MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

May 28, 1998

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on May 28, 1998, at 10:05 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Helen Voltz, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Randy O?Brien, Mark Cook, and Nancy Higgs, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

Community Development Administrator Peggy Busacca stated staff provided the Board with a memorandum concerning the Ordinance for Valkaria Airport; and inquired if the motion to adopt the Ordinance included the provisions contained in the memorandum. She noted page 2 of the letter includes safety procedures; there is a new sentence which reads, " Helicopters which meet the requirements of NFPA Standard 407 are exempt from this provision"; and it would allow Mosquito Control and the Sheriff?s Department to use the rapid fueling mechanism.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated the provisions were previously provided to the Board but were not specifically discussed.

Motion by Commissioner O?Brien, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to approve inclusion of provisions in the Memorandum dated May 14, 1998 in the Ordinance for Valkaria Airport. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Higgs stated there are a number of people interested in a South Beaches library; they want to have a friends group; the County has set up accounts in the past for friends of "x" library; and requested the County Manager set up an account for the Friends of the South Beaches Library in case donations begin to come in.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to direct the County Manager to set up an account for the Friends of the South Beaches Library. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

County Attorney Scott Knox stated the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has made a proposal to settle the wetlands issues pending before it for administrative hearing; the Audubon Society has reviewed it; and the Board needs to hold an executive session to discuss the issues.

WETLANDS ISSUE (CONTINUED)

Motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to grant permission to schedule an executive session concerning Department of Community Affairs (DCA) proposal to settle the wetlands issues on July 7, 1998 after the Board meeting. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Voltz stated she will be out of town on September 17, 1998; there is a zoning meeting scheduled for that evening; and Zoning Official Rick Enos also prefers such meeting be rescheduled to September 24, 1998 as it is too close to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board meeting.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to grant permission to reschedule the September 17, 1998 Zoning Meeting at 5:30 p.m. to September 24, 1998. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Voltz stated she received a letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC) concerning a new area code in Brevard County; it is proposing to give a new area code to the County on top of the one it presently has; there are many elderly people living in Brevard County; and having a new area code is ridiculous.

Commissioner Higgs inquired when is the hearing scheduled; with Chairman Voltz responding August 6 and 7, 1998. Chairman Voltz stated she plans on attending; it will be held in Melbourne; and suggested the Board send a letter to the PSC stating it opposes two individual area code numbers. Commissioner Higgs requested staff provide information on how the County could suggest combining the County; and perhaps the Board could have a report in July, 1998 to formulate a position that would include those issues as well.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the other option suggested is to break the area code into two new area codes; and inquired where would the break be and how would it work. Commissioner Higgs stated PSC might pull area code 561 north; that is what Micco has; and there are some issues that need to be reviewed. She stated people in Micco cannot dial Cocoa, but can dial most of Melbourne for free.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated Brevard County is currently sharing the area code with Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties; it may be able to separate from the central and get an area code on the east coast; and perhaps Brevard County could have one area code.

Chairman Voltz stated there needs to be different options given to the PSC for its consideration.

Chairman Voltz stated she had a meeting with Congressman Weldon?s office concerning the Nudity Ordinance; and requested the County Attorney address the issue.

County Attorney Scott Knox stated one of the items the Board put in the original Ordinance was an exemption for any area that is designated by the Park Service or the State in terms of being a violation of the Ordinance; and the question has come up whether or not the County wants to keep that exemption from a violation of the Ordinance or change it.

Chairman Voltz requested the item be placed on the agenda for Congressman Weldon?s office to comment on it.

Commissioner Cook stated he would like to find out first if this is being considered by the Park Service; and requested something in writing. He noted there were many people in attendance at the public hearings; he made the motion to adopt the Ordinance; but he needs to see additional information before he can support placing the item on the agenda.

Chairman Voltz stated the Board can get information in writing from Congressman Weldon?s office. Commissioner Higgs suggested they define what they are talking about doing and where; stated she did not support the Ordinance, but supported the Park Service designating an area; and if the PSC wants to designate a section, she will support it.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated permission is needed to send letters to the agencies applying for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program Grants advising them that funds have not been budgeted by the Board.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner O?Brien, to direct the County Manager to send letters to various agencies applying for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency

Prevention Program Grants advising that funds have not been budgeted by the Board. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated these are bona fide expenses the County incurs and submits to the federal government for reimbursement; some of them are administerial in nature; the Board wanted to set up a blanket procedure to get reimbursed for eligible expenses; and it has to meet the federal guidelines.

Chairman Voltz noted the Board does not have a blanket procedure at this time; with Mr. Jenkins responding that is correct.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to execute Funding Agreement with Department of Community Affairs for disaster relief funding; and authorize the Chairman to execute other reimbursement requests submitted by County departments and approved by the County Manager.

Commissioner Higgs inquired does it mean in an emergency that the Chairman and County Manager can move forward and submit the paperwork without the Board. Mr. Jenkins responded if a declaration is incurred, then the Chairman has the authority to expend funds for an emergency; and this is simply the reimbursement back to the County for any eligible expenses.

Chairman Voltz called for a vote on the motion. Motion carried and ordered unanimously. (See page

for Agreement.)

County Manager Tom Jenkins stated this is a preliminary budget workshop; it will be followed by several other workshops later in the summer; before the Board today are the requested budgets from various agencies; and it is not the County Manager?s recommended budget at this point. He noted during the Goals and Objectives Workshop, one of the issues Commissioner Voltz mentioned was the Board having sufficient time to review program changes, particularly unfunded requests for program changes; and the process today allows the Board to do that. Mr. Jenkins stated Budget Director Kathy Wall had individual briefings with each Commissioner; she informed them that there is currently a $6.3 million difference between the projected revenues and requested expenditures which includes a number of program changes; and it would be helpful to staff to receive Board input which would assist in preparing the budget for the coming year. He noted the Board needs to review the individual program change requests submitted; and it may also want to consider prioritization in terms of potential program reductions and increase in revenues. Mr. Jenkins stated under the Charter, the Board also has the option to place the increase in excess of approximately $1 million on referendum.

Commissioner O?Brien stated on page 2 of the Economic and Demographic Information, Taxable Sales, it indicates the gross taxable sales during 1996 increased by 2.5% over 1995; it is a 30.7% increase since 1990; and inquired how much in dollars has the income increased since 1990.

DISCUSSION, RE: ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE COUNTY (CONTINUED)

Budget Director Kathy Wall responded it has gone from $11.5 million in 1993 to approximately $15 million; and Brevard County has received approximately $3.5 million more since 1993 in shared dollars. Commissioner O?Brien inquired where does the bulk of the money go; with Mr. Jenkins responding general operation costs. Commissioner O?Brien stated there is an increase in real and tangible property assessment of $715 million across four years; and inquired what is the effect on the budget. Ms. Wall responded in the past four to five years, the County has been receiving approximately $1 million in additional revenue from new construction; however, taxes were reduced in one of those years by 5%. Commissioner O?Brien stated page 10 includes Net General Obligation Debt Outstanding; in 1993, it was 0.37%; it is now 0.29%; and inquired what is driving the debt down and how soon, if the County is going to incur any further larger debt, will it expect to be down to a 1990 level of debt. Ms. Wall responded the debt that is recorded is debt on the Environmentally-Endangered Lands and Beach and Riverfront Programs; the Beach and Riverfront Program since 1993 is only collecting enough millage to pay the debt service; and it is going down slightly every year. She noted she does not have a projection when it is going to reach the 2.4% level; this is limited debt; and the EELS and Beach and Riverfront Programs are a 20-year millage rate.

Commissioner Higgs stated the General Obligation Bonds are approved by the voters under referendum; and the County can assume that the 1984 Beach and Riverfront and the 1991 EELS are 20 years.

Commissioner O?Brien stated page 11 includes the number of full-time employees; and inquired is there a number on how the Charter Officers have increased their employment. Ms. Wall responded staff can provide a breakdown on it.

Office of Agriculture and Extension Service

Budget Analyst Alicia Kahn stated the Office of Agriculture and Extension Service is projecting a $2.61% overall increase in its budget; the Office is requesting an additional $44,223 General Revenue Support in order to maintain the current level of service; this increase is to cover the cost of merit increases this fiscal year, an increase in medical insurance premiums, and one year?s salary connected with the hiring of an experienced agent this fiscal year; and any additional increases are covered by those agents who are utilizing the services. She noted the budget also reflects a reduction in the sale of the County History Book of $35,000; no funded program changes are requested at this time; however, the Department is requesting an unfunded program change to add a part-time staff Assistant I for the 4-H Program as additional secretarial-type support is needed so the agents can perform their own duties, therefore, providing better service to the public. Ms. Kahn

stated the request is also being submitted to resurface two horse arenas at Manatee Park on Merritt Island for $13,000; the total cost for resurfacing is $26,000; however, 4-H volunteers and club leaders are raising money to pay 50% of the cost; and resurfacing is needed to increase the firmness of the horse arena floors to prevent animal injury. She noted the total cost for the two unfunded program changes is $22,289.

Commissioner O?Brien stated due to the use of this particular horse arena, he hopes the Board will support repairing it.

Chairman Voltz inquired is the University of Florida going to be paying for part of the salary if the Assistant I is hired; with Office of Agriculture and Extension Services Director Dan Schrader responding negatively as it is support staff and the responsibility of the County.

Animal Service and Enforcement Department

Community Services Administrator Don Lusk stated there are six funded recommendations included in the budget; there are two recommendations that have zero or little cost; and there are several unfunded recommendations. He noted increased patrol time for weekends and evenings is needed; and the Department is proposing three additional officers as part of the budget, five additional vehicles and radios, automation of operations, a public education officer-type position, improved trapping program, and improved training for personnel. He stated the two recommendations that have zero or little cost include decentralizing operations and establishing work locations for officers on both ends of the County which can be done with existing space, and creation of an animal service and enforcement advisory board; and the major unfunded program change included in the report is improved animal shelter capacity and vendor support. Mr. Lusk stated revenue issues include expanded revenue collections to re-establish veterinarian offices as point of sale for rabies tag sales, and proposed new fees for animal transport and bite investigation

Commissioner O?Brien stated the biggest complaint he receives is the lack of traps; with Animal Service and Enforcement Director Joe Ward responding it is in staff?s proposal.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the County needs to know which animals are vaccinated; the license helps it for informational purposes; and it is not only a matter of revenue, but sound business practices.

Mr. Jenkins stated staff is recommending the County give the animal shelters a little more money to compensate for their loss of revenue.

Commissioner Cook stated he does not know if a public information officer or another advisory board are necessary.

Budget Office

Ms. Wall stated the $14,000 is a reduction from the Growth Management Department; it is for consolidation of the County?s Capital Improvement Program; in previous years the Department, as well as the Budget Office, coordinated that function; and it would be better coordinated if one agency coordinates with the departments to gather the information and present it to the Board.

Code Compliance Department

Ms. Kahn stated Code Compliance Department?s budget request is an overall decrease of 5.68%; the budget reflects additional General Revenue Support of $45,704 for Site Plan and Subdivision Review and Code Enforcement Investigation Programs, and to cover the cost of merit increases as approved in FY 1997-1998, health insurance premium increases, and the reduction and support for the Contractor Licensing Program. She advised other changes primarily include budget decreases due to capital purchases made during the current fiscal year, anticipated increases in commercial development activities, reduction in handling of the Radon surcharge by Building Code, reduction of environmental health investigations, increased Code Enforcement fines, and increased support of user departments. Ms. Kahn stated the Environmental Health Code Program has requested a funded program change to purchase a scanner and fax copier; the total request is $1,400 and is funded by user fees; the Site Plan and Subdivision Review Program is requesting an unfunded program change to add a Staff Special Support position for use as a programmer and support for computer equipment changes and the total request for the position is $43,447 of which $33,889 can be funded by user fees through internal support; and the Code Enforcement Program is requesting an unfunded program change to add a Staff Assistant I position, and the total request is $20,754.

Commissioner Higgs stated Code Compliance Department has shown considerable effort to decrease its budget by 5%; and it is asking for a couple of reasonable positions.

County Attorney?s Office

County Attorney Scott Knox stated his Office proposes a $37,566 increase, $28,000 of which was merit increases which the Board approved last year; and the other $9,500 is the reclassification of an Attorney I to an Attorney II position.

Commissioner Cook requested a breakdown of all positions in the County Attorney?s Office, including salaries, and what the surrounding counties are doing and whether or not they have in-house staff or use private attorney firms, including associated costs. He further requested information on what Brevard County is spending on outside attorneys.

Budget Analyst Shai Francis stated the Housing and Human Services Department?s requested budget has a decrease of 7.63% from the current fiscal year; the $449,329 decrease in General Fund transfer is mainly due to a decrease in Medicaid request reimbursement from the State; the decrease of $905,000 is mainly due to a lower estimated grant revenue to be received for the Housing and Community Development Program; and there is one funded program change included in the requested budget for such Program to eliminate two full-time positions due to the decrease in grant funding. She noted the Department also included two unfunded program changes which include the funding requirement for the Vietnam Veterans? Transitional Living Facility in the amount of $25,000 and roof replacement for Country Acres Parental Home in the amount of $75,000.

Commissioner Cook inquired how many residents at the Transitional Living Facility are from Brevard County; with Housing and Human Services Director Bernice Jackson responding 99% of the residents are Brevardians.

Office of Human Resources

Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated service activity levels for the Office of Human Resources are not anticipated to change for 1998-1999 from 1997-1998 levels; General Fund Support for 1998-1999 for the combined Personnel Administration and Employment and Compensation Programs is anticipated to increase by a net amount of $9,000 due to the full year funding of pay increases; this increase is reduced by compensation savings due to employee turnover; the Risk Management and Self Insurance Program budget for 1998-1999 increased by $1,572,000 over 1997-1998 levels due to increase in levels of premiums, claims expenditures and related reserves; and the most significant portion of this increase is in health insurance fund.

Commissioner Cook inquired how many employees are in the Office of Human Resources; with Human Resources Director Frank Abbate responding approximately 25. Commissioner Cook inquired is it at the same level as last year or is it an increase; with Mr. Abbate responding it is the same level as last year. Mr. Abbate advised the Employment Section was reduced last year; and there is not a supervisor over that group which is a substantial savings.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired what is the typical ratio of human resources personnel to the amount of employees a company has; with Mr. Abbate responding it would vary on the type of business, but he can find out specifically for local government. Mr. Jenkins stated staff can provide a breakdown for the Board between the personnel and insurance.

Information/Communication Systems Department

Mr. Boynton stated the Information/Communication Systems budget represents a work which is still in progress; the Applications Program includes a 24.6% increase in revenues and expenditures due to the expansion of existing programs following the County?s migration to relational databases, server applications and other sophisticated networks; it replaced the mainframe with the client server environment; and it has been substantially completed. He noted Cable Television Administration has an increase of 9.3% due to the full year funding of pay increases approved in 1997-1998, and audit expenses for cable television franchises.

Information/Communication Systems Director Gino Butto advised the migration from the mainframe and going with the client server system is the basis for the $1.2 million reduction.

Discussion ensued concerning upgrade of the County?s dialing system from four to five digits to accommodate additional users.

Law Library

Mr. Jenkins advised the Law Library?s budget has been reduced. Commissioner Scarborough stated when a new employee is hired, the County generally hires them in at a lower salary such as in the case of the previous Law Library Director; with Ms. Wall responding that is the basis for the $16,419 decrease.

Library Services Department

Ms. Francis advised the Library Services Department?s overall requested budget has a decrease of 6.16%; it is mainly due to the completion of capital projects; and the Department is not requesting any additional ad valorem tax revenue while providing funding for several funded program changes.

Commissioner Higgs inquired if the group working in Melbourne Beach is able to bring things to fruition, does the Board need to include something in the Library Operations that would take care of it. She stated there is a great deal of community support for a library; Micah Savell is the developer and is willing to work something out; it will probably be coming to the Board in July or August, 1998;

and it will first be acquisition of the property if the community can come up with a good share of the matching funds. She noted the existing building could be used; and it could come out of excess capital funds. Commissioner Cook inquired are there excess capital funds available; with Library Services Director Kathryn Stewart responding affirmatively. Mr. Jenkins stated if the County uses an existing building, it would be more expedient. Commissioner Higgs stated the land issue is going to be time sensitive.

The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 12:35 p.m.

Management Services Department

Budget Analyst Dennis Rogero stated the Management Services Department is projecting an overall decrease in funding of over $1.5 million or 32.5% due to reductions in Central Fleet services as this Program continues to be reduced in an effort to provide better organizational effectiveness; the Central Fleet decreases arise from reductions in both fleet size and work orders; included within these reductions are program change requests and transferring three positions to other County departments at a reduction of over $107,000; and the Department is requesting an additional $17,589 in General Fund revenue to fund compensation and benefit increases approved in Fiscal Year 1997-1998.

Commissioner O?Brien stated Commissioner Cook requested the County Manager two years ago to review reducing the number of County vehicles; and that is part of this huge reduction in costs.

Mosquito Control Department

Ms. Kahn stated the Mosquito Control Department is projecting an overall increase of 6.65%; this increase can be attributed to an increase in tax revenues to growth, increased SWIM Grant revenues, increased interest earnings and projected increases in balance forward; the Department has requested a funded program change to upgrade a Staff Assistant I position from part-time to full-time to meet customer service demands; the upgrade will be funded from existing revenue sources; and no unfunded program changes have been submitted.

Mr. Jenkins advised this budget is at the roll back millage rate.

Office of Natural Resources Management

Ms. Kahn stated the Office of Natural Resources Management is projecting an overall decrease of 8.89% primarily due to the reduction in grant revenues and anticipated reduction in construction applications, and reflects an increase in General Revenue Support of $24,189; the Environmental

Remediation and Compliance Program is reflecting a funded program change to purchase a laptop computer to input data while conducting field inspections which will reduce the duplication of processing; and such request of $3,599 will be funded through hazardous waste user fees.

Commissioner Cook inquired if the laptops are bid out; stated the price of laptops has decreased; and he has seen nice ones in the $2,000 to $2,500 range. Mr. Jenkins responded he will look into it.

Ms. Kahn stated without increasing development review fees, the Environmental Review Program is unable to meet its current service level; therefore, the Program is requesting additional General Revenue Support of $24,189 to offset funds no longer contributed by the EELS Program through internal support distribution, to transfer the Program to the Parks and Recreation Department; the increase will be offset by a reduction in general revenue support within the Parks and Recreation Department; and there are no unfunded program changes requested.

Parks and Recreation Department

Ms. Francis stated the Parks and Recreation Department?s overall budget has a decrease of 4% from current year?s funding level; the overall decrease in General Fund transfer in the amount of $29,328 is mainly due to the transfer of three full-time employees to Facilities Construction; the $1,541,000 decrease is mainly due to completion of capital projects in the current fiscal year and the lower estimated grant revenue for the EELS Program; there are two funded program changes requested in the North Area Parks Operations, including $196,162 for Corto Road Community Center Operations and Maintenance and Off-road Vehicle Park Operations and Maintenance; and the FY 1997-1998 budget included six months funding for Corto Road Community Center and four months funding for the Off-road Vehicle Park. She advised the two program changes would provide the additional funding needed for next fiscal year for a full year?s operation; and for Countywide operations, one funded program change is being requested to reduce General Fund Support by $24,189 due to the transfer of the EELS Program from Office of Natural Resources to Parks and Recreation Department. Ms. Francis outlined the unfunded program changes requested.

Discussion ensued concerning the Suntree Elementary School baseball and softball complex, South Mainland Community Center, Micco Community Center, golf course operations, asbestos assessments, inspection of buildings, capital projects, salary increases, future projects, maintenance, existing program budgets, excess funds, and a breakdown on reoccurring and non-reoccurring revenues.

Chairman Voltz stated it is her understanding that most of the asbestos in County buildings is not harmful; and inquired is the County taking things out that are not the problem and is it mandated to

do it. Mr. Jenkins responded the County is doing what the law says it has to do. Chairman Voltz inquired when will the bonds be paid off on the golf courses; with Parks and Recreation Director Charles Nelson responding Spessard Holland Golf Course will be paid off in a couple of years. Commissioner Higgs noted Spessard Holland had built up a reserve which was transferred into the central golf course; and it has made money for a long time.

Public Safety Department

Ms. Francis stated the Public Safety Department has requested an increase of 2.94% over the current year?s budget; the increase is mainly due to the revised fee structure and to provide funding for the funded program change of Phase II First Responder Program; other funded program changes include the third person staffing for fire engines in Mims Station 21, Windover Station 22, and Suntree Station 80; and the Court Alternatives Program also requested three funded program changes which include the addition of one part-time Operation Specialist I position in the amount of $20,000, two vehicles and two radios in the total amount of $30,400. She noted the two program changes will be funded by probation charges; and there are no unfunded program changes requested.

Commissioner Cook stated last year the County put $235,000 in the budget to compensate the cities for Phase I and Phase II First Responder; and now it is $835,000.

Public Safety Director Jack Parker responded the cities? compensation is approximately $526,000; Phase I was the preliminary phase which reimbursed the cities for medical supplies and medical attention; and $250,000 was set aside for that purpose. He stated the cities intended on coming back to the County at a later date to propose a Phase II which would be more reimbursement for their expenses incurred performing an emergency medical services role for their firefighters; and they requested an additional $14,000 per advanced BLS engine and $24,000 per ALS engine to help recoup their expenses.

Commissioner Cook stated until last year there was no reimbursement at all; the line item increased from $235,000 to $835,000; and it is an enormous increase in a one-year span. He noted he agrees with the concept of wanting to reimburse the cities, but it is a large amount. Mr. Parker stated part of the increase is also due to the County?s increase and staff?s request for reimbursement for the first responder program to help offset the MSTU; otherwise, he would be coming back to the Board with an MSTU increase.

Mr. Jenkins stated because the County?s fire/rescue units would be providing emergency medical services, the fire/rescue taxpayer should not necessarily be paying for the first responder portion of it; it is the same theory the cities are using; and it is a medical response, therefore, the medical response fund should pay for it as opposed to the fire tax paying for it.

Commissioner Cook inquired what happened before last year when there was no reimbursement; with Mr. Parker responding the cities responded and conducted the service, but they have been asking the Public Safety Department to consider helping to reimburse them for their expenses because they feel emergency medical services is the appropriate funding source for those expenses. Mr. Parker stated the relationship between the cities and the County concerning the fire departments has been very positive. Commissioner Cook requested a breakdown and backup documentation pertaining to the Phase I and Phase II First Responder reimbursement costs.

Mr. Jenkins stated the County needs an ambulance for Viera; with Commissioner Higgs responding the Department is requesting two fully-equipped ambulances.

Discussion ensued concerning recurring funding for South Beaches ambulance, ambulance service from the Viera Station, automatic aid agreements, Harbor City Ambulance Service, Medicaid, operational issues, response times, benefits to the rate payer, reserves, and consolidation and coordination of services.

Commissioner Cook inquired is the 2.58% decrease for Road and Bridge District 4 due to completion of capital projects; with Finance Manager Jim Helmer responding affirmatively. Commissioner Cook noted it is a decrease in the balance forward; with Ms. Wall responding affirmatively.

Chairman Voltz stated the Juvenile Assessment Center is in the process of being constructed; there is a $6,000 administrative fee from the County added onto it; they have already gone over budget; and recommended the County forego the $6,000. She noted the $32,000 she raised last week at the fund raiser has been put into Contingency.

Mr. Jenkins stated Chairman Voltz is referring to the Facilities Construction charge for overseeing the renovations of the Sarno building; and it is billed by Facilities Construction, but the money comes back to the General Fund.

Commissioner Cook inquired are the projections on the Road and Bridge MSTU budgets at roll back; with Ms. Wall responding affirmatively.

Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to approve foregoing the $6,000 for the Juvenile Assessment Center. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Voltz stated this is a tremendous decrease of $16 million just for projects being completed. Ms. Wall stated $13 million is in road construction services; and the Department is going to complete road construction projects this fiscal year.

Commissioner Scarborough stated it looks like the County is doing well, but it is the operation that concerns him; he needs to see where the County is with the operating; and inquired is it difficult for staff to rerun the summary information without the non-reoccurring items.

Discussion ensued concerning new vehicle for Construction Management, street sweeper, Minton Road, Building Maintenance Program, beautification landscape services, Building Services Program, relocations and renovations.

Commissioner O?Brien stated the County expended a great deal of money moving the various departments; Facilities Management Department facilitated it; and he would like to see how the money passed through. Facilities Management Director Hugh Muller noted staff can provide the Board with a report.

Ms. Kahn stated the Solid Waste Management Department is proposing a decrease of 2.05% to its budget; and this decrease reflects a reduction in the solid waste disposal assessments, gate fee structure, capital purchases and projects completed during Fiscal Year 1997-1998. She noted the Solid Waste Program has proposed a funded program change to reduce its non-ad valorem assessment by $3.00, for a total reduction of $660,000; this reduction in revenues will not decrease its current level of service; and the program change will be offset by an increase in the non-ad valorem EMS assessments. She stated the program is also requesting the conversion of a part-time Technician I position to full-time; this position will be funded through user fees; the Solid Waste Disposal Program is requesting new capital equipment totaling $45,407 to increase efficiency and to extend the life of existing equipment at its facilities; and the equipment is also funded through program user fees.

Commissioner Cook stated the $3.00 on non-ad valorem disposal assessment will be offset by the $3.00 increase in the EMS assessment, and inquired if both of them are on the same tax form; with Mr. Jenkins responding affirmatively. Commissioner Cook stated there is supposed to be a 7% reduction in the cost of garbage pickup due to the Contract that the Board had voted on with the waste haulers; and it is not reflected. Chairman Voltz stated it is between Harris Sanitation and the customers.

Solid Waste Management Director stated it is not reflected yet, but it will be for next year; right now the County is charging the customer $101.39; it is taking a loss at the current time; and with the 7% reduction, it will be able to reduce customer rates somewhat, but it has to make up the grant revenue which it lost from the State as a part of that 7%. Commissioner Cook stated he believes what was

discussed at the prior Board meeting was a true 7% reduction in what was being charged to the homeowner. Mr. Rabon stated a decrease of 7% to the customer requires a much greater decrease than 7% to the collector. Mr. Rabon stated the reduction is $7.11; all of it cannot be handed back to the customer as the County would still be in the hole; it lost $180,000 in revenue it had from the grant program; and it has to make it up. Commissioner Scarborough noted the rate will come back to the Board; with Mr. Rabon responding the rate resolution will come back to the Board. Mr. Rabon advised the rate resolution includes the charge to the customer and payment to the collector. Commissioner Scarborough requested Mr. Rabon include the justification of why the full 7% decrease cannot be given back to the customer when it comes back to the Board. Chairman Voltz inquired when will it be scheduled on the agenda; with Mr. Rabon responding August, 1998.

Office of Tourism Development

Commissioner Higgs inquired is the Board going to vote on the use of the beach renourishment project funds; with Ms. Wall responding it is her understanding that Office of Natural Resources Management is currently working on the plan. Commissioner Higgs stated she does not recall voting on allocating those reserves and using them for that purpose; with Commissioner O?Brien responding the Board voted on it approximately a year and a half ago. Commissioner Higgs stated she has a concern that the project continues to include Phase 2. Commissioner O?Brien stated each time he, the Port and Dave Weldon have gone to Washington, they talked about the entire program; what they have received back from the Congressmen and the Army Corps of Engineers is that they will do Phase I first and then do Phase II because of the source of the sand; and he will keep an eye on it.

Transit Services Department

Ms. Wall stated the increase is due to increase in federal and State grant funding.

Valkaria Airport

Mr. Jenkins stated the budget was $478,000 and has decreased to $150,000.

Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated what is stopping here is the one-time funding sources and one-time expenditures for capital improvement; and what continues almost unchanged are the two operating budgets of the Airport.

Mr. Jenkins stated the Department is not proposing a rate increase. Ms. Wall advised the budget decrease is due to completion of capital projects.

Commissioner Cook inquired how many vehicles are being replaced; with Water Resources Director Richard Martens responding seven.

Chairman Voltz inquired what is the purchase of capital equipment in the amount of $145,000; with Finance Manager Greg Pelham responding it includes new equipment, and the replacement vehicles are not included in that amount. Commissioner Cook inquired where are the replacement vehicles shown in the budget; with Mr. Pelham responding they are included in the detailed capital facilities purchases.

Mr. Jenkins stated Water Resources Department every year will budget "x" number of dollars for replacement of equipment; and it will decide each year what those items are going to be. He stated it has some money built into its budget; these are additional items that have not been in prior year?s budget; this is a change from what it has historically done; and these are new and in addition to. He advised when the Board sees the detailed budget of the Department in July, 1998, it will see that the Department normally spends "x" number of thousands of dollars per year to replace trucks, generators, backhoes, etc.; staff will provide the Board with an itemized list; and this is a summary of changes only.

Commissioner Higgs stated the Department has done aggressive employee improvements to keep the rates down; and inquired when will the Board need to review the rates again. Mr. Martens stated under the current five-year financial projection, the Department does not see the need for a rate increase within the five years. Commissioner O?Brien inquired what about a rate decrease. Mr. Martens responded the Department is anticipating in the year 2000, an increase in the fixed operating costs when it brings the new South/Central Regional Plant on line; there is some surplus in revenues currently above the expenses; and if the County were to reduce those rates now, he cannot say in two years staff would not have to come for a rate increase to make up for that.

Discussion ensued concerning sewer rates, irrigation meters, reuse water, effluent disposal, potable water, graywater, and reclaimed water infrastructure.

The meeting recessed at 2:15 p.m. and reconvened at 2:30 p.m.

Ms. Wall stated Brevard Cultural Alliance has one unfunded program change; and the total requested unfunded program change is $50,000 instead of $25,000.

Kay Burke, Brevard Cultural Alliance, stated the $25,000 that does not show up in the Summary by Program deals with the County?s Public Arts Program; Brevard Cultural Alliance is doing a Loan Arts Program to get art work into the buildings and hallways; and it is popular with the public and County employees. She noted the Cultural Alliance has a staff of three people; she is tying up one of her staff people about 80% of the time dealing with the public arts; and additional assistance is needed. She stated she realizes every year is a tough budget year; and if the Board can see fit to assist Brevard Cultural Alliance with some funding to better utilize the staff and have the means to do the Public Art Program in a better manner, it would be appreciated.

Mr. Jenkins stated the Board will not be voting on this budget until September, 1998; and he can look for volunteer assistance to Brevard Cultural Alliance, at least until the Board votes on the budget.

Ms. Burke stated the Community Cultural Grants Program is also included in the budget; such Program has been run for over 10 years; and requested feedback from the Board on such Program.

Commissioner Scarborough inquired if Brevard Cultural Alliance has attempted to get anything such as a moon rock or something that would symbolize Brevard County?s relationship to space exploration, and place it in the Government Center as people enter the building. Ms. Burke responded the Cultural Alliance has requested Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center loan Brevard County some of its space art, but it has been unwilling to do so due to insurance and inability to completely control the climate. Commissioner Scarborough suggested Ms. Burke talk to Congressman Dave Weldon; and perhaps a letter from him could make things happen.

Clerk of Courts Office

Commissioner Cook inquired is the Clerk of Courts requesting a $460,000 increase; with Ms. Wall responding the increase is to the General Fund request. Commissioner Cook stated a big portion of that is due to an additional 10 positions.

Chief Deputy Clerk Jim Giles stated the Clerk had 291 positions this year; five years ago there were 320 employees; and in September, 1997, the need existed for 20 to 25 people for filing and data entry. Commissioner Cook inquired has the Clerk been reducing positions over the last few years; with Mr. Giles responding affirmatively, but the Clerk?s Office was caught in a crunch and reduced it too much. Commissioner Cook inquired is there a breakdown on the 10 positions; with Mr. Giles responding they are primarily in the File Room and Traffic Department. Commissioner Cook requested a breakdown on the reduction of Circuit Court costs versus County Court, the additional 10 positions, and how the shift was determined.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the Board may fund Constitutional Officers positions and they may not be filled, and inquired if they want to shift the funds from one thing to another, can they do

it without coming back to the Board with a budget change; with Ms. Wall responding affirmatively. Commissioner Scarborough inquired is it approximately 21 positions that the Clerk is talking about bringing on board; with Mr. Giles responding 10 positions for County Court. Mr. Giles stated fees fund the Circuit Court and the Board does not fund it at all. Commissioner Scarborough stated the Clerk does not just go out and hire 21 people all at once and he generally phases it in; with Mr. Giles responding affirmatively. Commissioner Scarborough inquired what is the phase-in period; with Mr. Giles responding the 10 positions have been hired. Commissioner Scarborough inquired how is the Clerk paying for them; with Mr. Giles responding the fees budget is being stretched as the turnaround time is needed for the Courts.

Commissioner Cook stated he does not want to look at a budget where the request is to add additional positions, but the positions have already been added; it is not right; this is being proposed for next year, but the people have already been hired; the money must already be in the current budget; and inquired why are additional monies needed next year.

Commissioner Higgs inquired why not pay for those positions with fees next year; with Mr. Giles responding because the Board is obligated to fund the County Court budget. Commissioner Cook noted the Board is obligated to fund it at some level, but not at whatever level is presented to it. Mr. Giles stated if the Board chooses not to fund it, the Clerk can bring that budget down to the Board?s figures and redirect the judges to talk to the Board. Commissioner Higgs inquired what is suffering now; with Mr. Giles responding coming up with the pay increases for the bulk of the other employees that the Board does not fund, insurance premiums, and at year end there may not be any excess fees.

Commissioner Cook stated the Clerk has the right to switch the monies and set priorities which is important; but when he looks at a proposed budget and it says addition of eight positions and 10 positions, it is not in addition when they have already been hired and the request is for the Board to fund them for next year; and it is fundamentally wrong. Mr. Giles stated it is in addition to the approved budget the Board approved for this year.

Commissioner Higgs stated it points out the reality that once the Board has allocated the funds they can be used as the Constitutional Officers deem appropriate. Commissioner Cook stated he would like the funds delineated in the budget summaries in the future.

Mr. Jenkins stated what makes the Clerk so unique is that much of his revenue does not come through the Board?s budget; and approximately 50% or more of the Clerk?s budget is through fees.

*County Attorney Scott Knox?s absence was noted at this time and Assistant County Attorney Kim Brautigam was present.

Sheriff?s Office

Mike Abels, Sheriff?s Office, stated in last fiscal year?s budget, the Board asked the Sheriff to provide a three-year plan concerning the needs for the Sheriff?s Office; the Sheriff came in with a relatively large increase in the budget; and the Board wanted to know the requests and what it expected. He noted the Sheriff provided the Board with such plan; the budget today is a mirror of such plan, the second year of the plan; this budget addresses a pay inequity issue for deputies; and the deputies are not at pay comparability within Brevard County. He stated the Sheriff?s priorities for this coming fiscal year include addressing the pay comparability issue and the law enforcement manpower issue. He noted the current ratio is 1.76 officers per one thousand in population; when the Board funded the agent positions last year, the Sheriff said he would bring back the output results; and there have been positive results from the funding the Board put into the Sheriff?s budget. Mr. Abels stated there was an 8% increase in sex crimes cleared, 10% increase in violent crimes cleared, and 2% increase in burglaries cleared; and the Sheriff?s emphasis this year is in additional deputies and an agent for auto theft which is one of the fastest growing areas of crime within Brevard County.

Mr. Jenkins inquired is the 1.76 officers per one thousand in population road patrol only; with Mr. Abels responding negatively. Mr. Abels advised it includes sworn personnel. Mr. Jenkins inquired does it include General Fund positions; with Mr. Abels responding affirmatively. Mr. Abels advised it includes any personnel with the power to arrest; and the Sheriff?s Office maintains a listing of all personnel by category.

Commissioner Scarborough recommended Mr. Jenkins meet with the Sheriff concerning his requested budget. Commissioner Cook stated law enforcement is a number one priority of the Board; and it has provided increases to the Sheriff?s Office that no one else has received. Commissioner O?Brien stated the Board wants to make sure the deputies are paid reasonably well as they put their lives on the line for the community; he does not see a problem wanting to give every deputy a pay raise; the whole thing may cost $858,000; adding all the requests by the Sheriff today, it is $3.65 million; and in order to do that, the County would have to go out for referendum.

Mr. Abels stated last year the Board believed it was impossible to fund the Sheriff?s budget without going to referendum; the Board was able to fund what the Sheriff requested without going to referendum or affecting the tax base; the increases requested by the Sheriff are not susceptible to an MSTU tax increase solely or to a Countywide tax increase; and in reviewing the pay increases, the Board cannot fund them through an MSTU referendum for equity reasons. He noted the pay increases affect correctional officers, deputies in courts, and MSTU deputies; a good number of them are Countywide support positions; and it would not be equitable to require the MSTU citizens to pay for increases that went into courts or corrections. Mr. Abels stated some of the positions the Sheriff has requested, such as the deputies, are MSTU solely; they can be broken out and looked at as a separate entity that would be appropriate to an MSTU; other positions cannot be, including some agent positions and support positions in the courts; and they are more Countywide positions. He noted to go into a referendum has to be looked at closely; and the Sheriff?s budget should be looked upon as how can it be funded without going through the referendum process at this time.

(CONTINUED)

Commissioner Cook stated there is no way to fund this $2.9 million increase under the County Charter unless the Board can work with the Sheriff like it did the last time; and he is in favor of that. He stated the Board could not fund the $4 million increase last year and was able to decrease it to $1.8 million; and the Board cannot fund at this level for the Sheriff without going to a referendum; otherwise, it is violating the Charter.

Mr. Jenkins stated of the $6.3 million, $1 million belongs to Board agencies and $5.3 million belongs to the Charter Officers.

Supervisor of Elections

Supervisor of Elections Fred Galey stated this Fall his office is going to be facing the problem he has been planning to prevent; it is going to have more cards than it can carry; and it is going to cause more card damage and more delay. He advised there are six counties this year that switched to the new machines; and Brevard County is still the largest County on the Data Vote system.

Commissioner Cook stated Mr. Galey is requesting an 8.81% increase; the General Fund impact is $225,000 over the approved budget last year; and inquired if it is needed due to the elections. Mr. Galey responded Brevard County continues to grow; and he is going to have to increase some precincts.

Commissioner O?Brien inquired what was the Supervisor of Elections? budget in 1995-1996; with Mr. Galey responding approximately $2.4 million. Commissioner O?Brien stated Mr. Galey has done a good job in bringing his budget down.

Commissioner Cook stated Mr. Galey returned $170,000 in unused funds to the County General Fund last year; and inquired is the $225,000 in addition to the $170,000 that was returned.

Budget Analyst Neil Boynton stated what is here is a comparison of the 1997-1998 budget to the 1998-1999 budget; and the funds Mr. Galey returned were in his 1996-1997 budget.

Commissioner Higgs requested Mr. Galey provide information to the Board on the way to purchase the updated equipment using commercial paper and spreading those costs over several years.

Public Defender?s Office

Ms. Wall stated the Public Defender is requesting an additional position for his Witness Coordination Program.

DISCUSSION, RE: PRELIMINARY FORECAST OF COUNTY?S FY 1998-1999 BUDGET

Al Panell, Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District Manager, stated Gary Garrison has left the District and is now working for St. Johns River Water Management District; he has been the District Engineer since 1982; and effective three days ago, he assumed the position of Manager/Engineer.

Commissioner Higgs stated the District?s budget is basically the same as last year.

Mr. Panell stated the 10% increase for operational services is incorrect; and it should be a 10% requested increase in user fees, with 3% going into operations and 7% going into the Western Diversion Project.

Commissioner Cook stated the Board needs to give the County Manager direction to review reducing these costs; the direction can be no tax increase for next year; and over $5 million of the $6 million increase is coming from the Constitutional Officers which needs to be looked at.

Motion by Commissioner Cook, seconded by Commissioner Higgs, to direct that there be no tax increase for next year, and the County Manager review the budgets, especially with the Constitutional Officers. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Commissioner Scarborough stated the motion is for no tax increase; the MSTU Recreation District 1 which is a 17% increase may be mandatory to make certain parks operate; and he hopes the Board has not committed not to do that. Commissioners Higgs stated that was not her intent. Commissioner Cook stated his motion was for the general ad valorem taxes.

Commissioner Higgs requested additional information on the shift of the $3.00 from Solid Waste to EMS and the consequence to Solid Waste. Commissioner O?Brien stated he has questions about the process and future of it.

Mr. Jenkins stated the County has to give somewhere if it is not going to raise taxes; and it is either a matter of cutting something somewhere or doing some tradeoffs.

Chairman Voltz stated the Board does not have enough information on what some things entail; and it does not know where to start cutting.

Commissioner Higgs inquired when will the Board be reviewing the budget again; with Ms. Wall responding July, 1998.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.

ATTEST:

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HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIRMAN

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

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SANDY CRAWFORD, CLERK

(S E A L)