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2013-03-11 MinutesBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES March 11, 2013 Supervisors in Attendance: Ms. Dorothy A. Jaeckle, Chairman Mr. Stephen A. Elswick, Vice Chrm Mr. Arthur S. Warren Mr. Daniel A. Gecker Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier County Administrator Staff in Attendance: Dr. Sheryl Bailey, Dep. County Administrator, Management Services Ms. Janice Blakley, Clerk to the Board Ms. Debbie Burcham, Exec. Dir., Community Services Board Mr. Allan Carmody, Dir., Budget and Management Mr. Barry Condrey, Chief Information Officer Mr. Jonathan Davis, Dir., Real Estate Assessments Mr. William Dupler, Dep. County Administrator, Community Development Colonel Thierry Dupuis, Police Department Mr. Robert Eanes, Asst. to the County Administrator Mr. Michael Golden, Dir., Parks and Recreation Mr. Donald Kappel, Dir., Public Affairs Mr. Rob Key, Director, General Services Mr. Michael Likins, Coop. Extension Director Mr. R. John McCracken, Dir., Transportation Mr. Jeffrey L. Mincks, County Attorney Sheriff Dennis Proffitt, Sheriff's Department Chief Edward L. Senter, Fire Department Ms. Sarah Snead, Dep. County Administrator, Human Services Mr. Richard Troshak, Dir., Emer. Comm. Center Mr. Mike Westfall, Dir., Internal Audit Ms. Jaeckle called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 13-115 03/11/13 1. WORK SESSIONS 1.A. PROPOSED FY2014 BUDGET l.A.l. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET Mr. Stegmaier expressed his appreciation to the Board for their support in providing guidance and setting forth the priorities for the plan, and more importantly for taking bold steps years ago that positioned Chesterfield for the successes realized over the recent years: strong economic development results, having the ability to continue delivering quality services, and maintaining an overall high quality of life in spite of the challenges. He stated moving forward, because of the Board's actions, the county is in a position to advance some of the Board's key initiatives in the proposal; doing so will be done in a very measured manner, fully cognizant of the challenges in the years ahead. He further stated steps taken in the plan will further advance the county's position of being recognized as a leader in government, a position all levels of government can look to emulate, a position that understands how, and does, get government right by acting responsibly. He stated the product of the Board's direction, coupled with the county's employees carrying out that mission, truly demonstrates something to be proud of. He stated the Board can be tremendously proud of providing a great product at the lowest cost, proud of providing a First Choice community for those who live, work and play in Chesterfield County. Mr. Carmody presented a summary of the County Administrator's proposed FY2014 financial plan. He stated the local response to the Great Recession has paved the way for recent successes. He further stated the county has taken a long perspective and not the wait and see approach. He stated the Board of Supervisors had laid out a multi-year vision for the county and had instituted an early and aggressive approach. He noted there were nearly $70 million in spending reductions, with more than 600 positions eliminated collectively between county and schools. He reviewed the FY2014 financial plan highlights which included economic fundamentals firming, though a long way to go; charting a cautious path forward with the budget up 1.9 percent, less than FY2013; available resources concentrated on established, community priorities; and no net position growth from the current level. In regards to schools, he stated the county continues to bolster resource levels for local education. He noted the increased support for schools is the largest beneficiary from FY2014 growth; the general fund transfer was up $3.9 million; this included a 2 percent merit effective January 1, 2014, for eligible employees and 4 percent to offset mandatory VRS contributions by employees; no classroom impacts; and the Pilot Program to improve school grounds maintenance. He then reviewed the focus on public safety, with progress on longstanding initiatives. He noted the increased starting salaries for officers, firefighters, deputies, and 911 officers; the full restoration of officer funding reductions, plus resources for four additional police officers; increased funding for fire apparatus maintenance; and funds for the fire equipment grant, leverages $1 million in outside resources. He stated there are numerous enhancements to front-line programs and services, with J J J 13-116 03/11/13 additional resources for library materials; sports tourism venue enhancements and plans for new events; expanded support for transportation services; and reimbursable, start-up costs for an intermediate care facility. He further stated these advances in a weak revenue environment have been extremely arduous on a dedicated workforce. He stated there is an ongoing commitment to streamlining support areas and shifting resources to front-line services. He noted General Services has eliminated 37 positions since FY2008, including 7 positions in FY2014 - 4 of which will become officer positions. He stated the county has not forgotten about economic realities still facing many residents in the community, noting the economy is improving, but many households are still struggling to make ends meet. He reviewed some challenges going forward, stating the county approach will be put to the test in coming years with a wave of mandates building from lack of state and federal discipline - Affordable Care Act (ACA), various clean water initiatives; and teacher VRS obligations, among others. He summarized the presentation by stating there are some hopeful signs on the economic front, yet the county is preceding very cautiously; FY2014 is a continuation of recent momentum; there are notable gains on longstanding goals; there is an awareness of taxpayer realities and a continued pursuit of efficiencies; and challenges continue to brew. In closing, he reviewed the upcoming local budget calendar. In response to Ms. Jaeckle's question regarding the Pilot Program for school maintenance, Mr. Carmody stated a second Sheriff's workforce remains a possibility. 1.A.2. POLICE DEPARTMENT Colonel Dupuis provided an overview of the changes in the Police Department's budget from FY2013. He reviewed organizational accomplishments of the Police Department; selected crime trends; Police activities and calls for service and assists; and crime rates. He then reviewed organizational accomplishments of Animal Control and the Emergency Communications Center. He stated the FY2014 proposal includes personnel costs for eight patrol officer positions that were part of prior year reductions; personnel and portion of operating costs for four new patrol officer positions; and starting salary increases for patrol officers and emergency communication officers. He noted future challenges, which include employee compensation; county population growth and increased demand for services; technology demands; vehicle traffic and traffic related problems; repair and renovation of the animal shelter facility; maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet increased demands for service; impact of next generation 911; maintaining adequate ECO staffing levels to meet increased demands for service; and replacement of the county's regional public safety radio system and critical communications infrastructure. In response to Mr. Gecker's question relative to shifts in the budget, Colonel Dupuis stated if there are opportunities for increases, the department's first priority would be through career development. In response to Mr. Elswick's question regarding career development positions, Colonel Dupuis stated 133 police officers in FY2014 are eligible for career development advancement once the requirements are met. He further stated 13-117 03/11/13 if those officers continue to meet the requirements, but their salary is not increased until January 1, 2014, the number of officers will be approximately 126. Mr. Gecker noted although the impacts can be mitigated for FY2014, the full impact should be accounted for going forward. In response to Mr. Elswick's questions, Colonel Dupuis stated come January 1St, individuals that have achieved career development advances until that point will receive an increase and those who achieve the advances after the January 1St date will received an increase June 30th. In regards to starting officer pay competitiveness in the region, he stated Chesterfield would be ahead of Richmond but behind Henrico and Hanover. In response to Ms. Jaeckle's question, Colonel Dupuis stated the difference in the contributions to VRS has impacted the discussion to increase officer pay. Mr. Elswick noted there was an overwhelming response in his community meetings that the public remains very complimentary of the county's public safety team. 1.A.3. FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT Chief Senter presented FY2013 budget for Fire reviewed the mission an the department. He the incidents; average ~ incidents; Fire and L achievements of the deb reorganization, which i. command and control of greater focus on risk rE facilitation of improv services functions; and planning efforts. an overview of the changes from the .and Emergency Medical Services. He . vision statements and the focus for z reviewed the number of emergency esponse times; significant Fire _fe Safety activities; and notable ~rtment. He highlighted the focus of .cludes an enhancement of county-wide Fire and EMS operations; promoting a duction initiatives in the community; 'd coordination of core management augmentation of leadership succession In response to Mr. Elswick's question regarding career development positions, Chief Senter stated there are 50 positions projected. 1.A.4. SHERIFF'S OFFICE Sheriff Proffitt presented an overview of the changes from the FY2013 budget. He reviewed the components relative to re- inventing the Sheriff's Office, which include moving beyond a core mission to provide additional services at little or no cost; recognizing and focusing on operational areas growing in importance and complexity; looking outward to identify mutually beneficial partnerships; using technology to supplement manpower and produce efficiencies; non-traditional utilization of human resources; and incarcerating the "bad guys" and provide alternatives for those who make mistakes. He then reviewed the proposed financial activity for FY2014. In response to Mr. Elswick's questions regarding the unit GPS system, Sheriff Proffitt stated the system will be different from the current system used by the Police Department. In J J J 13-118 03/11/13 regards to career development positions, Sheriff Proffitt stated those positions are funded in the proposed FY2014 budget. Mr. Gecker expressed his appreciation to Mr. Carmody and other departments for their informative presentations. He stressed the importance of matching increased funding requested by various departments with decreases in other areas. He noted there are a lot of pressures coming forth in FY2015. He commended Budget staff for significant innovation for putting the county in the position it is in today. Mr. Warren expressed his appreciation to all departments for their presentations. He stated public safety is always the most important service which portrays an exceptional desire to serve the public. Ms. Jaeckle also expressed her appreciation to the departments for their informative presentations. 2. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Ms. Jaeckle, seconded by Mr. Warren, the Board adjourned at 7:18 p.m. until March 13, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Ayes: Jaeckle, Elswick, Warren and Gecker. Nays: None. ~~ -~ ~ ~ - ,, r /' J me s~J . L . gma '' r Count-~~dministrator Dorot A. aeckle Chairman 13-119 03/11/13 J J J