Oh my gosh. Tell me about it, Ryan. So, guess what I started getting? I just started getting them like a couple of days ago. They just started up. We lose damage.
Give him just a second. meeting for this evening. This is our 2026 first budget hearing. Uh today's Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Madame Clerk, would you please call the role for us? >> Mayor Gro >> here.
Vice Mayor Samra >> here. >> Commissioner Amsler >> here. >> Commissioner Gonzalez, Commissioner Hunington here. >> Mr. Mayor, you have a quorum. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, it's not here, but let's please do the pledge of allegiance. to the flag of the United States to the
United States, one nation under God. It's a leftover from a packed house we had for the chief here on Friday night. Well attended, chief. It was very well attended. It was a very nice ceremony. Um, all right. So, let's go ahead and start with our public comment. Uh, we'll start here in the log cabin. We'll move
over to Zoom. Um, and just a reminder, public comment is limited to three minutes. And please provide name and address. Thank you very much. Going once, going twice. Okay. Hearing none. Having none on Zoom. Okay. Um, all
right. So, we have no uh reply. We have no resolutions. And just for the record, since we are now recording and I just mentioned this to Commissioner Huntington, just got the I got the email on Friday night for today's um commission meeting and I saw it in the app. So hopefully that means the email address list has been updated and gov.
So that's a positive thing. Um all right, so uh having no other business, let's move on to our ordinances, uh which is our budget discussion for this evening. Um Brad, would you please uh read the ordinance for us?
I do >> I think >> I connect I I was I had connected. >> Okay. Go ahead, Brad, please. Sir, >> ordinance 2025-01 adopting millage rate for fiscal year
2025 2026 first reading an ordinance of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park, Florida establishing and adopting a final mill rate and levy of an advalorum taxes for fiscal year 2025 through 2026 in the amount of 9.3 mills
for each $1,000 of assessed um valuation upon real and personal property within the village limits of the village of Biscane. park which is 9.03 higher than the roll back rate of 8.49 mills providing for an effective date.
>> Thank you Brad. Uh do I have a uh a first and second to move the ordinance to discussion? >> Motion to move to discussion. Second it. >> All in favor? Yes. >> I >> I >> I Okay, great. Uh so and just remind me Brad um on proced procedurally. Sure.
Yes, Paul. On the agenda, the cover memo looks like there was a typo. The the percentage is not 9.03. It's 11.89 for is 94. Brad, I I I don't have it in
front of me. I just found the 94 one. >> Are you talking about >> It says 9.03. I think it's I think it's higher than that. It's just on the on the agenda cover sheet just to make a report that that's not accurate. >> Is it on the ordinance too or is it just the cover sheet? >> Uh I believe the ordinance is right, but
I'm trying to get it open. >> Should be about 10.5. >> 10.5. >> Okay. >> Little less. 93 ship. >> It says is 9.03 in the ordinance at least according to the one that I just clicked
on. >> It also says 9.03 higher in the roll back. >> Okay. Well, we'll make a note then to make sure we confirm the number uh if we approve the ordinance. I'm sorry. >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Well, while we're looking for it then, while Paul's taking care of that, um I just want to clear a procedural uh matter, Brad, if you could. Um just a reminder for all of us. Um we are approving, we first approve the mill and then uh we move on to the discussion on
the actual budget items. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> We can't establish. >> All righty. Paul, >> my mistake. It checks out. >> 9.03 is correct. >> Never. >> Okay.
>> In the crosshairs tonight. >> Okay. Um All right. So, that's correct. Um is there any discussion on the ordinance before we uh we we have to do the roll on this one, Madam Cler? Correct. Okay. Uh Miss Yeah, Mr. Manager. >> Yeah, Mr. Mayor, if I could just say a
few words. >> Yeah, of course, please. why why we chose 9.3 um and and how we came about um setting the millillage at 9.3. So as you are aware on May 30th 2025 we received a letter from the property
appraiser uh served on us the 2025 June 1st estimate of taxable value. Um the and when and the provisions of Florida statute requires within 35 days of service of the certificate taxable value that we be required to furnish to the
property appraiser um the proposed mill rate the current year roll back rate and date and time and place on which a public hearing will be held to consider the ten of the millage rate on fiscal year 2025 operating millage rate for the village of Biscane Park. We're uh set we
were proposing to set it at 9.3 mills per each 1,000 of assess assessed value as certified by the Miami date county property appraiser. Um which shows a 9.03 greater roll back rate of 8.49.
Um the property appraisers letter letter estimated the taxable value of Miss King Park at $468 million. Although the taxable value of many properties have increased, the real estate market after years of growth appears to be have stabilized. Uh we we're seeing a
decrease in certain markets that provide some relief of for taxpayers so long as they do not increase their milit rates. With the cost of home ownership such as property insurance continue to increase, the property appraiser has urged local
jurisdictions jurisdictions to consider reducing their respective millage rates to alleviate the housing crisis. So we have we talked about this at strategic planning. Uh we were able to get uh last year it was at
9.4 4 to get it down to 9.3 and also to um uh fund with the 9.3. We're funding all the um um collective bargain agreements uh their their commitments to the raises
within the collective bargain agreements and we're also funding all the uh 10 projects CIP projects that we have identified and that were in the pipelines. So, we're recommending that you approve on first reading tonight setting the miller's rate at
9.3. >> All right. Thanks, Mr. Manager. Um, all right. Are there any uh understanding we're going to be discussing the budget in our next ordinance or are there any questions um about before we uh vote to approve well before we vote on this ordinance?
>> Yeah, sure. Please. Something. So on on the ordinance that you have attached to the agenda agenda in the first whereas clause there is a blank line that should not be there. So there's not something missing just should be uh >> the one that immediately follows the the
>> who the >> right. >> Yeah. That's okay. Huh, >> that's interesting. So, for whoever may be watching, it was just brought to the commission's
attention that we may be having visual issues, issues with the camera, but the audio feed is is still is still viable. So, uh, Madam Clerk, if you wouldn't mind just looking at that while we Well, this is going to come up in the
CIP budget tonight. I know that. Yeah, that's strange. I see a few. Okay, >> Mr. Mayor, the camera appears to be working on YouTube. >> It's working on YouTube. Okay. Well, we're working on YouTube. We're working on Zoom. I'm not sure not
sure what the issue is, but I appreciate you bringing that to our attention. Thank you. Um, okay. So, Brad, you were sorry, you were in the middle of >> there's actually two things. >> Okay. So, there was a blank on the first whereas clause or something else. >> Oh, yeah. In talking to Paul, the um
So, then apparently the 9.03 is incorrect. So, if I if I can, I'd like to reread the order. really don't like hearing yourself. Is it resolved or is it just gone quiet? Doesn't sound as if it's resolved. This. This
seems to have done it. We're still recording, correct? Okay, great. Okay, Brad. >> So, as I was saying. >> Yes. >> So, um there the the the first war has where there's a blank line that be
deleted. That's just a line that staff needed to put some information in. When they filled in the information, the line didn't get deleted. So, there's nothing there missing. Okay. >> Record's clear on that. Okay. >> But I do need after talking to Paul, we do need to reread the title as um the
title of the ordinance as the 9.0. 03 is not correct. It's 10.7 higher.7 higher than the roll back rate. So if I may, just for the record, would you read the ordinance? >> Yes, please. There would be an ordinance of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park, Florida, establishing
and adopting a final millage rate and levy of ad valorum taxes for fiscal year 2025 to 2026 in the amount of 9.3 mills for each,000 of assessed valuation upon real and personal property within the village limits of the village of Biscane
Park which is 10.7% higher than the roll back rate of 8.4009 for 009 mills and providing for an effective date. >> Okay. Do we And so it's amended, correct? >> Yes.
>> All right. So, do I have a >> want just to make it procedurally correct? Maybe somebody can make >> Yes. >> Accept it as amended. >> Okay. Do I have a motion to uh to move the amended ordinance into discussion? >> Motion to make to move the amended
ordinance into discussion. I second it. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> I. Okay, great. >> And this would require at second reading that you have all commissioners present and unanimous. >> So, right, the increase above the roll back rate requires that we have all five
of us here and requires uh a unanimous vote. Got it. Okay, great. All right. So, getting back to the original point, is there anyone that has any questions on this ordinance uh before we move to vote and move on to the next ordinance for discussion of the budget?
to the next ordinance for discussion. >> Sorry. >> So, we're going to proceed to vote before we discuss it >> just to set the millillage and then we move on to the next ordinance which is 2025-02 which is the the fully detailed budget. >> So, I think we've done it in the past
where we pass the Yeah, I was. >> Okay, that's fine. We can do that. >> Okay. So I think I'll make a motion then to table the voting for uh ordinance 202501 um so we can move it after discussion.
>> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Your mics offic >> to vote down this motion before we can move this to her motion. Correct. Right. >> Well well >> we can amend it. >> You can table it. >> Okay. And >> that's fine.
>> Super. It's a it's a intervening motion committee. >> Okay. >> You can go back to your you can go back and discuss your budget and then what you would do procedurally before you approve your budget. So you can have your you can now table this. >> Yeah.
>> Go to your budget >> have a discussion. You either adopt it as is. If there's changes, you make those changes. You do not approve it at that time as amended. Then you go back to the table. >> Correct. ordinance for the millillage.
You approve your millillage, then you go back budget ordinance and you would procedurally approve your budget ordinance. >> Okay, that's fine. So, um, do we have a second on Commissioner Amsler's motion to table so we can move on to the discussion of the budget? >> I'll I'll second it. >> Okay. All in favor?
>> I >> I >> I Okay. All right. So, then let's move on to our next ordinance, 2025-02. Uh, Brad, would you read this ordinance for us, please? Point of order. I just This is a question that I have. If we're not
approving this and we we make changes, let's say in a budget, how you going to figure out if that falls into the 9.3? >> Because we'll know we have Paul here with us, he'll be able to tell us whether he needed the 9.3 if we >> Yeah, because that would
make sense. Unless I don't know that that will happen unless there's anyone here proposing we add a ton more to our budget. >> No, definitely not >> only go higher >> which was 94. Correct. Okay, great. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Red B
>> ordinance number 2025-02 an ordinance of the village commission of the village of Biscane Park Florida adopting a budget for fiscal year 2025 through 2026 for the village of Biscane Park Florida providing for conflicts providing for severability providing for
an effective date. >> Okay, thanks Brad. Do I have a motion and a second to move to discussion? >> Motion to move to discussion. I'll second it. >> All in favor? >> I I >> I Okay. Uh this is an ordinance. So I'll open public uh comment on the ordinance
uh before we move to discussion. So we'll start with public comment if there's any here in the log cabin. Uh same public public comment uh rules apply um on the ordinance as they do for general public comment. Seeing none any
on Zoom seeing none. Okay. All right. Great. So, let's move to discussion um of our ordinance with the uh budget. And Paul is here with us to field questions. Paul, um what I uh what I'd
like to have you do for us very briefly, if you could just kind of give us a brief introduction and summary of of the budget, we're currently look currently looking at where we started with this and and and how we got to this point, if you could please. So, >> sorry. Yes, Mr. Manager, please. If I
could, I'll I'll go first and then I'll turn it over to our finance director. >> Right. Okay. >> So, we we began this process, as you um know, we began this process back in actually January when we when the commission approved um us to go out and
retain the services of um of um her Marlo, Dr. Marlo, uh who was our strategic planning consultant and moderator. And then on February 21st and s and Friday, February 21st and sat and
Saturday, February 22nd, we had a two two-day uh strategic planning session in which all all the directors were were present. The commission was present, the finance director was present. >> All right. Sorry. And uh and at that
time uh we talked about the projects that we wanted to fund for the upcoming fiscal budget. We also talked about uh our one of our goals was to lower the millillage rate from 9.4 to 9.3. And in the beginning of March, the
departments uh the village department directors began to compile their operational compa and capital needs for the upcoming fiscal year and the f uh submit those to the village manager and the finance director. Um a total of 28
meetings occurred during the the months of preparation including the two budget workshops that were held uh to present the final proposed budget that is before you this evening. Uh the two workshops uh the first one was held on August 19th. The second was held at August 26th
at at 6 p.m. Uh though during those workshops, the village manager, finance director, and department directors presented a po a proposed budget of $3.2 million for fiscal year 202526.
Uh the the budget proposed address departmental needs uh including increased personnel cost, rising operational costs the village is facing including the cost of vendor contracts, material supplies and property insurance. Also investing in the village
initiatives and the village capital improvement projects. Uh recommendations came out of the first uh budget on August 19th. uh th those were incorporated into the um into the fi final budget proposal
before you this evening. Uh some of those are to remove the vehicles used by administrative code and public works from the police budget. Uh verified fuel usage and adjusted projections. Rem remove duplicate funding for other departments.
Uh made some organizational uh changes within the police department. Uh the second budget uh workshop primary input was the public works trees planting maintenance administrative salaries uh with them to match the approved
contracts and cola verified updated communications websites web services IT services revised donation funds and selected strategic fund matching plan updated the CIT to reflect current projects legal fees discussed uh pending
final commission decision incorporated July financial statements and corresponding projects. The changes changes reflected the village's strategic goals as well as the villages staff commitment to sound fiscal and operational practice which continue to
provide for our community needs and expectations for superior customer service for whom all we serve. So, uh, Mr. Mayor, as you know that tonight's the first reading of the of the proposed budget. We've uh asked you to approve on first reading tonight and schedule a
second and final reading for September 24th at 6 PM. And now I'll turn it over to our finance director. >> Hey, thanks Mr. Manager. >> Sounds like your mic is off, Paul. No, nothing. Still nothing.
The mic issues persist. [Music] Nothing. >> You want to grab one of these? >> One. It was working Friday night. There it is. There it
test. [Music] Usually it reacts when I smash the button as hard as I can. It's just We're just getting started, Chief. >> All right, Paul. Uh, so if the clerk
could bring up the budget summary, well, yours, the one that's linked to the agenda, can you open those? Okay, I can share my screen, but it I have it open also. I just don't know how uh clear it's going to be through me, but I'm happy to
try. This is the one pager right the bud the summary >> correct >> okay >> are you able to allow me to share I don't see an option oh there it is share One more second.
So, somebody who's sharing has to turn off. It's It's giving me an error that you cannot start screen share while the other participant is sharing. There we go. It's going to be a little small for everybody, but um it's it they can they
can open it at home through the link in the um agenda, but it's for us to look at also. >> There's no way I'm going to be able to see this. Uh so basically th this is the most recent uh summary page. There were a couple small adjustments in the since
the last uh budget workshop. The ones that you prescribed, we found one uh salary that needed a slight adjustment. Uh so the bottom line is that this uh generates a uh quite a bit of savings uh for the for the village and we've
directed that savings for you. Uh, but at the bottom of this, the the key point that I want to bring up that the manager probably could have taken more credit for is that this shows a $125,000
savings in operating over prior year. So, that's a pretty significant uh savings. And that coupled with the uh property value increase was another 400,000 in change. and prior year's revenue savings of about another 300
thou this year's revenue savings of of about another 300,000. Uh so you ended up generating a pretty significant uh chunk of change to fully fund your entire proposed capital improvement
fund. includes grants, includes matching and includes uh all the projects that were listed in the manager memo and presented to you during the CIP portion of the workshop. Uh the other part I want to talk about and I'll switch my
screen to the like you're off chose a low battery, too. I think what we've spent in batteries probably could have bought us a new mic by now. Oh, look at that. Bright and shiny. So, the document I have up in front of you
is a an updated summary of the summary page where it matters to you all. And I apologize the for whatever reason when I posted this into the email there's titles missing on the left but I'll I'll explain them to you. So basically the top line where it says projected note
adopted note which there's a discussion below in 2026 proposed that is the CIP line. So you're you're contributing from the 2026 and and and from the 2026 budget $577,000
towards the CIP which balances that budget so that all the projects are funded and the uh there's also a couple funds in there that I can talk about later if he wants but there it's basically your drainage programs uh
that you've been waiting to do the log cabins part of the recreational all the your that entire list uh including the matching requirements. So I was we were quite pleased at how how we were able to do that this year and partly because of your hard work during the budget
workshops. Um this is a tight budget like I described a minute ago. The second line item is your unassigned fund balance. This is reserves. Reserves that you have discretion over throughout the year. The manager decides we really need this project. We want to get it done
this year. I need money for it. It's not in the budget. This is a very likely place where you would take it from and that total uh contribution and I've I've allocated this money based on your pre your previous preferences. You can change these the allocation if you so
choose obviously, but it's a you'll see in a minute why why it made sense to me. So, this cont the unassigned balance fund contributes $177,000 uh from your 2026 budget.
Sorry, your $760,000 from your 2026 budget goes to unassigned revenue. The net balance, and that's a net increase of 177,000. I read it backwards. So, the third line is your emergency reserves that you have in your
ordinance as a restricted usage. It it has several conditions it requires before it's uh can be brought to the commission for an approval and change. That would be for a hurricane recovery uh some other emergency like maybe some pandemic that we haven't thought of yet
um etc. Uh and many of those I would also note are often followed by some sort of reimbursement but we've learned that those are percentages of reimbursement right. Uh so you're you're projected to have 200 2.8 8 million in that fund. Uh that's a little higher.
You may remember at the end of the budget we estimate we have we still have to estimate these numbers because the audit identifies the final number. Uh and it's coming back at about $500,000 ahead of what we thought it would be uh last year. This year we I'm anticipating
that you could contribute $710,000 into that more into that fund. Uh bringing you to a $3 million uh magic line that we were hoping for emergency reserve. From your standpoint, that
shows the the village now would have $4.3 million in after operating funds at its disposal. and we've already been through the CIP which having that fully funded I think uh should be very
rewarding for you uh as your finance director where you were in the negative hole uh five or six years ago. Uh congratulations. The key point of this is the percentages and this was the health kind of thing and Al mentioned uh in the strategic
planning and you guys talked about the idea of bond funding. This is all part of that. your the interest rate that you get is how good a client you are or a risk you are uh for whoever lends you the bond money, the bond market. And
these ratios really matter and you're right on target for an excellent bond rating. This would put you at 13% in your CIP. That's an excellent 10% is high for most communities. You've delayed a few projects, so 13% is
healthy for you. Uh the next one is your unassigned fund. That's just just below 18% of your of your reserves would be in in that and 70% in emergency. >> Can I interrupt you for a second? I just want to understand this numbers that you're referring to. I see that you're
reading it from here. Are this a reflection of what we have on the budgets that we are >> so the summary page if if you look at the bottom of the summary page that's the amount of money that was was showing and I have taken the next step and proposed the allocation one. Obviously,
we balanced the budget to pay all of the CIP. So, the remaining two amount of money I divided up uh as I'm describing now. Yes. >> Okay. >> And this includes projected savings from the current year
and money allocated from the 2027 budget that we know we will receive and we have no budget item for it. it'll fall to the bottom line as they say and that is funding the that's what these funds will look like uh if you approve this budget.
So that's a quick idea because you know I'm trying to keep it like we do uh at the end of this budget cycle is at the commission level the health of your village the amount of funds in each bucket uh the dedication to putting a
about 70% in your reserves about 20% in unassigned reserves and you're you're at that level uh at a significant clip and a fully funded CIP. You can't ask for a better outcome.
>> Hi, Paul. Thanks very much. Um, all right. So, we've heard from the manager, we've heard from Paul um on on what we're looking at, what's in front of us. Um, we've heard a little bit about what's being allocated to the reserves uh for the emergency and unassigned. Um,
>> can I uh just say something real quick for the record? So, I just want to uh congratulate uh our manager uh and our staff um because when we first hired Al and Paul also obviously um I got a lot
of phone calls saying that uh you know our taxes are going to go up, our services are going to go down. Um and in fact the opposite is happening, right? Our taxes are going down and our services are going up. And that's a direct reflection on the caliber of
manager that we've hired. And that was the reason that I was pushing to hire a manager of his caliber because I think that in the past the the managers that we had we hired didn't have the talent um to create this kind of environment
for our community. And so I just want to congratulate Al and staff because you all have killed it. Uh so congratulations. >> Thanks Art. Uh, I appreciate that because this is um an impressive budget. So, I certainly echo your sentiment and
I'm glad you pointed that out. Um, okay. So, uh, I have a few items that I know that we need to talk about. Um, uh, we we have a request from from our village attorney on compensation. So, I know that we need to try to settle that up at this meeting uh, because we're going to
be going to second reads. So I think we need to get to a consensus or a determination on how we want to uh approach that. >> Can I ask a question before he leaves? >> Of course. >> Well, you said about the CIP at a 10% or 13%
>> reserves. If you were to combine it together, it would still reflect a 10% investment. It's it's a little higher than that because it has some existing money in it. But this year, you'd be of your all your savings, it's a 10%. And when you say it's high, what are you comparing it against?
>> When did I say high? I don't remember how. No, >> you say it's a little high, 10%. >> It's a little higher than a lot of then you then you you I would do about five or 8%. But what's happening is you have three or four years where you put money into it and never spent it. So you're
you're in the sweet spot this year for sure. Better than normal. Uh you wouldn't have to dedicate this much had you spent those projects. Does that make sense? Like because they're just sitting there not they weren't done and not for anyone's fault. They just take engineering etc and time. Uh but each
year a healthy budget and this is what Moody and you know all the rating agencies look at are ratios and the ratio of money you reinvest in capital is a very vital point and so spending this that amount of money this year is going to help you uh at that rating and
the higher the better your rating is the lower the interest rate is. When you say it's going to help or a rating is because we have this assigned project list. >> You spent money on yourselves. If you if you had this situation and never spent it, it would work against you. >> So we haven't spent it for about three
years. You're saying this >> of any significance. Yeah. >> Yeah. It will make an impact on the positive. Absolutely. Because we haven't spent any money. So we're saying we're showing the fact that we're ready for it. >> Yeah. If we have that timeline that we talked about, we're three or four years, two or three years away from when that
would take place. Yeah. >> So, next year's budget and the one after would be probably the calculation and it would look good for you. >> Okay. >> So, for lack of a better phrase, this would be like an industry standard number then. >> Um, >> usually less. So, you're saying >> zero zero is a really bad idea and 80%
would be a horrible idea. >> Okay. Somewhere in between. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Good. because that means you really have a problem if you had to spend 80% of your money on one year's capital projects. But >> um all right, thanks Paul. Um so um in addition to the the one item that I pointed out, I did make this is kind of
a smaller potatoes sort of thing that I know we talked about was that 25,000 from the county that I wanted us to to talk about before we get out of here tonight so we can provide direction to the manager because I don't want us to to lose out on that. So I'll keep a note that we should talk about it before we
before we adjourn for the evening. But the way that I kind of see this going is we can take a look at the departments. Um I have a few questions and notes here and there. Um but as far as uh I I don't foresee unless anyone disagrees or would like to do so. I don't foresee going
line by line. I say we focus on our questions in the items that we had proposed edits to um because I know that uh in speaking with Paul uh he and the manager in the departments have worked to adopt all the the questions and the amendments um that we've gone through through the workshops. So that's the way
I foresee it. Is there if there's anybody else that'd like to suggest otherwise or and a different way of approaching it. I'm certainly open to hearing it. >> No. >> Sound good? >> My exact thought. Let's go uh department by department. If there's a question, we'll go to that. Not line by line. >> Right. Okay. And I know we have several
of our department uh folks here with us. So, thank you very much for being with us this evening. So, I'm just going to go right down the line um from the uh the zip file that we received uh just a little bit ago because it's just listing the departments. Uh it's it's by n it's numerically so it should be the exact
same. Um my first is uh is the commission budget. Is there any questions or anything anyone would like to address with respect to the commission budget uh before we move forward? No. Okay. Um all right. Uh how about administration? That's our next one. Are
there any questions or anything anyone would like to bring up with respect to the administration budget? >> I do. >> Okay. So, one of the things I was pointing out last time um was the need to understand how this additional position for assistant of the clerk was
going to work. What it >> do I know which num which number you're talking about 12- 12.002 correct >> 12.003 >> all time is oh my apologies. Okay. Go ahead. So that $55,000 I I guess one of my main questions is
how does interact in a role with the existing clerk? What are the responsibilities? Um I don't know if that was able to be addressed, >> Mr. Manager. So, um, Commissioner, we, um,
we had touched briefly on it, uh, during a workshop that, uh, the assistant, uh, would would, uh, be coming in and helping the village clerk with her daily duties now that she's pretty much overwhelmed with that. She's
wearing many different hats and and helping out with finance, payroll, HR issues, uh getting the agenda out, uh getting the the resolutions, assisting with the resolutions, public records request, and just goes on and on. So
once once this is approved, uh we'll be drafting a a um a job description um and also a salary range for the position and we're bringing that to you at the
October Village Commission meeting for approval. >> Okay. So uh a job does be approved in October which means a position won't start at the beginning of the fiscal. I recognize you might need some time to address that hiring, >> right? We'll need to advertise it. Um,
we'll need to you you'll need to approve the the job description and we'll need to advertise an interview. It's going to take couple of months. >> And uh I had the same uh sort of question with the rest of the roles that
were requested. Um my understanding you have an additional position for the police department. We have an additional position for parks and wreck. And for the clerk, is that the same feedback? No. >> No. Well, Commissioner, parks and recreation, we're taking a part-time position and making it full-time.
>> Full time. Yeah. >> So, there's already there's already somebody in that position. We're just making it a full-time position. >> And I think with the police department, I don't I don't think it's a it's not it's not a new a newly created position. It's it's a
police officer position, >> but it's not the it's called NRO. >> Okay. But is that within your staff or is a specific position because I understood it was a new position, >> right?
>> Okay. So, it's an assignment within an existing police officer, right? >> All right. Thank you. That clarified. >> Yeah. So there it wouldn't be wouldn't really be changing around his job description. It would be uh he'd be um he'd be a certified police officer
that's that's be doing NRO uh responsibility. >> Okay. Right. >> Okay. Um so we're in admin and as I just kind of scroll down through on 31 for professional services, we have our
attorneys um our attorneys proposed for 2026. This is one of the I think one of one of two or one of three things that I I had a note that we needed to discuss. Um as the commission and since we're there I think we might as well just take it up now. Um as the commission will
recall um we were received a request from um from our village attorney's law firm for an increase in service for an increase in um in pay from the budget 99996 to um at or about 175,000 if my memory
serves. Um and uh the commission agreed at a later time to address it and discuss it. So, while we're setting it, um I think now is probably the the appropriate time to address it. So, is there anything that um that the that the commission would like to discuss specifically with request with with
respect to the attorney's request for a pay raise? >> Mr. Mayor, if I could. >> Yeah, sure. you asked me to um go out and to try to uh determine if there was law firms out there or or individuals out there and u the the village attorney
had given you some comparables to surrounding neighborhoods. >> Yes. >> I reached out to um uh three people. Um one person was a former village attorney here that work is is
doesn't work for a firm, works individually. He said he's overwhelmed right now. Right now, wouldn't be interested in taking it, but he would he would find give me a name and and so I'm waiting to hear back from him from him. He I gave him a range of say $100,000 to
$125,000. He said he he would uh give me uh he would provide me a name. So, I'm waiting on that. Uh the second was a a major law firm in South Florida that um u is very well known has done work for
the village before. Um I provided them some informations um um um some building information that they had requested um to see what the building rate was and how often they were build. They they told me they couldn't do it for the
$100,000 or between that range, but they would be willing to step in and and and facil help out until we uh made a permanent selection whether we were going out to bid or or whatever if there was a a lapse that they would certainly help us out.
>> The third was a former um village attorney that um has worked for the village for quite some time. He works for a major firm in Broward County and he said he would be willing to come back to the village and do it within the uh
$100,000 to $125,000 range. Um >> it was an individual. He's with not with a firm. >> He's with a firm. He was with a large firm within Broward County. >> And it's a just so I understand correctly, we'd be getting this attorney services or the the the firms. >> You would get the firmuh
services. He's with the firm. is a partner with a a major firm. >> Okay. >> So, and then um what I you know, if you're willing to explore that, I would suggest that you go out to RFQ
and we and and request qualifications and then just to see to and and see what what uh resumes you would get and then make a selection from there. >> Okay. All right. Uh Mr. manager. I app I I appreciate the detail um that we can
use in in our discussions. Um so there's an observation that that I had while considering the request for the pay raise from the um from the village attorney. It's it's it's very similar to a discussion that we had when we were hiring the manager. um you know Al had happened to be kind of in that pole
position where we had experience with him and that we I I thought that there was an understanding and certainly I'm open to interpretation that there's there's a value we can place a value on what we know in the level of service that we have. Um so that's just kind of part of the thought process. Um you know
between saying uh we you know we approve some sort of pay raise for the attorney or go out and find somebody new. So that's just something that that came to my mind. Um, I don't know if uh if Brad if there's anything you'd like to share with us while we discuss it. I know you've kind of said your piece and that your firm has said the same. I don't
want to compel you to say anything if you don't so choose. Um, >> they should not. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Understood. Firm I can tell you the firm's not looking to leave. Yeah.
>> Presently receiving. >> Okay, I understand that. Um, so one other consideration that I'd like to be abundantly clear on is from Paul, from a finance perspective, from a budget perspective, if we were to approve a raise, not considering amount. I know
it's kind of a wide range, but can you kind of profer to the commission if we can afford a raise and and where that would kind of come from? >> Yes, this this type of an expense would be a recurring revenue or expense that you would want to match recurring revenue. And in this proposed budget
cycle, you have significant amount of recurring revenue uh unpledged. And that's why I had the earlier conversation about your reserves. That money, most of it is coming from recurring revenue from the from the new value of the community. So you'd be able to absorb uh whatever you approved
today. >> Okay. >> Sorry, but where is it coming from again? >> At the end of your budget, proposed budget, there is hundreds of thousands of dollars of money that will repeat. you you won't lose that money. Uh like you can it's not one-time money. It's
recurring. It happens it'll you can count on it every year. So you so increasing a salary or a contract something that repeats every year uh needs to have that kind of revenue next to it. And and my statement is that you have that >> like revenues such as one. Which ones
would you give us an example? They're recurrent. the it comes from your your uh fixed revenue type income off of your advorum your various taxes that you can rely on every year that you hire all your employees with this that kind of
revenue you wouldn't want to like if you had to buy give you an example uh you wouldn't want to increase a bunch of salaries hire 20 people with reserves because that once you spend the reserves it doesn't replace itself necessarily
you you only hire people or add to contracts from recurring revenue from your property value. Your property value is not going to go down. >> So we've had a trend obviously upwards to your point right of about 10% to 15% in the last three years. >> The last three or four years.
>> So you're saying you're suggesting that should be the case next year? >> No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying just like this year you you've got more value uh and more revenue. Yeah. But you didn't add very many expenses to it. You didn't actually you went down. You had a
$125,000 reduction. >> Yeah, >> there's $125,000 right there >> that you could have used this year for any staffing recurring, you know, a one-time purchase doesn't count, but things that you buy again and again and again, uh, like an electric bill, a
salary, etc. >> Would that um have an effect on our military then? >> No. >> Okay. So, we're counting with that 125. You're saying >> it's a great time to ask for a raise. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I want one. >> So, so you're saying that wouldn't
necessarily affect our military if we were >> It will not affect your military >> by >> proposed military. >> Correct. The proposed at 9.3 if we were to uh give uh the raise that is being requested at this stage. >> No effect.
So there's another observation that I I just kind of thought of um with respect to the request here. You know, it sounds like, you know, we don't have too much help from the outside sources that we were hoping to have as you know, kind of a benchmark so to speak as to what we should be paying or what we can be
paying. But a couple of things that um Mr. Manager that you pointed out was uh in the range of 100 to 125. It sound like there there wasn't a whole lot of interest. There was some maybe. Yeah. One. So, uh, and you know, the first individual you mentioned, um, said that
they just don't have the time or or the resources to to help us at this point. So, um, you know, I again, I place a value on maintaining the relationship that we have, uh, with the firm that we've had for several years now. Um, I now my my personal view is is I don't I
don't see a request for a raise as as uh as obtuse here. Um, the amount it's it's up to the commission. you know, I'm I'm willing to propose a raise. Um I just like to hear from the commission. >> Yeah. So, I completely disagree. Um you
know, I'm all for experience. You know how I feel about experience. And I think that but having said that, you know, the attorney and his firm are basically employees of the village. And if any employee came to us and asked us for a $75,000 raise, we would be like, "Yeah,
no, let's uh let's find another employee." And while I understand the experience argument, uh, any attorney that deals with municipalities can plop right in. I mean, it's it is a another municipality, right? Um, so in all
fairness, um, I think that, you know, had Brad and his firm come back to us asking for an increase uh, a lot less than $75,000, it would have certainly been something in my opinion that I would have considered. But $75,000
uh from $100,000 is is to me is obscene. It's just crazy. Um so in my opinion, and you love Brad and love the firm, we've I've been working with them for quite some time. I think in all fairness, I think that we should put it
out uh to RFP uh and get uh and get bids because, you know, $75,000 is a lot of money. Uh, so that's that's my that's how I feel about this whole situation. >> Can I just ask you? >> Yeah, sure. >> Uh, is any amount of money on the table for you or you
>> No, no, no, no. Definitely. Listen, I'm I'm willing to to talk about money, but I'm not willing to talk about $75,000. >> I wasn't proposing Yeah. Well, it wasn't really very clear, I guess, that I wasn't really necessarily proposing we start there unless I heard some support for it. >> Yeah. So, you know, and and another
thing, you know, Brad said because of what we paid the manager, they were coming back to us for an increase because, you know, there's money there. And like Paul said, it's a great time to ask for a raise. Well, you know, we still have to be, you know, we have to
watch the the village's resources. So, um yeah, I'm willing to talk about an increase, but I'm certainly not willing to talk about a 75,000 increase. >> Commissioner, you were going to >> Yeah, I concur with Commissioner Gonzalez. I I think that um going out RFQ might be a good option here. But I
think that we should just discuss a number, decide on a number to increase this to offer Brad's firm that number. If they turn us down, we go to RFQ. I think that's that's a a good course of action here. I think around that 125 range could be a good number to to start
the conversation at and see where we end up. But I think that's a good course of action. The side of number here we we're comfortable with increasing to. I am not a comfortable 175 either and offer it to Brad's firm as a counter offer. They take it. Perfect. We continue the
relationship. If not, we go out to RFQ. >> Great. >> I agree with that. Everything that both the commissioners said, uh 175, I'm just $75,000 raise. I mean, asking for it, that's fantastic. You know, I would ask for that, too. But, um it's just 75,000
is too much money. >> Okay. Um I think we set precedent when we already gave 87% of an increase to the manager. So the fact that we've done it in the past, I mean this is um not the first time where we would be doing it.
That's my first point. And I think I do value the experience in the case and the history that we've had with the the the law firm. So I I definitely want to keep them on board and I'd be willing to negotiate negotiate a better rate. I'm not saying 175 is what we're ready to
give even if we're in a better standard uh than we are uh prior years, but I think um my my point is I want to retain the firm that has worked with us in the past and that has provided us what I believe to be top uh service.
>> So, I'm just going to put a number out here for the commission to consider. Uh and I'll just kind of give you the thought process, I suppose. Um you know, we were at about 100. We know uh 75 is is where the ask was. You know, you cut that in half, it's about around the 35
mark, a little bit more. Um I know the the manager had mentioned he went out and talked to a couple people up to the 125 mark. Um so it's it's not a huge difference between the 125 and 135. Um
because again, that 35 is about half of the increase that they're asking for. So again, this is just kind of back in ma napkin math here. I'm just kind of throwing something out because we got to get started somewhere. Would the commission show any support for 135? >> I don't know that you're going to find
someone at 135. To be honest, I think that the the attorney made the case of certain comparisons. I think we've had the case of underpaying stuff in the past. Um, just the same way we all agreed 100 grand was not fair for the
manager. I think this is one of those circumstances. Um, and with the idea, at least on my end, to retain the firm, I would start um, maybe at the midpoint between the 17 100 and the 175 that's being requested >> like 137.
>> Yeah, like 140 at the at the moment. >> 1375. >> Yeah, something like that. >> Right. How about this side? I'm comfortable at the 125 mark. >> I am too. >> My magic number was 130 and I didn't
want to go a penny over it. So, I'm I'm more inclined to go back down to 125 than I am to go up to 1375. So, um 125, that's my number. >> 125 125 125. That's as high as we're going to get, then um I'll I'll agree
with 125. All right, >> Brad, maybe um so I wanted to set a number, give you a number to go back with today so you can let us know by the next budget hearing or I don't know if you can let us know before then. >> You can I I mean obviously we can't
negotiate and then sounds like that's your your uh your line for lack of better words. So I I'll have a conversation with the firm and okay uh >> I can inform you all individually whether or not the firms can accept that as well as the manager.
>> Okay forward for your agreement with us we have to >> understood >> Brad from my point uh I'm willing to talk about it but we got to have a got to have a starting point and my starting
point for me is 125. This doesn't mean that you can't come back with something and and I may uh acquies but at this point that is my that's my number but that doesn't mean that I'm stuck on that number. Okay, that's all I just want to
make sure you understand that I I I I'm willing to be flexible but I'm not willing to, you know, go to the 175s. There's no way. C >> certainly understand your position. I understand the commission's position. Um um Uh I process-wise I don't know really
how we can negotiate sort of doing it publicly >> meetings. >> I mean so I've written it public meeting >> negotiate. Um I guess the only other option that you have is that you can appoint member
of the staff or member of this commission negotiate on behalf of the commission. Obviously it still has to come back to you. I'm just giving you options. Yeah, >> I know time is running shorting budget and then it would still have to ultimately come back to you. Um, our
negotiations would have to be publicly noticed. Um, but it's set to be done. Well, before we you all want to before we do that, Paul, can I ask from a finance perspective, from a budget perspective, if we don't have a number
that we all are comfortable with at the second read, where does that leave us? >> I was just thinking about that. uh you can leave it as is and we can add a line to the whereases that this budget anticipates that there may be a change. I'm I'm fast forward to the final
adoption that this budget anticipates a an allocation >> uh from reserves into the op admin operating account to cover potential changes in attorney's fees >> up not to exceed number so we don't have to do an ordinance to move it back in.
>> Right. That would that's really what I'm just trying to do is save you money and time. Uh is that something you can do Brad something conditional like that? >> Yeah. Does that make sense Al to you? >> Yeah. So I I was thinking about a little
differently that uh you could continue the negotiations mayor and uh and keep it as a budget at $100,000 and then you could come back once the negotiations are are are completed. you could do an amended budget halfway through the year
and and once you have decided what the true dollar amount is and just amend the budget then >> well at the risk of kicking the can so to speak maybe the best thing to do at this point would be to have Brad return with the number that we've just um provided and then at the next I I don't
I'm not really inclined to appoint one of us to to negotiate on behalf of the commission. I think we should just do it here at the the meetings. Um, so maybe Brad, if you wouldn't mind coming back to us at the second read. I mean, we're two weeks away from that. Uh, and just let us know the firm's position and then we'll just have to attack it then. I
mean, we have the ability to do so. So, there's no reason we why we can't do it at the second read. Do exactly what we just talked about. >> I I we could certainly do that. >> That that would be comfortable with me if the rest of the commission is all right with that. >> I can tell you the firm has no desire to leave the village and alert. >> Yeah. You said 60 days.
>> Some Well, it's 60 days, but for some reason, we can't and you decide to go out and look form. >> Yep. >> We're gonna continue on. >> Okay. >> Yeah. You need you need a bill. >> Yes. >> So, it's not like we're going to walk it
walk away. >> Okay. >> We've been rel It's a business matter. >> Understood. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Won't leave the vote. Well, we appreciate that, Brett. Thank you. So, we'll uh it sounds like the commission
is comfortable with it and absent any objections uh with waiting to hear from your firm at the second read of our budget to hear uh hear your position or hear the firm's position. Okay. Thanks. Thanks very much, Brad. Okay. So, um that resolves for the time
being uh the professional services for legal fees. Are there any other questions uh with respect to the admin budget before we move on? Hearing none. Okay. Uh All right. So, next up I have police.
I know Commissioner Amsler, you you asked a question about uh the the new role that the chief answered for us already. Uh are there any other questions about the uh the police budget uh at this time, knowing that we have the chief here with us? >> No. No. No.
>> No. Okay. All right. Great. Uh, let's move on then. Let's go to code. We have our director here with us. Uh, are there any questions on the code budget? >> No. Hear none. >> Or which one? Code. >> Code. Yes. >> No.
>> Okay. All right. Let's move on. Public works. Have John here with us this evening. Any questions on a little close. Any questions on the public works budget? >> As I >> Yeah, go ahead. >> As I discussed it with the with the city
manager, I I think we need to have put into this budget for uh a public works manager. Don is doing a fantastic job, but I think we need to have we have a lot of projects coming up. >> You mean a director? >> Yeah, sorry. Director. Yes. >> So,
>> we need to at least have it in the budget. >> So, Mr. manager where I think we if I recall correctly I think we talked a little bit about this at our second workshop. Can you just remind us what the the intention is for the public works department and the role of director?
>> Right. So um I I think you all agree that uh John does an excellent job for for the village and is a very dedic dedicated employee that has been here for a long time and and goes ab above and beyond. And uh I saw him, you know,
this this past weekend preparing the um the log cabin for the police chief swearing in and then and then still juggling some um personal affairs that he had and then coming back the next day and and and being here on Saturday and
cleaning up afterwards. So uh he does a great job. Um um Commissioner Samaria is right that we have a lot of projects that are are in the pipeline and we have taken uh we've gone to the uh grocery store hungry. So we're we've uh putting
more on our plate than we we should have, I guess. But uh I I'm confident that we can can not finish all those projects, but at least have them um um awarded the contracts awarded and and have begun on on those projects. There's
two major ones that we'll have to complete next year that were is going to be a priority for us. But um um I had said before at the workshops, we need to find a director that uh is the right fit for the village. Uh we've had a a high
turnover and village uh public works directors over the years and we want to make sure that whoever we pick is is going to stay here for the for the long haul and and and make it a successful operation. Uh that being said, I think that there's there's money in the budget
now. There's positions in the budget. If those aren't filled, we certainly can uh re organ rearrange those positions and and to get a qualified director, but I'm continue to search out. But in the meantime, I'm confident to John that is
going to handle anything that I give it give to him. >> Okay. And just Paul, in the spirit of the discussion we just very recently had, we have money that's going into unassigned. We have reoccurring money that's going into our reserves that could potentially upon approval of the
commission and in notice from the manager could be reallocated for something like that. Correct. >> Correct. As was just described for the attorney fee. It you know that's a great way to handle it is to roll all these topics up into a midyear budget amendment. You can hire the person,
start paying them as long as you don't exceed your year's allocation. So that's fine. and then we can roll it all into a budget amendment and it'll be pretty obvious what you're approving and any any other items sometimes the audits will pick out things that we have to adjust etc. So that I like that plan.
>> Okay. So in the spirit of of vice mayor of what you mentioned if if the arrangements or or you know the organization of this department were to change and a determination is made that a director is needed the money is there for it. >> Well why can't we just put that in the budget? Well, I guess then that's a
policy determination by the commission if that's what they want to do uh in light of the manager. >> I just have a quick question because I asked this before and I'll ask it again and that is you know ultimately it's the manager's decision on if he if he wants to put in a director or if he wants to
continue to work with John and as as as the lead there. Uh so I'll ask the question again. I don't know what the intent is. So if if down the line you want to hire a director right in the next couple of months or whatever, then I agree with Commissioner Samaria that
you should put put it in the put it in a line item. But if your intent is continue to to work with John and leave John as the manager and you have no intent of bringing in a director and letting John run the department, then obviously there's no need to to put that in the as a line item. So that's my
question. What is your intent? So to I I think I we we had this conversation together too, Commissioner. So my my intent is that uh to find the right person and not just to go out and put up put an ad and uh advertise it.
I'm very comfortable with how John is doing right now. And um I'm I'm very comfortable that whatever I throw at him, he's able to to accomplish that. There's things that I'm I'm assisting with him. um some administrative things,
but um I I don't see a need for to advertise a position right now or to uh budget the position uh and put put the position in in 6 months from now. If uh if that changes, I'm confident that we have funds as as your finance director
said says that we could move around to fill it fill a position if it's if it's needed. >> So So your intent is not to do this anytime in the very near future? No, sir. Okay. No, sir. And then that for me, there's no point of putting it in the budget. >> Yeah, I concur. I uh think John does a
great job and uh you know, if the manager's uh fine with his uh production, I really concur with keeping things as is. >> Great. Well, your answer. >> Um specifically on this matter, no. Uh
in terms of public works, I have questions regarding the changes. So you said you made some cleanup on the budget. Uh where where can I see those? >> Just I don't think there was anything in public works. >> No, not in public works.
>> No, we did theirs in the workshop. >> Okay. So for me, uh let me ask what how much money are we allocating for tree replacement? retreat. I don't have it open, but if somebody does have public works open, it should be in the list of landscaping
replacement. >> Uh, so I'm looking at it right now. >> That was an item that was the item we had consensus last time to consolidate it all to plantings, which is $50,000. >> Thank you. >> I I couldn't hear that. What's that? >> It's $50,000. And that included some
other items. We used to have it split up into really specific topics. The consensus was to consolidate it into one one line item at the discretion of >> this is 16 of 20 on public works. The line item specifically is 46206. >> Thank you. I got a plantings.
>> Yep. Mr. Mayor, if I >> So, commissioner, one of the things we haven't gotten to that the mayor has brought up that we're going to get to later is that that $25,000 that uh Commissioner Steinberg is is allocating to us. So, one the top thing that I
would suggest is that that 25 that $25,000 go towards uh tree placement >> and that we match that with another $25,000. So, um >> you mean BIA grant when you say we match? >> Well, we just we match it. Yeah, we
match it with our with our funds from our general fund, but um that we use that. We just don't take the $25,000 and uh and not and not uh and not match it. I think um matching it would be a good show and we could tell her that
also that we're going to match it. And uh >> so what what is the 50,000 that we currently have destined for >> things like that and other plantings that are annually done? Uh it's it's a several line items that used to be
really specific end capping and annual flowers and such. So, I guess what I'm asking is specifically out of this 50,000, have you set aside part of it to replace uh those holes left by the Australian pines?
>> Yes, we were looking at $25,000 for that. >> Okay. So, half of this money will be for the Australian pine, >> right? And we we we're bringing to you an item in October that there's a north folk pine on 118th in Griffin that we
just identified that needs to come down that's hazardous and we had an arborist go out there uh today's Tuesday. I think it was Monday night. Uh I met him out there and uh he gave us a report and we're bringing forward you uh a contract
with Joe's uh landscaping to bring that down. So >> Okay. We would like to, you know, eventually replace a tree there also. >> Okay. So, we have some dedicated money for tree planting. Um, and then we'll get to that 25,000 very shortly, I
think. Um, Commissioner Ams, with any other questions uh for the the public works budget. Uh and then everything related to ILA I'm not sure if it falls here or it's something we're going to discuss about um CIP
but we spoke about this traffic data collection. We've been talking about it for two years. uh we went ahead and spent uh what a year into the ILA agreement and then there's stuff going to come out in terms of needs when it
comes to um whether is PE bombs or any other elements uh that we see necessary from this study. Is this something you guys think about for this year or next year? So, that that was a question I had and I don't know if it was to fall
within the public works department or not. >> I think that would probably be CIP. >> Um, >> correct. >> CIP. >> Okay. >> So, we'll talk about it when we get to CIP today. >> No, this has never been brought up. Uh, we can talk about it, but it's not anticipated. It's not in the proposed
budget. Uh but any item like that uh my reaction to you would be that would be a managerdriven report back to you a presentation of what you want, what you need, blah blah, etc. Not to make light of it and a funding source each time. This budget is for known
>> projects. >> And that's I guess that's a a question mark that I have for the CIP or this budget in particular obviously because it would fall within public works too. >> No, capital projects are capital projects. Yeah, we've changed that
approach. >> Okay. All right. So, it wouldn't be specifically here of where it is. It should be CIP. All right. >> Right. >> So, we can talk about it then. Um and then when it comes to roads, same circumstances, I guess.
>> Not exactly. There are things anticipated in the roads in CIP and in routine maintenance that >> nothing that would need or be needed from the public works department related to roads >> outside of just normal repairs that John normally does. I would >> I already proposed drain cleaning etc.
It's already covered. >> Yeah, the drain cleaning. >> Okay. Um what about the public works building the demolition and then what needs to happen to it? >> That's also CIP, Mr. Manor. >> Okay. Yeah, please get a larger
list of uh pending. Okay. All right. So, those were my questions. >> Uh any other questions on public works? No. All right. Move on to parks and w any questions? We have Issa here with
us. Any questions for uh on the parks and recck budget? >> Um I also had feedback and relate that relates to the hours. Issa that you were asking um I was uh just showing you the example how the hours don't match to your
request. You're asking for an additional position although we haven't spent the amount of hours allocated in the past. So I'm still questioning whether that position is needed just because the numbers don't match it. Nothing was changed for what I see.
Right. Okay. That's that that was my question. Um, yeah, I still have issues with that position just because you're asking for a full-time and I understand why I support the idea of having a full-time. I think my only concern is that the
part-time budget allocation you have um sits within the historicals we've had. So, I would I would have adjusted that. An example would be if we had three people before and part-time. Let's say each one took 10,000 and you're removing
it part-time because you're moving at higher. I would have allow for the full-time position and reduce 10 grand from the part-time. You still have three people if you need to and you can hire an additional just the budget employee with you sort of shadowing you. Um and
because in the past again we we approved about 50 and you still used about 32. Um so it doesn't justify the need for us to go up to the entire budget you're requesting. So that's where I stand with that. Um we can go back um and you know
this is more of a conversation at the end. Hopefully we have or I don't know if you guys want to address that now. But that's my my only concern with that position. I will be okay with the full-time because that for us is an investment in term a long-term investment that requires FICA and all of
that. um health care which we've seen it goes up every year and it's it does impact us but I would just last maybe a percentage of that since you are taking a full-time job now instead of a part-time maybe 10 grand out of the your
part-time um that was the the only item I had >> commissioner can you clarify which line item you're referring to >> yeah so the way I looked at it if you go into the um let me open parks and recreation Right. >> It's 12 and 13. Right.
>> The number so the summary the the page number one at the be at the top you're going to see full-time salaries and part-time salaries. Right? So when you look at the part-time salaries for 2021 you have 31,000 22 32,000
23 30,000 24 33 and 25 it was approved at 53,000. Right? But we're not projected to spend that, meaning we're not using the allowable already with three-time part-
timerrs. The request from ISA goes still to remain using part-time of 33. But if you now have a full-time position that requires further investment from us, my proposal is slash part of that part-time
because you're in essence gaining a full-time employee and you're losing the part-time. Um, >> can I interfere in this conversation from a budget perspective that >> the demonstrated use of those hours and a change to a full-time position? I'm
gonna suppose that that's a little unknown how the hours will ultimately be used. And I think I think that's what what I would recommend leaving it for this budget cycle. Have the the pro the department manager monitor his needs,
report through the manager what he's what he needs and these placeholders. We would take that up this time next year in his proposal to the commission through the manager. I needed I needed some of these hours look or I didn't need them. I don't think you have a
characterization of somebody. Yeah, you you know where I'm headed. So, I think that's a healthier gives them a little bit of wiggle room of how to run the department with this full-time person that I think and he I'm looking for him to nod and he's he's frozen. So, okay.
Okay. There there could be a ripple that's unanticipated consequences. So, so my So, >> and I think that that makes sense, >> but the I think the point's well noted and and I'm looking for another nod. You
heard that and the manager manager nodded earlier. So, with all this nodding going on, I think there's a a good idea. >> Yeah, I I tell you what is uncomfortable from an approval perspective. Um last year we increased code comp the code
budget significantly with the same um sort of argument if you will. There was a >> an allocation okay made and and and points made by the entire staff as to why that was needed and why it was supported and based on that and this is
not again because what you provide is us just estimates at the end of the day all we have to base our approvals are estimates okay so when I read the numbers which is the only thing we have that's what I was telling you it doesn't
show that you've needed the hours because you've had the money approved and you haven't used it. Right? >> So that's all we have in terms of approval. >> If you were to tell me that today at this point and that's why I brought it up on the workshop, I had an idea of a
job description and you have an idea as to where those hours are going to be allocated and how the phasing is going to happen. It would allow me to move forward in approving that at ease. That hasn't been the case even prior years. And as I told Paul, I'm getting better
with this year by year, which is not great whenever I don't see the stuff that, you know, I I think we're supposed to have. And estimates is one of them. Job descriptions are one of them. You know, you we can't just come and say we're going to need a position. That
takes a lot of responsibility on our end. And just with the idea of numbers that don't match, that's where I feel uncomfortable. I understand to you that would be the best scenario that within your year you had everything to present
this today. So I'll propose to you this present it for the next budget meeting. You have two weeks to put that together and come forward with what you what's your best allocation for this staffing you're going to have. I also go with the idea of basics first. you know, the
motor of we're going back to uh basics and you're increasing your staff. So again, they don't match to the number. If you came with a clear plan as how's that's going to move along, then we'll hold you accountable at least on my end at the end of next year to that. Right
now, it just it's just asking for a position. So, I'll leave that for next uh meeting. Maybe you can clarify. Um and yeah and then the the same I had for the NRO that was my question uh sort of to the manager about filling in what the
role is going to be like. I had um uh a gentleman approach me saying we don't should be spending money right in community we need to do the police work but you just made it clear it is a police officer with added responsibility or assignment. So I think when you have that clarity it makes it easier to
defend it. Um, and I have the same circumstances with the clerk, right? It's tough when we have no history of performance evaluation, job descriptions, or anything like that to require this commission to approve new
positions. It's it's it's it's a big uh ask even if we're >> we're here to make that history. >> Yeah. Let me um if I may, I let me just say that I agree with Paul um assessment uh to leave it as is uh this year and
look at it again next year. I think that like Paul said, it gives uh gives our manager uh some wiggle room. Um so my suggestion is to leave as is this year and look at it again next year. >> Yeah, I completely concur. I think that it's uh fine where it is at 32 and I
wouldn't want to move it anywhere from there. It gives the uh director some wiggle room in his department to uh to fund his new staffing model. >> And because I'm in front of the mic and he's you know a whole 60 ft away, uh one of the things he did say was he had always dreamed of adding more events and
activities and he's never been able to say yes to those ideas and build them. And I think that's where he said what he said in his presentation is that this will open up that possibility. And so then I can cultivate with the various volunteer groups, the entities that do
events for for this village. It's not as simple as uh just flipping a switch is my understanding. Uh and and he'll probably build it out to create more programming for the village. I said that to challenge him too. So >> I I agree. I
>> But he did say that in his presentation. I like to leave it is I I do think we need another full-time employer because I don't I mean if Issa has to go on trips, who's left in charge, you know? Yeah. Well, he's not leave, but he went
on a trip already. Um I just think that we need a full another full-time employee. And uh if the second one could also be supervising the other ones while you're out. I mean I I was at the rec center with you just a couple days a yesterday and I was seeing you know the
work that's being done and you have to supervise you supervise the grass we supervise the painting that's going to be done. So this and also a lot of projects that we want to get for the the residents uh we can't do it just for one full-time employee. So, I like to leave
it at is, but I I definitely would like to have two full-time employees, including yourself, plus the three. And so, again, I'm happy with this, but I agree with, you know, commissioners to bring whatever you can bring back to explain it much better. But I'm
definitely okay with this. >> Uh, so commissioner, I I hear and understand your points, and they're very well taken. Um, and I appreciate you bringing them forward. Um I I think at this time I think what I wouldn't want to do is is handcuff um Issa in this role. So if we get to that point, you do
find out that you needed the time and the hours, you got to come back and ask for it. So um again, very well taken points and you know, certainly glad you brought them up, but um I would be comfortable leaving it as it is for now. Um are there any other questions on parks and wreck?
>> That was my only one. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions? No. All right. So, what I'm going to do at this time everyone is just I think leave cap I'm just going to skip over CIP. We'll just do that one last because I think the majority of these we're probably not going to have questions on. Um I don't want to speak for anyone but um you know
the summary we don't have to talk about revenues. Does anyone have question about revenues? >> No, >> I didn't think so. Um ARPA fund we we know what's happening with ARPA money. Is there any questions about that? And we're going to get into that with CIP. Uh building fund. Was there any questions on building fund? My recollection is several of these we
didn't have questions on at the workshop. Um, all right. So, I'll keep skip capital projects CIT. Uh, any questions on CIT? >> CITT. >> Sorry. Yes. CITT, excuse me. >> Oh, I I have a question. Isa, you
mentioned do you Isa, I'm sorry. You mentioned something. Do you work within the CIT in any way? You >> heles the reporting mechanism? >> Got it. Um, no because that's another way I was thinking it. If there is stuff
that you're doing that it's more related to administration, like figureing a budget that contributes to your statement of the hours and sometimes it's a 5% of your persona on an administration budget, 5% that you need
a person to fill you up. You you understand what I'm saying? Um, I just want to I wanted to bring that on the CIT because I remember you mentioned it on the budget. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, any other questions on cat? >> No.
>> No. Okay. Um, police forfeite. Any questions there? Hearing none. >> Got a thumbs up from the chief. Uh, police fund. Any questions there? >> No.
>> Thumbs up from the chief again. You better mean it now. >> On the uh on the previous uh police fund. >> Yes. >> I need your help. I need all of your help. Manager is going to be bringing something to you soon. I need to bring
that police officer back because that's the key to not having to use so much of the funds on the regular budget. There's a lot of money there pending on DAGs and I need this to start moving right now.
Today I've been running around with the FBI all day long because we're about to lose a DAG because I don't have an officer over there and it's 1% of $11 million. It's a lot of money. Is this the forfeiture you're talking about now? >> Yes, sir. >> So, this is going to you're going to be bringing this back to us?
>> Yes, sir. >> Right. >> But again, I need the situation with the officer that I have assigned taken care of and that's coming to you really soon and I need that taken care of now. We're going to lose a lot of money.
>> Great. Nice preview then. Thank you, Chief. Okay. Okay. So, if there's no questions on the forfeite or the police fund, let's uh go ahead and go to road fund. Are there any questions on road fund? >> Mr. Mayor, your your mic's off. Your mic your mic
>> turned it off. The uh could you explain it because I know you explained about the road fund about reference to the two. >> Sure. The road fund is is in essence an extension of the public works department. It is not really a a a separate department by operation standpoints. What happens is we receive
uh road uh gas tax a fixed amount of money every year for gas tax and the qualifying things that we can it's about $70,000 a year. So the qualifying things that the village is allowed to expend out of that fund are really items that would normally reside in public works.
And so it's really just $70,000 of the public works budget sits there. So nothing in there is it's all formulaic. It's just a percentage of what we can to make that a zero balance. >> I I think the concern I had at the two employees >> you were interested in in making sure that the the collectively bargained
employees were properly compensated and uh meritbased and bonused and that's between the manager and that department because it's collectively bargained. I don't want to cover it. >> Okay. >> In public. >> All right. Thanks, Paul. Uh any other
questions on road fund? Hearing none. Sanitation fund. Any questions there? No. Hearing none. Okay. All right. So then our last one is CIP. So let's take a look at CIP. So um you know, I'd like us to just kind
of uh discuss these items uh if there's any questions or any discussion points and then um revisit the uh the 25,000 that the manager made a recommendation on for tree planting, which I think is a good idea. But let's we'll we'll get there. So are are there any questions looking at the capital the CIP fund? Are
there any questions on money allocation or or project allocation? >> Oh CIP capital projects for projects. Yep. I think um what I ask is um first if it's in the order are they placed in
an order of sort of urgency or >> how would you address what is top priority? So, um, to answer your question, Commissioner, no, they weren't in in any particular order. They just came to my
mind as I sat down and put them, but the the two top priorities as I I said, well, actually three top priorities is the roof for this building because there's a grant that we've got. Yeah. There's time limits on that grant and
the also the $415,000 from the state allocations that money there's time limits on to spend that money that to get that project going. We're matching that to 415,000 and actually would like to put in like half
a million so we could have a little more on that project. And then the AR fund money too, there's time limits on our expenditures on that. So, those are the top three projects that we need to really um work on every week to make
sure they're moving along. >> So, let me see. So, I'm looking at the um at the Excel that you shared um is uh the capital uh cap capital
>> Excel or is it the PDF? >> Capital project fund. It's the same as the CIP, right? Um >> got three names for it. Yeah. Go ahead. >> Yeah. Uh on the tab 60, right? It's the third tab or fourth tab we have there. And there is a list of projects. The storm water repairs at is at 1.5.
>> Correct. That's the two grant generated projects. One ARPA, one is the state funds. Those two have matching. One of them has matching funds. That's all allocated into one lump sum in this spreadsheet. But at the beginning the revenue shows where the revenue comes
from to to afford those projects. >> Okay. So should I use this list over here to so that we can discuss today or the award document um you share with the list of projects the same thing right?
Let me just open that >> Mr. manager. While uh Commissioner Amsler is opening that up, I did have one question for you about the the log cabin roof. I know that's a priority timing and we have grant money. There says it's it's presented here as log cabin roof backa. Is this is that the
lighting? Because the the lighting is the next line item, but it was my understanding compliance was both >> the grant did not include the lighting. So that but we had talked about doing the lighting and we couldn't we'll make that uh we're not getting any money for the lighting. It was just for the ADA
the outside uh doing some work on the outside of it and then the uh the roof. >> So the ADA portion is not related to the lighting because that's what I thought the lighting I thought lighting was related to ADA. >> The ADA was to get access in in and out of the building that from the from the parking lot.
>> Hardcape. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Hardcape. Oh, got it. Okay. that for whatever reason this just this is going back years now >> and they don't pay for lighting for for the grant system. >> Well, it was a while. >> Yeah, that's what I was going to ask. When did we get that uh grant for the
ADA? What was it? >> It was for the from the historical, wasn't it? The because of the log cabin being a historical building. >> Yeah, it was it was for the roof to replace the roof. >> Okay. >> Historical. >> But when when did we get that budget? >> When did we get that?
>> Yes. grant a grant. I think we received a grant shortly after I got here. >> It was Yeah, it was in the last eight months. >> And that's the 78,16. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, that would include the roof and making it AD compliant without the
lighting. >> Correct. >> And the log cabin lighting is something you added to that so that we can finalize the project al together. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. And that estimate is is it coming from an an estimate from a vendor? How do you estimate in 50 grand for the
lightning? >> We we actually um Commissioner Huntington had sent me a proposal uh that we had done. We had uh looked at uh had I think it was Chisum or or some some other >> Gerardano Coano
had uh done um estimates for us and did some um uh designs and then they had estimated 62,000. For the lighting? >> For the lighting. Yes. I I think we can get it down to around 50. >> Okay. >> Just keep in mind, Al, that when we I
know we're we're not in compliance of some law, some regulation in regards to lighting and parking and whatnot. Uh but keep in mind that the last time we brought this up, the the neighbors in this neighborhood were not too happy about the idea of lighting uh in the in the neighborhood,
>> right? So, you're going to have to we're going to have to reach out to them and, you know, have a workshop again and explain to them why we have to have lighting. It's not a matter of we want to have lighting. It's a matter of we have to have lighting per the law um to
be in compliance. So, just something for you to keep in the back of your mind. >> All right. Thank you. >> It's Miami County lighting code for buildings and also ADA requirement for for parking in ADA spaces. So, I'm surprised that ADA doesn't the grant doesn't pay for that because >> well, the disconnect was for me, too,
because I remember lighting being a big part of that. >> I I specifically read the law on ADA to see that it it does cover lighting for spaces that are open in the evening. So, so yeah, it's we're we're not in compliance and we need to get back to it. >> Y
>> is there. So, the 78 it's already a hard number. I mean, it's to the scent. Are we saying that's what's going to take to do the project that was presented or that's a you know estimate we're running with? >> Commissioner, just for clarity, >> that's the estimate the state has come
up with and that's the money that the state's giving to us that we have to match. >> Okay. >> Yeah, commissioner. It's uh 78 from the state and 78 from us. So it's 150 total. and the SE. Okay. So, 78. So, we seeing
the other 78 on the revenue side, >> correct? >> Okay. >> All right. So, those two were highlighted as um critical. Which other um Albert, so we go in order. Which other is the critical?
So, we said the the roof for this building, >> yes. >> The um the state allocation for $415,000. >> So, there's water >> and then the uh uh um money for from
ARPA for the storm order project. So, both those projects um five, right? >> Those are the three major ones. Okay. Um, didn't we? So, the it the website is
a website here. Oh. Oh, yeah. Website upgrade 50 grand. Didn't we allocate the website before in the budget for administration? >> Just just money for the contractor to do their portion of it. There's no capital
plan in the operating budget. >> You know what? I was thinking about that and I don't know if it's applicable to building but I would guess the majority of the traffic of that website goes through building. Is that a cost that we
can assign to the >> building portion of it? If there's software or something they require to be compliant which we've already purchased and we pay for through building. No, I don't know of anything new >> like gov for example. Isn't that's something that we could
>> that's open gov is in there. Yeah. >> No, I'm saying go. No, you're saying no. I mean, it's a it's because there is a whole um modality that we're using, right? That has to be >> and they pay for that >> that's already been paid for through the
building department. >> Okay. >> But we are you're on the correct track. We are allowed to use building funds for required technology, techn technological advances, etc. It's spelled out. We're we're as high as we can be. Oh, okay. So, we don't have more room
for for taking that. >> It'd have to be very specific, like a state mandate. >> Okay. >> Of some kind. >> No, I was thinking maybe the website could subsidize part of it. >> That would look bad. Yeah. >> Okay. >> They don't like that. >> Never mind. Um
Okay. So, I I mean I I know this are all projects. We need to talk about each one of them. So for me, I had um a couple more things here. I had the tree replacement plan. So we're talking about 25,000
um potentially. I had cyber security, which came as a a concern uh from one of the candidates that I thought was appropriate. I think we all took the training about uh what that means and what >> like the the fishing mean. >> Yeah. Like cyber security and heaven
>> that North Miami got hit with. No, in general uh we all were required say to take like this training of four hours about whether we are prepared for cyber security attack should that happen and when I was going through that all I
could think it was was like you know alert I don't think we are in any way um even close to that um but it talks about securing a system you know what what you know I think we have some money in firewall that has to do with viruses is
but not necessarily about protecting data for the village. And I immediately when you talked about the 25,000 available that was my first thought that came through is that we would need a vendor to come and probably do a screening as to how vulnerable we are
with our data. I'm talking about all public records. I'm talking about digital copies of everything access and access uh um hierarchies. I mean this is all part of the training that was explaining um you know who has access to
what all of that is um I believe state required based on this training we took. So that was uh the first thought um as to maybe that's part of the usage we can uh of that $25,000 um you mentioned.
>> Well so the way that the $25,000 is going to work and art I don't you know I don't know if um you had heard about it because we talked about it last meeting. I had a meeting with Commissioner Steinberg. Uh she had a District 4 mayor's meeting um two weeks ago where she told each of us that she has $25,000
for each of her municipalities within District 4. Um where we we can submit to her our top three projects that we would spend it on and that they'll make a determination. Um they'll they'll give us the money to spend it on what we choose to spend it on. So that's what we're talking about. Um and so we can
designate three things that we would like we would or could potentially use that on. So, so far I've already heard, you know, the tree planting from the manager. Um, heard uh data security from >> cyber security >> cyber security from Commissioner Ams and we still have another slot open that we
can >> probably not for. >> So, I look we have to deliver a list of three things. Um, I would have no problem putting that on our list. >> Yeah. >> If we want to prioritize them, >> at least so far, I would say tree planting is probably number one.
>> Yeah. Um, and then data security would be number two. So, or cyber security. Yes, >> I think that's fine. >> Okay. Um, and then I had SOPs and I think you did you mention that was going to be part of the administration budget like not specifically assign any money
to SOPs, right? You were going to work on that within your scope but not outsource it. >> I think commissioner, you may be talking about the policy and procedure manual. >> Both. So you you you address the policy and procedures manual.
>> We're going to bring somebody in, a vendor to assist us in rewriting and updating the policy and procedure manual. >> Do you see the SOPs as something needed for this year or not? >> I think the the SOPs are ongoing. Each director is working individually on
those. >> So it's within the scope of staff already. Nothing to outsource. Okay. So that answers my questions on SOPs. Um, and then the biggest one was about roads. And I know this was some one of the things that was discussed during the
workshop, but can you guys let me know what is the plan to address road long-term? How are we going to make this happen? >> So, Commissioner K, um, Mr. Mayor, if I could. >> Yeah, please go ahead. So, Commissioner, there's currently I think you're we're
under a code of silence right now uh for an RFP to do the road around this location. >> Yeah. >> Um and then um we're looking to um uh do at least one project a year, maybe
two, to see what money, you know, at the halfway through the year, I I'll look again to see if there's any money to do another road. I think there's another particular road that uh has been mentioned not only at the strategic planning but has been mentioned uh
recently that's in quite bad shape that uh but then long-term we're looking to float some bonds in 2028 to do all the roads at one time >> on 2028. So the idea so what was uh how
is it going to work? So from now until 2028, the idea is to have aside budgets to treat the most urgent streets. >> Well, the the plan would be from now until 2028 to put at least $50,000 aside
each year to do um the worst roads within the village, >> meaning just um overall maintenance. We're not redoing the roads. We're just potholes and filling it up or >> complete new road. >> New road. Yes, that's what we're doing here is a complete new road.
>> Okay. And you're saying that with $50,000 a year? >> Yes, that's what we would like to budget. >> Is that what was agreed with you all? >> It's my recollection going back to that strategic planning session that we all agreed that infrastructure is a big
>> Yeah. >> of need right now. We have a lot of roads that are that need paving, but we don't have the money to do them all at once. Yeah. remember as part of the larger kind of bonding discussion on exploring where bonding could potentially be used to fund some of these bigger projects. >> Um but in the in the interim do as the
manager just mentioned address it on an as needed basis kind of identify where we can do the paving >> and pave them as we go while we kind of keep an eye towards the larger fix doing them all. So one of the things that I had asked the manager was to and
obviously we're under a cone of silence so we can't discuss that now but after the cone of silence we'll be able to discuss it was what is the cost to do a road however they figure it out whether it's per foot square foot you know whatever so that we have an idea of
because right now we have no idea what it actually costs right so that's the first thing that we need to figure out is what is it and not you know every every year it's going to change but at least we have an idea of what it's going to cost to fix, you know, a mile of road or whatever. Uh that's the first thing. And then the second thing obviously from
an administration uh standpoint that they need to do is figure out have a list of which are the worst roads in our village, right? And and then, you know, schedule those for uh to address on a yearly basis. I don't know if we have
that list yet, but definitely something that John and the and the team should be working on is getting identifying a list of which are the worst roads in our community. Um, and then, you know, addressing them on a yearly basis. So, once we have those two things, then
we'll be able to on a yearly basis say, "Okay, you know, 50,000 will fix two roads or three rows or whatever, or maybe we have to put a little bit more money." Um, but whatever it is, but right now, we're just shooting in the dark. We have no idea what it costs. So, you know, once we have that, then we'll
be able to figure out something. >> I think that's a a good plan going forward is try to tackle one major road project a year to get us to bonding. I did do a lot uh good amount of homework on what roads cost. Uh looking at other people's contracts and things like that.
The manager is right on on par with about $50,000. It's done by Squareard, by the way. Squareard. Uh I trust me I did a deep dive on different people's contracts and what uh what it costs and things like that prior to the cone of silence. Um and so I just wanted to see
what about what a road would cost and that number is is is pretty spot on. Um so I think that there's opportunities for piggybacks and things like that to get into to uh some cost savings but I think that's a great plan is to try to tackle our our worst affected roads
yearly. I do like the manager's idea of trying to maybe put a contingent project down at the bottom if there's an add additional 50,000 at the end of the year that we tackle another road. I would love to see that happen. Um but ultimately the big impact we hear is is bonding to to try to uh do the entire
system and really look at the traffic system as a whole, not just band-aids. >> I just have a quick question on on the the whole bonding thing. Right. So, one of the things that, you know, we've been talking about, not only us, but also the county and everybody in everybody in
their mama, uh, is that, um, you know, eventually we're, and I know that you've been very involved in this, is eventually we're going to go to, uh, from septic to sewer. >> Yeah. >> Right. And eventually, whatever that is, right? So that that that that particular
element uh in the equation also has something to bear because if we go to bond and we fix all of the roads and then the following year they decide well now we're going to start installing uh you know uh sewer lines there goes our
roads. So that's just something that you know we also need to be aware of. I I have no idea if if it's ever going to happen, but that's just something that they're they're definitely talking about. So, >> we have already identify a list of the roads based on Mario's project for storm
water. The key areas and the vulnerability study came forward also highlighting those areas. So, there are corners and streets already identified that are going to be addressed via storm water changes. that's going to repave the the streets like we did not last
year that the year before I think we it was five streets that we touched. So unless so we have what five streets or so or seven I don't know I was asking u the manager I know that there is a a document you know that comes since Mario that address all the different areas so
those streets are not are going to be touched so eventually those are going to be the ones within the storm water um assessment and solution. the rest is uh it's going to be on on a on a base
by you know case by case. Uh >> yeah. So I think we're talking generally about the same thing, but I think it's two different things. One is is I remember I it's somewhere in the emails that Mario had, you know, the phased out >> where the storm drains are going to go.
Obviously, we're we're we're employing that to make the improvements that we're making with the ARPA funds and with the the uh the state appropriations. And just very quickly, Mr. Manager, I don't know if you can can confirm this now, the area that we're looking at paving
was not subject or was not identified to be for storm water. Correct. >> This this area here around the log cabin. No. >> Okay. So, at least we know in the immediate future that's that's not a scenario we have to worry about. But to to Art's point, you know, the larger
discussion of septic to sewer, I think because we have no idea of how far that out is because for for ev for the last three years, everybody I've spoken to said that this is such a huge project. >> Um, we could maybe talk about it when we get to the the bonding discussions about
if we're going to bond for however much money, maybe we bond for more or or what it would look like to maybe go a little bit more and and try to tackle that. I don't know. I think we're still a little ways away from that. >> Mr. Mayor, if I interject, there there are really great good grant
opportunities that are coming out. The one is the Biscane Bay water quality grant. Yeah. >> Uh that that Miami Shores is currently using to implement sector sewer and they utilized it for a separate sewer plan. Uh that's part of my discussion during strategic planning this coming this January is that I think we should be
reaching out to that grant to start the conversation with with reaching out a grant application for a separate plan. Yeah, >> that's our first step and the the uh the state of Florida is supplying that grant and it's only people that are affected by bisame bay uh that affect biscane bay
to so I think that's that's the first step. >> Yeah, that's where we where we we step off, >> right? So we have to approach this kind of step by step because there's so much uncertainty in our future about where this is going to go, how much it's going to cost, whether we qualify for it. So this actually kind of works to our
benefit, I think, and approaching this in a in a a roadby road um kind of process right now where we can identify some roads that aren't going to be damaged or or ripped up if we fix them by our drainage projects. Uh and then I would love to revisit that idea of
getting some money to plan out what that looks like. because then we have something tangible in front of us that we can read and we understand you know how what it would look like what it would cost and then you know it's not so amorphous anymore. Can I ask so how would this work? Because I know the
feedback we'll get if we say we're going to go road by road is me first. >> Y >> right. So the I'm sure a lot of people would uh feel that their roads are priority need than others. So how do you how do we plan to assess that if you
know if this is going to be internal work? It's not a vendor we hire to do an assessment. >> I think it would be two one of two ways. one uh might employ the the suggestion that Art has made that that you know starts with John and his department working with the manager to say let's
assess our road quality. It's going to be I don't know if there's an objective way to do that other than go out there and say there's a pothole there's a pothole there's a pothole. Um it may be more subjective. I don't know what that process looks like internally. So you know the manager and John can certainly work on that. The other way that I could
see it potentially being addressed would be through a contractor that could maybe come in and this kind of also ties into what you raised earlier on ILA and traffic commissioner >> is we've been talking about a road study for a while because ours is so old. Maybe a road study
>> employs some of that about okay this is what traffic looks like. These are the most traversed roads and by nature being the most traversed they're the most damaged. Those things kind of all may have some interplay between each other and I think that it's going to be up to the manager to maybe explore both of those options and tell us which one he
thinks would best achieve the result that we need. >> Listen, I I know John drives these streets every single day. I don't think John's going to have a hard time figuring out real quick which roads need help uh like ASAP. So, I I I trust uh
John that's driving around every street all day long. >> Mr. Mayor, we also in our CIP here is safer streets for all, which is a city-wide study of our the safety of our streets and it weighs very heavily pedestrian safety. So, I expect they
would touch on, you know, hey, this these roads are not pedestrian safe because of the potholes and things like that. So, I think that data incompassing with John's, you know, firsthand knowledge and the public works department's firsthand knowledge and even the code department, they're they're out there pounding the pavement
as well. Uh I think that we can get that data that we need without maybe an outside vendor. Uh and then this is kind of getting into strategic planning a little bit, but once we get that data back, you know, in January, you know, the other piece to this puzzle of funding that we talked about a couple months ago is the uh ordinance on
assessments that if we see a dire need and we we can't wait for yearbyear, we need to do two or three this year that there's always that that option we can employ in January to assess next year. Can't do it this year, but next year. Hey, while we're talking about roads, I
have an unrelated question that ju just for us to talk about real quick about about roads. So, some of our roads internally in this village, you can literally only fit one car going one way and and they're two-way streets, right? And when a car is coming the other way,
you literally got to get on the uh on a on the swale to uh to to avoid getting hit. So I guess the question is, you know, when we're doing these roads, do we have an opportunity to perhaps widen those roads a little bit, you know,
taking up some of the some of some of the sw just just thinking out loud here, right? because or maybe even considering making maybe maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making maybe making them one-way streets because I know for a fact every day that I see it where I'm when I'm walking uh
people have to get off the street when a car is coming down because they don't fit the two cars don't fit. I guess they used to have just horse and buggy here back in the day and so they would just you know just drive the horse and buggy down the street but now we have cars. So, um, that's just also something to to think about when we're when we're
working on our roads if there's an opportunity to maybe widen them a little bit or even consider making them one one way. I I don't know. >> I think it's a good point. And, you know, from that perspective and traffic perspectives, um, one of the other things that the county had addressed
was, you know, if you remember, you know, years ago, we were told that we couldn't lower the speed limits. the county through Commissioner Steinberg is is from my understanding they're going to be proposing something to the county that would allow municipalities such as ours lower the speed limits to go bey
below 25. So there's it's a little different than I think the point you're trying to make, but it's well taken. Um but maybe we could even, you know, if we can't do that, maybe we could slow the cars down a little bit might be a solution. Uh, Commissioner, that is definitely something that Safe Street Rale touches on is uh, traffic changes
and once we get that plan, we can apply for implementation funds that help pay for those changes in traffic. So, that's definitely something they touch on in that study. >> Now, remember we talked about it when we spoke about safe uh, streets for all. Um, I I think that should be a priority.
It keeps coming up as one of the things that we need to do. So I I think that's another one we are all in agreement that needs to happen because it would um provide a lot of information for decision making too. >> So that's 25,000. >> Yep.
>> I'm just like scratching as we go. Uh public works building demolition 50,000. Uh that's just a demolition. What happens um in replacement of that Mr. Manager? So, so that would be year two. Um,
commissioner, we would start looking at a design for the replacement >> or next year. >> Year. Yeah, year two. We're looking at um 26 27. >> Okay. So, this year we just will move forward with demolishing the structure.
And what do you do with the stuff in between? What's the plan? What holes inside of it? >> What's there now? So, we have the we have the storage crates where we would put all the stuff in storage crates. >> Okay. So, that would be enough for us to
hold on until we can figure that out. Okay. Um I think we all agree that that's another priority. Um are we paying for that um uh storage in the meantime? Yeah.
>> Where we storing? So, what what's the >> bill? I I think uh those were bought outright. So >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. Those storage crates that we have there. I haven't seen any lease agreements or anything. No. >> An expenditure that dates back to Mario. We bought new conx boxes. Uh and I
remember I think we talked about selling the old ones. Uh and uh the building is completely abandoned. There's nothing nothing being housed inside that building right now. >> No, I'm talking about the storage unit. >> It's it's storage on in in their facility. It's uh like shipping containers that they
>> shipping. Yeah. We're not leasing them. >> They were purchased outright years. >> Okay. All right. So, we don't have a cost ongoing for sitting on this. So, that makes it not as urgent maybe. Okay.
How was the road uh around the law cabin identify as most urgent? So that um I think that was the second day of strategic planning. You you didn't attend commissioner. We had talked about that and there was a
consensus agreement that that was a road that uh a lot of people come and and visit and it showcases our our village >> and that uh that should be our priority. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I I agree and um you know it's
probably one of the few things I agree with Trump and that is that the capital should be you know the best looking area where people come and visit our our government and and and and you know drive through here. So uh that that was one of the things that we had discussed
uh during our strategic planning >> lo cabin upgrades for sound and stuff. How do you assess the 50,000 that's set up? Mr. Mayor, if I could. Sure. >> So, um, we're we're getting three quotes
right now. >> So, I the $50,000 is part of the Cadillac service that we we uh need and probably deserve. >> So, that's why we came up with the $50,000, but uh I'm sure it's going to
be lower than that. >> Okay. website. We talked about 50 grand for the Cadillac, right? >> That's correct. >> Awesome. I think the website is a a sort of
urgent because there is a lot of information that needs uh upgrading from content but also for for usage every day from permitting to you name it and it conveys the information that's from the app. Um,
>> well, we were just saying that our computers are plugged in, but I don't know if nobody's >> it's not charging. >> Oh, great. >> Yeah, >> have fun.
Um, so those were the things I had. I And again, I don't know how you um prioritize one after the other. It seems to me they're all urgent. Many of which, you know, we've been betting on for a
few years now. So all sort of need to happen and I'm in agreement with everything I see. I was just wondering how to treat urgency um between you know the traffic collection data
that stuff that we talked about the ILA which I didn't see. Um so let me ask something. So say uh Paul that our traffic study instead of 50,000 I'm going to go in in a a different um
example. Let's say the login upgrades the IT cameras instead of 50,000 we spend 30 we have 20 left that sits only to be used on the project or it will be fine for us to move throughout the year.
Correct. dire need the IT upgrades. Dire need. >> The uh only restriction from our financial guidelines would be that it stay within its fund. If you needed to, the manager would obviously report it to
you. If you needed more funds, you would do an interfund transfer by ordinance. >> Okay. an interf fund transfer but say it stays here as an CIP >> if it's within the fund it's within the manager's discretion but CIP would would
need >> that and we don't need the ordinance >> yeah your input >> okay yeah >> Mr. Mayor, if I could >> please >> uh on on those same lines. So if there's another project that's over, we could
still take from CIP be because there's a cost savings on another project. Correct. >> Yeah. You you have discretion to to manage the fund. Yep. >> So you're saying if uh the roads cost more money, you can move along within the CIP uh fund. Yes. Okay.
>> Yep. And the parking 550 um is that an estimate as well? Phase one. >> No, that that was um that was a um we're talking to the consultant and stuff. There was um estimates that he had given
us and that that's the a more >> realistic >> realistic uh view of that number. I think >> regionally what was like 265. Yes, I think so. Yeah. >> See if you get there. Isa, I remember I remember my question
for you. It's coming up. Don't panic. It's a good thing. It's a good thing. All right. It's a good thing. We have any other questions for CIP right now? >> I don't have any more questions.
>> Okay. Um, so the last item that I had then was the 25,000. So, I think we've already identified two projects because remember, we just have to identify three projects that we would potentially use it on. I certainly like the manager's idea of of identifying tree planting because I think 25 could get us some
mature trees, which would be great. Then we don't have to wait for so long for them to to grow. So, that with a match, I think, you know, from the planting line item from public works is a great idea. It's more incentive to to provide it to us for that. Um,
no issue. I think that um Commissioner Ams brings up a good point with cyber security for being kind of our second and Issa. The question I had for you is what is $25,000 just hypothetically what would that get you for playground equipment or for wreck equipment?
>> A slide the fence around the playground >> the court rec the basketball court. >> You want to go to the mic? Yeah, might be a good idea. >> Yeah. So, you have >> Thank you. >> We got >> You have it in your pocket. Come on. >> Make it quick. Um Yeah. So, we've
already got the quotes for the reservicing of the court. So, that would fit under that 25. Um and then, uh for that we've done down and just focus on the secondary playground. 25 like uh Commissioner Gonzalez said, would wouldn't be much for in regards to playground equipment.
>> Some some fixes. Uh we could we could patch some things. Yeah. >> Um but the goal is to get those playgrounds funded um through mostly through grants. Okay. >> Um as of right now, but court resurfacing um andor amenities as uh picnic tables, new trash
cans, things like that. We could definitely do some upgrades in regards to um surrounding amenities in the park. >> So, I mean, that makes sense to me. I I don't know this for certain, but I might think that the um the district for
commissioner, Commissioner Steinberg, might like to see this money used for something that, you know, there's a visual immediate impact. Um I don't know if any of those qualify for that. If anybody else has a better idea for what our third priority might be, I'm certainly open to it. But I like the idea of the tree planting and the cyber security upgrades.
>> Mr. Mayor, I think it's actually a great idea because uh recently, this past Sunday, my kids spent almost the entire day at the park and I left there with the with the intention to request a walkthrough with the manager to talk about how we can get some maintenance
funds into the rec center and trash cans, picnic benches that need replacing, regular benches that need replacing. Uh I would almost say this should be if not the top priority number two because uh that court resurfacing was supposed to be funded three fiscals
ago. It was not. Uh there's pooling water. It's it's unlevel and I'm sure that and it's probably the most used amenity at the rec center there. There's people playing basketball every day. Uh so I think this it has pickle ball lines as well. You
can play pickle ball. But, uh, I think that that and the rest of the 25, I don't know if 25 would cost the entire court, but the rest of the 25 being used towards benches and things like that is a great use of those funds. I mean, if you go around and look at some of our trash cans and picnic benches, it's
they're they needed replacement 5 years ago. >> That's kind of the thought that I had. So unless the rest of the commission has a better idea for that third priority, I think recreation upgrades um and we can get a >> So for example, is it something we can
use as a match for a grant? So can we go and say we are going to go and explore $25,000 for any of these three things with the idea that we put it as a matching grant. >> She didn't say specifically that we can
use it for a grant matching. She did mention that we could use it for planning like because you know planning just that part costs money. Um these three things at le well data security I don't know but at least wreck upgrades and trees I don't think would require any planning so we could kind of go
straight to project on those. Uh and I would love that 25 to make an immediate or as close to immediate impact as possible. >> But I'm saying we commit to spend for trees. >> Yeah. We can still talk to our grand writider and say, "We have $25,000 we're
planning to spend on trees. >> We're looking to match it against any potential grant that will get us that the spend is going to be there regardless. It would be through the process of application of a grant so that we >> I don't know the answer.
>> Double it, you So maybe maybe the direction for the manager would be to let's take this list that we've identified and have him provide it to Commissioner Steinberg's office and ask for some clarity on how the money can be used. Can it be used for matching funds
for grants? Uh can it be used for planning? Can it be used just for purchasing uh materials or you know whatever it may be? And then we can find out because I I don't know the answer. She didn't say specifically. So, if if everyone's all right with that, I think that that would be a good way to go to
identify those three projects. Um, have the manager write those up and provide them to Commissioner Steinberg's office. >> That's fine. >> Okay. So, those are the three, Al. Um, I'll I'll reach out and let them know that it's it's coming. >> All right. So, uh, having wrapped CIP,
having wrapped that 25,000 and the priorities there, um, I think that is the final, uh, department for our budget review. So, let's uh do as we said we intended to do at the beginning of this meeting. Um, is there a motion to table
this ordinance so we can revisit the the original ordinance? >> Motion to table ordinance 2525-02. >> A second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I Okay. So, uh, let's revisit, um, our
ordinance 2025-01, which adopts, um, the 9.3 millillage rate. Uh, do we have to move to reopen it, Brad, or can we just, um, >> move to reop. Is there a motion to reopen? >> Move to reopen. Second it. >> All in favor? >> I I
>> I Okay. Um, so I don't know that we we did Did we hold public comment on this? Just to make sure we Okay, we did. All right. Just wanted to make sure we did. Um, so if there's no discussion on ordinance 2025-01, do I have a We need a role, right, Madam Clerk? Okay.
>> As amended. >> Motion to approve as amended. >> Second it. >> Okay, Madam Clerk, would you call the role, please? >> Mayor Gro, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor, >> yes. >> Commissioner Ansler, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Gonzalez. Commissioner Huntington. >> Yes. The item passes 50 as amended. >> Okay. Thank you, Madam Clerk. So, do I have a motion now to reopen ordinance 2025-02? >> Motion to reop. Second it.
>> All in favor? >> I I >> I. Okay. So, we've already took taken public comment on this ordinance. We've already completed discussion. So, is there uh a motion to approve the ordinance? >> Motion to approve. Second it. Okay. Madam clerk, would you call the role, please? Mayor
>> Gro. Yes. Vice Mayor, >> yes. >> Commissioner Amsler, >> yes. >> Commissioner Gonzalez. >> Commissioner Huntington, >> yes. >> Item passes 5 Z. >> Great. Thank you, Madam Clerk. And just
uh for last housekeeping item, um when's our second? Uh is it September 24 at 6 p.m.? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, we'll be back on September 24 at 6 p.m. for our second uh second read and approval of uh upcoming year's budget. 24th
>> 24th. >> Yes, >> correct. 24th. It's a Wednesday at 6 p.m. >> All right. So, uh just to echo art sentiment, thank you to um our manager. Thank you to all our departments. Uh thank you to Paul. Thanks for everyone for all of your hard work. Um I'm excited about this budget. So, do I have
a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> I thanks everybody. >> Just before we leave, Mr. Mayor, just to let everybody know, we're taking that Norfolk Pine out tomorrow morning. the the pine. >> Yeah, we're take we're removing it
tomorrow morning. It's it's on an emergency basis and we're it's within my authority and we're bringing it to the October just to >> You have an arburous report on it? >> Yes, I Would you mind?