TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH
MINUTES
TOWN COMMISSION - Workshop
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Wednesday
August 11, 2004
COMMUNITY CENTER
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A workshop of the Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida was called to order by
Mayor Walters at 7:32 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 in the Town Hall Community Room.
Present:
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Mayor Walters
Commissioner Guglietta
Commissioner Price
Commissioner Stacey
Commissioner Wilson
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Others Present:
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Town Manager Higginbotham
Deputy Town Clerk Gomez
Two members of the public
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CONTINUED REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Town Manager Higginbotham presented the Commission with an updated summary of the budget dated
August 11, 2004, which shows no tax increase. He reported that the reduction in proposed expenditures
amounts to $40,000, less auto insurance, liability insurance, property insurance and worker’s compensation
insurance. The health insurance total cost is $80,000 per year. The Public Works Department has a reduction
of about $54,000 and the Police Department reduction is $34,000 in health insurance cost. The Nextel
radio/telephone service is $1,000 a month. Town Manager Higginbotham reported that there are several
other communication companies that are competitive with Nextel and once the exiting contract expires with
Nextel this will be addressed to save money.
Mayor Walters asked why the former Interim Police Chief received $2,500 for 100 hours of holidays when none
of the holidays were worked? He recommended that the Police Department policy be changed that no employee
receives the holiday pay if the holiday is not worked. Police Chief Syrkus commented that the procedure he
followed in Melbourne Village was that the employee received pay at time and one-half if they worked and received
12 hours of straight time if they did not work.
Town Manager Higginbotham commented that the contract for the Fire Marshal position should be changed
from 20 hours to 5 hours a month, with a budget of $900 and the Fire Maintenance position would be budgeted
to a part-time employee. He reported that the janitorial services will go out for bid, which he is in the process
of doing. Fire Chief Hunter commented on Fire Department budget changes. Town Manager Higginbotham
commented on the Protective Services budget and Mayor Walters asked about the progress of the Building
Official’s position.
Mayor Walters commented on the budget for Public Works Department and Parks and Recreation. He stated
that there are some of the same line-items in each department, which may not be needed. Town Manager
Higginbotham stated that he would look into that budget and make changes.
Town Manager Higginbotham commented regarding not replacing the Public Works Director’s position. Vice
Mayor Guglietta asked if the employee taking over the responsibilities of the Public Works Director will receive
a salary increase? Mayor Walters commented that the salaries for these positions have already increased
50% and there is no need for additional increases. Town Manager Higginbotham commented that he is
performing some of duties of the Public Works Director.
Mayor Walters asked about storm water improvements and Town Manager Higginbotham commented that
the total available funds are $100,261 and there are also grants in progress for improvements. He reported
that the total revenue will be $495,000 from these grants.
Commissioner Wilson commented on holding an “Iceman’s Ball” and gave some background information
regarding it and that he would like to hold the event to benefit the Town historical structures. He commented
that in the past the Iceman’s Ball was held in the Community Center. Town Manager Higginbotham
commented that the Town could possibly tie the event to Halloween festivities. Mayor Walters commented
that the funding could present a problem and cause costs to the Town for extra staff. Town Manager
Higginbotham replied that when an event takes place in the Town the applicant will be required to fill
out a special events permit and the Town can charge fees associated with the event.
Mayor Walters asked about the Ocean Avenue Beautification grant and what the progress is regarding it?
Town Manager Higginbotham commented that he would look into it.
Town Manager Higginbotham stated that projected revenues would exceed expenditures by approximately
$48,000 and asked the Commission for direction regarding salary increases. He indicated that a 2% cost
of living increase for employees would be approximately $15,000 and all employees who received a 7% to 8%
salary increases last year would not be eligible for a merit increase for this coming fiscal year. He indicated
he would propose to change the wage and salary plan to apply merit increases on the employee’s anniversary
date.
There being no further business the workshop of the Town Commission adjourned 8:50 p.m.
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STEVEN O. WALTERS, MAYOR
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CYNTHIA E. MASNY, CMC
TOWN CLERK
Note: a mechanical recording has been made of the foregoing procedures of which these minutes are a
part and is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.0105, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE TOWN HEREBY
ADVISES THE PUBLIC THAT: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the
Town Commission with respect to any matter considered at its meeting, he will need a
record of the proceedings and that for such purpose, affected persons may need to insure
that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony
and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. This notice does not constitute
consent by the Town for the introduction or admission into evidence of otherwise
inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor does it authorize challenges or appeals not
otherwise allowed by law.
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