This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Present via Zoom)

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2 (Present via Zoom)

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Present via Zoom)

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police (Not Present)

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

Matt Misco, Senior Accountant

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 5:30 pm.

 

 

1.    FY23 BUDGET DISCUSSION (J.FREEMAN/C.MILLER)

 

Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the current franchise agreement with Waste Management. The current agreement is for 10-years and was signed in 2015. Waste Management is asking for a provision to the contract to include a 10% increase as opposed to the 4% maximum allowed in the agreement. Mr. Freeman went on to discuss the rate they have paid Waste Management since the agreement began in 2015. In 2015 they paid $1.81 Million; this year it is being projected we pay them $2.04 Million with the 10% increase. The increase of rates is determined by using the CPI/Fuel formula.

 

  Bill Gresham, Waste Management, spoke on their intention when sending the letter to the City requesting an increase in 10%. They are using the same formula as in the past years to determine their CPI. There was not a need in the past to exceed the contracted 4%. They are having a hard time in Manatee County getting drivers. They are considering building apartments in Bradenton to incentivize employees. Inflation costs are extreme. He stated there was a time at the height of Covid, where managers were helping on the trucks because they were short so many workers. Mayor Bryant believes Waste Management was very responsive despite the difficulties they faced.

 

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

July 27, 2022

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Commissioner Jones expressed his concerns in a long-term contract. He wants there to be competitive companies. He questioned if they are giving all their employees increases in salary. Mr. Gresham responded that they have.  Commissioner Jones questioned what the guys in the back of the trucks started out making and what they are making now. Mr. Gresham responded that he believed they started around $15/hour and have increased to around $19/hour. Commissioner Jones also questioned the possibility of a clean-up day. Mayor Bryant stated they have done those in the past. They have not done it the past couple years due to Covid.

 

Commissioner Smith asked if they still have the high lifts. Mr. Gresham asked for clarification in what exactly he was referring to. Commissioner Smith clarified that he was talking about semi-automatic trucks. Mr. Gresham stated they are trying to increase their trucks that have that feature. Commissioner Smith also asked if they have any felons working for them. Mr. Gresham was not sure. Commissioner Smith suggested they hire felons to increase their workforce.

 

Mayor Bryant commended Mr. Gresham on their idea to add housing.

 

Commissioner Williams questioned their costs compared to others in the county. He also asked about sign-up bonuses they have done to incentivize new employees. Mr. Gresham confirmed this has been the case. Commissioner Williams asked how many employees they are down. Mr. Gresham stated that he does not have those figures in front of him. Commissioner Williams echoed Commissioner Jones sentiments on a clean-up day.

 

Commissioner Smith thanked Mr. Gresham for coming.

 

Mr. Barnebey stated a separate action would be needed to move forward with the 10% increase.

 

Commissioner Jones would like the costs for the year comparing a 4% increase and the proposed 10%. Mr. Freeman stated he will email those figures out to the Commission.

 

 

  Mr. Freeman asked the Commissioners if there were any other questions on the overall budget.

 

Commissioner Smith agrees with the 8% increase for General Employees. He then asked what the Mayor’s current salary is. Mr. Freeman answered $67,604 and with the proposed increase it would be $73,012. Commissioner Smith believes she should get at least $75,000. He then questioned the Commissioners current salary. Mr. Freeman responded that Commissioners make $14,328, and with the proposed increase it would be $15,475. Commissioner Smith believes the Commission should be making at least $18,000. He echoed that he believes the General Employees should get 8%. He also expressed his concern with the multi-culture event increase of 25%. He opined they should have an additional increase to get better artists.

 

Commissioner Jones questioned if Mr. Barnebey would also get the 8% increase. Mr. Barnebey and Mr. Freeman confirmed their normal monthly rate will go up consistently with the staff’s. Commissioner Jones expressed his concerns with the high cost of Attorney’s fees. Mr. Barnebey reminded him that the increase is just for cost-of-living.

 

Commissioner Varnadore stated she is pretty happy with the budget.

 

Commissioner Smith wanted to ensure the police department has everything they need for the year. Mr. Freeman stated Chief Tyler participated fully in the budget process and everything he requested is in the proposed budget.

 

Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission of the upcoming workshops and meetings.

City Commission/CRA Workshop

July 27, 2022

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Mr. Rayan mentioned the talks with Veolia to absorb some of the work they are behind on. More information will be forthcoming.

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:03 pm.