MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

September 6, 2005

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on September 6, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Center Commission Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Ron Pritchard, D.P.A., Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Helen Voltz, Susan Carlson, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

The Invocation was given by Lieutenant Colonel Norman Durocher.

 

 

Commissioner Helen Voltz led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca provided information to the Board regarding Tropical Depression 16, including the advisory as of 2:30 p.m. that the tropical storm warning had been issued for the East Coast of Florida, from Jupiter north to Titusville, including Merritt Island. She stated it is expected that Tropical Depression 16 could become a tropical storm Ophelia; it would be named tonight or Wednesday morning; and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently monitoring Tropical Depression 16.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca advised the Boot Drive that was conducted by Fire Rescue this weekend has garnered over $74,000 in contributions to Hurricane Katrina victims; and thanked Fire Rescue and the citizens of Brevard County.

 

 

Commissioner Voltz presented checks from her office to County Manager Peggy Busacca for Hurricane Katrina; and encouraged all Commissioners’ offices to do the same. Commissioner Carlson advised she will be getting checks to Ms. Busacca. Commissioner Colon stated thousands of dollars were collected in three days; she is proud of Brevard County as many checks were received; and they were all made out to the American Red Cross.

 

 

Commissioner Colon stated it is hard when people see September 11 coming around, and the men and women are still fighting the war; they are overseas all over the world; it saddens her

that the County does not see the yellow ribbons; and people do not realize the sacrifices the men and women are making. She advised of various events that will be taking place in Palm Bay and Eau Gallie on Sunday; and urged everyone to show their respect and attend the events.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard stated he is tired of the bashing that is taking place in New Orleans and Louisiana on behalf of President Bush, and the response that was made; what has been going on there is wrong; New Orleans knew for 30 years the 17^th Street levy was bad; and it knew for years that it should have been repaired, yet it did nothing about it. He noted now the City is wondering why the federal government has not come and created some sort of immediate relief and why people were not evacuated; the President should point out that before the storm struck he declared Mississippi and Louisiana federal disaster areas and added Alabama the next day; he seemed to do more appropriate anticipating than any of the lackadaisical State leaders did; and Louisiana residents burned its own buildings, including the sheriff’s substation and mall because they were unhappy. He stated he wants to make sure Emergency Management Director Bob Lay is here to tell everyone that Brevard County is not sitting back and not going to be lackadaisical, but extremely proactive and do everything that is responsible to make sure that should the County have a problem, it is going to be able to take care of it and not blame others.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero announced that the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 aggregate rolled back rate is 5.9694 mills, the aggregate tentative rate is 6.5147 mills, the percentage change is 9.13%, including voted millages, and the aggregate tentative rate is 6.40% below the current aggregate rate of 6.9598 mills and 3.58% above the aggregate rolled back rate, excluding voter approved millages.

 

 

Patricia Hamilton, Edith Gordan, Ron Oskins, Mary Lorkovic, Patricia Lewis, Mildred Williams, Nick Tsamoutales, Martha Franco, Pat Poole, Sue Turner, Lester Campbell, Tim Bianchi, Eva Nagymihaly, Margaret Porter, Micael Tseghai, Pamela Cutrone, Dona John, Anthony Romero, and Mollie Sandberg addressed the Board concerning various increases, including property taxes and millages, assessments, rates for fire control, street lights, overtime pay, unsafe travel conditions on Dixon Boulevard, City of Palm Bay and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) charges, Harbor City Volunteer Ambulance Service, transportation issues, Solid Waste increases, and the EMS ambulance service availability fee.

 

Emergency Management Director Bob Lay advised of the latest information concerning Tropical Depression 16, which is approximately 175 miles southeast of Brevard County; stated officials expect the Depression to start moving today or later tonight to the northwest; and the County expects accumulations of five to ten inches of rainfall. He noted most of the rainfall will be in the north end of the County; some beach erosion is expected; and he does not anticipate any evacuations unless Tropical Depression 16 becomes a hurricane.

 

Discussion ensued regarding technology and communication issues, 800 Megahertz radio system, cellular telephone communications, backup through amateur radio operators, storm surge, major hurricanes, satellite communications, high frequency radios, interconnections between federal, State, and local agencies; equipment transfers and equipment modifications, evacuations, storm surge, flooding issues, residents being self-sufficient with adequate food and water supplies, etc. for at least 72 hours during a hurricane event, evacuation plans, and comfort stations.

 

The meeting recessed at 7:11 p.m. and reconvened at 7:20 p.m.

Chairman Pritchard called for the public hearing to consider adoption of the County’s FY 2005-2006 tentative millages.

 

Chairman Pritchard stated he is not going to support the budget unless the Board is going to an aggregate rollback rate of 3%, which is what capit is; last year and the year before he spoke forcefully to respect voters’ wishes to limit increase in property tax revenues to 3%; a review of County operations expenditures is incumbent in order to comply with the voters intent of modest tax increases upon enhanced property valuations; and the tentative aggregate operating millage is 3.6% and the voters overwhelmingly supported a measure to limit increases to 3% of the rollback rate. He noted to reduce the 3% above rollback, the Board needs to cut $1 million from its proposed budget; a funding source for the $1 million are funded vacant positions; and the people are being overcharged based upon their vote to limit taxes by initiating capit. He recommended the Board look at the funded vacant positions and take the health, safety, and utility issues of $1.7 million and keep them in place; and stated it leaves $2.8 million, of which $1 million could be for the rollback to 3%, leaving $1.8 million. He noted staff can figure out who needs the $1.8 million; another $1 million is not designated, but he does not want to touch it; and he does not want staff to come back and tell him the County is going to cut something that is going to be a critical issue.

 

Commissioners Carlson and Colon advised they are comfortable with the budget.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she does not know that she would support cutting $1 million from the $4.6 million; but the County needs to review it because the Board needs to know how much of that money is part-time for this year and fulltime for next year; the figure might double; and the Board needs to know how much of that figure is part-time employees who are not going to be hired until next year, how many of those are vacant positions, and how much is going to recur the following year as fulltime employees. Commissioner Voltz noted the figure is deceptive; it is not right for the Board to be looking at those kinds of things when it does not know what the figure is; and it has not been given all the correct information on vacant positions as it should have been given.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated he will concede that a position being vacant for a period of time indicates the County needs to look at it to see why it is vacant; in some positions the salaries are too low and the County cannot offer more; a salary survey is being done; and a number of department heads wanted finance managers. He noted with that concept, the Board asked its consultants to look at a system analysis; Chairman Pritchard is on the right track; the Board should not discourage a critical analysis; but there may be other indicators beyond just a vacant position, such as the consolidation of operations. He stated the movement within the whole structure may come out of what the consultants give the Board, which may lead it to a better understanding of how to maximize the efficiencies; there needs to be a team effort working with the various groups, including the County Manager and department heads, giving a clear indication that they want to discuss the issues and all the component parts and make sense that the County is saving dollars because a good efficient county adds wealth to the county and wealth in the county means lower taxes. He stated the highest taxed counties are the ones with the poorest level of service in the Panhandle; and the best counties in the State have a lower millage and better services. He noted the County does not want to go into areas that would jeopardize it; those are questions that need to be addressed with Chairman Pritchard; he can provide his insight as he has been on the other side for many years; and an extensive discussion needs to take place, but he is not prepared to do that at this time and wants to readdress it as the reports come in.

 

Commissioner Carlson stated she does not support doing anything with the vacancies until the Board gets the study back; and she is ready to move along on the budget process tonight.

 

Discussion ensued concerning productive workshop sessions on the budget, salary study, Sterling process, cutting departmental budgets, Brevard County being one of the lowest counties in the State of Florida in terms of the millage rate, and high level quality service to the constituency.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated she is not going to support the budget because it is over the 3%.

 

Chairman Pritchard stated the people voted for capit at 3%; the budget is at 3.6%, which is violating the will of the people; and he will not support it.

 

Commissioner Colon inquired about the legality of capit as it has been before the courts. County Attorney Scott Knox stated capit was determined by the courts to be unconstitutional.

 

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the FY 2004-05 millage for the General Fund is 4.1278 mills; and the tentative millage for FY 2005-2006 is 3.6249 mills; the ad valorem revenue is $111,597,272; and the tentative budget is $226,182,132.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for the General Fund at 3.6249 mills and budget at $226,182,132 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered unanimously; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for the Free Public Library District is 0.6641 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2005-2006 is 0.5750 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $17,782,450; and the tentative budget is $23,120,257.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for the Free Public Library District at 0.5750 mill and budget at $23,120,257 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Mosquito Control District is 0.2313 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2005-2006 is 0.1986 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $6,141,903; and the tentative budget is $7,458,850.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Mosquito Control District at 0.1986 mill and budget at $7,458,850 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Fire Control MSTU is 2.2035 mills; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 2.2035 mills; the ad valorem revenue is $31,490,740; and the tentative budget is $41,682,791.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Fire Control MSTU at 2.2035 mills and budget at $41,682,791 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Recreation District 1 MSTU is 0.6473 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.5637 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $2,205,326; and the tentative budget is $9,083,962.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Recreation District 1 MSTU at 0.5637 mill and budget at $9,083,962 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Recreation District 4 O & M is 0.5918 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.5092 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,649,428; and the tentative budget is $6,070,861.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Recreation District 4 O & M at 0.5092 mill and budget at $6,070,861 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for TICO Airport Authority is 0.0179 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.0155 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $202,514; and the tentative budget is $1,928,241.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for TICO Airport Authority at 0.0155 mill and budget at $1,928,241 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Law Enforcement MSTU is 1.1076 mills; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.9960 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $13,227,177; and the tentative budget is $13,914,801.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Law Enforcement MSTU at 0.9960 mill and budget at $13,914,801 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU is 0.6598 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.5699 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,302,597; and the tentative budget is $2,850,944.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU at 0.5699 mill and budget at $2,850,944 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU is 0.3282 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.2871 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,042,129; and the tentative budget is $2,192,074.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU at 0.2871 mill and budget at $2,192,074 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU is 0.4576 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.3814 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $736,972; and the tentative budget is $1,349,049.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU at 0.3814 mill and budget at $1,349,049 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU is 0.4053 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.3555 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,227,482; and the tentative budget is $1,862,973.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU at 0.3555 mill and budget at $1,862,973 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU is 0.5697 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.4918 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $669,659; and the tentative budget is $1,130,906.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU at 0.4918 mill and budget at $1,130,906 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU is 0.4509 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.3873 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $199,231; and the tentative budget is $746,719.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU at 0.3873 mill and budget at $746,719 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU is 0.1739 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.1571 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $21,119; and the tentative budget is $185,938.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU at 0.1571 mill and budget at $185,938 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

The Budget staff advised there was no millage in FY 2004-2005 for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991); the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.0482 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,490,375; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands (1991) at 0.0482 mill. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised there was no millage in FY 2004-2005 for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004); the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.0572 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,768,661; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands (2004) at 0.0572 mill for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised there was no millage in FY 2004-2005 for the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.2449 mill; the ad valorem revenue would be $208,509; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation MSTU at 0.2449 mill for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised there was no millage in FY 2004-2005; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.2714 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $728,213; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for North Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.2714 mill for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU is 0.0886 mill; the tentative FY 2005-2006 millage is 0.4088 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,208,146; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU at 0.4088 mill for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.1020 mill; the tentative FY 2005-2006 millage is 0.3230 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $5,662,160; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.3230 mill for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (1991) is 0.2500 mill; the tentative FY 2005-2006 millage is 0.2018 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $6,240,867; and the tentative budget is $10,616,196.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Environmental Endangered Lands Debt (1991) at 0.2018 mill and budget at $10,616,196 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised there was no millage for FY 2004-2005; the tentative FY 2005-2006 millage is 0.1188 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $3,673,373; and the tentative budget is not applicable.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Environmentally Endangered Lands Debt (2004) at 0.1188 mill for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Beach and Riverfront Acquisition is 0.1300 mill; there is no tentative millage for FY 2005-2006; the ad valorem revenue is zero; and the tentative budget is zero.

 

No action was taken by the Board.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation Facilities MSTU is 0.8417 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.4975 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $423,311; and the tentative budget is $624,929.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreation Facilities MSTU at 0.4975 mill and budget at $624,929 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for North Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.8000 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.5078 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,362,991; and the tentative budget is $1,894,706.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for North Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.5078 mill and budget at $1,894,706 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU is 0.4844 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.3909 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $1,155,341; and the tentative budget is $1,237,452.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for Merritt Island Recreation MSTU at 0.3909 mill and budget at $1,237,452 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

 

The Budget staff advised the FY 2004-2005 millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District is 0.4980 mill; the FY 2005-2006 tentative millage is 0.2306 mill; the ad valorem revenue is $4,042,396; and the tentative budget is $4,070,926.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the tentative millage for South Brevard Special Recreation District at 0.2306 mill and budget at $4,070,926 for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero announced that the recomputed FY 2005-2006 aggregate rolled back rate is 5.9694 mills, the aggregate tentative rate is 6.5147 mills, the percentage change is 9.13%, including voted millages, and the aggregate tentative rate is 6.40% below the current aggregate rate of 6.9598 mills and 3.58% above the aggregate rolled back rate, excluding voter approved millages.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to acknowledge the recomputed FY 2005-2006 aggregate rolled back rate at 5.9694 mills, the aggregate tentative rate at 6.5147 mills, the percentage change at 9.13%, including voted millages, and the aggregate tentative rate at 6.40% below the current aggregate rate of 6.9598 mills and 3.58% above the aggregate rolled back rate, excluding voter approved millages. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard called for the public hearing to consider tentative approval of the County’s FY 2005-2006 Budget.

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the County’s total budget for FY 2005-2006 is $682,308,448 for County agencies, $104,065,649 for Charter Officers, and $201,213,984 for Dependent Special Districts.

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to grant tentative approval of the County’s total budget for FY 2005-2006 at $682,308,448 for County agencies, $104,065,649 for Charter Officers, and $201,213,984 for Dependent Special Districts. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Voltz voted nay.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting final budgets for FY 2005-2006.

 

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised of the final budgets for the Solid Waste Management Program at $89,591,468; Stormwater Utility Department at $10,308,846; Emergency Medical Services at $26,434,870; Municipal Service Benefit Units at $161,365; and Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District at $1,952,136.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt final budget for the Solid Waste Management Program at $89,591,468.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard inquired is the Solid Waste Management Program item something that has to be repaid; with County Manager Peggy Busacca responding yes. Chairman Pritchard

inquired how can a Commissioner not vote to support something that has to be repaid. Ms. Busacca stated the issue was how soon does the Board want it repaid; and there was discussion about a one-year program, three-year program, and having reserves.

 

Commissioner Scarborough stated in talking to some of his constituents he made some commitments that he would work this item over time; he voted against it the last time; if the Board wishes to look at it with the three-year or four-year repay he can support it; but as a one-year program, he is not in a position to support it.

 

Eva Nagymihaly advised of her concerns regarding the increase in fees for the Solid Waste Management Program.

 

Chairman Pritchard called for a vote on the motion. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Scarborough and Colon voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt final budget for Stormwater Utility Department at $10,308,846. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Chief William Farmer advised the proposal for Emergency Medical Services, which was discussed on May 12, 2005, is a $7.08 increase; it will take care of several items; it will incorporate the Micco Benefit Unit into the Countywide system for one billing and charging system; and it will provide an additional Rescue to help meet the six-minute 90% performance measurement, salary reserves to address the ongoing IAFF Contract, and hopefully something toward the salary survey.

 

Eva Nagymihaly advised of her concerns regarding the fee increase for Emergency Medical Services; stated if the County is trying to win a legal battle, it may have repercussions on it later; and inquired why increase the fees at this time. She suggested the Board take the monies out of General Fund or do something else other than increasing the assessment at this time, and wait to find out what the legal situation is going to be so the County does not have to pay it all back, which will hurt the taxpayers.

 

Bill Hoskovec advised of his concerns regarding increasing the EMS ambulance service availability fee and cost efficiencies.

 

Pat Poole stated she resents the information in the letter that was sent out that if people do not pay the $57.63 assessment there is the threat that tax certificates may result in the loss of the titles to their homes; the letter indicates it is covered in Chapter 197, Florida Statutes; Harbor City Volunteer Ambulance Squad saved many lives and did wonderful things; and it was trying to keep the budget low because it had many people who were volunteers and low income. She noted the idea of threatening someone if they do not pay bothers her.

 

Commissioner Voltz stated it bothered the Commissioners also, but it is State law. County Attorney Scott Knox stated if the County does not include such information then it is not a valid assessment; and the State law requires it.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt final budget for Emergency Medical Services at $26,434,870. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Colon voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting a final operating budget for Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District pursuant to Chapters 165 and 200, Florida Statutes, authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the final budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 at $1,952,136; and providing for an effective date. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt final budget for Mosquito Control District at $7,458,850. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to adopt final budget for Municipal Service Benefit Units at $161,365. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting user fees for Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District for FY 2005-2006.

 

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt a Resolution to authorize and adopt user fees pursuant to Chapter 86-418, Florida Statutes, authorizing the Board of the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District to levy user fees for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 and providing for an effective date. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard called for the public hearing to consider a resolution certifying the MSBU assessment rolls for FY 2005-2006.

 

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt a Resolution certifying the Municipal Service Benefit Unit Assessment Rolls to the Tax Collector for FY 2005-2006. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

Chairman Pritchard called for the public hearing to consider resolutions increasing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance service availability fee and certifying the FY 2005-2006 EMS ambulance service availability fee non-ad valorem assessment roll.

 

County Attorney Scott Knox stated he wants to make sure staff removes the not-for-profits and cities from the EMS ambulance service availability fee non-ad valorem assessment roll.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution to enable the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners to supercede and replace Resolution No. 04-204 providing for an increase to the EMS ambulance service availability fee; and providing for an effective date. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Colon voted nay.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution certifying the FY 2005-2006 EMS ambulance service availability fee non-ad valorem assessment roll. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioner Colon voted nay.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to recess the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to convene the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to execute Agreement with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for State funding in the amount of

approximately $37,000 to aid approved certified Mosquito Control Programs. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to adjourn the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to reconvene the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to recess the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to convene the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to execute the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Mosquito Control District’s Annual Certified Budget for Arthropod Control for Fiscal Year October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to adjourn the meeting of the Governing Board of the Brevard Mosquito Control District. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to reconvene the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Chairman Pritchard stated discussions regarding Dixon Boulevard have taken place with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for years; it is a vital economic throughway in Cocoa and benefits Brevard County; it is a County road in the City of Cocoa; and he has preliminary costs from Roadways and Landscaping Director Billy Osborne to make major improvements to Dixon Boulevard for a little over $1 million. He advised the total package is $11 million; the County does not have $11 million; the $1.1 million would provide for signalization improvements at the intersection of Fiske Boulevard and Dixon Boulevard, resurfacing, sidewalk enhancements, striping, etc.; and Dixon Boulevard is not a good road and needs help.

 

Lester Campbell requested a copy of the list of road projects from each Commission District; stated there will be a battle if the County believes the City of Cocoa is going to take over Dixon Boulevard for $1 million; it will not happen as such Boulevard is a County road and has been a County responsibility since the day it was built; and $1 million is not going to cover it.

 

Discussion ensued concerning viability of Dixon Boulevard, benefits derived if the City of Cocoa increased its redevelopment area, transportation projects, economic benefits, bonding issues, annual debt service, Pineda Extension, priorities in each Commission District, transportation issues, S.R. 192 and S.R. 520, stormwater and flooding issues, catch basins, Palm Bay Beltway, and leveraging dollars.

 

Finance Director Stephen Burdett requested clarification of a past Board action; stated on July 12, 2005 the Board authorized the County to issue Requests for Proposals for independent financial audit services; there was only one proposal received; and the price needs to be negotiated. He stated the agenda item did not set up a formal negotiating committee; and requested the Board authorize a representative of the County Manager, County Attorney’s Office, and himself to negotiate for such services. He advised the Committee will bring the price back to the Board.

 

Motion by Commissioner Voltz, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to appoint a Negotiating Committee of the County Manager or designee, County Attorney’s Office, and Finance Director to negotiate for independent financial audit services. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:

__________________________________

RON PRITCHARD, D.P.A., CHAIRMAN

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

 

 

 

(S E A L)