Minutes 07-18-17 BW - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD ON JULY 18, 2017, AT 10:00 A.M., AT THE BOYNTON BEACH LIBRARY, PROGRAM ROOM, 208 S. SEACREST BOULEVARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Steven B. Grant, Mayor Justin Katz, Vice Mayor Christina Romelus, Commissioner Mack McCray, Commissioner Joe Casello, Commissioner, (arrived 10.45 a.m.) Chair Grant called the workshop to order at 10:08 a.m. Lori LaVerriere, City Manager James Cherof, City Attorney Judith A. Pyle, City Clerk Lori LaVerriere, City Manager, recapped the workshop held on July 17th and advised the Commissioners reviewed the General Fund and the larger departments. She asked if the Board was satisfied with what was presented. Mayor Grant thought the City should market the Mae Volen service as he noted there was $100,000 budgeted. He was aware it was a transport service provided to residents and residents were upset about the Shopper Hopper. He thought more information about the Mae Volen Center, what it is and how residents can use it, would be beneficial. Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director, explained the Mae Volen Center provides transportation to the Senior Center and other points of interest popular with the seniors such as shopping centers. The bulk of the service is basically free to senior patrons that participate in the Senior Center Food Program. If the patron contacts the Volen Center the day before, they will provide free door to door service to the Senior Center and back home. Any other route would cost $3 each way. It is very economical compared to alternative transportation and the service has been ongoing for four to five years. The City had a prior transportation service, but it was a lot more expensive due to staff and maintenance expenses. He receives very positive feedback and the Volen Center has been very reliable and responsive to the City's needs. Commissioner McCray commented he visits the Senior Center every day and he hears complaints about the Mae Volen buses not always being timely. UTILITY FUND: Colin Groff, Assistant City Manager, advised last year the City finished a five-year series of rate increases, and none were proposed for the next five to 15 years; however, it is important to ensure the treatment plants do not get to the point where the system is unsustainable or have enough funds to operate. Clean water is important as is sewerage. Staff will provide options in August.