TAMPA CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022
BUDGET WORKSHOP
9:00 A.M.



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CAPTIONING WHICH SHOULD NEITHER BE RELIED UPON FOR COMPLETE
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09:01:12AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
WELCOME TO THIS BUDGET WORKSHOP WE HAVE HELD
TODAY.
MY NAME IS JOSEPH CITRO, AND I'M CHAIR OF THIS MEETING.
IF WE CAN ALL PLEASE RISE FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOLLOWED
BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
[MOMENT OF SILENCE]
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
[PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE]
THANK YOU, PLEASE BE SEATED.
ROLL CALL.
09:01:56AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
HERE.
09:01:59AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
HERE.
09:02:02AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
HERE.
09:02:03AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
I'M HERE.
09:02:05AM >>CLERK:
WE HAVE A QUORUM.
09:02:07AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN CARLSON WILL NOT BE JOINING US,
AND I AM SURE THAT COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK AND COUNCILMAN VIERA
WILL BE HERE SHORTLY.
CHIEF BENNETT, WOULD YOU LIKE TO -- WE ARE GOING TO GO HERE
FIRST.
THEN I AM GOING TO GO TO MR. MASSEY AND THEN TO PUBLIC
COMMENT.
CHIEF BENNETT, GIVE US A GUIDELINE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING.
09:02:31AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL.
JOHN BENNETT, CHIEF OF STAFF.
FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COUNCIL FOR
ACCOMMODATING THIS BUDGET WORKSHOP.
MY MEMORY SERVES ME WELL THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE
GONE THIS, TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY AND ADMINISTRATION
OPPORTUNITY TO GO THROUGH THE PRESENTATION THAT WE TALKED
ABOUT SEVERAL WEEKS AGO.
AT THE COUNCIL'S PLEASURE, AFTER WE RECEIVED ONE-ON-ONE
BRIEFINGS OVER THE LAST WEEK, WE SENT IN A MEMO YESTERDAY
WITH A RECOMMENDED AGENDA TO MAKE USE OF THE TWO-HOUR TIME.
THE COUNCIL'S PLEASURE, WE OFFERED AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT
INTRODUCTION, OF COURSE, THE RECOMMENDED AGENDA, WHICH IS
WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT NOW.
CHIEF ROGERO WILL GIVE A RECAP OR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
PRESENTATION FROM A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, AND HE WOULD TALK
ABOUT THE OPEN GOV PLATFORM AND HOW THAT TRAINS PUBLIC
OPPORTUNITY AND THE CLERK FOR THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
FOLLOWING THAT, SPECIFICALLY A HOUSING PRESENTATION BECAUSE
WE KNOW THAT IS ALL TOP ON MIND FOLLOWED BY COUNCIL'S
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AROUND HOUSING.
AND LASTLY, WE WOULD OPEN UP THE ENTIRE BUDGET WITH ALL OF
STAFF BEHIND ME TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT COUNCIL MAY
HAVE IN ANY CATEGORY OF THE BUDGET.
SO IF THAT IS COUNCIL'S PLEASURE, THAT THE AGENDA WE OFFER
TO MAKE THE BEST OF THESE TWO HOURS AND OUR RECOMMENDATION.
09:03:56AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
09:03:58AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
MOTION.
09:04:01AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
SECONDED BY MIRANDA.
ALL IN FAVOR.
OPPOSED.
MR. MASSEY.
09:04:11AM >>MORRIS MASSEY:
A SPECIAL CALLED TAMPA CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATED THIRD
FLOOR, 315 E. KENNEDY BOULEVARD IN TAMPA, FLORIDA, ON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 AT 9 A.M.
THE PUBLIC IS ABLE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING IN PERSON OR
REVIEW IT BY CABLE TELEVISION ON SPECTRUM CHANNEL 640 OR
FRONTIER CHANNEL 15 OR BY THE INTERNET
VIA WWW.TAMPA.GOV/LIVESTREAM.
THE PUBLIC IS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE EITHER HERE IN PERSON IN
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OR BY WAY OF COMMUNICATION MEDIA
TECHNOLOGY, CMT.
USE OF CMT PROVIDES PREREGISTRATION TO THE CITY'S CLERK
OFFICE.
AND DIRECTIONS ARE LOCATED ON THE AGENDA.
AND PUBLIC COMMENT IS LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON.
THE CITY'S 2023 BUDGET IS THE SOLE ITEM IN THIS WORKSHOP.
PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE ENTERTAINED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
MEETING AND NOT LATER UNLESS COUNCIL DETERMINES TO WAIVE ITS
RULES.
BUT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ONLY GIVEN ONE OPPORTUNITY
TO MAKE PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR
2023 OF THE CITY OF TAMPA.
CAN I HAVE A MOTION TO WAIVE CITY COUNCIL'S RULES TO ALLOW
PUBLIC COMMENT BY CMT?
09:05:31AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
A MOTION BY COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GUDES.
ALL IN FAVOR?
ANY OPPOSED?
OKAY.
LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK AND
COUNCILMAN VIERA ARE ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.
AT THIS TIME, WE WILL TAKE ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO
THIS BUDGET WORKSHOP.
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS THAT
WISHES TO MAKE A PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS BUDGET WORKSHOP?
SEEING NONE, I BELIEVE WE HAVE ONE ONLINE.
09:06:10AM >> GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
09:06:14AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
YES.
09:06:16AM >> GOOD MORNING, STEPHANIE POYNOR, A CITIZEN OF THE CITY OF
TAMPA AND A MEMBER OF THE BUDGET COMMITTEE.
I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT LAST YEAR, WE PROPOSED AS
THE BUDGET COMMITTEE THAT YOU -- THAT THE COUNCIL RECEIVE A
RAISE THAT WOULD BE MORE IN LINE WITH WHAT OTHER CITIES OF
OUR SIZE ARE RECEIVING.
I READ MR. PREGO'S ARTICLE IN THE "TAMPA BAY TIMES."
I WOULD LIKE TO ADD A FEW FACTS THAT WEREN'T INCLUDED.
PLEASE EXCUSE MY NUMBERS FROM THE BUDGET FROM LAST YEAR
BECAUSE I ONLY READ THE FIRST 100 PAGES OF THIS YEAR'S
BUDGET, AND I WILL UPDATE THESE NUMBERS LATER AND SEND THEM
TO YOU.
ELEVEN OTHER MUNICIPALITIES AVERAGE SALARY FOR THE SAME
POSITIONS THAT YOU HAVE IS $72,000 A YEAR.
NO, WE ARE NOT OTHER CITIES.
BUT WE WANT REPRESENTATION THAT IS NOT INDEPENDENTLY
WEALTHY.
WE WANT REPRESENTATIONS THAT CAN PAY THEIR MORTGAGES WHILE
THEY ARE SIT ON OUR COUNCIL.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU, THE CURRENT COUNCIL, THIS IS ABOUT
THE FUTURE OF THE REPRESENTATION OF OUR CITY.
CURRENTLY, IF YOUR SALARY FOR CITY COUNCIL WERE THE ONLY
SOURCE OF INCOME FOR YOU, YOU ARE AT 80% OF AMI FOR A
TWO-PERSON FAMILY.
LAST YEAR, IT WAS FOR A THREE-PERSON FAMILY YOU WERE AT
100%.
SO YOU GOT LESS BARGAINING POWER WITH THE FUNDS THAT YOU
HAVE THIS YEAR THAN YOU HAD LAST YEAR.
I DON'T WANT TO GET INTO THE NITTY GRITTY OF EVERYBODY'S
PAYCHECK WHO APPEARS BEFORE CITY COUNCIL.
LOOK AROUND THE ROOM IN FRONT OF YOU, COUNCIL PEOPLE.
MOST OF THOSE FOLKS ARE MAKING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE THAN
DOUBLE YOUR SALARY.
THE MAYOR'S SALARY IS $175,000 A YEAR.
CUT THAT IN HALF, THAT IS $87,000 PER YEAR, IF SHE WERE
PART-TIME.
BUT THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW FACEBOOK, YOU WILL SEE THAT MOST
OF THE FOLKS ON CITY COUNCIL ARE OUT EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
WORKING FOR THE CITIZENS RIGHT ALONG WITH THE MAYOR.
SO TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION.
I TOOK THE TOP FIVE SALERIES FOR FIRE, POLICE, PARKS
AND REC, REVENUE AND FINANCE, THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, CHIEF OF
STAFF, DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND
INFRASTRUCTURE AND MOBILITY.
THIS IS FROM THE YEAR 2022.
NOT EVEN FOR THIS YEAR.
AVERAGE FOR DEPARTMENTS WAS $150,000.
CUT IT IN HALF, $75,000.
I AM NOT A FAN OF OVERPAYING SERVICES.
I AM CHEAP.
ALL MY FRIENDS WILL TELL ME HOW CHEAP I AM.
I WATCH THE BUDGET.
I WATCH EXPENDITURES.
I WATCH OUR TAX DOLLARS WHERE THEY GO.
BUT WE ARE INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE.
WE ARE TALKING OF AN EXPENDITURE OF $151,000 OVERALL FOR THE
CITY BUDGET.
I CAN'T EVEN CALCULATE THAT.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE INSPECTION LOOK LIKE, BUT YOU WOULD
HAVE TO CUT A PENNY INTO LITTLE BITTY PIECES, HUNDRED OR
MORE PIECES IN ORDER TO SHOW THE WE WILL ADVANTAGES OF THIS
INCREASE IN THE BUDGET.
THE ARTICLE MADE A BIG DEAL.
BUT WHAT IS A BIGGER DEAL OF HOW SMALL A PART OF THIS BUDGET
IT IS AND THE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS THAT WE SPEND ON CITY
SERVICES TO STUDY THIS OR STUDY THAT, I THINK THIS IS
INVESTMENT FOR OUR FUTURE.
PLEASE, COUNCIL, DO NOT MAKE THIS ABOUT YOU.
MAKE THIS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.
09:09:37AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
THANK YOU.
IS THERE ANYONE ELSE ONLINE?
THANK YOU.
AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT THAT
SOME OF THE PEOPLE MAY HAVE SEEN IN PRINT, AND I QUOTE, WHAT
IT SAYS IS CITRO SAID VOTERS SHOULD HAVE THE CHANCE TO VOTE
COUNCILMEMBERS OFF IF THEY DO NOT LIKE THE PAY RAISE.
THAT IS NOT THE STATEMENT OR A PARAPHRASE.
THE STATEMENT I SAID IS, I WAS ELECTED TO A CERTAIN PAY
SCALE WITH AN INCREASE OF COST OF LIVING PER YEAR.
THAT WAS A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT I HAD WITH THE VOTERS.
I WOULD PREFER TO WAIT UNTIL MAY 1 AFTER I AM REELECTED TO
ENTER INTO A DIFFERENT PAY SCALE I WILL BE VOTED IN FOR.
HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE VOTERS WANTING TO VOTE IN OR OUT
OF OFFICE.
THANK YOU.
09:10:35AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
I HOPE THEY ARE STILL IN ORDER.
CAN I HAVE THE ELMO.
DENNIS ROGERO, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.
HERE WE ARE.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE THIS MORNING.
OF COURSE, AS THE CHIEF OF STAFF SAID, I WILL PROVIDE YOU A
VERY BRIEF RECAP OF SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS.
TO REFRESH EVERYONE'S MEMORIES, NEARLY $9.9 MILLION FOR NEXT
YEAR.
JUST UNDER A 4% INCREASE, PARDON ME, COMPARED TO THE CURRENT
YEAR.
THAT 4% IS DUE TO, AGAIN, ALL OF THE GREAT THINGS WE ARE
DOING.
INCREASING STAFFING, WHICH, OF COURSE, WE HEAR FROM
DIFFERENT STAFF MEMBERS.
AND INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHARE THAT WITH COUNCIL AS THE
PROPERTY TAX GOES UP, SO IS THAT PIECE THAT GOES TO THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREAS.
ADDITIONAL POLICE, FIRE AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT.
HIGHER FUEL COSTS.
WE MENTIONED THAT AND WILL MENTION THAT AGAIN.
I AM ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR VEHICLES.
FISCAL 2023 MAINTAINS THAT IN OUR VEHICLES INCLUDING PUBLIC
SAFETY THAT WE ARE TRYING TO CATCH UP ON ALL THE WAY BACK
FROM THE GREAT RECESSION, OVER $30 MILLION.
CONTINUED FUNDING OF OUR WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS.
THE PIPES PROGRAM.
EXPANSION OF THE SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
AND YOU WILL SEE MORE OF THAT IN THE FUTURE AS WE DISCUSSED.
FACILITIES PROJECTS.
INCREASED FUNDING FOR PARKS AND RECREATION.
AND, OF COURSE, THE NEGOTIATED PAY INCREASES AND THE
CONTRACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENT.
I WILL NOTE HERE ONE OF THE WAYS WE FUNDED ALL OF THE THINGS
WE FUNDED BECAUSE WE HAVE A LOT OF NEEDS WAS DEFERRAL OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER.
IF YOU LOOKED THROUGH THE BUDGET AND YOU COMPLETE LOOKING
THROUGH THE BUDGET, YOU WILL NOTICE IT IS NOT IN THERE.
YOU MAY RECALL, THAT WAS GOING TO BE $100, $150 MILLION
PROJECT.
WE ARE SAVING MILLIONS IN GENERAL FUND DEBT SERVICE BY
DEFERRING THAT PROJECT.
OF COURSE, THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THE NEED FOR US TO LOCATE
TAMPA POLICE HEADQUARTERS SOME PLACE.
IT IS A VERY OLD BUILDING AND WE HAVE SOME DIFFICULTIES WITH
IT AS YOU KNOW.
BUT WE HAVE DEFERRED THAT IN ORDER TO FUND SOME OTHER
THINGS.
AND, AGAIN, THIS IS A BREAKOUT OF THE MAJOR FUNDS AS IS
TYPICAL.
GENERAL FUND AND THE ENTERPRISE FUNDS ARE THREE QUARTERS OF
THE ENTIRE BUDGET, $1.866 BILLION.
PUT THIS BREAKOUT THAT WE SEE.
THE TWO MAJOR FUNDS THAT WE CONCENTRATE ON BECAUSE THEY ARE
SUCH A LARGE -- OR SUCH LARGE COMPONENTS OF THE BUDGET.
AGAIN ON THE LEFT, THE GENERAL FUND, POLICE AND FIRE IN
THEIR ENTIRETY.
PARKS AND RECREATION.
TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER, NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
AND MUCH OF OUR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OPERATIONS.
AND TO THE RIGHT, AGAIN, THE ENTERPRISE FUNDS.
THOSE DEPARTMENTS RUN LIKE A BUSINESS.
I SAID THAT BEFORE.
THEY GOT TO MAINTAIN LIQUIDITY.
THEY GOT TO MAINTAIN WHAT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE A
PROFIT.
AND THEY ARE DOING THAT.
AND THEY ARE DOING THAT VERY WELL.
WATER, WASTEWATER, SOLID WASTE AND PARKING ARE THE PRIMARY
ONES.
A QUICK REVIEW OF THE SALARY ADJUSTMENTS.
EXCUSE ME.
QUICK REVIEW OF THE SALARY ADJUSTMENTS.
THE OVERWHELMING EMPLOYEES RECEIVING 5.6% IN FISCAL YEAR
'23.
YOU SEE THE EXCEPTIONS, 6% FOR MANAGERS.
3% FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THE MAYOR IS STILL DECIDING ON
THE DIRECTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
AGAIN, A VERY, VERY STRONG COMPENSATION PACKAGE IN OUR
OPINION, EMPHASIZING THE REWARDING OF VALUABLE EMPLOYEES
THAT WE ALREADY HAVE AND THE RECRUITING OF OTHER VALUABLE
EMPLOYEES IN THIS ENVIRONMENT.
AGAIN, COUNCIL, SOMETHING YOU HAVE SEEN BEFORE AND YOU WILL
SEE AGAIN.
VERY, VERY IMPORTANT TO US.
THE ASSIGNED FUND BALANCE.
WE STRESS THIS FREQUENTLY BECAUSE IT IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT
METRIC OF OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH.
YOU SEE WHAT I WOULD DESCRIBE AS A VERY NICE, STABLE FUND
BALANCE AS WE REVERT TO OUR HISTORICAL OF 23% TO 24% OF OUR
GENERAL FUND.
GETTING OVER THAT HUMP YOU SEE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FEDERAL
STIMULUS -- THE COVID FEDERAL STIMULUS THAT INFLATED FROM A
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OUR FUND BALANCE.
BROAD LEE, THIS IS A NICE STABLE PICTURE 23, 24% WELL IN
EXCESS, AGAIN, AS WE TYPICALLY DRIVE TO BE OF OUR POLICY OF
20%.
THE RATING AGENCIES HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO US EXCEEDING
-- EXCEEDING OUR POLICY BECAUSE THE POLICY IS MORE OF A
FLOOR.
NOT SOMETHING WE SHOOT FOR.
WE SHOOT MUCH HIGHER THAN THAT.
AND YOU HEARD ME SAYS IT PAID OFF.
WHICH ALLOWING ME TO SEGUE INTO OUR CREDIT RATINGS.
AGAIN, A BRIEF REMINDER.
WE TALKED ABOUT IT BEFORE.
I AM CONFIDENT WE WILL TALK ABOUT IT AGAIN.
YOU AND THE PUBLIC EXPECT NOTHING LESS.
SAVING A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY ON DEBT SERVICE AND, AGAIN,
REALLY CONTINUING OUR REPUTATION AS A FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE
AND WELL MANAGED ORGANIZATION AND BRINGING IT BACK HOME.
THE ALMOST $1.9 BILLION, AGAIN.
ALL THE CHALLENGES WE TALKED ABOUT.
THEY ARE STILL THIS.
AND WHAT YOU SEE HERE.
THE SLIDES I SHARED WITH YOU.
THE PRESENTATION WE HAD ON AUGUST 4 REFLECT A VERY STABLE
FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT MEETING THESE CHALLENGES AND THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
THIS IS A FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET, BUT WE FORECAST FAR AHEAD
OF US TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY.
OF COURSE, YOU READ THE NEWS WHETHER IT IS IN PAPER FORM OR
INTERNET FORM.
A GREAT DEAL OF UNCERTAINTY OUT THERE BUT WE HAVE THE BEST
AND THE BRIGHTEST WORKING ON IT AND LOOKING AHEAD.
VERY NICE BALANCED BUDGET.
I WANT TO REMIND COUNCIL AND THE VIEWERS OF THE NEXT STEPS.
THE CITIZENS ADVISORY BUDGET FINANCIAL COMMITTEE WILL BE
MEETING NEXT FRIDAY.
THIS IS THEIR INAUGURAL MEETING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR '23
BUDGET AND THE TWO PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED IN EARLY AND
RELATIVELY LATE SEPTEMBER.
AS THE CHIEF MENTIONED ONCE AGAIN, THIS BUDGET HAS BEEN
PROVIDED ON THE OPEN GOV PLATFORM.
AS I MENTIONED BEFORE WE ARE OFFERING -- AND HAVE CONTINUED
-- OFFERED AND CONTINUE TO OFFER TRAINING OPPORTUNITY.
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN PART BUT GONE ABOVE AND
BEYOND WHAT WE HAVE DONE BY PRINTING OUT HARD COPY EVERY
SINGLE LINE ITEM OF EVERY DEPARTMENT CONTAINED OF THE
OPEN GOV PLATFORM.
WE HAD IT ABOUT A YEAR.
EVERYBODY IS ACCLIMATED TO THE PLATFORM.
IT IS TRANSPARENT BUT TAKES TIME AND TRAINING TO GET 100%
OUT OF IT AND FOR A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST PRESENTED ALL
THAT INFORMATION OUT.
IT IS VERY THICK.
A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION.
PROBABLY THE MOST TRANSPARENT I HAVE SEEN SINCE I GOT HERE
IN 2009 WHEN WE WENT FROM A LINE ITEM BUDGET TO A MORE
PERFORMANCE BASED BUDGET.
A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION.
AS I SAID BEFORE THE 49th LARGEST CITY IN AMERICA.
IT IS COMPLEX.
IT IS EXPANSIVE.
PLEASE HELP US GUIDE YOU THROUGH THERE.
PLAY IN THE OPEN GOV PLATFORM.
BUT WE WANT TO MAKE IT KNOWN THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR BEST
REGARDLESS OF THE FORMAT, VIRTUAL OR HARD COPY, TO MAKE THAT
INFORMATION AVAILABLE.
AND THAT ENDS MY HIGHLIGHTS, COUNCIL.
I WOULD LIKE TO TURN IT OVER TO NICOLE TRAVIS TO TALK ABOUT
HOUSING.
09:19:23AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
IF I MAY, MR. ROGERO.
WE WILL GO IN ORDER IN WHICH I HAVE SEEN HANDS UP.
STARTING WITH COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK.
09:19:32AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
CERTAINLY, SIR.
09:19:35AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I HAD A QUESTION ON THE SALARIES.
FIRST OF ALL, I BELIEVE THAT EVERYBODY DESERVES THAT 9.5%
WHEREVER THEY ARE, BUT I ALSO WANTED TO ASK ABOUT THE THINGS
WE DON'T TALK ABOUT WITH SALARIES.
HOW ABOUT -- WHAT ABOUT HEALTH CARE.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER BENEFITS.
WHAT ARE WE PROVIDING FOR OUR EMPLOYEES THERE?
09:19:56AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
I WILL GIVE YOU SOME OPENING REMARKS AND
THEN DEFER TO THE EXPERTS, BUT I THINK THIS THE CITY OF
TAMPA, WE HAVE A VERY COMPETITIVE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM
INCLUDING AS YOU HEARD MANY OF US MENTION OUR CLINICS FOR
EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
WE CREDIT THOSE CLINICS TO CONTRIBUTING A GREAT DEAL OF
THAT.
I DON'T HAVE THE SLIDE ON ME BUT THE DISPARITY OF THE
NATIONAL TREND OF HEALTH CARE INCREASES AND WHAT WE ARE
EXPERIENCING NOT ONLY NOW BUT HISTORICALLY.
I THINK I SAID IT BEFORE AND I THINK I WILL SAY IT AGAIN, I
DON'T ENVISION A TIME WHEN HEALTH CARE COSTS WILL GO DOWN
BUT CERTAINLY -- AND I THINK WE HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB -- OF
MITIGATING THOSE COSTS.
IN TERMS OF THE PROGRAM, I WILL HAVE TO DEFER TO THE
EXPERTS.
HOLISTICALLY, WE ARE DOING WELL COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL
AVERAGE.
09:20:47AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
MY QUESTION REVOLVES AROUND, ARE WE PAYING
FOR AN INCREASE THIS YEAR FOR A STAFF?
09:20:53AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
OH, UNDERSTOOD.
7.5% TO 8% INCREASE IN TERMS OF OUR COST.
IN CONTRAST WITH THAT, WITH THE HEALTH CARE TRUST OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT -- THEY ARE NOT WITH US ANYMORE --
BUT I CAN SPEAK TO THAT LEVEL IF YOU ARE WANTING TO KNOW ON
AN AVERAGE PER EMPLOYEE BASIS.
I DON'T KNOW, PERHAPS THE CHIEF DOES OR SOMEBODY DOES.
WE CAN CERTAINLY CIRCLE BACK TO YOU WITH DETAILS.
09:21:20AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I WANT TO KNOW ARE WE PAYING FOR THAT
INCREASE?
ARE THE CITY PAYING FOR IT OR PASSING IT ON TO THE EMPLOYEE.
09:21:26AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
CHIEF?
09:21:30AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
AS CHIEF ROGERO SAID, THEY BROKE OFF OF THE
HOME HEALTH CARE TRUST.
AND PART OF THE AGREEMENT GOING INTO THAT RELATIONSHIP WAS
TWO FOLD.
ONE, IT DID NOT SQUEEZE OVER TO THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES.
AND SO THAT HAS BEEN GUARDED VERY WELL.
ALWAYS AN ANNUAL INCREASE IN HEALTH CARE, AND RECOMMENDED
INCREASE THIS YEAR WAS 7.5% THAT WAS PAID BY THE EMPLOYEE
AND WAS BELOW THE NATIONAL LEVEL AS I AM TOLD.
IT IS ALSO BELOW WHAT THE PUBLIC SAFETY GROUPS NEGOTIATED
WITH THE CITY BECAUSE THEY PUT THEIR CAP AT 8%.
AND WE ARE ONLY CHARGING SEVEN AND A HALF PERCENT TO THE
EMPLOYEES FOR AN INCREASE BUT THE EMPLOYEE DOES PAY THAT.
ONE THING WE DID THIS YEAR WHICH WILL HAVE TO GO INTO DEEPER
ANALYSIS, WHAT WE DID SHARE WITH THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES IS
STREET TO STRATEGIZE THE CATEGORY OF INSURANCE.
RIGHT NOW ONLY SINGLE AND FAMILY.
WE TRY TO DO SINGLE PLUS ONE.
AND ALSO SINGLE PLUS CHILDREN.
AND WE TRIED TO GET FOUR DIFFERENT LANES.
IT DID -- THE ANALYSIS DIDN'T COME OUT FAVORABLE WHEN THEY
DID IT.
IT DIDN'T OFFER THOSE OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE TWO NEW TIERS,
BUT I THINK WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK ON THE METHODOLOGY AND
GET THAT REFINED MAYBE FOR NEXT YEAR.
RIGHT NOW AT 7.5% INCREASE AGAIN BELOW WHAT I AM TOLD IS THE
NATIONAL STANDARD AND GUARDED AGAINST WHAT THE UNION'S
INCREASES ARE TO MAKE SURE THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES ARE NOT IN
A PUNITIVE STATE BASED ON THAT HEALTH CARE COST.
09:23:02AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
GREAT.
THANK YOU.
AND ONE MORE QUESTION THAT I WOULD LOVE IF YOU COULD EXPLAIN
-- YOU TALK ABOUT OUR CREDIT RATING.
AND I KNOW IT IS WONDERFUL, BUT CAN YOU KINDS OF EXPLAIN TO
THE PUBLIC WHY THAT MATTERS.
09:23:14AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
CERTAINLY, MA'AM.
I WILL START AT THE BROAD-BASED LEVEL FROM A
REPRESENTATIONAL PERSPECTIVE.
HIGH CREDIT RATING CONTRIBUTES TO OUR REPUTATION.
WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
BECAUSE IT IS LOVELY TO HAVE A REPUTATION, BUT WHEN WE GO TO
ISSUE DEBT.
WHEN WE TALK OF ANYTHING FROM A LARGE-SCALE FINANCIAL
PERSPECTIVE ELSE, THE MARKET, POTENTIAL INVESTORS, THE
CREDIT RATING AGENCIES.
THEY LOOK AT THE CREDIT RATINGS AND WE ARE VERY, VERY HIGH
AND SENDS A GREAT MESSAGE.
WE ARE WORTH INVESTING IN.
AND IT REALLY COMES TO FRUITION WHEN WE ARE ISSUING DEBT.
WE ARE ISSUING A LOT OF DEBT TO GET ALL THESE THINGS DONE.
THE MARKET POTENTIAL INVESTORS, RETAIL INVESTORS, INDUSTRIAL
INVESTORS, THEY LOOK AT US THAT THIS IS A CITY THAT IS WORTH
INVESTING IN.
THEY HAVE HIGH CREDIT RATINGS.
BY VIRTUE OF THAT AND DO NO OTHER RESEARCH -- THEY SHOULD DO
OTHER RESEARCH -- BUT NO OTHER SNP, FITCH, MOODY'S COME IN
WITH A FINE-TOOTH COMB AND LOOK AT OUR POSITION NOW AND
WHERE WE ARE NOW, WE ARE WE ARE GOING.
TAKES A GOOD DEAL OF MONEY BECAUSE IF WE TAKE OUT DEBT WE
NEED A BETTER INTEREST RECENT.
THE MORE COMPETITIVE WE CAN BE IN THE MARKET PLACE THE LOWER
THAT INTEREST RATE.
WE SHARED FOR YOU IN THE PAST AND DON'T KNOW THEM FRO
MEMORY BUT MILLIONS AND MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
OVER TIME.
09:24:43AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
THANK YOU.
09:24:44AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
YOU ARE VERY WELCOME.
09:24:46AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN GUDES.
09:24:49AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
WE TALKED OF SALARIES AND PEOPLE ARE
E-MAILED US.
TELL US ABOUT THESE CODES THAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT.
AND MAYBE WHAT YOU -- CAN YOU FIVE ME A DEFINITION OF THESE
DIFFERENT CODES SO PEOPLE CAN UNDER STAND THEY ARE GETTING A
RAISE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS COUNCIL IS GIVING EVERYBODY IN
THE CITY SOMETHING RATHER THAN NOTHING.
I UNDERSTAND THAT ADMINISTRATORS ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT
BECAUSE THEIR PAY SCALES ARE HIGHER.
BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE EMPLOYEES KNOW THEY ARE
GETTING SOMETHING SO THEY CAN KNOW WHAT THAT IS AND THE
PUBLIC CAN KNOW.
BECAUSE WE ARE GETTING E-MAILS WHO SAY WE ARE NOT GETTING
EVERYTHING.
09:25:29AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
YES, SIR.
I RECALL OUR BRIEFING AND WE WILL DO A BETTER JOB OF BEING
MORE OVERT IN GETTING THE INFORMATION OUT OF.
AS WE DID DISCUSS A LITTLE MORE CUT AND DRY WITH THE
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AND A NEGOTIATION AND
NONUNION EMPLOYEES AND THIS IS ALL DEPENDING ON THE ADOPTION
OF THE BUDGET.
HAVING SAID THAT, A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TITLES WHETHER
AN "N" CLASS, "S" CLASS, A PROFESSIONAL CLASS, ETC., ETC.
I WILL TRY TO -- IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL, A "N" CLASS,
9.5%.
A "S" CLASS, A SUPERVISOR, 11.5%.
IF YOU ARE A "F" CLASS, A MANAGER, 6%.
A MEMBER OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, THAT 9.5%.
OTHER THAN THAT WE HAVE THE DIRECTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AND
AGAIN THOSE PAY SCALES ARE STILL PENDING.
09:26:29AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
LET ME BE CLEAR.
THESE DIFFERENT CLASSES.
E-MAIL FOR LAB TECHNICIAN.
WHAT CLASS.
09:26:37AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
WOULD VENTURE A "P" CLASS IF YOU ARE
WORKING IN THE LAB AND ALSO KNOWN AS A "N" CLASS.
GET IT.
GETS CONFUSING WITH THE DIFFERENT TITLES BUT THAT WILL BE
9.5%.
09:26:53AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
OUR CCTV GUYS, WHAT WILL THEIR CLASS.
09:26:58AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
"P" AS PROFESSIONAL, 9.5%.
UNLESS YOU KNOW, CHIEF.
09:27:04AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
I DON'T KNOW THEIR CLASSIFICATION.
BUT ONE POSTSCRIPT OF CHIEF ROGERO'S COMMENTS.
THOSE WHO ARE THE "M" CLASS, THE MANAGEMENT CLASS AT 6%.
THE OTHER THING THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET WOULD OFFER IS
THAT EVERY PAY BAND IN THE CITY WILL MOVE 9.5%.
SO IF THEY GET A 6%.
AND THEY WERE TOPPED OUT WHICH IS 33% OF OUR "M" CLASSES ARE
COPPED OUT, GIVES THEM AN ABILITIES TO HAVE A MERIT INCREASE
THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY.
NOT JUST THAT THEY GET 6.
THEY WILL OPEN THE DOOR OF ADDITIONAL GROWTH THAT THEY
WOULDN'T ACTUALLY HAVE.
09:27:46AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
AT THE END OF THE EVALUATION PERIOD.
09:27:48AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
YES, SIR.
THE CLASSIFICATIONS "N" AS IN NANCY CLASSES AND "S" AS IN
SUPERVISOR.
AND THE OTHER ONE IS UNCLASSIFIED, YOUR LEGISLATIVE AIDES
OUR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS ARE IN THE "U"
CLASSIFICATION AND SLATED FOR A $9.5% MULTI-FAMILY.
09:28:12AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
LAST QUESTION.
WHILE YOU ARE UP THERE AND WE SEE SALARIES OF COUNCIL'S
SALARY.
EXPLAIN THAT PROCESS YOU WENT THROUGH AND COMMENTS OF THE
PAPER AND WHAT THE MEDIA HAS ASKED ME.
09:28:26AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
SURE, AS COUNCIL MAY RECALL AND THE WAY I
DESCRIBED IT IN THE BUDGET TRANSPORTATION WAS A NONMOTION
REQUEST.
IT WAS JUST A REQUEST TO DO DUE DILIGENCE AND LOOK AT THE
COUNCIL'S SALARY.
SOME OF IT CAME FROM THE PUBLIC AS YOU HEARD THIS MORNING OR
ONLINE AND OFF LINE LOOKING AT COUNCIL'S PAY CLASSIFICATION.
WE KNOW OF THAT IT IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION FOR COUNCIL TO
DO THEIR OWN ANALYSIS, SO WE TOOK ON THAT RESPONSIBILITY
DURING THIS PLANNING CYCLE.
AND WE DID IT FROM THREE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES.
ONE OF THEM WASN'T PREDICTED.
BUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD SENT IN COMPARATIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY
REVIEWS WHICH WERE VALUABLE FOR INFORMATION.
THEN WE ASKED OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS OFFICE TO DO A SCAN, ESPECIALLY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA,
AND THEY LOOKED AT A COUPLE OF THINGS.
THEY LOOKED AT WHAT THE MEDIAN SALARIES WERE FOR CITY
EMPLOYEES.
THEY LOCKED AT, AGAIN, THE FLORIDA -- AS FAR AS THE SIZE OF
THE CITY.
AND THEY LOOKED AT A NUMBER OF CONSTITUENTS WHETHER BY
DISTRICT OR CITY WIDE.
AND BY FAR, THIS COUNCIL HAS MORE CONSTITUENTS PER
COUNCILPERSON COMPARED TO OTHER CITIES.
SO WE KNOW WITH THE ADVANCEMENTS IN MEDIA AND
INFRASTRUCTURE, THAT YOU HAVE A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON IN
YOUR LIVES AND CLEARLY AS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED OVER AND OVER
AGAIN A BUSIER TIME THAN WHAT I HAVE SEEN IN MY 40 YEARS.
WE TOOK THAT INTO CONSIDERATION.
WE DID THE MEDIAN SALARY WITHIN THE CITY AND CAME OUT WITH
THE RECOMMENDED NUMBER WE OFFERED DURING THE BUDGET
PRESENTATION.
COUNCIL HAS MANY OPPORTUNITIES -- I DON'T KNOW THAT WE WANT
TO DISCUSS THEM NOW, BUT WE CAN.
IT IS REALLY COUNCIL'S PLEASURE TO HEAR ALL THE DIFFERENT
OPPORTUNITIES THAT RELATED TO THAT RECOMMENDATION.
BUT THAT'S HOW WE GOT THERE.
09:30:21AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT, CHIEF.
BUT, AGAIN, THOSE WATCHING THIS CITY COUNCIL HAVE SEEN THE
PUBLIC TIME AND TIME AGAIN TALK ABOUT THE WORK.
TALK ABOUT THE -- THIS COUNCIL GOING OUT THERE DOING THE
WORK.
AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT PEOPLE RECOGNIZE WHEN YOU ARE DOING
YOUR JOB.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THAT.
I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO STAND UP AND DON'T
WORRY ABOUT POLITICAL PRESSURE OR MAKING IT POLITICAL.
AS YOU KNOW -- PEOPLE KNOW I DON'T CARE OF MAKING IT
POLITICAL.
I DO WHAT I DO.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS NOBODY PAYS FOR MY PARKING TICKET I HAVE
TO GO TO A MEETING AND I RUN OVER IN THE MEETING.
THE CITY TUNNEL HAVE A PARKING PASS.
MAYOR HAS A DRIVER THAT PULLS TO THE FRONT DOOR.
I DON'T DO THAT.
I NEED TO FIND A PARKING SPACE.
IF I GET A TICKET, I CAN'T TAKE IT TO CHIEF BENNETT, I HAVE
TO PAY FOR THAT PARKING TICKET.
MANY OF US ON THE COUNCIL HAVE A SMALL SAL VIS.
COUNCILMEMBER, YOU SAID, I HAVE TO USE MY OTHER FAMILY
MEMBER'S CAR BECAUSE CHEAPER ON GAS.
UP DO A LOT OF DRIVING IN THE CITY.
I DRIVE ALL OVER THE CITY.
I DRIVE TO MY EVENTS.
I HAVE A BUSY DISTRICT.
YOU KNOW, MY PENSION, THANK GOD, I WAS BLESSED TO GET ONE
MEETS MY NEEDS FOR THE MONTH, BUT AFTER THAT I HAVE TO
HUSTLE LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
BUT I AM NOT STUPID.
AND I THINK THAT CITIZENS AREN'T EITHER AND THEY WANT THEIR
SERVICES.
THEY WANT THEIR COUNCILMEMBERS TO DO EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO
DO.
I WAS TALKING SINCE 2019, MY OFFICE IS VERY BUSY.
I AM GRATEFUL THAT I HAVE SALE NE, MISS TONYA, UNTIL I FIND
AN AIDE, BECAUSE THEY KNOW HOW BUSY IT IS.
I DIDN'T HAVE TO ASK THEM.
THEY SAID I KNOW HOW THINGS ARE ANSWERING CALLS AND PUTTING
THINGS ON MY CALENDAR.
MY GRATITUDE IS REALLY INDEBTED TO THEM.
I AM GOING TO SUPPORT THE SALARY AND REALLY TO COME AT THE
END OR NOW, BUT I WILL SUPPORT THE INCREASE.
I THINK IT IS NEEDED.
I WENT TO FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TALKED TO OTHER CITY
COUNCILMEMBERS.
THEY TALKED ABOUT IT. WE ARE THE HOTTEST THING IT IS.
TAMPA HOUSING CRISIS.
OUR SALARIES.
THE FIRST QUESTION THAT SOMEBODY ASKS.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THEIR DISTRICT.
I TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE I SERVE IN JUST MY DISTRICT
ALONE THEY ARE LIKE, WOW, I ONLY HAVE, LIKE, 10,000, 12,000
PEOPLE.
10,000, 12,000 PEOPLE, THAT'S WHAT I MAKE -- NOT WHAT YOU
MAKE AND WHAT YOU DO BUT WHAT YOU DO AND THE PERFORMANCES
YOU DO.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THAT AS WELL.
HOW WE FIGURE THIS OUT WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS AS
FAR AS THE INCREASE.
I WILL SUPPORT THE INCREASE WHETHER IT PASSES OR NOT WITH
THIS COUNCIL.
I WILL SUPPORT IT IF IT COMES IN A NEW ELECTION WHICH I
DON'T WORRY ABOUT.
COULD CARE LESS ABOUT WHEN THAT TIME COMES.
BUT, AGAIN, I AM GOING TO SUPPORT IT.
09:33:19AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN VIERA.
09:33:23AM >>LUIS VIERA:
THANK YOU, SIR.
I HAVE A QUESTION.
CAN ALL BUDGET RELATED DISCUSSIONS OR TOPICS BE HELD AT THIS
TIME, PERMISSIBLE.
09:33:32AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
YOUR PREROGATIVE WHAT QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE
TO ASK, AND I WOULD LIKE TO TRY TO GET THROUGH THE PRESENTATION
FIRST BEFORE WE GO OFF TO A DIFFERENT QUESTIONING.
I WAS HOPING WE COULD KEEP THIS TO WHAT MR. ROGERO WAS
SAYING.
IF YOU WANT TO ASK A QUESTION.
09:33:48AM >>LUIS VIERA:
I WILL SAVE PART OF IT FOR LATER.
I WAS GOING TO DISCUSS A COUPLE OF ISSUES OF TAMPA FIRE.
I CAN DISCUSS THAT LATER PURSUANT TO THE CHAIRMAN'S WISHES.
THAT IS FINE.
I AM GLAD TO DO THAT.
I WASN'T GOING TO COMMENT NECESSARILY ON THE SALARY ISSUE,
BUT I WILL STATE MY PEACE ON IT, IF YOU WILL.
I THINK IT IS A REASONABLE DISCUSSION TO HAVE.
I THINK THAT IS FINE.
IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC REQUESTING IT, I THINK I HEARD THAT
HAVE TWO OR THREE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
NOT SOMETHING THAT I THINK THE PUBLIC IS CLAMORING FOR AND
WHAT NOT, BUT IS IT A REASONABLE AND NECESSARY DISCUSSION TO
HAVE, ABSOLUTELY.
ABSOLUTELY, IT IS.
WE WANT PEOPLE TO RUN FOR OFFICE.
WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO SERVE IN PUBLIC
OFFICE; HOWEVER, I WILL STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY OPPOSE
ANY EFFORT TO MAKE THAT PAY INCREASE FOR THIS COUNCIL BEFORE
THE NEXT COUNCIL TAKES OVER.
I PHILOSOPHICALLY -- WE HAVE IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE
27th AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION, WHICH SAYS ESSENTIALLY
THAT IF CONGRESS PASS AS PAY INCREASE -- AND I DON'T REFER
TO COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS.
THAT IS DIFFERENT.
IF CONGRESS PASSES A PAY INCREASE THEN THEY CAN'T RECEIVE
THE BENEFIT OF THAT UNTIL THE NEXT ELECTION.
I THINK WHAT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE U.S. CONGRESS IS GOOD
ENOUGH FOR TAMPA CITY COUNCIL.
IF THAT IS NOT LAW WHICH APPARENTLY IT DIDN'T, WE SHOULD
MAKE THAT LAW THROUGH A CHARTER AMENDMENT OR WHATEVER WE
HAVE TO, BECAUSE I THINK PHILOSOPHICALLY, YOU RUN FOR OFFICE
YOU RUN WITH A CONTRACT WITH THE VOTERS AND CONSTITUENTS.
I WAS A PARTNER WITH MY LAW FIRM WHEN I RAN FOR OFFICE.
I KNEW I WOULD TAKE A PAY CUT.
ALL OF US.
I KNEW WHAT THAT WAS.
BUT MORE THAN OFFSET BEING ABLE TO HELP THE PUBLIC FOR
ISSUES THAT I CARE VERY, VERY PASSIONATELY.
A TRADE-OFF THAT WE MAKE.
I AM VERY FORTUNATE IN THAT REGARD THAT I AM AN ATTORNEY AND
I HAVE A PRACTICE -- ACTUALLY A MEDIATION AT 1:30 AND LEAVE
HERE AT 12:30.
SPEAK OF THE DEVIL, RIGHT.
BUT I AM FORTUNATE IN THIS REGARD, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE CITY
COUNCIL SALARIES THAT ARE MORE AMENABLE TO MORE MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC.
BECAUSE FOR ME, RUNNING FOR OFFICE SHOULD BE A POSITIVE
CIVIC ENDEAVOR.
IT SHOULD BE A PATRIOTIC ENDEAVOR TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR
COMMUNITY.
I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD TAKE PLACE FOR OUR CITY COUNCIL.
WHEN I THINK OF CLAMORING, I THINK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
POTHOLES AND TRANSPORTATION.
IS THIS IS A REASONABLE CONVERSATION TO HAVE?
ABSOLUTELY.
BUT I THINK IT HAS TO BE DONE IN A CORRECT WAY.
THOSE ARE MY THOUGHTS.
OF THE OTHER PRIORITIES I WANT TO TALK ABOUT INCLUDING TAMPA
FIRE, STATION 24 AND OTHER ISSUES BUT I WILL MENTION THAT
AFTERWARDS IF I MAY.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.
09:36:51AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
09:36:56AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
IN TERMS OF THE SALARY, I ASKED WHAT DO YOU MAKE, $83,000.
LEGISLATIVE AIDE, SOME ARE SAME, SOME ARE MORE.
IF THEY WORK FOR THE -- THEY GET A PAY INCREASE.
LOW TO MID-70s.
IF ATTORNEY, $220,000.
MAYOR, $175,000.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT MR. ROGERO OR CHIEF OF STAFF.
I AM SURE IT IS A GOOD SALARY.
YOU WORK VERY, VERY HARD.
THE COMMENT I SAW RECENTLY IN THE MEDIA IS THINGS HAVE
GOTTEN MORE EXPENSIVE.
THE CITY HAD CHANGED.
WHEN MY GRANDFATHER BOUGHT HIS HOUSE IN WEST TAMPA IN 1972,
HE PAID $18,000.
ADJUSTED WITH INFLATION IS $127,000.
BUT FIVE, SIX MONTHS AGO A HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY
GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE THAT WAS LISTED FOR $418,000.
AND IT SOLD.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT SOLD FOR OVER ASKING $418,000.
IN WORKING-CLASS WEST TAMPA, MY FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD
BECAUSE THAT HOUSE THAT MY GRANDFATHER HAD SOLD YEARS AGO
WAS THE HOUSE I WAS TAKEN TO WHEN I WAS BORN.
IF I WANTED TO BUY THAT HOUSE IF IT WERE FOR SALE -- AND IT
IS NOT IN IT THE $400,000 RANGE.
UP WOULDN'T QUALIFY.
I DON'T KNOW IF ANY OF MY FRIENDS WOULD QUALIFY.
WE ARE NOT WEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.
THINGS HAVE GOTTEN EXPENSIVE.
THE HOUSING CRISIS IS ALL OVER THE PLACE.
WE ARE A VERY, VERY HOT MARKET.
WE SEE INFLATION AND THE COST OF GAS AND NOBODY TALKS ABOUT
WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE IS MAKING.
PEOPLE LOOK AT ME AND GO WHY DOES YOUR AIDES MAKE MORE THAN
YOU?
IT DOESN'T SEEM COMPARABLE.
YOU KNOW, I THINK THE RESEARCH THAT WAS DONE BY THE
ADMINISTRATION LOOKING AT OTHER COMPARABLE CITIES OF THIS
SIZE BASED ON THE CONSTITUENCY, THAT'S ALL IT IS.
NO ONE SAID ANYTHING, WELL, IT WASN'T A PUBLIC THING WHEN
OTHER SALARIES WERE VERY LARGE SALARIES, BUT YET IF COMES
DOWN TO THIS LEVEL 37 AND THE DISCUSSION IS OUT THERE IN THE
MEDIA.
WE WANT GOOD PEOPLE TO RUN FOR OFFICE.
I THINK COUNCILMAN CARLSON SAID WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING A
BUDGET OF ALMOST $2 BILLION, YOU WANT THE BEST AND THE
BRIGHTEST.
YOU WANT, YOU KNOW, TO EXPENSE SATURDAY THOSE INDIVIDUALS AS
WELL THAT WILL BE VOTING ON THAT AND WORKING ON THE BUDGET
AS WE ARE NOW.
SO THAT'S IT.
I APPRECIATE I CAN'T 1998 THIS WAS LOOKED AT AS JUST
BRINGING IT UP TO PAR TO WHAT OUR AIDES ARE MAKING OR A AIDE
DOWN THE STREET IS MAKING.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
09:39:34AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MIRANDA.
09:39:36AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
I WASN'T GOING TO SPEAK, BUT I GUESS I
WILL.
BECAUSE THE MEDIA IS HERE SO THEY DON'T SAY I DIDN'T SAY A
WORD.
WAKE UP, CHARLIE.
I AM TALKING ABOUT YOU.
SO WHAT I AM SAYING IS THIS, WHEN YOU SEEK AN OFFICE, YOU
KNOW WHAT THE SALARY IS.
YOU DON'T RUN FOR OFFICE JUST TO GET A SALARY.
YOU RUN FOR OFFICE BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE IN ALL EARNEST TOP DO
THE BEST JOB YOU CAN TO MAKE EVERYBODY GET BETTER AND THE
CITY OF TAMPA LOOK BETTER.
YOU LOOK BACK IN HISTORY -- SEVERING BASED IN HISTORY.
DON'T TELL ME WHAT YOU DID YESTERDAY.
TELL ME WHAT YOU DID THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY AND I WILL
TELL YOU WHERE YOU ARE GOING.
THAT MEANS TO ME THAT A SALARY IS KNOWN WHEN YOU RUN FOR
OFFICE.
I AM NOT SAYING YOU SHOULDN'T GET A RAISE.
BUT WHAT I AM SAYING IS, WHEN YOU -- I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY
MAKE IN ST. PETERSBURG.
I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY MAKE IN ORLANDO.
I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY MAKE IN WEST PALM BEACH.
I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY MAKE IN MIAMI.
WHAT THEY MAKE IN SULFUR SPRINGS.
YOU DON'T CARE IN THE CITY OF HAVANA -- THERE IS A CITY
CALLED "HAVANA" IN FLORIDA.
IN MY AGE -- I AM OKAY.
I AM GOING TO BE 82 NOT TOO FAR FROM NOW.
I FEEL LIKE I AM 29 AT TIMES.
THAT'S WHEN I AM SLEEPING.
WHAT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU IS, IT IS NOT ABOUT A SALARY.
IT IS ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO TO MAKE THE CITY BETTER.
WHEN YOU GO BACK TO 1974 -- THAT IS WHEN I STARTED -- TO
'79.
THAT IS WHEN I WORKED FIVE YEARS HERE.
THE SALARY WAS NOWHERE NEAR THIS.
IF YOU DO A RATIO WHAT YOU WERE MAKING WITH A
COUNCILMEMBERS.
THE SAME RATIO AS IT IS TODAY EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE A
INCREASE CAN THAN ANYBODY ELSE.
I NEVER TOOK A JOB IN GOVERNMENT JUST FOR THE SALARY.
AT 82, I STILL WORK TWO JOBS.
FROM NOVEMBER TO MAY FITCH WORK SEVEN DAY AS WEEK.
AND YOU KNOW WHAT, I LIKE IT THAT WAY.
AND I VENTURE TO SAY DO I HAVE WHAT I HAVE?
I HAVE WHAT I HAVE BECAUSE I HAVE A WIFE WHO WAS VERY
UNDERSTANDING AND WORKED WITH ME.
I NEVER WROTE A CHECK AS LONG AS SHE WAS ALIVE.
I NEVER DID A LOT OF THINGS.
SHE DID IT ALL.
SOMETIMES THROWING MYSELF UNDER THE MERCY OF THE BUS.
LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING.
I WENT TO COLLEGE AND DID TWO JOBS.
IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING IN THIS COUNTRY, YOU DO OUT OF
IT.
DEVELOPMENT GET YOURSELF IN DEBT.
DON'T BUY ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN'T PAY FOR 30 DAYS.
AND KEEP ON GOING BECAUSE YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT.
BUY A NEW CAR AND GO TO MACY'S AND DO THIS AND THAT.
GO DO IT.
BUT DON'T COME TO ME AND SAY YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT.
EVERYBODY HAS THEIR OWN WAY OF LIFE AND GOD BLESS THEM THAT
THEY DO.
EVERYBODY THINKS DIFFERENTLY AND THANK GOD THAT THEY DO.
THAT IS WHY THEY MAKE DIFFERENT COLORS OF PAINT AND NOW ONLY
ONE COLOR OF PAINT.
EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT.
SOME LONG HAIR, SOME SHORT HAIR, SOME HAVE NO HAIR.
WHAT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU ALL IS NOT ABOUT MONEY BUT
SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, JUST LIKE MILITARY.
BASICALLY JUST LIKE THE MILITARY.
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO WHEN YOU SIGN UP.
AND THIS IS A VERY DIFFERENT PART OF LIFE THAT YOU HAVE TO
GO THROUGH.
I IS IT NOT -- I DIDN'T -- LISTEN, I AM NOT GOING TO BRAG,
BUT I AM GOING TO TELL YOU, CHIEF OF STAFF KNOWS AND MAYBE
YOU KNOW THIS.
THAT $300 A MONTH DOWN THE COUNT ON YOUR SALARY.
YOU ARE TALKING OF A BASIC SALARY OF THE TOWNSHIP ENDS.
I NEVER TAKEN IT.
I DIDN'T NEED IT.
I HAD TWO JOBS.
SO LET'S NOT TALK REALISTICALLY.
LET'S NOT TALK WHAT YOU WANT TO BE.
TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU ARE GOING.
THE PUBLIC TODAY AND IN TODAY'S SOCIETY IS WORST OFF THAN
WHEN I STARTED HERE IN 1974.
THERE WAS NO HOUSING CRISIS.
THERE WAS NO HIGH GAS.
THE FOOD STORE WAS ACCEPTABLE.
THERE WAS TRANSPORTATION BETTER THAN IT IS TODAY BECAUSE
MORE CARS TODAY AND YOU CAN'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT BEING STOP
AND GO AND WHAT KIND OF LIFE DO WE HAVE TODAY.
YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT PEOPLE HAVE CRAZY?
BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO FAST.
LIFE PRESSURES YOU TOO MUCH.
NO RELAXATION IN YOUR BODY.
YOU GO TO SLEEP, YOU WAKE UP TIRED.
IF THOSE DAYS, YOU WENT TO SLEEP AND YOU WOKE UP REFRESHED.
I AM NOT GOING TO BOTHER YOU ANYMORE.
I APPRECIATE YOU LETTING ME GO OVER THREE MINUTES.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN.
09:44:21AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
YOU ARE WELCOME.
I WILL FINISH OFF THESE ROUNDS OF STATEMENTS.
WE AS AN ELECTIVE BODY HAVE FACED MORE ISSUES IN THE LAST
THREE AND A HALF YEARS THEN ANY OTHER COUNCIL THAT CAME
BEFORE US.
WE WEREN'T ABLE TO CALL UP A COUNCILPERSON AND SAY HOW DID
YOU HANDLE YOUR PANDEMIC?
WE WERE FLYING BY THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS AND ELECTED BY THE
PEOPLE TO TOO OUR JOB.
IF YOU LOOK AT THIS DAIS, THE MAJORITY OF US WORK TWO JOBS.
THIS IS STILL DESIGNATED AS A PART-TIME POSITION.
EVEN THOUGH I WORK 40 HOURS HERE.
WHETHER IT BE AT CITY HALL OR SOME OTHER FUNCTIONS THAT I
HAVE TO GO TO, THAT I WANT TO GO TO, BUT I STILL HAVE MY
OTHER JOB.
AGAIN, I WOULD -- I WOULD WELCOME THIS PAY RAISE AFTER MAY 1
WHEN I AM REELECTED.
THIS BODY WE HAVE HERE.
THIS COUNCIL HAS ENDURED SO MUCH OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS
AND A HALF YEARS, THE CORE OF THIS COUNCIL WAS GOING TO STAY
TOGETHER -- I PREDICT WILL STAY TOGETHER AND REAP THE
BENEFITS OF WHAT WE HAD TO GO THROUGH FOR THE LAST THREE
YEARS AND SEE THE STAFF THAT HAVE WORKED THROUGH THE MAYOR,
FOR THE CITIZENS OF TAMPA.
AND WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS CITY EVEN BETTER THE
NEXT FOUR YEARS.
I WILL TAKE THE PAY INCREASE MAY 1.
THANK YOU.
MR. ROGERO.
09:46:12AM >>DENNIS ROGERO:
THANK YOU, COUNCIL.
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
THAT IS ALL I HAVE.
IF YOU ALL ARE READY, MISS TRAVIS IS READY TO COME UP AND
GIVE A HOUSING PRESENTATION.
THANK YOU.
09:46:23AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
MISS TRAVIS.
09:46:27AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
HELLO.
09:46:29AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
09:46:32AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
GOOD MORNING.
09:46:33AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
GOOD MORNING.
09:46:35AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
NICOLE TRAVIS, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITY.
I HAVE ANOTHER PRESENTATION ON HOUSING FOR YOU TODAY.
IT IS NOT AS LONG AS THE OTHERS.
WE CAN HAVE THE ELMO.
ABBYE WILL PASS OUT THE SLIDE FOR YOU.
09:47:03AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
THANK YOU.
09:47:05AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
YOU ARE WELCOME.
SO WHEN WE WERE HAVING OUR CONVERSATION AS RENT
STABILIZATION AND A LOT OF CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY
WAS GOING INTO THE DIFFERENT HOUSING BUCKETS AND WE WERE
TALKING ABOUT THE $5.5 MILLION THAT CAME FROM THE GENERAL
FUND.
I WAS TELLING YOU MORE THAN THE GENERAL FUND MONEY.
YOU ARE PUTTING MORE OF THAT INTO HOUSING PROGRAMS.
SO THE SLIDE THAT YOU HAVE IS JUST SHOWING YOU WHAT WE HAVE
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 IN THE DIFFERENT HOUSING ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS.
SO WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 26.4 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR HOUSING
PROGRAMS IN FISCAL YEAR 2023.
09:47:54AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
REPEAT THAT, PLEASE.
09:47:56AM >> $26.4 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS IN FISCAL
YEAR 2023.
09:48:02AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
THANK YOU.
09:48:04AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
AND SO THE OTHER THING YOU SHOULD
UNDERSTAND IS WITH THE BUDGET REQUEST -- THE BUDGET PROPOSAL
THAT CHIEF ROGERO PRESENTED TO YOU INCLUDED SOME FULL-TIME
POSITIONS.
WE REQUESTED EIGHT FULL-TIME POSITIONS FOR THE HOUSING
DEPARTMENT TO CONTINUE TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAMS.
I JUST NEED TO STRESS FOR A MINUTE THAT THE HOUSING PROGRAMS
THAT WE ARE PUTTING FORWARD, THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND THE
LEVEL OF SERVICE BEING PROVIDED FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS IS NEW
TERRITORY FOR US.
NOT -- I AM NOT TALKING OF CDBG, SHIP FUNDS AND THE PROGRAMS
WE HAD FOR A LONG TIME.
LEVEL OF SERVICE AND RESPONSIVENESS THAT WE ARE PERFORMING
RIGHT NOW IS UNLIKE ANYTHING THAT WE HAVE DONE BEFORE.
WE HAVE 38 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TWO PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND
ONE CONTRACT ON THE HOUSING DIVISION TEAM -- IN THE HOUSING
TEAM IN GENERAL.
WE ASKED EIGHT ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME POSITIONS IN THE
UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR.
AND I AM GOING TO TELL YOU THAT, IT'S STILL NOT ENOUGH,
OKAY.
AND SO ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING OR ANY NEW PROGRAMMING THAT
YOU WANT TO DO FOR FISCAL YEAR '23, I HAVE TO STRESS TO YOU
THAT THE BAD WIDTH OF THE STAFF WE HAVE IN PLACE INCLUDING
THE EIGHT ADDITIONAL STAFF THAT WE ARE ASKING HAS TO BE
COUNTERED WITH THE STAFFING NEEDS.
WE TALKED BRIEFLY ABOUT THE CRA PROGRAMS AND THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING PROGRAMS THAT WE ARE PUTTING FORTH IN THE CRA.
WE WILL DIG A LITTLE DEEPER INTO THAT ON THURSDAY IN YOUR
BUDGET WORKSHOP, BUT YOU HAVE $10.6 MILLION OF NEW FUNDING
FOR CRA.
THERE IS $2.2 MILLION ALLOCATED IS A IN THREE OF THE CRA
DISTRICTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 FOR HOUSING.
THAT DOESN'T COME WITH ADDITIONAL STAFF.
IF YOU MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON THURSDAY, I NEED TO SHARE WITH
YOU THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON THE STAFFING LEVEL
AS WELL.
I CAN TALK TO YOU A LITTLE BIT MORE -- GO AHEAD.
I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A CONVERSATION.
GO AHEAD.
09:50:24AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
HANG ON, COUNCILMAN GUDES.
ARE YOU GOING TO FINISH THIS PRESENTATION.
09:50:30AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
I HAVE THIS ONE SLIDE FOR YOU.
I HAVE BACK-UPS IF WE GET INTO SOME QUESTIONS BUT I FEEL
LIKE THIS WILL PROBABLY BE MORE OF A DIALOGUE.
YOU HAVE BEEN HEARING FROM MY TEAM AND I ABOUT HOUSING.
THIS IS AN ONGOING CONVERSATION.
BUT YOU ASKED FOR HOW MUCH MONEY IN FISCAL YEAR 2023, HOW
MUCH IN TOTAL AND NOT $5.5 MILLION.
THE $5.5 MILLION IS JUST GENERAL FUND.
THE SLIDE IS FEDERAL, STATE AND GENERAL FUND MONEY OF $26.4
MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 IN HOUSING PROGRAMS.
09:51:03AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN GUDES.
09:51:05AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
I MEAN, THAT'S GREAT, BUT A LOT OF THOSE
PROGRAMS, A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T QUALIFY AT TIMES.
THAT IS MY ONLY CONCERN.
IT SOUNDS GOOD IN THEORY, BUT WE PUT THE APPLICATION TO IT,
IT DOESN'T MEET.
BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET
THAT.
THAT IS NUMBER ONE.
I RECALL LAST YEAR WE ASKED FOR MORE PEOPLE TO BE EMPLOYEES
FOR HOUSING.
HOW MANY OF THOSE JOBS WENT UNFILLED?
09:51:34AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
WE FILLED ALL OF THEM.
09:51:35AM >>ABBYE FEELEY:
COUNCILMAN GUDES, ABBYE FEELEY.
WE ARE IN THE PROCESS, BUT WE HAD PEOPLE RESIGN AND LEAVE.
I MEAN THIS IS PART OF REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND ATTRITION AND
PEOPLE MOVING ON.
THERE IS ALWAYS OPEN VACANCIES IN DGM, BUT WE ARE ACTIVELY
PURSUING FILLING THOSE VACANCIES AT ALL TIMES.
WE JUST HIRED MICHELLE BOONE WHO CAME TO US. SHE WAS IN
FRONT OF YOU A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO.
THE KAYON POSITION.
HERE IS THE OTHER THING -- I WILL TELL YOU MY PHILOSOPHY OF
STAFFING THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
IT IS GOING TO BE THE RIGHT FIT.
WE HAVE NOT -- YOU KNOW, WE PAY -- IN TIME AND WE PAY IN
MONEY WHEN THEY COME IN AND NOT THE RIGHT FIT FOR OUR TEAM
AND THEY ARE GONE IN SIX MONTHS OR THEY DON'T HAVE THE
EXPERIENCE TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE THESE PROGRAMS.
A LOT OF OUR PROGRAMS ARE OUT-OF-THE-BOX PROGRAMS.
WE ARE FINDING NEW WAYS TO DO THEM.
BUT I CAN TELL YOU OF THE NEW POSITIONS WE HAVE GOTTEN, WE
HAVE FILLED THEM.
NOW DID SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE LEAVE, YEP.
I MEAN THAT IS JUST PART OF REGULAR EMPLOYMENT NOBODY STAYS
THE WHOLE TIME OR THEY GET ANOTHER OFFER.
WE HAVE BEEN FACE THAT PEOPLE CAN WORK REMOTE AND MAKE MORE
MONEY.
SOME THEY LEAVE.
SO WE ARE MEETING THOSE CHALLENGES HEAD ON BY A BALANCED
APPROACH OF TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT.
SOMEBODY WITH THAT EXPERTISE THAT CAN WORK WITH OUR TEAM AND
THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT DUE TO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE NOT
DIRECTLY RELATED TO WHAT THE CITY CAN PROVIDE THEM.
09:53:17AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
I WOULD AGREE, BUT MISS TRAVIS ABOUT MORE
PEOPLE WHEN YOU TALK OF THE CRA.
I SAID THIS FROM DAY ONE.
YOU CAN'T MAKE SOMETHING WORK IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE PEOPLE
TO MAKE IT WORK.
AND I REMEMBER MY LITTLE BROTHER SAID, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE
RIGHT TOOLS TO DO THE JOB.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS, YOU CAN'T GET THE JOB
DONE.
SO I AM HOPING WITH THE CRA -- AND I BELIEVE -- I SAID THIS
BEFORE WITH THE CRA, YOU NEED TO HAVE A HOUSING TEAM.
BECAUSE WE ASKED SEVERAL TIMES THAT -- AND SOME OF
THESE CRAs.
DOWNTOWN CHANNELSIDE BE DOWN WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND YOU
WILL HAVE A TEAM.
I HOPE YOU ARE RIGHT.
AND THE CRAs AND THE DOLLARS THAT ARE HERE.
I LOOK AT THE VACANT APARTMENTS.
HIGH MARKET RENT AND VACANT APARTMENTS AND HOW YOU CAN USE
AND TALK TO THESE DEVELOPERS AND HAVE DEVELOPMENTS GOING ON
AND HOW TO GET PEOPLE INTO SOME OF THOSE BUILDINGS AND CRAZY
THAT WE SAY WE HAVE A HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND YOU HAVE EMPTY
APARTMENTS.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT.
I KNOW IT IS THE MARKET AND FINDS A WAY TO BALANCE IT OUTND
AND MEET WITH THE PEOPLE.
I AM HAPPY THAT YOU WILL GO THAT WAY AND I WILL SUPPORT
THAT.
09:54:46AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
I AM HOPING ON THURSDAY.
THE CRA BOARD -- IN WHY YOU ARE CAPACITY AS THE CRA BOARD,
YOU SUPPORT MOVING MORE OF THAT $10.6 MILLION TO AFFORDABLE
HOUSING PROGRAMS IN ALL OF THE DISTRICTS IN ADDITION TO
PROVIDING STAFF NOT THESE EIGHT PEOPLE BUT PROVIDING STAFF
THAT IS FUNDED FROM THE CRA.
I DO NOT -- I THINK I SHARED THIS WITH YOU BEFORE -- I DON'T
BELIEVE THAT IT IS EFFICIENT USE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS OR
THE CRA FUNDS TO BUILD A GOVERNMENT-OWNED HOUSING MINI
KINGDOM DEPARTMENT, RIGHT.
I THINK YOU CAN FUND THE POSITIONS FROM THE CRA AND THEY
WOULD BE FROM THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TEAM AND FOCUSED
STRICTLY ON THE CRA PROGRAMS.
THEN THEY ARE IN THAT INFRASTRUCTURE.
JUST AS A SIDEBAR.
OWNER-OCCUPIED REHAB IS SOMETHING WE TRIED TO DO THROUGH A
THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR.
WE PUT OUT THAT RFP.
ONE OF ITS FIRST THINGS YOU ASKED ME TO DO WHEN I BECAME
YOUR INTERIM CRA DIRECTOR.
WE PUT OUT THAT RFP.
TWO RESPONSES.
ONE OF THOSE BIDDERS WAS NONRESPONSIVE.
THE OTHER ONE WAS CHARGING $800,000 IN ADMINISTRATIVE COST
TO EXECUTE THE PROGRAM.
SO WHAT I AM CON TENDING IS, YOU CAN YOU -- FOR HALF OF
THAT, YOU CAN HIRE THREE FULL-TIME PEOPLE FUNDED BY THE CRAs
TO EXECUTE A CRA-ONLY FUNDING PROGRAMS AND BE PART OF
THE CRA TEAM.
IN YOUR CAPACITY AS A CRA BOARD, I HOPE ON THURSDAY THAT WE
DO THAT AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE FUNDED FROM ONE CRA
DISTRICT.
THE FUNDING CAN BE SHARED AMONG THE THREE DISTRICTS.
JUST ONE OTHER POINT.
I TOLD YOU THAT OF THE $10.6 MILLION INCREASE OF NEW REVENUE
THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING, THAT ONLY 2.2 OF THAT IS BEING
ALLOCATED TO HOUSING PROGRAMS.
OF THOSE CRA DISTRICTS, IT IS DREW PARK, WEST TAMPA AND EAST
TAMPA.
THAT IS 80% OF THE INCREASE IN THOSE THREE DISTRICTS.
SO THOSE DISTRICTS HAVE TAKEN 80% OF THE NEW MONEY THEY HAVE
RECEIVED AND HAVE ALLOCATED IT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
SO THE REMAINING $8 MILLION IS STILL OUT THIS AND UP TO
THE CRA BOARD.
I KNOW THE CACS CAN HAVE THEIR ALL CASES AND PRIORITY
PROJECTS, BUT ULTIMATELY, THE DECISION IS THE CRA BOARD.
UP IF WANT TO CONTINUE TO FUND HOUSING PROGRAMS, OUR CORE
SERVICE, IN ORDER FOR US TO CONTINUE TO GET FEDERAL AND
STATE FUNDING, WE HAVE TO PUT OUT THE MONEY AND RUN THE
PROGRAMS THAT WERE CHARGED IN PROVIDING THROUGH THOSE
FEDERAL AND STATE DOLLARS.
WE CONTINUE TO ADD LOCAL PROGRAMS.
YOU HAVE TO ADD STAFFING TO THAT AS WELL.
I THINK TO YOUR POINT, THE TOOL IN THE TOOLBOX IS ADDING
STAFF.
I THINK WE CAN ADD STAFF, FULLY FUND AND BY THE CRAs TO
IMPLEMENT ONLY CRA FUNDED PROGRAMS BECAUSE YOU ARE RIGHT,
THEY GO.
THEY ARE LESS RESTRICTIVE THAN THE FEDERAL FUNDING AND TAKES
ALL OF IT TO MAKE IT WORK.
RIGHT NOW THE HOUSING TEAM IS ADMINISTERING THE DOWNPAYMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND IF THE EAST TAMPA DOWN PAYMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
I AM NOT TRYING TO DUPLICATE SERVICES I AM EFFICIENT WITH
THE MONEY SO THAT IN MY CRA ROLE, THE GOAL OF THE CRA IS TO
OBJECT OUT OF BUSINESS IN THE CRA.
OUR GOAL TO HAVE NO MORE BLIGHT IN THE DISTRICT.
WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK.
HOUSING IS OUR PRIORITY, AND THERE IS WORK FOR US TO DO.
09:58:24AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
I WILL TELL YOU LIKE I TOLD THE CHIEF OF
STAFF YESTERDAY.
I BELIEVE THIS HOUSING, WE JUST -- WE JUST GOT TO PUT THE
TEAM TOGETHER TO PUT THAT BACK INTO CIRCULATION.
WE HAVE ABANDONED HOUSES.
ABANDONED BUILDINGS.
I BELIEVE IF YOU HAD A SEPARATE TEAM THAT ARE REALLY IN
THOSE CRAs, YOU CAN FOCUS ON THAT AND THE REGULAR HOUSING
DIVISION CAN FOCUS ON THE REGULAR PROGRAMS.
I DO AGREE YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DIFFERENT TEAM TO START
BRINGING THIS STUFF BACK IN CIRCULATION.
PEOPLE WATCH FAMILIES -- DON'T HAVE DOLLARS.
AND GETTING THAT GOING.
REHAB.
AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED -- NOT YOUR FAULT WE HAVEN'T
GOT THE RFP LIKE WE SHOULD.
THE REHAB IS IN A STALEMATE AND THAT NEEDS TO BE MOVING.
WE HAVE ROOFTOPS.
I BELIEVE WHEN YOU GENT THE SMALL THINGS, THE COMMUNITY
LOOKS BETTER, PEOPLE FEEL BETTER AND PEOPLE THRIVE BETTER.
I AM IN SUPPORT OF GETTING A TEAM AND A SEPARATE TEAM.
YOU ARE RIGHT, ABBYE, YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE.
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING BECAUSE WHEN NOVEMBER HITS, ITCH
PEOPLE CALLING ME OF NOTICES OF RENEWALS BECAUSE THEY ARE
NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO PAY AND SOME ARE ASKING WHERE AM I
GOING TO GO?
A LAIDY THE EAR DAY HAS A DECENT JOB AND HER MORTGAGE IS
GOING TO GO UP $1,000 BECAUSE OF INSURANCE, TAXES.
YOU KNOW, SO NOW WE ARE TALKING OF THE HOUSING MARKET IN
CRISIS.
LIKE I TOLD THE CHIEF, THE HOUSE GOES INTO FORECLOSURE.
YOU HAVE ALL THESE INVESTORS IN TAMPA'S MARKET.
ECONOMY, AND THEY WILL TAKE THAT HOUSE, PUT IT INTO
CIRCULATION BECAUSE IT IS A NICE PLACE.
THE THING OF THE HOUSING MARKET IS GOING TO CRASH, HOGWASH.
AIN'T GOING TO CRASH.
IT IS GOING TO MAKE MONEY.
MY THING IS LET'S LOOK AT THESE OTHER SMALL HANGING FRUIT.
REHAB.
THESE PROBATE ISSUES.
SOME OF THESE OTHER SMALL THINGS TO GET PEOPLE INTO HOUSING.
THAT IS MY SPIEL ON THAT.
I THINK YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.
YOU AND MR. DRUMGO.
TOOLS IN THE TOOLBOX.
I WANT US TO WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE CAN SEE IT IS
GOING INTO FRUITION.
THANK YOU.
10:00:37AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
10:00:40AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PRESENTATION
AND CLARIFYING THE NUMBERS.
THE CITY OF TAMPA IS DEDICATING AND COMMITTING AND SPENDING
AND ALLOCATING $26.6 MILLION FROM WHAT I SEE HERE IN THE
CITY OF TAMPA GENERAL FUND.
IN THE CRA AN ADDITIONAL $10 MILLION.
SOMETHING WE WILL DISCUSS ON THURSDAY.
10:01:00AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
ON THURSDAY.
10:01:02AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
INVESTING $36.6 MILLION IN HOUSING.
SOMEONE SAID IN GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT SAILED I WANT $40
MILLION DEDICATED TO HOUSING.
AND WE ARE DEDICATING ALMOST $40 MILLION.
WE ARE AT $37 MILLION FOR A VARIETY OF SERVICES ON TOP OF --
I THINK YOU MENTIONED OR MAYBE ABBYE FEELEY MENTIONED THE
HOUSING THAT IS IN THE QUEUE THAT IS BEING BUILT, CLOSE TO
4,000 UNITS.
10:01:28AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
3600 UNITS.
10:01:29AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
3600 THAT --
10:01:31AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
SOMEWHERE IN THE QUEUE.
10:01:33AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
SOME PLACE THERE.
I THINK WE ARE DOING A LOT.
MAYBE WE ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH.
AND I THINK WE HAVE TO LOOK AT MORE OPTIONS.
AND WE WILL DISCUSS THAT WITH THE CRA BECAUSE, OF COURSE, WE
HAVE DIFFERENT ALLOCATED MONIES THAT CAN ONLY BE SPENT
THERE, AS YOU ALREADY EXPRESSED.
BUT THE CITY OF TAMPA IS INVESTING ALMOST $37 MILLION IN
HOUSING.
10:01:54AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
THE $26.1 MILLION IS NOT ALL FEDERAL FUND,
GENERAL, STATE AND FEDERAL FUND.
10:02:04AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
THE BIGGER PICTURE IS THESE ARE T
ACTUAL NUMBERS.
NOT COUNTING WHAT WE CAN DO WITH CRA.
I THANK YOU.
I HOPE THE MARKET COOLS.
IN TALKING TO REALTORS, THEY SAY THINGS ARE SLOWLY CHANGING.
COUNCILMAN GUDES SAID APARTMENTS AVAILABLE, UNITS AVAILABLE.
WHY ARE THEY NOT OUT THERE?
THAT IS ANOTHER DISCUSSION.
BUT WE ARE DOING A LOT.
A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT.
MAYBE WE SHOULD DO MORE, I GET IT.
10:02:35AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
IF WE DO MORE.
I AM JUST TELLING YOU THAT I NEED MORE STAFF.
I AM TELLING YOU.
THIS TEAM IS BURNT OUT.
YOU ADD MORE PROGRAMS AND ADD MORE FUNDING, I AM GOING TO
HAVE TO BE THE MAMA BEAR AND SAY I CAN'T DO NIP MORE UNTIL
WE HAVE THE STAFFING TO DO THAT.
10:02:52AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
YOU TELL US WHAT YOU NEED, AND WE WILL
SUPPORT YOU.
AND WE WILL WORK AS A TEAM IN TRYING TO SOLVE THIS TOGETHER.
THANK YOU.
10:03:00AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK.
10:03:01AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I DO THINK THAT $37 MILLION IS WONDERFUL.
I AM ON THURSDAY GOING TO ASK THAT WE DO A CRA HOUSING
WORKSHOP THAT ACTUALLY BRINGS ALL THIS TOGETHER BEFORE THE
BUDGET.
IT WOULD BE GREAT IF WE CAN DO A SPECIAL CALL TO ACTUALLY
BRING THE MANAGERS IN TO REALLY LISTEN.
TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT THIS MONEY GOES
TOWARD HOUSING.
BUT TO LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS -- I AM SORRY, BUT 500 -- I AM
GOING TO HAVE TO START BRINGING A CALCULATOR BECAUSE I HAVE
TO DO THE OLD SCHOOL LONG DIVISION ON HERE.
BUT 500 HOUSEHOLD FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
10:03:47AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
HOW MANY WE CAN HELP WITH THE 679.
10:03:51AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I DID BACK OF THE ENVELOPE MAP AND I GOT 13.8
THOUSAND DOLLARS PER PERSON WHICH SEEMS -- ZONING HEARING
MASTER.
10:04:01AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
PER HOUSEHOLD.
10:04:03AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
SORRY, PER HOUSEHOLD.
THAT SEEMS AWFULLY HIGH GIVEN ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE
OFFERING IS JUST $300 EXTRA POSSIBLY --
10:04:12AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
SO, YEAH, THAT IS BASED ON THE NUMBERS WE
HAD AT THE TIME.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT -- WITH RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
THAT NUMBER, THAT AVERAGE NUMBER FLUCTUATES.
.GOES UP AND DOWN BASED ON -- YOUR NEED MAY NEED A SECURITY
DEPOSIT AND NOT NECESSARILY A GAP.
AND COUNCILMAN VIERA MAY BE A GAP OF $100 A MONTH.
NOT ONLY THAT, PEOPLE MOVE OUT OF THE CITY LIMITS.
SOME PEOPLE -- THAT NUMBER FLUCTUATES HE.
JUST WITH THE NUMBERS THAT CAME OUT SINCE LAST NIGHT
PROBABLY AT 2 A.M., AND SHE DID A REPORT.
IT WAS LIKE 9,000 -- LIKE $8,000 ON AVERAGE PER PERSON.
SO IT LIKELY WILL BE -- WE CAN HELP MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE BUT
BASED ON THE NUMBERS THAT WE HAD AT THE TIME JUST GIVING YOU
AN ESTIMATE.
AND WE CAN COME PACK AND -- YOU KNOW, WE PROVIDE YOU WITH
ANNUAL REPORTS.
WE ARE REQUIRED TO DO THAT.
SO WE CAN DO THAT SIX MONTHS IN AND TELL YOU WHAT THAT
UPDATE -- WE DO THE MONTHLY UPDATE FOR THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE
AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO E-MAIL THAT TO YOU EVERY TIME WE GET
IT JUST SO YOU CAN SEE HOW MANY HOUSEHOLDS AND WHAT THAT
AVERAGE IS.
10:05:17AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
ABSOLUTELY.
YOU WILL BE COMING BACK US TO HE EVERY OTHER MONTH ANYWAY.
10:05:22AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
I'M HERE WITH YOU EVERY WEEK, IT SEEMS
LIKE.
10:05:25AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I UNDERSTAND WE WILL BE WORK ON THIS BUT THAT
NUMBER SHOULD BE TIMES 10.
AND $6.9 MILLION CONSIDERING WHAT WE DID TWO WEEKS AGO IN
NOT HELPING PEOPLE WITH RENT STABLELATION.
WE REALLY OWE IT TO PEOPLE -- THAT IS WHAT THIS COUNCIL
SAYS, WE NEED TO PUT MONEY INTO IT AND BEEF UP RENTAL
ASSISTANCE.
THAT IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THIS BUDGET MORE THAN
$6.9 MILLION FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
STAND HOWEVER THAT HAPPENS, THAT IS A PRIORITY OF MINE.
10:06:05AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
OKAY.
WHEN WE TALK ON THURSDAY -- SO JUST FROM A TIMING
PERSPECTIVE, YOU ARE ASKING FOR A HOUSING WORKSHOP.
AND YOU HAVE THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING IS SEPTEMBER 6.
AND YOU HAVE YOUR BUDGET -- I AM JUST SAYING THAT WE CAN
HAVE THIS CONVERSATION AND DIRECTION ON THURSDAY WITH
THE CRA STAFF.
I FEEL LIKE WE WOULD BE PREPARED AND READY TO TAKE ANY
DIRECTION THAT YOU WANT FROM HOUSING.
AS WE WORK THROUGH PROGRAMS, IF THERE ARE NEW PROGRAMS, THEY
HAVE TO COME BACK TO YOU ANYWAY, BUT FROM A TIMING
PERSPECTIVE, WE COULD DO A SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING BUT I
THINK WE CAN AT LEAST GET STARTED ON THE CONVERSATIONS ON
THURSDAY ON HOW -- HOW YOU -- HOW YOU WANTED TO ALLOCATE
THAT FUNDING AND IF YOU WANTED TO DO RENTAL ASSISTANCE AS
ONE OF THOSE PROGRAMS TO USE SOME OF THAT $10.6 MILLION,.YOU
CAN DO THAT AS WELL.
10:07:01AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I AM FINE WITH THAT GETTING THE BALL ROLLING.
MY CONCERN -- I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS NOTICED
PROPERLY AND PEOPLE KNOW THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT
I KNOW THE AGENDA IS SORT OF ALREADY SET FOR THURSDAY.
I AM NOT -- I AM PERFECTLY HAPPY TO START THE DISCUSSION AND
MAYBE WE DON'T NEED TO SOLVE IT RIGHT BEFORE THE BUDGET
CYCLE, BUT I DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY WANT TO HAVE THAT
CONVERSATION.
AND I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOUR STAFF IS DOING.
I WILL ECHO WHAT COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO SAID.
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT WHAT YOU WANT, WHAT YOU NEED NOR STAFF,
JUST BRING IT TO US.
BECAUSE I DO FEEL PERSONALLY AGAIN THAT HOUSING IS THE MOST
IMPORTANT THING.
AND IN EVERY SITUATION.
IF WE ARE WORKING ON HOUSING REHAB.
THIS IS IT SHALL NOT THAT THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS AREN'T
IMPORTANT, BUT THIS IS WHERE THE CRISIS IS.
SO I'M HAPPY TO SUPPORT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL STAFF TO MAKE
IT HAPPEN.
10:07:59AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
I JUST WANT TO -- FROM A HISTORICAL
PERSPECTIVE.
I HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE JANUARY, BUT EVEN LOOKING BACK FROM
WHAT THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS PUT TOWARD HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY WITH IT BEING ONE OF THE MAYOR'S TOP PILLAR
PRIORITIES.
ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES OF THIS COUNCIL AND OF THE
COMMUNITY, RIGHT.
THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, EVERY FULL-TIME POSITION THAT
WE ASKED FOR IN HOUSING WE HAVE RECEIVED.
AND SO WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY BEEN SUPPORTIVE.
WHAT YOU ARE SEEING NOW IS AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF SERVICE
IN HOUSING AFFORDABILITY.
SO I DON'T WANT FOR YOU TO -- AT ANY POINT THINK THAT WE
HAVEN'T BEEN SPORTS WILDFIRE STAFFING.
WE ARE JUST PROVIDING A LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT IS
UNPRECEDENTED EVEN WITH THE INFLUX OF ARPA FUNDS AND CARES
FUNDING WE HAD OVER TIME.
AND SO WE ARE TRYING TO STAFF UP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
AND STILL CREATE NEW LEVELS OF FUNDING.
SOME OF THE FUNDING -- ABBYE COME AND WHISPER QUICKLY, $6
MILLION.
YOU SEE THESE DIFFERENT BUCKETS OF MONEY.
THE MONEY IS NOT INTERCHANGEABLE FROM THE BUCKETS.
WE GET IN FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR SPECIFIED USE, WE
CAN'T SOME OF THAT AND ADD IT TO RENTAL ASSISTANCE WHICH IS
WHY I GO BACK AND SAY IF YOU WANTED TO SUPPLEMENT WHAT YOU
HAVE -- WHAT YOU ARE SEEING TODAY WITH CRA MONEY THAT IS A
LITTLE LESS RESTRICTIVE, ALTHOUGH YOU STILL HAVE -- THERE IS
-- THERE ARE STILL REQUIREMENTS AROUND AND WE HAVE TO DO IT
IN THE COULD BE FINES OF 163 ANNUAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN.
WE CAN DO THAT AND GET CREATIVE IN DOING THAT AND YOU CAN
SUPPLEMENT USING THOSE FUNDS AS WELL.
10:09:44AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
MR. MASSEY.
10:09:46AM >>MORRIS MASSEY:
THE ONLY OTHER THING I WANTED TO MENTION
THAT THE CRA BUDGET IS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE CRA DISCUSSION
ON THURSDAY.
IT REALLY -- HOW YOU WANT TO BUDGET, ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR THE
NEXT FISCAL YEAR IS ONE OF THE PRIMARY POINTS OF DISCUSSION
THAT IS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA FOR THIS NEXT THURSDAY.
I JUST WALMARTED TO SAY THAT.
10:10:03AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
GREAT.
THANK YOU.
AND I DO WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE STAFF.
BECAUSE EVERY TIME I ASK FOR A CONVERSATION, EVERY TIME I
ASK FOR DATA, I GET IT.
SO I REALLY -- AND I -- I JUST -- I APPRECIATE THE
RESPONSIVENESS.
I KNOW HOW YOU ALL ARE REALLY TRYING TO TURN A GIANT SHIP ON
A DIME.
AND YOU HAVE DONE A REALLY PHENOMENAL JOB.
I KNOW WE HAVE A LOT OF -- WE HAVE A LOT MORE TO DO, BUT
YOUR -- YOU -- YOU AND YOUR TEAM'S WORK HAS NOT GONE
UNNOTICED AND UNAPPRECIATED.
SO THANK YOU.
10:10:41AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN UPSTATE VIERA.
10:10:43AM >>LUIS VIERA:
THANK YOU.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.
A COUPLE OF THINGS.
HIKE COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK SAID, JUST TO THANK YOU.
I ALWAYS TRY TO BE AS ENCOURAGING AS TO YOU IT BECAUSE YOU
ARRIVED HERE IN JANUARY, LIKE YOU SAID AND IN THE MIDDLE OF
A STORM WHERE HOUSING COSTS GONE UP 30, 35% OVER THE PAST
YEAR AND HERE YOU ARE DEALING WITH THE ISSUE WITH THE
PRESSURE OF THE PUBLIC.
SOMETIMES THE FRUSTRATION OF THE PUBLIC, ELECTED OFFICIALS
AND ETC..
I THINK YOU ARE DOING A MARVELOUS JOB.
WHEN I SAID BEFORE ELECTED OFFICE AND PUBLIC SERVICE IS A
CIVIC ENDEAVOR, A CIVIC ENDEAVOR, PATRIOTIC EXAMPLE, YOUR
JOB IS STAFF GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT.
YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE.
THE WORK YOU DO.
STAYING UP LATE NIGHTS.
PEOPLE ARE BEING HELPED.
WHEN I LOOK AT THIS, I ALWAYS SAY THAT I NEVER -- I NEVER
LIKED TO OVERPROMISE ON SOMETHING.
I NEVER LIKE TO SAY ILL DO X, Y AND Z.
I DON'T LIKE TO WRITE POLITICAL CHECKS THAT I EXPECT CASH.
THAT IS HOW I OPERATE.
THIS IS REALLY BIG POLITICAL CHECK.
DEDICATING $35 MILLION TO $40 MILLION.
THAT IS DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR, MONEY THAT WILL HELP PEOPLE WITH
THEIR BACKS UP AGAINST THE WALL, WORKING FULL-TIME, LIVING
IN POVERTY, TRYING TO WORK HARD TO MAKE IT TO THE MIDDLE
CLASS.
JUMPING OUT OF MIDDLE CLASS BECAUSE OF CHANGES WE ARE SEEING
IN THE ECONOMY.
AND THIS MONEY GOES TO HELP THEM.
A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE DO.
THIS COUNCIL WITH THE TENANT BILL OF RIGHTS, ETC.
THAT DEALS WITH RIGHTS, RIGHT?
THAT DEALS WITH RIGHTS.
THIS IS MONEY IN THE POCKET, SO TO SPEAK, OF PEOPLE WHO
REALLY NEED IT.
I JUST WANT TO COMMEND THAT AND LAUD THAT AND THANK YOU HAVE
I MUCH AGAIN.
THANK YOU.
10:12:30AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
10:12:32AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
JUST REAL QUICK.
I DON'T REMEMBER WHO I SAID IT TO.
WE WERE TALKING ABOUT YOU AND I SAID YOU ARE A SUPERSTAR.
NICOLE TRAVIS IS A SUPERSTAR.
I WANT TO PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT.
WE ARE GRATEFUL AND LUCKY TO HAVE YOU HERE NOW.
THIS IS A CRISIS UNPRECEDENTED AND I THINK WE HAVE THE BEST
PERSON LEADING WITH YOUR TEAM.
EVERYBODY BEHIND YOU AND WITH YOU, WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU
BECAUSE YOU GO ABOVE AND BEYOND.
WHEN YOU SAY WE ARE BURNT OUT, YOU ARE WORKING TIRELESSLY,
ENDLESSLY TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE.
UP WANT TO SAY PERSONALLY THAT HI APPRECIATE YOU.
WE ALL APPRECIATE YOU VERY, VERY MUCH.
10:13:07AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
THANK YOU.
MULTI-FAMILY.
10:13:09AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MIRANDA.
10:13:11AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
I DON'T SPEAK VERY MUCH WELL WITH ANYBODY
BECAUSE IF I DO THEY WILL GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SOMEBODY
WILL OFFER THEM MORE MONEY.
NICOLE TRAVIS IS A SUPERSTAR.
STARRING TOMORROW AT THE TAMPA THEATRE.
10:13:23AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
MY GOODNESS.
10:13:24AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WHAT
YOU DO.
AND YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THINGS REALISTICALLY.
IT IS INCUMBENT TO TRY TO HELP EVERYONE AM.
AND WE HAVE TO REALIZE AND UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OF THIS
MONEY THAT WE PAY IN RENT CONTROL WILL NEVER COME BADGE.
SO IT IS A ONE-SHOT DEAL BECAUSE AFTER THAT, IT ENDS.
AND I TONIGHT WANT TO GIVE FALSE HOPE TO PEOPLE.
BUT THE CRISIS THAT WE HAVE WITH A COMPLICATED SIMPLE ONE.
WHAT IS IT I SAY?
COMPLICATED BECAUSE YOU HAVE A SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN REVERSE.
YOU HAVE NOT MORE HOUSING, BUT LESS HOUSING AND MORE PEOPLE
LOOKING FOR HOUSING.
SO YOU HAVE A REAL, REAL TRACK THAT IS COMING ONE WAY.
ON THE OTHER SIDE THE ROAD, A TRACK -- A TRAIN COMING IN THE
SAME DIRECTION.
THEY GET TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER, WHAT DO YOU HAVE?
10:14:16AM >> A COLLISION.
10:14:18AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
BAD ACCIDENT.
WE HAVE A MAYOR BEFORE US THAT WON'T BE SOLVED VERY SHORTLY.
IF THE CITY OF TAMPA COULD AND I AM NOT SAYING THEY CAN'T,
BUT MAYBE THEY COULD, START THEIR OWN BUILDING PROCESS.
UNDER ANOTHER NAME.
10:14:34AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
EXACTLY.
10:14:36AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
START IT ALL.
BUILD YOUR OWN HOUSES.
CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN AND BUILD MORE HOUSES AT A BETTER
RATE.
THAT'S ALL I CAN TELL UP.
I AM NOT SAYING YOU CAN TO THAT IF IT IS POSSIBLE.
YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO REF TIRE FROM THE CITY THAT ARE GENERAL
CONTRACTORS.
HIRE ONE OF THEM JUST LIKE YOU HIRE ANYBODY ELSE TO DO
SOMETHING ELSE IN THE CITY AND GO OUT AND BUILD THEM.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN GET SUED.
IF YOU DO IT, I DON'T THINK YOU ARE GOING TO LOSE.
BECAUSE USING FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR THE RIGHT THING TO GET
THINGS DONE.
IF THEY DON'T LIKE IT.
SORRY, CHARLIE.
NOT YOU, CHARLIE.
BUT THIS CHARLIE.
THOSE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE TO DO.
AND I AM NOT SAYING YOU SHOULD TO IT, BUT A POSSIBILITY THAT
YOU CAN DO IT.
START WHY YOU ARE OWN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY AND BUILD THEM.
PUT YOUR BID UP AGAINST THEM AND YOU GO DO IT AND THAT WAY
YOU STAY HERE A LITTLE LONGER.
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.
I APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR STAFF.
LET'S GET TO WORK.
THANK YOU.
10:15:40AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
THANK YOU.
10:15:41AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN BE GUDES.
10:15:43AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT IT.
10:15:49AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
I THOUGHT IT.
10:15:50AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
WE HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE.
IT SCARES ME.
LET ME TELL YOU WHY.
TALKING OF CRA MONEY.
DON'T BE FOOLED BY THAT BIG NUMBER.
THOSE BIG NUMBERS THERE COME WITH A LOT OF CRITERIA.
IT MAY HELP SOME, BUT, AGAIN, THAT BIG NUMBER AIN'T GOING TO
GET WHAT WE NEED TO GET DONE AND THAT MONEY WON'T ARRIVE
WITH THE RENTAL ASSISTANT MONEY.
WITH THE CRA.
IT GOES BACK TO BUILD BUT GOES BACK TO THOSE WHO MAY BE
RENTING OR THE OWNER OF THOSE PROPERTIES WHERE YOU MAKE A
DEAL WHERE YOU CAN'T RAISE THAT RENT FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD OF
TIME.
GET YOUR PLACE FIXED UP, BUT YOU ARE GOING TO HELP ME BY
KEEPING MY FAMILY INTACT.
THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF STRATEGIES THAT WE NEED TO DO.
10:16:40AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
IT IS.
THOSE ARE THINGS WE TALKED.
OF MR. DRUMGO AND THE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST AND COMING UP
WITH DIFFERENT STRATEGIES HOW DO WE IN PERPETUITY CONTINUE
TO LOOK AT KEEPING UNITS AFFORDABLE, NOT JUST RIGHT NOW, BUT
IN PERPETUITY.
SO HOW DO WE.
INCREASE THAT STOCK.
AND NUMBERS INCH PART OF THIS IS HOW WE DO THE COMMUNITY
LAND TRUST.
PUTTING -- IF WE DO OWNER-OCCUPIED REHAB OR TENANT REHAB
UNITS, HOW DO WE ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE LANDLORD TO
KEEP THE RENTS AT A RESTRICTED OR A LOWER RATE.
ALL THINGS THAT WE REMEMBER WORKING ON AND WILL BRING IT
BACK TO YOU.
10:17:25AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
I THINK YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT FATHER.
YOU NEED A SPECIAL TEAM TO DO THAT.
TO DO HELP WORK WITH THE OTHER THINGS YOU ARE DOING.
UP DON'T WANT ALL THE CRA MONEY.
10:17:40AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
I JUST TELL YOU IN GOOD CONSCIOUS I CAN'T TELL YOU OR ADVISE
YOU AS YOUR CRA DIRECT TO USE YOUR $10.6 MILLION FOR RENTAL
ASSISTANCE.
QUITE HONESTLY THAT SCARES THE HECK OUT OF ME.
HOW DO WE PARTNER WITH DEVELOPERS FOR NEW UNITS.
HOW DO WE INCENTIVIZE THAT SUPPLY PIECE WE NEED TO GET TAX
INCREMENT FINANCE SOMETHING IS AN UNIQUE TOOL THAT SHOULD BE
USED TO LEVERAGE YOUR DOLLARS AND CONTINUE TO INVEST IT SO
YOU CAN GET MORE MONEY TO CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE
DISTRICT.
10:18:12AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
TALK ABOUT INCLUSIONARY ZONING.
A LOT OF CITIES SAY THAT.
10:18:17AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
YOU CAN DO THAT WITH THE MONEY.
ON THURSDAY TALK ABOUT THE 10.6 MILLION.
WE CAN ALLOCATE IN LARGER BUCKETS.
WE HAVE TO DO THAT ON THURSDAY BEFORE THE BUDGET WORKSHOP
AND THEN WORK DOWN THE DETAILS OF PROGRAMS AND BRING THAT
BACK TO YOU.
BUT --
10:18:34AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
THANK YOU.
10:18:35AM >>MORRIS MASSEY:
I WANT TO MENTION REAL QUICKLY A NUMBER OF
NEW GRANT PROGRAMS THAT ALL HAVE RECENTLY APPROVED BY
THE CRA DO HAVE RESTRICTION WILLING.
IF THE RECIPIENT OF THE GRANT CANNOT RAISE RENT BEYOND A
CERTAINLY AMOUNT.
THAT IS PART OF THE PROGRAM AND I WANT TO MAKE THAT YOU KNOW
WE ARE TRYING TO IMPLEMENT THOSE CONCEPTS IN THE CRA GRANT
PROGRAMS.
10:18:58AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK.
10:19:00AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION OR STATEMENT, I
SUPPOSE.
WHEN WE DO GET TOGETHER ON THURSDAY, IF -- IF YOU HAVE --
OBVIOUSLY I AM NOT EXPECTING A MAJOR PRESENTATION, BUT IF
YOU KNOW WHAT TYPE OF STAFF THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.
LIKE HOW MANY, MAYBE.
LIKE JUST A GENERAL BALLPARK SO WE CAN START TO FACTOR THAT
-- THAT MONEY IN.
THAT WILL BE GREAT.
SO THANK YOU.
10:19:27AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
I KNOW YOU ARE NOT AS YOUR CRA BOARD.
IF YOU GIVE US A NOD IF YOU WANT ME TO LOOK AT STAFFING, I
HAVE TO BRING THAT BACK.
I NEED TO -- I NEED TO TALK TO THE MONEY BAGS.
THE THE PEOPLE OVER HERE TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM ALLOCATING
THE RIGHT -- BUT WE MET ON BUDGET THIS -- EARLY THIS
MORNING, LAST WEEK, YESTERDAY, WE CAN TRY TO FACTOR SOME OF
THAT IN.
BUT JUST LOOKING AT THAT $800,000 FOR THE OWNER-OCCUPIED
REHAB JUST IN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
WE LOOKED AT THAT AND SAID WE CAN HIRE PEOPLE AND DO THE
FRACTION OF THE COST AND DO MORE.
YEAH, SO --.
10:20:08AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
I APPRECIATE THAT.
APPRECIATE THE LOOKING AT THAT.
IF WE CAN JUST GET AN IDEA.
10:20:12AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
AN IDEA, SURE.
10:20:14AM >>LYNN HURTAK:
AGAIN, DOESN'T HAVE TO BE WRITTEN IN STONE
BUT SOMETHING WE CAN START WORK WITH WHEN WE PUT THE MONEY
IN THE BUCKETS WE ARE ALLOCATE IT IN THE BIG BUCKETS
CORRECTLY.
10:20:25AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
SURE.
SETH.
10:20:27AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR STATEMENTS?
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
NOW THAT ALL MY TALKING POINTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN, MILLS
NICOLE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
OF COURSE A CONVERSATION WITH COMMISSIONER WALKER AND I SAID
NO, HE CAN NOT HAVE YOU BACK.
MAKING THAT QUITE CLEAR.
YES, LET'S TALK ABOUT RENTAL REHAB.
WE PUT OUT FOR THOSE MONIES FOR RENTAL REHAB.
WE CAN'T CAP RENTAL INCREASES.
LET'S THINK ABOUT THAT.
ARE YOU FINISHED WITH YOUR PRESENTATION OR YOU STILL HAVE
MORE TO GO.
10:21:01AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
I DON'T ANYTHING LEFT FOR MY PRESENTATION.
I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
BUT I WANT TO THANK THE TEAM THAT I WORK WITH.
I HAVE THE BEST JOB OF LEADING AN AMAZING TEAM.
THEY WORK TIRELESSLY.
WE ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS FOR A REASON.
IT IS A CHOICE.
WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THIS JOB.
OUR CHOICE TO BE A PUBLIC SERVANT AND OUR PLEASURE TO HAVE
THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
10:21:27AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
I THINK I -- EVERYBODY HERE WOULD SAY THANK
YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND YOUR TEAM.
10:21:32AM >>NICOLE TRAVIS:
THANK YOU.
COUNCILMAN SELF IF VIERA.
10:21:38AM >>LUIS VIERA:
FOR OTHER QUESTIONS?
SETH.
10:21:40AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
I BELIEVE HE BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE WILL COME
UP NEXT TO SPEAK NEXT AT THE PODIUM.
10:21:52AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
GOOD MORNING, AGAIN, COUNCIL.
JOHN BENNETT, CHIEF OF STAFF.
THIS PHASE OF THE WORKSHOP IS AN OPEN QUESTION AND OPEN CALL
TO THE REST OF THE BUDGET.
OF COURSE THE BUDGET TEAMS DO LINE-BY-LINE QUESTIONS AND
OTHER VISION AND INITIATIVE THAT COUNCIL EITHER DISCUSSED
WITH US OR WANTS TO DO SOME VERIFICATION.
THOSE KIND OF THINGS ARE IN PLAY AT THIS POINT.
AGAIN, THE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS ARE HERE TO TALK OF THEIR
SPECIFIC BUSINESS UNITS AND TO MAKE SURE THAT -- I JUST WANT
TO, IF I COULD, TAKE A QUICK MOMENT ON THE INSURANCE
QUESTION.
I WAS REACHING OUT TO OUR BENEFITS TEAM.
AND THE ONE THING THAT DIDN'T COME OUT IN OUR DISCUSSION AND
ABLE TO GET THE PERCENTAGES, APPROXIMATELY 60% OF OUR
GENERAL EMPLOYEES USE THE SINGLE COVERAGE AND THAT IS AT NO
COST TO THEM.
AND THE OTHER 40% IN FAMILY WOULD GET THAT 7.5% INCREASE.
SO WE MAINTAINED ZERO COST SYSTEM FOR SINGLES, WHICH IS WHY
WE ARE LOOKING TO TRY TO BUILD MULTIPLE PLANES.
BUT I NEED MORE DATA -- LANES.
BUT I NEED MORE DATA FIRST.
SO THE QUESTIONS ARE READY.
10:22:59AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN VIERA.
10:23:01AM >>LUIS VIERA:
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.
A COUPLE OF THINGS I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT WITH THIS BUDGET.
I SEE HERE -- AND THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK, CHIEF
BENNETT, WE ALWAYS APPRECIATE CREATE YOU.
ON MAJOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROJECTA FOR FIRE STATION 24 IT
SAYS HERE -- AND WE TALKED ABOUT THIS AND WHAT NOT.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE WORKS
UNDER THIS BUDGET.
I THINK -- NOW CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, IT WAS A MILLION
DOLLARS THAT WAS DEDICATED IN THE BUDGET FOR THIS.
IF YOU TAKE A LOOK AT THE SURROUNDING AREA OF STATION 24,
THE BIG PROBLEM IS RESPONSE TIMES AND YOU KNOW THIS AND
SAYING THIS FOR BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC.
WHEN YOU TAKE A LOOK AT ACCORDING TO A STUDY DONE BY LOCAL
754, THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS, FOUR
OUT OF THE SIX FIRE STATIONS IN THE CITY OF TAMPA WITH THE
LONGEST RESPONSE TIMES COME FROM 33647, STATION 20 THAT HAD
SERVE MOSTLY TAMPA PALMS, 21 AND 22 OFF CROSS CREEK AND 23
FOR.
GRAHAM HAMPTON.
THE BIG ISSUES IS RESPONSE TIMES.
MY UNDERSTANDING THERE HAVEN'T BEEN ANY REAL ESTATE
PURCHASED OR SITED FOR THIS.
SO I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS BUDGET --
AND THE WAY I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT FOR FIRE STATIONS --
EVERY SINGLE BUDGET BECAUSE LAST YEAR FIRE STATION 25.
AND DESIGNED FOR 24.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FOR EVERY SINGLE YEAR IS A GOAL THAT I
THINK IS ATTAINABLE TO HAVE CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR A FIRE
STATION, RIGHT.
AND DESIGN FOR -- I GUESS, VISUAL DOWNPAYMENT, I GUESS FOR
THE FIRE STATION FOR NEXT YEAR WERE WHAT I WANT TO MAKE SURE
THAT THERE IS NOT CONSTRUCTION UNDER IN COMPLEX FOR FIRE
STATION 24 FOR K-BAR RANCH BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.
FOLKS OUT THERE IN THE K-BAR RANCH IN THE NEW TAMPA AREA
HAVE TO RESPOND TO RESPONSE TIMES OF 12, 13, 14 MINUTES,
ETC.
AND AGAIN GEOGRAPHICALLY LOCATED FOUR OUT OF THE SIX FIRE
STATIONS BEING THERE.
THAT WAS ONE THING I WAS GOING TO MAKE A MOTION IN THAT
REGARD TO FOLLOW UP IN A FEW MONTHS TO SEE WHERE WE ARE ON
THAT.
I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A RESPONSE.
10:25:11AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
UP APOLOGIZE, CHIEF TRIPP WAS DOUBLE BOOKED
WITH AN ADMINISTRATIVE HOPING SHE WOULD MAKE IT BACK FOR IN
QUESTION, BUT I WILL TRY TO BRIDGE IT UNTIL SHE GETS HERE.
RECENTLY KNOWING THIS IS OF IMPORTANCE AND HAS BEEN OF
IMPORTANCE, LAND CONTROL IS OBVIOUSLY ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO ADDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SERVICE.
RESPONSE TIME IN MEDICAL RESPONSE.
89% OF OUR CALLS OF SERVICE IS MEDICAL BASED ACROSS THE
CITY.
RESPONSE TIME IS CRITICAL AND WE WANT THAT AT EVERY
DOORSTEP, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL OR A VISITOR'S DOOR.
I HAVE ASKED CHIEF TRIPP FOR AN UPDATE ON RESPONSE TIMES FOR
THAT ENTIRE SPACE.
I WENT OUT THERE AND DROVE LAST WEEK INTO THAT AREA CAN TO
SEE -- WE KNOW THAT THERE IS AN ACCESS ROAD.
WE DID VERIFY THAT WILL BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE 25th.
AND ONCE APPROVED AND THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATIVE CYCLE, THAT
PASSAGEWAY TO GET THE RESPONSE TIMES DOWN SHOULD BE --
OBVIOUSLY HELPING THE SITUATION.
I AM TO UNDERSTAND WITHOUT SEEING THE DATA THAT IT IS NOT A
CALL LOAD ISSUE.
IT IS A GEOGRAPHIC ISSUE.
THE OTHER THING WE ARE TALKING BEFORE AND WE ARE WORK WITH
THE COUNTY ON IS THE CYCLE TIME TO GET OUT OF THE HOSPITALS.
UNTIL A PATIENT CAN GET SITUATED IN THE HOSPITAL, THAT UNIT
IS OUT OF SERVICE.
AND SO WE ARE WORKING ON THE HOSPITAL SIDE.
I AM ALSO -- AS A MATTER OF FACT, I AM MEETING TODAY WITH
THE 211 CEO.
AND THEY HAVE A PRIVATE AMBULANCE SYSTEM.
WE NEED TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT -- AGAIN, IT
DOESN'T REALLY FROM MY EXPERIENCE OF DEALING WITH MULTIPLE
FIRE DISTRICTS, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR
DOES ON AN AMBULANCE, WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT IT IS SO WE KNOW
OUR LEVEL OF SERVICE IS OVER AND ABOVE THAT.
I AM TRYING TO GET BENCHMARKING ON THIS.
WHY I AM SAYING ALL THIS STUFF, A LINE ITEM IN THE BUDGET
FOR STATION 24 WHERE THAT GEOGRAPHIC SPOT HAS YET TO BE
DETERMINED BUT CHIEF TRIPP ASSURED ME THAT THE RESPONSE
TIMES WILL MEET THE ACCEPTABLE AREAS.
AS COUNCIL KNOWS AND COME TO YOU FOR APPROVAL.
ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHEN I GOT HERE IS THE
COUNTY REACHED OUT BECAUSE THEY HAD A DOUGHNUT HOLE IN
RESPONSE AND ASKED FOR THE CITY OF TAMPA TO SERVE THAT
COUNTY.
I ALSO ASKED CHIEF TRIPP TO EXPLORE A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTAND WITH ALL OF THE CONTIGUOUS JURISDICTIONS TO SEE
WHOEVER GETS THERE FIRST TO PAY THE BILL.
AND DO THAT ON A QUARTERLY BASIS OF THE RESPONSE TIME IN
BRICK AND MORTAR OPPORTUNITIES.
10:28:06AM >>LUIS VIERA:
IF I MAY, SIR.
I THANK YOU FOR THAT.
I APPRECIATE IT.
THE UPCOMING CONNECTOR THAT WE WILL BE APPROVING ON THE 25th
FOR ME -- AND AGAIN, I AM NOT A PUBLIC SAFETY EXPERT AS I
SAID IN OUR CALL.
I DON'T SEE THAT, JUST FROM MY OWN PERSPECTIVE, SEE THIS
MAKING A SERIOUS DENT.
THIS WILL BE QUICK ACCESS TO PASCO COUNTY FROM THE K-BAR
RANCH.
THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW JUST FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC.
BY AND LARGE THE STATIONS OF 21 AND 22 ON CROSS CREEK GOT TO
GO INTO IT K-BAR RANCH.
ALL THE WAY DOWN CROSS STREET TO MANSFIELD AND GO INTO THERE
WHICH IS VERY, VERY, VERY LONG WHICH IS POTENTIALLY UNSAFE
WITH A HUGE EMERGENCY VEHICLE COMING THROUGH.
AGAIN WITH THE FINAL ANALYSIS WE WILL DO THINGS TO TAME THE
ACCESS, BUT I THINK AT THE END, A FIRE STATION WILL HAVE TO
BE THERE.
AGAIN, I AM NOT A PUBLIC SAFETY EXPERT BUT IN MY VIEW IN
TERMS OF THE ACCESS.
THAT AREA CONTINUES TO GROW.
I KNOW A COUPLE OF YEARS IN THE PRIOR CITY COUNCIL, WE
APPROVED ANOTHER 600 TO 700 HOMES.
AND I WILL MAKE A MOTION IN THAT REGARD, IF I MAY.
THE GOAL IS HAVING CONSTRUCTION AND IT HE SIGN MONEY FOR
ANOTHER FIRE STATION.
WE LOOK FORWARD THE CITY OF TAMPA AND CONTINUING DEFICIT
WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND FIRE IN A LOT OF
DIFFERENT AREAS.
UPCOMING DEFICITS WITH GROWTH, ETC.
WE ARE LOOKING AT WORKFORCE HOUSING IN THE WEST TAMPA AREA,
WESTSHORE CONTINUES TO GROW.
DOWNTOWN, CHALLENGES.
SOUTH OF GANDY, ETC., ETC.
WITH THE GROWTH, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT -- I AM NOT GOING TO
MENTION AT THAT QUASI-JUDICIAL, BUT TALKING ABOUT A LOT OF
THINGS HANG IN YBOR CITY.
I THINK IT IS A WISE WAY TO GO CONSTRUCTION COUPLED WITH
DESIGN EVERY SINGLE YEAR BECAUSE WE CAN AFFORD IT AS A CITY
AND WHAT NOT AND A BIG PRIORITY OF YOU GUYS AND THAT IS MY
PIECE I GUESS IF YOU WILL.
AND VERY BRIEFLY AND JUST FOR THE BEN 50 PUBLIC, A COUPLE OF
GOOD PROGRAMS IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET.
THE RETURNING CITIZENS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM WHERE WE ARE
WORK WITH THE COUNTY ON THAT.
I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH COMMISSIONER MYERS AS PART OF OUR
RETURNING CITIZENS INITIATIVE TO ENCOURAGE FEV CONTRACTORS
WHO HIRING RETURN CITIZENS.
RETURNING CITIZENS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM WHO ARE LEAVING
THE PRISON SYSTEM WHO WANT TO WORK HARD TO PUT FOOD ON THE
TABLE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.
VERY IMPORTANT.
AND GRANT FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME ASSISTANCE AS OUR FRIEND JAY
JOHNSON OFTEN SAYS WHEN YOU LOSE A LOVED ONE TO CRIME, YOU
HAVE TO PAY THE RENT AND UTILITIES.
THAT BUDGET -- AND THIS BUDGET MOVES US FORWARD.
AS WE DISCUSSED THIS TRULY FOR THE BENNETT OF THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU FOR THAT, MR. CHAIR.
10:30:56AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
CAN I CONFIRM, CHAIRMAN, TO THE COUNCILMAN.
JUST BRIEFLY.
CAN I CONFIRM --
10:31:02AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
YES, BRIEFLY.
10:31:04AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
YES AND YES.
ON THE RE-ENTRY.
RETURNING CITIZEN SIDE, AS YOU KNOW, INTERNALLY PATHWAY, AND
OUR OWN METHODOLOGY TO BRING IT INTO CITY GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES.
PART OF THAT PROCESS WE HAVE SENT OUR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR BRETT McKENZIE OUT TO WORK GROUPS AND CHANNEL BACK
FUNDING IN SOCIAL ACTS FUND AND GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO
NAVIGATE THAT SPOT AND TALKING TO CHIEF O'CONNOR POSITIONED
ALREADY FOR THE VICTIMS ADVOCACY PROGRAM.
AND IN ADDITION OF THAT WITH MY 2111 MEETING TODAY.
HOW TO PARTNER TO BE CHANNEL OF VICTIMS OF ACUTE SITUATIONS.
10:31:52AM >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.
10:31:54AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
10:31:55AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, CHIEF BENNETT.
FIRST, LET ME SAY THANK YOU FOR -- AND I MENTIONED THIS THE
OTHER DAY -- FOR LISTENING TO MY CONCERNS AND INCLUDING
BASICALLY EVERYTHING THAT I HAD REQUESTED IN THIS BUDGET.
I APPRECIATE IT VERY, VERY MUCH.
TO THE CFO, HIS TEAM, AND YOU, YOURSELF, YOU ALWAYS LISTEN
AND UP APPRECIATE IT SINCERELY.
I LOVE WORKING HERE.
I LOVE SERVING HERE.
I LOVE WORK WITH THIS GREAT TEAM.
I ALWAYS SAY WE ARE A FAMILY.
AS A FAMILY WE SHOULD BE THERE TO SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER.
AND I CERTAINLY FEEL THAT WAY FROM YOU AND THE
ADMINISTRATION.
A COUPLE OF THINGS.
IN SPEAKING TO SOME OF MY CONSTITUENTS AND LOOKING AT HOW
BUSY WE HAVE BEEN GETTING WITH THE REZONING HEARINGS, THE
NIGHT MEETINGS.
THERE IS A LOT OF STUFF IN THE PIPELINE.
WHAT I THINK WE SHOULD DO OR CONSIDER IS HAVING -- HIRING A
NEW POSITION, CREATING A NEW POSITION WHERE THAT PERSON IS,
LIKE, A NEIGHBORHOOD -- A NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATE.
AND I KNOW WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT -- COMMUNITY LIAISONS AND
WHATNOT.
BUT SOMEBODY WHO CAN GO OUT TO NEIGHBORHOOD I CAN
ASSOCIATIONS BECAUSE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ALSO GET
TOGETHER AND DISCUSS POTENTIAL REZONINGS, PROJECTS, THEY
DON'T ALWAYS HAVE THE ANSWERS.
THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE -- OUR CITY CODE, REZONINGS.
QUASI-JUDICIAL, THE RULES.
VERY TRICKY AND COMPLICATED.
WE HAVE A DEDICATED INDIVIDUAL THAT WE MAY HAVE OTHER PEOPLE
IN THAT CAPACITY, BUT SOMEBODY THAT BE CAN ANSWER THE
QUESTIONS GO OUT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION.
50 FEET, 10 PEOPLE, TO BETTER EXPLAIN THE PROCESS WHICH WILL
HELP THE PUBLIC WHEN THEY COME HERE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
WHETHER THEY COME IN GROUPS OF 100 OR TWO PEOPLE AND PEOPLE
ARE INFORMED AND THEY KNOW WHAT THEY CAN AND CANNOT DO.
WHAT COUNCIL CAN AND CANNOT DO.
WHAT AN ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL IS.
PEOPLE ASK HOW DID THIS GET APPROVED.
I DON'T REMEMBER IT IN A MEETING.
CERTAIN THINGS DON'T COME HERE.
IF WE CAN CONSIDER THAT AND PERHAPS ADD THAT IN THE BUDGET
AND LOOKING AT HIRING A SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL.
I HAVE MY GO-TO PEOPLE.
BUT THEY ARE -- I AM LOOKING AT ABBYE FEELEY WHO IS THE GURU
OR BE STEVEN BENSON AND SOMEBODY LIKE THAT.
THEY ARE DOING THEIR OWN THING.
BUT I THINK WE NEED SOMEBODY ELSE.
THAT IS ONE THING AND PROBABLY MY BIGGEST ASK THAT WAS NOT
INCLUDED IN THIS BUDGET BUT I THINK SHOULD BE LOOKED AT.
A COUPLE OF OTHER PROJECTS FROM.
PAST PROJECTS.
I AM GOING TO A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AND THEY WILL ASK
ME THE DOCKS AT RIVERCREST PARK.
I REACHED OUT TO SHERISHA HILLS AND I MET WITH THE
NEIGHBORHOOD AT 2019.
AND THESE PROJECTS ALONG WITH THE SHORE RESTORATION WAS
FUNDED AND I KNOW COVID HIT AND SHERISHA HILLS RESPOND WITH
A TIMELINE WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THEIR QUESTION IS BECAUSE THEY FUNDED IT, WHY IS THE
CONTRACTOR TAKE BEING SELECTED.
COVID HELD THINGS UP.
RIVERCREST, IF THERE IS A COMPLETION THERE AND VILA BROTHERS
PARK.
BABY STEPS AND FUNDED FROM LAST YEAR TO THE YEAR BEFORE TO
MAKE SURE THESE THINGS GET DONE BECAUSE THE NEIGHBORHOOD --
6:00 TONIGHT, THEY WILL BE ASKING ME ABOUT RIVERCREST IN
SOUTH SEMINOLE HEIGHTS AND I WANT TO GIVE AN ANSWER BEYOND
WHAT MILLS HILLS SAID.
THAT'S REALLY IT.
EVERYTHING ELSE THAT I REQUESTED IS IN THE BUDGET.
EVERYTHING FROM TOWER PARK WITH THE WATER TOWER STOW OTHER
PROJECTS TO THE DOCK REPLACEMENT.
THAT WAS ADD.
APPRECIATE THAT REALLY IT.
IF YOU HAVE ANY RESPONSE FOR ANY UPDATE OR NOT.
WERE.
10:35:45AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
I APPRECIATE THE FEEDBACK ON THE OMBUDSMAN.
A CONVERSATION BETWEEN MISS TRAVIS AND MISS WYNN ELSE
OFFICE.
I KNOW WAS OFFERED ADDITIONAL STAFF TO GET MORE COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT.
LET US TALK ABOUT THAT AND BRING THAT BACK TO YOU.
10:36:03AM >>GUIDO MANISCALCO:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
10:36:04AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILWOMAN HURTAK.
NO?
COUNCILMAN GUDES.
10:36:07AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
YES, CHIEF, TWO THINGS.
MR. VIERA BROUGHT IT UP THE FIRE STATION.
GLAD HE BROUGHT THAT UP OF A PLAN FOR EACH YEAR, GETTING
INTO THAT THE BUDGET.
I THINK THAT IS A GREAT IDEA, BUT I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE
THAT THESE DEVELOPER THAT ARE BUILDING, WE NEED TO PARTNER
WITH THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE BUILDING IT.
10:36:25AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
ABSOLUTELY.
10:36:27AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
THEY ARE BUILDING IT.
A TRUE STAKE IN THE GAME IN HELPING THE CITY.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE IF WE DO THIS, WE GO TO THEM.
YOU WANT THESE REZONINGS AND COMP PLANS.
YOU HAVE ALL THESE PEOPLE.
YOU NEED TO BE A PART OF THE PROCESS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE
FOLKS YOU WANT TO PAY YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE SERVICES.
WHEN YOU DO THAT, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ADVOCATING
TO PUT SKIN IN THE GAME.
WE WANT TO HELP BUT PUT SKIN IN THE GAME TO DO THAT.
I THINK THAT WILL HELP US OUT A LOT FINANCIALLY.
SO --
10:36:59AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
I AGREE.
10:37:00AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
I SAW THE PROJECT GROUP.
THEY GOT -- WHOEVER THIS DESIGNER -- GOT THIS BIG OL' MAP IN
THE ROOM AND GOES 33-D AND SHOULD PINPOINT WHERE THE FIRE
STATION WILL BE.
IT IS AMAZING.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY COUNCILMEN HAVE BEEN THERE, BUT IF WE
CAN DO THAT AMAZING.
AND THE WATER WORKS PROJECT AS WELL.
PROGRAMS.
A LOT OF PEOPLE CALL ABOUT THESE PROGRAMS.
SO IF SOMEBODY DOESN'T SEE SOMETHING IN THE BUDGET, TALK
ABOUT YOU CAN -- HOW THIS OPERATES IN TERMS OF THE DOLLAR
AMOUNTS.
I KNOW POM SEEM -- I AM A FIRM ADVOCATE OF -- IF I GIVE YOU
SO MUCH, WHAT IS THE BENEFIT I AM GIVING.
IF I AM GIVING YOU DOLLARS, HOW DO I GET THAT RETURN OF
INVESTMENT OF DOLLARS.
IF EXPLAIN HOW THAT, BOSS AND WHAT WE ARE DOING.
I KNOW THERE ARE CHANGES A YEAR AGO.
10:37:54AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION.
IT IS AN IMPORTANT JOURNEY WE ARE ON.
WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION CONNECTED OFF, WE -- WHEN I SAY "WE"
IT IS THE BUDGET TEAM AND I LOOKED AT WHAT IS CALLED THE 200
FUND AND THE LIST WHICH IS MONEY GIVEN TO CERTAIN NONPROFITS
TO DO GOOD WORK IN THE COMMUNITY.
AND WE KIND OF DID AN OVERSIGHT OF THAT AND REALIZED NOT A
LOT OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PROCESS.
SO ABOUT A YEAR LEADER WE IMPLEMENTED WHAT WAS CALLED THE
"SOCIAL ACTION AND ARTS FUND."
IT IS GIVING A NAME TO THESE GROUPS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN
GETTING MONEY FROM THE CITY AS A NONPROFIT FOR DIFFERENT
OPPORTUNITIES TO BRING SOME STRATEGIC GOOD INTO THE
COMMUNITY.
SOME OF THOSE YOU HAVE ASKED FOR INDIVIDUALLY.
AND THEY HAVE BEEN PUT INTO THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND
FUNDED.
SOME OF THEM ARE REPEAT SYSTEM.
SOME OF THEM WE SENT OUT SOME OF OUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS.
10:38:50AM >> SPECIFICALLY IN WORK TO GO OUT AND SEE HOW WE CAN PUT
TOGETHER A GOOD STRATEGY AND GET THAT FUNDING AND RETURN ON
INVESTMENT, BUT THE PROCESS IS FAIRLY SIMPLE A ONE PAGE,
ALMOST LIKE A MINI GRANT AND WHAT IT DOES IS EXPLAINS WHAT
RESOURCES THIS GROUP HAS, WHAT THE GAP ANALYSIS IS BETWEEN
WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO DO AND WHAT THEY CAN AFFORD.
ON AT THAT QUARTERLY BASIS, THEY SEND THEIR REPORTS INTO THE
BUDGET OFFICE AND THEY GET THEIR NEXT QUARTER OF FUNCTION.
AS LONG AS THEY FILL OUT THE APPLICATION, REPORT QUARTERLY
AND THE REST OF THE FUNDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
THE REASON WE TIGHTEN THAT UP IS TO GIVE NEW NONPROFITS
OPPORTUNITIES TO BENEFIT FROM THIS FUND WITHIN THE CITY.
SO THAT IS KIND OF THE PROCESS WE ARE ON.
WHAT WE ENVISION COME INTO THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE IS TO WORK
TESTIMONY MORE COMMITTEE 'APPROVAL SYSTEM SO THAT WAY WE ARE
MAKING SURE WE HAVE GOOD EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE PROCESS
OTHER THAN THE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE KIND OF APPROACH
TOWARD THAT FUND.
10:39:51AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
COUNCILMAN MIRANDA.
10:39:52AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
NOTHING.
10:39:54AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
THANK YOU, THEN I WILL JUST MAKE SOME
REQUESTS, CHIEF.
AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE ANY STATEMENT NOW.
JUST -- JUST PLANTING A SEED.
TO COUNCILMAN VIERA'S POINT, WE NEED TO BE PRO ACTIVITY.
NOT REACTIVE.
ESPECIALLY IN OUR FIRE RESCUE.
DOWNTOWN, WE BETTER START THINKING OF ABOUT THAT NOW.
LAND IS SCARCE AND WILL BECOME MORE SCARCE, IF NOT FOR A
FIRE STATION BUT AN EMS RESCUE.
A POINT OF THAT COUNCILMAN VIERA MADE OF STATION 24.
WE CAN BUILD A BUILDING AND DON'T HAVE STAFF THERE.
WE DON'T HAVE THE FIRE TRUCKS.
WE DON'T HAVE THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLES WHAT IS THE
USE OF BUILDING THE STATION.
NEWER POLICE VEHICLES.
WE ARE STILL DRIVING AROUND 2006 CROWN VICS.
WE -- I'M HOPING THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO VOTE FOR THE
TRANSPORTATION TAX.
IF 23409, THE CITY OF TAMPA ONLY OWNS 19% OF THE ROADS
WITHIN OUR CITY LIMITS.
HOW ARE WE GOING TO FILL THOSE POTHOLES.
EMPEOPLE ARE COMING TO ME EVERY DAY SAYING YOU ARE RUINING
THE ALIGNMENT IN MY CAR.
MY RIM GOT BENT HITTING A POTHOLE.
THAT TRANSPORTATION DOESN'T GO THROUGH.
TAX DOESN'T GO THROUGH.
HOW ARE WE GOING TO FILL THOSE POTHOLES.
HOW MUCH MONEY.
THE MAYOR MADE A PROMISE OF BEING RESILIENT BY A CERTAIN
TEAM.
ARE WE FUND THAT ADEQUATELY.
PERSONNEL, ALL OVER EVERY DEPARTMENT.
WE HAVE HIRES OF 25 PEOPLE AND RETIRING, MUCH WE ARE LOSING
TWO PEOPLE.
THOSE ARE QUESTIONS THAT I HOPE YOU CAN ANSWER THE NEXT TIME
WE TALK OF THE BUDGET.
10:41:53AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
SORRY, WHEN YOU SAID -- I DO HAVE
SOMETHING TO ADD.
YOU KNOW, CHIEF, JUST WALKING THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON
THOUGHT THE COUNTRY, THE COLORADO RIVER WATER SUPPLY FOR
ABOUT OVER 40 MILLION PEOPLE.
IT IS DOWN ABOUT 38 FEET FROM THE LEVEL IT SHOULD BE AND
WON'T LAST MUCH LONGER AND THEY ARE IN TROUBLE OUT IN THAT
AREA.
THE RHINE RIVER IN GERMANY.
NOW THOSE EXCURSIONS IN THE RHINE WILL BE STOPPED BECAUSE
THE RHINE IS SO LOW, THEY ARE AFRAID THAT WILL
HAPPEN.
THAT CAN HAPPEN ANY GIVEN TIME AND I KNOW YOU FOLKS ARE
DOING THE BEST YOU CAN AND WORKING AND TRYING TO SOLVE SOME
OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE IN THIS WORLD THAT WE HAVE
ABUSED FOR THE LAST 200 YEARS OR WHATEVER.
EMHAS TO BE A PLAN TO PUT MORE SOLAR ON.
SOMETHING YOU CAN GIVE.
EVERY YEAR THAT YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO PUT -- THE GOVERNMENT
NOW GIVES YOU 30% REBATE ON YOUR SOLAR.
THE CITY SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN THE AD VALOREM TAXES WHEN IT
GOES UP BY VALUE, NOT BY PERCENTAGE.
THEN YOU GET A CERTAIN BACK FOR SO MANY YEARS SO YOU CAN PAY
IT OFF AND DO THE SAME THING WITH THE BENEFIT YOU GET FRO
THE DECREASE OF ELECTRICAL USE OF WHAT THE CITY GIVES AND
THE FEDS GIVE AND MAYBE THE COUNTY CAN SHARE IT ALSO.
I THINK WE WILL HAVE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS MUCH SAFER THAN
THE ONE WE LIVE IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
IT WILL TAKE TIME.
I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT PUTTING THE PANELINGS ON THE CANAL.
AND PANELS ON THE RESERVOIR AND I KNOW THAT MAY BOTHERSOME
OF THE NEIGHBORS.
WELL, IF IT DOES, I AM SORRY.
BUT IT HAS TO HAVE SOMETHING CONTINUE TO THAT IN THIS
ENVIRONMENT THAT WE LIVE IN.
THIS EARTH THAT WE LIVE IN.
IT IS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER.
AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR DOING WHAT THEY
ARE DOING, AND -- I KNOW YOU HAVE SO MANY THINGS ON THE
PLATE, YOU NEED A PLATTER, NOT A PLATE.
SO I WANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT.
AND SO THAT IS TRYING TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
AND GENT IT DONE.
AND I APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH
10:44:09AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
MR. REMMER PUT IN FOR ADDITIONAL STAFFER
THIS YEAR.
TO INCREASE, NOT JUST THE ENVIRONMENTAL SIDE BUT THE SOCIAL
NEEDS OF RESILIENCY.
TO MAKE THAT PLAN MORE ROBUST.
10:44:20AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
WE APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.
10:44:23AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS.
10:44:24AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
MR. CHAIRMAN, ONE QUICK QUESTION.
10:44:27AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
PLEASE.
10:44:28AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
COUNCILMAN GUDES, I DON'T WANT TO GET AHEAD.
BUT MR. GUDES, YOU WANTED TO REMEMBER PHI THE HOLIDAY.
DO IT NOW OR DURING THE HEARING.
10:44:37AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
I THINK IT IS GOOD TO KNOW, YES, SIR.
10:44:40AM >>JOHN BENNETT:
SO IN OUR BRIEFING, AS YOU KNOW LEADING INTO
THE BUDGET PROCESS AND THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.
A CONTINUUM THAT IS PART OF THE BUDGET PROCESS, BUT THE
BUDGET IS NOT IN THE EXPERT OF THE HOLIDAY.
LET ME MAKE THAT CRYSTAL CLEAR.
THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE EVERYTHING IT COULD TO SUPPORT
THE NEW EVENTS SURROUNDING JUNETEENTH; HOW MUCH, THE REQUEST
FROM COUNCIL WAS TO CLOSE THE CITY ON JUNETEENTH.
AND SO THE MAYOR APPROVED THAT IN THE BUDGET PRESENTATION.
AND IT WOULD BE HER FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS UPON APPROVAL OF
THE BUDGET TO SIGN THAT EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CLOSE THE CITY ON
JUNETEENTH AS AN OFFICIAL AM HOLIDAY.
SO WE JUST WANTED TO FOLLOW UP BASED ONLY THE REQUEST THAT
ALL OF YOU HAD GIVEN US IN DIRECTION FOR THE BUDGET.
AND IT IS IN THE BUDGET.
10:45:27AM >>ORLANDO GUDES:
LET ME THANK YOU, CHIEF AND THE MAYOR.
YOU KNOW, IT'S SYMBOLIC FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN PEOPLE.
I SAY BLACK PEOPLE.
I AM GLAD THIS COUNCIL SAW FIT TO STAND BEHIND ME ON THAT,
BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW FLORIDA SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRST.
BUT TEXAS CAME.
SO I AM -- I AM OVERJOYED THAT WE GOT THIS HURDLE.
WE WILL WAIT FOR IT TO BE OFFICIAL, BUT FOR THE CITIZENS TO
KNOW THAT IS SOME OF THE REQUESTS THAT I FIGHT FOR.
AND I WILL FIGHT FOR WHAT THE PEOPLE ASK ME MORE AND SEE THE
NEED THAT WE CAN DO THIS.
I AM GLAD THAT THE MAYOR SAW FIT TO WORK WITH US AND GET
THAT DONE.
AGAIN, WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THAT AND I AM SURE MY
COMMUNITY IS TOO.
10:46:08AM >> MOVE.
10:46:10AM >> SECOND.
10:46:10AM >>LUIS VIERA:
ARE WE TAKING ANY MOTIONS AT ALL?
10:46:16AM >>MORRIS MASSEY:
IT IS A WORKSHOP MUCH.
10:46:18AM >>LUIS VIERA:
I HAVE A TIME SENSITIVE ONE FOR STAFF, CAN I
--
10:46:21AM >>CHARLIE MIRANDA:
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT TIME SENSITIVE
SUBJECT MATTER IS.
10:46:24AM >>LUIS VIERA:
YOU KNOW WHAT THAT'S FINE.
10:46:27AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
MR. MASSEY.
10:46:30AM >>MORRIS MASSEY:
YOU HAVE TAKEN MOTIONS IN THE PAST DURING
WORKSHOPS.
YOU CAN NOT TAKE ANY ACTION ON THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE
WORKSHOP.
10:46:37AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
MR. VIERA, GO AHEAD AND MAKE YOUR MOTION.
10:46:42AM >>LUIS VIERA:
REALLY FAST BECAUSE THIS IS COMING UP.
LET ME SEE THE EXACT LANGUAGE HERE.
I APOLOGIZE.
I HAD REQUESTED STREET RENAMINGS AND THEY ARE COMING UP.
I BELIEVE A WEEK AGAIN BEFORE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE LATE DR.
WALTER SMITH STAND JAY CLIFFORD McDONALD.
AND I ASKED THAT THOSE BE CONTINUED FOR THE FIRST WEEK IN
JANUARY 2023 FOR DR. SMITH AND FOR CLIFFORD McDONALD TO THE
-- TO THE FIRST WEEK.
10:47:13AM >> SECOND.
10:47:15AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
MOTION BY COUNCILMAN VIERA AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO.
ALL IN FAVOR.
10:47:19AM >>LUIS VIERA:
REALLY FAST, IF I MAY.
ONE REALLY FAST -- LONG STORY SHORT 37.
IF I MAY MY MOTION?
THAT JOSE VALIENTE, A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE, I WANT TO GIVE A
COMMENDATION AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED.
10:47:37AM >>JOSEPH CITRO:
MOTION BY COUNCILMAN VIERA.
SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN MIRANDA.
ALL IN FAVOR.
MOTION TO RECEIVE AND FILE BY COUNCILMAN MANISCALCO AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN MIRANDA.
ALL IN FAVOR.
WE ARE ADJOURNED.

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