Review and discussion of proposed FY 2014/15 General Fund

City Manager Mullendore stated she is anticipating a reduction in revenues.  She underestimates revenues and overestimates expenditures. 

Mayor Gunderson asked if they would do anything with Planning and Zoning fees?

City Manager Mullendore stated the applicant can be required to provide fees for the projects.  Some of the fees for coming to ZBA are minimal, and outlay is more. 

Mayor Gunderson stated the fees have to cover expenses so the city is not paying.  It is not uncommon to have an escrow fund.

City Manager Mullendore stated they can escrow from 2% to 7%, and that can only be used if they don’t complete something on the project.  The city could tell Wesco to deposit $2,500 for the variance and site plan review.  Whatever is not expended would be refunded, or if the expenses are over the deposit, Wesco would take care of that.  An agreement would be signed. 

City Council

There was a decrease in expenditures, as more was added to miscellaneous last year because of costs associated with the Race for the Cup. 

Education was increased for ethics training.  They can bring someone in for the training. 

The Miscellaneous line item covers conference fees, lodging and meals. 

With EVIP, there will be increases in allocations, and less reporting requirements. 

City Manager

Council Member Jones stated the final settlement of the Electrolux issue should be listed as a key goal.  That would include the fence, part of the slab being used for a roller rink and DEQ issues.   

Professional Services – there is nothing major coming up.  That line item could also include legal counsel. 

Council Member Feuerstein stated there is $6,000 for Education and Training and $1,000 for Miscellaneous.   

City Manager Mullendore stated that includes conferences and training. 

Finance

Education and Training will include training for Becky to participate in the Treasurer’s Associations for the state and county.  Those are both good resources.

Travel – $500 will be added for travel reimbursement. 

City Clerk

It was suggested that a letter code be used on the calendars in the newsletter, as well as the gray shades.

Professional and Contractual – covers the cost of election workers.

Council Member Jones inquired about the number of precincts used.

City Clerk Thomas stated that is determined by number of registered voters. 

Central Municipal Activities  

There is $78,000 for street lighting.  The city has to furnish the bulbs for the decorative street lights.

Cemetery

Maintenance and Service – includes the cost for a mower and weed eaters

Police

Weapons are provided for the officers.

Salaries dropped as Judy retired, being at the top of the wage scale and Spencer is a new employee at the bottom of the wage scale. 

The cost of ammunition is going up.

By contract, the officers are given $200 annually toward boots or personal cell phone costs, as the phone is used for business. 

$1,600 is the cost for access to ASIS.

Two body cams will be purchased for officers.  Portable cameras will be purchased for the cars. 

Fire Department

Council Member Jones stated they had talked about reviewing the contracts with the townships.  The city shouldn’t subsidize the township from taxpayer dollars. 

City Manager Mullendore stated she is having Gregg get the real numbers for the runs.  They need a true billing figure for services provided.  Part of the true billing figure will incorporate a percentage of the replacement values. 

The truck taken for brush fires does not operate very well.

There is money for turnout gear through grant programs.    

Park Maintenance

City Manager Mullendore stated salaries were allocated here that were being charged to water and sewer.

Council Member Jones stated there are cracks in the asphalt of the trail at Central Riverside Park. There are bike paths that go nowhere.  The Water Street path stops at Morgan Street.  They should look at grants for making those connections. 

City Manager Mullendore stated that should be put in the capital budget. 

Council Member Jones stated sidewalks or bike paths are lacking in a stretch from Orchard to Demorest.

City Manager Mullendore stated an engineer may be needed as there is the right of way issue.

Council Member Jones stated they need to keep on top of the maintenance on all the paths. 

City Manager Mullendore stated the city has the $10,000 grant to properly fix the tennis courts.

Council Member Jones stated they need chip seal or other options for the paths.

Mayor Gunderson stated they could do sections every year.

City Manager Mullendore stated she may consult with Dave Austin, to try to get a five year plan. 

Interfund Transfers

City Manager Mullendore stated salaries were cut in Dial-A-Ride, so the transfer will be $30,000 instead of $80,000.

The final payment for TIFA will be made next year.

Belrockton Community Center

City Manager Mullendore stated the steps going up to the building are spalling.  They also need to address the railing, which should be on either side, for the historical aspect.

Mayor Gunderson stated the city would have to apply for permits.

Council Member Jones stated the city has to follow the procedures for the historic district.

Community Promotions

Sponsors are secured for the Music in the Park concerts, and $300 is listed for the free popcorn that is given away at the concerts.

Planning and Community Development

$10,000 is budgeted for professional and contractual services.

Contingency

$34,000 is budgeted for contingency.

City Manager Mullendore stated the proposed FY 2014/15 General Fund budget reflects a 4.7% decrease in expenditures from the FY 2013/14 budget, while there has been a reduction in revenues.  There have been no reductions in services.  Additional charges for staff have been added to the Parks and Recreation and Cemetery budgets.

Mayor Gunderson stated that they did get a check for $92,000 for the trail.     

Adjournment

Council Member Scheid moved to adjourn the meeting, supported by Council Member Jones.

Ayes:               Council Members Feuerstein, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson.

            Nays:               None.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.