HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/25/91CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
February 25, 1991
4:00 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Mayor McKinley, Dell, Buck, Angel, Wright
and Fox.
Members absent: Brown and Budak.
The Agenda, as proposed, was approved.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the F.Y. 1992
Citizens' Budget Review Committee Report. Members of the
Budget Committee included Brad Condon, At -Large, Ray Dial,
NAACP, Ruth Fairbanks, League of Women Voters, Jim Kacher,
UAW #838, and Rick Young, Chamber of Commerce. Committee
members presenting the report included Brad Condon, Ruth
Fairbanks and Rick Young.
Brad Condon presented a synopsis of the Committee's report
including the premise that the Committee felt that if
sufficient funds were not available for maintaining
responsible staffing and equipment of the City's necessary
basic work force, few, if any cost increases in any City
departments should be allowed. He also commented that since
the departments had submitted a balanced budget, it was not
necessary for the Committee to make line item
recommendations.
Please refer to the Citizen's Budget Review Committee Report
that is on file in the office of the Clerk/Auditor for
specific details.
After the Committee's overview, questions were entertained.
Councilperson Dell asked whether the Committee had given
consideration to consolidation of the Waterloo and Cedar
Falls public Libraries. Bev Lind, Director of the Waterloo
Public Library, stated that although both libraries
participate in cooperative buying efforts, their
consolidation would not be an appreciative cost saver since
both facilities need to be maintained. Mr. Dell also
questioned fund transfers being recommended by the
Clerk/Auditor at this evening's council meeting. Larry P.
Burger, City Clerk/Auditor, stated that these fund transfers
reflect the close out of capital projects that have been
completed. There are no additional monies being allocated
to these projects that could be used for other expenditures.
Mr. Dell also questioned a proposal that the Human Rights
Director's salary be funded at three-fourths time. The
Committee stated that they agreed with this recommendation
and assumed that it had the approval of the staff budget
team.
Councilperson Wright stated that she did not concur with the
recommendation that the Human Rights Director's salary be
cut. Councilperson Dell also agreed with this position.
In response to questions from Councilperson Dell, Rick
Tagtow, Director of Parks and Forestry, stated that a
two-year agreement will soon be signed between Waterloo
Baseball and the San Diego Padres. Major leagues are now
requiring that minor league teams make mandatory payments to
the major league club to meet franchise obligations. This
will cost the Diamonds approximately $25,000 per year. With
this substantial operating cost, Waterloo Baseball's
commitment to self-sufficiency is somewhat jeopardized. It
had been an informal agreement between the City and Waterloo
Work Session Committee
February 25, 1991
Page 2
Baseball that capital improvements, paid for by the City,
would be dependent upon the team's financial stability and
commitment to remain here. (The Citizens Committee
recommended that the City reallocate its bonding capacity
from capital improvements at the Municipal Stadium to the
purchase of an additional fire truck).
In response to a question by Councilperson Dell, Jim
Lindsey, Director of Community Development, stated that the
City has recently received a federal grant in the amount of
$2.5 million for the demolition of Rath. This could
possibly eliminate the City's need for bonding for this
project.
Chief Stapella stated that it is the Department's intention
to keep Fire Station No. 6 open until at least January,
1992, with existing personnel. At that time, the
Department's revenues and expenditures will be reviewed to
determine whether the closing of the station is necessary.
Councilperson Wright questioned the recommendation for
funding of exterior agencies. The Committee concurred with
the staff recommendation that these agencies be funded at
approximately one-third less than last year's allocation of
$126,000. The Committee recommended that the funds be
distributed by the Metro Funding Council. Councilperson
Wright voiced her support for agency funding at the current
year levels. She stated that the funds they are requesting
are very small in proportion to the total City budget.
Councilperson Dell also stated that it is necessary for the
City to fund these agencies and show them that the City does
care about their existence.
It was suggested by Committee members that the City
eventually fund the Grout Museum from its hotel/motel tax
proceeds.
Councilpersons Dell and Angel spoke against the proposed
cuts to the Cable Commission. They suggested that a larger
portion of the franchise fee be diverted to the Cable
Commission's operation.
Councilperson Wright asked that the Committee elaborate on
its comments concerning staff salaries and benefits.
Committee members pointed out that there had been much
discussion on this item and that this statement provides the
best overview of the Committee's mixed ideas.
Councilperson Angel agreed with the suggestion that money
for stadium improvements be diverted to the purchase of a
fire truck. It was suggested that perhaps it is time to
discuss with Waterloo Baseball the City's former commitments
concerning capital improvements in light of changing
developments with the ball team.
Councilperson Wright and members of the Council thanked the
Committee members for their many hours of hard work.
The public was reminded that the hearing on the F.Y. 1992
Budget is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, 1991, at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
With no further business before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor