BCC Minutes 11/07/2017 W (Infrastructure Sales Surtax & Hurricane Irma After-Action) November 7, 2017
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MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP MEETING
Naples, Florida, November 7, 2017
LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Board of County Commissioners in and for the
County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 1:00 PM in a
WORKSHOP SESSION in Building “F” of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida with
the following Members present:
Chairman: Penny Taylor
Vice Chairman: Andy Solis
Donna Fiala
Burt L. Saunders
William L. McDaniel, Jr.
ALSO PRESENT: Leo Ochs, County Manager
Jeff Klatzkow, County Attorney
Troy Miller, TV Operations Manager
Tim Durham, Executive Manager, Corporate Business Operations
Geoff Willig, Operations Analyst
Nick Casalanguida, Deputy County Manager
Mark Isackson, Corporate Financial & Management Services Division
Len Price, Department Head, Administrative Services
Dr. George Yilmez, Department Head, Public Utilities
Thaddeus Cohen, Department Head, Growth Management
Dan Summers, Director, Bureau of Emergency Services
Steve Carnell, Department Head, Public Services
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
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WORKSHOP AGENDA
INFRASTRUCTURE SALES SURTAX WORKSHOP
HURRICANE IRMA AFTER ACTION WORKSHOP
Board of County Commission Chambers
Collier County Government Center
3299 Tamiami Trail East,3rd Floor
Naples,FL 34112
November 07,2017
9:00 AM
Commissioner Penny Taylor,District 4-BCC Chair
Commissioner Andy Solis,District 2 -BCC Vice-Chair
Commissioner Donna Fiala,District 1;CRAB Co-Chair
Commissioner Burt Saunders,District 3
Commissioner William L.McDaniel,Jr.,District 5;CRAB Co-Chair
Notice:All persons wishing to speak must turn in a speaker slip.Each speaker will receive no more than three(3)minutes.
Collier County Ordinance No.2003-53 as amended by Ordinance 2004-05 and 2007-24,requires that all lobbyists shall,
before engaging in any lobbying activities(including but not limited to,addressing the Board of County Commissioners),
register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department.
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November 7, 2017
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Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the video recording from
the Collier County Communications and Customer Relations Department or view online.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Taylor called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. Workshop Topics
J. Dudley Goodlette and Dan Lavender of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce were present for
the item.
A. Infrastructure Sales Surtax Workshop
1. Memorandum Alternative Funding Review (Infrastructure Sales Tax)
Mr. Ochs reported a Memo dated November 1, 2017 – “Subject: Alternative Tax Funding Review
(Infrastructure Sales Tax)” was provided to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) outlining
the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce’s proposal for the County to impose an Infrastructure
Sales Tax.
2. Sales Surtax Presentation Final
Mr. Goodlette and Mr. Lavander presented the PowerPoint “Alternative Funding Presentation”
which outlines the Chamber’s proposal for the Board of County Commissioners to consider an
Infrastructure Sales Tax. It provided an overview highlighting:
The Chamber established a Steering Committee to partner with the Community Foundation
of Collier County to conduct surveys and focus group studies.
The results of the focus group showed the participants favored infrastructure
improvements, affordable housing while acquisition of environmentally sensitive land was
supported but not a priority.
Other findings included workforce housing is needed for working professionals, first
responders, etc. and support for development of technical training facilities and a mental
health facility.
Florida Statute 212.055 allows for a surcharge on sales tax to address these community
needs.
A one percent increase in the sales tax, if approved by the voters, would generate
approximately $70M for the County and help address the funding shortfalls for
infrastructure, workforce training, land acquisitions and other needs.
The revenue would be a dedicated source and sunset over a prescribed period of time when
the targeted dollar amount has been reached.
The revenue would be shared with the Cities in the County.
3. Collier County Project List
Mr. Casalanguida provided the “Alternative Funding Potential Project List” which outlined
various County projects, which could be funded with the 7 years of additional tax revenue. He
noted:
The projects which include Transportation, Stormwater, Public Services, Sheriff’s
Office/Jail Program and Capital Projects and Miscellaneous needs such as the purchase of
environmentally sensitive lands, beach resiliency, workforce training center, etc.
The projects have a shortfall of funding in the amount of approximately $7.32M.
Mr. Isackson provided a report on revenue noting:
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The County relies heavily on Ad Valorem tax revenue (72%) to fund the General Fund and
does utilize non Valorem taxes such as the gas tax, etc.
Additional options in addition to the Infrastructure Sales Tax are a stormwater utility fee.
He provided an overview of the funding options including:
Infrastructure Sales Tax
61 of 67 Florida Counties utilize the revenue stream
It may be used for the construction of infrastructure, public recreation facilities, the
purchase of conservation land, etc.
The limit on the tax which may be imposed is ½ to 1 percent and food or medicine is not
subject to the tax.
The tax is limited to the first $5,000 of a purchase and the duration would be determined by
the voters and would sunset after an established financial goal has been reached.
The funds cannot be used for operations and maintenance activities.
It would assist the County in diversifying revenue streams reducing reliance on property
tax, especially during real estate down turns.
The funds from the Infrastructure Sales Tax collected during the term may be encumbered
for future use.
Stormwater Utility Fee
The revenues would be a funding source for stormwater related projects, controlled by the
Board of County Commissioners and be bondable.
The funds may be used for operations and maintenance of stormwater related services.
4. Florida County Local Discretionary Sales Surtax Rates
Staff provided the “2017 Local Discretionary Sales Surtax Rates in Florida's Counties” which
outlined the tax rates and other information by County in Florida.
5. Florida County Franchise Fee Collection
Staff provided the “Reported County Franchise Fee Revenues by Fee Category Local Fiscal Year
Ended September 30, 2015” which outlined the 2015 revenue collected by the various Florida
Counties. They noted:
A County Franchise Fee is another means to diversify revenue streams and would be a
permanent source of funds controlled by the BCC.
The most common fee is for electrical usage and could generate $3.5 – $22.5M annually.
The funds may be used for capital project or operations and maintenance and Lee County
utilizes the source and collected $19M in 2015.
Those who do not pay property taxes, non-profits, etc. would be subject to the fee.
6. F.S. 212.055
Staff provided a copy of Florida Statute 212.055 for the record, the Section regulates the Tax on
Sales, Use and Other Transactions.
Break: 10:04 a.m.
Reconvened: 10:16 a.m.
Speakers
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Phil Brougham, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended consideration be given
to increasing the funding for Parks and Recreation capital facilities maintenance and operation.
Many items need to be addressed with limited resources available to meet the needs of the
Division. Consideration should be given to establishing new funding sources to address the
County’s future needs.
Dr. Allen Weiss, Naples Community Hospital noted the County has a great reputation outside
of the region and expressed concern on the lack of affordable housing which deters qualified
professional individuals from locating in the area.
Garret Richter supports an Infrastructure Sales Tax and the funding priorities for the County
should include affordable housing, mental health treatment and workforce development.
Jennifer Trammell supports developing a diversified funding sources including the
Infrastructure Sales Tax as issues that need to be addressed include affordable workforce housing
as the area will be subject to a talent drain given young professionals will not be able to find
suitable housing in the area.
Scott Burgess, David Lawrence Center supports diversifying the County’s funding options to
expand the opportunities for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Janet Vasey noted an Infrastructure Sales Tax may not be necessary if a detailed analysis of
existing funding is undertaken. She noted the Conservation Collier Program and swale
maintenance included in the County’s list could be removed and bonding of the approximate
$350M is a viable option to address funding needs.
Alan Horton, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Committee expressed
concern on the labor shortage in the County.
Raymond Christman supports re-initiating land acquisition under the Conservation Collier
program given the public support for the program.
Bonnie Michaels, League of Women Voters supports options for diversifying funding but
recommends the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands (Conservation Collier) be addressed
under a separate referendum and questioned how the focus group was selected given its findings
that conservation lands are not a priority to the residents.
Nicole Johnson, Conservancy of Southwest Florida recommends excluding Conservation
Collier from the funding options and replace it with funding for the Watershed Management plan
projects.
Ellen Goetz, Vote Conservation 2002, 2006 recommended the purchase of environmentally
sensitive lands be a priority, however leave Conservation Collier as a stand alone program.
Nancy Payton, Florida Wildlife Federation noted the “green” voters are the County largest
block of voters and supports the proposal but recommended Conservation Collier remain
separate.
Brad Cornell, Audubon of the Western Everglades recommended Conservation Collier be a
stand alone program and the County should focus on beach resiliency, flood protection, storm
surge, wildfire prevention and flow way restoration projects.
John Passidomo noted the need to invest in human capital such as the construction of a
workforce training center.
Eileen Keesler, Community Foundation of Naples noted they funded the focus group surveys
which determined infrastructure is of great concern to the public.
Hector Sanchez, Loos, Jr. Company noted they hire local employees and the area is in need of
workforce housing and a more skilled labor force.
Dr. Joseph Doyle noted the tax is a favorable idea, however regressive in nature. He expressed
concern potential purchasers of automobiles may seek a County without the additional tax. The
tax should be imposed on the “2nd” five thousand dollars of the purchase, as opposed to the first.
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H. Michael Mogil favors the implementation of the tax and recommended if necessary, mobile
generator vehicles be employed to provide emergency power to sewer pump stations.
Kevin Rambosk, Collier County Sheriff noted mental health issues are growing concern and
given the large percentage of inmates with these issues. Workforce housing is a critical issue as
many of his employees travel from 30 – 60 miles each way to their work assignment.
Mr. Ochs provided the “Sales Tax Referendum Timeline (Draft)” queried if the BCC has any
interest in Staff continuing to pursue the Infrastructure Sales Tax option as proposed by the
Chamber of Commerce.
The following was noted during BCC discussions:
Rick Asnani, Cornerstone Solutions addressed the BCC noting he worked with the Chamber of
Commerce to develop the focus group surveys and the participants were selected by a random
sample of age, race, income, etc. Registered voters were the target of the survey.
Commissioner McDaniel favored moving forward with the proposal, establishing a longer
timeline with possible bondable options, incorporating a reduction in Ad Valorem taxes and
including the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands (Conservation Collier) into the
program.
Commissioner Fiala favored moving forward removing Conservation Collier from the list of
projects.
Commissioners Solis recommended moving forward incorporating Conservation Collier.
Chairman Taylor concern on incorporating Conservation Collier and combining a conservation
message with an infrastructure message in a referendum to the voters. She favored moving
forward without Conservation Collier not included in the program.
Commissioner Saunders favored moving forward with Conservation Collier included noting if
the referendum fails in 2018, the Conservation Collier referendum slated for 2020 could move
ahead as a stand alone item. Added emphasis on addressing mental health issues.
Mr. Ochs reported staff will continue to investigate the option and return the item to the BCC
for review including options to modify the list of items that would be included in the program.
Break: 12:09 p.m.
Reconvened: 1:09 p.m.
B. Hurricane Irma after Action Workshop
1. Collier County Hurricane Irma After Action Findings Final PPT v7a.lgp (007)
Mr. Summers presented the PowerPoint “After Action Findings – Hurricane Irma Response –
September 6 – 16, 2017” for information purposes. He noted:
The report is confined to Collier County’s efforts and Staff will be meeting with officials
from other organizations such as the City of Naples and Marco Island to review the
response to the storm for any changes that may need to be made.
The report includes an analysis of the coordination of response actions and issues
experienced during the storm event.
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The report has been developed to identify both the strengths and challenges experienced
during the response to the storm. Although much of the response was adequate, the critical
findings for shortfalls included:
Public information was difficult to disseminate, as communication was lost with the
public post landfall of the storm.
857 County and 400 + private sewer pump stations were subject to power outages
causing of issues such as the need to shutdown water service and concern over
sewer backups into buildings.
Fuel shortages not only impacted the public but the County employee’s ability to
respond to the emergency needs of the public.
Some assisted living facilities did not have sufficient backup power capabilities.
The County has developed recommendations to address the shortfalls which include:
Identify and create procedures and pre-scripted messages to support alternative public
information messaging and the use of other devices (AM/FM-NOAA) when web-based
and television mediums are not available.
Identify multiple fuel vendors with contract penalty clause to prevent future vendor
shortages.
Identify all County assets that can be used for fuel storage and distribution (i.e.,
department fuel trucks, portable tanks for pickup trucks).
Work with non-County owned critical facilities to identify generator status, facility
functions supported by generators, and maintenance plan. Such efforts may be by
ordinance or State regulation.
Prioritize a list of critical facilities to receive portable generator support in a disaster for
fixed or temporary needs.
Perform a shelter needs assessment for future incidents, including a new triage system
to address the demand for critical care or special needs evacuees.
Work with neighboring counties on regional shelter planning efforts to leverage and
share resources.
Provide regular training for all County staff on coordination processes.
Identify additional response staffing procedures and resources (e.g., mutual aid) to
supplement existing structure for long activation periods.
The recommendations also include a series of regulatory and operational endeavors
including:
Pursuing legislative or regulatory requirements for licensed health care facilities
to expand on site generator capabilities and siting to ensure damage from wind
and flood is minimized.
Improving shelter opportunities given the deficit experienced during the storm.
Strengthen emergency generator requirements for commercial fuel stations.
Propose requirements for permanent generator backup for private lift stations.
Through legislative considerations, improve the availability of critical nursing
staff and patient management.
Expanding the capability of year round surge capacities for County fuel.
Seek partnerships with the school district to expand the capability of emergency
generator and enhanced hurricane standards.
Conduct an assessment for the provision of backup power to County sewer lift
stations.
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Continue to build depth in the team servicing the Emergency Management
Division Operations center.
Seek opportunities, where appropriate, for post disaster mitigation grant
funding.
During discussions the following was noted:
The County is in the process of implementing a system provided by Everbridge to improve
communications issues.
The major debris cleanup is anticipated to be completed by Christmas, 2017.
The County should review their temporary housing program to determine if any avenues
are available to lessen the reliance on a Federal government response.
It may be beneficial to incentive measures for existing gas stations to provide generators, or
become generator ready.
Consideration may want to be given to establishing programs to convert to underground
power distribution; however those in the industry have previously expressed concern on the
endeavor given the potential for saltwater intrusion and the length of time and resources
involved in repairing underground lines.
2. Collier County Hurricane Irma AAR Final Draft V5
Mr. Summers provided a copy of the report “Collier County Hurricane Irma Response After
Action Report” dated October 31, 2017 and prepared by Hagerty Consulting, Inc. for the record. It
is the detailed report prepared regarding the Hurricane event and the County’s pre and post storm
response.
Speakers
Judy Palay expressed concern the County was not prepared for the aftermath of the storm
including addressing electrical failures and loss of water service.
Judy Hushon recommended coordination be developed with Florida Power and Light to identify
the areas of priority for power restoration and seek means to improve coordination with media
outlets after the storm.
Pam Brown reported on the recovery efforts in Immokalee noting they appreciated the effort by
first responders. Communication was a major issue and recommended investigating the use of
“Katrina cottages” for temporary housing – Mr. Summers noted another endeavor of the County
will be to re-establish public/private partnerships for response to emergencies in the area.
Dr. Joseph Doyle noted Commissioner Solis’s email blasts were of great help to those in the
community.
Gary McAlpin, Director, Coastal Zone Management provided a report on storm damage to the
County beaches noting:
Two purchase orders were executed immediately after the storm for emergency beach
cleanup and a survey to assess the damage to the beaches.
Representatives from agencies such as FEMA, the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, etc. toured the beaches after the storm.
The beaches lost an average of 40 feet of width, the dunes and dune vegetation suffered
major damage, however they were successful in protecting upland structures from losses.
Investigation is still underway to determine any FEMA funding for repairing the beaches
which may be available however one issue potentially hampering funding eligibility is the
sand appeared to remain in the system.
November 7, 2017
The following was noted during concluding discussions:
• The County will be conducting year round training activities for emergency events.
• FEMA no longer supplies ice during these type events and congressional delegations
should be contacted to determine any measures which may be taken to re-enact the activity.
• If the County will be supplying ice during these events, a plan should be implemented to
address the activity.
• Facilities requiring fuel should be prioritized so a plan may be put in place to address the
issue (David Lawrence Center, etc.).
• "Container"housing may be an option for any temporary housing program.
• It may be beneficial to develop central charging stations for personal electronic devices,
including any avenues available for solar powering the facilities.
3. Public Comment
None
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of
the chair at 3:22 P.M.
COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Chairman, P y Taylor dr
ATTEST:
Dwight E. Brock, Clerk
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Pest as to Chairman's
<pature only.
These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on 1 1 a-' (-4— as presented or as
amended
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