HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/1992 City Council 00447
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON
AUGUST 20, 1992
The Special Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order
at 7:00 p.m. on the 20th day of August, 1992 at City Hall with the following Council roll call:
William W. Manning, Mayor Present
Mike Lynch, Councilman Present
Billy Sharp, Councilman Present
Joe Agnew, Councilman Present
Tom Bogan, Councilman Absent (Arrived 7:10)
John Dillard, Councilman Present
Joel Marks, Mayor Pro-tem Present
and with six present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed:
1. WORK SESSION REGARDING THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET FY 1992-1993,
ADDRESSING THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS:
WATER - David Yordy
Councilman Sharp asked about the increase in Chemicals and Mr. Yordy explained
the biggest impact is the weed killer for the drainage areas.
There was a discussion regarding Dallas water rates which will increase less than 1%
this year. Councilman Lynch stated he thought the ordinance passed to increase the water
rates last year allowed an automatic increase to accommodate for the increase we receive
from Dallas each year.
Mayor Manning asked why electrical is down and Mr. Hall said an industrial rate was
established last year by Texas Utilities Electric (T.U.E.) and if we stay below a certain
amount, then we will get the lower rate. Mr. Hall went on to say that decreases will be
reflected in several departments.
Councilman Agnew asked for a clarification of the "Other Expenses" account and
questioned the large increase. Mr. Yordy stated this includes the fees for water samples and
lead sampling, which is being required this year by the Texas Water Commission (T.W.C.).
He went on to say these are estimates, since we don't really know what the charges will be.
Councilman Agnew suggested the account title be a little more definitive of what is
included. James England said the other items included in this account can be moved and
this account can be renamed "Licenses, Permits and Testing".
There were discussions regarding meter repairs and other supply parts.
Councilman Agnew noted the total budget is $25,000 under last year and questioned
what happens to the left over money. Mr. Hall said all monies left over from various
accounts are put into the Fund Balance, the amount carried over at the end of each year.
Mr. England noted that the Fund Balance is not known until the budget process is complete.
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Mayor Manning asked that a report indicating the total of each account including all
appropriate departments be prepared, both for the General Fund and the Utility Fund.
WASTEWATER - Kenneth Huffman
Mayor Manning asked about the electrical expenses and council discussed options
which might decrease the amount of electricity used.
Councilman Agnew asked why salaries are down and Mr. Huffman said he had lost
some tenured personnel and had hired new people at a lower salary.
Mr. Huffman also fielded questions regarding Other Supplies and Education and
Training (Dues and Meetings).
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - Don Owens
Council had few questions for Mr. Owens. There were general discussions regarding
fuel and lubricants, freon recovery, repair of older vehicles, etc.
CITY SECRETARY o Patti Hicks
Councilman Sharp asked about the large increase in Education and Training and
Travel accounts. Ms. Hicks advised that this year the Council expenses for those two areas
had been moved into her budget. She went on to say that she had cut her personal
Education and Training expenses as well as those of her clerk, Sandie Chance. ---'
Councilman Agnew questioned the increase in Contractual Services and Ms. Hicks ~
explained that this year microfilming services, off-site storage and destruction of records is
being added to her budget. Ms. Hicks stated also that the priming budget increased due to
the increase in charges from the printer that handles stationery, business cards, etc.
Councilman Lynch asked if overtime is due to elections. Ms. Hicks explained that
the receptionist is required to come in 15 minutes early each day, therefore she is
compensated either by over time pay or comp time. Ms. Hicks also stated that when Sandie
Chance works on Saturday for Early Voting or when she covers a council meeting she will
be paid over time.
Discussion regarding costs of elections, lease purchase, etc.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION - Bill Hall
Mayor Manning asked why the increase in salaries and Mr. Hall said the flex time
employee who works for Personnel and City Secretary is now paid from General
Administration.
There was a general discussion regarding Legal Services and Professional Services.
Mr. Hall advised he does have a proposal to bring to council during the personnel meetings
regarding the possibility of hiring an engineer and cutting the costs in the Professional
Services account. Mr. Hall also briefed the council on an idea to contract with two other
cities to hire a "circuit" attorney, which would give us better service and ultimately save ---
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money in that account.
Councilman Bogan asked if there is a FAX machine for General Administration and
the City Secretary in the Capital Requests this year. Mr. Hall advised there is.
Councilman Bogan also questioned Dues and Membership. Mr. Hall stated the bulk
of the budget is for TML dues at $2500.00 and COG dues at $2400.00 each year.
Councilman Dillard asked what is included in the General Government account and
Mr. Hall stated this account is for the Council's expenses regarding economic development,
promotion, and special projects.
Lengthy discussion regarding the possibility and feasibility of a "circuit" attorney.
Mayor Manning called another work session for Monday, August 24, 1992 to discuss
capital expenditures and stated that if all departments are completed on Monday, then the
posted meeting for August 25, 1992 will not be held. Mayor Manning said he wants to
complete capitals before addressing personnel.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEM
2. CONSIDERATION OF GRANTING AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE SIX
CROSS WALK GUARDS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Motion to authorize hiring cross walk guards as necessary to maintain the total number
of 18 - Agnew; Second - Sharp. Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
APPROVED:
%il~"n~ W. Ma~nYrrg, Mayor ~XX
A~ST:
Patti A. Hick, CMC/~, Ci~ Secreta~
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