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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/15/2007 City Council August 15,2007 Special Session MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSION OF COUNCIL HELD ON AUGUST 15, 2007 The Special Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 6:04 p.m. on the 15th day of August 2007, at City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, Texas, with the following roll call: John Dillard Allen Harris John Marshall Joe McCourry Kirk Mikulec Perry Schrag Joel Marks Mayor Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Mayor Pro-tern Councilmember Present Present Present Present Present (arrived 6:07) Present (arrived 6:10) Present And with five council members present a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 1. Discuss and consider holding a regional holiday celebration during December 2007 which would directly enhance and promote tourism; and, which would enhance the arts and historical restoration or preservation of the historical Perryman Park; and, to fund such program with funds from the hotel occupancy tax proceeds. Emily Fox, special events coordinator for the city, gave an overview of this project, adding this is a change from prior years' holiday kickoff events. The route for the Parade of Lights will end near the site of the Historical Park and Central Fire Station, rather than at city hall, and the theme celebrating the city's thirtieth anniversary. The official tree lighting will be at this new location. Additionally, this project will incorporate several different activities, and include the historical aspect of Perryman Park. Jim Slack, a local resident, proposes to put on a light show to music at Central Fire Station. He reviewed the electrical materials needed, adding that these items can be used for other events year round. He showed some examples of his work. Times for the light show would be from dark until 1 0-11 p.m. Visitors will be able to drive by to view the light show and by tuning into a designated FM radio station can hear the synchronized music. Loud speakers will also be in place near the site for visitors on foot. Cost for materials for this event is approximately $17,500 with CDC expected to reimburse the city for $5,000. The request is to use Hotel Occupancy Tax funds. The plan is to promote this event regionally, expecting to bring in visitors from outside the city. Kickoff 1 August 15, 2007 Special Session date is December 1 sl for the parade and activities, and the light show will run through the month of December. Two citizens spoke in favor of the project. Motion to approve and to fund the project with Hotel Occupancy Tax fimds- Harris; second by Mikulec; motion passed with all ayes. 2. Work Session to discuss the 2006-2007 Municipal Budget. City Manager Dale Cheatham advised the city council that the proposed budget is based On the same tax rate as last year, 71.5 cents, and the proposed fee schedule. The tax base increased 6.84%, with about $21.5M in new development. General Fund changes in revenue include: an increase in sales tax, franchise tax and ad valorem tax; an increase in municipal court fines and a decrease in license and permit fees. Expenditures include: a 3 percent cost of living adjustment for employees; increases in contractual services (utilities and worker compensation insurance) and employee medical insurance has an increase of 8 percent. The proposed budget includes 11 new personnel and related expenses, and an upgrade of 1 part-time position to full-time. Included also is a draw down from the General Fund balance for $350,000 in one-time expenses, and an additional personal holiday for employees. The Utility Fund reflects an increase of 6.5 percent in water and sewer rates. The budget includes a cost ofliving adjustment for employees (3 percent), and one new position. Funds are included to modify utility billing to a letter format. Other increases are included for contractual services. A new employee assistance program is being considered at a cost of$IO,OOO. There is an estimated 72 days in the Utility Fund fund balance and 66 days in the General Fund fund balance. Dale also reviewed the various Special Funds and Debt Service. Dale asked for council direction on possible uses ofthe Debt Issuance and SIB Loan dollars, Storm Water capital projects, and the city newsletter (as it relates to the quarterly Colony Connection edition versus possibly using the proposed new letter format for utility billing.) Discussion among council members followed on various issues with council members Harris and McCourry stating they would still like to see a tax rate decrease this year with possible ways to accomplish that. Mayor Dillard suggested an additional work session on the budget and set the date of August 27,2007 at 6 p.m. to meet again. 2 August 15, 2007 Special Session And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. APPROVED: hn Dillard, Mayor ity of The Colony ATTEST: (k~~!f#~e~ 3 JJ-Wf.1L!~:>. "J{\:\Y OF x~, :"~", ,.."""" " l'~>" " ;'" -:: "~. . .