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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/01/1993 City Council00489'2 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON September 1, 1993 The Work Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the 1st day of September, 1993 at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William Manning, Mayor Present Mike Lynch, Councilman Absent Toby Pollard, Councilman Present Joe Agnew, Councilman Present Tom Bogan, Councilman Present John Dillard, Councilman Present Joel Marks, Mayor Pro-tem Absent (Arrived 7:30) and with five present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUDGET FY 1993-94 James England gave the council a presentation, using overheads to review the city's financial activity for the past 10 years. The information included ad valorem taxes and the tax rate, which Mr. England noted had fluctuated from $.75 in 1987 to $.80 in the 92-93 year. Mr. England also went over Utility Fund revenues beginning with the 1990-91 year and projecting through the 1994-95 year, including budgeted amounts and actual amounts. Mayor Manning asked if the revenues include new housing and Mr. Hall said only the 100 homes actually platted have been included in the projections, going on to say however, that he has been in touch with other developers and there is a potential for over 400 homes to be built within the next 4 years. Mr. England then explained the Utility Fund Expenditures. 7:30 Councilman Marks arrived Continuing his presentation, Mr. England covered General Fund revenues. Mayor Manning stated that the county funding for library and fire should be eliminated in our projections for next year. Mr. England gave an overview of the General Fund Expenditures and contingency fund from 90-91 through 94-95. He said version 3 of the budget for 93-94 shows a projected contingency fund balance of $307,000 at the end of 1994 and that as all factors stand right now, by the end of 1995, there will be a deficit of approximately $17,600.00 by the end of 1995. Mr. England said the primary cause is the fact that even though expenditures are held down, revenues are not going up and said that next year the council will need to look at increasing fees. He went on to say that if good things happen in the city this next year, then there may not be a deficit. Mr. England went on to say that the revenue projections for this year are very conservative. Councilman Pollard stated that 2 004890 in that case, then there is a very real probability there will not be a deficit. At this time, the council reviewed the proposed 5 year Capital Projects. Regarding the re-painting of the outside of the overhead storage tank on N. Colony Blvd, Mr. Hall noted that only the inside was painted this year, and that $88,000 is still left in that fund. Tom Cravens said he estimates the outside can be repainted for approximately $50,000, and that he has received an estimate for the by-pass at the ground storage tank of approximately $20,000. Councilman Agnew said it appears from the reports provided by staff that these items need to be addressed as soon as possible. All agreed with the projected expense. Replace Carpet at Court Counter - $270.00 this is to replace badly worn carpet in front of the counter where the traffic is extremely heavy. All agreed. Landscaping - $1000.00 Lengthy discussion regarding the way this money is to be spent, with particular focus on how any plants would be maintained. Mr. Cravens said he has a proposal to assign some of his people to maintain the Municipal Complex. Mr. Hall said the real problem is maintaining the medians. Discussion regarding contacting businesses or groups to adopt medians. Councilman Agnew suggested spending the $1000.00 toward irrigation instead of plants. All agreed appearances are important. Councilman Dillard suggested setting aside the money and acquiring a landscape plan within 90 days. Mayor Manning recommended not allocating any money this year and requesting staff to come up with a plan to irrigate and maintain the medians and the complex. Councilman Agnew again suggested a mowing and landscaping crew be created. Outdoor Basketball Courts - $1250.00 each - one per year scheduled. All agreed. Carpet/Tile - P.D. - $4300.00 After brief discussion, it was agreed that stained carpet should be replaced with tile, but replacement of carpet in the administrative areas should be postponed. Firing Range - $10,000 - After brief discussion this was postponed for further review in the 1994-95 year. Canine Unit - $7500.00 - Idea is a good one, review at a later time. Personal Showers - Rec Center and Pool - $1500.00 each. This is an A.D.A. requirement, we have no choice. Strickland Drainage Rework - $45,000.00 - Bill Hall said this can be moved to 1994- 95. Mayor Manning said there is an area which is dangerous and asked Mr. Cravens to get the costs to repair just that portion this year and bring it to the meeting next week. Irrigation of Medians - $8000.00 per year - Postpone until plan is prepared. Aquatic Park: Shade Pavilion - $300.00, Sun Deck & Benches - $500.00 Mr. Hall said the re-awning needs to be added and the sandlot volleyball. Councilman Dillard said the park needs some clean up and suggested getting volunteers, such as the Blue Wave Swim Team to come out for two week-ends and do some minor touch up around the park. After brief discussion a total of $4000.00 was agreed upon to cover funding for the Shade Pavilion, Sun Deck & Benches, Awning Replacement and Sandlot Volleyball. Re-Sand & Repaint Racquetball floors - $400.00 This item will be moved to Maintenance line item budget. Having completed review of the Capital Projects, Councilman Dillard brought up several items for discussion, the first being the School Resource Officer. He said this is something we need this year to provide not only additional security at the High School, but 004895 to provide intelligence to the Police Department. Mayor Manning agreed, stating we need to be sure L.I.S.D. is in favor of the plan. Councilman Dillard said he has been told the school now has two security guards on campus. Councilman Marks suggested that the school district could possibly help fund the School Resource Officer. All Council agreed to copletely fund the officer in this budget and directed the City Manager to contact L.I.S.D. to get their approval and to discuss funding. Councilman Dillard then addressed ambulances, stating we can purchase 1 1/2 ton ambulances with heavy duty chassis for around $60,000. He said he thinks the 2 ton ambulance proposed by the Fire Department is too expensive and noted that it is a M.I.C.U., which he does not see that we need. He said we need to look at how we approach treating people, stating we need to treat and transport. Mayor Manning agreed, stating we don't need an E.R. on wheels. Discussion followed regarding placing the money in escrow this year for emergency equipment, and going ahead and financing an ambulance with the rest of the capitals. There was general agreement to allow the funds to grow, using them to repair the current # 1 ambulance and to go toward the purchase of an engine in the future. Councilman Dillard said the take home car policy in the police department has been a topic of discussion for some time and noted that he has spoken with several members of the department and that he now believes it to be a very valuable tool, allowing for quicker response time, and better maintained vehicles. Mayor Manning agreed, stating the biggest question is cost. Bill Hall advised that effective today, the take home cars will only be used for official business and that a 30 day study of the mileage, etc. will begin. Margaret Burkett handed out the requested information regarding the public safety increases and stated that public safety salaries are presently in line according to the salary survey. Ms. Burkett said in her opinion these salaries should be left as they are and looked at again in the next budget year. After brief discussion, all agreed. Councilman Agnew did ask about the accelerated pay plan and Bill Hall advised that it is staff's recommendation to keep the plan in place for current employees, but to implement an extended plan beginning October 1, 1993 for those to be hired after that date. The council agreed and Mayor Manning asked Ms. Burkett to find out how other cities' public safety pay plans are set up. Mayor Manning reminded the council of the schedule next week and with no further business to address, adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. AP/~ROVED: ' ".-Manning, Ma~ ATT//F~T: Patti A. Hicks,TRMC, City Secretary --- 4