Overfull Agenda Spills Over to Second Day

NOTE: The February City Council meeting will be held on Thursday February 9th – save the date!

The January 5th City Council Meeting had so many topics that two of the most significant items – handling of the expected Sales Tax Surtax dollars and Future Annexation Plans for 26 areas, spilled over until Friday January 6th. Thus some of those 24 or so speakers who patiently waited until the Thursday meeting was adjourned at about 11:20 pm, had to return on Friday.

Thursday’s meeting included:

• Presentation of a check for almost $19K to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center money raised through the City’s Annual Mayor’s Veterans Golf Classic. The PBG Police Foundation also raised $5K.
• A short video on the Honda Classic by Ken Kennerly and Andrew George, Tournament Staff. The Honda Classic dates this year are February 20-26. Big news during the week was that Tiger Woods would be participating and sales have gone ‘through the roof’!
• FDOT’s Scott Thurman, Project Manager for the I-95/Northlake Interchange project, reviewed 3 alternatives. See more details on the project website.
• Police Chief Stepp and City Attorney Max Lohman gave an update on Sober Homes. The City will participate in State Attorney Aronberg’s Sober Home Task Force. There are regulations that could be customized and implemented by the City that would apply to all rentals but would be useful. The Sober Home hotline for the County is 1-844-324-5463. See Palm Beach Post’s article here.
• Consent Agenda passed 5:0
• 2nd Reading and Adoption of Avenir’s Community Development District passed 5:0. Christine Schwartz, resident of the Acreage, spoke against CDDs in general, describing the process as ‘taxation without representation’.
• Ordinances 1 and 2, 2017 were amending and rezoning what will be Trevi Isles – a 12.5 acre parcel on the North side of Hood Road immediately West of the Turnpike. Mayor Tinsley recused herself as her husband has done work with the developer. Residents and representatives of the Eastpointe community immediately adjacent to the west of the parcel spoke against the development. Eastpointe is not a part of the City. Some of the comments made were: Hood Road safety and traffic, that when the City annexed the parcel it was to be left as wetlands, issues about drainage where Eastpointe’s drainage system and Trevi Isles would be separate. The Council voted 4:0 to pass.
• Ordinance 3, 2017 was the annual Budget amendment reconciling 2016 to 2017 realities. The amendment moves $4.5 million out of the Budget Stabilization Reserve Account with $3.67 in new, not previously discussed spending on Sandhill Crane Golf Course, Clubhouse and a Golf Training Facility.  Council Member Premuroso praised the Finance team on their handling of the Budget however thought that the Council should wait until after the election to allow the new Council to decide on new spending out of the Budget Stabilization Reserve Account. Mayor Tinsley felt similarly that some of the bigger items not currently in the Budget should be delayed. However Vice Mayor Jablin, Council Members Marino and Woods were in strong agreement that the decision should be made by the current council, were thrilled with the golf course improvements and the item passed 3:2.
• Ordinance 4, 2017 – The Annexation of Osprey Isles, Carleton Oaks, Star of David Cemetery and West Palm Beach Fire Station #8 will be on the March 14, 2017 ballot so that the residents of those communities can vote on the issue.
• Ordinance 5 established new responsibilities of the Budget Oversight Review Board to include the Sales Tax Surtax and passed 5:0.
• Resolution 4, 2017 amending the site plan for Gardens Mall will allow the new Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in the area between Macy’s and Sears including outdoor seating. Resolution 7 will allow the development of a gated townhome community and specialty grocery in the area of Midtown at the Gardens just East of Shady Lakes. Residents from Shady Lakes expressed their concerns about traffic and safety in an area already difficult to traverse. Both resolutions passed 5:0.

Friday’s meeting covered the two remaining agenda items:

• Sales Tax Surtax – Resolution 12, 2017 on the discussion of a formal policy and plans on the spending of the expected revenues from the infrastructure Sales Tax Surtax passed in November, 2016. The revenue is expected to be about $35 million over 10 years, however the Council and staff, in less than 3 hours, eagerly and unanimously approved plans to borrow, and spend $30 million in less than 3 years. Many people came out in support of the spending on the park plans, and only two people, Council candidates Joe Russo and Kathryn Gettinger expressed caution. (Editorial comment: When one considers how much time has been spent in past meetings on details of signage, wall height and plantings for various projects, the lack of debate or discussion seems breathtaking.) For more details on the meeting see the Palm Beach Post coverage here.
• Annexation Study and Policy – Last on the agenda was Resolution 13, 2017 – a very long and detailed study of future annexation areas. Twenty-six areas were analysed for potential annexation with the policy whenever possible to be Voluntary (such as the Balsamo property annexed last year); enclaves of 110 acres or less through interlocal agreements (eg with the County), and Involuntary Annexation – such as the Carlton Oaks et al annexation approved in Ordinance 4, 2017 above. “Annexation is part of the City’s sustainable growth strategy. It is a tool to increase the City’s revenue, compact boundaries, utilize tax dollars in most efficient way, and to provide better services for residents.” There was public comment from two individuals – one had suggestions for better itemizing the benefits to annexed businesses and homeowners; the second speaker was the Village Planner of North Palm Beach. A few of the areas listed were also overlapping with future annexation areas of North Palm Beach. Discussions to resolve those overlaps were started in 2010 but were not resolved. The speaker submitted a letter from North Palm Beach to resume those discussions, as well as a letter from Karen Marcus who was unable to attend on Friday. The Council gushed over the report and plan and passed it 5:0.

First 2017 Council Meeting on Thursday, January 5th at 7PM

Happy 2017! The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, January 5, at 7pm in City Hall. There are quite a few items on the agenda covering a broad range of subjects so be prepared for a lengthy meeting. (Note – Ordinance 3, 2017 and Resolution 12, 2017 should be of significant interest and concern to those running for the Council in the March 14 election).

Announcements/Presentations includes an FDOT presentation on three alternatives for the I-95/Northlake Blvd and I-95 and PGA Blvd interchange modifications.

Consent Agenda includes:

• A Purchase Award for 2017 Model Year Vehicles for the Fire Rescue Department, Information Technology Department, Public Services Department, and Unified Services Department as replacement vehicles. This is a piggyback with the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Contract for the purchase of Model Year 2017 Motor Vehicles and is in the amount of $273K.
• Agreements with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections to conduct the March 14 elections and as a member of the canvassing board, as done in prior elections.
• Approval of an agreement with the Children’s Healthcare Charity, Inc. for the 2017 Honda Classic PGA Golf Tournament to provide a public safety grant for off-duty Police and Fire Services and related staff services, and the use of specific portions of Mirasol and PGA National Parks for various parking facilities and general operations.

City Manager Report – lists an update on Sober Homes

Public Hearings and Resolutions:

• First readings of Ordinance 1 and 2, 2017 regard Kennedy Homes requesting a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment to change the future land use designation of a 12.50-acre site from Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium (RM), capping the gross density of the site to 50 residential units. The property is located on the north side of Hood Road immediately west of Florida’s Turnpike; and rezoning of a 12.5-acre site from Residential Low Density-2 District (RL-2) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) with a Residential Medium District (RM) underlying zoning to allow the development of a 50-townhome residential subdivision for a community to be called Trevi Isle.
• First reading of Ordinance 3, 2017 – This budget agenda item combines several actions. First, it adjusts the starting balance for 2017 to reflect the realities of 2016 – a normal occurrence. Second, and more significantly, it allocates the excess revenue collected last year (1.9M) and the reduction in expenses (2M) to new spending in 2017.  (Note – if the money were to be left in the stabilization fund, it could be used (along with expected sales tax revenue) to reduce millage in the 2018 budget. By allocating it now to new spending, they would deny the Council that will have 3 new members after March 14 the opportunity to decide what to do with the money.)
• First reading of Ordinance 4, 2017 – A request to annex an area of contiguous, compact, unincorporated real property commonly known as Osprey Isles, Carleton Oaks, the Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches, the vacant commercial parcel and the WPB Fire Station #8. The 284.20-acre parcel is bounded on the west by the City of Palm Beach Gardens’ Sandhill Crane Golf Club, to the north and east by Conservation lands (the Loxahatchee Slough), and to the south by Northlake Boulevard. Upon adoption of the Ordinance by the City Council, the City shall forward the Ordinance and referendum language to the Supervisor of Elections to prepare for a referendum of the registered electors within the proposed annexation area. The City shall hold the referendum on annexation at the next regularly scheduled election, March 14, 2017. A majority of votes cast by registered electors residing within the annexation area is required for the referendum to pass.
• First reading of Ordinance 5, 2017 which would dissolve the existing Budget Oversight Committee and replace it with the Budget Oversight Review Board and provide additional powers and duties, including the review of proposed operating and capital improvement budgets, the review of spending plans, the provision of recommendations to City Council, and oversight of the expenditure of the One-Cent Sales Surtax funds. On November 8, 2016, Palm Beach County voters approved a ballot issue to enact a One-Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax to pay for acquisition or improvements to public infrastructure. The City of Palm Beach Gardens’ estimated share of the tax over ten (10) years is $35.6 million.
• Resolution 4, 2017 modifying the site plan for Gardens Mall for 10,000 square feet of leasable square feet for the Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant and 940 square feet of outdoor seating space. The tenant space is located on the second floor on the south side of the mall in between the anchor tenants Macy’s and Sears department stores. The proposal includes 202 seats in the interior restaurant and 48 seats on the outdoor patio. The main entrance of the restaurant will be inside the mall.
• Resolution 7, 2017 is a petition by Ascend PGA Midtown, LLC requesting a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment for Midtown PUD to allow the development of a 63-townhome residential subdivision and a 25,344-square-foot specialty grocery. The property is located on the north side of PGA Boulevard, immediately east of Shady Lakes Drive. The proposed tenant for the building is Earth Fare, specializing in health foods. The new residential subdivision is to be called Pointe Midtown. The subject development will also contain a 13-building, 63-unit residential townhome development, and one (1) clubhouse structure.
• Resolution 12, 2017 outlines the Proposed One-Cent Infrastructure Sales Surtax Projects, and recommends funding the projects via the issuance of a Not-to-Exceed $30,000,000 Capital Improvement Revenue Bond, Series 2017. Other alternatives are discussed. (As with Ordinance 3, 2017, the schedule of the actions needed to accomplish the bond is completed by end of February 2017 – denying the new Council elected in March the ability to influence the decision).
• Resolution 13, 2017 Acceptance of the “Annexation Areas of Interest Study” for future annexation areas and directing the City Manager to implement the “Annexation Study” as policy guidance for the annexation initiative that is consistent with Chapter 171 , Florida Statutes.

Check the agenda to see if any additional items have been added before the meeting here.  

Update: Second Budget Hearing on 9/22 Increased Ad-Valorem Revenue 8.3% and Changed Impact Fees

Update – All Items in the 2nd Hearing and City Council Meeting on 9/22 passed 5:0.  Public Comment on a non-agenda item was made by Mary Ott regarding the City’s towing contract and her filed protest.

Mayor Tinsley remarked that City Attorney Lohman will be responding to the protest, following protocol.

---

The first of two 2016/2017 Budget Hearings was held on 9/8. Most in the audience, however, were there for the presentations of the 9/11 Remembrance Essay Recipient and the Sandhill Crane Juniors Golf Team – Winners of the SFPGA Summer League.  Congratulations all!

City Manager Ferris announced more awards for the one-man Purchasing Department – 2016 Excellence in Procurement award and UPPCC award for Km! Ra – Congratulations! Ferris also showed an animated video of the traffic on 117th Ct – comparing traffic on 8/17/15 vs 8/17/16 highlighting the City’s improvements.

Public Comment included:

• Mark Marciano complementing the City’s sports fields and requesting higher fencing at Gardens Park.
• Jervonte Edmonds of Delray Beach speaking about his innovative non-profit Suits for Seniors – preparing HS Seniors on proper behavior and tips for job interviews. After an 8 week program, Seniors get a nice fitted suit for their job interviews. He currently has a program in Dwyer HS and was asking the Council to participate in Career Day.
• Joe Russo congratulated Keith Bryer on his appointment to Fire Chief.

The Consent Agenda passed 5:0

The first hearing of both the 2016/2017 Proposed Budget and the total Impact Fee Revision passed 5:0. The only public comment was by Fred and Iris Scheibl on the budget – pointing out that this is an 8.3% ad-valorem revenue increase, that this will hit non-homestead properties very hard, and to please consider splitting the difference and giving some relief to the tax-payers. Joni Alias had not planned to speak, but felt she had to counter the comments by the Scheibls, in support of the tax increase. See here for a short article on the increase.

All on the Council supported the budget as did the Budget Oversight Committee. Council Member Premuroso, who also advised the Budget Oversight Committee, spoke about the strategy during the hard times, and the current strategy of 5 years of flat millage based on revenue projections. He did not mention, however, that the Ad Valorem revenue expected in 2017 is significantly higher than projected, and almost matches the ad-valorem taxes projected for 2018…  The following chart is from page 51 of the Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Budget. 

---

---

The second hearing for the Proposed Budget and the Impact Fee Revisions will be held on September 22 at 7pm. See the agenda here for any changes. Expect it to be a short meeting. The Consent Agenda includes one Purchase Award for a 3-yr contract/lease for a fleet of golf carts with GPS for Sandhill Crane Golf Club. The item was competitively bid and is valued at $330K.

NOTE: There will be an FDOT Hearing on the Central Boulevard I-95 Interchange on Wednesday, September 28th at City Hall.  See the Notice.

Gardens Budget to raise taxes 8.3% – largest haul in history

The FY2017 Budget for Palm Beach Gardens will be discussed at the first public hearing on September 8.

Property valuations are up significantly this year, and some jurisdictions are reaping large windfalls by leaving their millage flat. The county for example, will see a tax increase of over 8%, which will be their largest budget in history, growing by $60M in new taxes – bigger than the entire budget for PBG.

The Gardens Council is apparently as greedy as the county and does not propose to return any of the valuation windfall to the taxpayer. It should be noted that this year’s proposed $55M in revenue is the largest budget to date (an increase of $5M), far exceeding those of the boom years of 2007-2008.

As the included chart shows, when the valuation bubble burst in 2008, PBG increased the millage to maintain flat tax revenue around $50M, then relented in 2009 and let revenue decline below $45M as the economy remained stagnant. Now that there is an increase in valuation (over 8% this year) the proposed flat millage will produce a proportional rise in revenue (on top of 5% last year).

Keep in mind that the proposed sales tax surcharge will return a further windfall to the city if it passes, yet that is hardly mentioned. It would be appropriate for the city to reduce the millage this year and keep the tax increase to a more reasonable level.

First 2016/2017 Budget Hearing and City Council Mtg on Thursday 9/8

The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, September 8th at 7pm. This is also the first of two public hearings on the proposed budget for 2016/2017.

Consent Agenda – includes 5 Purchase Awards. 4 were openly/competitively bid and the 5th is for an independent contractor agreement with a popular tennis professional already on-board with the City.

City Manager Report – no details listed

Public Hearings and Resolutions:

• Ordinance 1, 2016 is a total re-write of the City’s Impact Fees. (While these are fees that developers pay, those are typically passed on to buyers.) See the proposed document here
• Ordinance 7, 2016 is the proposed Budget.
  • “On July 7, 2016, City Council approved Resolution 37, 2016, adopting a proposed maximum millage rate for the City of Palm Beach Gardens for Fiscal Year 2016/2017. The proposed maximum operating millage rate was set at 5.55 and the maximum debt service rate was set at .1281, for a total maximum millage rate of 5.6781, down from the current year total rate of 5.6871. The proposed maximum operating millage rate of 5.55 is 5.99% above the roll-back rate of 5.2361. Millage rates can be lowered at the budget hearings, but they cannot be increased. The first public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on September 8, 2016, at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers located at City Hall. The second public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on September 22, 2016, at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.”
  • The Budget Oversight Committee concurs.
  • The Proposed Budget website page has both the Proposed Budget and the Oversight Committee Report.
  • (Note: Perhaps I missed it in both documents but I found no reference to the upcoming Sales Tax Referendum and the wind-fall it would represent to the City, should it pass…)
• Ordinance 9, 2016 amends the Firefighters Pension Plan to allow the Fire Chief to elect to not-participate in the plan.

Check the agenda to see if any additional items have been added before the meeting here.

Subdued Council Passes All Items 4:0 and Showers City Manager Ferris with Praise

Much of the discussion during the July Council Meeting centered on subjects not originally on the agenda. All Ordinances and Resolutions passed 4:0 with the result that:

• Property tax revenue will increase by 6% if millage is not lowered during the September Budget hearings. Maximum millage is set during July meetings throughout the state. The only usual proponent of lowering millage on the Council, Council Member Premuroso, stated that he saw no way to lower millage in the fall given upcoming Police and Fire/Rescue contracts, and city growth. He also said that the goal should be to continue to maintain flat millage. (Note – this means that as property valuations increase, your property taxes will go up accordingly – at differing rates depending on whether or not you own a homesteaded property). Save the date – September 8, 2016 at 7pm for the first 2016/2017 Budget Hearing.
• PGA Station PUD amendments were approved. See a summary in Sarah Peters’ article here.
• Resolution 52, 2016 – added to the Agenda at the meeting, allows for the City to call a Special Election concurrent with the November 8, 2016 General Election. This is a place holder should Circuit Court Judge Colin find for the City in the Levy/Woods Litigation conclusion within the next couple of weeks. The August City Council meeting would be too late to open candidate qualification. Should the judge seat Carl Woods, then the Council would withdraw Resolution 52 in August.  More detail below.

Mayor Tinsley began the meeting with a moment of silence for the victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub attack. She then brought up former Mayor/Council Member Levy’s resignation and read his resignation letter. She brought forward the City Attorney report to the beginning of the Agenda, so that Mr. Lohman could describe briefly the litigation time-table, enforcement of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the Charter’s Term Limits retro-activity and Levy’s ineligibility to have run for office. Resolution 52, 2016 was added to the agenda. More detail here .  (NOTE:  PBGWatch was present at the most recent hearing – it is Max Lohman, on behalf of the City, that is arguing for a Special Election – otherwise Judge Colin would not be considering it.  We recommend that the Council read the transcript obtained by their attorney, and here is our summary of that hearing).

Presentations included Recognition of the City’s Spirit Team, and the  Sponsors of the Gardens Cup, which raises funds that are used to put on morale raising events for City Staff.

Comments From the Public included:

• Tom Cairnes, of the PGA Corridor Association thanked David Levy for his contributions to the City, especially in all things environmental. He also hoped that the citizens wouldn’t end up regretting their actions comparing the term limits vote in 2014 to Brexit.
• Ross Wilcox and William Papageorge, both residents living on Gardens Glen Circle, raised a Code Enforcement issue with a vehicle with trailer parking on the city street at all times. Mayor Tinsley and City Manager Ferris were reviewing the problem.
• Carol Courtney of 40th Terrace N. cited concerns with how the City implemented the Sunset Dr/40th Terrace improvements without respect for environmental impacts.
• Kevin Easton and Marilyn Parmet both asked that Resolution 52, 2016 not be voted on, that there not be a Special Election (ranging in costs up to $80K) and that Carl Woods be declared the winner of the March election.

Mr. Ferris began his City Manager Report by implying that the two residents didn’t understand that Resolution 52 was just a placeholder and that the Special Election would only cost $15K. (editor’s note – he was not understanding that they were saying the Council could end the need for such an election by seating Mr. Woods!)

Also included in the Mr. Ferris’ upbeat report was:

• Well earned recognition for Km! Ra, Purchasing and Contracts Director, for a prestigious Excellence in Achievement Award for the 3rd year in a row. As Mr. Ra IS the Purchasing Department – he achieved a round of applause!
• Congratulations to the City’s Police Explorers who one 1st place in the 2016 Law Enforcement Challenge for the 3rd year in a row.
• Thanks to the Police Foundation for donating 40 infrared thermometers which can be used to detect temperature in parked vehicles.
• Recognition by the City by interim Fire Chief Keith Breyer and the City to Juan Nunez, lifeguard at the Recreation Center for saving a toddler unresponsive in the swimming pool – see Lifeguard Receives Hero Award for more details.
• The Chief also Recognized Km! Ra once again – this time for getting a $43K FEMA grant for 120 Personal Safety/Rescue Bailout System for the Fire Department.

During Items for Council Discussion, the Council did their annual City Manager Evaluation. It also happened to be Mr. Ferris’ birthday. He couldn’t have asked for a better present than the effusive praise, minimal critique if any, and the standing ovation given him by the Council and his staff….

Next City Council Mtg on Thursday July 7th at 7PM

The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, July 7th, at 7pm in City Hall.

Consent Agenda includes 3 Purchase Awards:

• Ancillary Health Benefit Plans – Openly competed – 2 year contract valued at $296K. “The City has a self-funded Group Health Plan that is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. The Group Health Plan is supplemented by various other Ancillary Health Benefits Plans that are available to employees and qualified dependents, including domestic partners. The current Ancillary Health Benefits Plans are: Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment; Dental Insurance; Employee Assistance Program; Vision Care; and Long-Term Disability.”
• Bunker Gear for Fire Rescue Department – Piggyback Contract – $99,990 upon delivery
• Repairs to Allamanda Water Control Structure – Piggyback Contract – $292K

City Manager Report – no details listed

Public Hearings and Resolutions:

• 2nd Reading Ordinance 5, 2016 – Police Pension Amendment.
• Resolution 37, 2016: Tentative Maximum Millage rate will be set for Fiscal Year 2016/2017– it can be adjusted downward during the September Budget Hearings
• Resolution 39, 2016 – Attention Sunset Drive/40th Terrace North/Brenna Lane property owners – “Adopting a non-ad valorem special assessment roll for the design, construction, and installation of water utility and road improvements on 4Qth Terrace North, Sunset Drive, and Brenna Lane. ” Note: In accordance with the requirements of Section 197.3632(4), Florida Statutes, all affected property owners have been notified of the need for the special assessment, its cost, payment schedule, the effect of non-payment, the identities of the Benefitted Parcels, the right to appear and participate in a public hearing at the July 7, 2016 City Council Meeting at which this resolution is considered for adoption, the right to file written objections, and all other relevant information concerning this special assessment.
• Two Art in Public Places resolutions – Harborchase Assisted Living Facility (Resolution 41, 2016) and Northlake Gardens, located in PHASE II of the Banyan Tree PUD (Resolution 42, 2016)
• Resolution 45, 2016 – PGA Station Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment – A request for
  

  PGA Design Center

  approval of a PUD Amendment to modify the 30.03-acre PGA Professional and Design Center PUD to allow a conversion of uses for a revised development program of 415,401 square feet of Professional Office, 49,279 square feet of Medical Office, 11,777 square feet of Retail, a 111 room Hotel, and 3,000 square feet of Restaurant, along with modifications to the master plan, landscape plan, sign program, and architecture.

• Resolution 46, 2016 – The Applicant is requesting approval of two (2) temporary modular structures located on the Zimmer Biomet site (formerly known as Biomet 3i, Inc.) at the South Park Center Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the Northcorp Planned Community Development (PCD). Staff recommends approval of the request.

Items for Council Action/Discussion – the annual City Manager Evaluation

(Editorial Note – Noticeably absent from the published agenda is any discussion of the recent Fourth District Court of Appeals Court ruling that David Levy was ineligible to run in the March 2016 City Election. Mr. Levy’s name appears on the list of Council Members on the Meeting Agenda – see the latest Palm Beach Post article here.   A hearing is to be scheduled with the original judge, Judge Colin, in the near future.)

Check the agenda to see if any additional items have been added before the meeting here.

Next City Council Mtg / Final 2015/2016 Fiscal Year Budget Hearing on September 17

The next City Council Meeting will be this Thursday, September 17, at 7pm in City Hall.  The only item on the Agenda, other than Consent, is the Second 2015/2016 Fiscal Year Budget Hearing. On Consent is Resolution 42, 2015, allowing the City Manager to apply for and accept a Highway Beautification Grant with FDOT.

See our summary of last Thursday’s City Council Meeting (including the First Budget Hearing) here.  It includes links to the powerpoint presentation that Finance Director Allan Owens made, as well.

The agenda (with links to full detail) can be found here.  Check the agenda to see if any additional items have been added before the meeting

The Best Budget Ever!

While the primary topic for the September 10 City Council meeting was the first hearing of the 2015/2016 Budget, much of the meeting was spent on Public Comment. The chamber was filled with a sea of yellow shirts worn by members of Fire/Rescue and their supporters. Media was also there to capture the action.

First up was Thomas Murphy, President of the PBG Police Foundation to describe the 9-11 Rememberence Essay competition. Then Fire/Rescue Chief Southard introduced the winners – First Place: Brandon Gitto, Second: Rebecca Newbold, Third: Alexis Simm. For more details see here.

Senator Abruzzo was to give a Legislative Update, but had to cancel and will do so at a future meeting.

City Manager Ferris had no report, but mentioned that the Purchasing Department – Km! Ra, had once again been honored with a prestigious award. Congratulations!

Most of those present were there for Public Comment which was next. The Fire/Rescue contract expires on 9/30/15 and negotiations had reached an impasse. The 6 speakers spoke on the excellence of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue/Paramedics, how their lives or loved ones lives had been saved, and the primary issue of salary compression. The Council thanked the speakers, but Mayor Jablin said that he couldn’t comment more due to the negotiations. Council member Russo spoke eloquently on understanding the frustration, that a similar issue had been resolved for the police, and that he expected a resolution for this issue as well. For more details see: the Palm Beach Post summary.   Mayor Jablin then offered a 5 minute recess so that those wanting to leave could clear the chambers.

Three additional folks had comments related to traffic in the Central Avenue/117th Court area. All acknowledged problems in the area, but were not in agreement on the solutions. The Council assured them that before any changes will be made, a lot of work still needs to be done and that it will be the subject of future meetings.

Hal Valeche, County Commissioner District One, spoke emotionally about the passing of long-time aide, Cindy DeFeLippo to Commissioner Marcus and then Valeche. The members of the Council knew her well, and had spoken of her loss in a prior Council meeting.

Finally, Allan Owens, Finance Administrator, gave an excellent presentation on the proposed budget. The Council had challenged staff to come back with a millage rate decrease, yet balance that with fulfilling the needs of the City. Mark Marciano, Chair of the Budget Oversight Committee, gave a report supporting staff’s recommendations. The Council was pleased with the results with Council Member Levy saying “solid budget”, Council Member Tinsley calling it ‘most transparent’, Council Member Russo mentioning that it would be the last budget he votes on, and counseling staff to not add employees; Council Member Premuroso called it a ‘spectacular budget’ and pointed out that millage had been lowered for 2 years ina row, that the budget allowed for funding the IG should the lawsuit appeal be lost, and that in 4 years the general obligation bonds will be gone. Mayor Jablin thanked staff and City Manager Ferris thanked all the department heads for the hard work needed to make this budget happen. Note that this budget still grows by 4%, but less than it would have had millage been kept unchanged.

We in PBGWatch – also thank them all for giving back to the taxpayers. Gardens is to be commended to be one of the few municipalities and taxing authorities to not just gobble up the valuation increase wind-fall. See gardens-budget-splits-the-difference-with-the-taxpayer.

The Second Hearing will be next Thursday, September 17, at 7pm in City Hall.

Gardens Budget Splits the Difference with the Taxpayer

The FY2016 Budget for Palm Beach Gardens will be discussed at the first public hearing on September 10.

Property valuations are up significantly this year, and some jurisdictions are reaping large windfalls by leaving their millage flat. The county for example, will see a tax increase of over 9%, which will be their largest budget in history, growing by $61M in new taxes – bigger than the entire budget for PBG.

The Gardens Council is being more responsible than the county and proposes to return some of the valuation windfall to the taxpayer. It should be noted though, that this year’s proposed $51M in revenue is the largest budget to date, exceeding those of the boom years of 2007-2008.

As the included chart shows, when the valuation bubble burst in 2008, PBG increased the millage to maintain flat tax revenue around $50M, then relented in 2009 and let revenue decline below $45M as the economy remained stagnant. Now that there is an increase in valuation (over 6% this year) the proposed millage would be reduced to limit the rise in revenue to just under 5% (on top of 5.3% last year).

If the millage were left unchanged, it would have generated over $52M, so the “extra” $1M (2%) would be returned to the taxpayer.

Compared to the money grab that’s going on at the county, we should be grateful to our staff and Council for their restraint. If you go to the meeting on Thursday, thank them for that, and ask them to stick to the plan. It is still possible to raise the millage (up to 5.67), and some groups may come to lobby for more spending.

« Previous Page — Next Page »