HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.23.2009• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 23, 2009
4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers.
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Greenwood, Welper, Reggie Schmitt, Steve Schmitt.
Members absent: Getty, Hart.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Ayes: Four. Absent: Getty, Hart, Steve Schmitt. Motion carried.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt now present at 4:05 p.m.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the notice of public hearing budget estimate that will be published in the
Courier on February 25, 2009. The published levy rate is $18.90827, which can be decreased
from the published rates and amounts, but cannot be increased.
Mayor Hurley explained that there was discussion at the work sessions that maybe we were
pushing too far on utility bills. The amount budgeted for utilities for all activities, including the
General Fund, Road Use Tax, Sewer and Garbage, and Local Option Sales Tax was
$1,981,605.00, and as of January 31, 2009 we have spent $1,118,961.50 leaving a balance of
$862,643.50.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the Planning, Programming and Zoning Department budgets and made
the following recommendations:
Planning & Zoning — 5700
Increase Line Item 3875 (Sal Reimb) in the amount of $1,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1319 (Other Prof Serv) in the amount of $1,500.00
Decrease Line Item 1343 (Postage) in the amount of $500.00
Decrease Line Item 1392 (Subscript) in the amount of $400.00
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if Line Item 1533 (Fuel Exp) could be reduced since the
price of fuel has gone down. Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director,
explained that he was using this year's cost. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, noted
that they are on track to spend $700.00 this year as the department spent $350.00 as of December
31, 2008.
Councilperson Greenwood noted the sale of property line item and asked what would be the net
revenue on the sale of Fire Station No. 8. Mr. Anderson responded they are hoping $200,000.00.
Mr. Anderson noted that the city has other properties on Greenhill Road and the Martin Luther
King Jr. Drive area that could be put out for bid. Mayor Hurley stated there are about six
properties worth about $207,000.00, but we need a buyer.
Economic Development — 6100
Increase Line Item 1358 (Econ Develop) in the amount of $1,000.00
Mayor Hurley stated this line item covers the two year agreement to support the Greater Cedar
Valley Alliance.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt noted that Line Item 1111 (Salaries -Reg.) increased 45 percent.
Mayor Hurley stated that is reallocating where Noel Anderson spends his time.
Property Management — 5985
Decrease Line Item 1371 (Bldg Maint) in the amount of $5,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1400 (Utilities) in the amount of $5,000.00
Council Work Session
February 23, 2009
Page 2
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Welper to move the Planning, Programming and Zoning
Budgets, with Mayor Hurley's recommendations, to the master budget. Ayes: Five. Absent:
Getty, Hart. Motion carried.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the Police Department Budget and made the following
recommendations.
Increase Line Item 3510 (Dist. Court Fines) in the amount of $5,000.00
Increase Line Item 3873 (Reim for Service) in the amount of $1,500.00
Increase Line Item 3800 (Mis. Revenue) in the amount of $2,500.00
Decrease Line Item 1114 (Time&Half) in the amount of $32,000.00 with $464 benefits
Decrease Line Item 1128 (Retirement Pay) in the amount of $41,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1130 (Emplye Ben Reim) in the amount of $8,065.00
Decrease Line Item 1330 (DOT Veh. Insp) in the amount of $1,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1344 (Telephone Exp) in the amount of $1,500.00
Decrease Line Item 1346 (Travel) in the amount of $10,700.00
Decrease Line Item 1352 (Photo&Copy Repro) in the amount of $1,800.00
Decrease Line Item 1353 (Printing) in the amount of $1,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1354 (Microfilm Exp) in the amount of $2,500.00
Decrease Line Item 1371 (Bldg Maint) in the amount of $750.00
Decrease Line Item 1375 (Car Wash Exp) in the amount of $1,100.00
Decrease Line Item 1378 (Equip Repair) in the amount of $3,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1385 (Office Equip) in the amount of $750.00
Decrease Line Item 1399 (Confidential Exp) in the amount of $2,000.00
Decrease Line Item 1400 (Utility) in the amount of $250.00
Decrease Line Item 1529 (Firearms) in the amount of $500.00
Decrease Line Item 1535 (Hardware) in the amount of $500.00
Decrease Line Item 1569 (Vehicle Parts) in the amount of $500.00
Decrease Line Item 1579 (Uniforms) in the amount of $2,500.00
Decrease Line Item 1111 (Salaries -Reg) in the amount of $40,000.00
Increase Line Item 1111 (Salaries -Reg) in the amount of $57,417.00
Decrease Line Item 1111 (Sal -Reg) in the amount of $31,000.00 with $5,270 benefits
Mayor Hurley explained that the Police Department is funded through the general fund and
grants. Mayor Hurley stated what drove him was to hang onto the authorized level of officers.
About nine tenths of a grant position was added to the general fund which is $57,417.00. Mayor
Hurley noted that ten officers will be eligible to retire, but probably only eight will retire which
is why he reduced line item 1128 by $41,000.00. Due to the hiring process not all eight police
officers will be replaced immediately and that is the reduction of $40,000.00. Mayor Hurley
noted he decreased line item 1111 in the amount of $31,000.00 as some of the officers retiring
are 25 year officers and have a higher salary than the new officers.
Councilperson Welper asked if the city spends $10,000.00 for new officers and the officer leaves
does the city get reimbursed for the training. Tom Jennings, Police Chief, responded if the
officer goes to another law enforcement entity, they are required to reimburse the city.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if the probable retirement of eight officers will impact time
and half pay. Chief Jennings responded that four with leave the first six months and four will
leave the second six months. It takes about six months to get them certified and on the streets.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked about the reserve officers. Chief Jennings responded that
reserve officers cannot be used to replace full-time officers. Chief Jennings explained that
during events the Police Department maintains its normal strength on the streets. Organizations
pay for security within the event, and the city pays additional officers to cover the influx of
people.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if the hotel/motel tax helps. Mayor Hurley responded that the
council's hotel/motel discretionary funds are used for My Waterloo Days to help with the crowds
and is probably revenue neutral.
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Council Work Session
February 23, 2009
Page 3
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Councilperson Reggie Schmitt asked why the increase in line item 1390 (Other Cont. Services).
Mayor Hurley responded line item 1390 covers Consolidated Dispatch. Chief Jennings noted
that the cost to Waterloo is based on a formula of calls for service.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked about the increase for line Item 1314 (Health Services).
Mayor Hurley responded it is the cost for new officers for items such as drug tests, physicals, etc.
Mayor Hurley noted that last year 8.25 officers were funded with grants and this year 6.8 officers
are budgeted with grant funds. Mayor Hurley stated that the federal stimulus program includes
funding to add additional police officers, and he is waiting for a response as to whether the funds
can be used for overtime or where we are required to use the grant. Mayor Hurley commented
that police officers are covered under Chapter 411 and the pension is budgeted out of the trust
and agency fund at about $1.2 million.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Cole to move the Police Department Budget, with
Mayor Hurley's recommendation, to the master budget. Ayes: Five. Absent: Getty, Hart.
Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Reggie Schmitt
that the meeting be adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Getty, Hart. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk