HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-07-13
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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONT ANA .
July 13, 1983
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The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in special session in the Commission Room, I
Municipal Building, July 13, 1983 at 2:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Weaver,
Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, City Manager Evans,
Assistant City Manager Barrick, City Attorney Crumbaker-Smith and Clerk of the Commission
Sullivan. Commissioner Weaver arrived at 2: 1 0 p.m.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Commissioner Mathre.
Signing of the Notice of the Special Meeting
Each Commissioner in turn signed the Notice of the Special Meeting.
Work session with department/division heads on "The City Manaqer's Estimate of Revenues and
Expenditures for Fiscal Year 1983-84"
City Manager Evans stated that yesterday the City had received the market and taxable
valuations from the Gallatin County Assessor to be used for this year's budget preparation. He
stated that last year, the value of one mill was $21,114.00; and this year the value of one mill
is $19,863.00. He noted this represents a 5.92 percent decrease in taxable valuation from last
fiscal year. The City Manager then stated that the value of one mill had dropped 8.81 percent
last year. When the two years are considered, City Manager Evans stated the City has had a
14.21 percent decrease in the value of a mill between Fiscal Year 1981-82 and Fiscal Year
1983-84. The City Manager then gave each Commissioner a copy of the information received from
the Gallatin County Assessor1s office and handouts showing the value of a mill during the past I
five years and showing how this reduction in value affects "The City Manager's Estimate of
Revenues and Expenditures for Fiscal Year 1983-84."
City Manager Evans then stated he had based his projections on a mill value of $20,500.00.
He stated that to raise the monies he had anticipated, 3.37 additional mills must be levied,
raising the mill levy to slightly more than 110 mills. The City Manager noted that a major
factor in the decrease of the value of a mill is the elimination of the business inventory tax.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that she had submitted questions on Friday so that the
department/ division heads would have an opportunity to review them prior to this meeting. She
then asked if those questions could be answered at the beginning of consideration of each budget
unit.
The Commission then reviewed the individual budget units as follows:
A-28 Director of Public Works
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that last year, the creation of this position had been very
controversial. She asked Dick Holmes if he felt the City is operating more efficiently or if
money or time are being saved with this new position in place.
Mayor Stiff pointed out the format for this meeting allows only five minutes per person
and requested that all questions be limited to specific line items within the budget.
The Commission had no specific questions on this budget unit.
A-ll Streets
Clinton Gee, Street Superintendent, answered Commissioner Vant Hull's written questions,
which she had submitted on Friday. He stated the amount charged to Office Supplies has increased I
due to a change in the accounting system. In the Repair and Maintenance of Buildings, he noted
that the foundation under one of the buildings moved two years ago needs to be repaired; and
the low quote was $4,350.00. Mr. Gee noted that Water and Sewer Services are now being charged
to each department under the Public Service Commission order. He also noted that Rents and
Leases includes the annual lease of one grader, leasing of a roller for cold overlay projects and
the anticipated leasing of a hot overlay machine from the State Highway Department. He then
stated that the Contracted Services provides monies for repair of curbs and alley approaches.
Mayor Stiff asked who will own the grader after the lease is completed.
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Clinton Gee stated that the City will.
Mayor Stiff then asked if this item should be placed in the Capital Improvement Program.
Amy Swan, Director of Finance, stated that this item is not a legitimate capital outlay
item because it was originally set up under the Rents and Leases category. She stated that in
the future, such items would be placed under the Capital Improvement Program.
I Commissioner Vant Hull asked if the streets are becoming damaged by neglect because of
lack of monies to do the proper improvements.
Clinton Gee stated that the City is maintaining its streets, but not upgrading them.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the staff has a plan for improving the streets, like
South Eighth Avenue.
Dick Holmes stated that streets will be listed in the Capital Improvement Program.
Commissioner Anderson then asked how many unsigned intersections exist in the city and
if a program will be developed to provide signing for dangerous intersections.
Dick Holmes stated at present there are no plans to develop a program for signing of
intersections.
Mayor Stiff asked if the Street Division has enough money to do the job correctly and
further asked if the streets and alleys are being maintained as they have been in the past.
Clinton Gee stated that the Street Division did grade all alleys each spring. He stated
lack of manpower has eliminated that program and alleys are now only graded when the Street
Division receives a call about a specific problem alley.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that with all department and division heads present, the
Commission would like to extend its thanks for the work they do for the City. S he noted that
each one works under budget constraints and noted appreciation for their efforts.
L- 1 Garbage Collection
City Manager Evans stated that Garbage Collection and Garbage Disposal have been split
this year to allow for better accounting of the costs of each operation.
I Commissioner Mathre asked why $44,000.00 is placed in Other under this budget unit.
Dick Holmes stated that is the amount anticipated that the City Garbage Collection
program must pay for Garbage Disposal during the fiscal year. He noted this is the only
category this entry would fit into.
Commissioner Anderson asked why the City Manager1s recommendation is lower than the
division request for Gas and Electric Service.
City Manager Evans stated that Assistant City Manager Barrick calculated the costs for
gas and electric services based on the most diffiCult recent winter. He noted some of those
costs were changed based on past experience.
L- 2 Garbage Disposal
Commissioner Anderson asked why $2,000.00 was listed under Other.
Amy Swan, Director of Finance, stated that $4,000.00 was listed under Other in the
original division request. She stated when the budget unit was split into two separate units,
the City Manager divided the request between the two units and placed $2,000.00 in each unit.
Dick Holmes stated the $4,000.00 requested was a reflection of the actual expenditures
during this fiscal year.
Commissioner Mathre asked what is listed under Departmental Allocations.
Amy Swan stated that indirect interagency costs are under this line item, including
photocopies, displaywriter time and postage machine rental.
A-12 Gas Tax Apportionment
City Manager Evans stated that he had changed the division request and had used
I $200,000.00 of the Gas Tax Fund monies for Street Division salaries. He stated the monies
listed under this unit will be used for the seal coat street improvement projects, as has been
done in the past.
J- 1 Water Operations
Commissioner Anderson asked about the amount listed under Repairs and Maintenance of
Buildings.
Don Strang, Water Superintendent, stated the division request was based on past ex-
penditures.
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K- 1 Sewer Operations
Commissioner Anderson asked about the amount listed under Other.
Dick Holmes stated that the estimate is based on the expenditures for Fiscal Year 1983.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that the Contracted Services request is $5,000.00 higher
than last year.
Don Strang, Sewer Collection Superintendent, stated that several items are charged to I
the Contracted Services over which the division has no control.
Mayor Stiff asked if accounting is consistent from year to year.
Amy Swan stated that the chart of accounts has changed. Under the present system,
the employees are trying to be consistent. She noted that some items require judgment calls.
Mayor Stiff asked how much internal auditing is being done.
Amy Swan stated that she acts as the City1s internal auditor. She noted that the State
Statute requires the City Manager to review and sign each claim; and John Evans has designated
Amy Swan and Don Barrick as the City Manager's representatives to complete that task.
K- 2 Sewage Disposal Plant
City Manager Evans stated the costs of operation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant
have increased due to the new addition to the Plant. He stated that the manpower has in-
creased, and the electrical consumptions are increasing dramatically.
Commissioner Anderson asked if possible rate increases have been considered in the
telephone service because of the anticipated break-up of Mountain Bell.
City Manager Evans stated that the City is leasing the telephone system from Executone
and will own the system after five years. He stated that the City pays Mountain Bell for the
outside lines and long distance telephone calls.
Mayor Stiff asked if the telephone system is I isted in the fixed assets record.
Amy Swan stated that it is.
City Manager Evans noted that some cities do not budget utilities, but he feels that an
operating budget should be prepared so that the City knows where the money is going. He I
then stated that the staff will review the water and sewer rates this fall to determine whether
the current rates will raise enough revenues to cover the expenditures.
Amy Swan stated the bond covenants require that a nominal reserve be maintained for
the replacement of equipment. She noted that reserve is included in the rate structure but is
not a part of the operating budget.
Break - 3:05 to 3:10 p.m.
Mayor Stiff declared a five-minute break at 3:05 p.m., to reconvene at 3:10 p.m., in
accordance with Commission policy established at their regular meeting of March 14, 1983.
Work session (continued) with department/division heads on liThe City Manager's Estimate of
Revenues and Expenditures for Fiscal Year 1983-84"
J- 2 Water Treatment Plant
City Manager Evans stated this is a new budget unit this year. He indicated that the
proposed budget includes five to six months of operation during this fiscal year.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that the budget seems to be small.
Don Noyes, Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent and Water Treatment Plant Superin-
tendent, stated that the plant will be much smaller than the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
A-13 Parks and Playgrounds
Dick Holmes stated that Contracted Services covers the trimming and spraying of trees
because the City does not have the equipment to perform those tasks. He stated that the in- I
crease in the Water and Sewer Services is to cover the water rates as set by the Public Service
Commission. He then indicated that the City Manager's recommendation on the purchase of
Machinery and Equipment is lower than the division request because one of the items requested
under that category should have been listed under Operating Supplies in the operations section
of the budget.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted there seems to be fewer flowers this year than last year,
particularly in front of City Hall.
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John McNeil, Park and Cemetery Superintendent, stated there was no money in the budget
to purchase flowers this year.
Commissioner Anderson asked why the amount requested for Repair and Maintenance of
Equipment is high.
John McNeil stated that equipment repair is a variable. He stated that last year, the
I equipment needed little maintenance. He stated, however, the equipment is now beginning to
require more maintenance.
A-14 Cemetery
Commissioner Mathre asked why the division request for Gas and Electric Service is
lower than last year's expenditures.
Dick Holmes stated that accounting for the gas and electricity was done in error. He
stated that error has now been corrected; and the division request should cover actual costs.
A- 5 City Engineer
The Commission had no questions for this budget unit.
A- 6 Financial Administration
Amy Swan, Director of Finance, stated that the monies in Contracted Services are to
cover the cost of preparing a CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). She noted this
type of statement will be required beginning in Fiscal Year 1984, and the City needs to develop
a base for these reports. She stated that some outside help will be required to gather all of
the information necessary for these reports.
Commissioner Vant Hull asked about the amount listed under Office Supplies.
Amy Swan stated that in the past, the City had an intergovernmental supply fund, through
which supplies were charged back to various departments. She stated that fund had a deficit
balance, which has now been corrected through charges to the various departments. She stated
that centralizing of purchasing appears to be saving money for the City.
A-27 Annual Audit
I City Manager Evans stated that the costs of the audit have been split between the
General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund and Garbage Fund.
Commissioner Weaver asked what the split is based on.
Amy Swan stated that the cost is split on the time estimates submitted in the audit
proposal.
Commissioner Mathre asked for the total anticipated cost of the audit.
City Manager Evans stated that the proposal is for $50,400.00
G- 1 Comprehensive Insurance
City Manager Evans stated that this fund covers the premiums for the various insurance
policies which the City carries. The City Manager stated that I CMA provides a service to
review insurance coverages and will recommend what coverage a City should have for a fee. He
stated that the City might consider such a service in the future.
Amy Swan stated that insurance premiums were paid through the various budget units in
the past but now have been placed in one budget unit. She stated that insurance premiums are
charged back to the various Enterprise Funds to reflect actual costs of operating those utilities.
A-31 Director of Public Safety
City Manager Evans stated that ten percent of Assistant City Manager Don Barrick1s
salary is listed under this budget unit to cover his time spent as the Director of Public Safety.
Commissioner Weaver noted that this budget unit will help to more accurately reflect the
costs of providing public safety services.
A- 8 Police Division
I George Tate, Chief of Police, stated that if one additional police officer were hired, he
would be placed in the patrol division. He noted that on some shifts, there are only two police
officers for a period of four hours. He then stated he would also like to place a senior patrol
officer in the detective division to help in the investigation process. He stated there are
currently two people in the detective division.
Commissioner Vant Hull asked about the possibility of combining the City and County
detective divisions.
George Tate stated that there is good cooperation between the two detective divisions.
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He stated, however, the attempt to combine the two divisions in the past was unsuccessful.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted there were two new police officers hired last year and
asked if increased revenue from fines might offset a portion of those salaries.
George Tate stated that if a police officer is vigorous in writing tickets, he- is an asset
to the Pol ice Division.
Commissioner Weaver noted that the amount requested for Travel and Schools seems low I
and asked if it is sufficient to cover needed training.
George Tate stated that the police officers take basic, intermediate and advanced
training courses at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. He stated that those courses cost
approximately $60.00 per officer, since the Academy is located here. He stated that courses in
other areas enhance the Pol ice Division, but cost more money. He indicated that the division
request would not cover any advanced schools.
Commissioner Anderson asked what is covered in the Other line item.
George Tate stated that it is a catch-all category for items not covered in other line
items. He indicated that it is based on past fiscal years.
A- 9 Fire Division
Lee Lewis, Fire Chief, stated he has heard rumors that the University might 'help the
Fire Division with equipment and personnel, but he has received no formal offers. The Fire
Chief stated he did not request additional manpower because the guidelines for formulating the
City Manager's proposal include no expanded programs and no increase in the operating budget.
The Fire Chief stated that to keep Fire Station No. 2 open, the Fire Division needs three
additional firefighters. Lee Lewis then indicated there are activities at the University campus
year around, and the city is growing to the west. Therefore, he stated that keeping Fire
Station No. 2 open daily is becoming more important than it has been in the past.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there is sufficient money in the Travel and Schools line
item.
Lee Lewis stated he has tried to send as many firefighters as possible to the National I
Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, each year. He noted the cost is low for these schools,
but there is not sufficient money to send all of the firefighters who wish to attend. He stated
he reviews the schools that the firefighters have attended in the past and sends those who
need the training. Lee then stated that several of the firefighters have attended schools at .
their own expense because there has not been money in the budget.
Commissioner Weaver stated concern about City employees attending job-related schools at
their own expense.
Break - 4:00 to 4:05 p.m.
Mayor Stiff declared a five-minute break at 4:00 p.m., to reconvene at 4:05 p.m., in
accordance with Commission policy established at their regular meeting of March 14, 1983.
on liThe City Mana er1s Estimate of
A- 9 Fire Division (continued)
Mayor Stiff asked the Fire Chief about the City's capability to fight chemical fires.
Lee Lewis stated that the City should have equipment for dispersing foam and suits for
chemica I fi res. He stated that it would cost between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 to equip two
firefighters for chemical fires; and the equipment for dispersing foam would cost between
$15,000.00 and $20,000.00. He noted that the Fire Division should have equipped itself for
chemical fires several years ago, but has not considered it. He indicated that the recent fire I
at Montana State University made the Fi re Division realize that foam equipment is needed.
Mayor Stiff suggested that cost estimates be prepared for the needed equipment.
City Manager Evans stated that the equipment must be considered in the Capital Improve-
ment Program. He feels that it should receive a high priority in considering that program.
A-l0 Building Inspection
Commissioner Vant Hull asked if the fees charged by the Building Inspection Division
provide adequate revenues.
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Gene Yde, Building Official, stated that the fees are providing adequate revenues. He
noted that construction has increased this year, providing increased revenues. He indicated
that he has items to be budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program.
Mayor Stiff then asked if the fees charged for mobile signs are helping the revenues as
well as the regulation of those signs.
I Gene Yde stated that revenues from mobile signs were approximately $6,000.00 during
the past fiscal year. He stated that the Building Inspection Division had to sell the program to
the businessmen; and he feels that the business community has responded well to the program
and the fees.
A-20 Emergency Preparedness
City Manager Evans stated that this category was formerly designated as "Civil Defense."
He indicated that the increase in the Telephone and Telegraph Service line item is for the
increase in charges for the four civil defense horns, which go through the telephone lines.
A-21 Public Health
City Manager Evans stated that this budget unit is for the City's share of operating the
City-County Health Department. He indicated that this is a historic contribution.
A-19 City Attorney
Commissioner Anderson asked if the Subscriptions and Dues line item has sufficient
monies budgeted.
City Attorney Mary Crumbaker-Smith stated that she thinks it does have sufficient
monies. She stated that she tried to be realistic when preparing the division request. She
noted that she had only five. months of actual expenditures to consider when preparing the
division request, which provides little historic background.
Commissioner Anderson then asked about the Travel and Schools line item.
The City Attorney stated that she tried to budget for one out-of-state conference and
two one-day in-state workshops.
I Commissioner Vant Hull asked if the City is currently paying former City Attorney Bob
Planalp for services on litigation which had begun while he worked for the City.
City Manager Evans stated that the City is. He indicated that a budget unit for
"Litigation" will cover Bob Planalp1s expenses. The City Manager stated that he had no basis
for appropriating monies for the proposed budget unit and proposes to fund it through budget
amendments as costs are incurred. He also noted that the City may assess a judgment mi II levy
if the Ci ty loses a case and, therefore, the taxpayers pay the costs of the litigation.
A-15 Recreation Administration
Commissioner Anderson noted that the Travel and Schools line item has fluctuated. She
asked if the amount proposed is sufficient.
Mike Aune, Recreation Director, stated that the estimate is based on attendance at the
state meeting and the national meeting. He noted that he must take courses at the national
meeting to maintain his certification.
, Commissioner Vant Hull noted that there has been a problem with funding of the secretary
for the Recreation Department.
Mike Aune stated that funding is through the Interlocal Agreement. He stated that the
School District was to fund a full-time secretarial position. The proposal submitted to the
electorate is for $5,000.00 committed and up to $4,000.00 additional possible from the general
reserve. He feels that a full-time secretarial position is justified, since it was a full-time
position until a year ago.
A-16 Swim Center and. A-30 Bogert Pool
I City Manager Evans stated in the past the two pools have been listed under one budget
unit. He stated this year the two pools have been separated into different budget units to
provide better accounting of the expenses and revenues realized from each pool.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there is any plan to close the Swim Center during
December and January.
Mike Aune stated that having the Swim Center open during the summer opens Bogert Pool
for more recreational swimming. He recommended the Swim Center be closed during the winter
when the demand is reduced. He stated that he will meet with coaches of the various organized
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groups to determine when the Swim Center could be closed with little or no effect on their
activities.
Commissioner Weaver noted the estimated revenues from the Swim Center are higher than
last year's.
Mike Aune stated that Bogert Pool should operate at a profit this year. He stated the
Swim Center will still maintain a deficit, although not as large as in past years. I
Commissioner Weaver then asked if the City Manager1s recommendation on expenditures,
especially the Gas and Electricity Services, anticipates a full year of operation or includes shut
down time.
City Manager Evans stated that his recommendation includes shut down time during the
winter months. The City Manager then noted that some capital improvements should be done at
the Swim Center to make it more efficient and increase use of the facility. He noted that it
might then become a self-supporting operation.
Mayor Stiff stated that the Friends of the Pool have indicated they would like to install a
bulkhead and an area for small children.
The City Manager stated that possible construction of a sun deck on the west side of the
building and installation of hot pools might increase the use of the Swim Center dramatically.
A-23 Senior Citizen Center
Mayor Stiff asked if an elevator for the Senior Citizen Center will be considered during
the Capital Improvement Program.
City Manager Evans stated that it would be.
Commissioner Vant Hull asked why the City Manager recommended an increase in the Operating
Supplies line item.
City Manager Evans stated that he estimated the cost of operating supplies would be
higher than the division request based on historical costs.
Mike Aune stated that he had submitted a low division request on this item based on a
request from the Senior Citizen Center. He stated that they now deposit 50 percent of the I
income from the building with the City. He stated they have proposed that they keep all pro-
ceeds and decrease amount requested for operating supplies in the City's budget.
City Manager Evans stated that the Commission must consider the request from the Senior
Citizen Center as it is a policy matter.
Mike Aune stated that an elevator for the Senior Citizen Center is to be included in the
Centennial Catalog. He indicated that the Senior Citizen Center has a fund for this project and
needs an additional $45,000.00. He then stated that the City has provided paint for repainting
of the exterior of the building, and the senior citizens are donating their time to paint the
building.
Commissioner Mathre stated that their efforts should be recognized and recommended that
the City write a letter after the project is complete.
A-22 Band
Mayor Stiff asked if this budget unit covers the salaries of the Bozeman Municipal Band.
Mike Aune stated that it covers salaries, music and maintenance of the bandshell. He
stated that the Musiciansl Union pays approximately one-half of the costs of the Bozeman
Municipal Band; and the City pays the other half.
A-17 Library
Beverly Knapp, Chairperson of the Library Board of Trustees, presented a handout to
the Commission.
Mayor Stiff asked if a Librarian has been hired.
Beverly Knapp stated that Stephen Cottrell, from Henderson, Texas I has accepted the I
position. She stated he is to begin work not later than mid-September. Mrs. Knapp stated that
Molly Pratt is serving as I nterim Director of Libraries until Mr. Cottrell arrives. She noted
that the Library could not afford to pay a new Director of Libraries and pay for Miss Margaret
Hileman1s accrued vacation and sick leave benefits at the same time. She stated they therefore
delayed the arrival of the new Director.
Commissioner Vant Hull asked if the County will contribute more to the Library since 40
percent of the Bozeman Publ ic Library users are County residents.
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Beverly Knapp stated that the Library Board approached the County Commissioners about
assessing a two-mill levy on all County residents, rather than the current levy, which is less
than the three-mill limit which existed prior to July 1. She stated that no response has been
received to date.
John Parker, member of the Library Board of Trustees, stated that the City Manager
I has recommended that $84,666.00, which represents a 4 percent increase, be allocated for
salaries for the Library. He noted that with pay offs for Margaret Hileman and Medra Rusch
and paying Molly Pratt an additional $175.00 per month while she is Interim Director of Libra-
ries, the Library Board of Trustees requests what appears to be a 5.12 percent increase in
salaries.
Mayor Stiff asked how the new Librarian's salary compares to Ms. Hileinan1s.
John Parker stated that the new Director will start at $23,000.00, which is slightly
higher than what Ms. Hileman was earning.
Beverly Knapp stated that the Library Board of Trustees indicated to the new Director
that next fiscal year, they will attempt to raise his salary closer to the $25,000.00 average
annual salary for Librarians throughout the state.
Commissioner Vant Hull asked how the difference between the City Manager1s recommen-
dation and the request from the Library Board of Trustees could be financed.
City Manager Evans stated that the staff hours could be reduced or the monies allocated
for the pu rchase of new books cou Id be reduced.
B rea k - 5: 20 to 5: 25 p. m .
Mayor Stiff declared a five-minute break at 5:20 p.m., to reconvene at 5:25 p.m., in
accordance with Commission policy established at their regular meeting of March 14, 1983.
Work session heads on liThe Cit
evenues an
I A-24 City-County Planning Transfer
Commissioner Mathre asked about the decrease in the County's contribution from $13,000.00
to $8,000.00.
City Manager Evans stated that the revenue estimate was based on actual revenues from
past years.
Commissioner Vant Hull asked about the priorities established for the City-County
Planning Department work for the next fiscal year. She suggested that consideration of this
budget unit be deferred until the priorities have been reviewed.
John Moss, Planning Director, gave the Commission copies of the list of priorities which
had recently been set. He stated that the Planning Board reviewed and accepted the recommended
priorities. The Planning Director stated that the Planning Department intends to complete all of
the tasks which are circled on the proposed list of priorities.
Commissioner Anderson asked what items the Travel and Schools line item would support.
John Moss stated that trips to Helena are covered. Also, he would like two staff
members to attend the conference of western planners because he feels that professional growth
and upkeep are needed. He feels that attendance at one major conference per year helps to
provi'de that growth.
Commissioner Weaver asked about the sources of revenue for the City-County Planning
Department.
John Moss stated that the funding corresponds to the demands placed on the Planning
I Staff. He noted that 85 to 90 percent of the Planning Staff time is spent on City planning
problems.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that a cash award was given under the Employee Incentive
Awards program for a proposal to review the subdivision fees.
John Moss stated that it is not listed as a work item, since the fee structure was
reviewed and updated approximately two years ago. He stated that the Planning Department
has sent a questionnaire to other large cities in the state concerning subdivision fees and will
compare the rate structures when information is received. He stated that the subdivision fees
07-13-83
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charged now cover approximately one-third of the costs involved in reviewing proposed sub-
divisions.
A- 2 Clerk of the Commission
Clerk of the Commission Sullivan stated that the amount listed under Rents and Leases
covers the lease price of the Displaywriter for the upcoming year.
Commissioner Weaver noted the lease price of the Displaywriter seems high, compared to I
the purchase price of this type of equipment.
City Manager Evans stated the City could consider the possibility of purchasing the
equipment. He noted this could be considered during budgeting for the Capital Improvement
Program. The City Manager indicated that the price on the Displaywriter has recently dropped
due to competition.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted the amount listed under Salaries, Wages and Benefits does
not allow for a full-time assistant. She asked if this should be addressed as a possible way to
ensure that the minutes will be completed each week.
The Commission set aside the matter until the work session on the Tentative Appropria-
tion Ordinance, which is scheduled for Monday.
A- 4 City Hall Complex
Commissioner Vant Hull asked about the $15,000.00 listed under Repair and Maintenance
of Buildings.
City Manager Evans noted that the City Hall Complex includes the City Hall and Police!
Fire Building. He indicated that the complex is almost twenty years old, and several items
require repair. He stated that it will cost $4,000.00 to $5,000.00 to repair the roof on the
Police/ Fire Building, and the rest of the amount budgeted is for contingencies.
Commissioner Vant Hull then asked about the amount listed under Contracted Services.
City Manager Evans stated that this covers the contracted building maintenance.
A-25 Carnegie Building
Commissioner Mathre noted that no amount has been listed for Water and Sewer Services. I
City Manager Evans stated that the item was missed. He indicated that there should be
sufficient money in that budget unit to cover the costs of operation, including the Water and
Sewer charges.
A- 3 City Manager1s Office
Commissioner Vant Hull asked about the amount listed under Contracted Services.
City Manager Evans stated that the amount is to cover contingencies in the budget.
A-18 Elections
City Manager Evans stated that he had allocated $8,000.00 to this budget unit, to cover
the costs of two elections. He indicated that the City pays the County for all City elections
conducted, at an estimated cost of $4,000.00 each.
A- 7 City Court
City Manager Evans recommended that the Commission consider the City Court budget
unit during the work session on the Tentative Appropriation Ordinance scheduled for Monday.
Commissioner Vant Hull requested that the Commission receive an answer on the benefits
that the Judge is eligible to receive as soon as possible.
City Attorney Crumbaker-Smith stated that she has reviewed the State Statute and has
covered most of the fringe benefits. She noted that she has a question on one of the benefits
and then will be able to prepare a statement.
A- 1 City Commission
Mayor Stiff stated that the Commission must consider additional monies for search process
for a new City Manager. He also noted the Commission must set the salaries covered by the I
Salary Ordinance. The Mayor then stated that he feels the Commission should eliminate the
reserve it has been carrying for the past one and one-half years. He noted that if the
Commissioners reinstated the $70.00 per meeting in effect until January 1982 and added the 7
percent average increase given City employees last year and the 4 percent average increase given
this year, the base salary for Commissioners would be $77.90 per meeting. Mayor Stiff stated
that to get qualified applicants for the City Commission position, the ~alary should be in-
creased. He then suggested that $100.00 per meeting would be a fair amount.
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Commissioner Anderson stated that she does not feels that a per~on should seek election
to the Commission for recompense, but for public service. She suggested that a $25.00 per
meeting increase be considered, with the increase being appropriated to the Centennial Park or
another worthy project.
Commissioner Vant Hull noted that the less attractive the salary for Commission, the less
I attractive the position wi II be for competition.
Commissioner Mathre stated that she will not support a salary increase.
Mayor Stiff stated concern that failure to increase the Commissionersl salary will create a
Commission of people who do not risk their livelihood to serve.
Commissioner Weaver stated that he feels that public service is important and that the
compensation received should cover the costs incurred.
It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull that the Commission accept the full amount of
the base salary and not return any portion to the City as a Commission but individually as each
member wishes. The motion died for lack of a second.
It was then moved by Commissioner Weaver that the Commission approve an increase in
salary from the present base of $77.90 to $100.00 per meeting base salary. The motion died for
lack of a second.
Adjournment - 6:17 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved
by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the meeting be adjourned.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre and Mayor Stiff;
those voting No, none.
I ALFRED M. STIFF, Mayor
ATTEST:
Clerk of the Commission
I
07-13-83