HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/1993February 16, 1993
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Executive Session at City Hall Council
Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 4:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 16, 1993. Mayor Albert C.
Manning, Jr. in the Chair. Roll Call: Dell, Buck, Wright, Lemke. Absent: Fox, Angel,
Budak.
100734 - City Attorney Jim Walsh stated that labor negotiations are an approved topic of
Executive Session as authorized by Iowa Code Section 20.16.
Moved by Buck, seconded by Dell
that the Council adjourn to Executive Session. Ayes: Four. Absent: Fox, Angel,
Budak. Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Angel now present at 4:18 p.m.
100735 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Angel
that the Council adjourn Executive Session. Motion carried.
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Special Session at City Hall Council
Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 1993. Mayor Albert C.
Manning, Jr. in the Chair. Roll Call: Dell, Fox, Angel, Buck, Wright, Budak, Lemke.
100736 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Angel
that the Agenda, as amended, for the Special Session on Tuesday, February 16,
1993, at 4:45 p.m., be accepted and approved. Motion carried.
100737 - W. David Tyler, Assistant City Attorney for labor negotiations, stated that the
bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local #66
provides for an amended insurance policy resulting in a savings to the City of
$87,000 together with a raise freeze. The contract contains one additional
personal day with a total contract cost of $26,800, which is an .86 percent
increase in total contract cost (payable in FY 1995). Mr. Tyler expressed his
appreciation to the City bargaining team together with the leadership of the
bargaining unit including Lieutenant Tom Powers and Mike Connell.-• This agreement,
too, shows that City employees are willing to assist during these tight economic
times.
Mayor Manning commended the bargaining unit leadership together with City staff
and Mr. Tyler for their diligence throughout the process. He hoped that the same
spirit of cooperation could be shown with the City's remaining bargaining units.
The Firefighters contract results in employees giving more than they are receiving
in terms of compensation. The Mayor also noted that the City Council adopted the
salary and compensation package for non -bargaining personnel on Monday, February
15, 1993.
Mike Connell, President of Local #66, reiterated the spirit of cooperation with
which said negotiations were conducted, and that it was important to him and the
bargaining unit that their association do as much as possible in light of the
City's budgetary problem. Their number one concern is public safety.
Moved by Buck, seconded by Dell
that communication from Personnel Director transmitting recommendation to
authorize Mayor to sign and execute a collective bargaining agreement between the
City of Waterloo and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local #66 be
received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted and
Mayor and Clerk/Auditor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Six. Abstain: Budak.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1993-101.
100738 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Dell
that the Council adjourn at 5:12 p.m. Motion carried.
February 16, 1993 Page 2
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Special Session at City Hall Council
Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:12 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 1993. Mayor Albert C.
Manning in the Chair. Roll Call: Dell, Fox, Angel, Buck, Wright, Budak, Lemke.
100739 - Moved by Wright, seconded by Angel
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on the proposed F.Y. 1994
Budget for the City of Waterloo, as published in the Waterloo Courier on February
10, 1993, be received and placed on file. Motion carried.
100740 - HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called
for written and oral objections.
Larry P. Burger, Clerk/Auditor, presented information relating to the City's
history on taxable valuation which began to decrease in 1986 from $1.5 billion to
a current taxable value of $1,248,253,460. This significant valuation drop has
greatly decreased the City's ability to levy taxes. A tax comparison chart was
presented showing the total taxes paid on an assumed home value of $40,000 and the
effect of fluctuations in valuation from FY 1986 to present. If a levy rate of
$20.05 is established, said assumed home will pay $845.41 in taxes for FY 94 as
compared to $855.95 at the $20.30 levy rate.
A comparison of the tax levy rate for FY 93 and FY 94 was reviewed. If the $8.10
levy rate is appealed, the total tax rate would be $20.30; the no appeal rate is
$20.05. The current levy is $18.63 per thousand dollars of valuation. Mr. Burger
stated that several circumstances resulted in a need for a higher levy, including
an additional cost of $1.1 million for the City's share of the police and fire
pension fund. Prior to centralization of the pension monies with the State of
Iowa, the City of Waterloo was able to maintain a much lower levy rate. In
addition, the State of Iowa cut $400,000 in state payments after adoption of the
FY 1993 Budget. He also noted that the City Council had bought down the levy rate
with a cash infusion of $250,000. Without these expenses, the current levy for
the City of Waterloo would have been $18.64. A comparison of property taxes paid
based upon the current median sale prices with other Iowa cities was reviewed.
The City of Waterloo ranks first with its current tax rate, but ranks sixth in
terms of total taxes paid for all taxing jurisdictions for the current year.
This, again, reflects on the taxable value which is much lower in Waterloo than
for a comparable house in other Iowa cities. During FY 92 and FY 93, the City's
tax rate has remained steady while the other major taxing bodies have increased,
resulting in a total tax levy of $43.37 in FY 92 as compared to a rate of $44.79
for FY 93.
A summary of the impacts on the FY 94 Budget requests without an appeal of the
$8.10 levy limit was reviewed. Without an appeal of the $8.10 levy limit, the
Police would lose five additional employees on July 1, 1993, and one additional
employee during the last quarter of FY 94. The Fire Department will also
experience three additional layoffs. Total cost to retain these employees is
$314,339, or 254 of the total levy. Several other major budget impacts will be
felt regardless of whether the City seeks relief of the $8.10 levy, including
reduction in the operating hours at the Library from 45 hours per week in the
winter to 41 hours per week year-round. In addition, less materials will be
replaced and purchased. A reduction in work orders serviced in the General Fund
by the Central Garage will be approximately 20 percent less. Animal Control will
reduce its current 1/2 time officer leaving two full time Animal Control Officers.
There will also be a reduction in week -end enforcement. Three vacant positions
at the Recreation Center will not be filled. The 1/2 position in the Print Shop
will be eliminated. The Parks/Forestry Department will be affected by not funding
2 vacant positions and reducing 16 permanent seasonal positions. Also, residents
could expect reduced maintenance in the parks and street rights of way. Two
vacancies due to layoffs will not be replaced in the Planning and Development
Division. Upon retirement of the Meter Collector position, said position will not
be refilled. In the Street Department, three vacant positions will not be filled,
all equipment replacements will be eliminated, and the materials budget will be
reduced by 15 percent.
Councilperson Fox questioned Department Heads concerning what reductions in
service levels would be felt with a 10 percent across-the-board cut. Chief
Koehrsen stated that such a cut would result in the loss of 57 additional
officers. The department has already lost 5 officers to layoffs during the
current year cutting uniform strength from 117 to 112 officers. This cut
February 16, 1993 Page 3
Hearing - continued
resulted in elimination of the school liaison program and the Tri-County Drug Task
Force. Citizens have also experienced a reduced number of service calls and
slower response time. Chief Stapella stated that the loss of 3 additional fire
fighter could result in the closing of one fire station and increased response
time. A map delineating the calls for service in January 1993 was reviewed.
Councilperson Dell questioned whether other members of the City Council were in
favor of retaining the existing level of services in the Police and Fire
Departments. Councilperson Lemke stated that he has heard the public state that
the City should retain current levels of service. No other responses were given
to Mr. Dell's question.
Mr. Burger reminded Council Members that a cut in the current year expenditures
of 2.5 percent was the result of the State's cutback in appropriations to the
City. The budget, as proposed, includes an additional 2.5 percent cut across the
board.
In response to a question from Councilperson Fox, Bev Lind, Director of the
Waterloo Public Library, stated that a 10 percent cut would result in reduction
of the Library's hours to 30 hours per week and additional reductions in material
purchases. Larry Cunningham, Superintendent of Central Garage, stated that the
reduction in the General Fund will result in more difficulty in maintaining the
City's fleet and the possible lay off of a mechanic. Rick Tagtow, Director of
Parks and Forestry, stated that a 10 percent cut would continue to erode the
existing level of service and be a continuation of the cuts that the Department
has experienced in the last several years.
Mayor Manning called for public comment on the budget, asking that the public
please address the Council by stating their name and address and limiting their
comments to no more than three minutes.
Kathy Oberle, 1101 Western Avenue, stated the following: 1) $18.63 was an
unacceptable levy rate and the City should not appeal to the State, 2) Debt
service continues to increase and the hotel/motel tax is being diverted to special
interest groups, 3) The City should seek reimbursement for in -kind services
provided for civic activities and events to supplement the General Fund, 4) The
local option sales tax should be paying for expenses in the Planning and
Development Division, and 5) The City should be downsizing through attrition but
has not done so with the recruitment of a Director of Human Rights.
Mel Smelser, 2235 Temple Avenue, made the following remarks: 1) Although not a
political statement, he urged anyone running for a Council position to attend
meetings such as this, 2) Employees should pay 25 percent of their health
insurance premium, 3) Major employers should build a HMO to provide cheaper health
care, and 4) We should stop picking on the Police and Fire Departments and start
looking at the Public Works area and the garbage collection workers for savings.
In response, Mayor Manning stated that the incentive clause contained in the
collective bargaining unit for garbage collection workers has been explained many
times. This is a subject of negotiation and cannot unilaterally be taken out by
the City. Insurance is also a bargained benefit, and as indicated in the approved
Police and Fire contracts, the employees will participate in a greater share of
their health insurance costs.
Mr. Smelser and Mayor Manning exchanged words concerning state mandates and each
calling on the other to communicate to State Legislators to cease imposing
mandates without funding.
Bill Bartels, 646 Summit Avenue, made the following remarks: He commended the
Police and Fire Associations for their recent contract settlements. In
comparison, the City's problem is bonded indebtedness and questioned why the City
purchases insurance. Mr. Burger reported that $130,000 in bond issuance cost
includes the insurance premium of approximately $70,000, which saves another
$70,000 over the life of the bonds and provides a AAA rating and no risk to the
bond buyer. The remaining issuance costs pay for the City's financial
consultants, bonding attorney's opinion, rating services and bond printing. Mr.
Bartels stated that the City should save money and avoid borrowing and paying such
high interest costs.
February 16, 1993 Page 4
Hearing - continued
Bob Stevenson, City Planner, noted that the City is at 68 percent of its bonding
capacity with an overall reduction over the past 5 years. Bond proceeds have been
leveraged to produce $370 million of federal highway funds. He noted that
Relocated U.S. Highway 218 was a federal and state project with the City
participating only in incidental items such as storm sewers.
Gerry Shatzer, 1829 West Seventh Street, stated that he represented the silent
majority and the working private sector poor. He questioned the 9.5 percent raise
given to a Division Head stating that many people in our community are
underemployed and would gladly take these jobs at a much lower rate. Following
a series of articles in the Waterloo Courier concerning the City's budget and
quotations from himself, Mr. Shatzer has received over 25 telephone calls from
concerned citizens in our community. He suggested that the City have a lotto for
retired senior citizens. If their name were drawn, they would work at such
facilities as the ice rink, dog track and others earning money to pay expenses.
Doug Schenk, 1980 Winston Place, stated that in the past he has always accepted
the City tax increases but has a problem with the recent allocation of hotel/motel
tax proceeds to the Silos and Smokestacks project, the PASS stadium and the
Convention Bureau. Said revenues could be used to offset the tax levy by
directing hotel/motel tax monies to the Parks and Recreation Departments. General
Fund monies from Park and Recreation could then be transferred to the Police and
Fire Departments. Mayor Manning stated that the electorate would be deceived if
we diverted hotel/motel tax proceeds to General Fund expenses. Mr. Schenk replied
that the last mayoral election was a mandate to lower taxes. Councilperson Dell
stated that the hotel/motel tax ordinance will be rewritten with these issues in
the forefront.
Rich Knief, President of the Waterloo Police Protective Association, questioned
what direction the Council was going in terms of a total tax levy. He questioned
whether public safety officers would be laid off. Councilperson Buck supported
a levy of $20.30 per thousand dollars. In response to a question from
Councilperson Fox, Chief Koehrsen stated that when he was appointed as chief on
April 9, 1990, the department was at its lowest level of sworn officers (106).
The level then increased to 126 and then reduced back to 122. One hundred sixteen
sworn officers is an unacceptable level.
Jackie Stalberger, 441 Woodcrest Drive, stated the following: 1) The numbers of
City employees and their salaries have continued to increase even though the
City's population has decreased by 20 percent in the last ten years, and 2) The
City can do a better job at balancing its budget.
In response, Mayor Manning stated that information is available in City Hall at
the request of citizens concerning pay rates and numbers of employees. Also,
bargaining unit contracts are changing and that decisions of the past cannot be
changed, but we must look forward to continued economic development and growth.
Pete Burk, 375 Derbyshire Road, representing the Waterloo Public Library Board of
Directors, stated that the Library continues to struggle over decreased funding
resulting in a decline in the quality of life for our citizens. He supported the
levy of $20.30 per thousand even though it will require that the Council call upon
their inner self to make such a decision.
Bill Bartles, 646 Summit Avenue, reported on the following items: 1) Urged the
City Council to meet with State Legislators concerning the mandates placed on the
police and fire pension fund, 2) He did not believe the tax comparison chart with
other Iowa cities as presented by staff earlier, 3) Based upon the number of calls
by the Fire Department in January 1993, the department answered on an average
three call per 24 hour shift, 4) The City should have made an effort to keep the
2 Cylinder Club Exposition in Waterloo instead of being transferred to Grundy
Center through the use of hotel/motel tax, 5) The youth golf pass of $5 is much
too low and suggested that the City establish a non-resident golf fee, 6) The
possibility of a chicken factory moving to the community does not provide a
livable wage standard for workers of this community, and 7) He opposed a recent
raise given a management person in the Public Works Division. The Mayor reminded
February 16, 1993 Page 5
Hearing - continued
him that a non -bargaining salary proposal would freeze the salaries of employees
with earnings in excess of $40,000, 8) Senior citizens are especially hit hard by
tax increases given continual cutbacks in Social Security, 9) He urged the use of
retired City employees to do studies on how to lower taxes, and 10) The City is
losing out by not implementing recycling immediately.
Terry Lorenzen, Director of the Waterloo Airport, stated that prior to the
decision of the 2 Cylinder Club to move their Exposition to Grundy Center,
members of the Airport Commission met to discuss incentives that would keep the
Exposition in Waterloo. Even though the rental of the 19 acres for the event was
only $1,058, there were no incentives that could be offered that would keep the
Exposition in Waterloo.
Councilperson Fox supported the Silos and Smokestacks project as an investment in
the community's future.
The Mayor announced that cable viewers who tuned in at 6:00 p.m. may have missed
the first hour of the hearing, but that the rest of the hearing would be shown in
its entirety.
The Mayor declared a 15 minute recess at 7:01 p.m.
RECESS
The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with all members of the Council
present.
Herb Lentsch, 715 Martin Road, stated that as taxes continue to increase, we will
not attract young people to the community, nor will they be able to afford to
purchase a home.
Merlin Biertz, 123 Prospect, spoke against a tax increase. With the county -wide
house -to -house reevaluation process now being undertaken, new values will be
placed on the tax rolls on January 1, 1994, at which time property owners will be
faced with a high millage rate and a high assessed value. He urged the Council
to cut the glamour from the budget. As a realtor, he has a difficult time
explaining the high tax rate to potential buyers. He urged the Council to take
the issue of state mandates to area legislators for change.
Mayor Manning stated that with the county -wide reevaluation, it would be his
suggestion that the overall tax rate be simultaneously lowered. Mr. Biertz stated
that he has never seen government decrease tax askings. Councilperson Buck stated
that the City recently lowered taxes twice and one year remained the same. The
Mayor assured Mr. Biertz that the City is in constant communication with State
Legislators conveying to them our concern with costly mandates.
Virgil DeGroote, 241 Fairfield Avenue, urged the Council to find solutions by
combining government services and encouraging cross utilization of employees. He
expressed concerns to the City's continued high bonded indebtedness, and that it
is not "business as usual."
Councilperson Lemke reported that the Mayor's Reorganization Committee has
recommended combination of City departments, and that the Council will soon be
reviewing said recommendations and possibly implementing some. He also reported
on a joint meeting with all tax bodies in Black Hawk County to begin discussion
on shared services. Mr. DeGroote spoke to the golf course fees, and that the
Airport continues to incur debt. Mayor Manning stated that a $3 surcharge per
passenger may be implemented to offset capital expenditures. Mr. DeGroote also
criticized the use of tax dollars for subsidizing outside agencies. He urged
imagination and scrutinization of each line item.
Robert Sieglaff, 914 West Third Street, suggested that the Council out source the
maintenance of City streets and garbage collection. He questioned the number of
assistant fire chiefs and urged the combination of Parks and Recreation
Departments. He also suggested that the City does not need an Airport Manager.
In response, Fire Chief Stan Stapella stated that all but two Fire management
staff respond to fires and that all firefighters are trained medical officers.
Many firefighters, including union personnel and management, voluntarily give
their time to the department. Chief Koehrsen stated that there are 12 sworn
management personnel, but that only through attrition can management be reduced.
February 16, 1993 Page 6
Hearing - continued
Due to Civil Service rules and regulations, any position eliminated would result
in that person bumping down through the ranks and eventually eliminating an
officer from the streets. A captain has recently announced his retirement;
however, no replacement will be sought for said position. Terry Lorenzen,
Director of Waterloo Airport, stated that he was not aware of any city in Iowa who
has combined the responsibilities of Park Director and Airport Manager. All
airports are subject to a stringent certification process that could be
jeopardized with such a combination. Mr. Sieglaff stated that he utilizes the
services of the Cedar Rapids Airport rather than Waterloo.
Charlotte O'Malley, 315 Julie Court, explained that her taxes for last year
increased $218.07. Even with a Rath pension and Social Security check, they are
hard pressed to pay the yearly taxes, particularly with the medical expenses they
have incurred. She and her husband have been working many years and pay their own
health insurance which are very liberally given to City employees. She questioned
why we continue to furnish our employees high salaries and a liberal insurance
package.
Darwin Lies, 229 Bourland Avenue, questioned when we would borrow more than we pay
back in any year. The Mayor reported that the original list for the current
year's issue was approximately $13 million but has been significantly reduced even
though many of the projects were highly necessary. He also questioned the funding
of outside agencies and suggested that many could be eliminated from funding. He
also criticized the funding of Silos and Smokestacks with hotel/motel tax money.
He questioned the City's annual payment of $45,000 to Cedar Valley Partnership and
questioned why former Mayor McKinley was allowed to stay on the city's payroll.
Mayor Manning explained that $10,000 is the City's subsidy to the Partnership with
the remaining $35,000 replacing the costs of a former economic development
employee. This contractual arrangement was in existence long before former Mayor
McKinley was employed by Cedar Valley.
Mel Smelser, 2235 Temple Avenue, questioned why Black Hawk County ceased funding
Cedar Valley Partnership.
James Matthews, 1225 Downing Avenue, questioned the total expenditure line item
in the Human Development area. It was explained that item No. 39 is the total of
items 9 through 37.
Kenneth Penning, 207 Rosebud Avenue, stated that citizens are at the end of their
rope with taxes and questioned the placement of parking meters under the freeway.
He complained of dirty streets and that more money should be allocated to the Park
Department. He was opposed to an appeal to the State.
Larry Bedard, 1938 Franklin Street, opposed the funding of outside agencies in
Line Items 9 through 27 stating that they could set up their own telemarketing to
fund raise and that some are already funded through the United Way. He has
personally been discouraged with redevelopment efforts to rezone property along
Franklin Street. Whenever he tries to do something, he is bogged down with City
regulations and inspectors.
Mayor Manning stated that the landscaping ordinance was developed with advice from
affected businesses along the corridor and will provide positive results for the
community in the future. The Mayor also stated that they encourage citizen
involvement in board and commission activities so that all viewpoints are
represented.
Saul Herscovici, 2558 Saratoga Drive and speaking as the Chief Executive Officer
of Powers Manufacturing, complimented the City on the marvelous job they have done
in assisting him with his new building, snow removal and public safety issues.
Although the future looks bright for Waterloo, additional tax burdens have been
placed on property owners including the 1 percent local option sales tax, the
increase in garbage fees, and the state sales tax. He asked that the City keep
its taxes at its current level, noting that there is a $3,000 per job advantage
to operating a business in Texas versus the State of Iowa. Also, business is
continually faced with competition from foreign countries. He is anticipating
expansion of his business, but he may not be able to stay in Waterloo due to the
increased in cost of doing business. He expressed his disbelief that an
arbitrator can rule to raise property taxes. He urged the privatization of those
functions that are feasible. He asked each City Council Member to respond to how
they would explain increased taxes to the low income people in this community.
4
February 16, 1993 Page 7
Hearing - continued
He stated that approximately 5100 families are on food stamps in the City of
Waterloo. Again, he urged privatization. The Mayor responded that 5100 families
in Black Hawk County are on food stamps.
Elaine Jaquith, 810 Cornwall Avenue, stated that the Mayor had run his campaign
on lowering taxes and that this City must make some changes. She stated that the
Mayor and Council are not getting all the information they need to make a good
decision. Councilperson Angel questioned whether as a member of the Waterloo
School Board she has been able to lower their tax levy. Ms. Jaquith responded
that she was the lone dissenter of the budget increase.
Marcia Schemmel, 511 Wildwood, Apartment 2 and representing Operation Threshold,
stated that her agency is in the business of helping families become self-
sufficient. In response to a question from Mr. Bedard, she reported that
Operation Threshold would use city monies to attract federal match grants. Many
families in this community are struggling and they seek to assist them when
possible.
Councilperson Fox urged that discussion be limited soon, and that the issue of
setting a tax levy be addressed.
Terry Walker, Chairperson of the Silos and Smokestacks project, was surprised and
confused by citizen remarks on this project. They are not and were not asking for
a tax levy support but did receive hotel/motel tax proceeds of $50,000. This
private initiative has as its goal to revitalize Waterloo demonstrating the
agricultural impact in the area. Any interested group may view the film the group
has developed or become active in a subcommittee.
Darwin Lies, 229 Bourland Avenue, responded to the presentation by Ms. Walker by
asking whether the entire community is involved in this project, including the
working class. Mayor Manning responded that private funds have been raised for
one paid staff position; otherwise, the project is being supported with private
funds and volunteers. Mr. Lies stated that the City cannot afford this "dream"
and that we should not speculate on the future.
Kenneth Penning criticized the design of the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention
Center as a roosting place for pigeons. He also commented that the Chain of Lakes
project doesn't amount to a "hill of beans" and criticized the payment of former
Mayor Bernie McKinley's salary through a contractual agreement with Cedar Valley
Partnership. He also stated that the City should have made a better attempt to
keep the 2 Cylinder Club Exposition in Waterloo. He urged department heads to get
answers and keep looking for solutions.
Bob Smith, 2211 West Third Street, an 8-year renter, purchased a house two years
ago and was concerned about the increasing tax rate. He appealed to the Council
to support only essential city services.
Mayor Manning stated that the trends we have been experiencing in Waterloo are
ones that are being experienced throughout the United States, particularly in the
area of state and federal mandates. He cited many examples where cities have been
caught between state and federal government regulations and the constituents that
they serve. He pointed out that it is important to keep this in mind throughout
the budget deliberation process.
Moved by Fox, seconded by Angel
that the hearing be closed and the above oral comments be received and placed on
file. Motion carried.
100741 - Mayor Manning reiterated that to avoid layoffs in the Police and Fire Departments
it would be necessary to request an appeal of the General Fund levy. He
recommended that a levy rate of $20.05 per thousand dollars of valuation be
established.
February 16, 1993 Page 8
Hearing - continued
Councilperson Budak stated that if police and fire layoffs are imminent, he would
not vote for a $20.05 levy. It was noted that $314,000 is needed to avert lay off
of police and fire personnel. In response to a question from Councilperson
Wright, Larry P. Burger, Clerk/Auditor, stated that other cuts would be necessary
in General Fund activities to avert the lay off of police and fire personnel if
an appeal of the $20.30 is not sought. Mr. Burger reminded the Council that
department budgets have experienced considerable cutbacks, and that the budget
contains a 5 percent decrease in revenues to outside agencies.
The following were discussed as possible areas to cut: Animal Control services
($131,000), funding to outside agencies of $86,000 (including Civil Defense),
transferring General Fund expenditures of $70,000 to the local option sales tax
account for services provided by the Engineering Department, and Metropolitan
Transit Authority. Mr. Burger stated that a cut in the transit levy would not
affect the General Fund. In response to a question from Councilperson Fox, Chief
Stapella stated that the layoff of one, two or three individuals may result in the
closing of another fire station, and that staffing levels are at a very critical
point.
The possibility of contracting Animal Control services was discussed, together
with the possibility of a county -wide system. In response, Public Works Director
John Meyer stated that current funding allows for two enforcement officers and a
private contract with the Humane Society for animal shelter. Any cuts in the
Animal Control budget would result in less service and possibly increase the
burden to the Police Department. Councilperson Buck expressed reluctance to cut
outside agency funding tonight as they have not been advised of this possibility
and preferred to discuss it at the second public hearing scheduled for Tuesday,
February 23, 1993. Councilperson Dell stated that he could not in good faith keep
outside agencies within the budget.
A written statement from the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments
Executive Director was distributed outlining the services provided by INRCOG.
Councilperson Buck also questioned the reduced fee for senior golf passes. Mr.
Burger suggested that the Council could establish a levy of $20.05 without the
benefit of a second hearing, and that adjustments within the budget could then be
studied and reviewed by staff and presented to the Council for action.
Councilperson Budak suggested closing City Hall down for one day or the possible
elimination of the Personnel Department.
Moved by Buck, seconded by Wright
that the Clerk be instructed to publish notice of a second public hearing on
February 23, 1993, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to accommodate
further discussion on the FY 94 Budget. A friendly amendment was added to the
above motion that public comment be limited to two hours total and three minutes
per individual. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
The Council adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor