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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 06.03.2002 MINUTES BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE JUNE 3, 2002 7:00 P.M. DPW OFFICE MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Ken Olson Gay Easton Mark Mace Bud Johnson OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Embleton Dan Mears The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Olson at 7:00 p.m. The minutes of the May 20, 2002 regular meeting were approved as corrected. May claims totaling $174,586.61 were reviewed and the committee recommends approval by the council. The following purchase requisitions were reviewed and approved: GENERAL FUND: Transcriber (4-track) - clerk/treasurer $ 740.00 STREET MAINTENANCE DISTRICT: Replace 2 tires - front-end loader $ 2,500.00 300 ton ~"pipe bedding material $ 2,250.00 1500 ton 3A" crushed road mix $ 8,625.00 WATER FUND: 4 barrels EC 462 chemical - plant $ 3,400.00 4 barrels cat floc polymer - plant $ 1,800.00 Bulk liquid alum - plant $ 2,700.00 Fire hydrant and aquagrip gate (replace on 3~a/Main) - system $ 1,575.55 SEWER FUND: Sewer backup claim (Marcus 8/29/00) - system $ 905.00 Sewer backup claim (Marcus 3/5/01) - system $ 548.00 The Comp/OT reports were reviewed for pay period ending 5/26/02. The Payroll Register for PPE 5/26/02 totaling $82,689.35 was reviewed and the committee recommends approval by council via motion by Mark, seconded by Gay, and passed unanimously. Budget/Finance Committee June 3, 2002 Page 2. Mary presemed a copy of a letter fi.om the HOME Program division of the Dept. of Commerce, with a list of consultants attached. She also presented an overview of the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program. The city needs to choose a grant writer/administrator for these programs to continue. Bud stated he received a letter and a proposal fi.om the Big Sky Economic Development Authority in Billings offering these services for $35/hour not to exceed 120 hours. Lengthy discussion followed. Motion by Gay. seconded by Mark that the committee recommend to council that the offer be accepted fi.om Big Sky EDA for administration as.qi~tance for these two hon.qin? programs. Motion passed unanimously. A resolution will be prepared for the June 18th meeting. Dave Allen of Western States Insurance contacted Mary on Thursday, May 30th with the renewal premium for the city's health insurance program with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The premiums will increase 6.2%. Discussion followed regarding the Insurance Committee, whose last meeting was in December. Mary informed the committee that the Gas Tax revenues are back on schedule, with two payments being received in May. Ken stated that he will report on the BudgeCrFinance Committee to the Council tomorrow night. He will tell the council about the budget process, and the stares of the General Fund budget. Education of the public will be emphasized. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 17th at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Clerk/Treasurer CDBG Housing Rehab Program For the CiO~ of Laurel Introduction: The City of Laurel has received several requests over the past few months for assistance to low income home owners for repairs to their homes. · Mrs. Graham of 112 Durland, has stated her need for a new foundation at an esthnated cost of $16,000. · Mary Ann McLelland of 112 Locomotive Circle, has stated her need for new siding, windows and bathroom floor for her mobile home. · Rick DeHart of 407 Forrest Ave., has stated the need for a new roof on this home which is rented out to low income people. He lives in Billings. The city has a balance of $33,219.77 in fund #2940 CDBG Housing Rehab. In January, 2002, the city paid $5,200 for a handicap bathroom remodel. Histo~w: The Housing Rehab Program provided $400,000 in assistance from 1996-1997. Of the $400,000 total, 10% or $40,000 was designated for Administration, and $360,000 for Activity. Julie Jones of Double Tree was the program manager, and was responsible for the majority oftbe paperwork on the project. She was in charge of determihing the qualifications of applicants, i.e. low income, etc. There were 24 individuals who were assisted with home repairs ranging from $4,875 to $22,000. These individuals then had liens on their property for 5 years. If they chose to sell thek property during the 5 years, they had to pay back a portion oftbe assistance. This is where the Program Income has come from. The 5-year time limitation has now expired, and lien releases have been filed on the properties. The application for this grant included information that this project would work in conjunction with the HOME program, banks, and the city; the total project cost was $1,676,900. Direction: The city needs to determine how the program should continue. According to Karyl Tobel of the Department of Commerce, the city needs to use the Program Income according to the Program Income Plan. Up to 18% of the Program Income can be used for administration of the program. Julie Jones of Double Tree has offered their services by extending their original contract for application review, construction, and close out of construction for 15% of each construction dollar spent. She suggested that the city's building inspector could do the inspections and acceptance of the jobs. Or, the money can be designated for other community projects, but a public hearing must be held in this event. Since the Needs Assessment has shown the public's desire for more assistance, the city may wish to apply for another block of grant monies. Applications are due July 1~t. Or, the city can return the Program Income to the state and be finished with the program.