HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/11/2008 City Council
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August 11, 2008 Work Session
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON AUGUST 11, 2008
The Work Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
on the 11 th day of August 2008, at City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, Texas, with the following
roll call:
John Dillard
Allen Harris
John Marshall
Jeff Connelly
Kirk Mikulec
Perry Schrag
Joel Marks
Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Mayor Pro-tern
Councilmember
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
And with seven council members present a quorum was established and the following items were
addressed:
1. Receive report from Denton County Transportation Authority representative
Dave Kovatch.
Dave Kovatch stated that three cities current pay a sales tax to fund the DTCA. The
primary focus ofthe Authority is to establish a rail line from Denton to Carrollton where
riders could then go on to Dallas on the DART system. The Colony's options to
participate would be to have a sales tax, contract for services which the colleges
currently do to provide bus/shuttle services to and from rail stations in Lewisville, or do
nothing. The Colony residents can use the services in Lewisville by driving there and
then riding the rail or bus services. The rail line from Denton is scheduled to be
complete in 2010. Dave went on to say that by 2030 there should be a Carrollton to
Irving to Frisco line.
2. Work Session to discuss the 2008-2009 Municipal Budget.
City Manager Dale Cheatham advised the council that he intends to focus on the major
funds during this meeting. He reminded council that the budget was built on fees and if
council desires to change any of those to let him know. He specifically mentioned
ambulance fees that are proposed to increase. Multi-family fees related to development
will be addressed at a later time. The budget is also based on a tax rate reduction of one-
half cent to 69.25 cents. There is an anticipated increase in the ad valorem taxes of
$750,000 however a Wynnwood development rebate will use $288,000 of it. Other
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August 11, 2008 Work Session
General Fund Revenue items included in this budget include an increase in sales tax, a
payment of $350,000 from Mathews Southwest, $75,000 from CDC for Five Star
operating expenses, and $150,000 from EDC for the Edward Don rebate and office space
rent. It was noted that EDC may be able to fund some debt service costs in the future as
well.
Some of the proposed budget items mentioned included a new energy management
system for city hall and an energy audit, and noted that there is $1. 7M in the budget for
electricity. Personnel (one dispatcher and one part-time Kids Kamp assistant director
proposed), a proposed 4% COLA for all employees, market adjustments for some and
changes to the public safety step plans are included. Dale advised council that medical
insurance cost increases are also a factor for this year. A draw down of $400,000 from
the fund balance will cover alleys, sidewalks, and traffic signals, and there is a $25,000
increase for street repairs proposed. There are 91 days expected to be the General Fund
Balance at the end of the year.
The proposed Utility Fund budget includes an increase of 6.75% in water and sewer
rates. Assistant City Manager Tony Johnston noted that impact fees have helped to keep
utility fees down. Dale noted that there is a $225,000 decrease in revenues and $300,000
has been included for contributions to an escrow payment for the North Texas Municipal
Water District agreement. The Austin Ranch wastewater payment for treatment has
increased by about $100,000. There 77 days expected in the Utility Fund Balance.
Capital items specifically mentioned included racquet ball court renovations, carpet for
city hall and library, and the energy reduction audit. Discussion oflight pole rewiring for
Turner Fields, the new buildings, conduit for F.M 423, the wall for the east side of North
Colony, and Stewart Creek Park improvements were also discussed.
Dale responded to a prior council question of what could be done if the tax rate is not
reduced. He stated another police officer for Wynnwood, Fire Department battalion
chiefs, and jailers would be important. He advised council not to use the fund balance
except for one-time expenses. Discussion followed as to the number of days left in the
fund balance and how some of that money could be used.
Dale confirmed with the council what they would like for the budget which included the
half-cent tax rate reduction, adding two CSO positions (for the jail) by using a savings
from insurance costs as a result of a plan change and a small draw down in the fund
balance. In addition, $10,000 will be added to the Hotel Occupancy Tax budget to fund
the annual haunted house.
And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
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August 11, 2008 Work Session
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
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Christie Wilson, TRMC, CMC
City Secretary
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