September 23, 2003

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on September 23, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Center Commission Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairperson Jackie Colon, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Ron Pritchard, Nancy Higgs, and Susan Carlson, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

The Invocation was given by Minister Cliff Woodrum, First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Commissioner Colon led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

REPORT, RE: MOREHEAD V. BREVARD COUNTY CASE

County Attorney Scott Knox stated last week he was in trial involving the Morehead case and the lift station; he is pleased to report that the County won the trial, so there will be no assessment of damages against the County; and it was right not to settle it.

REPORT, RE: GOVERNMENT SPENDING

Commissioner Pritchard stated Cal Thomas had a column in yesterday’s newspaper; such column deals with the vote that took place in Alabama recently where it was trying to get a $1.2 billion tax increase to offset a $675 million budget deficit; and read an excerpt from the Governor of Alabama, as follows: “I’ve heard what the people of Alabama have said and they said it very clearly tonight. We do want you to be good stewards, but we want a smaller government until you prove to us you are good stewards of our money.” He noted Mr. Thomas commented, “How about smaller government forever, allowing those who make the money to keep more of it and those who so often misspend it, to have less to spend”; the voters are telling their leaders they have had enough with high taxes and unnecessary spending; something approaching a national tax revolt may be brewing; and while there are plenty of advocates for bigger and ever expanding government, there should be more advocates for the taxpayers who make the money that government so often dispends. He stated the core of a popular weight loss program is a reduction in carbohydrates; lower carbs allow the body to burn fat and weight loss follows; governments’ carbohydrate is money; and reduce the amount and government will shrink. He noted he has three budget questions that he is going to be asking consistently over the course of the next year and years to come, including is it budgeted, can you pay for it within your budget, and can you live without it.

REPORT, RE: SAMPLE THE ARTS

Commissioner Carlson introduced Tracy Thompson, representing Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse; stated Ms. Thompson has information in the lobby for all those individuals who are interested; and it is part of the Sample the Arts that Brevard Cultural Alliance provides.

Tracy Thompson stated the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse has received funding through the County Cultural Grant Program for over 15 years; without the Board’s support it would not be the success it is today; presently it is in its 14th season and has 4,510 season patrons who attend all four of the musical productions each season; and over 13,000 audience supporters view each of the productions. She noted last year’s “Fiddler on the Roof” was the record breaker with 31 shows, which accounts for 15,500 people in attendance; the performer base is 377 strong, with volunteers who rotate throughout the shows; she has personally performed in 27 shows, which represents over 8,100 volunteer hours; and the Director, Stacy Hawkins-Smith, is presently auditioning youth for the “Stars of Tomorrow” Program, which began 10 years ago. She stated last night there were 58 eight to ten-year old participants auditioning for 30 positions; tonight the Playhouse expects at least 75 more in the 11 to 12-year old category; the Stars Program extends through the age of 17; and the teenagers will audition this Wednesday night. Ms. Thompson noted future plans for the Playhouse include launching a capital campaign this spring to raise funds for the desperately needed technical support annex, which will be constructed on the east side of the existing facility; the annex will provide space for production and rehearsal needs; and if the Board and audience have not seen the Playhouse’s current musical “Annie Get Your Gun”, they call or come by the theatre for tickets for the show, which will run through Sunday, October 5, 2003.

REPORT, RE: FLORIDA AIR ACADEMY

Chairperson Colon stated Florida Air Academy is present tonight; and requested the representative share about the class.

A representative of Florida Air Academy stated this is her Government Honors class; they are interested in what the Board is doing tonight; and expressed appreciation to the Board for letting the Academy attend the meeting.

Chairperson Colon welcomed the Florida Air Academy students to the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENT, RE: PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN AGGREGATE MILLAGE FROM
AGGREGATE ROLLED BACK RATE

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the FY 2003-2004 aggregate tentative millage rate is 7.4026 mills, which represents a 5.95% increase over the aggregate rolled back rate of 6.9871 mills, and a 0% change in comparison with the aggregate current rate of 7.4026 mills.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: FY 2003-2004 TENTATIVE COUNTY BUDGET

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider the FY 2003-2004 Tentative County Budget.

Sheriff’s Finance Director Deborah Barker expressed appreciation to the Board for the support shown to law enforcement in the budget process this year; and thanked the Budget Office staff for their professionalism during the process. She noted she brought before the Board at the last workshop an issue requesting the Sheriff’s Office purchase cars with monies it had earned on its own side and its General Fund; such Office brings in about $3 million a year of its General Fund through different types of fees, such as restitution, fingerprinting, sale of fixed assets, etc.; the $3 million offsets the amount the Sheriff’s Office receives from the County; and she had requested permission from the Board to use additional revenues her Office had realized from the Clerk’s Office that had come in over prior years for cars. She stated the Board did not make a motion to approve it; the Sheriff’s Office will be returning from this fiscal year those dollars and approximately $400,000 in General Fund; and requested any General Fund dollars turned back this year be earmarked for the Sheriff’s Office next year at mid-year to cover those items that were not funded during the budget process, which includes the food contract increase at $248,000 and catastrophic insurance increase for the jail at $79,000, for a total of $330,000. Ms. Barker noted the Sheriff’s Office should be able to cover that with funds it is turning back in at the end of the year if the Board will consider earmarking; any additional funds could be used for the purchase of vehicles if the Board approves it; and the Sheriff’s Office appreciates working together with the County to do what has been done for the citizens of Brevard County.

Commissioner Carlson stated Ms. Barker provide her information regarding the question she asked about the correctional officers. Ms. Barker noted that is correct, and she needs to get Commissioner Carlson additional information she has requested. Commissioner Carlson inquired if Ms. Barker understands the problem she is still having; with Ms. Barker responding yes. Ms. Barker stated she needs to get with the Sheriff’s Human Resources Officer for the information and will provide it to Commissioner Carlson. Commissioner Carlson noted Ms. Barker sent her a list of all the grants. Ms. Barker stated she provided such list to each Commissioner, the County Manager, and Budget Office as well. Commissioner Carlson noted the Board has asked many times about trying to budget the match dollars the Sheriff’s Office needs; Ms. Barker has laid it out here, so the County now has a good idea of how much money needs to be budgeted in the Sheriff’s budget so it does not have to come back each time; Ms. Barker also provided dates when the match dollars come up so the Sheriff’s Office can budget them in terms of the timing aspect as well; and she hopes the Board would see that scenario instead of the Sheriff’s Office coming back each time it wants a particular grant match. Ms. Barker stated the grant escrow account match was not funded in the budget; but she understands where Commissioner Carlson is coming from; and the information is everything to her knowledge concerning all the grants that the Sheriff’s Office will be asking for at this time.

Scott Ellis, Clerk of Courts, stated the Clerk’s Office provided a memorandum to the Board in July 2003; the tentative millage is 5.95% over rollback, which exceeds the 3% in the CAPIT amendment; it has been bandied around that such amendment has been declared unconstitutional; and it is at the Fifth District Court of Appeals. He noted until it is finally dropped on the appeal process or determined by the Supreme Court, it is not actually a dead amendment; he would relate it back to an issue the Board had where it had litigation with people; if it loses in the first round, it does not pay them if it plans to appeal; and it generally waits until the appeal has been dropped or exhausted. He stated the issue should have been treated the same way; if the County chose not to go by the CAPIT amendment, it should have been challenged first all the way through the Supreme Court before budgets were set; unfortunately, that is not what has happened; and his Office received information this afternoon on some unusual way of calculating CAPIT. He noted he did the best he could with something he faxed out to the offices; he has been in Office three years and this is the third different variation of calculating the CAPIT amendment; all three variations always show the County within CAPIT; and the present one takes an adopted millage and compares it to an aggregate millage. Mr. Ellis stated on the worksheet and what he was sent today, the County could basically raise taxes next year by $15 million under the new CAPIT calculation, which is number three; it would be a zero percent increase under the new CAPIT calculation; if the County is going to violate it, it may do so; but the sleight of hand is again three years with three different calculations. He noted during the budget process, the Clerk’s Office has also expressed its concerns that the County is running a budget deficit and working its way down to the hard reserves; this year is probably headed toward a $2 to $3 million deficit; at this late date probably the only option left to the Board, if it chooses to eliminate such deficit and get within CAPIT, is to go to a 3 to 3 1/2% cut across-the-board of all General Funds; and CAPIT only applies to the ad valorem portion of the General Fund and is not the entire General Fund. He stated if the Board looks at what it has this year with rollback, at new construction it was 5% over ad valorem; within CAPIT, it is at 8% and currently the County is at 11%; in previous years on the total General Fund, it has increased faster than the ad valorem; and there has been a misconception sometimes. Mr. Ellis noted money from the General Fund is not just ad valorem; it also includes sales tax and other revenues; the CAPIT amendment is not dead yet, although the media thinks it is; the County is in violation of it; and he does not understand the new version other than it is a deliberate apples to oranges comparison that has been done to try and explain to the Board that the budget is within CAPIT. He stated it is the third year of double digit increases that are all within the 3% cap somehow; the other unusual article is about adverse State impacts; State-funding impacts do not affect CAPIT one way or the other; and it can be for better or for worse. He noted while it had the adverse impact, it also neglected the $1.6 million figure in addition to the County from Article V changes, which Steve Burdett gave to Dennis Rogero; it negates the $2.1 million the Board has here; the Florida Retirement System (FRS) increase is true for this year, but the year before is an FRS decrease; and it is not part of the CAPIT calculation, so he does not understand why everything is thrown in. Mr. Ellis inquired why is the Clerk’s Office getting a third CAPIT calculation at 3:30 p.m. the day of the final budget hearing; and why is everything continually pushed out at the last minute where there is no time for adequate discussion of the issues.

Bea Polk stated she does not know anyone who likes to pay taxes; the Truth in Millage (TRIM) was supposed to give the poor taxpayers some understanding of why their property taxes increase; unfortunately, it does not tell the entire truth; so the voters tried to lower taxes by voting for changes without having the complete picture of the taxing system or how the changes are going to affect them. She noted in the last few years, the voters tried to keep property taxes on homestead properties down by passing Amendment 10, Save Our Homes; the higher-end homestead properties are saving money on property taxes, but for every dollar they are saving, someone else has to pick it up. She stated the more taxable dollars are taken off the assessment roll, the higher the millage rate; it amazes her when she looks at Property Appraiser Jim Ford’s website; she does not know what to believe; and inquired is the truth being told to the public. She noted when Mr. Ford calculated the homestead property taxes for the 2003 estimated savings results from Save Our Homes, he used the same millage rate as he did with the Save Our Homes assessment value; taxable value with the Save Our Homes cap shows $20,369; it is the same figure; and it should have been lower. Ms. Polk stated maybe since Mr. Ford used the words “estimated savings”, he believes he would not be telling a different story; if Mr. Ford wants to prove her wrong, he should recalculate the millage rate to include the assessed value taken off Amendment 10 and put it on the website for all properties; he needs to show all the figures so the taxpayers can see the difference; and if she is wrong, she will be present at the next meeting to make a formal apology. She noted Mr. Ford is the same man who does not give a clear picture of Save Our Homes on the website that the taxpayers pay for that spearheaded the CAPIT for Brevard County, which has been declared unconstitutional by the courts; last year Mr. Ellis was telling the Board how to reduce its budget because of the CAPIT; Commissioner Pritchard has joined the bandwagon; and inquired where is Mr. Ford and does he believe in fighting openly for something he believed in and pushed for. She stated apparently not; the last time she heard, Mr. Ford was still hiding behind locked doors somewhere in North Brevard; Mr. Ford dares the Board to touch his budget; and his budget this year is $8.4 million, not counting the raises his employees will receive; and he has not done anything about his budget. Ms. Polk noted she looks at the list of proposed cuts; and inquired if the County Manager ever thinks to consider what the public voted for with CAPIT. She stated the taxpayers may have wanted to cut waste and enormous government spending before cutting services; if the Board is interested in helping the poor taxpayers, perhaps it could consider cutting from the top to the bottom, which she hears it is doing this time; and requested the Board reduce its salaries and its staff, and look at the non-critical services to cut instead of the much-needed services.

Carol Hayes stated there is a 3% property tax cap in Brevard County; it is not yet discounted by the courts; the Board has exceeded the cap prior to the time CAPIT ended up in the court system; and if it adopts the proposed 6% increase tonight, it will have broken a law and illegally overtaxed every one of its constituents for four of the last five years. She noted the County Attorney violates the public trust and his professional code of ethics every time he lets the Board propose a tax increase over the cap, much less approve and collect it; the Commissioners violate their oath of office; they swore to uphold the laws of the land as they are written, not as they might like them to be; even if the Board settles for the rolled back rate, it will get a boot of $7 million this year from new construction; and if it approves a legal 3% increase, it will net in addition to the $7 million another $11.5 million of new aggregate property tax revenue and another $8.5 million if it calculates the cap by Attorney Knox’s quasi-legal method. She stated it would be $27 million more than last year under the legal cap and yet the Board wants an increase of twice the cap; that would bring in another $11 million and another $8.5 million by Attorney Knox’s method; and it adds up to $46 million more than last year. Ms. Hayes noted these are hardly status quo figures; in making its decision tonight, the Board needs to keep in mind that it has for the past few years been overtaxing the people illegally; it started before CAPIT went into the courts; the taxpayers have to depend on the Board, their elected representatives, to do whatever is necessary and right to solve Brevard’s budget problems; and if the Board fails to do so, it becomes part of the problem. She stated the underlying and longstanding problem seems to be mismanagement and possible fraud within the administration and a County Attorney not doing his job properly; the County Manager has had years to develop clear, verifiable lines of accountability; he has reorganized his departments many times; and part of his job is to make sure that procedures within his departments are standardized and followed by designated personnel. She noted Mr. Jenkins is either incapable of doing this properly or has no intention of doing so; the County paid $7 million for land on Sarno Road after getting bogus property appraisals, yet the property owner closed on it for only $1.2 million; the vacant land was appraised as if it were an operating landfill, when in fact the County has no plans to use it for years; and it has yet to be permitted or used for any public purpose since the property was acquired. Ms. Hayes stated no one has been held accountable; no new procedures have been put in place to prevent this from happening again; the person who gave appraisers bogus information was someone in attendance at a certain County workshop meeting, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); FDLE did not interrogate those in attendance; and neither the Commissioners nor Attorney Knox insisted the investigation be carried to its logical conclusion. She noted the Board paid Deseret $9 million for 3,000 acres for a landfill 12 years ago; it too has yet to be permitted or used for any public purpose; and inquired why the rush to buy 68 acres for $7 million and why has the Deseret land not been sold if it is not going to be used. She stated the County plans to pay $6 million for land next to the Merritt Island Veterans’ Center if it is not developed by the option holder; once again, the County got a bogus appraisal, this time on land with bogus zoning; key information was withheld from appraisers and the Planning and Zoning Board about existing wetlands; and no one has been held accountable for the zoning or the appraisal and no new procedures have been instituted to avoid future occurrences. Ms. Hayes noted the irony is that the zoning, which increased the land’s value, was granted as if the land was ready for development; the County also applied for a State environmental grant of $5.5 million to preserve its wetlands; the 400 County employees targeted by Mr. Jenkins for dismissal do not deserve to take the hit for gross errancies at the top; and a mass layoff will be devastating to morale and will do nothing to solve the longstanding, underlying problem. She stated the problem is not a tax cap, it is management.

Joe Glover stated he has lived in Brevard County his whole life and runs a business here; he never knew how bad the Board was and thought it was running a good operation; and Ms. Hayes surprises him. He noted in the business field, the County is known as being ahead of most counties; he supports funding for the 4-H Club; the State has been pushing things down to the counties to pay for; and he has worked with children for some time, and the 4-H Club does a fine job. He requested the Board’s consideration in funding the 4-H Club.

Michael Fitzgerald stated tonight the Board will make difficult decisions that will directly affect the citizens of Brevard County; there has been much talk about waste and misguided priorities; in particular, a lot of that talk has been coming from Clerk of Courts Scott Ellis; and what he finds odd is that in looking at Mr. Ellis’ staff and budget numbers for the last three years, Mr. Ellis has increased the staff of the Clerk’s Office by 72 positions and the dollar amount by $3.6 million. He noted if the truth be known, Mr. Ellis has increased his staff more than any County office or constitutional office; this year, the County lost State funding for drug court, which puts it in a dire strait as youth are becoming hooked on drugs such as crack, OxyContin, heroin, and Ecstasy; the County does not have enough money for a drug court, but it has enough money to hire 72 additional court clerks; and it is a travesty. He stated it has been identified by the Sheriff’s Office and talked about by the Board that there are approximately 128 people who are mentally ill in the jail; at $36.00 a day, it is costing $1,681,920 a year to keep the mentally ill in the jail; these people do not pose a danger to society, and they need help and do not need it by being incarcerated; and there is so much negative energy between the Board and Clerk’s Office that they are spinning their wheels and wasting lots of money. Mr. Fitzgerald stated the packet he provided to the Board identified eight County and Clerk positions that he believes can be reallocated in order to assist the County with development of a mental health court docket; the housing of the mentally ill in the jail is costing taxpayers about $1.6 million; if the County can eliminate 40 of the 128 people, it could save the taxpayers $525,600; and the eight positions come to $284,000. He noted not only can the County save the taxpayers money by getting at least 40 mentally ill people out of the jail, but it can also get rid of the social evil of keeping the mentally ill in the jail and assist the Sheriff with his overcrowding problem; he does not know how many Commissioners have seen what happens when there is a federal lawsuit on an overcrowding problem in a jail; in 1990, he was a prosecutor in the Bronx, New York and one of the orders came down; people had to be let out of the jail who did not need to be on the streets; and no one else could be put in the jail who needed to be in there as there was a federal court order. Mr. Fitzgerald stated the County needs to address the jail overcrowding issue; if the Board is going to be looking at things tonight to reallocate, he would request it look closely at the numbers he provided; and the problems need to be addressed.

Commissioner Pritchard inquired what would be the cost to place the mentally ill people currently held in the jail elsewhere. Mr. Fitzgerald responded the individuals would be placed in a mental health facility and properly medicated to where they would be able to live on their own; there are several courts throughout the country doing this; it began in Broward County; and Brevard County had a Task Force in 2001, and requested funding from the State, but it was denied so the program did not go forward. Commissioner Pritchard stated he finds it hard to believe that all the mentally ill people could be released on medication; there must be some cost; and he is looking for the difference to come up with a more accurate figure. Mr. Fitzgerald noted he can provide the information to Commissioner Pritchard at a later date.

Lois Palmer stated it is her understanding that the Board has decided to cut the funding for the feral cat Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Program; she is convinced it will make a bad situation worse; thanks to County funding, the feral cat population is being controlled; and it takes time. She noted some of the Commissioners want to euthanize or kill all the feral cats; if there were no feral cats, there would be mice and rats; a female Norway rat has seven to eleven young in each litter and has five litters a year; and Norway rats are not native to Florida, but they are here. She stated developers have taken the habitat of foxes and raptors, which would normally keep the rodent population under control; Patrick Air Force Base found that its pest control program could not manage the rodent population; and defenders of the free world purchased cats. She stated to the north is the sweet corn capital of the world in Zellwood; a few years ago, a plague of rodents took over the town and surrounding farmland; again, exterminators failed; and cats were brought in and the infestation was controlled. She noted there are too many feral cats and that is why many people work hard to trap, neuter, and return the cats; individuals in the field can see that the numbers are stabilizing; TNR works; and requested the Board provide the funding to continue the TNR Program. Ms. Palmer stated as Winston Churchill said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”

Joseph McDowell stated tonight the Board is thinking about cutting programs; he is one of the several agencies that has put in a request for a grant; he is the Executive Director of Links of Hope, which is a faith-based social service agency; and such agency is a collaboration of nine churches, three Hispanic, three Black, and three White, who have almost nothing in common as far as denomination, but the focus is on building strong families and preventing child abuse. He noted Links of Hope has been in existence since 1996; it offers parenting classes, anger management, GED preparation, speakers of other languages, and teens’ issues program; the agency has been able to help hundreds of people; and there is a good tracking system with the parenting classes. He stated this year, 93% of those people who have attended the classes have shown improvement; in many instances, those individuals are being reunited with their families instead of being broken up; and one of the agency’s most successful clients is Lauren Bogar, who went through the parenting class three years ago.

Lauren Bogar stated the parenting program is awesome; she was 16 years old and pregnant; she and her mother worked hard together to figure out what they were going to do and how to make her life better; so they decided to go to parenting classes for 21 weeks. She noted she learned a lot; her daughter is smart and doing well; and she went back to parenting classes again because her friend has a daughter and they go together.

Mr. McDowell stated Ms. Bogar was in a state of major rebellion when she first came to Links of Hope; she is now on her way to getting a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; Ms. Bogar’s life is together; and the agency is proud of her. He noted Links of Hope is asking for assistance with the teens program, which would be held at two adult education centers in the County; funds are not available to put on the class; that is where his agency comes in; and Links of Hope combines its curriculum with the peer counseling curriculum. He stated the students in adult education are high risk; many of them are either on their way to jail or on their way back from jail; about 20% of the students in adult education are parents; and most of them are single parents. He noted his agency has an opportunity to make an impact on some precious lives; and any assistance the Board can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Chairperson Colon inquired what is Links of Hope’s telephone number for those individuals who want to know more about the agency and its different programs; with Mr. McDowell responding 690-0080. Mr. McDowell noted all of the classes are free and childcare is available.

Melinda Buschor stated TNR is an effective tool for the feral cat population and is most cost-effective; Animal Services and Enforcement Department’s budget is almost $4 million per year, which is significant; TNR is a preventative measure that should be part of the Department; and 99% of the public that came to the public hearings on the TNR Program support such Program.

Ms. Buschor noted the public did not seem to have a problem with the Program until the County started to fund it; and it is a worthwhile cause and something that needs to continue.

Sandy Raynor stated she supports the feral cat network; the question is whether or not to continue funding the TNR Program; such Program has prevented the births of thousands of unwanted cats; and it is supported by a lot of efforts of local volunteers. She noted from a monetary standpoint, the question is simple; and inquired do Brevard residents want their tax dollars to pay for the trapping and killing of innocent cats or for the spay and neuter services provided by the TNR Program. She noted at the last meeting, several speakers were of the opinion that taxpayers’ money should not be used to fund the TNR Program; but the only alternative is being overrun by cats and to have Animals Services and Enforcement Department trap the cats and kill them; the cost to taxpayers is an average of more than $100 per cat for the Department to trap and kill; however, for volunteers to trap, spay, neuter, and inoculate a cat costs one-third. She stated the TNR Program is not only more humane, but it costs the taxpayers one-third as much; she has been taking care of a colony of cats since 1992; she has had no complaints; and people assist her and back her up. Ms. Raynor requested the Board support the Program.

Chairperson Colon stated on Thursday at the Board’s workshop, the County identified some monies for the 4-H Program.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised that funding for the 4-H Program is in the budget.

Carolyn Sheriff stated the TNR Program is one of the few programs the County would fund that could be considered an investment for Brevard County; for a small amount of money, the return is tremendous; as more cats are sterilized, less cats are on the streets, trapped and picked up by Animal Services and Enforcement Department, housed in County shelters, and euthanized; there are less cat carcasses that have to be discarded; and all of these cost money. She noted the cost is over $100 per cat for the County to do this; for one-third of the cost, the all volunteer TNR Program has sterilized over 5,000 cats and found homes for over 1,000 kittens that were dumped out; if the County stops funding the TNR Program, the cats will not go away and will continue to breed out of control; and the outdated method of trap and kill, which has been practiced as long as Animal Services and Enforcement Department has been in existence does not work and has not put a dent in the feral cat population. Ms. Sheriff stated the taxpayers want animals treated humanely; they do not want their tax dollars being used for the needless killing of tens of thousands of healthy animals; TNR is not an alternative to feral cat population control; and it is the only successful method of reducing the feral cat population. She noted she is sick of her taxpayer dollars going to kill perfectly healthy cats when the dollars would be much better spent on eliminating feral cats the humane way by stopping their breeding cycle. She requested the Board continue to fund the TNR Program and let the volunteers prove to the Board that they can make a difference at bargain basement prices.

Chairperson Colon stated it came to her attention that at the workshop the Board indicated there would be no cuts discussed at tonight’s meeting concerning the TNR Program until after the report was put on the agenda; and inquired if such report will be discussed at the next meeting.

County Manager Tom Jenkins responded he is not sure if the report will be on the next agenda, but it will certainly be in October 2003. Chairperson Colon suggested individuals also come back to the later meeting when the issue will be discussed again.

Ellen Dozier stated a policy was adopted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on May 30, 2003; it took the position of opposing feral cat sterilization programs and feral cats; numerous groups and individuals in the State of Florida challenged the policy; and it went to an administrative judge and was scheduled for a hearing. She noted the judge issued a summary judgment before the hearing was held; there is important information in such judgment; the judge said that the policy was nothing more than a statement by the FWC; and it is not a rule and does not set forth any law, procedures, practices, or strategies for addressing feral cat management. She stated the policy does not interpret, implement, or prescribe law or policy; it basically recommends strategies to FWC employees to consider in managing its lands and dealing with wildlife protection issues; it is a statement of FWC’s position; but there is no authority telling Brevard County or any other local government how to manage its domestic animal issues. She noted the decision to either continue or implement feral cat sterilization programs is a local decision; such programs are economically sound; they are a humane approach to dealing with the problem; and they work. Ms. Dozier stated one of the issues she has heard throughout the program is that there are problems with the location of colonies and disclosing them; she has been involved with the formal program since its inception; the colonies are exactly where they have been for the last 10, 15, and 20 years; and Animal Services and Enforcement Department knows where the colonies are as it has removed cats from such colonies year after year to deal with the complaints at the time. She noted the problem is never solved; she is not criticizing the Department for that as it takes a concerted effort to deal with the issue; the County is big and the Department is small; and that is why the public needs to do the TNR. She stated a sterilization program is a much better way; the TNR Program works; the Board has been provided a lot of statistics and data; and feral cat sterilization programs are one piece of an overall program to deal with the domestic animal overpopulation problem. Ms. Dozier noted the County destroys about 13,000 domestic animals a year as a service to the residents; taxpayers pay to operate two shelters; both shelters are equipped with full surgery rooms; and such rooms should be operating nonstop, five or six days a week doing surgeries for anybody who wants to bring in an animal as long as the County is killing that many animals. She stated the shelters do not charge people when they bring in animals every three or four months to be destroyed; and requested the Board look at the two shelters and the resources there to hopefully try to get ahead of the battle of domestic animal overpopulation, which is a problem.

Chairperson Colon stated the Board will not be making any decisions concerning the feral cat issue this evening; and requested if it is possible to have one person speak for the entire group. She inquired when will the item be on the agenda; with County Manager Tom Jenkins responding October 21, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. Chairperson Colon stated the item will have a time certain so the people do not have to stay all day for the meeting.

Kathleen Harer, President of Space Coast Feline Network, stated the organization has been funded by the County over the past few years to spay and neuter feral cats; she has met with several Commissioners; she also provided a copy of the report on a survey that the organization completed recently; and it shows that TNR is effective in the County. Ms. Harer noted there have been stories told about how ineffective the program is, which is not true; there are statistics from people who have been through the program; a number of individuals were surveyed; and the number of cats is decreasing in managed colonies. She stated there are good numbers from within Brevard County; it is a preventative program and cost-effective; some people have talked about the cost at $30 for spay, neuter, and vaccinating a cat, which is one-third of the cost that it cost Animal Services and Enforcement Department; three years ago, there was a number given by the Director of the Department that it would cost over $160 if it had to respond to a complaint, etc.; and it is comparable to what at least two other counties have reported currently as their cost. Ms. Harer noted over 5,000 cats have been spayed, neutered, and vaccinated using County funding; there have been questions in the past about whether or not the organization has records; she has those records tonight; and it has been said that the number of cats has increased from 100,000 to 200,000, which has been corrected, but continues to be brought out as fact. She stated the number of cats has not increased in the County; it is not known how many cats there are; the 100,000 figure came from the same Animal Services and Enforcement Director a few years ago as a best guess; and nobody has done a census or knows how many cats there are. She noted the question is if the County is going to spend the resources to count the cats or is it going to take care of them for $30 a piece so they are no longer breeding and fighting, and have a chance at a decent life with the caregiver that is taking care of them; the $25,000 her organization was receiving is less than one percent of the base budget; it is for a preventative program that is cost effective and works; and urged the Board to consider seriously continuing the program. Ms. Harer stated there is a huge backlog of people who have called and asked to have their cats spayed, neutered, and vaccinated; the organization ran out of County funding the first part of August 2003; it also used all of its donation money that came in specifically for spay and neuter; and it has been using other money from its fund raising activities to try to continue to at least do some of the cats at the clinics. She noted the organization intended to have a clinic on October 12, 2003 as it has enough cats to do several clinics; that is the demand from people within the County for this particular service; last week several volunteers trapped a colony that was out of control; and the caregivers were elderly and could not care for them. She stated 23 cats were trapped the first night the volunteers were there; they received help from a sanctuary outside of the area that agreed to take some of the cats; the sanctuary her organization opened up the first part of June 2003 was full within weeks; so when people say there are shelters and sanctuaries available, she has another 20 cats at the same colony that need to be trapped next week and moved somewhere. Ms. Harer noted if somebody knows where there is a sanctuary or a home available, she would like them to tell her organization where it is as it will work with them on moving the cats and other cats from so-called problem areas as well; Ms. Dozier alluded to the 13,000 animals that are euthanized every year in the two County run shelters; it does not include the Humane Society; and it comes to 1,000 animals a month, 250 animals a week, and 50 animals a day; and such animals are healthy and adoptable, but being killed in the shelters. She stated it is shocking to her that something like this happens; it proves to her once again that sheltering does not work; it has not worked for the past 100 years; and it started off as a humane movement, but it is not working. She noted everyone needs to work together to work toward a “no more homeless pets” concept so that pets are not disposable and dispensable; there has to be affordable spay and neuter programs for the people in Brevard County; and it would address the beginning of the problem, not the end when there are abandoned cats that have to be trapped.

Ms. Harer stated Space Coast Feline Network has been accused of not having a responsible program; and provided copies of the records and report that are kept at the clinics to the Board.

Cleave Frink, representing Project Response, stated his agency serves people of all ages; the clients are isolated due to confidentiality purposes; they are real people with real problems; and requested the Board’s support for the organization. He noted his job is HIV/AIDS education; he spent one-half day yesterday in County schools; the abstinence program is good and helpful; but when young people become pregnant, have children, and also have HIV, then something is missing in the equation; and that is where he comes in. He stated he has to stay on the job, whether he is funded or not, in order to maintain an adequate level of education to individuals; the objective of his job is to teach people; young people now are different from when he grew up; and they have mythical illusions, boyfriends are pressuring them, and they have no commitment dating. He noted all these ways are designed to inflict the virus faster; it is dangerous; he is getting the young people’s attention; but most young people are not being taught by their parents or the school system, so somebody must do it. Mr. Frink requested the Board consider what the individuals will do without understanding and knowing that the virus exists; stated Project Response treats more than 1,300 patients quietly; nobody wants to know about it, but the work gets done; Project Response is effective; it can improve the death rate, but it is impossible to improve the infection rate without education; and his agency is an important one.

Heather Eising, representing Space Coast Early Intervention Center, stated her son was born three months premature in 2001; at that time, she had a one-year old and three-year old enrolled at the Center; the teachers and staff at the school are supportive; and her son started at the Center when he was 16 months old. She noted he could not walk, crawl, or sit up; no one could touch him much as he had a sensory problem; he only had a one-word vocabulary, which was da-da; and at 18 months he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She stated the teachers and staff did serious therapy with her son in the classroom; they did a lot of work with him; and by the time he was 20 months old, she could finally give him a bath. She noted the teachers have been wonderful; the Center is like a second family; it has helped her son so much; her son will be getting a wheelchair in two months; and the playground at the Center is fully accessible for children with walkers and wheelchairs. Ms. Eising stated her son was recently tested in cognitive and vocabulary abilities; he is above average for his age; it shows how much the Center can do for a child with cerebral palsy or any kind of brain injury, autism, or Down syndrome; and the Center is doing miracles there. She requested the Board support the Center’s request.

Stan Canfield provided information to the Board, but not the Clerk; stated he would like to know where the Board gets its information to make its budget and decide what the constituents need; and an article in Florida TODAY dated July 18, 2003 quotes the County Manager as follows: “The lack of new revenues, a couple of extra expenses, means that there will be little, if any, new or expanded government services. This was a painful budget.” He noted this does not compute with him when he looks at the County; it is a great one and he sees great things happening; page 30 of the proposed budget gives a comparison of the 1991 to 2001 personal income; and it indicates it has increased and is better than the Consumer Price Index (CPI). He stated some terrible things happened to the nation in 2001, including the September 11th incident and Enron; trillions of dollars were lost in the bond and stock markets; statements were made in the budget that staff has compared the growth rate in the case that the residents’ ability to pay for services kept pace with inflation; and it is a bad statement because many people are suffering. Mr. Canfield noted he included copies of articles from the Florida TODAY for the Board’s review, which include that tax rate services stay the same, there is basically a status quo budget, and residents could pay more taxes if the 1% tax referendum fails; the taxpayers may prefer paying one-half cent for three years for the jail; and if the proposed budget is adopted, it could change during the year to reflect changes in the revenue collected by the County. Mr. Canfield stated it is his understanding that the County had over $200 million in carryover funds in 2001 for 40 different departments to be able to meet budgets until the new budget is passed; he is not sure what the 2002 carryover was as he could not find it in the budget; if the County received more than needed in revenue, there would be no need for a 1% referendum; and it could lower property taxes and pay off some of the bonds sooner. He noted it would take some fiscal responsibility, but it would be possible; and inquired who has told the voters that there are other options for financing a jail for three years or buying some tents. He stated the Board can pass a consent agenda that was a $7 million windfall for land; there has been a lot of discussion about that issue; the Board received information and recommendations to purchase land for preservation, County use as a landfill, and walking trails; and such lands require more employees to protect certain species and build jails for the people who destroy and violate County parks, species, rob and vandalize neighborhoods, etc. He noted the County comes back for more money; and requested staff respond to the questions he wrote and presented to the Board. He stated a statement in the budget reads, “Brevard County’s overall economic growth is positive. The County’s population is increasing steadily. Personal income per capita has increased. Property values continue to increase. Taxable sales have shown an increase. The County’s unemployment rate is lower than the State and national averages. These trends are indicators that Brevard County is fostering growth that will continue to build an economically vital community”; he has many reports to show this from homes on the market now for $2.5 million with a tax value of about $1 million; and the County needs to review the information.

David Bates, President of Fleet Marine, stated he is a seafood processor and producer; and requested the Board’s support for the 4-H Club, which he understands is in the budget. He noted it has been rumored that the Sea Grant agent may be eliminated, which is of vital importance to the industry; he understands in the past that the University has funded part of the agent’s salary, as well as the County paying the balance; he does not know how that stands right now; but sea grants are important in the commercial fishing industry. He stated he has been in the seafood business for 22 years; during that time, sea grants played a vital role as far as education and problems that have arisen from environmental issues; and requested the Board’s support for the agent. He noted he does not see with the many miles of shoreline that Brevard County has how it can afford not to have a Sea Grant agent.

Sally Shinn, representing Space Coast Early Intervention Center, stated the Center is requesting support for the teacher program and boundless playground project; it is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the lives of children with special needs and their families to the greatest extent possible; it is entering its 16th year of operation; and it started out with three small children and with one parent who was trying to find something better for her child. She noted today there are 75 children from 13 months to six years; the Center serves children daily and also provides an array of other opportunities; because children with special needs are four times more likely to be abused by their families, staff, or peers, it is important that the outreach extend beyond the children; and provided information to the Board, but not the Clerk. She stated such information details the other ways the Center serves the community; it offers parent education that is open to parents beyond the Center’s parents; there are 140 parents; and the Center has trained community childcare workers in the special needs module to prepare them for the credentials so that they can care for those children in their own childcare centers. She noted the Center cannot care for all of them, but it can help others understand methods, types of formats, and delivery that will work for them; it has a website which gets over 1,500 hits a month; such website gets parents from all over the world asking about information and how they can help their children; and the Center has given presentations to others when requested on special needs issues, behavior management, and whatever the requests are. Ms. Shinn stated the Center is willing help the community; it has Florida Air Academy that comes to the Center, as well as five other area high schools; in the past two weeks there have been over 74 high school and college students coming in to observe methods and hands-on activities with children; and over 3,000 people have come to the boundless playground each year on weekends. She noted the County’s support helps the Center keep the playground open four months a year; the Center has 40 children who are role models; it has an optimum learning environment for them; but built into that, the children are learning compassion and leadership that carries over for a lifetime. She stated there are 35 children at the Center with disabilities; the Center makes a difference in Brevard County; it wants to be ready for families before they feel desperate and alone; and expressed appreciation to the Board for its support of the Center. She noted the Center works hard to keep its doors open in many fund-raising activities, grants, and foundation supports; it hopes it can count on the County’s continued support for the Center to be here for the babies with special needs who have not arrived yet in the world; and the Center will be ready with the support of Brevard County.

Gail Edwards, representing Executive Director for Brevard County Easter Seals, stated the agency is a non-profit one; its mission is to change the lives of children and adults with disabilities and special needs; she submitted a grant request for funds to use for the adult daycare program; and told a story about one of the agency’s clients. She noted the agency’s program provides such a great support to the participant and family in terms of health monitoring, and providing a safe environment during the day for the participant; Brevard County is aging faster than the State of Florida and the nation; the truth is everyone is getting older; and according to County statistics, one in every three homes has a resident who is 65 years of age or older. She stated adult daycare services are an affordable alternative to hospitals, nursing homes, and in-home care; and what the agency is asking for through the grant is to be able to provide some adult day services for some needy seniors who might otherwise not be able to receive the services.

Commissioner Higgs inquired in the Community Based Organizations’ (CBO) recommendations, is Robin’s Nest in the funding as it came from the Committee. Mr. Jenkins responded staff needs to check on the information.

Kim Roberts, representing Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, stated the organization currently has the privilege of receiving funding through the CBO program funds; and expressed appreciation to the Board for its support.

Ms. Roberts noted the Foundation is a firm believer in accountability and efficiency, and the ability for agencies to work together to alleviate duplication of services as the dollars are competitive; the County will find as it looks back over the course of time that it is something her organization has clearly represented; in this past year alone, aside from being accountable as a business, the Foundation has provided services to over 500 families Countywide from Titusville to Micco; and it has provided over 220,000 hours of respite care. She stated many of those were families truly in need with no other option; the adult day healthcare programs are valuable in the community; often people do not recognize what that is; and the Foundation provides such care to loved ones during the day. She noted not only does her organization provide incredible quality care for loved ones, but it works with the entire family; many organizations in the community also depend on the Foundation for services they cannot provide; and it is not because the organization has been any smarter about how to do it, but it has the same passion and the same drive, and works hard to aggressively raise funds at every turn so the needs can be met. Ms. Roberts stated the Foundation provides 24-hour crisis counseling, not only to its own clients in the community, but to anyone with a need throughout Brevard County; it also provides support services and educational training Countywide; and the goal is to provide excellent care and deal with the issues to help the family cope regardless of the need, where they may be in the community, and what their standing is. She noted CBO funding assists the Foundation; right now the County’s senior population is vastly approaching the 100,000 mark; one out of every 10 seniors 65 years and older is going to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Brevard County; and that is not to mention anything else like dementia-related illnesses or frail elders that the Foundation works with on a regular basis daily. She stated right now she handles over 100 clients a day Countywide as an average; the CBO funds allow her organization to assist families who need financial assistance; she meets families who truly need it; and if it were not for organizations like the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the landscape of the community that the Board currently leads and addresses would be different. Ms. Roberts expressed appreciation to the Board for its consideration in the process; and requested the current CBO funding not have any additional cuts as such funds make a dramatic difference in the community.

Housing and Human Services Director Gay Williams stated the CBO Board met today; she has a rough draft of the agencies recommended for funding; and Robin’s Nest was recommended for funding. Commissioner Higgs inquired what are the other agencies recommended for funding; with Ms. Williams responding the Child Care Association, North Brevard Charity Sharing Center, South Brevard Women’s Center, Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, Crosswinds Youth Services, PREVENT, Robin’s Nest, Salvation Army, Alco-Hall, Brevard Achievement Center, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Family Counseling Center, Association for Retarded Citizens, Space Coast Marine Institute, Community Services Council, Rockledge Football Cheerleading, and Merritt Island Football. Commissioner Higgs inquired is it a combination of all of the programs that are funded or only the CBO; with Ms. Williams responding only the CBO.

A representative of Robin’s Nest stated there are a lot of success stories; one child present tonight is named Chance as it is his mother’s second chance at life; she has been on the streets since she was 13 years of age; and one guardian ad litem who assists at Robin’s Nest and four women who have been reunited are also here this evening.

Ken Barnes expressed his support for the Sea Grant Extension Program; stated he knows about the Program through the County’s Sea Grant Agent Chris Combs; Mr. Combs does not know the boundary of a 9 to 5 job; and even in working with the Boy Scouts, Mr. Combs is continually educating adults and young men about the local marine ecosystem and conservation in general. He noted he has seen Mr. Combs with a Wal-Mart bag picking up litter along the waterway; children learn by adult example; industry, construction, and a large number of boaters in the area can greatly stress and potentially harm the marine environment, including those with great commercial and recreational importance; significant industries could be at risk without adequate monitoring of marine resources and proactive education; and the Florida Sea Grant Extension Program brings this important service. He stated the County cannot afford not to participate and to benefit; expressed appreciation to the Board for its past support; and encouraged it to continue supporting this worthwhile necessary service to the community.

The meeting recessed at 7:13 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m.

Chairperson Colon requested staff explain the CBO process and criteria. Ms. Williams responded the process is well established and being utilized by the Board to accept the recommendations from the Advisory Board; it takes about six months; during that process staff puts out Request for Proposals (RFP’s); and it asks for different information from all the organizations and provides it to the Advisory Board. She noted such Board took three meetings to come to this decision; it reviewed the information and read the RFP’s; any questions were directed to the agencies; and such agencies responded. She stated the Advisory Board made decisions and ranked the proposals; and the funding recommendations will be provided to the Board on an upcoming agenda.

Julie Ocker, representing Child Protection Team of Brevard, stated the organization has received County funds for five years; it has requested funds to serve the children in Brevard County who are allegedly abused by a non-caretaker; it has provided these services in the County for 20 years for children abused by a caretaker; and in 1998, it accessed Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds, as well as County funds, to support the investigations of child abuse by a non-caretaker. She noted the services are unique as there are no other providers in the community that are able to offer the full scope of services; the organization provides case management to make sure that children are provided a comprehensive assessment, which includes a medical evaluation, a forensic interview, case management in regard to linking to treatment and case staffing to make sure the institutes involved are focused to serve the child so that they are no longer traumatized by the system; child victims do not belong in police stations and should not be in emergency rooms; and her organization provides a unique service. Ms. Ocker requested the County continue to fund the case coordinator who is responsible to make sure the children receive the full scope of services that the organization can provide.

Chairperson Colon inquired how much is the funding the organization used to receive. Ms. Ocker responded last year it received $25,000, the prior year was $10,000, and the first year was $6,000. Ms. Ocker noted the request this year is $27,060. Chairperson Colon inquired if Ms. Ocker is aware that there are no guarantees of the organization receiving such funding; with Ms. Ocker responding affirmatively. Ms. Ocker stated this year the organization allocated match dollars for VOCA funds; however, in this coming fiscal year it used other local funding and did not use requested County funds as match dollars. She noted the position is one-half of a full time case coordinator position; and the funds also pay for a small portion of on-call reimbursements as the organization provides emergency services for children.

James Hage, representing Freedom Outpost Ministries, stated he applied for CBO funding; and expressed appreciation to the Board for emergency grant funding this year for the Ministries’ septic system and drainfield. He noted he has a ministry in South Brevard that was started a couple of years ago; he requested funds before for a resource center; the ministry did not get funded, but the center has been opened; and there is a job link mini-station for career people to get jobs and a full pantry. He stated the ministry now has 10 houses in the community with 55 people in them; the program he proposed for funding was for reunification services to help keep children out of State custody; he used to work in Tennessee with Vanderbilt University; and one of the biggest things about the homeless is they put a lot of burdens on the systems. He noted approximately $1.7 million in requests came in to the County; there was approximately $600,000 available; if the homeless situation is not addressed, the individuals are not equipped to be employable, and children need to have a safe place; and his ministry provides services for $11.00 a day. Mr. Hage stated there was mention that the cost per day for incarceration at the jail is $36.00; the County is looking at cutting the budget; and it could keep adding jail cells and incarcerating more people, but if they are rehabilitated, it is in the County’s best interest.

Chairperson Colon noted the CBO funding issue will be coming back to the Board as an agenda item on October 21, 2003.

Ginger Ferguson, representing Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, stated her organization sponsors the When In Need (WIN) and WIN Veterans Programs; she is fortunate to have a wonderful staff and many thriving participants; the organization is grateful to the Board and received the good news that it is going to receive some CBO funding; and such funding is important to the Coalition and the many people it serves throughout Brevard County. She noted last month, the Coalition provided services to 313 people; 151 people were housed in the program; it included 183 adults and 130 children who were homeless on the streets in the community and are vulnerable; and recently there have been murders and attacks on homeless people. She stated there is a tremendous crisis in the community as there are not enough emergency shelters, transitional housing, or permanent affordable housing for individuals, whether they are disabled, a family, or a veteran who has served the country and military; and expressed appreciation to the Board for its support. She noted for every dollar the Board has allowed the Coalition to spend, it has brought back at least $10.00 to $12.00 in federal and State funding to the community to help with the crisis situation; the Coalition is extremely fortunate to have so many non-profits and faith-based organizations in the County that care about the homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness; they work hard together and combine their resources; and the Coalition appreciates the Board’s partnership to provide a seamless system of services. Ms. Ferguson stated the key is to combine resources; prevention and intervention can be done, but it must have a case management component with it in order to be successful; there needs to be housing and employment opportunities for individuals; and additional tax dollars would not be needed if there were more taxpayers. She noted the Coalition can do a lot better than it has done in the past if it unites and mobilizes the resources that currently exist; it is working on it through the Continuum of Care Coalition, which the Board graciously helped put together; the Coalition has a wonderful group of non-profit organizations and faith-based groups that come together monthly; and the Board has further allowed the Coalition to form a homeless task force, with the new administration focusing on chronic homelessness and eliminating such homelessness in the next 10 years. She stated her organization is working toward that goal; the new projects in the works are for permanent housing for the homeless and a transitional program for homeless veterans to expand the current existing 28 beds; there are about 25 veterans in the homeless veterans program; and they are doing wonderfully. She noted there are many success stories; there are families thriving today and children that are learning and being educated due to the program and its success; people cannot be put in a home and forgotten; and the Coalition needs to continue to work with those individuals to overcome the barriers that they found in their past, whether they are mental illness, depression, substance abuse, or lack of employment or employability. Ms. Ferguson stated the organization works on all those issues for a holistic approach to help the family become successful, productive citizens and taxpayers in the community; expressed appreciation to the Board for its assistance to the community; and noted she is glad that the County has made people the priority and not places and things.

Chairperson Colon noted she was once homeless; her father passed away; one year later there was a terrible fire and her family ended up homeless; and it is a horrible feeling and scary. She noted if the individuals work hard and have faith in the good Lord, they are able to have the American dream; and requested Ms. Ferguson share that information with her clients.

William Miller, representing Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, stated he is a survivor of the Vietnam war and a combat veteran; most of his life he has spent still as frightened as the day he entered the war; he lived homeless most of his life; and his family found him in 1991 and took him in, in an effort to rehabilitate and help him cope with life. He noted he is present tonight to put a face in front of the Board as to what the WIN Veterans Program is all about; when he first got into the Program he could not complete a sentence without losing his train of thought; he was being treated by a psychiatrist and psychologist for the condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder; and even though he was being medicated he still had many present time problems, such as where he was going to live, where he was going to eat, and where he was going to sleep. He stated he could not trust anyone; he is epileptic; he once had a seizure in a homeless camp and when he woke up, everything he owned had been stolen; and since he has been in the Program for three months, he has gotten back his self esteem and he feels like an honored man. Mr. Miller noted every veteran is a hero; and expressed appreciation to the Board for its support in funding the Program.

Cindy Flachmeier, representing the Salvation Army, presented information to the Board but not the Clerk; and expressed appreciation to the Board for the CBO funding. She stated everyone was sickened last week about the murder of the two children in Maitland; and because there is a supervised visitation program in the County, hopefully this will never happen here.

Chairperson Colon stated Ms. Flachmeier’s information includes an article with the incident that happened in Maitland.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: APPROVAL OF EACH MILLAGE AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF
RECOMPUTED AGGREGATE MILLAGE FOR FY 2003-2004

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing on the tentative millages and budgets for FY 2003-2004, and advised staff to read those into the record.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised his staff will read into the record each millage of the current year, tentative millage for next fiscal year, the ad valorem revenue associated with the millage, and the tentative budget.

General Fund

Budget staff advised the General Fund millage for FY 2002-2003 is 4.4495 mills; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 4.4344 mills; and the millage will generate $96,452,907 for a total budget of $187,246,016.

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the General Fund millage for FY 2003-2004 at 4.4344 mills, and the budget at $187,246,016. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Colon voted nay.

Free Public Library District

Budget staff advised the Free Public Library District millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.7304 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.7304 mill; and the millage will generate $15,977,371 for a total budget of $19,880,022.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the Free Public Library District millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.7304 mill, and the budget at $19,880,022. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Mosquito Control District

Budget staff advised the Mosquito Control District millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.2011 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.2109 mill; and the millage will generate $4,613,400 for a total budget of $5,895,895.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Mosquito Control District millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.2109 mill, and the budget at $5,895,895. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Fire Control MSTU

Budget staff advised the Fire Control MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 2.2035 mills; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 2.2035 mills; and the millage will generate $22,558,586 for a total budget of $20,008,221.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Fire Control MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 2.2035 mills, and budget at $20,008,221. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Recreation District 1 MSTU

Budget staff advised the Recreation District 1 MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.6571 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.6843 mill; and the millage will generate $2,012,961 for a total budget of $6,936,965.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Recreation District 1 MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.6843 mill, and budget at $6,936,965. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Recreation District 4

Budget staff advised the Recreation District 4 millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.6207 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.6207 mill; and the millage will generate $1,397,794 for a total budget of $5,281,436.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the Recreation District 4 millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.6207 mill, and budget at $5,281,436. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

TICO Airport Authority

Budget staff advised the TICO Airport Authority millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.0223 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.0194 mill; and the millage will generate $183,056 for a total budget of $1,775,149.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the TICO Airport Authority millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.0194 mill, and budget at $1,775,149. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Law Enforcement MSTU

Budget staff advised the Law Enforcement MSTU for FY 2002-2003 is 1.2097 mills; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 1.2097 mills; and the millage will generate $11,568,793 for a total budget of $12,739,799.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Law Enforcement MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 1.2097 mills, and budget at $12,739,799. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU for FY 2002-2003 is 0.7392 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.7192 mill; and the millage will generate $1,218,021 for a total budget of $1,782,983.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Road and Bridge District 1 MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.7192 mill, and budget at $1,782,983. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU for FY 2002-2003 is 0.3629 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.3629 mill; and the millage will generate $987,408 for a total budget of $2,067,188.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the Road and Bridge District 2 MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.3629 mill, and budget at $2,067,188. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU for FY 2002-2003 is 0.5573 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.5573 mill; and the millage will generate $724,212 for a total budget of $1,180,686.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Road and Bridge District 3 MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.5573 mill, and budget at $1,180,686. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.4453 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.4453 mill; and the millage will generate $1,051,386 for a total budget of $1,406,257.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the Road and Bridge District 4 MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.4453 mill, and budget at $1,406,257. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.6331 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.6331 mill; and the millage will generate $663,404 for a total budget of $1,141,957.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to approve the Road and Bridge District 5 MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.6331 mill, and budget at $1,141,957. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.5042 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.5042 mill; and the millage will generate $193,602 for a total budget of $381,502.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the Road and Bridge District 4 North Beaches MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.5042 mill, and budget at $381,502. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU

Budget staff advised the Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.1871 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.1871 mill; and the millage will generate $20,620 for a total budget of $116,765.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the Road and Bridge District 4 South Merritt Island MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.1871 mill, and budget at $116,765. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Merritt Island Recreation MSTU

Budget staff advised the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.0959 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.0959 mill; and the millage will generate $211,451.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.0959 mill, and budget at $211,451. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

South Brevard Special Recreation District

Budget staff advised the South Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.0967 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.0967 mill; and the millage will generate $1,178,724.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the South Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.0967 mill, and budget at $1,178,724. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Environmentally Endangered Lands

Budget staff advised the Environmentally Endangered Lands millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.2500 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.2500 mill; and the millage will generate $5,468,706 for a total budget of $15,035,019.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Environmentally Endangered Lands millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.2500 mill, and budget at $15,035,019. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Beach and Riverfront Acquisition

Budget staff advised the Beach and Riverfront Acquisition millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.2085 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.2085 mill; and the millage will generate $4,560,838 for a total budget of $4,699,796.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve the Beach and Riverfront Acquisition millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.2085 mill, and budget at $4,699,796. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facilities MSTU

Budget staff advised the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facilities MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.9000 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.9000 mill; and the millage will generate $551,272 for a total budget of $1,383,408.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to approve the Port St. John/Canaveral Groves Recreational Facilities MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.9000 mill, and budget at $1,383,408. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

North Brevard Special Recreation District

Budget staff advised the North Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.8000 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.8000 mill; and the millage will generate $1,649,642 for a total budget of $1,795,860.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to approve the North Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.8000 mill, and budget at $1,795,860. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Merritt Island Recreation MSTU

Budget staff advised the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.7041 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.7041 mill; and the millage will generate $1,552,480 for a total budget of $1,870,684.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to approve the Merritt Island Recreation MSTU millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.7041 mill, and budget at $1,870,684. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

South Brevard Special Recreation District

Budget staff advised the South Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2002-2003 is 0.5033 mill; the tentative millage for FY 2003-2004 is 0.5033 mill; and the millage will generate $6,134,969 for a total budget of $8,655,858.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to approve the South Brevard Special Recreation District millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.5033 mill, and budget at $8,655,858. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: APPROVAL OF EACH MILLAGE AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF
RECOMPUTED AGGREGATE MILLAGE FOR FY 2003-2004

Commissioner Scarborough stated the tentative millage is normally larger than the ad valorem revenue; however, the Fire Control MSTU has more ad valorem revenue than the tentative budget; and requested staff explain it. Mr. Rogero advised it is a result of interfund transfers within the Department.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINAL MILLAGES FOR FY 2003-2004

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting the final millages for FY 2003-2004.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero advised the aggregate rolled back millage rate is 6.9871 mills; the aggregate tentative rate is 7.4026 mills; and it represents no change from the FY 2002-2003 aggregate rate, and 5.95% over the FY 2003-2004 aggregate rolled back rate. He read into the record the resolution adopting the final millages for FY 2003-2004.

There being no further comments heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution adopting the final millages for FY 2003-2004. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Colon voted nay.

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004.

Budget Director Dennis Rogero read into the record the resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 in the amount of $749,724,267.

There being no further comments heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 in the amount of $749,724,267. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Colon voted nay.

PUBLIC HEARING, RE: RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING FINAL MILLAGES FOR FY 2003-2004
FOR DEPENDENT SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICTS

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider resolutions adopting final millages for FY 2003-2004 for Brevard County Free Public Library District, Brevard Mosquito Control District, Recreation Special District #4 Operations and Maintenance, Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority, South Brevard Recreation Special District, and North Brevard Recreation Special District.

Budget staff read resolutions containing the FY 2002-2003 and FY 2003-2004 millages, and the ad valorem revenues generated by the millages for dependent special taxing districts as follows:

Brevard County Free Public Library District

FY 2002-2003 millage 0.7304 mill
FY 2003-2004 millage 0.7304 mill
Ad Valorem Revenue $15,977,371

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution adopting the Brevard County Free Public Library District final millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.7304 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Brevard Mosquito Control District

FY 2002-2003 millage 0.2011 mill
FY 2003-2004 millage 0.2109 mill
Ad Valorem Revenue $4,613,400

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt Resolution adopting the Brevard Mosquito Control District final millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.2109 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance

FY 2002-2003 millage 0.6207 mill
FY 2003-2004 millage 0.6207 mill
Ad Valorem Revenue $1,397,794

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution adopting the Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance final millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.6207 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority

FY 2002-2003 millage 0.0223 mill
FY 2003-2004 millage 0.0194 mill
Ad Valorem Revenue $183,056

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt Resolution adopting the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority final millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.0194 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

South Brevard Recreation Special District

FY 2002-2003 millage 0.6000 mill
FY 2003-2004 millage 0.6000 mill
Ad Valorem Revenue $7,313,693

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt Resolution adopting the South Brevard Recreation Special District final millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.6000 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

North Brevard Recreation Special District

FY 2002-2003 millage 0.8000 mill
FY 2003-2004 millage 0.8000 mill
Ad Valorem Revenue $1,649,642

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting the North Brevard Recreation Special District final millage for FY 2003-2004 at 0.8000 mill. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairperson Colon called for the public hearing to consider resolutions adopting final budgets for FY 2003-2004 for dependent special taxing districts.

Brevard County Free Public Library District

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for Brevard County Free Public Library District at $19,880,022.

There being no comments heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the Brevard County Free Public Library District at $19,880,022. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Colon voted nay.

Brevard Mosquito Control District

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for Brevard Mosquito Control District at $5,895,895.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the Brevard Mosquito Control District at $5,895,895. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance at $5,281,436.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the Brevard County Recreation Special District 4 Operations and Maintenance at $5,281,436. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at $1,775,149.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority at $1,775,149. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

South Brevard Recreation Special District

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for South Brevard Recreation Special District at $8,655,858.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the South Brevard Recreation Special District at $8,655,858. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

North Brevard Recreation Special District

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for North Brevard Recreation Special District at $1,795,860.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the North Brevard Recreation Special District at $1,795,860. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency at $778,900.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency at $778,900. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District

Budget staff read aloud a resolution containing the final budget for Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District at $4,787,013.

There being no objections heard, motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt Resolution adopting the final budget for FY 2003-2004 for the Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District at $4,787,013. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN, RE: CERTIFIED BUDGET FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to authorize the Chairperson to sign the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Annual Certified Budget for Arthropod Control for the Mosquito Control District for FY 2003-2004. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

AUTHORIZATION, RE: EXECUTION OF TRIM COMPLIANCE FORMS

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to authorize the Assistant County Manager for Management Services to execute Department of Revenue Form DR-487, Certificate of Compliance with Florida Statutes 200.065 and 218.63; Form DR-420, Certificate of Taxable Value; Form DR-422, Certificate of Final Taxable Value, on behalf of the County; and to assemble all components of the TRIM Compliance Package and transmit same to the appropriate Department of Revenue authorities. Motion carried and ordered; Commissioners Pritchard and Colon voted nay.

ADOPTION, RE: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FOR FY 2003-2004 TO
FY 2007-2008

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to adopt the Capital Improvements Program for FY 2003-2004 to FY 2007-2008, to further the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and Policies of the Board. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

RESPONSE, RE: CLERK OF COURTS

Clerk of Courts Scott Ellis stated he would like to respond to some of Mr. Fitzgerald’s comments; he has the numbers from Mr. Fitzgerald; it is important to understand that not all County-funded positions are funded by the County; and many positions, which are County positions, are funded by the fee budget. He noted for example, in FY 2002-2003 Mr. Fitzgerald has the Clerk’s Office with 30 additional employees; there was a $400,000 increase from the General Fund; $250,000 of it was pay raises; and clearly one does not fund 30 positions with $150,000. He stated what has happened over time is that the Clerk’s Office has used the fees to supplement County Court; it has also reduced the overtime budget by approximately $800,000 per year by bringing additional people in; Mr. Fitzgerald’s initial base line of 0001 is a budget that was previous Clerk Sandy Crawford’s budget; and he took office approximately six months after the budget was put in. Mr. Ellis noted the raises were not submitted in the initial budget in the first two years for the Clerk’s Office; they came over after the initial budget was supplemented; and he will be glad to answer any questions by the Board or Mr. Fitzgerald.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

ATTEST:
__________________________________
JACKIE COLON, CHAIRPERSON
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
___________________ BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

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