BCC Minutes 11/17/1980 W
Naples, Florida, No~ember 17, 1980
LET IT BE REME~mERED, that the Board of County Cor;miss;oners in
and for the County of Collier, and also acting as the Governing Board(s)
of such special districts as have been created according to law and
having conducted bus;nes~ herein, met on this date at 9:00 A.M. in Work-
shop Session in Building uF" of the Courthouse Complex with the following
members present:
CHA I RIIJ\i~ :
VICE-CHAIRMAN:
John A. Pistor
Cl i fford Wenzel
Thomas P. Archer
ALSO PRESENT: William J. Reagan, Clerk; Harold L. Hall, Fiscal
Officer/Chi8f Deputy Clerk; Darlene Davidson, Deputy Clerk; Robert Best,
Budget ;,na1yst; C. 'rJilliam Norman, Cvunty l~anager; -;en~ Willett, Ad;nin-
istrative Aide to the County Manager; Donald Pickworth, County Attorney;
and vari0us Departmen~ he,lds and members of staff.
AGENDA
1. Discussion of departm~ntal analyses of possible
program reductions re Budget for FY 80-81.
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November 17, 19lJO
DISCqSSION RE rOSS1[]1Df..l!.lJCTlONS WITHIN THE /lEALTII DEPA.RTMENT
Dr. Cox, Health Director, stated that, in accordance with directions
from the County Manager, he has prepat'erl a list of possible areas where
there could be d reduction in programs within the /leLllth DepLlrtment in
rn effort to reduce the FY 80-81 Budget. The following were topics that
he discussed:
WEED CONTROL ORDINANCE: Dr. Cox suggested that this ordinance
is very expenSTV~implement; that his Department is involved
in the process wllereby a trained Health Official has to go out
and physically inspect lots for which complaints have been re-
ceived; and that the pape)~ork and related expenses for each
complaint is over $50 per complaint spent in his budget.
Dr. Cox submitted that the subject ordinance is not cost effective,
and offered to write a "cosmetic" ordinance for the Board's con-
sideration, in its stead. He suggested that this ordinance
be rescinded and :'ep1aced by such a "cosmetic" ordinanc:e, noting
that some 95% of the lots that are found ta be in violation of the
Weed Control Ordinance are in Naples Park and Marco Island, and
ttlCrefore, has not p)'oven to be effective County-wide.
Dr. Cox sa'd t~at by rescinding this ordinance, the Health De-
partment can eliminate some ~24,000 from its proposed FY 80-81
Budge t.
Conrni ss ioner '''/ellzel motioned to drop the Weed Control Program, and
accept Dt'. Cox's recolrl11enda t ion.
~fter a discussion regarding the 1EJa1 stand on replacing the
subject ordinance and relative program, and the processes involved, as
well as whether or not this ordinance and program is in fact based on
health problems or cosmctic problems, County Attorney Pickworth said
that he is not sure if the "cosmetic" ordinance patterned after the City
of Naples' ordinance would stand up in the courts if it werE ~hal1enge~,
but, on the other hand, he has to agree with Dr. Cox that, from a health
standpoint, the prescnt program is not effective.
Also discussed was whether 01' not a new "cosmetic" ordinance would
be any less expensive to administer than is the present ordinance, during
which County Manager Nonnan said that he is not convinced that it would be.
Another related topic discussed was the apparent use of the provisions of
the present ordinance for certain areas, as mentioned by Dr. Cox, during
which it was noted by Attorney Pickworth that although this may have been
the case in the past, it is simply a matter of "these areas are where the
complaints are coming from", and not a matter of s~lectivity.
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Noven~er 17, 19RO
The proper m~thod for accepting Dr. Cox's rccofl111endation for dropping
the Weed Control Program was discussed, and Attorney Pickworth stated
that the Board could, by majority vote of the three members present,
direct that the Program be administratively discontinued, and that the
staff be directed to cease from initiating any further investigations of
complaints, and thGt during a Regular Session, the Board would have to
have three affirmativp. votes to rescind the subject ordinance.
Commissioner Archer seconded the motion on the floor, and suggested
that perhaps a M.S.T.D. could be developed in order to serve areaS that
decide by referendum that they wish to have such a program. There was
a lengthy discussion regarding the legality of such a measure, during
which Attorney Pickworth said that he considers this a "police problem"
and, historically, such programs have not been lawfully supported by tax
funds for the benefit of certain areas. County Manager Norman said that
he believes an M.S.T.D. could be initiated for the administration of
such a program; the actual mowing charges would be assessed to the
indivirllJ~l own~r. Attorney Pi:~~wcrth 3nid that no selective supply uf
"police power" would be legal.
The motion was clarified by Commissioner Wenzel who said that it is
to remove $24.000 from the budget of the Health Department formerly
budgeted for the Weed Control Program; later the Board will rescind the
relative ordinance.
There waJ consicerab1e discussion regarding the wording of the
motion and Commissioner l~enze1 agreed to dro;J the second part of the
motion regarding the rescinding of the relative ordinance, and Co~nissioner
Archer agreed to second the motion as amended.
Mr. Ira Evans, representing the Marco Island Taxpayers Association,
spoke in opposition to removing this program from the Healtil Department,
stating that he is opposed to removing any services from Marco Island
and still r<lising tile taxes.
Pri or to the Cha i rllMn ca 11 i ng for a vote on the motion. Fi sca 1 Offi eel"
Htll'old Hall ash~d for confirmation that the intent of the motion is to
reduce by $23,1169, tile amount of funds that will be I'equired to fund the
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November 17, 1900
General Fund; same arll0llrlt would have been used to fund the subject
program wi thin the lIe,11 th Department, ilnd the members of the Board
present agreed.
Upon call for the question, the motion carried 2/1, with Co~~is-
sioner Pistor opposed.
DISCUSSION RE FURTHER ACTION BY BOARD DURING THIS SESSION
Conmissioner Pistor stated that because two of the members are not
present today, and that the vote just taken regarding the item for re-
duction within the lIealth Department's budget only received 2 out of the
3 votes possible, and beciluse he does not feel that this is representative
of the majority of the 5 members of the Board, this matter will be taken
up again this evening, during the public hearing scheduled.
Fiscal Officer Harold Hall explained that he needs firm direction
from the members of the Board in order to have ample time to recalculate
the required millage rate based on any budget cuts that the Board may
decide upon; he requested that the Board so direct the sums that they
wish the budget reduced by, in order to have this reca1cu1,tion prepared
prior to the public hearing tonight. There was a lengthy discussion
regarding the problem and in answer to Chairman Pistor, County Attorney
Pickworth said that because the Board is in a Workshop Session, the
Board is not required to cor.mit themselves at this time. Corrmissioner
Wenzel agreed, and stated that the earlier vote is to be considered as
"an opinion vote" and not a "corrmitta1". It was the consensus of those
members present that this is to be a Workshop Session only, and that
final decisions will be made tonight ct the public hearing.
Fiscal Officer Hall said that what would be done, is that a "millage
pricetag" would be attached to each item discussed today, thereby, each
fund could be reduced by that millage if the reduction is approved
tonight; the Ooard cannot increase the millage in any fund tonight but
they can reduce mi 11 ages. Cha i r11lan Pi s tor concurred.
Corrrnissioner Archer stated that he cannot vote to make any further
cuts in the FY 80-81 budgets than have already been made; his only other
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Novembcr 17, 1980
recommendations would be that fees be raised or originatea to cover
expenses re1atcd to certain Parks and Recreations areas where concern
has be~n raised due' to a deficit in maintenance and administration of
certain programs within the Parks and Recreation budget. He concluded
by stating that if the budget can be reduced bv.incre~sing fees for
services provided, he would qo along with it; otherwise, he will not
vote for any reductions in the budgp.t.
DISCUSSION RE POSSIBLE REDUCTIONS RE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTINUED
Dr. Cox conlllented on the following item regarding his response to
direction for itcms of possible reduction within the Health Department..
AUTO~~TED DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM: Dr. Cox suqgcsted that if
furthel' cuts in his budg~t are necessary. he would be willing
to forego the installation of an automated data processing
system, He said that although the paperwork load would be cum-
bersome, he could live with it for a ycar or so and then
perhaps have the equipment installed at a later date. /Ie
said that he does not consider this a pertinent item, at this
timc, and the health services of the community would not be
affectcd by eliminating the system's installation. He said
that some $15,000 could be reduced from his budget by this
e1 imir,~tion,
County ~\anaqer Norman said that he disagrees with this recommcndation
as he feels the productivity of the system, over a period of time, could
lpad to a reduction in the amount of required personnel, or at lcast ne-
gate the need for additional employees in that Department, He said that
he believes that the system will lead to management strenqthening.
Mike Zewdlk, resident of North Nap1e~ stated that he believes the
CunTllissioners should take DI', Cox's recommendation since he has stated
that thc system is not a necessity.
COlllnissioner Wenzcl agreed, stating that there is too much spending
on all levels of governmcnt; the problem arises whcn an elected official
refuses to takc a stand and vote aqainst an unpopular issue. He continued
that he is going to vote in opposition to any spcnding of any funds that
the County can possiblv do without. He thanked Dr. Cox for moking his
recomnendations, and said that he accepts Dr. Cox's offer to cut his
budget by $14.000 for the data processinq system.
OUT Of" COUNTY TR^Vfl.: Dr Cox said that his department spends
aiiiiro~.~iiii:1ll:Ty-rcf,-(f60il year for out of county travel; this is
prin~rily for attcndinq confercnce,. educational endeavors, etc.
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November 17, 1980
While hc believes that the travel is essential to the Depart-
ment, he is willing to cut the amount in half. He offered to
cut approximately $4,500 from this item in his budget, noting
that this has also becn recormlended by the County Manager.
PROGRESS VILl.AGE HEALTH CLINIC: Dr. Cox said that this project
nus been-"iiiCis"t ~uccessful t1Ild that through this clinic. m,1ny
productive people who were sick have been cured and returned
to the job market and consequently removed from the welfare
rolls. He stated that it has played an important role in th~
cOrmlunity; hO~lever. if this clinic is to be shut down, then,
he respectfully requests that transportation be provided, for
those patients who require care, to the central complex at the
Health Department.
There was considerable discussion regarding the cost effectiveness
of eliminating the Clinic, based on the fact that the patients will still
have to be cared for at the Complex and transportation costs including
insurance might be just as expensive. Commissioner Archer said that he
does not believe that elimination of the Clinic in Progress Village will
be co~t effective, and does not find this a beneficial cut, to which Dr,
Cox agreed. Dr. Cox requested that the Clinic not be discontinued in
Progress Village.
HEt\I.TH DEPARHlENT or RECTOR' S SU~I~IARY OF RECOMMENDED BUDGET
CUTS: Dr. Cox stated that he 1S recor1Tl1ending that the -ToTlow-
Ti'6~I.ldget cuts be'~ldde and thJ.t the clinic in Progress Villagt!
be 1 eft as is: )
I. \;EED CONTROL ORDINANCE PROGRAM
2. D~TA PROC~SSING INSTALLATION
3. OUT OF COUNTY TRAVEL (~)
($23,469)
($15,000)
($ 4,500)
He ~aid that these recommended cuts will outweigh the amount of
money tha t cou1 d be cut from t',e budget if Progress Vi11 age
Clinic were to be shut down.
MON[TO~InG OF NAPLES SAY: Dr. Cox requested that the monitoring
OTNiiples 8,11 not -be eliminated, stating th:.t the infonnatlon
gained is pertinent. He suggested that the project remain bud-
geted until some arrangements could be worked out for other
sources of funding.
HEALTH EDUCATION: Dr. Cox requested that no budget cuts be made
relating to Health Education projects as he considers these pro-
jects to be the backbone of public health in Collier County.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALT/I SERVICES & PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES: Dr.
Cox requested that these two areas not be cut since the only way
to make further cuts in these areas would involve cutting the
staff. .
Corrmissioner Archer moved, to accept Dr. Cox's recorrmendations,
including the $15,000 cut for automated data processi'ng installation and
the $24,000 concerning the Weed Control Ordinance.
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NOVCOlbc r 17, 1980
After a brief explanation regarding the fact that the "travel
costs" are related to only out-of-County travel, Commissioner Archer
amended his motion to include the $4,500 cut related to out-of-County
travel.
Mr. Zewa1k objected to not including the ciosing of Progress
Vi1la~e Clinic, stating that he believes that the Clinic's operation is
a form of preferential treatment shown towards one particular ~rea, and
not available to all citizens of the County.
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Corrrnissioner Archer left the room - Time: 10:05 A.r~.
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Mr. Ze~al~ also objected to not including the elimination of the
Naples Bay Study program.
Discussion continued regarding the possible transportation of
patients from the Progress Vi11aqe Clinic to the County Complex for
treatmcnt. with Commissioner Wenzel stating that he would vote for all
the cuts, i"cludino Progress ',i11age and the Naples Bay /10nitoring.
Mr. Herbert Cambridge, represcnting the Black Betterment Corrrnittee
(BBC), spoke in favor of keeping Progress Village open. He stated that
only the ~eryices of the doctors and nurses are paid for bvthe County,
and mentioned various organizations who are instrumental in donating
other expenses, inc1udinq the fact that the Clinic is used for a Mental
Health Clinic program and also is the site of regular Alcoholic Anony-
mous meetings. He said that he is presently workinQ on acquiring a
permanent building for the Clinic and urged the Board to keep this
Clinic open. He stated that the City offers no assistance because the
City of Naples has no Health Department, and said the Clinic is a
necessity. He further explained the many problems that the BBC en-
countcred when they tried to initiate a program for transportation of
patie"ts to the Complex, including insurance premiums that were very
high. He assured the Coard that all of the patients are carefully
screened by the GBC, re~Jrdinq ability to PaY, prior to their receiving
trea tlllen t.
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Corm1issioner ArcheI' rnturned to the room - Time: 10:25 A.M.
. #I #I
r~r . 0tis Albright, representing the Naples United Church of Christ,
sroke in favor of keeping the Progress Vi11Jge Clinic open, and concurred
with all of Mr. Cambridge's statements. He said that he has been appointed
as the official spokesman for his Church and said that this is the
official position of its congreg~tion.
After considerable discussion, Chairman Pistor stated that he could
see no point in voting on the issue at this time, referring to Commissioner
Archer's motion, and the members present agreed for the reasons given
earlier. The motion died for lack of a second. Chairman Pistor asked
those persons in the audience who had a particular subject to discuss to
come forward, noting that all final decisions WOuld be made tonight at
the public hearing at East Naples Middle School.
PARKS ,Il:{D RECRE,HIOri DEP,IlRTMErn POSSIBLE CUTS IN BUDGET DISCUSSED
Parks and Recreation Director Ro1lie Rice stated that he is not in
favor of more cuts in the budget for his department and said that further
cuts will necessitate cuts in service; however, in response to a request
from the County Manager, he prepared the following possible areas of
reduction:
UGHTs: Mr. Rice said that this area is being submitted
reluctJnt1y as he is not in favor of a cut in his budget
for this Durpose; however, it has been proposed. This will
mean that all programs that use these 1 ights on fields ',Ii 11
have to be charged for that use including COunty programs,
as well as other programs.
TENNIS: Mr. Rice said that alternate methods of lighting
tennis courts have been tried in the past, including coin
operated boxes, but very unsuccessfully, due to vandalism.
He said that the County sets up tennis programs and leagues,
and collects "per player" fees; he feels that this fee covers
nearly all the charges for lights for the tennis courts.
SOFTBALL AND LITTLE LEAGUE: Mr. Rice said that a fee of
$5.00 for extra use of lights on these fields has been
charged in the past; the leagues and organizations are not
charged for lights used during regular scheduled play.
He said that approximately $30,000 is being spent for these
activities and approximately $20,000 is being generated in
revenue per year. He said that a recent increase of 20S for
all fees helps to close the gap, but does not make the pro-
grams self sufficient.
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Novcmber 17, 1900
Mr. Ricc saic1 that he is concerned with the concept of re-
quiring these kinds of programs to be "self sufficient" in
that he considers thcm a service to the community that his
department provides. .
He said that he needs direction regarding what the Goard is
requesting; is there to be a charge for the cost of the
program itself; the staff involved; the maintenance required;
and/or the transportation incurred? Mr. Rice said that if
all these areas are to be charged for, then no organization
or group could afford to cngage in participation of these
kinds of programs as It would be too costly.
Mr. Rice said tr3t he believes that this would totJ11y el~mi-
nate the participation by the Little League and that, if lt
were not for their volunteers' participation, his department
would not have been created.
Mr. Rice recorrrnended that a gradual increase in fees, as has
been the case in the past whereby ea~h year the deficit is
becollling smaller, is more optimum than putting the programs
out of reach for the interested organizations.
He said that he does not believe that there is any wGY that
fees for services can cover the entire cost of these services.
HIGHSCHOOL BALLFIELDs: Mr. Rice said that. although the County
has expended a ;ot of money this year, this is a reciprocal
arrangement with the School system. The County's bas~etba11
programs use school gyms at no costs to the County and the
County does maintenance un highschool fields In return.
He said a program has been initiatec1 that the present arrange_
ment continue on a "dollar for dollar" bas1s and, if this is
not acceptable to the Board and the program is cut, then fees
wi 11 have to be implemented and the County wi 11 have to pay
the school system for the use of those gyms.
SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE LITTLE LEAGUE: Mr. Rice prefaced
his remarks by stating that he believes that the Little League
provides a great service to the community; it keeps children
off the streets .lJ1d pl"ovi des somethi ng to do and somewhere for
Collier County'S'chi1dren to go, and in this manner the County
performs a service.
Mr. Rice said thilt he favors the system \~hereby fees are
increased each year and not set so high all at once that these
orgilnizations have to fold their operations. He added Ulat if
funds are saved by el iminating the programs, those same funds
would have to be expended through the Sheriff's Department,
due to an increase in criminal acts resulting from children
with nothing constl"lctive to do.
Deputy Chief Rilymond Darnett, Sheriff's Department, agl"eed that
if action by the Board results in Little League or other organ-
izations closing their operations, then his Department would be
faccd \~ith more expcnse related to these children who will be-
come nuisilnces with nothing constructive to do, He said that the
recreational pro<)rilms in the County offset a good deal of problems
re1atcc1 to juveniles in Collier County.
J.li.~EAS.r~I!..l.u:.S. ['01\ r,~RTIClrATION IN RECREATIONAL PROGRMIS: Mr.
Rice qid that Iw Iwl ievc's'tTiilCTI fees arc initiated and increased
fOl' the various recreational facilities and program~ in the County
the 'problcms rcsul ting from this move would far outwei9h any
sav1ngs that the County might see initially.
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November 17, 1980
There was conslderahll! rJiscllssion regarding the origination of
the Parks and Recreation D0.partment, during which Conmfssioner Wenzel
stated that he has never seen minutes of any meetings during which a
Recreation Depal'tment vms authorized; he only remembers setting up a
Parks Department for maintcnance of parks throughout the County. County
Manager Norman said that, even if this were the case, the legality of
the existence of the Department could be substantiated by the annual
Goard approval of a departmental budget for that area. Mr. Rice responded
that the Parks and Recrcation Department was in existence when he came to
work for the County and, traditionally, the two have been run simultan-
eously. lie further' stated tnat only 18X of his budget goes for recreation-
al areas which is run as a separate department.
Problems related to fees for a family with several children who
want to participate in sports activities; problems with children who will
be roaming the streets vii th nothing to do if their activities in sports
are cut out; and problems related to working parent families who rely on
recreational programs to entertain their children were all discussed.
~ll'. Rice sUllT11arized that he is not advocating initiating higher fees
related tc b<lllfields, basketball, tennis or other recreational pro-
grams and said he would go along with raising the fees for lights if it
is not too high that it would prevent organized sports from participating.
~r. Paul Cavey, re~resenting the Gulf Coast Little League Program
in Marco Island, stated that he is in opposition to any cut in the budget
that would be at the expense rf the children of Collier County. He ob-
jected to people opposing taxes used for the benefit of children.
Ms. Ester Kowet, representing the Gulf Coast Little League, stated
her oppos it i on to cuts in the budget tha t wou1 d cause fees to be charged
to the point t1at her organization could not afford to remain in operation.
She reminded the Board that it was her organization that first constructed
the fields in the shadow1awn and Avalon Schools, and that all that was ever
asked was for the County to maintain them. The GCLL also provided the
bleachers at the Naples Park Elementary School, she said, adding that the
County also uses these fields and bleachers. She further stated that the
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November 17, 1980
GCLL provides a community service in that the County would have to
provide these recreational programs for the hundreds of boys and girls
who are involved in the same manner as they provide girls softbnll,
etc., if the GCLL did not provide this program. She said that all the
sponsorship, COdches, etC. are donated and/or volunteered, thus savin~
the County money, and that she cannot see how the GCLL could be charged
for anything that other programs are not. She explained that their
budget is tight now and, if fees were excessively increased and/or
initiated, her organizati~n could not continue to operate. She ques-
tioned how the County can distinguish one tax dollar from the other, and
stated that she cannot understand bein~ termed an "outside" organization.
She said that the Parks and Recreation Department was originated because
of the need for maintenance, etc. of the Gulf Coast Little League field.
Ms. KOI'iet requested that the Board not discriminate between her or-
ganization's programs and those of the Parks and Recreation Department,
and noted that her organization provides the County free staff, free
coaches, and free administration of the pro9rams they organize. The aim
of the GCLL, continued Ms. Kowet, is to continue to work together with
the County to provide a comnunity service.
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COlpmissioner Archer left the room - Time: 11 :05 P.M.
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After discussing the importance of the Little League Program, Ms.
Kowet stated that the Maintenance Division of the Parks and Recreation
Department is designcd to serve all of the people in Collier County, not
just to serve programs chosen by the BCC. She strongly opposed the
recommendation on page 87 of Mr. Norman's memorandum regarding providing
services to Little League, specifically that which calls for Charging a
nominal fee for lighting, edging and contouring of fields for Little
League p1ayet's.
There I'/)S a lengthy discussion regarding the need for these charges,
the possibi 1 i ty of the consequenr.es if the programs have to fold due to
high costs, thc fact tlhlt it was not the intent of Conrnissioner Wenzel's
recomnendatioll for cuttirlg the budget t.hat this program be singled out
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November 17, 1980
specifIcally, and othcr related topics.
Mr. A1 Rapecke, North Naplcs LIttle League, spoke in opposition
to any budget cut or imposed fees that would result in cutting back
services related to recreational pro']rams for the children of the County.
He said that if his organization has to fold the County cannot afford to
take this program over. He noted that his organization is planning to
build a refreshmcnt stand in North Naples and that the County's programs
will be able to use it the same as his organization. With insurance
premiums. uniforms, equipment, etc. being paid for r.'~w, they cannot
afford higher fees right now, said Mr. Rapecke.
Commissioner Wenzel asked Mr. Rice if Little League is considered
a recreational program. Mr. Rice answered negatively, stating that the
County is not contributinq to the program through recreation; it simply
maintains the fields through the Parks Maintenance Division. Corrrnissioner
Wenzel said that he never intended to cut the pa:ks area, only ~he recrea-
tional budget and, if the County maintains parks and fields, that is not
in opposition to his intent. The County Manager said that there is one
recreational program on his list of recorrrnended cuts. The other three
refer to maintenance costs ne~essary to support recreatiopal programs
and ~hus are to be considered together. Commissioner Wenzel disagreed,
stating that years ago the noard set up the Parks Department to maintain
parks. County Manager Nonnan said that h~ considers them all to be re-
creational costs, adding that some are for lining, edging and contouring
"he fields.
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Commissioner Archer returned to the room - Time: 11 :15 A.M.
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Ms. Kowet said that tile record shows that the County's girl's
softball program had revenue of just over $200 last year and offered the
Board a check in the amount of $200 to show that Gulf Coast Little League
is a self-suppo~ting recreational program.
Ms. Kowet said that she is opposing any cuts; however, she urges the
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November 17, 1980
Board to consider that she compares her organization's program to the
County's girl's softball leaque, and expects the same services.
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Recess - Time: 11:20 A.M.
Reconvene - Time: 11 :30 A.M.
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PUBLIC 'rJORKs DIVISION POSSIBLE BUDGET CUTS DISCUSSIO~
Chainnurl Pistor said that he would like to discuss the suqgestion
for a cut in the number of hours and days the transfer stations are
open. He said that he has talked at lenQth with the Mayor of Evergla0es
City and is familiar with the problems that he would be facing. He
further stated that he knows the transfer station in Marco Island has
been proven, through departmental studies, to serve the same amount of
people each of the seven days of the week, and no one day is slower than
another, nor is anyone time of the year any less busy than another. He
said that he would like to see how the County can close these transfer
stations and still adhere to DER regulations to keep the general public
out of the sanitary landfill area on SR 951.
Publ ic Works Adr.:ini ;trator C1 i Hord Barksdale stated that the pro-
posed cuts will all involve problems; however, in response to the County
Manager requesting that certain areas be cut in the budget, he has
offered the following:
CARNESTOIm TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE: Mr. Barksdale said that
this would result in a savings of $20,500. He said the total
budget cut for this project would be $~l,OOO if it were closed;
however, the recorrmendation is for ~ of that figure due to a
proposal to offer service in that area by supplying a "roll-on
roll-off" rental container (20 Cu. yd.) at the site of the Wel-
come Station, and eliminating the lease of the present site of
the Carnes town transfer station.
He said that this would provide for some preparation of the site,
and would provide a dropping-off point for the general public;
however, he added this is predicated on Everglades City utilizing
their pickup truck and hauling their waste straight to the land-
fill.
In answer to Comnissioner Wenzel, Mr. Barksdale said that the
people in Evc"glades do contribute tOl...ards this operation since
thc Solid Waste Program is funded through a county-wide tax, He
a1 sc said that ~\,1yor Askcrn has not bccn asked if Everglades City
would be willing to make a contribution in an effort to keep the
tr,111sfcr station in Carnestown in operation.
BOOK 057 rm 13
BOO~ 057 PAGE 14
November 17, 1980
Mr. lIarmon Turner, representing ~'.lyor Askern of Everglades City,
stated that he could not speak for the town of Everglades regarding
their willingness to contribute further towards this operation; however,
he said, moving the Transfer Station from Carnestown, Everglades City
wi 11 not be the ollly a T'ea affected. fk. Turner made rc Ference to the
taxpayers who live in Carnestown, Copeland, Ochopee, Chokoloskee and
Plantation Island. He said that garbage is currently being picked up
three times a week in Everglades City, five times a week at the school,
and said that the Transfer Station is considered an essential service,
not a luxury, by the people of Everglldes City. Mr. Turner said that the
people of Everglades City are concerned about the proposed abandonment
of the station in Carnestown, and reminded the Board that all the tax-
payers contribute to the support of the service: Mr. Turner a1 so said
that this Transfer Station has been mandated by State regulatory agencies
pursuant to pro~ ler:; in the area "elated to solid waste disposal.
The possibility of solving the problem by giving a key to the
Transfer Station to the driver of the Everglades City garbage truck in
an effort to allow for dumping of waste when the transfer station is
closed, was discussed. Mr. Barksdale reminded the Commissioners that
the recon~endation is for eliminating the facility altogether, not closing
it part of the time. He added that Everglades City truc.ks will have to
cdrry their waste into the Naples landfill because the t~IO containers
proposed for placement at the l.'e1come Center location will not accorrmodate
a sufficient amount of garbage. He said that in order to do this cost
effectively the lease at the Carnestown site would have to be cancelled.
He also said he does not favor the reconmendation, and it is offered
reluctantly in response to the request to cut back on the solid waste
budget. He said that the dumpsters will draw rodents and will also
cause problems when they become full.
After a long discussion regarding the prOblems that will occur in
relation to the ones that may be solved, Mr. Barksdale ~aid that he
agrees the public will probably dump trash along rights-of-way, ends of
streets, in vacant lots, etc., if they cannot use the transfer stations
on a regular basis. Therefore, he said he does not consider that, in the
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November 17, 1980
long run, there will be a real ~avings, due to the money that will be
expended in cleaning up areas that become littered. Mr. Barksdale said
that the money for cleaning up the County on an annual basis will out-
weigh the amount saved in the budgct by closing the Marco Island and
Naples Transfer Stations part of the time and eliminating the transfer
station in Carnes town.
Commissioner Archer said that he cannot see the need to approve
this cut in the Public Works budget in view of the many problems that
will be encountered and restated his feelings about the budget having
been cut p~ough already.
Mr. Barksdale stated that Utility Director Berzon has pointed out
to him that the County will ultimately be faced with handl ing the same
amounts of gar~age in a shorter amount of time and~ in the long run, more
money will have to be expended to compact that garbage and transport it
more rapidly to the landfill area which will require overtime payments to
the personnel; thus, it could he more expensive to cut back on the oper-
ations than it would be to keep the same operation schedule that now
exists.
Mr. Ira Fvans, representing Mar~0 Isla~d Taxp(jer~ Association,
spoke in opposition to closing the transfer stations, explaining the
health problems which ~ill result. He further spoke in favor of closely
studying the administration costs of these and other operations within
the County and making cuts in this area instead. He ~uggested making a
10% cut across the board, and "letting the chips fall where they may",
so to speak. He said that, while he has to agree that this is not a
fiscally responsible solution, it would be effective.
WATER ~11\.f!.^Gn~ENT FUN11-..l~.z..oJ..Q.LPROPOsED CUTS: Mr. Barksdale
statecrthat the following are cuts he is recommending that
would result in no loss of services to the public:
1. Consultant to WMAB..............$lO,OOO
2. Enginecl'ing Consul tant fces re
Lely Outfall Canal. .............$15,000
3. Consultant to Golden Gatc Estates
Redcve10pment COIl11littee.........$15,000
BOOK 057 rAGE 15
B08X 057 PACE 16
November 17, 1980
". Consul tant for HJ tel' Management
Board of th~ GGERC (Interim Action
Program design and continuing action
for the overall program.............$12,000
Total* ........:f52,OOO
*County Manilger NonllJn said that this would have to be cut somewhat,
based on funds a1reJdy expended thus far this year. Mr. Barksdale said
that hc concurred.
Mr. Norman said that he agrced with the cuts for consultants, his
fccling being that the professionill stJff av~i1ah1e within the County
Departments can take over these responsibilities.
ROADSIDE MOWING/MAINTENANCE AT AIRPORTS: Proposed cuts in
these two areJS were discussed briefly, and r~r. Norman said
that he believes that what is presently being done in these
areas is not excessive.
Conlnissioner Wenzel stated that he believes that the County
should not continue to fund maintenance at the Immokalee
Airport; that those people who use it. specifically the
farmcrs in the are,1, should maintain it. He also sllggested
that perhaps the County cou1~ simply give the airport to
tile Fcder,11 Government. ~lr. Norman said that this cannot
be done thi s year due to the fact tha t the County is commi tted
to certain lease agreements; however, this could be done in
the fut~re if the Board chooses. Conmissioner Pistor said
that he is in favor of the recol;111ended 20% reduction in mowing
roadsides, and the Irmokalee and Everglades City airports.
COf71rnissioner ',~enze1 said he would aJree to that.
COLLIER COU~TY PU3LIC LIBRARY BUDGET CUT PROPOSALS DISCUSSED
::APITAL It.IPRO'!:':!'ICIT BUDGET: Conmissioner Henzel stated that
he cannots--:2c the justification for the capital improvements
planned for t~e construction of the North Naples branch of
the library. He said that he could see the need for branch
1 ibraries that are located long distances from the Cent:'~l
library, but ~ot for one that is only 10 miles away. He said
that he is voting against this.
Library Director Richard Joder said that he has received a memo-
randum from the County Manager requesting that he make recommendations
as to where his budget could be cut in two areas; those that would
result in a 5% cut. and those that would result in a 15% cut. He said
that he feels that his budget is what he considers a "bare bones" budget
already, and went on to explain the breakdown of the approximately
$1,000,000 budget. He noted that after considering the amount of funds
provided through trusts, and discounting the capital improvements proposed
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November 17, 1980
for the North Naples Branch, his budget represents an increase of 2.2%.
Of this increase, he said he has no control over some $77,262.00 which
represents items under "allocated charges". He did, however, select
some 38 items that could represent the 5% additional cut, and some pro-
posed cuts that would total just under the 15% mark. These cuts are
concentrated within the operation of the Central Library alone, said Mr.
Joder because, if any further cuts are made in the branch libraries,
they would have to be closed.
Mr. Joder said that he concentrated largely on "frills" or items
that are nice to have, but not essential for the 5% cuts. Mr. Joder
said that he had requested in the FY 80-81 budget additional pe:".;onnel.
including one half-time page for Marco Island and one full-time page for
the headquarters to replace the CETA position that had to be relinquished.
He said that, additionally, he requested a Librarian III to staff Central
Services. Mr. Joder exp1ainea his reasons for requesting the Librarian
Ill, includiny the fact that soon he will not be able to function in the
position that he ,."as hired to perform without additional administrative
help. He noted that since he came to the County he and one secretary
have perfonned all administriltive duties of the Central Library and all
of the branches. He said that he is concerned because the County Manager
and he have a differe~ce of cpinions regarding where to make these cuts,
and feels that he (~\r. Norman) has not taken the recomnendations in
order of priority. He said that he is very opposed to the recorrmendation
that, in order to make a cut, Mr. NonDan is suggesting a headquarters'
salaries cut of $23,968. He said that it is his position that, because
his budget is already only a 2.2% increase over last year's budget, the
Library should not suffer from any further cuts. He further stated that
he recorrmended the Branch in North Naples due to pressure from North
Naples residents, CO/llnissioner Wimer h,1S recorrmcnded it, as has the
library board, He said that he is not as concerned about the branch as
he is \Vith his operation budget, observing thilt the final decision
rcgarding the branch, rests \Vith the Board.
eOJK 057 r^GE 17
B01~ 057 pm 18
November 17, 1980
Mr. Norman said Uwt lie has made his rcconlncndations, not on the
hasis of what area would Ilr: more acceptable than another for cutting,
but rather as a "long-term cost-control" situation.
Dr. Vernon MacKenzie, ~OO Park Shore Drive. spoke in opposition
to the proposed budget cuts in the Ileal th Department, Environmental
lIealth Services, Naples Bay Monitoring, Watcr Management, Solid Waste,
Parks and Recreation (services for children), Library Personncl and
Operations, and said that the budget was adequately cut already.
Di scussed bri efly wa3 the filct that County r1anager Nonniln noted
fuel prices lI\ay rise above what was recently determined to be the average
price per gallon for FY 80-81, and which could negate any savings be-
lieved to be possible cuts in the Vehicle Maintenance Budget; in fact,
said Mr. r~orman there is a possibility that the original budget is in-
adequate if tile price of fuel rises. Conmissioner Archer said that if
th,lt is the CdS(, t'w use of vehir:les would have to be m:nimiz~d, or,
additional funds would have to come from contingencies.
Futur'e savings by not filling openings in personnel within the
various dc:pai'trr,ents was addi'essed. lk. 11orr.1an supplied the Board with
a list of vacant positions, and noted that a substantial amount of
money has alre<1dy been sav'!d by virtue of the fact that the positions
would all be vacant for ~he first quarter of the FY 80-81 year. Ad-
ditionally. r1r. Nonnan gave figures that could be cut from the budget
(General Fund) if the positions were to remain open.
After a brief discussion regarding other possible areas that could
be cut in the budget, Conmissioner Pistor asked Fiscal Officer Hall to
contact Congressman Bafalis to determine status of the bill that may
cut out Federal Revenue Sharing this year, adding that some $650,000 in
Revenue Sharing is presently budgeted for FY 80-81.
There being no further business for the good of the county the
meeting \~as adjou}'ned by order of the Chair. Time: 12:45 P.M.
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