed budget cuts some of the travel for Ms. Holt.  Ms. Busacca stated she will bring it back to the Board on the 23^rd.

 

Commissioner Colon inquired what the Board has received for its $180,000; stated there were recommendations from elected officials in Washington to hire people; and it did hire people and spent $180,000.  She noted on top of that, there is another lobbyist in Washington that gets another $50,000; stated that is where her concern is; and inquired when that contract ends.  Ms. Busacca responded she does not remember when that contract ends.  Commissioner Colon stated she would prefer the other Commissioners realize that because money is tight, the Board will have to make everyone accountable; stated the Board did its own lobbying; stated she does not mind allocating other dollars; and she is just concerned about what the Board has received for $180,000.  Chairman Scarborough stated he disagrees with most of what Commissioner Colon has said.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated when he went to Washington D.C. he was able to talk to an under-secretary of the Department of Energy; he got in there because Bob Walker was the head of the House Committee on Energy; and he was able to speak to Shannon Dale because Bob Walker worked with her as the head of the Committee that dealt with space.  He stated while he may not agree with all the aspects, what Commissioner Bolin is proposing may work or it may be the beginning of the process; he does not want to preclude the Board from being able to take the next step if appropriate; and whatever is done, it still has to come back to the Board for final approval.  He stated the Board has gotten better at getting things in the pipeline; and the Board at least now knows where the pipeline begins.  He stated now is the time the Board needs to continue to make sure it is doing everything possible. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she agrees with Commissioner Nelson 100 percent; the Board is beyond just trying to keep the Shuttle flying; it is at the stage where it needs to use all its power in changes policies in Washington D.C. that is restricting the Board; and she would like to get Ms. Holt in Washington as fast as possible to start getting a feel of what is going on and if she can tell the Board if it has to look at getting someone up there permanently. 

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he would like to direct Ms. Busacca to talk with Ms. Holt on the issue and come report back to the Board on September 23, 2008 at the final budget meeting; and he would like to have a projection of how much is needed to put in the budget to keep Ms. Holt. 

 

Commissioner Nelson stated with regard to the funding for ocean lifeguards, he thinks it is a reasonable level and not what was asked for by the Lifesaving Association; and because the budget was restructured, the money is available to do it. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve funding of Enhanced Ocean Lifeguard Program for a fiscal impact of $448,000 for Fire Rescue.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Bolin voted nay. 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Colon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve restructuring of the First Responder Program for a fiscal impact of $1,348,421 for Fire Rescue.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Voltz inquired about the crossing guards.  County Manager Peggy Busacca stated the Board has approved a $10 surcharge on parking tickets which will help to offset some of the funding; and stated no action is needed for crossing guards. 

 

 

            Space Coast Area Transit

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she would like to move forward with the funding for Space Coast Area Transit to increase Route 1 frequency.  Chairman Scarborough stated he is concerned about transportation for Mims, but the truth is Viera has become the judicial center; there is a concern  about  getting witnesses to the courthouse;  and it is impacting the judicial  system and the capacity to conduct public hearings; but the frequency of Route 1 seems to be a step in the right direction. 

 

Jim Liesenfelt, Transit Director, stated the problem is that Viera is in the middle of everything; it is 15 miles to Viera from Titusville; it is 10 – 12 miles to get to Viera from Melbourne; an average bus ride across the nation is two to three miles; and SCAT’s average trip for a person is five or six miles.  He stated the issue with Satellite Beach and the South Beaches area is that there has never been good ridership.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the courts may move all the criminal trials to Viera; if all criminal is moved to Viera, then Titusville is worried about getting witnesses to Viera; and based on the current bus schedules, that is not going to work.  Mr. Liesenfelt stated the majority of hearings start at 9:00 a.m. and the bus gets to Viera at 8:00 a.m.; and the bus leaves Viera every two hours.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would support the increase in the Route 1 frequency, but it will need to be monitored to make sure it is being used. 

 

Commissioner Bolin stated if the Board is going to fund $350,000, the best way to use that money in the entire bus system, it has to set priorities and set priority; this request was brought forward as an issue; but is it the best bang for the buck.  Mr. Liesenfelt stated the biggest choke point in the system is the bus coming out of Titusville in the morning, then running to Viera; last week and this week there is someone riding all day long doing a count of people coming on and off; and his answer would be that SCAT needs a couple more Supervisors, and it is getting to the point where security is going to be needed for some of the buses.

 

Commissioner Nelson stated the question is one of service; Mims gets no service, and Viera is a spine route; and there are always going to be some good routes and not so good routes. 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve doubling the frequency for Space Coast Area Transit Route 1 for a fiscal impact of $350,000.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Colon and Bolin voted nay.

 

 

            Space Coast Government Television

 

Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve reinstating deleted position for Space Coast Government Television for a fiscal impact of $51,468.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

            Animal Services

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated there was a vote for the fee increase, which did not pass at the last meeting, so it was removed; stated Director Craig Engelson just asked that the vacant position not be considered by the Board as it has been vacant for some time.  Chairman Scarborough stated at the last meeting it was a split vote because one Commissioner was not present; and anytime there is a tie vote, it can be reconsidered.  He stated the Board can increase the Animal License Tags by $1.00, which would allow another Animal Control Officer.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated she was the one who was absent at the last meeting and she did not get to hear the dialogue.  Ms. Busacca advised the current fee for an altered animal is $9.00, and it would go to $10.00.  Craig Engelson, Animal Services Director, stated the extra $1.00 would fund putting a position back into the budget.  He stated he felt that raising the fee at this time seemed like not a good idea; and he may come back to the Board next year needing another position; but hopefully, provide at least a fair level of service.

 

Motion by Commissioner Colon, seconded by Chairman Scarborough, to approve an increase of Animal License Tags from $9.00 to $10.00.  Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Bolin and Nelson voted nay.

 

 

            Facilities

 

Chairman Scarborough stated he does not want to move money from the General Fund into Facilities; and inquired if Facilities was increased by $8 million last year.  Ms. Busacca replied yes, but some of that has already been spent.  Chairman Scarborough stated the Board has been very responsible in putting more money in the general revenue reserves.

 

Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten advised the current budget, including all of the adjustments, $18.5 million has been budgeted; there was a capital reserve of $3 million; in the 08-09 budget there is an operating reserve of $18.3 million; and today the Board is talking about the restrictive reserve, which is the reoccurring funding of the $1 million.  He stated the Board has been able to maintain the operating reserve of $18.5 million to $18.3 million; and there has been some expenditure of the capital dollars throughout the year and also to balance.  Chairman Scarborough stated he thinks the Board has substantially increased the General Fund reserves; and if Facilities needs to come in, then there are monies available.  Commissioner Nelson stated some of the positions were in air conditioning, and there have been some big air conditioning problems; he wants to separate the reoccurring and non-reoccurring; and he is afraid the Board has cut back positions that have cut back the basic facility. Ms. Busacca stated the Board will see it on the list as $509,000 for the 10 vacant positions.  Commissioner Nelson inquired how much money the Board has left at this point; with Ms. Busacca responding $300,000.  Commissioner Nelson stated he would like to let Mr. Whitten, Ms. Busacca and Mr. Quickel work together.  Chairman Scarborough directed staff to come back to the Board on September 23^rd with what positions it would get for $300,000.  Ms. Busacca stated staff can get it to the Board before Tuesday so it can review the information.

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated the Board had asked staff to put together a letter to the Legislative Delegation regarding the Consumer Choice Act of 2007, which is the Bill that would allow the changes that have been seen in cable service.  She advised the letter is to the Legislative Delegation, and staff will make sure Brighthouse Networks also gets a copy.  Chairman Scarborough stated he would like to read the letter and discuss it on the 23^rd.

 

Chairman Scarborough stated it is his understanding the Board has the capacity to replace collapsed culverts because of Tropical Storm Fay; and while the Board can get FEMA money, it has to have money in order to capture money.  He stated he has heard there is 12.5 percent the Board has to pay; and inquired if the Board would like to consider moving some of the General Fund reserves into the Public Works account so it can capture as much FEMA money as possible.  Commissioner Bolin stated it is a terrific way of leveraging the money the Board has at 12 percent with the State doing 12 percent; and the Board knows that eventually it will get it back, but it takes a long time.

 

Ms. Busacca inquired what is the dollar amount needed for the pipes that have been identified to date, or the ones that are likely to fail. 

 

John Denninghoff, Public Works Director, stated the current count is over $500,000.  Ms. Busacca inquired if that is the 12 percent match, or is that 100 percent.  Mr. Denninghoff replied that is the 100 percent number for pipe failures; and it does not include any pavement issues, or any of the other infrastructure problems associated with traffic signals and signs.  Commissioner Colon stated Mr. Denninghoff is saying he would need $500,000 to be equipped; and inquired if that is something the Board is comfortable with.  Chairman Scarborough stated he would like to do it because the Board is able to spend the money now and have new culverts and get FEMA to pay later. 

 

Mr. Denninghoff advised there are still pipes failing; two pipes failed in Barefoot Bay over the weekend; there are more that are failing in Port St. John; and there is a pipe crossing on Satellite Boulevard that staff has not been able to examine fully. 

 

Chairman Scarborough advised this is not really a budget item; the Board can come back; but he did not want to defer it too long because the money is needed now to get out there and do the work; and if Mr. Denninghoff does not want to give a firm number, he can come back to the Board.  Commissioner Nelson stated Mr. Denninghoff has to write a requisition for something at some point, so he has to have a place to take it from; and the Board has to give him some basic number.

 

Mr. Denninghoff stated as he orders pipe materials for some of the repairs, it will exceed what the budgetary allocations were for the remainder of the year and next year.  Chairman Scarborough stated the Board can put a caveat on it that it is monies to be spent where there is reason to believe the Board can recapture FEMA dollars.

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to approve transfer in the amount of $1 million from Operating Reserves to capture FEMA dollars for the replacement of collapsed culverts and other items due to Tropical Storm Fay.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to adopt Resolutions and execute Joint Participation Agreements (JPA) in the amount of $350,000 each for Transit Corridor Grants for SR 520 and SR A1A Fixed Route Bus Service; and authorized the Chairman to sign any follow-up documents (upon Risk Management and County Attorney approval) and budget changes.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 12:38 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:                                                                     ___________________________________

                                                                                    TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH, CHAIRMAN

                                                                                    BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                    BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

_____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

      

          (S E A L)