HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/10/1998 City Council 007005
8/10/98
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON
AUGUST 10, 1998
The WORK SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order
at 7:15 p.m. on the 10th day of August 1998 at City Hall, with the following council roll call:
Mary Blair Watts, Mayor Present
Bill Longo, Councilmember Present
Bernetta Henville-Shannon, Councilmember Present
David Stanwick, Councilmember Present
Al Garcia, Councilmember Present
John Dillard, Councilmember Absent (Arrived 7:20 p.m.)
Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present
and with six present a quorum was established, the following items were addressed:
1.0 DISCUSSION ITEMS:
_ 1.1 1998-99 Municipal Budget
Mr. Johnston advised that with the changes made at the last work session, the amount in
reserve would be equal to 61 days' operating expenses.
Mr. Lambert presented notable increases in the Utility Fund Budget and other pertinent
areas for council consideration as follows:
· 4% pay for performance to be continued
Overtime is increased by $12,700
· Building Maintenance in water department - $1,700
· Hepatitis and Tetanus shots for all employees - $3,000
· Fuel & Lubricants - $5,500
· Water Meter Replacement Program - $33,000
This program will pay for itself so no increase is shown in the budget. Discussion
followed regarding using existing manpower to replace 3 - 4 meters each day. This should
increase the amount of revenue substantially. Older meters are not as accurate, therefore, we are
losing revenue by not replacing them. Discussion regarding using TUE to read meters and to bill
for water services. Staffis to compare the costs with current procedure.
· Training is increased by $3,000
· Wastewater permit fee is increased to $14,000 by the State
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· Clarifier Bearings - $5,000 (sewer plant) ._
· Increase in polymer - $15,000 (sewer plant)
· Postage machine lease - $8,500 (utility admin.)
· Uncollectibles - $18,000 (utility admin.)
· Proposed postage rate increase - $5,000
· Building Maintenance - $6300 (air conditioner)
· Chlorine Increase - $3,000
· Proposed Dallas water rate increase - $40,000
Pat Dunlap is negotiating with TUE and CoServ for better electrical rates and
with North Texas Municipal Water District regarding sludge hauling costs. He hopes to reduce
by $50,000 the proposed costs for operating the treatment plant and for sludge hauling through
these negotiations.
glidden Cove Park
Mr. Lambert asked for comments regarding hiring a professional advertising firm to
market the park to increase revenues. General consensus was that perhaps that should wait until
the capital projects are completed before considering that proposal. This is the first year since
the city took over the park that it is proposed to break even.
Stewart Creek Park
Expenditures show to be more than revenues. Pam Nelson explained that expenditures
have always been monitored and are always kept under revenues. She said this park has never
lost money and it will not lose money this next year.
Recycling
Discussion regarding replacing the existing oil recycling bins at a cost of $4,800 or
discontinuing this service. Options are to be fully researched before expending the funds. Staff
is to talk to IESI regarding their proposal to set up a drop-off center for trash and recyclables. It
was noted that there is not much publicity about our recycling program. Mr. Dunlap advised he
is seeking a new Recycling Coordinator at the current time.
Emergency Equipment Fund
The Subscription Ambulance Service project needs to be marketed. All the money
brought in through that service goes into this fund for the purchase of emergency equipment.
Reserve Land Fund
Mr. Lambert advised that a resolution from 1988 has been discovered in which the city
agreed to pay for relocation of utility lines in the r.o.w, for the Josey Lane extension. This was ~
not something staff or council was aware of previously. Mr. Lambert said TUE has advised the
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cost to move the gas transmission line is approximately $275,000. He is going to negotiate with
them to reduce that cost.
The next budget work session is set for August 31, 1998 at 6:00 p.m. A work session is
set for 7:00 p.m. on August 20 to discuss the water and sewer rate study. Mayor Watts advised
that the council needs to have a joint work session with both EDC boards after the new director
is hired.
Mr. Lambert displayed a map of the city and showed the council the work Harry Persaud
had done on the lake shore study before the council voted to discontinue work on that study. He
asked permission to send this partial information to the Corps by the August 20, 1998 deadline.
Council agreed to send this plan to the Corps.
1.2 Tax Rate Reduction Plan
Councilmember Kovatch advised he has prepared a handout and asked the council to take
one with them. This plan will be discussed at the next budget work session.
With no further business to address, Mayor Watts adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Patti A. Hicks, TRMC, City Secretary