COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 10/17/1996COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD OCTOBER 17, 1996
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 P.M. by Mayor De Angelis.
Also present were Aldermen D'Acquisto, Patterson, Pionek, Rasmussen,
Salentine, Sanders and Suhr, Clerk-Treasurer, Marenda, Dept. Heads
Chuck Dykstra, John Loughney, Chief Johnson, Matt Sadowski, Gordon
Jacobson, Peter Theis and Joe Sommers.
with the Open Meeting Law on 10/14/96.
Clerk-Treas. Marenda reported the meeting was noticed in accordance
Minutes Of 10/10/96 meeting were corrected to note John Loughney was
also present.
Mayor advised the budget was revised to include the changes made at
the 10/10/96 meeting, plus another $25,000 to Contingency for
additional funding of WRS for 1997. Marenda also noted technical
changes were made to the estimated 1996 figures as a result of
additional information now available from the September closeout.
Planning Department - Matt Sadowski presented memo dated 10/17/96
with additional revenue information. Fees adopted as presented would
phasing increase in as many are very substantial. He also asked for
result in $12,486 additional revenue. D'Acquisto spoke in favor of
on 10/3/96. Rasmussen felt all the department's activities listed in
comparables. Matt stated he presented comparables to the Committee
development and should be paid by developers and those that buy the
the 10/17 memo for which no fees are charged actively relate to
property. Rasmussen asked that revenue from PrimeCo/Sprint become
revenue of the general fund and not of the water utility. Rasmussen
He also noted that Preliminary and Final Plat fees still did not show
asked that revenue to the Planning Department be increased to 50%.
an increase as had been requested. D'Acquisto spoke about Planning
Department information which must be provided as a public record that
you can't assign a fee. Rasmussen responded developers must pay more
of the Planning Department costs because the majority of activity in
the department is a result of new development. Mayor noted that
every dollar you add to the developer is passed onto the land value
valuation of all property.
and eventually increases the taxes paid by all through increased
Rasmussen moved that fees go back to Matt for review to look at
development vs. non-development time, and qet a survey of other
communities for comparison. Patterson seconded. Pionek felt the
actual costs in the deDartment are better than makina comDarisons - with other communities. Mayor thought comparables could be a factor
as they relate to the marketplace. If you want 50% funded, fund the
department by 50% and adopt a fee schedule to do it. Rasmussen
amended his motion to require that the Plan Department be funded
throuqh revenue it generates at the rate of 50%. Patterson aqreed.
D'Acquisto stated we need hard numbers in comparison to other
communities so we don't price ourselves out of the market to still
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
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Page 2
attract tenants for our business park. Rasmussen agreed comparables
are needed. By putting a percentage out there it's a challenge to
Matt to come up with the fees. People are interested in the business
park and an increase won't deter them. As to the efficiency of the
department, revenues as a percentage of expenditures could also
result in expenditures being reduced. Chuck Dykstra noted that all
Citv facilities and deDartments have had to arow because of -~ ~
development. It's not'realistic just to picc on the small items in
the Planning Department. MOTION DEFEATED 5-2 with D'Acquisto,
Pionek, Salentine, Sanders and Suhr votinq "NO" and Patterson and
Rasmussen votinq "yes".
D'Acquisto moved that $12,486 plus difference to leave decreased
revenues the same as identified in Matt's 10/17/96 memo be added to
budget, and that Matt come back with chart of proposed fee increases
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
and provide cornparables from adjoininq communities. Suhr seconded.
Rasmussen moved to raise the review fee for preliminary and final
plats from $5.00 to $7.50 per lot. Patterson seconded. MOTION
DEFEATED 5-2, with Patterson and Rasmussen votinq "yes".
Operating Budget - Patterson felt the current proposed rate increase
of 8.3% was unreasonable. Pionek commented that on a $200,000 home
we're looking at $74.00 for the year. Rasmussen said he had a lot of
cuts to be reviewed. Salentine suggested the laptop computers for
Aldermen be eliminated as a start. Mayor stated there will be no
Reimbursement from TIF revenue available in 1998 for capital
projects, which will be a reduction of Revenue for the 1998 budget of
where they had a concern. Patterson suggested a dollar amount be
$225,000. The Aldermen decided to review those items in the budget
reduced from each department with the Department Head to determine
where to make the reduction. Mayor felt it was the Council's
responsibility to make that determination.
Administration - Rasmussen moved to reduce 100.1000.3211 Office
Supplies and Expenses by $1,000. Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED
4-3.
Assessor - Suhr moved to reduce 100.0400.1101 Overtime by $619.
Rasmussen seconded. MOTION CARRIED 4-3.
Building Department - Rasmussen asked that additional Building
Mayor stated it is important to budget revenues conservatively to
Department Revenues and fee increases be looked at to add $15,000.
year the surplus goes into unappropriated surplus which provides
avoid a shortfall. If additional revenue is generated throughout the
revenue for the following year's budget. Rasmussen moved to add
$15,000 revenue. Patterson seconded. MOTION DEFEATED 5-2.
All Departments - Patterson suggested all conferences other than
those required by law be eliminated. Mayor felt they're part of
what gives value to our employees. He is a proponent of education.
People are our biggest asset and we need to continue to educate
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
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Page 3
them. D'Acquisto gave an instance he was involved in on the value of
conferences. Networking is important. Continued professional
development is necessary. Suhr stated we need to retain valuable
employees and conferences are important.
Cable Club - Rasmussen moved to reduce 100.8400.3219 by $500.
Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED 4-3.
City Hall - Rasmussen moved to reduce 100.0900.3215 Housekeepinq
Supplies by $800. Patterson seconded. MOTION DEFEATED 6-1.
Clerk-Treasurer - Rasmussen moved to increase liquor license fees in
seconded. Marenda stated the Citv's fees are not too low based on
100.0042.0741 for Class A and B from $300 to $400. Patterson
comparables, and consideration should be given for mom and pop
operations. MOTION CARRIED 4-3.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Rasmussen moved to increase Class A beer license fee from $25 to
$100. Suhr seconded. MOTION DEFEATED 7-0.
Rasmussen moved to increase the base Operator's License fee from $25
to $40 biennially. Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
Rasmussen moved to increase the sundry fees recorded in 100.0042.0754
by 3% and to double the Peddler/Solicitor and Transient Merchant
fees. Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED 4-3.
Library - Rasmussen moved to reduce Overtime 100.7100.1101 by $4,278
to $1,000. Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED 4-3.
Rasmussen moved to reduce 100.7100.3213 Print Materials by $5,000 due
to need to concentrate on gettinq Library moved. Patterson
seconded. MOTION DEFEATED 5-2.
Rasmussen moved to reduce 100.7100.3214 Audio Visual Materials by
$2,000 since funds available from Federated Library System. Sanders
seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
Rasmussen requested Holly to further review copier maintenance to
determine if 90-day warranty is available.
Fire Departments - Rasmussen asked the Mayor if the Fire Departments
had reviewed their budgets for any possible changes. Mayor advised
each Fire Department stated they provided the budget they need to
operate. In fact, the budgets may need to increase as a result of
additional insurance requirements which may be imposed by the City.
Parks Department - Rasmussen stated he was happy with the contracted
service, but questioned why not a reduction in personnel as a
result? Mayor stated increased frequency of cutting is the main
reason. We have increased production without increasing staff.
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Page 4
presented in 10/4/96 memo from John Louqhney by 20% for a total of
Public Works Department - D'Acquisto moved to increase revenues as
$7,680. Salentine seconded. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Recreation Department - Pool rental fees were discussed.
Unreasonable to be charged an increase of 5% each year by the School
District. Fees for programs should be increased accordingly. Gordon
Jacobson stated the fees would have to increase bv about $2-$3 Der
student for a total of $3,234 revenue. Rasmussen moved to increase
fees to cover expenses by addinq $3,234 to 100.0043.0794. Suhr
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seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
City contribution for bus expense has been reduced to 50% and is on a
Rasmussen questioned breaking even on Senior Trips. Gordy said the
declining schedule.
Operating Budget - At this point, Marenda noted the actions to date
would reflect an approximate 4$ reduction in the proposed tax rate
from $4.91 to $4.87.
Mayor reported he has been reviewing health insurance providers to
negotiate a good package. Primecare may be able to reduce rates
because of their loss of Aurora. Marenda noted budget as presented
includes a 12% increase in health insurance premiums for 1997.
Rasmussen asked that any project available for CDBG funds be removed
from budget, and noted applications are due 11/1/96. Mayor stated
the only possible project would be ADA modifications for Parks which
is included in the Capital Budget.
Information Systems - Joe Sommer's memo of 10/11/96 requesting $6,240
be added for consulting services due to action at last meeting to
delay start of Programmer/Analyst to 7/1/97 was reviewed. Patterson
moved to delete all expenses relating to new employee and increase
100.1500.2400 Proqramminq & Consultinq by $12,480, for a next
MOTION CARRIED 5-2.
decrease in the budqet of approximately $9,000. Suhr seconded.
CAPITAL BUDGET - Patterson moved to delete $3,234 from I.S. for
CARRIED 7-0.
Furniture and Computer for the new employee. Suhr seconded. MOTION
City Engineer - Pionek spoke in favor of having an in-house engineer
on staff. Patterson thought it would cost the City more because we
currently pass through most engineering fees. Mayor stated
modifying an existing position through attrition. Suhr noted there
stand-alone engineer costs would be increased. Could consider
is no space available at this time. D'Acquisto felt the proposal has
some merit and would like to continue to look at it, but not in this
budget cycle. Pionek stated we should start looking at it by
mid-year. It would be a biu advantaue to the City in the long run to
~ - - - 0 save money.
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Page 5
Transfers - Patterson discussed items transferred from the Capital
Budaet to the ODeratinq Budqet and asked about phasing it in. e
e
0
Patterson moved-to delete findinq DPW Patrol Truck for $81,200 in the
Operatinq Budqet and to borrow for it instead. MOTION FAILED for
lack of a second.
Rasmussen suggested transferring all of the Reimbursement from TIF of
the small items left in the Capital Budget be moved to the Operating
$67,500 to Operating to offset expense of truck. Rasmussen suggested
Budget.
DPW Capital - D'Acquisto moved to delete Tire Changer and Sweeper.
Sanders seconded. MOTION WITHDRAWN.
Police Department Capital - Rasmussen moved that Police Capital
budqet totalling $7,600 be transferred to Operating Budqet.
Patterson seconded. Rasmussen stated we need to recognize these
kinds of expenses are included each year and should appear in the
annual operating budget. D'Acquisto felt these items are typically
capital items due to their life span and aren't purchased annually.
Sanders felt it was good to keep them in the Capital budget because
DEFEATED 6-1.
citizen review and input on the capital budget is important. MOTION
program included in the summer schedule could be removed from the
Recreation Operating Budget - Gordy advised the weight training
budget in the amount of $3,450 since the school will take over the
program. Revenue will also be reduced however. Gordy to provide the
numbers to the Clerk to correct the budget.
City Hall Capital Budget - Rasmussen moved to delete City Entrance
Sign for $3,645 and add $3,645 to operatinq budget revenue as
Reimbursement from TIF. D'Acquisto seconded. MOTION CARRIED.
Rasmussen moved to fund the City Hall furnace burner replacement and
water heater with borrowed funds and add $5,600 to operatinq budqet
revenue as Reimbursement from TIF. D'Acquisto seconded. MOTION
CARRIED 6-1.
Building Department Operating - D'Acquisto moved to reduce
100.2500.1521 for Auto Expense by $2,000. Patterson seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Parks Department Operating - Patterson moved to add $1,000 revenue to
D'Acquisto seconded. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
100.0043.0796 Park Fees to launch fees at Big Muskeqo Lake access.
Assessor Capital - Rasmussen moved to delete $600 for removal of Wall
and increase operatinq revenue as Reimbursement from TIF. Suhr
seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
Plan Department Operating - D'Acquisto moved to delete $300 camera
from 100.2800.3212. Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
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Page 6
CAPITAL BUDGET - Borrowing - Salentine moved to delete $35,000 for
Consideration to be given to using 486's to be disposed of for use by
laptop computers and printers for Aldermen. Suhr seconded.
aldermen. D'Acquisto called for the question. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Police Department Operating - Rasmussen moved to reduce 100.2000.3311
Gasoline by $1,000 and 100.2000.1101 Overtime by $2,000. Patterson
seconded. MOTION DEFEATED 5-2.
Patterson moved to reduce Overtime by $2,000. Rasmussen seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
Public Works Operating - Patterson moved to move Patrol Truck for
$81,200 from Operatinq to Capital. D'Acquisto seconded. D'Acquisto
withdrew second. MOTION DIED for lack of second.
Information Systems Capital - Rasmussen moved to fund $8,264 of
with Reimbursement from TIF. Patterson seconded. MOTION CARRIED 4-3.
capital items by borrowing and increase revenue in operatinq budqet
Implement IS Task Force Findings for $95,236 from borrowing was
corrected to $93,236.
Rasmussen moved to fund $1,025 Library Receipt Printer with transfer
from Library Trust Fund and increase revenue in operatinq budqet with
Reimbursement from TIF. D'Acquisto seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1.
Operating Budget -The Mayor discussed with the committee the fact
that, in his opinion, the budget as presented provides services at
the level that the majority of citizens want. He also stated that if
put in context with last year's budget, and transfers had not been
made as recommended against, the rate would have been only increased
by half of what is proposed. With the loss of TIF revenue in 1998,
the decreasing share of state shared revenue, continued raises for
employees, and the loss of increased building revenues because of
slowing growth, the potential exists that the more we rely on
shifting account monies, the worse condition will exist next year as
far as increases are concerned. We need to examine what is necessary
that correspond to our growth, rather than trying to keep it
for a relatively stable rate with modest increases in levy and rate
artificially low and taking hits every few years with larger
increases.
Operating Budget - D'Acquisto felt that a certain amount of increase
were a number of motions made tonight that failed that would have
is inevitable. The fat is out of the budget. Rasmussen stated there
with raising the rate to more than $4.65, the 1994 rate. D'Acquisto
substantially reduced the levy. He stated it was not comfortable
asked Rasmussen brina forward the thinas that can be removed.
D'Acquisto moved to accept the numbers-as presented for publication.
Pionek seconded. Estimated rate would be $4.83, or an increase of
6.4%. Rasmussen stated he was not satisfied with the rate increase. - Patterson stated we need to try to cut. MOTION CARRIED 5-2 with
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
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Page 7
D'Acquisto, Pionek, Salentine, Sanders and Suhr votinq "yes" and
Patterson and Rasmussen votinq "no".
Special Revenue Funds Budgets - D'Acquisto moved to prepare for
public hearinq as presented, notinq $225,000 reduction in TIF was for
Reimbursement from TIF transfers to the Operatinq and Capital Budqets
for 1997. Suhr seconded. MOTION CARRIED 6-1 with Rasmussen casting
the only "no" vote.
ADJOURNMENT - Suhr moved to adjourn at 12:43 A.M. D'Acquisto
seconded, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean K. Marenda, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer
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