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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/1982 City Council 001234 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY HELD ON AUGUST 2, 1982 A REGULAR SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following members present: Gene Pollard Mayor Scott North Councilman Larry Sample Councilman Norman Adeler Councilman Charlie Parker Councilman Marlene Poole Councilman and with Councilman Charles Dodds not in attendance; however, a quorum was established. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Poole stated that she did give the directive for the staff to review the option of passing a Southwestern Bell franchise ordinance but this directive was not made at the July 19th meeting but at the Saturday, July 17th meeting. It was so noted. At this time, Councilman Adeler moved that the minutes be approved with this correction being made. Seconded by Councilman Sample, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 2. CITIZEN INPUT Judy Marlar was recognized and stated that she was concerned with the districting for Stewarts Creek Elementary School and asked what provisions the city had made for school children crossing FM 423. At this time, Mr. Savage outlined the boundaries that had been proposed by the Lewisville Independent School District and explained that citizens that did live east of FM 423 but south of North Colony Boulevard were requesting that the School Board adjust these boundaries. It is their contention, Mr. Savage stated, that the children in the northeast quadrant now in the Peters Colony district could be bused across FM 423 to Stewarts Creek, as they do reside two miles from Peters Colony as well as Stewarts Creek Elementary. He stated that the city is providing crossings at Witt Drive and at North Colony. There will be flashing yellow warning lights, a series of school zone signs, crosswalk strips and crosswalk guards. Councilman Poole asked if there will be crosswalk guards provided at the noon hour for the kindergarten children. Mr. Savage advised that there would be guards during this time. Mrs. Marlar asked if the city was planning on better uniforms for the crosswalk guards at this time. Chief Ristagno stated that they had provided a more complete uniform at this time, although they will not be in full police uniform. Mayor Pollard added that there will be another officer at FM 423, parti- cularly at the beginning of the school year. He also recommended that the staff look into raising the fine to $75 for speeding in a school zone. Mayor Pollard also urged that everyone attend the School Board meeting on August 16th at LISD to urge the Board to consider alternate districting plans. 3. RECEIVE CITY MANAGER'S STATUS REPORT Mr. Savage advised the Council that he would be at an ICMA seminar discussing problems of small cities in Irving, Texas, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the following week. 001235 He advised that we have had all of our professional firefighters as well as several volunteers graduate from the Cooke County EMT training and that they did all pass and were now certified EMTs. He provided to the Council a letter from Dan Almon urging that, if the Council was going to consider mortgage financing for homes, it should be done soon. Mr. Savage asked for guidance on this matter. Councilman Sample stated that he did feel that this was a viable solution and that the Council should look into it, but he was concerned that only one firm had been contacted on this. He asked if this is the best possible interest rate. It was the consensus of the remainder of the Council that this should be pursued in --~ the near future. Mr. Savage stated that he was ready to send out proposal letters to the auditing firms that he had presented to the Council and asked if there were any additional firms the Council would like for him to consider. Councilman Sample asked that a letter also be sent to the firm of Price Waterhouse. In discussing the procedure, it was agreed that they would only interview three or four of the top firms. He stated that Kathy Rauschenberg, our Municipal Court Clerk, has resigned, and her last day will be August 13th. Councilman Parker asked the status of the Stewarts Creek Park lease. Mr. Savage advised that he and Mr. Herold had not had the opportunity to investigate it in detail, and it would be presen- ted to them at the next Council meeting. At this time, Councilman Dodds did arrive at the meeting and parti- cipated in the rest of the agenda items. 4. PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION OF SHO-NUF BARBEQUE, 5201 SOUTH COLONY BLVD., SUITE 700, FOR A CHANGE IN ZONING FROM SHOPPING CENTER TO A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT IN THE COLONY SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER Councilman North moved that the hearing be opened. Seconded by Councilman Parker, the motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Mr. Savage advised the Council that in accordance with City Ordi- nance No. 161, a special permit is required for any facility serving beer, wine or liquor while serving food. He stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission did conduct a hearing on July 13th on this matter and that the Specific Use Permit was approved with the following conditions: 1. Signs must meet the City's ordinance requirements 2. A one-year time limit be granted for the Specific Use Permit after which time the Commission can re-evaluate it from the electronic games to the beer and wine standpoint. Mr. Savage further advised the Council that at this time the owners of Sho-Nuf Barbeque would have to go before the state to obtain a beer and wine license. Mr. Corry Hayes, the proprietor of Sho- Nuf Barbeque, stated that their intent was to sell the beer and wine to go along with the barbeque. He stated that the games had been provided to entertain the children, as they did want to keep a family type atmosphere in their eating establishment. Councilman North clarified that the sale of beer through the drive- in window would be in cans. Mr. Hayes stated yes that this service is provided strictly for the convenience of customers. Councilman North stated that he did understand that but he was concerned with the volume that would be sold through that window, as he did not want this establishment to become known as a "beer barn". -2- 001236 This was one of the prime concerns of the Council, and a lengthy discussion was held on this matter. Councilman Poole stated that the Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be able to check inventory to see if an inordinate amount of beer is being sold. Councilman Parker stated he was concerned with the games inside the establish- ment where beer is sold. Mr. Hayes stated that they would forgo the games if that was a problem to the Council, however, he saw them as only entertainment devices for children. Mr. Bill Hayes, also a representative of Sho-Nuf Barbeque, did explain that the beer and wine license is non-transferrable and that anyone else that took over the establishment would have to apply for a separate license. Councilman Sample felt that perhaps a Specific Use Zoning should be limited to only one owner and should not be transferrable. At this time, Mr. Savage did clarify for the Council that, in accordance with city ordinances, it was permissible to have electronic games where beer and wine are sold. After further discussion, Councilman Dodds moved to close the Public Hearing. Seconded by Councilman Parker, the motion did fail by the following roll call vote: Ayes: None Noes: Ail members present voted no Councilman North did have one additional statement to make. He did feel that there was a problem with the off-premise sale of liquor and felt that this should be watched closely by the staff and Council. At this time, Councilman North moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 5. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS SUITE 700, COLONY SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER TO SC DISTRICT SUBJECT TO A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT At this time, Councilman Poole moved that the ordinance be approved with the conditions recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion: (1) That the signs must meet city ordinance requirements and (2) that a one-year time limit be granted to this zoning. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 6. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE 1982/83 FISCAL YEAR AS FILED IN THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE ON JULY 15, 1982 Councilman Dodds moved to open the Public Hearing. Seconded by Councilman North, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None In introducing the budget, Mr. Savage stated that the city did conduct Town Hall meetings to inform the public as to the budget procedure and to get any input that the citizens might have. The Council has also conducted work sessions on this budget on July 17th, 19th and 21st, and they plan to have another work session tonight on the budget. He stated that the budget as he has presented it for the fiscal year 1982/83 provides for revenues and expenditures totaling $1,827,000, which represents a 22% increase over last year's general fund budget. He stated that this icnrease results from inflationary adjustments, funding programs started in fiscal year 1981/82 for the full year and adding additional personnel, equipment, supplies and services. To pay for these increased expenditures, Mr. Savage stated that he has developed a revenue schedule which relies heavily on increases in property, franchise and sales tax and not on building permit revenue. He explained that -3- 001287 his proposed budget is based on the construction of 240 homes by Fox & Jacobs and, even at that, this figure could be somewhat optimistic given the present decline in housing starts. He stated that the budget requires $928,000 in property tax for the general fund and $80,000 in property tax for the debt service fund. This is based on the Denton County Tax Appraisal District's preliminary tax value of $295,000,000. He stated this will require a tax rate of just over 34 cents. He explained that, based on last year's tax value, this 34 cents will represent approximately a $3 per month increase for the average homeowner in the city. He stated he has also included a total of $80,000 in this year's budget to provide for a number of salary adjustments, as well as a 7½% cost of living increase, which he believes is in keeping with the adjustment in the Dallas area Consumer Price Index over the last twelve months. He also stated that he would like the salary plan to be extended an additional 5% step. He did add that this budget, as put on file in the City Secretary's office, did represent a cut of approximately $300,000 requested by Depart- ment Heads. He then reviewed the revenue as follows: Revenue 1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 Fund Balance $83,707.00 $354,179.00 $162,500.00 Taxes Available 570,813.00 687,500.00 928,000.00 Building Permits (F&J) 151,510.00 39,000.00 36,000.00 Building Other 15,470.00 22,000.00 32,000.00 Zoning & Subdivision 900.00 500.00 1,000.00 City License 925.00 800.00 1,000.00 Franchise Payments: Texas Power & Light 108,619.00 128,849.00 161,000.00 Lone Star Gas 4,233.00 4,850.00 5,500.00 Cable Franchise -0- 6,000.00 10,000.00 Taxas Waste Management -0- 8,645.00 14,000.00 City Sales Tax 88,800.00 129,000.00 175,000.00 Fines & Pet Registration 3,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Municipal Court 62,600.00 64,000.00 80,000.00 Ambulance 21,000.00 27,000.00 33,000.00 Fire Department 3,250.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 Library -0- 1,500.00 2,500.00 Revenue Sharing 59,800.00 45,000.00 46,000.00 Interest 40,257.00 45,700.00 42,000.00 Mixed Beverage 2,900.00 4,000.00 5,500.00 Parks & Recreation -0- 24,000.00 38,000.00 Miscellaneous 600.00 13,182.00 8,000.00 TOTALS $1,218,384.00 $1,615,705.00 $1,827,000.00 Secondly, he reviewed in detail the expenditures of each department as follows: Expenditures 1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 General Administration $122,825.00 $148,791.00 $142,456.00 City Secretary 39,120.00 49,120.00 57,550.00 Finance 26,237.00 47,422.00 49,960.00 Municipal Court 19,078.00 22,771.00 25,545.00 Parks 7 Recreation 46,495.00 107,192.00 180,601.00 Community Development 201,648.00 303,656.00 334,324.00 Fire & Ambulance 110,572.00 188,493.00 275,980.00 Police 401,244.00 563,679.00 621,947.00 Library -0- 22,081.00 38,637.00 Contingency Reserve -0- -0- 20,000.00 Salary Adjustments -0- -0- 80,000.00 TOTALS $967,219.00 $1,453,205.00 $1,827,000.00 He further explained to the Council and members of the audience that personnel did have some increases due to additions ~n Administration, Park and Recreation, Community Development, Police Department and Library. He also reviewed additional equipment that -4- 001238 will be purchased in the next budget year. David Marlar was recognized and asked if there would be any additional personnel in the Fire Department. Mr. Savage advised that a Paramedic was presented but it had been cut. Mrs. Helen Gray was recognized, and she stated that she felt the 7½% salary increase was too much due to the economic conditions at this time. Mr. Savage stated that he did feel like this was a fair increase, as it was based on the cost of living index. Lynne Stewart was recog- nized, and stated that she did disapprove of the increase in taxes and felt that she would not receive that much for this increase. She recommended that the Council pursue a no growth stance for this budget year. She was particularly concerned regarding the Community Development Department. Mayor Pollard advised Mrs. Stewart that he, as well as the rest of the Council, did review the Community Development Department and could not find any valid reason to cut any expenditures from that budget. Pat Aldinger was recognized and asked what was the percentage of the sales tax that was received by the city. Mr. Savage advised that the state received four cents and the city received one cent on each taxable dollar. David Culver asked for the Council to review the good points in this proposed budget period. Mr. Savage stated that the Administration contained $12,000 for pro- fessional services, which would be used for a Master Plan for the city and that the Park and Recreation Department contained monies for the watering of the athletic fields that have been prepared this budget year, as well as additional monies for Stewarts Creek Park. He added that Community Development did include $12,000 for a tractor to handle the extensive mowing needs of the city and a $6,000 increase simply for street lighting west of FM 423. He stated that the Fire and Ambulance budget contained monies for extensive training including Paramedic training and that it did include costs of the lease purchase of a new ambulance which has been purchased this budget year. In the Police Department, the primary additional cost was for an Animal Control Officer part time to assist citizens on weekend needs, as well as six new Police vehicles. He stated that the Library was planning on increasing their hours from 20 to 30 per week. Mayor Pollard added that in the Library budget there was an additional $6,000 simply for the purchase of books. He stated that $11,400 was allocated for the new ambulance, $6,000 was allocated for upgraded training for firemen and that $7,500 has been allocated for a Civil Defense alert system. Nine thousand dollars has also been allocated for supplies for the new ambulance and $5,000 for addi- tional medical equipment. Councilman Dodds also noted that eleven police cars had been purchased in one year and that presently the Police Department saw only a need to replace six of them. Councilman Poole noted that $80,000 of the budget went for paying employee benefits such as Social Security, FICA and retirement. She also noted that utilities had increased dramatically in the past year. Mr. Culver asked what was the Council's outlook for future budgets. Mr. Savage answered that now the Council was involved in maturing the Park and Recreation Department, the Fire and Ambulance Department and the Library Department but, after this year, he did expect a leveling off of growth. Mayor Pollard stated it is his goal to stabilize the budget for very little increase in the near future. However, he did add to main- tain the same level of services that the city is presently providing would require a 4.2¢ increase next year. Councilman North noted that in the 1981-82 budget, we did predict 550 building permits to be issued to Fox & Jacobs and, of course, this did not occur. In comparison, this year we are budgeting only 240 building permits for the 1982-83 fiscal year. Councilman Dodds felt that this was a significant decrease and represented the fact that we are no longer dependent on Fox & Jacobs permits for the operations of the city. Mrs. Helen Gray stated that she felt car allowances for the inspectors were extremely high and should be lowered, as very few inspections were occurring this next budget year. Mr. Savage advised there still were additional inspections to be made, primarily on home occupancies which was a new program started this year. Councilman Sample noted that this was a self- supporting program also. At this time, there being no further comments -5- O01239 for or against the budget, Councilman Dodds moved that the hearing be closed. Seconded by Councilman North, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None 7. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ANNEXING AN 11.058 ACRE LAND TRACT GENERALLY LOCATED WEST OF FM 423 AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH NASH DRIVE UPON THE PETITIONED REQUEST OF FOX & JACOBS, INC. Mr. Savage presented the following annexation service plan: Fox and Jacobs owns an 11.058 acre tract of land west of FM 423 across from Nash Drive, which through an oversight, has never been annexed into the City limits. Tom Cravens of Fox and Jacobs has submitted a petition formally requesting that the property be annexed. The land in question fronts on FM 423. The property to the south is zoned for multi-family use and the land to the north is zoned for single family use. The City will have no difficulty in providing municipal services. 1. Fire Protection & Police Patrol are currently being provided. 2. Sanitation. If the area is developed for single family or duplex housing, Texas Waste Management will provide sanitation service. 3. Streets and Parks. There are currently no developed streets or parks through this property. 4. Municipal services will be provided when the area is developed. Mayor Pollard then read aloud the following captioned ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, ANNEXING THE HEREIN- AFTER DESCRIBED TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, AND EXTENDING THE BOUNDARY LINES OF SAID CITY SO AS TO INCLUDE SAID HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED TERRITORY WITHIN SAID CITY LIMITS; GRANTING TO ALL INHABITANTS AND OWNERS OF PROPERTY ALL OF THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF OTHER CITIZENS AND BINDING THE INHABITANTS BY ALL THE ACTS, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS OF SAID CITY; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Dodds then moved that the ordinance be approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman Parker, the motion was passed by the following roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Pollard then called for a five-minute recess in the meeting. Upon reconvening in open session, Mayor Pollard introduced Tommy Vandergriff, the Democratic candidate for this Congressional district. 8. CONSIDERATION OF DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY PROPOSALS Mr. Savage advised the Council that he had included in their packet two proposals for demographic surveys. The first was prepared by Greg Getz and Dick Mathis, professors at Southern Methodist University and will cost $7,435.83 if they do all of the work involved. He added that this figure could be reduced by at least $3,000 if the city provides volunteers to distribute the questionnaires and do most of the coding of the data for the computer work. The second proposal was submitted by James Danielson and John Kincaid, professors at North Texas State Uni- versity, and the total cost of their proposal is $8,000. He stated that at the request of Councilman Sample, he did talk with -6- 001240 Walter Boles, an employee of Opinion Meter, a Dallas area survey research firm. Mr. Boles advised him that his firm could do the study for The Colony but the probable cost would be in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. Mr. Savage recommended to the Council that the Getz and Mathis proposal is the most economical of the two proposals presented. He also stated that he did attach a draft questionnaire which they prepared after conversations with himself and Tom Forrest, Director of the MUD District. Mr. Savage stated that he would like the Council's permission at this point to develop a joint letter agreement between the city, MUD and Getz and Mathis to conduct the demographic survey as proposed. Councilman Dodds asked if they could add additional questions to the draft questionnaire. Mr. Savage assured him that this could be done. Mayor Pollard then clarified that volunteers would gather the information on this questionnaire. Councilman Sample was concerned with this type of procedure for gathering informatiOn, as he felt that confidentiality is very important in a process such as this one. The Council then discussed several options on how to distribute the questionnaires; one being mailing them out and asking for them to be returned, and another a random sampling done by people going door to door. Councilman Sample asked that they be very careful that there be very few things that bias this actual sampling. Councilman Adeler asked how many of these questionnaires would be a random sampling. Mr. Savage advised that generally it was 10% which would be approxi- mately 500 questionnaires. The Council did concur that this demographic survey should be done and that a one-to-one interview sampling would probably be the most efficient. There followed a lengthy discussion of cost and the credentials of Mr. Mathis and Mr. Getz. Mr. Savage advised them that Mr. Mathis did have a PhD in Sociology and Mr. Getz had a degree in Sociology. Council- man Sample was concerned that neither of the professors was a statistician. Councilman Sample requested that Mr. Savage talk with other cities that had used this professional service. After further discussion, Mayor Pollard called for a consensus of the Council, and Councilmen North, Adeler, Dodds and Parker did agree to go with Getz and Mathis. Councilmen Sample and Poole did have reservations about going with this firm and the use of volun- teers. It was agreed that a letter of agreement would be on the next agenda. 9. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO THE DENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A COUNTY CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 3 Mayor Pollard read aloud the following Resolution: WHEREAS, the City Council is always concerned with the general welfare of our citizens and the residents of Denton County, and WHEREAS, in the judgment of the City Council of the City of The Colony, it is in the best interest of our citizens and residents of Precinct 3 that a County Constable Precinct 3 be appointed, NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of The Colony: That the Council respectfully submits to the Commissioners Court this Resolution of Support for the appointment of Gary Green to fill the unexpired term of Duncan Duvall, County Constable Precinct 3, until January, 1983. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY, TEXAS, ON THE DAY OF , 1982. /s/ GENE POLLARD, MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ JANICE CARROLL, CITY SECRETARY Councilman Dodds moved this Resolution be approved as read. Seconded by Councilman Adeler, the motion was passed by the follow- ing roll call vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None -7- 001241 10. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1982/83 FISCAL YEAR Fire Chief Ronnie Gothard presented a written report outlining eight employment options for the Council to consider. The Council, after a lengthy discussion, did concur that they were in favor of a 24-48 hour shift schedule with paid firemen on those 24- hour shifts. Councilman Sample did note that he still felt that a 12-hour shift could be an option that the city could look into. The Council then discussed an upgrading of training to the Para- medic level for both paid and volunteer firemen. Mr. Savage explained that the Paramedic salary and expenses could be taken out of the budget and included back in at the training level. Mayor Pollard did clarify that the volunteers as well as the paid firemen would be eligible for EMT, advanced skills and paramedic training. Councilman Sample then was concerned that if we are on 24-hour shifts, then perhaps additional firemen would be justified during this proposed budget year. Fireman Mike Stapell did state that with this training capital expenses would have to be considered either this year or next year by the Council. Councilman Sample asked if we had evaluated these shifts by the total number of men that have responded to each call. Mayor Pollard said no this had not been done but directed Chief Gothard to do so. At this time, Volunteer Fireman Mike Stanfield stated that he was in favor of the 24-hour paid/volunteer shift, as he saw his duty as a volunteer fireman as a supplementary force to aid the paid personnel on emergency calls. Mr. Rick Herold, Director of the Park and Recreation Department, was also present to review his budget with the Council. In discussion of equipment needed in his department, the Council asked that he review a lease-purchase option on some of the tractors to reduce initial cost. It was agreed that $90 per month should be added to his department for professional cleaning and that the monies would be removed from building maintenance and salaries part time to supplement this cost. Regarding the building rental, Mr. Savage advised the Council that the city is locked in to the $2,500 per year rent for each department for the next three years. Mayor Pollard asked if the cost for the watering and seeding of the athletic fields was included in the park grant. Mr. Herold advised that it was not, therefore, the cost for this project must be included in next year's budget. Councilman North stated that he primarily was concerned that it might be a more efficient budgeting process to have Community Development in charge of all mowing for the city. Mr. Herold agreed but he felt that it was time for the Park and Recreation Department to begin handling the mowing. It is a matter of the function or the geography, and Mr. Herold stated that he must respond to the athletic groups and their needs. Councilman North agreed but stated that he felt that we were doubling up on some of our services and that the function should be combined in one depart- ment. It was agreed that this was an option that should be looked into at a later date. Councilman Parker asked for the tool inven- tory study. Mr. Savage stated that this would be provided at the next budget work session. The third department discussed was the Library. Again, Councilman North stated he was concerned with the percentage increase for the Librarians from $6 to $8 per hour. He stated this represented a 33% salary increase. Councilman Sample agreed that probably $6 per hour was under paid for the librarians. Councilman Adeler stated that he did agree with this increase. However, Councilman Poole stated that since the rest of the department heads have only the opportunity to receive 12½%, this 33% does seem out of line. The Council at this time also discussed the Library hours. Councilman North again stated he felt that the inconsis- tency of the hours was confusing to many citizens trying to use the Library. Councilman Poole asked if the Library could possibly be open additional hours with the use of volunteers only. She stated she realized that when only 30 hours are budgeted for a librarian, a 40-hour week is not possible. Mayor Pollard did agree that the City Council is uneasy with the Library hours -8- O01242 and asked that Mr. Savage and Mrs. Beckel review further options. Councilman Parker asked that a salary survey be done regarding librarians' salaries, to see if the hourly rate of $8.00 is in line. While reviewing revenues, it was Councilman Parker's suggestion that the Fox & Jacobs' permit revenues be zeroed out at this time and not be included as a projection of revenue. Mayor Pollard agreed with the concept but stated that this would be a 2.44 cent impact to the tax rate if this revenue was removed. Councilman Parker agreed that the tax rate should be increased by 2.44 cents and use the permit revenue as a method to level the budget the following budget year. Mr. Savage stated at this time that he could not recommend removing more than $6,000 from this revenue source. Councilman North thought an option might be to adjust the Certificate of Occupancy inspection estimate up from the $18,000 which has been projected. Councilman Parker said he would compromise on removing Fox & Jacobs permits as a revenue source, but he would like to see it zeroed out in two years. There followed a lengthy discussion of additional revenue sources to counter this decrease. Mayor Pollard asked that we look into the collections of the ambulance service fees. Mr. Savage did advise the Council that the County ambulance service cost to the city has been increased from $1.50 to $2.00 per capita. Councilman Sample suggested that the Certificate of Occupancy inspection fee be raised to $25, and this would represent a $37,000 increase. Mayor Pollard asked Mr. Savage if they had any initial reports on the CO as a cost recovery program. Mr. Savage answered that the program had been in effect only one month and that additional studies would be made in the following month regarding the cost recovery and the number of inspections. He is also working on additional ways to notify people of the need, possibly through water department hook-ups. Mr. Savage stated that he had another concern that the amount of money made from interest is possibly estimated too high. Interest rates have been falling dramatically. The Council then reviewed briefly the debt service table. EMERGENCY ITEMS: 1. DISCUSSION OF CITY DEPARTMENT HEADS 2. DISCUSSION OF PENDING LITIGATION 3. DISCUSSION OF LAND ACQUISITION (THESE ITEMS CAN BE DEALT WITH IN A CLOSED DOOR SESSION.) Mayor Pollard stated that these items had been posted on Friday afternoon but were not a part of the original agenda posted the Wednesday prior. However, these items could be discussed in closed door session at this time, if Council did opt to do so. He stated he did not foresee any action being taken upon recon- vening in open session. Upon reconvening in open session, Mayor Pollard stated that no decisions had been made at this time. At this time, Councilman North moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Councilman Dodds, the motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None Mayor Pollard adjourned the meeting at 1:30 a.m. GE~ P~LA~D, MAYOR '-~ ATTEST: JANIC~kROLL, CITY SECRETARY