City Commission Workshop Meeting

• :- ~ "a'-"'•, .,t. , , MINUTES APPROVED:8/19/2021 ~ •• ..,= ~ City Commission Workshop 4:00 PM - Monday, June 28, 2021 - Community Building 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 P.M. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE PRESENT: Commissioner Nan Cobb, Commissioner Willie Hawkins, Vice Mayor Emily Lee, Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Michael Holland 1. WORKSHOP ITEM WITH COMMISSION DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION 1.1 Budget Workshop Ron Neibert, City Manager, acknowledged the contributions of Mike Sheppard, Finance Director, and Nellie Harnisch, Deputy Finance Director, in preparing the budget. He provided an overview of the City's revenues and revenue sources. He provided a breakdown of the distribution of expenditures noting that public safety is the largest at 44%. He explained that the General Fund is funded by the ad valorem taxes and provided an overview of the proposed General Fund summary for FY2022 with a beginning Fund Balance of $8,800,000; Total Revenues and Balances of $28,000,000, Total Expenditures of $18,800,000 and an ending Fund Balance or Surplus of $364,000. He noted that is more than what was estimated for the current year which was $180,000. He stated that due to some slight increases in revenues and some modifications in fund transfers they were able provide a little higher Fund Balance. He cited the mandatory Operating Reserve of $4,300,000 with an Available Fund Balance of $4,800,000 and a Total Ending Fund Balance of $9,200,000. Mr. Neibert then reported they are estimating Ad Valorem Revenue of approximately $9,000,000 based on the mid-June taxable value provided by the Property Appraiser and a 7.581 millage rate which is the same rate over the past five years. He also reported that just before the meeting staff received the final taxable value numbers which indicates that the ad valorem revenue would be approximately $80,000 higher resulting in a surplus of $444,000. Mr. Neibert reviewed the anticipated revenues from other General Fund revenues including franchise fees, utility taxes, licenses & permits, intergovernmental revenues including sales tax, charges for services, fines & forfeitures, miscellaneous revenues and fund transfers. He noted the increase in the transfer from the Water & Sewer Fund from $1.8 million to $2,000,000. He explained this is based on an indirect cost analysis and stated an estimated total revenues of $19.8 million. Commissioner Cobb questioned the amount of issues with false alarm calls with Fire Chief Mike Swanson explaining that if there are more than a certain number of false alarms then they get penalized and will usually fix the problem. She Eustis City Commission Page 1 of 13 June 28, 2021  questioned the need for the penalties with Mr. Neibert explaining that the offenders don't resolve the issue if the City doesn't levy fines. Chief Swanson and Police Chief Craig Capri explained that they look to see if there are mitigating circumstances before levying any fine . Commissioner Hawkins asked about how they estimate cemetery lot sales with Mr. Neibert explaining they just have to estimate. Discussion was held regarding the amount the City loses on the cemetery annually and how that could be addressed . Discussion was held regarding when the City's cemetery fees were last increased. Mayor Holland asked staff to send a copy of the cemetery fees to all of the Commissioners. Discussion was held regarding whether or not the City could possibly sell the cemetery and the need to make improvements to the cemetery prior to raising the fees . Rick Gierok, Public Works Director, confirmed the Cemetery is on reclaimed water. He commented on improvements they will be making to the irrigation system. He also explained they are working on re-staffing the cemetery due to the long-term staff retiring and trying to get the cemetery information into a digital system. He noted the age of the hard copy records. Mr. Neibert then reviewed the General Fund summary of expenditures by department and noted changes between current and draft budget. He explained the fund transfers and stated that the CRA ad valorem taxes come into the General Fund and then are transferred into the CRA Fund. Mike Sheppard , Finance Director, explained they also have to make up funds in the Street Improvement Fund due to how low the gas tax revenues have been. Mr. Neibert explained that, due to the change in the street tax formula a number of years ago, the City is losing funds due to the other cities growing faster. In order to maintain the City's road and street maintenance program, the City will have to transfer $795,000 from the General Fund to the Street Maintenance Fund. Commissioner Cobb questioned the legalities of the transfers with Mr. Neibert explaining there are no restrictions on the General Fund monies and funds are only going into the Street Maintenance and Stormwater Funds. He indicated that those funds can on ly be used for those purposes so no money comes out of those funds , only into them . Mr. Neibert said there are only three funds that monies are transferred into the General Fund and those are the CRA Fund, the Building Fund and Water & Sewer Fund. He explained that is because there are General Fund employees performing tasks for those funds . Commissioner Cobb asked about the Contingency Fund with Mr. Neibert explaining what it is used for and that all funds in that fund come from the General Eustis City Commission Page 2 of 13 June 28, 2021  Fund and with Mr. Sheppard explaining that $30,000 is included in the Contingency Fund for the organizational grants. Vice Mayor Lee asked what consists of projects under General Fund with Mr. Neibert indicating there are no projects budgeted for the next fiscal year and Mr. Sheppard explaining the current year monies are from the CARES Act funds . 1.2 Individual Department Reviews City Commission Mr. Neibert reviewed the proposed Commission budget and explained what is included in each line item . Discussion was held regarding legal training with Mary Montez, City Clerk, explaining it covers ethics and new commissioner training . Mr. Neibert then continued explaining the individual line items. Discussion was held regarding the Symphony Orchestra line item and it was agreed to remove that item . Commissioner Hawkins asked about the Commission advertisements with Mr. Neibert explaining the City has to advertise whenever more than one Commissioner attends an event. Commissioner Hawkins then asked about the Black Caucus with Vice Mayor Lee explaining that she attends that and it is an organization that includes a number of elected Black officials and Mayors and they discuss various issues. 1.3 City Manager Commissioner Hawkins asked about the various totals on Page 14 with Mr. Neibert explaining they want to look at the far right column showing the requested budget amounts. Commissioner Cobb asked about the transfers with Mr. Sheppard explaining that is a budget transfer with Mr. Neibert explaining his belief that it was transferred to cover a shortage in the legal budget. He further explained those may occur mid- year if a specific line item falls short. Mr. Neibert stated the total City Manager budget is $206,297 with 8.6 FTE employees. He noted that has not changed. He indicated that the City Manager department is made up of four divisions - Administration , City Clerk, Economic Development and Events & Tourism. He reviewed the proposed salary increases and stated he is proposing a 3% increase for all salaries. He explained the purpose is to try and keep the City competitive with the surrounding cities and to gradually increase the City's lowest wage to the pending $15.00 minimum wage. He reviewed the other items included in the City Manager budget. Commissioner Hawkins asked about Commissioned Beyond Borders with Mr. Neibert explaining that when they took over use of the Resource Center, the City agreed to cover the utilities. Commissioner Cobb asked about the City's share of Health Insurance with Mr. Neibert explaining the City pays 100% for single coverage and a portion of family coverage. He also indicated that the City pays for $20,000 of life insurance per Eustis City Commission Page 3 of 13 June 28, 2021  employee . He reviewed the other expenditures by line item including Promotional Activities . He explained the City pays for the liability insurance of the Black Heritage Festival out of that line item . Discussion was held regarding the payment of the liability insurance for the Black Heritage Festival with Mayor Holland confirming that initially it was cheaper for the City to pay for the liability insurance than for them to try and get it for themselves . Discussion was held regarding what are eligible expenses under the Grants prog ram . Discussion was held regarding criteria for receiving Grants and the need to requ ire financial reporting and outcomes. Mr. Neibert clarified that the City does require that they submit financial reporting and information on how the funds were expended . It was a consensus of the Commission to come back to the issue of the Grant funding . Vice Mayor Lee asked about the differi ng COLA figures with Mr. Neibert explaining that the 6% is the City's contribution to the 401 K. City Clerk Mr. Neibert reviewed the detail information for the City Clerk division with Commissioner Hawkins asking about the Travel & Per Diem not being fully expended. Ms. Montez explained about not attending the annual conference and training for the past two years due to Covid-19 and timing of the conference. She indicated it will be needed for the new clerk. Mr. Neibert explained the legal advertising requirements funded under City Clerk. Commissioner Hawkins asked what happens to funds left over in a line item with Mr. Sheppard explaining it rolls into Fund Balance. Mr. Neibert explained about getting rid of the "use it or lose it" mentality so departments are very conscious of their funds . Economic Development Mr. Neibert explained this is on ly the General Fund portion of that budget and does not include the CRA. Tom Carrino, Economic Development Director, explained there are two salaried employees. He noted the new website , funding for website and graphic design, and the new electronic kiosks . Commissioner Cobb asked if See - Click - Fix is included in the budget with Mr. Carrino and Mr. Neibert explain ing that there will be a presentation made to the Commission and , if they then want do it, it would be added to the proposed budget. It would take a budget amendment to implement it now. Eustis City Commission Page 4 of 13 June 28, 2021  Discussion was held regarding Professional and Contractual Services. Commissioner Hawkins asked about the change in funding from year to year with Erin Bailey, Events & Tourism Manager, explaining that was when Events & Tourism was included under Economic Development. Mr. Carrino continued the line item review noting an increase in Promotional Activities. He stated that $75,000 is for holiday decorations and explained how that is broken down and reviewed the additional marketing expenditures. He commented on the cost for distribution of the quarterly newsletter which is printed and inserted into the utility bills. Commissioner Hawkins questioned what all is included in the holiday decorations with Mr. Carrino explaining it covers the downtown trees as well as all of the lighting in Ferran Park. It was noted that City staff also supplements that lighting . Commissioner Hawkins then asked about the Sanford airport advertising with Mr. Carrino explaining the City has an ad on their electronic reader board displays. He commented on the difficulty in quantifying any benefit to the City. Discussion was held regarding stopping that advertising and using the funds locally for advertising. Mr. Carrino indicated there is a contractual obligation but he would check on when that ends. CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission to stop that advertising once the contract ends. Discussion was held regarding the City Commission headshots with Mr. Neibert indicating they are on the website. Discussion was held regarding the holiday lighting costs including the possibility of keeping the icicle lights on year round . Mr. Carrino indicated he would check to see what the cost would be and noted the vendor did agree last year to leave them up through Georgefest. Discussion was held regarding the cost for the Commission head shots with Mr. Carrino indicating he could check on the cost for other vendors. Mr. Carrino continued reviewing the other contractual services expenses and explained what the different expenses are for. Discussion was held regarding the news alerts as to when the City is mentioned in any news articles and the dollar value of that mention. He explained that, if it needs to be addressed by a City department, then it is forwarded to that particular department. Discussion was held regarding whether or not the Police Department still needs the service with Mr. Neibert explaining it is a single contract and he was unsure if it would reduce the cost to eliminate that department. It was agreed to have it funded entirely under Economic Development. Eustis City Commission Page 5 of 13 June 28, 2021  Discussion was held regarding the purchase of promotional items and travel & per diem . The Commission asked about Mr. Carrino's planned travel for the next year with Mr. Carrino explaining that his travel does not come out of that budget but out of the Economic Development Fund . He cited the various conferences/shows that he attends annually. The Commission then asked about marketing costs and where it is funded with Mr. Carrino stating some is budgeted in the Economic Development Fund and some in CRA, depending on what the marketing is for. The Commission asked what is the City's marketing strategy and where is it funded with Mr. Neibert explaining there are different marketing strategies. He cited marketing for development, events and residents . He stated the City doesn't need to market for residents . He indicated it is based on what the target audience is. Commissioner Cobb explained her question noting the RFP for the downtown properties and the City only receiving one offer. She expressed support for sending out information through the various conferences. Mr. Carrino explained that the City mailed out directly to 30 to 40 different developers. He also explained that several years prior the City partnered with the previous owners to advertise the property in various publications. He indicated that the return from the cost of the advertising did not justify the expense. He reviewed some of the advertising the City has done. Commissioner Cobb expressed support for Mr. Carrino doing more in person marketing and less advertising. Mr. Carrino responded there would be more opportunity to do that as things open up post-Covid . Events & Tourism Erin Bailey, Events & Tourism Manager, reviewed her budget by line item and explained what is included in each line item. She cited the following items under other contractual services: bands , special attractions, etc. She indicated they will be requesting a budget adjustment to cover increased expenditures for the bike rally. The Commission asked about holding another bike rally with Ms. Bailey indicating they are planning a fall rally; however, it would be just after the City's VetFest. She explained the increase in expenses for the various First Friday events. The Commission asked about the Gospel Fest with Ms. Bailey explaining there were some funds that rolled forward and they are still working with Pastor Rudy Rolle to re-invent the festival. She indicated that most of the cost for the Festival is offset through additional revenue . Discussion was held regarding how the event was organized and whether or not it was an actual City event with Ms. Bailey stating the total budget for the event was $17,500. She noted the City received $2300 from the County and they were able to raise approximately $11,000 for the event which resulted in a surplus to go toward the next event. Eustis City Commission Page 6 of 13 June 28, 2021  Discussion was held regarding difficulties with the event and finding a new organizer for the event. The Commission asked about the Hispanic Festival and an art district event with Ms. Bailey noting they had previously applied to the Levitt Foundation but were denied for funding but they might be a resource for the Hispanic Festival. She then commented on an event held previously in conjunction with LEMA for an art district event. Discussion was held regarding a previous mid-year request for additional funding for an event with Mr. Neibert explaining that was for a previously unplanned event. He indicated if you have to increase a budget line, you have to do a budget amendment which requires Commission approval. Ms. Bailey then explained that the Hispanic Festival was something proposed by the late Commissioner Carla Gnann-Thompson but fell away due to her passing and Covid-19. The Commission then asked about the cost for Michael Ray's concert with Ms. Bailey indicating it was $27,000 plus $2,000 for travel. Discussion was held regarding the sound system in the park. Mayor Holland questioned whether or not the City was adequately marketing its events. Vice Mayor Lee asked to have more variety in the First Friday entertainment with Ms. Bailey noting a jazz band has been scheduled for August. She indicated staff previously tried to theme each of the events and gear the music to that but the downtown businesses got tired of it. Vice Mayor Lee questioned the overtime with Ms. Bailey noting the part-timers do not get overtime. She holds them to 37 hours. She indicated she and one other employee can get overtime. Discussion was held regarding Thomas McClary and the costs involved. Further discussion was held regarding providing a wider variety of music and the various events. Ms. Bailey continued reviewing the various line items . She commented on the Promotional Activities line item stating that they try to get sponsorships to underwrite the expenses such as a billboard that was sponsored by AdventHealth. She listed the various publications that are used to market the City's events and noted the funding that they get from Lake County for advertising done outside the County. The Commission questioned the high cost for the Busker Festival with Ms. Bailey explaining a portion of it is the advertising and then part of it is the prize money for the buskers. Mr. Neibert noted that, although the budget shows a lot of funding, the events also generate approximately $90,000 per year in grants and sponsorships. Eustis City Commission Page 7 of 13 June 28, 2021  Ms. Bailey noted they are considering increasing the vendor prices for Georgefest. She added the price would stay the same for not-for-profits. Ms. Bailey then commented on the OCC Partners piece which was a large marketing piece combining all of their not-for-profit partners, paid for 50% by Lake County, that was inserted into the Villages Daily Sun, the Triangle News Leader and Umatilla Outpost. She discussed staffs efforts to attract coin shows and other events to the Commun ity Building and Woman's Club and cited a number of grants they will be applying for. Commissioner Cobb asked about the program where they bused Villages residents to downtown with Ms. Bailey explaining the program to introduce Villagers to the downtown restaurants and businesses. The Commission asked about trying to do it for the Busker Festival and Georgefest with Ms. Bailey indicating they had tried it for Georgefest but it didn't work well. She stated they would look at doing it again and for the Busker Festival. The Commission recommended that staff also keep them informed about the amount of funding they are able to bring in . Ms. Bailey cited the costs for software licensing and domain licenses. She then reviewed the Operating Supplies and explained they are working on improving the sound system at the bandshell. She explained that, if they can purchase something for less than renting , they are doing that. The Commission questioned whether or not the $4,000 for the sound system could be budgeted from the CRA Fund. They also discussed increasing the amount budgeted to make sure the sound system is improved . It was confirmed that they could spend the money out of the CRA. RECESS : 6:16 p.m. RECONVENE : 6:28 p.m . 1.4 Finance Department Mr. Sheppard explained Finance is made up of three divisions - Financial Services, Information Technology and Purchasing consisting of 12 employees. He reviewed the line item breakdown for Financial Services. He explained the Accounting & Auditing services line item noting that th is was the first year that the CRA had to have its own separate aud it which increased the cost slightly. He stated the Other Contractual Services includes funding to insure the ADA compliance of required documents. The Commission questioned the Communication Services with Mr. Sheppard explaining the landlines still have long distance charges. He indicated staff could research whether or not all carriers are still charging for long distance. He then reviewed Repair & Maintenance and stated that charges for Edmunds repairs will be shared between other departments . Discussion was held regard ing what is included in the maintenance for Edmunds. Mr. Sheppard then reviewed the balance of the line items noting training that was able to be done via online. Eustis City Commission Page 8 of 13 June 28, 2021  The Commission asked about the costs under Printing & Binding with Mr. Sheppard citing the impact fee study, budget and CAFR. He noted that, where possible, they are trying to send most documents out electronically. Mr. Sheppard then reviewed the Information Technology line items. He explained the increase in salaries is partially due to promoting the longtime IT technician to IT Manager. He stated the Machinery & Equipment expense will be split between IT and Customer Service due to the need to replace an air conditioning unit. He cited the contract with Verteks to assist with IT repairs. He noted that Communication Services includes the telephone expenses. He also cited the costs for Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft products. The Commission asked about the City having protection against ransomware with Mr. Sheppard explaining IT has been proactive with a good firewall and is also training all City personnel to be aware of issues. Mr. Neibert explained that the City does frequent backups so that if someone should try to hold a portion of the City's system hostage they would isolate the infected equipment and then reload the backups. Mr. Sheppard reviewed the Purchasing Division noting the slight increase in salaries. He explained the purpose of the Purchasing division and how they assist the City in keeping costs down . The Commission encouraged staff to try to obtain local vendors with Mr. Sheppard indicating that staff does try; however, the City does not have a preferred local vendor policy. He stated that for many trades there are insufficient local vendors for some types ·of services. The Commission expressed concern regarding making sure one contractor does not get most of the City's work with Mr. Sheppard noting that all bids are published on a specific website . Mr. Neibert indicated the City could contact the Chamber to get a mailing list for bids. It was also suggested that bid lists should be published on the City's Facebook page. Vice Mayor Lee asked to have more detail for items such as misc. operating supplies and employee study expense. Mr. Sheppard explained that certain employees have to maintain certifications and have to obtain certain training annually. He stated that miscellaneous operating supplies incorporates a number of small office supplies. City Attorney Mr. Neibert reviewed the City Attorney budget and stated it is based on the latest contract. He cited the litigation case in the current year that cost additional funds. Eustis City Commission Page 9 of 13 June 28, 2021  Development Services Mr. Neibert then reviewed the Development Services department which includes code enforcement. He noted they have proposed hiring an additional planner to accommodate the larger number of applications being received. He explained that he is proposing the position would be an assistant director. He then reviewed the Planning & Administration division Professional Services. He noted the $2500 for a computer for the new position could be removed as they purchased a number of computers with the CARES funding. Commissioner Hawkins noted on Page 75 the total budget request is $160,000 more than the 2020 Budget with Mr. Neibert indicating he would check into it and let them know what the difference is for. Vice Mayor Lee asked about Other Current Charges with Mr. Sheppard indicating that is how it used to be accounted for. It is a transfer from the Building Fund for fire prevention. 1.5 Human Resources Bill Howe, Human Resources Director, noted they have three fulltime personnel and there has been no change in staffing. He reviewed the various line items and explained that Professional Services includes pre-employment physicals, drivers' license checks, skills testing, labor attorney, and employment verifications. Commissioner Hawkins asked if the Police Department could do the criminal history checks with Mr. Howe explaining they are legally prohibited from doing those so the City has to go to FDLE. Commissioner Hawkins then asked why the City performs the tetanus/hepatitis B vaccinations with Mr. Howe explaining the City is required to offer those; however, most employees don't accept it. He indicated those that do are primarily police and fire employees. Commissioner Cobb asked why the City pays for pre-employment physicals with Mr. Howe responding the City only does the physicals and drug tests on the individual selected. He noted that additional drug tests are done based on certain cases such as in the event of an accident involving an injury or damage to private property. He stated that the only random drug tests are conducted on those individuals with CDL licenses. Commissioner Hawkins asked who administers the Microsoft test with Mr. Howe explaining that is administered by the HR Tech Jamie Tusing. He indicated it costs $15 per test. Mr. Howe then reviewed the Promotional Activities stating that covers the annual employee appreciation barbecue and some of the giveaways. He noted that PRM, the City's health insurance provider, donates $1,000 per year to help offset those costs. Commissioner Hawkins asked about the Crosscultural Communications with Mr. Howe explaining that is a translating service with a per call charge. Mr. Howe further explained the Promotional Activities line item also includes longevity and retirement awards. Eustis City Commission Page 10 of 13 June 28, 2021  Vice Mayor Lee noted the proposed increase in Other Current Charges for employment advertising with Mr. Howe noting that the City posts all openings on Indeed.com. He then cited specific publications that are also used based on the specific positions and commented on the City's efforts to increase diversity. He cited a new state statute that, effective July 1st, will require the City to have a plan for recruiting veterans. The Commission then asked if the City attends job fairs with Mr. Howe noting they did not last year due to Covid but they had attended others and will continue to look for appropriate job fairs. Commissioner Hawkins asked about the improvement in diversity with Mr. Howe responding that the City hired 41 new employees in the last year 21 % were minorities. He commented on the difficulty in hiring due to wage levels. He stated the proposed 3% increase will help. He commented on the number of cities that are automatically increasing their bottom line to $15.00 per hour but that causes compression. Mr. Howe then announced that the City is only going to have a 1.4% increase in its health insurance premiums. He commented on the benefit to the City of being a part of PRM to help reduce costs. 1.6 Police Department Police Chief Craig Capri reviewed the Police Department's budget citing his good experience so far with the City. He cited the slight reduction in their overall budget. The Commission asked about law enforcement directed grants with Chief Capri assuring that the department is actively seeking grants such as the JAG grants. He noted the sharing of resources with Lake County and the other cities. He stated the department's grant administrator is actively pursuing various grants. He noted they are also planning trips to local military bases to recruit. The Commission expressed support for the City having a dedicated grants writer with Chief Capri indicating that the department grant writer's main job is accreditation but he also devotes a large amount of time to grants. Further discussion was held regarding various available grants and their uses. Chief Capri reviewed the various divisions including Administration, Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigation. He noted the most important function of the department is Uniform Patrol. The Commission asked about the Florida Police Chief membership with Mr. Neibert indicating that was in the current fiscal year. Chief Capri indicated that was for Chief Calhoun and explained his current membership was paid by Daytona Beach. He commented on the employee study benefit and other Administration expenses. He then reviewed Criminal Investigation Division. Mr. Neibert stated most of the Capital Projects are funded under Sales Tax monies and won't show up in these line items. Eustis City Commission Page 11 of 13 June 28, 2021  Chief Capri explained his desire to replace the City's K-9 with full service, multi- use dogs, rather than single service dogs as those have limited benefit. He indicated the department is going to send one of their current dogs to tracking school. The Commission asked if the City needs to budget additional funding for equipment for more dogs with Chief Capri responding negatively. He noted they will be getting the dog from a grant and they already have the equipment. The Commission then asked what the funding was under machinery & equipment with Chief Capri indicating that was for new door locks for the department. Chief Capri then reviewed Personal Services under CID with Commissioner Cobb asking about the analyst position and Chief Capri explaining the department does not currently have a fulltime analyst. He further explained the County is working on developing a 24/7 crime center. Commissioner Hawkins asked about the Other Current Charges detail expenses with Chief Capri noting the City's participation in the drug task force. Commissioner Hawkins commented on the possibility of getting some assistance with undercover operations. Vice Mayor Lee asked about "Crewsense" listed under Operating Supplies with Chief Capri explaining that is a personnel scheduling software. Commissioner Cobb asked about the bicycle program with Chief Capri noting that if an officer is bike certified they have the option of taking the bike with them. He indicated they are obtaining an additional three bicycles from a donor and purchasing three more. Chief Capri then reviewed the Communications budget explaining the importance of the division and citing the high cost. He indicated he is looking for grants to replace the portable radios . He explained how use of the portable radios is a safety hazard . He indicated they are also in the process of hiring an eighth fulltime dispatcher. Commissioner Cobb asked if hiring additional dispatchers would reduce the overtime with Chief Capri indicating they are attempting to hire additional people. He cited the stressfulness of the job. Chief Capri then reviewed Support Services line items. Commissioner Hawkins commented on the high electric bill and asked about the use of solar panels with Chief Capri indicating he had never seen a PD with solar panels . Mr. Neibert commented on the high power usage due to the communication equipment probably would not be conducive to solar. He indicated an administrative building would be more conducive to using solar. Commissioner Hawkins asked about the copier and printer leases. Eustis City Commission Page 12 of 13 June 28, 2021  Chief Capri responded that it is something he can look at. He confirmed they are leasing the copiers. He indicated he can compare the cost of leasing the copiers versus purchasing . Chief Swanson noted he had recently had to replace a copier/printer and it was less expensive to lease than to buy due to the ongoing maintenance costs . Mr. Sheppard stated his belief that there was a Citywide contract for Toshiba copiers. Chief Capri indicated he would look at it to see if it can be reduced. Commissioner Hawkins asked about Operating Supplies with Chief Capri responding it is for paper, equipment supplies and similar items. Chief Capri then reviewed the School Crossing Guard division noting there are three part-time crossing guards. He then reviewed the Grants division stating his support for pursuing as many grants as possible. He emphasized that the EPD does a lot with less. Commissioner Cobb questioned the use of the Byrne JAG Grant with Chief Capri responding it covers crime operations primarily. He commented on the great job being done by Rich Cerniglio for his work on accreditation and grants. Mr. Sheppard explained that there is nothing showing under grants for the next fiscal year due to the possibility of applying but not receiving a grant. If a grant is awarded , then they will bring a budget amendment to the Commission for approval. Mr. Neibert then indicated the budget needs to be pretty well finalized before the July 15th meeting as that is when they need to set the tentative millage rate . Discussion was held regarding the date for the next budget workshop. CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission to hold the next workshop on July 6th at 4 p.m. 2. ADJOURNMENT: 8:01 P.M. These minutes reflect the actions taken and portions of the discussion during the meeting. To review the entire discussion concerning any agenda item, go to www.eustis.org and click on the video for the meeting in question. A DVD of the entire meeting or CD of the entire audio recording or verbatim transcript of the meeting can be obtained from the office of the City Clerk for a fee. MICHAEL L. HOLLAND City Clerk Mayor/Commissioner Eustis City Commission Page 13 of 13 June 28, 2021