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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/27/1995 - Finance and Personnel Committee 0 FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES � �-- Monday, February 27, 1995 �� � Members Fresent : Chairman Locke, Alderman Bates, Alderman Lawson Others Present : City Administrator Peterson, City Clerk Althoff, Alderman Baird, S. Christenson, Chief of Police Joyce, Director of Building & Zoning Lobaito, Director of Parks & Recreation Merkel, Director of Public Works Batt Alderman Locke called the meeting to order at 7 :35 P.M. He stated that the purpose of the meeting is to review the various department requests and City Administrator recommendations for the 1995-96 budget year. REVIEW 1995-96 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REOUESTS AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATIONS City Administrator Peterson reviewed the current revenue fund balances and stated an estimated $1 million dollar general fund balance at the end of the fiscal year. _ It was felt that the committee may recommend that some of these � funds be earmarked for downtown beautification, ie : benches, garbage containers, trees and planters, etc . in an attempt to revitalize these business areas . Discussion followed regarding the possible appointment of the City Treasurer as oppose to the current practice of election. It was the direction of the committee to instruct City Attorney McArdle to research this option and upon his findings recommend the change to make the City Treasurer an appointed position. Thereafter each Department Head presented their written budget requests, with explanation, to the committee for review. GENERAL ADMINISTR.ATION City Clerk Althoff and Administrator Peterson highlighted the budget for the General Office including the removal of the Payroll clerk (due to relocation) and the addition of a Planning Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant . City Clerk Althoff requested a special recognition award in the amount of $1, 000 for Deputy Clerk Joan Marth due to the two annexations and computer hardware/software purchase and conversion. The EDC fund was increased as was the Beautification fund in an effort to accomodate the council' s wishes to help revitalize the city' s downtown areas . The newsletter frequency was increased from two times per year to three times per year in an effort to promote � Finance Committee Meeting February 27, 1995 `- Page Two better public awareness and relations . A transfer of $150, 000 to the Recreations Department was also reflected. Capital expenditures included additional computer software, a vehicle for the city administrator' s use and $200, 000 for unspecified land acquisition. POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Joyce noted that the secretarial vacancy and redistribution of staff was reflected in his budget as well as the grade movement of J. Keevil, for supervisory capacity, to Grade 9 . An additional dispatcher will be needed due to the retirement of J. Cook. Two additional officers are requested. Body armor is reflected as per contract negotiations . BUILDING 1�ND ZONING Director of Building and Zoning Lobatio noted that the budget reflects the movement of weed mowing to his department . An additional part-time person is also requested. Capital outlay � requests include personal computers for the newly installed cash receipting system as well as an upgrade replacement unit, the creation of storage bins for plans and the development and printing of a base map. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Director of Public Works Batt stated his budget request included the addition of the newly hired City Engineer and newly created Assistant Superintendent of Streets . Some discussion ensued regarding the desirability of public telephones at several of the city' s park locations as opposed to a "green box" or emergency phone . Further investigation was requested. Batt noted that a reduction in the number of vehicles may be forthcoming due to the decision to provide mowing services through an independent contractor. A snowplow must be replaced in this fiscal year. Discussion followed regarding the timing and expense of removing the fuel tanks at the city' s garage location. PARKS AND RECREATION The redistribution of funds was reviewed due to the reorganization of the Parks Department . Director of Parks and Recreatiori Merkel noted that attempts to contact private L- contracto�-s to run the city' s concession stands at the pool and Finance Committee Meeting February 27, 1995 L— Page Three Petersen Park were unsuccessful . A request for a computer system was submitted and plans for a recreational facility were discusseC . A suggestion was made to put all rental income received from the Mass Farm back into the property. City Administrator Peterson noted that decisions must be made as to prioritizing which projects were to be addressed with these funds . Alderman Locke then presented and reviewed the employee requests . Review of current employee benefit package occurred. Alderman Locke asked for suggestions and recommendations for the 1995-96 employee benefit package . Due to the lateness of the hour it was determined that all aldermen would submit, in writing to City Administrator Peterson, their suggestions regarding the employee benefit package . There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 11 :20P.M. Respectfully submitted, � Chairman T. Locke �