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07-08-1982 Workshop Meeting e CITY OF CLERMONT e MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING July 8, 1982 A Workshop Meeting of the City Council of the City of Clermont was held on July 8, 1982 in the City Manager's Office. The Meeting was called to order at 6:l?Q,.I~_:_IU. by Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Thomas with the following Councilmen in attendance: Robert Pool, Hal Turville and Michael Conley. Other City Officials present were City Manager Forbes and Finance Director Saunders. SUMMARY OF THE CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM The City Council Members reviewed the Capital Outlay dec,isions made during the July 6, 1982 meeting. Finance Director Saunders stated that he had done more research into a micro fische system for City Hall and felt a system could be installed for $5,000. The Council felt that it would be best to purchase a micro fische system for the City instead of a fire proof file cabinet. City Manager Forbes stated that he had discussed the possibility of purchasing the additional four spare tanks for the fire department with the Fire Chief. A new air compressor may be warranted for the City since there would be approxi- mately fifty refills of these tanks per year. It was the consensus of the Council that it would be more cost effective to purchase the additional air tanks, and the Council decided to budget eight additional spare tanks for the air packs. The pressure cleaner for the utility department was also discussed. This cleaner is necessary to clean lift stations. Because the Utility Department Director believes that the type of pressure cleaner budgeted is adequate, the Council decided to keep this item in the budget. Mayor Hoskinson entered the meeting at this time. BUDGET ISSUES --.., \ 1. Salary Increases: The City Council discussed the proposed salary increases for the City Employees. They also reviewed the pay plan of the City. There was much discussion on the type of pay plan, merit system, and what would be a fair increase in light of the economy and inflation rate of today. It was the consensus of the Council that a 5% cost of living increase would be granted for City Employees on October 1, 1982. They also requested that the City Mana- ger review the City's merit system. In addition, the starting salaries on the pay plan will be frozen and rolled back 3%. This will not affect employees currently employed, but will those hired by the City in the next fiscal year. 2. Retirement Plan: Mayor Hoskinson discussed the fact that he had been approached by some retirees on the possibility of a cost of living increase for employees who have retired and are on the City's pension plan. City Manager Forbes read a letter from the City's actuaries on the cost of living increases for retirees, and explained the two principal methods of granting such increases. The Council was concerned about the rising costs involved with pension plans and whether granting cost of living increases would set a precedent for future years. They felt that the actuarial cost involved in getting State approval for a cost of living increase might outweigh the costs of the increase. It was decided that no cost of living increases would be granted for retirees at this time. 3. Replacement Garbage Truck: City Manager Forbes requested that the City place $15,000 in the City's Vehicle Replacement Plan to go toward a replacement gar- bage truck. He explained that a Vehicle Replacement Plan for Heavy Equipment makes it much easier to purchase equipment when it is needed. It was the consensus of the Council that $15,000 be placed in the Vehicle Replacement Plan to go toward the purchase of the garbage truck. 4. Fire Truck: City Manager Forbes explained the four types of fire trucks the City presently has, and their fire fighting capabilities. He explained that most City fires are put out by the City's 1978 mini pumper, and that the City has a 1963 Class A pumper that serves as an immediate back-up. He explained the fact that the City also has a ladder truck and a third back-up pumper. In looking at the City's fire fighting capabilities over a ten year range; within the next 10 years, the City's main fire trucks (excluding the mini pumper) will be 30 to 40 years old. The City Manager explained that looking over the long view, the City should look toward purchasing a new fire truck with a snorkel system; and start saving money for this purchase. There was much discussion regarding fire fighting capabilities and the possibility of placing a snorkel system on an existing truck. The consensus of the Council was to budget funds for fire equip- e CITY OF CLERMONT e MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING July 8, 1982 Page -2- ment in the City's Vehicle Replacement Fund. The Council decided that $30,000 would be added to the City's Heavy Equipment Vehicle Replacement Fund (this in- cludes the $15,000 for the garbage truck discussed above). The Council stated that the monies in this fund were for heavy equipment only and not pledged to- ward a specifiJ item. 5. Replacement Street Sweeper: The Council discussed the fact that the City's Street Sweeper is nine years old -and has been repaired many times. City Manager Forbes recommended that the City Council analyze the street sweeper service and decide to either purchase a new sweeper or eliminate this service. Councilman Hal Turville stated that he did not think the present sweeper did a very good job, and this was due in part to the type of sweeper we have. The best type of street sweeper to buy would be a vacuum type. However, he did not feel that the cost of a new vacuum street sweeper would be cost effective for the City. City Manager Forbes handed out materials that explained the benefits of street sweeping. Councilmen Conley and Pool both stated that they felt the City's street sweeping service was necessary. They believed the City Manager should obtain quotes from the factory on completely rebuilding the present sweeper. It was the consensus of the Council that as of October 1, 1982 that the City street sweeper would be parked and no longer used. The City Mana- ger is to obtain estimates on the cost of completely rebuilding the sweeper. The Council also determined that there would be no replacement vehicle for the City's Public Works Director this year. 6. Art League Donation: The consensus of the Council was to budget under Special Activities a $1,000 donation to the Art League. 7. Storm Drain Improvements: The City Manager explained the improvements the City has been making to the storm drain system. lbe #1 storm drain problem in the City is a drain on Lakeshore Drive which runs in front of Bob Allison's house and empties into the Lake Winona canal. City Manager Forbes stated that this line hasdetetiorated_ & needs to be rebuilt. The Council discussed various options with the City Manager and the possibility of gaining easements to re- route this drain. The City Manager was authorized to obtain cost estimates and alternatives for rebuilding this storm drain. Monies for this project will be funded from Contingencies or the City's Cash Reserves after an accurate cost estimate has been obtained. 8. City Hall Expansion: Finance Director Saunders explained the space problems at City Hall, which will be even further exaggerated, due to the City's computer system. There was much discussion of the possibility of adding onto City Hall under the existing carport, or utilizing the downstairs of City Hall. After much discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the City Manager contact the lessee of the downstairs of City Hall and draw up an agreement for the use of the downstairs. 9. Bishop Field Lights: City Manager Forbes explained the problems at Bishop Field and the fact that monies were needed for new lights and fixtures in the outfield. Four new poles and light sets are needed. The Council budgeted $7,500 for the Bishop Field lights. Additional monies for the project will be requested from the baseball leagues and volunteer help also will be requested. 10. Pagers: The City Council discussed a request from the Utility Department to pur- chase pagers for their employees. The Council believes that the pagers would be beneficial in locating employees after work hours and during emergency situations. It was the consensus of the Council that if key employees all had telephones, much of the problem would be eliminated and decided to eliminate this item from the budget at this time. 11. New Public Works Facility: The Council discussed that the present site for the the Public Works Facility was too small, and that within the next five to ten years the City should look for a place to construct a new facility. City Manager Forbes requested that he and the Public Works Director be allowed to analyze al- ternative sites for a new facility. Mayor Hoskinson stated that he believed the best site was on City owned land next to the waste treatment plant. The Council authorized the City Manager to look for alternative sites and report back to them. e CITY OF CLERMONT e MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING July 8, 1982 Page -3- 12. Lake Winona Bridge: City Manager Forbes explained that the State would be inspecting the bridge within the next few months. The Council stated that they would wait until the bridge is inspected to see what repairs may be necessary and to consider the possibility of increasing the navigability of the channel under the bridge. 13. Sidewalk - Grand Highway to Edgewood Street: The City Council discussed that they had received letters requesting this sidewalk. It was the consensus of the Council that since this land would probably be developed soon, and it would be the developer's responsibility to put in the sidewalk; that at this time they would not include this item in the budget. 14. Additional School Crossing Guard on Highway 50: City Manager Forbes explained that the crossing guard on East Avenue had very little work because so few children cross the street there. He also discussed the fact that there was no crossing guard on Bloxam Avenue and Highway 50 last year, and possibly this money would be better spent on placing a crossing guard on Bloxam and Highway 50. Councilman Pool stated that he felt that the crossing guard at East Avenue and Highway 50 was still needed. He said that many mothers were not aware of this guard because the program only began last year. It was the consensus of the Council that the City hire three school guards for next year. One for the High School, one at East Avenue and Highway 50, and one at Bloxam and Highway 50. 15. Old Library Building: The Council discussed the disposition of the old library building and possible uses. Lake-Sumter Community College is presently using the building but is not in a position to pay what the City feels is an adequate return on our money for this investment. Mayor Hoskinson stated that this item would be tabled until the next Council Meeting. 16. Radio System Improvements: City Manager Forbes discussed the City's present radio system and the problems involved since the police and general employees are on the same frequency. It was the consensus of the Council that the City Manager discuss this matter with the Mayor and bring it before the Council at a regular meeting in the near future. 17. Parks and Recreation Projects: The Council discussed the long and short range priorities delineated by the Parks and Recreation Board. They discussed various uses for parks and recreation. The consensus of the Council was to budget $7,000 for handball courts to be located at either Bishop Field or property south of Jaycee Beach. The type of courts and exact location were not specifically named, and Councilman Pool also felt that the City should possibly add another basketball hoop at Jaycee Beach. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. '1 ~~ ~s M. Hoskinson, Mayor ATTEST: