HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.05.2003• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 5, 2003
3:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Kincaid, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Clark that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Mayor Rooff updated council members on the legislation passed by the Iowa Legislature. The
legislation adopted by the Legislators will cost the city $1.2 million. The legislation is mostly
centered on property tax relief. Mayor Rooff stated the legislators said they were going to
restructure government, but they redirected government with the proposed cuts and placed the
burden on local jurisdictions. The House of Representatives passed the Iowa Values Fund, but
the Senators adjourned and went home with property tax and income tax relief still pending.
Governor Vilsack has said he will call the legislators back for a special session in a few weeks.
Mayor Rooff updated council members on the Town Meeting to be held on May 6, 2003 at 7:00
p.m. at West High School Auditorium. Mayor Rooff and staff will update the citizens on the
good things happening in the city, our mission statement, the budget, revenues and review
general fund departments. Mayor Rooff stated he hopes there is an opportunity to look at other
jurisdictions for shared opportunities. Mayor Rooff stated he personally does not want to cut
public safety.
Mayor Rooff stated he has requested Department Heads to submit an impact statement.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, stated that $1.2 million represents about 4.3 percent
of the General Fund budget.
Mayor Rooff stated the $1.2 million reduction is after the $10 million was put back in. Mayor
Rooff stated he will provide to the citizens a list of the legislators with addresses and telephone
numbers.
Tom Power, Firefighter, reported that Senator Dotzler has a plan for public safety for special
appropriations for police and fire.
Councilperson Hurley stated that the state legislators have said that cities haven't done anything
to reduce the cost of government and now its their time, and we need to explain to our citizens
that we certainly have tried.
Mayor Rooff stated there are non-profit organizations who pay no taxes but use city services, and
we need to see if we can work something out with them.
Councilperson Getty stated we need to stress to the citizens that nothing is in concrete, but we are
asking for their opinion on what the city should do.
Mayor Rooff stated that TIF and gambling legislation is off the table, and he does not think it
will go to the Governor for signature this year.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Hurley, seconded by Clark that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:16 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk