Workshop

A.   FY 2021/22 Budget Workshop continued-

City Manager John Niemela noted a couple of updates to the CIP and explained a handout that he distributed at Steele’s request doing a breakdown of the fringe benefits for the Fire Department.

Sewer Fund

A projected $570,000 grant is being added to the revenue side due to some federal funding that will be distributed to municipalities.  The final testing of the sludge is starting. 

Water Fund

No significant changes.  There is an obligation to change lead and galvanized service lines due to the Flint water crisis.  Some grant money may be coming down from the State.  The City has filed notice that we will be applying for the grant when it becomes available. We should know by the next budget year if the grant is received.  If not, the water rates will have to be increased as previously discussed, likely 9-10% over 5 years.  1,400 to 1,600 main lines and service lines need replaced out of approximately 1,800.  Administrative Services line item use was explained by Niemela.

Internal Service Fund

Charges incurred are billed out of this fund.

Building and Grounds Maintenance Fund

Used for City Hall to bill back to other departments.  The expenditure side is for the operation of City Hall.  In the CIP there are projections for replacing the carpet on the 2^nd floor, replacing 2 windows that were not included in the original budget when all of the other windows were replaced in City Hall, painting the exterior wood trim, remove a skylight due to leaking, address the leaking issue and add a roof and ceiling where the skylight will be replaced. 

Motor Pool Fund 

Used for replacing and purchasing DPW’s equipment as well as police cars.  The City uses Schedule C rates that are established by the State of Michigan.

Health Insurance Fund

This fund pays the employee health care premiums.

River Ridge Cemetery

This fund is for perpetual care.  The city is required to have this fund.

Mayor Pro Tem Meyers asked the council members if they had any questions.  Steele questioned how the overtime works in the Police Department.  Chief Dale Nelson explained the rotation process established in their union contact.

Davis inquired about the bathroom and fence repairs referenced in the CIP.  Niemela advised council that the amount projected is an estimate and that the budget needs approval prior to moving forward.  The bathrooms at the parks remain closed due to covid.  Port-a-Johns are available for use.  The issue with vandalism at the park was again discussed at length.  The issue will be discussed at the next regularly scheduled meeting. 

A brief discussion took place regarding the use of social media.

Mayor Pro Tem Meyers advised the department heads that were present that the council asks questions as they need their help to understand their departments so they can make informed decisions.  He thanked everyone for their cooperation.   

Adjourn

Moved by Davis, seconded by Steele to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.  Motion carried by the following roll call vote: Yes – all.

_______________________________________________                 _______________________________________________

Bruce Meyers, Mayor Pro Tem                      Janae K. Cooper, City Clerk