HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/2008 City Council
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May 28, 2008 Work Session
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON MAY 28, 2008
The Work Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 6:04 p.m. on
the 28th day of May 2008, 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
Present (arrived 6:44 p.m.)
Present (arrived 6:20 p.m.)
And with five council members present a quorum was established and the following items were
addressed:
Presentation, discussion, and direction from Council to include the following budget related
subjects:
1. Productivity and Efficiency Enhancements
2. Five-year history
3. Budget philosophy
4. Capital requests
5. Personnel requests
6. Department head comments
7. Turnover and compensation
8. Community Development Corporation and Five Star
9. Quality oflife departments to include recreational activities and athletics
10. Five-Year Forecast to include 2008-09 items
11. Decision issues
Mayor Dillard announced that a council retreat will be scheduled in the next month or so for council
members to meet and discuss council goals in regard to the budget. City Manager Dale Cheatham
then began his presentation with some items that were not included in the meeting workbook. He
discussed health care issues for employees and the city, retirement system alternatives for retirees,
and the cost of janitorial services for the city.
Dale discussed budget philosophy by stating that there are always savings at the end of the year
because all allocated dollars are usually not spent, and there is always a savings in salaries because
of positions being open throughout the year. He added that the P&R budget includes all classes but
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May 28, 2008 Work Session
that can be changed, and stressed that a lot of the expenses and revenues depend on the weather
(water consumption.) Additional environmental issues that will impact the city over the next few
years include possible tax caps, more retail in the surrounding communities, the tax rate, employee
wages and the future need for additional city buildings Gail and two fire stations.)
Dale presented an overview ofCDC and Five Star, General and Utility Funds, the five-year forecast,
debt service and other funds, and reviewed the contents of the finance workbook.
Dale opened the floor to the directors who wished to address the council on personnel. Police, fire,
public works, city secretary, communications and I.T. a11 provided their specific staffing requests
and justification. Dale stated some of the issues that affect turnover and employee compensation.
Discussion followed regarding possibly adding steps to the city's pay plan. He also noted how
difficult it has been for public safety openings to be filled. Dale also asked Donna Bateman,
Development Services Director, to advise the council that the Code Enforcement Advisory Board
has been discussing making a recommendation to council regarding "substandard" homes in the city.
During the discussions several members of council presented questions and asked for staff to
provide specific information on personnel costs, employee benefits as they compare to other cities,
turnover in relation to tenure, a list of streets that need replacement (not repair), information on
possible reallocation of 4A funds, effect of reducing the tax rate, and possible fee increases for non-
residents. Councilmember Connelly presented a spreadsheet with examples of how a percentage of
the city revenues might be allocated to reduce the tax rate.
Dale presented a list of questions (Decisions Issues) and asked for council to respond. It was
decided they would provide their answers at a later date.
And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
APPROVED:
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