CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
SPECIAL SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
August 19, 2003

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Richard Frith, Pam Feagle, Doug Everett

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, Sarah Drawdy,
Rodney Lytle, Glenn Ratliff and Annette Anderson

Mayor Frith called the meeting to order. Councilmember Scott led those attending the meeting in
prayer. Mayor Frith led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The secretary then called
the roll.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Mr. Alexander was not present for roll call vote but arrived at the meeting at 5:03 p. m.

Before beginning discussion of the budget, staff discussed several other items. Director of Public
Works Barney Johnson told the Council there is an encroachment on city right-of-way and the City
would need to provide an easement to the property owner.

Mr. Johnson told the Council several sinkholes have developed causing the city’s sewer line to cave in.
Mr. Johnson said another sinkhole on Susan Street took the street and sewer line. Mr. Brynes told the
Council the City would probably be getting a letter from the Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) concerning the city’s wastewater flow. Mr. Brynes said the system is rated at 1.25 million gpd
but is currently running at 1.7, which has been caused by high water. Mr. Brynes said DEP would want
to know what the City plans to do about it. Mr. Brynes said part of the plan (and what the City is doing
now) is looking for some of this inflow that exists. Mr. Brynes said this had not been budgeted for but
is being done and a budget adjustment could be done. Mr. Brynes said for the next year $150,000
could be put in the budget to show the City’s good faith effort to DEP that the City is doing something
and trying to resolve this problem. When asked by Councilmember Everett if the City could use
restricted sewer reserves to repair the problems, Mr. Brynes answered yes and said the monies would
be reimbursed by the (spray field) grant. Mr. Brynes suggested taking approximately $150,000 out of
the sewer sales tax. Mr. Brynes said the Council would need to budget an amount in the budget for
this. Mr. Brynes told the Council an infiltration and inflow study might have to be done.
Councilmember Everett asked if the cost of the study would be included. Mr. Brynes said no. When
Councilmember Feagle asked for a more specific dollar amount, Councilmember Everett said there is
no way to know what would be needed. Mr. Brynes said again this would be done to show a good
faith effort on the City’s part to try and resolve the problem. Councilmember Everett asked if a motion
was needed for this item. Mr. Brynes answered no and said he would put this amount in the budget
and reduce the cost of the spray field amount. It was the consensus of the Council this be done.
Page 2, August 19, 2003, Council Minutes – Special Session

Another item Mr. Brynes discussed with the Council was whether they wanted the City to provide
funding of approximately $700.00 for a float for the annual Florida Forest Festival in October. Mayor
Frith noted the “Mr. and Mrs. Tourist” have sometimes ridden on the City’s float. Councilmember
Feagle said she would rather see the $700.00 used for something other than a float. It was the
consensus of the Council that the City would not have a float for the annual parade.

SUBJECT OF MEETING:

CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF
PERRY.

The Council began discussion of employee raises. Councilmember Feagle said she would like to see
employees receive a three percent raise across the board. Councilmember Everett asked about the
additional cost for employee health insurance this year when the City had to get another carrier. Mr.
Brynes said the Council had opted to pickup any additional cost to the employee. Councilmember
Everett asked if there were any additional out-of-pocket costs on the premium for employees. Director
of Finance Sarah Drawdy answered no and told the Council the deductible increased from $250 to
$500.

Councilmember Feagle commented that the Council gave the police officers and firefighters a certain
amount of increase last year, half of which was given last year and the other half to be given this year.
Councilmember Feagle said it was her recollection the Council committed to doing this last budget
year. City Manager Bill Brynes said the Council did not commit to do this last year and said he had
suggested the Council not make such a commitment. Councilmember Everett agreed saying he doesn’t
think the Council said this had to be done.

Councilmember Feagle asked Fire Chief Rodney Lytle what the increase had meant to the recruitment
of firefighters. Mr. Lytle said he lost two firefighters to better paying jobs. When asked the same,
Chief of Police Wayne Putnal said he probably would be losing three officers for the same reason.
Councilmember Feagle asked how much more these officers would be getting to make them want to
leave. Chief Putnal said one would be getting $5,000 more at another job. Chief Putnal said it was his
understanding there had not been a promise the officers would get the increase again. Chief Putnal
told the Council it is hard to attract employees when they could get more money working at the prison.
Mayor Frith commented this was a concern discussed last year and feels like the City has to do what it
has to do to keep these employees. Chief Putnal said part of the reason he was able to employ two
officers was because the City paid certain costs for college credits, but now that the Council has
eliminated that budget item, he might lose these employees. Councilmember Feagle asked what
degree they were seeking. Chief Putnal said they were seeking a degree in criminology.

Director of Public Works Barney Johnson addressed the Council to tell them police officers and
firefighters are not the only employees with the City. Mr. Johnson told the Council he has employees
Page 3, August 19, 2003, Council Minutes – Special Session

with certain certifications also. Councilmember Feagle commented that those employees do not put
their lives on the line. Mr. Johnson stated they did, specifically mentioning employees in the gas
department and sewer department. Councilmember Feagle commented she wished the Council could
give every employee a huge raise.

Councilmember Scott asked if the three percent across the board Councilmember Feagle suggested
would give the firefighters and police officers what the Council said they would like to give them.
Councilmember Everett answered no and said the Council would need to address the salary increases
for police officers and firefighters and then address increases for all other employees. Mayor Frith
suggested the Council discuss raises for city employees excluding the police officers, firefighters and
water and sewer plant operators at this time. Councilmember Everett commented a three percent raise
would come from cash reserves and the City has approximately $5.1 million. Councilmember Everett
said the unrestricted reserves are there for the taxpayers and you can put this into services provided i. e.
employees providing service to the community. Mr. Brynes told the Council the amount of pay
increases was approximately $125,000 last year. Mayor Frith noted city employees received a 2.5
percent increase last year. Councilmember Everett made a motion that employees, excluding the
police officers and firefighters, be given a five percent increase this year, which would help make up
for past insurance costs. Councilmember Alexander seconded the motion. Councilmember Feagle
commented five percent is more than most organizations give their employees. Mayor Frith called for
discussion before the roll call vote. Councilmember Feagle said this is a unique situation and again
commented she did not know of one organization that gives more than three percent raises to its
employees. Councilmember Everett again spoke of using cash reserves, which he said belongs to the
taxpayers, and give an increase to the employees who provide a service to the community.
Councilmember Everett said, “We’re talking about $125,000 out of $5.1 million” and stated the City
has the resources to give a five percent raise to the employees.

Councilmember Feagle said she is thinking about that $5.1 million and commented if monies are taken
out of this each year and there are no increases in taxes or cost for services, she fears the reserves will
be gone one day. Mayor Frith said when Council discusses that part of the budget, Council can talk
about raising fees to make up for the cost-of-living and inflation. Mayor Frith said (Council) would
have to get realistic about what services cost. Mayor Frith said, hopefully, additional monies would
come into the City’s coffers. Mayor Frith noted there are a lot of things the City is not charging for
right now.

Councilmember Scott said she thinks the Council should look at the capital outlay budget before
deciding how much to give employees. Employee Walter Bishop commented the City has $5.1 million
in reserves and won’t even purchase equipment. Mayor Frith called for a roll call vote on
Page 4, August 19, 2003 Council Minutes – Special Session

Councilmember Everett’s motion to give a five percent pay increase to employees, excluding police
officers and firefighters. The motion had been seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll
call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Mayor Frith said Council would now discuss salary increases for the police officers and firefighters.
Chief Putnal told the Council the goal they were looking for was $28,000. Councilmember Everett
said his goal was to give equal entry level to retain good police officers. Chief Putnal told the Council
Taylor Correctional Institute (TCI) starts officers at $28,000. Ms. Drawdy told the Council a City
police officer’s starting salary is currently $25,438. It was noted that firefighters received $2,800 last
year and the starting salary is $23,784.

Councilmember Feagle said the City’s police officers’ starting salary should be $30,000 per year.
Councilmember Feagle said she would rather the person who protects the citizens make more money
because a higher caliber person is expected to protect. Councilmember Feagle said if the TCI pays
$28,000 a year, the City police officer’s salary should start at $30,000. Councilmember Feagle then
made a motion that a City’s police officer’s starting salary be set at $30,000. Ms. Drawdy told the
Council this would include the police resource officer, truancy officer, detectives and sergeants.
Councilmember Everett seconded the motion and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Councilmembers then discussed salary increases to firefighters. It was noted the starting salary for a
city firefighter was $23,7884. Councilmember Feagle said she thinks the starting salary of a firefighter
should be the same as a police officer at $30,000 and made the motion that city firefighters starting
salary be set at $30,000. Councilmember Alexander seconded the motion and upon roll call vote was
as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Fire Chief Rodney Lytle then informed the Council that with the $30,000 starting salary for firefighters
the firefighters would be making more money than he does. Mayor Frith asked if Councilmember
Feagle wished to amend her motion to include the Fire Chief in the starting salary of $30,000.
Page 5, August 19, 2003, Council Minutes – Special Session

Chief Lytle told the Council he feels that the police lieutenant and Chief of Police should also receive
starting salaries of $30,000. Councilmember Feagle amended her previous motion to also include a
starting salary of $30,000 for the Fire Chief, Police Lieutenant and Chief of Police. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Everett and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Director of Public Works Barney Johnson told the Council last year water and sewer operators (Public
Works) were included in receiving increased salaries, much like the police officers and firefighters.
Mr. Johnson asked what the Council plans to do this year. Ms. Drawdy said the operators’ starting
salary is $21,236 and they were not included in the regular employee salary increase of 2.5 percent.
Ms. Drawdy said the operators had received $2,200 last year.

Councilmember Feagle asked if the operators were certified. Mr. Johnson answered that the operators
require continuing education each year and get certified. Councilmember Feagle said if these
employees are specialized and are hard to retain, the Council might want to give them special
consideration this year and commented that next year no one would get special consideration. Mr.
Johnson said another item the Council might want to consider is that the city’s sewer capacity might be
increased. Mr. Johnson said the plant would then be rated an “A” plant and require the plant to operate
24 hours a day instead of the present 16 hours a day. Councilmember Feagle asked Mr. Johnson what
he thought would be a fair salary. Mr. Johnson answered he didn’t know. Councilmember Everett
suggested $12.00 per hour and asked if this would be competitive with most places. Mr. Johnson
answered it would be pretty close.

Councilmember Everett made a motion to give the water and sewer plant operators $12.00 per hour.
The motion died for lack of a second. Councilmember Feagle suggested $13.00 per hour and made a
motion that the water and sewer plant operators receive $13.00 per hour. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Councilmember Scott then suggested the Council consider giving Council members a 10 percent salary
increase. Mr. Brynes noted salary increases to the City Council would have to be done by ordinance.
Councilmember Everett commented the Council members should serve voluntarily and their salaries
be given to city employees next year. Councilmember Scott said she would like this item put on the
August 26, 2003, regular session Council agenda for the Council to discuss an ordinance for salary
increases for Councilmembers.
Page 6, August 19, 2003 Council Minutes – Special Session

The Council continued budget discussion with capital outlay items:

ADMINISTRATION
Two Computers with CD/RW Drive - $2,000
Councilmember Everett made a motion to accept the city manager’s recommendation of $2,000. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

FINANCIAL SERVICES
Printer - $6,400
Director of Finance Sarah Drawdy told the Council the current printer is used for printing the City’s
checks and has not been working properly for some time. Councilmember Everett commented $6,400
seemed to be expensive for a printer. Other Councilmembers agreed and requested additional
information and pricing before making a decision.

CITY GARAGE
Maintenance Garage - $82,000
Hand Chain Hoist - $500

Mr. Brynes noted the Council had already approved this item.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
Two pursuit vehicles and graphics- $48,500

Councilmember Everett made a motion to approve the city manager’s recommendation of $48,500.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

TRANSPORTATION - $30,800
Self-propelled mowers (4) - $3,900
Weed Eaters (4) - $1,400
Bush Hog Mower (1) - $2,000
Air Compressor (1) - $12,000
Case-saw (1) - $750
Beeper (1) - $250
42 HP Tractor (1) - $10,500
Page 7, August 19, 2003, Council Minutes – Special Session

Councilmember Everett made a motion to approve the city manager’s recommendation of $30,800.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

RECREATION
Computer - $849
Mr. Brynes discussed other items pertaining to the Recreation budget. Mr. Brynes told the Council
five-row galvanized bleachers for Loughridge Park would cost $1,544 each or the City could purchase
the frames and put wood on the bleachers for $1,000. Councilmembers agreed on the galvanized
bleachers. Mr. Brynes said restrooms at Jerkins Park could cost approximately $23,000.

Councilmember Feagle said there are other items she would like to discuss. Councilmembers agreed
to discuss these items at this time:
1. Dorsett Stadium. Councilmember Feagle said she would like the stadium to be pressure-
washed back and front. Director of Recreation Glenn Ratliff said this is being done now.
2. Painting at the stadium. Councilmember Feagle said she would like the handrails, steps and
seats painted.
3. Items stored under the bleachers. Councilmember Feagle said individuals had expressed
concern about stuff being stored under the bleachers.
4. P.A. System. Councilmember Feagle asked who is responsible for the system. Mr. Ratliff said
the City currently is responsible. Mr. Brynes told the Council this is one of the areas the
Council should consider in that the City is supporting the school system. Councilmember Scott
said she doesn’t see why it should be the City’s responsibility.
Mr. Brynes told the Council the City receives $5,000 per year from the school for costs related to the
Dorsett Stadium and football field. Mr. Brynes commented there is no incentive for the lights to be
turned off after games because the City pays the electric bill. Mr. Ratliff reiterated that the lights are
often left on after games, as well as the air-conditioners. Councilmember Feagle asked what might be
a solution. Mr. Brynes and Mr. Ratliff suggested making the school pay for it. Mayor Frith asked
about the lease between the City and the School. Mr. Brynes said the lease had expired. Mr. Ratliff
told the Council the City only uses the stadium/field approximately 12 times a year, whereas the school
uses it for all types of activities. Mr. Ratliff suggested it would be better to give the stadium to the
school and the City pay $100 per event it uses the stadium. Mr. Ratliff said some other things the City
does is to mark the fields, clean up, painting, and other maintenance. Mr. Ratliff said the (football)
Booster Club does maintain the playing field.
Page 8, August 19, 2003, Council Minutes-special Session

Mr. Brynes said it would be up to the Council to make the Dorsett Stadium the school’s responsibility.
Mr. Billy Pillow, member of the Booster Club, was present and Councilmember Feagle asked if he had
any comments. Mr. Pillow told the Council it cost approximately $6,000 to keep up the playing
surface and noted there is a lot of activity on the field.

Councilmember Everett commented he doesn’t want the (City) to lose sight that the school system
serves the City of Perry (children). Councilmember Feagle commented visitors could perceive the
state of Dorsett Stadium as a reflection upon the City. Councilmember Feagle suggested the Council
could discuss this item later and consider the possibility of increasing the lease amount if the Council
agrees to continue with a lease agreement. Councilmembers agreed to discuss this item later.

Mr. Brynes said another item for discussion is a request for restrooms at Jerkins Park at a cost of
approximately $23,000. Councilmember Everett commented he would not be in favor of spending this
money for restrooms at the park. Councilmember Feagle made a motion to approve Recreation capital
outlay costs of $26,937 (computer, two sets of galvanized bleachers and construction of restrooms at
Jerkins Park). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

WATER UTILITY
On-call pager - $250
Toolbox - $350
Councilmember Scott made a motion to accept the city manager’s recommendation of $600. The
motion was seconded was Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

GAS
Beeper and Charger - $300

Councilmember Everett made a motion to accept the city manager’s recommendation of $300. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X
Page 9, August 19, 2003, Council Minutes – Special Session

SEWER
Benchtop PH Meter - $850
Electric Hoist - $2,000
Beeper - $300

Councilmember Everett made a motion to accept the city manager’s recommendation of $3,150. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

GARBAGE-SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

Rear-Loader Garbage Truck

Councilmember Feagle asked the maintenance costs of the current vehicle compared to the cost of a
new truck. Mr. Johnson said in the last two years $12,493 had been spent on maintenance and he
expects there would be about $16,000 spent next year.

Mr. Brynes told the Council the company (Waste Pro) the City contracts with for commercial refuse
collection would like to give the Council a proposal for pickup of residential garbage in the City.
Councilmember Feagle said she has requested that the Council review the current garbage pickup
ordinance primarily for containers being left out on the streets after pickup and would like to see
pickup from residents’ yards (rather than curbside.) Mayor Frith commented if the City doesn’t
contract with Waste Pro he would look to “possibly give Barney his (garbage) truck..” Mr. Brynes told
the Council there is no funding for a garbage truck. The Council spoke briefly of the possibility of
using cash reserves for the purchase. It was the consensus of the Council that Waste Pro be asked to
present their proposal to the Council for residential pickup of garbage.

AGENDA ITEM (10)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 6:35 p. m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard D. Frith, Mayor

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date