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2011-03-07 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES March 7, 2011 Supervisors in Attendance: Mr. Arthur S. Warren, Chairman Ms. Dorothy A. Jaeckle, Vice Chrm Mr. James M. Holland Ms. Marleen K. Durfee Mr. Daniel A. Gecker Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier County Administrator Staff in Attendance: Dr. Sheryl Bailey, Dep. County Administrator, Management Services Ms. Liz Bernhard, Dir., Victim Witness Assistance Program Ms. Janice Blakley, Clerk to the Board Ms. Patsy Brown, Dir., Accounting Mr. Kevin Bruny, Chief Learning Officer Ms. Debbie Burcham, Exec. Dir., Community Services Board Mr. Allan Carmody, Dir., Budget and Management Mr. William Dupler, Interim Dep. Co. Administrator, Community Development Colonel Thierry Dupuis, Police Department Mr. Robert Eanes, Asst. to the County Administrator Mr. Donald Kappel, Dir., Public Affairs Mr. Rob Key, Director, General Services Mr. Louis Lassiter, Asst. County Administrator Mr. Mike Mabe, Director, Libraries Mr. Jeffrey L. Mincks, County Attorney Sheriff Dennis Proffitt, Sheriff's Department Chief Edward L. Senter, Fire Department Ms. Marsha Sharp, Dir., Social Services Ms. Sarah Snead, Dep. County Administrator, Human Services Mr. Mike Westfall, Int. Dir., Internal Audit Mr. Scott Zaremba, Dir., Human Resource Programs Mr. Warren called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 11-128 1. INVOCATION Dr. Larry Tingle, Chesterfield Police Chaplain, gave the invocation. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Colonel Thierry Dupuis, Chief of Police, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Mr. Dupler updated the Board relative to last night's thunderstorm, structural damage and storm related incidents. In response to Mr. Warren's questions, Mr. Dupler stated Emergency Operations were available. He further stated there is no current information regarding damage coverage by insurance. Mr. Holland stated it is fortunate there was no loss of life or serious injury as a result of the severe weather. Ms. Jaeckle stated the storm created some problems along roadways in the Bermuda District. Mr. Warren expressed appreciation to the Fire Department and personnel for such a rapid response. He noted there is a strong sense of leadership in public safety in Chesterfield. 3. WORK SESSIONS 3.A. PROPOSED FY2011 BUDGET 3.A.1. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET Mr. Stegmaier expressed appreciation to Board of Supervisors members and all of the staff members who have assisted with the development of the proposed budget. He stated Chesterfield has successfully weathered the economic downturn. He further stated the plan embodies the proud tradition of our county. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Carmody and staff for their hard work trying to find ways to minimize the impact of the continued downturn. He also recognized those members on the Budget and Audit Committee and the School Board Liaison Committee who have contributed to the proposed budget plan. Mr. Carmody presented a summary of the County Administrator's proposed FY2012 financial plan. He stated the county has successfully weathered the downturn. He further stated the county has a much leaner operation, producing the same quality results and this plan makes notable progress on Board priorities. He announced the total general fund reduction since FY2009 is $48.3 million; change in non-public safety staffing since FY2009 is -7.6 percent; and declines in local public safety and education funding in FY11 is 0.0 percent to -1.1 percent. He reviewed the continued tradition of fiscal discipline, noting the FY2011 budget is in line with FY1996 levels on an inflation adjusted, per capita basis; Chesterfield was reaffirmed as triple AAA credit; and MGT of America rates Schools as 99.3 percent efficient. He stated J J J 11-129 the quality of life is at an all time high due to recent budgets crafted to limit impact on citizens. He noted the focus remains on longstanding community priorities; available resources are dedicated to public safety, education, and efforts to promote ongoing stability; sensitivity to economic realities facing the community; flat revenue, increased costs; and continued pursuit of efficiencies. He announced the general fund budget is proposed at $703,868,300; an increase of only 0.4 percent and total staffing levels essentially are unchanged from FY2011 (-1) He stated the FY2012 budget includes funding for Police career development milestones from FY10 and FY11 (benefits 350 sworn personnel), resources for four additional officers, and operating funds for the Public Safety Training Center. He noted there is continued focus on fire apparatus replacement. He stated Chesterfield student achievement and graduation rates are at an all time high and percentage of local taxes pledged to schools remains unchanged at 65 percent. He stated the county is dedicated to ongoing fiscal stability, long range planning, engaged citizen groups, and economic development/tourism. He provided a breakdown of proposed recalibration of financial policies. He reviewed resources reallocated to accommodate priorities stating $6.6 million in expenditure reductions is needed to cover increasing costs and program enhancements. He stated the FY2012 budget includes funding equal to two percent of general fund salaries. He further stated how and when those funds are disbursed has yet to be determined. He noted the multi-year forecast still looks for very measured growth. He stated budget deliberations produce generally favorable outcomes for localities. In closing, he reviewed the upcoming budget process milestones. In response to Mr. Gecker's question, Mr. Carmody stated stabilizing school funding needs more dialogue moving forward. He further stated there is still some work to be done. In response to Mr. Holland's question, Mr. Carmody stated the school funding percentage has not declined. Mr. Holland stated rewards and benefits to county employees who have created savings are greatly deserved. Ms. Durfee stated various committees help to elaborate on details regarding funding for state revenues as we move forward. She expressed appreciation to Mr. Carmody, the Leadership Team and to staff for their approach relative to weathering revenue shortfalls. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Mr. Carmody presented an overview of the FY2012 budget for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Fund. He stated the proposed plan is embedded in the FY2012 budget based on actual funding in FY2011. He noted recent signals suggest federal funding is likely to be reduced. He stated the proposal concentrates on Public Facilities and Economic Development. 11-130 3.A.2. POLICE DEPARTMENT Colonel Dupuis provided an overview of the changes in the Police Department's budget from FY2011. He reviewed organizational accomplishments of the Police Department; selected incidents trends; and calls for service. He then reviewed the financial activity for FY2010 and proposed financial activity for FY2011 and FY2012 for the Police Department. He noted areas of concern as economic conditions improve which include police officer compensation; maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet demands for service; and continued proactive enforcement efforts. He reviewed additional funding requests for FY2012, including a fully funded sworn salary plan; reinstating prior year reductions; and making two positions available for Emergency Communication Officers. He reviewed the organizational accomplishments of Animal Control. He then reviewed the financial activity for FY2010 and proposed financial activity for FY2011 and FY2012 for Animal Control. In closing, he noted Animal Control areas of concern include elimination of an Animal Control officer position and minimum staffing at the shelter. Mr. Holland commended Colonel Dupuis and the Police Department on their outstanding accomplishments. Mr. Warren commended Colonel Dupuis and the Police Department on a strong work ethic and noteworthy accomplishments. He stated the statistics are incredibly impressive. Ms. Jaeckle noted that Colonel Dupuis provided great leadership through the recessionary period. In response to Ms. Durfee's question, Colonel Dupuis stated enforcement and flexibility contributes to the decline in alcohol-related automobile crashes. He further stated targeting specific areas also plays a factor. Mr. Warren stated Colonel Dupuis' passion is very important to the public. 3.A.3. FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT Chief Senter presented an overview of the changes from the FY2011 budget for Fire and Emergency Medical Services. He reviewed the mission and vision statements and the focus for the department. He then reviewed the number of emergency incidents; average response times; Fire and Life Safety activities; and accomplishments for the department. He reviewed the timeline for on-going fire apparatus replacement needs and the fire apparatus purchase history. He then reviewed the FY2011 budget process and targets for the department. He presented a summary of additional funding requests, which include increased funding for historically under-funded and unfunded line-items; reinstatement of reduced and eliminated training programs; reinstatement of reduced and eliminated public education programs; reinstatement of reduced and eliminated fire and life safety inspection programs; reinstatement of eliminated civilian positions; additional funding for equipment maintenance and replacement; implementation of a career development program; J J J 11-131 and reinstatement of public education programs focused directly on the community. He reviewed ongoing challenges, which include maintaining competitive salaries; facility maintenance and upkeep; proposed stations; and increased staffing. Ms. Durfee commended Chief Senter on an excellent and informative presentation. She expressed concerns relative to growth in urban areas and current response times. In response to Ms. Durfee's question, Chief Senter stated old and outdated facilities may not be in the center of the current response districts. He further stated the challenge is maintaining a footprint that we have currently before expanding can take place. Ms. Durfee stated working closely with the Comprehensive Plan is important. She expressed appreciation to Chief Senter and personnel for their achievements. Mr. Holland commended Chief Senter on his presentation addressing concerns relative to apparatus and road improvements. In response to Mr. Holland's question, Chief Senter stated there are approximately 133 volunteer firefighters and about 250 volunteer Rescue Squad members. He further stated a complete audit of volunteers is currently being conducted. In response to Ms. Jaeckle's question regarding the Harrowgate fire station, Chief Senter stated 6-8 months is the adequate time needed to hire and train personnel before opening a station. Mr. Warren commended Chief Senter on his leadership. 3.A.4. SHERIFF'S OFFICE Sheriff Proffitt presented an overview of the changes from the FY2011 budget. He reviewed the key strategies used to address the funding shortfall, which include implementing innovative programs to further the department vision, mission, goals and objectives; looking beyond economic difficulties; focusing on technological initiatives; continuing to solicit ideas for cost savings and operational improvement; and assisting with absorbing state reductions. He then reviewed proactive initiatives, which include the Animal Control workforce; technology; the BRIDGE Program; and VINE. Ms. Durfee commended Sheriff Proffitt on his innovativeness and proactive initiatives. Mr. Warren congratulated Sheriff Proffitt for his leadership. He expressed appreciation for the department's public trust gained by the citizens. Mr. Holland commended Sheriff Proffitt for his efforts in working with the Chief of Police. 4. ADJOURNMENT 11-132 On motion of Ms. Durfee, seconded by Mr. Holland, the Board adjourned at 7:50 p.m. to Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room. Ayes: Warren, Jaeckle, Holland, Durfee and Gecker. Nays: None. J r ,~ Arthur S. Warren Chairman J J 11-133