The Charter Review Board (CRB), Hillsborough County, Florida, met in Regular Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 25, 2000, at 6:00 p.m., in the 26th Floor Conference Room, County Center, Tampa, Florida.

The following members were present:

Jan Smith, Chairman
Denise Lasher
Kevin Ambler (arrived at 6:14 p.m.)
Mary Lou Tuttle
John Bales (arrived at 6:29 p.m.)
Arlene Waldron
Terry Ballard
Gerald White
Mike Bedke
Danny L. Wilkes
Henry C. Beltran
Dee Williams
David Hurley

The following member was absent:

Steve LaBour

Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Ms. Williams led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The Deputy Clerk called the roll and noted a quorum was present.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Kenneth Hoyt, 4610 Westford Circle, Village West Homeowners Association, Hillsborough County Conference of Communities, referred to material he would present at the next meeting regarding County government and how to bring home rule to citizens. Ms. Denise Layne, Hillsborough County Conference of Communities, submitted a list of top priority revisions for CRB consideration.

ROB TURNER, PROPERTY APPRAISER

Mr. Turner submitted information about the role and responsibility of the Property Appraiser's Office, which was to ensure that all real estate and business assets throughout Hillsborough County were accurately valued and to administer available exemptions. He said the tax roll had grown more than $7 billion over the past three years; the County had a total of more than $50 billion in taxable property, which included over 417,000 parcels.

In response to questions from CRB members, Mr. Turner stated he did not support term limits for constitutional officers, because of the highly administrative nature of those offices, nor did he support a County mayor. It was imperative that constitutional officers perform their duties without outside biases or direction. He commented on the cooperation and communication between constitutional offices, reports for the public, use of the County Attorney's Office for employee and the Value Adjustment Board issues, partisanship, public education in regard to County processes, and budget process.

RICHARD AKE, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Mr. Ake reviewed the history and gave an overview of the Clerk's Office, which received authority from constitutional and statutory provisions and was independent from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). As the independent maker and keeper of the official record, the Clerk's Office helped to ensure the public that a system of checks and balances existed in County government. The Clerk's functions included the criminal and civil court system, marriage licenses, auditing County receipts, official BOCC minutes, chief financial officer, accounting, and disbursements. Mr. Ake commented on current changes within the Clerk's Office regarding the comprehensive court system, credit card payments, and Internet.

In response to questions from CRB members, Mr. Ake did not believe the proposed creation of a County auditor would duplicate the Clerk's audit function; however, he suggested the title be changed to County performance auditor. He recommended no changes for constitutional officers. Discussion and questions followed regarding financial and performance audits, statutory requirements, control of County money, public/confidential records, the budget process, Clerk's use of the County Attorney's Office, et cetera.

ROGER STEWART, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMISSION (EPC)

Mr. Stewart reported EPC had been formed by legislative act in 1967 and was independent from County administration and constitutional governmental bodies. Commenting on EPC's relationship with the State and federal governments regarding environmental issues, Mr. Stewart said EPC was not a duplicative agency. He explained EPC's role with building, consulting, and agricultural industries. EPC used the County Attorney's Office for housekeeping items; it also used the Purchasing and Human Resources Departments. Mr. Stewart said it was imperative for EPC to remain an independent body.

Responding to queries from CRB members, Mr. Stewart said he was satisfied that the BOCC was also the EPC board, and he agreed with ceasing automobile inspections. An elected BOCC chairman should not serve as the EPC chairman, and it might be difficult to work with more than seven board members. Mr. Stewart explained EPC served each County municipality but had no authority inside school facilities. He commented on Cone Ranch issues and opined EPC was effective as it was and should continue to provide the services it did best and not grow too large or be given much more authority. Chairman Smith thanked Mr. Stewart for his years of service to the County.

ROBERT HUNTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PLANNING COMMISSION

Mr. Hunter reviewed his work experience, noting the areas and forms of government for which he had worked. He explained the PC had been created by legislative act in 1958 to be an independent, nonpolitical entity that served the County and the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City with the development and update of each municipality's Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan), which he reviewed. The PC provided support staff for entities such as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the State mandated Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board, and the Hillsborough River Board. Staff conducted research regarding population projections, transportation issues, environmental protection, social and economic trends, capital improvements, utilities, land development regulations, et cetera.

Mr. Hunter reviewed the composition of the PC board, noting the elected officials of each municipality made the final planning decisions. Due to lack of funding, the PC was not able to fulfill all mandates; the BOCC funded the PC through ad valorem taxes. One solution would be to establish a base budget for the PC that could be adjusted annually for population increases. Mr. Hunter informed CRB members that the PC was preparing a cost analysis of services provided by the County.

Mr. Hunter responded to CRB members questions regarding the reduction of PC staff, the role of city mayors in zoning issues, possible duplication of Planning and Growth Management Department services, community-based plans, and funding and budget issues. After explaining the balanced budget process, Mr. Hunter stated the PC wanted BOCC consideration for the entire PC budget request rather than the amount the County Administrator submitted after reviewing the request. Mr. Hunter thought the BOCC should consist of 7 to 15 members, and he was against electing PC members. The PC did not use the County Attorney's Office but had an independent attorney on retainer; general support offices such as Purchasing and Human Resources Departments were used. Mr. Wilkes asked how many budgets submitted to the County Administrator were cut before they were presented to the BOCC; Chairman Smith agreed to provide that information.

CRB DISCUSSION

Mr. Hurley initiated discussion on future CRB agendas, noting more time was needed for CRB member deliberations. To fulfill the need for a comprehensive study, Mr. Ambler moved to change Section 8.02 of the Charter to have the CRB meet for a three-year term one time per month and be appointed every eight years. The motion was seconded by Ms. Waldron. Following discussion and a general consensus that more information was needed before making a decision, Ms. Waldron moved to table the motion to the next meeting, seconded by Mr. Ambler, and carried thirteen to zero.

Chairman Smith called a recess at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:24 p.m.

COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

Senior Assistant County Attorney Mary Helen Campbell informed CRB members the draft resolution to amend the BOCC oath of office should be on the next BOCC agenda. Chairman Smith requested information from Florida Statutes regarding partisan and nonpartisan races for constitutional offices. In response to Mr. White, Attorney Campbell would provide information on campaign reform. She commented on the possibility of earmarking funds for public education and promotion of CRB recommendations.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Ms. Barbara Merritt, CRB Executive Director, informed CRB members of the letters sent to groups regarding the June 22 meeting. A Spanish questionnaire would be posted on the web site that week, and questionnaires had been distributed at the Brandon President's Roundtable May 23 meeting. The June 1 meeting would have representatives speak from five civic groups. Ms. Merritt listed the confirmed speakers for upcoming meetings. Chairman Smith asked that speakers present a five-minute speech and be prepared for a question and answer session. Discussion followed on upcoming agendas. Ms. Merritt agreed to provide information on counties with nonpartisan elections. In response to Ms. Lasher's request to hear from Florida TaxWatch (TaxWatch), Ms. Merritt agreed to provide CRB members with copies of the TaxWatch executive summary report. Mr. White asked for a copy of the legal opinion regarding the qualifications of former County Administrator Fred Karl.

Chairman Smith would be speaking about the Charter at a League of Women Voters meeting. Attorney Campbell commented on notice requirements for that meeting, and she agreed to provide information regarding Mr. White's query on the Governor filling BOCC vacancies.

Discussion followed on presentations from Legislative Delegation members and Mr. Karl--Ms. Merritt would provide copies of Mr. Karl's 1995 presentation; the possibility of getting CRB recommendations on that year's ballot; and CRB process and procedures, which Chairman Smith would present in June.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Carl Warren, 1710 East North Bay Street, distributed his statements in writing to CRB members. He opined that having the right people in place was as essential as having a sound governmental structure. The primary goals and objectives of government should be to demonstrate efficient, effective, accountable, and responsible stewardship over citizens' resources. Voters should have the opportunity to determine County Administrator qualifications and whether to add a performance auditor to government structure.

Mr. Ralph Hughes, Tampa, thought limiting political campaign contributions would allow only the wealthy, who could finance their own campaigns, or those endorsed by the media to win elections. He said there were several noncontroversial issues that could be put on the 2000 ballot, and he agreed with Mr. Ake's suggested name of County performance auditor.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Smith said the minutes of May 11, 2000, would be approved at the next meeting. For the minutes of April 27, 2000, Mr. White asked that the adjourned time be corrected, and he requested verification of the votes for the two failed motions.

Mr. Hurley moved to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Tuttle, and carried thirteen to zero.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m.