Approval of Agenda

Council Member Scheid made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Council Member Cooper.

The question on the motion was called and the result of the voting is as follows:

            Ayes:               Council Members Cooper, Scheid, Jones and Gunderson

            Nays:               None

Workshop

A.    Fiscal Year 2015/16 Budget

City Manager Brown stated this is Becky’s first budget and she did a good job.  Sam Andres did come in to help and his experience was helpful.  A 2% salary increase is proposed.  There is a $218,000 shortfall in the General Fund budget.  Staff will work on that over the next few weeks. They can work with department heads on their budgets.  There is almost $1M in fund balance.  The city needs to retain an 18% fund balance at $446,000.  Insurance costs have increased.  There has been an emphasis on parks and cemetery maintenance.  That has been neglected the last couple of years due to other projects.  The fire department needs SEVA breathing cylinders.  A street sweeper is needed.  It is a reasonable budget.  The department heads have tried to get it in a balanced position.  In the General Fund, there was originally a grant for a fire department position, but they would have to lay off the person that was funded under the grant to rehire him under a new grant, if it was received.

Department budgets were reviewed.  Highlights are noted.

City Clerk - Council Member Jones stated maybe they should consider precinct consolidation at Precinct #1 and #2 at the St. Joseph gymnasium.

Police Department - Police Chief Nelson stated the police department will be using bikes for park patrol.  They can get by another year without a new car, but repairs will be expensive.

Fire Department - Fire Chief Moore stated the fire department will need to replace the breathing cylinders over the next three years.  The turnout gear was replaced in 2006 for $40,000.  There is a 10 year life span for turnout gear.  They hope to replace a couple sets a year.  They need an apparatus replacement schedule plan.  They like to have a presence in the elementary schools, and possibly in the middle school.    

Parks - DPW Director Thomas stated Frank Mason will be working on a part time basis at Demorest Field.  He will need some materials. 

Planning and Zoning – there is $28,000 to redo the zoning ordinance, and LSL may be hired for planning.

Dial-A-Ride - Director Krieger stated they are operating at status quo.  His position salary is split between city hall and Dial-A-Ride.  His hours were filled by part time dispatchers.  The Z6 grant expired on April 1.  The grant changed hands several times with city staff.  They solicited for heating and cooling with no response with the engineer portion.  Costs have gone up since the grant was awarded in 2009.  They tried to change the scope of the grant to roof replacement, replacement for the air conditioning unit and possibly a backup generator. Those doing the specs could not bid on the project, so no one responded.  He had to let the grant go back and there will be no penalty.  They may replace a bus.  They had talked about a rate increase and it is time. They have explored the options.  Ridership takes a dip for two to three years after a rate increase. 

Major Streets – DPW Director Thomas stated there are 15 miles of major streets.  Four bridge inspections are included, which must be done every two years.  He would like a separate fund for the mall parking lot. 

Local Streets – Council Member Jones Tom stated they should look at sidewalks for pedestrian safety

Park Electrolux Property – Electrolux wants to get the fence down.  $75,000 is for the design portion of the park.  There is $50,000 in the Grand Rapids Community Foundation which cannot be used, just the interest off of it.  There will be an issue with the wall they put in.  There may have to be a fence there with the drop. 

Drug Forfeiture Fund – Police Chief Nelson stated the $2,500 is the city portion to participate in the Central Michigan Enforcement Team.  The fund continues to dwindle. 

TIFA Bond Payment Fund – was paid off this year.

SRF Bond Payment Fund – covered the lining sewers, televising and camera work.  It is the payback on the low interest loan.

Building Authority Debt Fund – this is the Library debt.

CIB Bond Payment Fund – this is the sewer program payback.

Library Debt – this is the money to pay the bond.

Capital Improvements Fund – DPW Director Thomas stated they may narrow the road to shift the load on Main Street for the MDNR Silk City Extension project from the Library to Ashfield Street.

Sewer Fund – DPW Director Thomas stated there was a pump repair at Water Street which will require a budget amendment.  The telemetry system will have to be addressed in the future.  There was a 20% match on the SAW grant.   F&V are working on that.  The sewer lab needs a new roof. 

Water Fund – DPW Director Thomas stated a budget amendment is needed for the work done on the shaft at Water Street well.  A rate analysis has been done.  The consultant will be meeting with the city manager in May.  A recommendation will come to city council for a possible rate increase.    

Building & Grounds – Fire Chief Moore stated some gutters will be replaced and brick work done at the Belrockton. 

Council Member Jones stated the city hall should be barrier free.  They should start planning for it. 

Motor Pool – the street sweeper is the major item.

Adjournment

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

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

            Nays:               None.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.