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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 03.01.2005MEMBERS PRESENT: MINUTES BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE MARCH 1, 2005 5:00 P.M. COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM Chairman Mark Mace Doug Poehls Ken Olson OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Embleton Gay Easton Kate Stevenson The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m., by Chairman Mark Mace. There was no public in attendance. The minutes of the February 15, 2005 regular meeting were approved via motion by Kate, seconded by Doug, and passed unanimously. February claims totaling $127,160.82 were reviewed. Motion by Doug, seconded by Kate, to recommend approval of the claims by the council. Motion passed unanimously. The following purchase requisitions were reviewed and approved: SWEEPING DISTRICT FUND: Advertise for Maintenance Supt (split w/Gas Tax & Garbage) GAS TAX FUND: Advertise for Maintenance Supt (split w/Sweeping & Garbage) SEWER FUND: Rescue winch - system SOLID WASTE FUND: Advertise for Maintenance Supt (split w/Sweeping & Gas Tax) Hook up power to cardboard compactor - disposal $ 552.11 $ 552.13 $ 1,914.60 $ 552.13 $ 4,500.00 The Comp/OT reports were reviewed for pay period ending 2/13/05. The Payroll Register for PPE 2/13/05 totaling $121,812.60 was reviewed. Motion by Kate, seconded by Doug, to recommend council approval of the payroll register. Motion passed unanimously. Cost Analysis for 8½-hour shifts - The committee has scheduled a special meeting to discuss this issue for March 9th at 5:00 p.m. The mayor will invite Rick to come in and explain and justify the benefit to cost. Budget/Finance Committee March 1, 2005 Page 2. Accounting Policies and Procedures -No new progress has been made. Upcoming Projects: Park Maintenance District - Mary reported that Casey Joyce will assist in preparing the draft revision of the CDBG Rehab Program Income Plan to include park improvements. It will be presented at the March 8th workshop. SID #111 - Nathan is preparing bids to sell the $162,000 bond issue. Solid Waste rate increase - Steve has been meeting with the 22 clients, and the additional equipment has been installed at the container site. The rate increase ordinance may need to be amended on the second reading. Budget Calendar - Nathan's schedules have been distributed. All of the major budgets have been entered in the system, and distributed back to the department heads. The General Fund cuts from department heads are due back to the clerk by March 10th. The budget presentations will go directly to the council. Under other issues, Mayor Olson told the committee about the computer that is set up in the council conference room, and that it will soon be ready for use. Mary will provide the training, as needed. Discussion was also held regarding the city's web site, and the need to update and improve it. He suggested forming a task force, and asked for volunteers. Mark Mace and Mary Embleton volunteered, as well as the mayor. John Oakes was mentioned as another possible member, and the mayor will ask him. Mary reported that she has continued shopping for a new recording system for the council chambers. The local vendor, Star Office Machines, has not been able to submit a quote for a machine similar to the digital system unit already being considered. Further research into that system will be done, and then the mayor can give permission to purchase, if it is less than $1,500. Doug brought up the issue of the 87 customers outside city limits that receive city services, i.e. water, sewer, and/or garbage. He would like to see the city begin the process of addressing this issue with perhaps a different level of costs for those services. Discussion followed, stating that this review is an extension of the other rate studies for the city's services. The city cannot afford to deliver services below cost, and the issue has been mentioned several times in the past. The mayor will put the issue on the March 8th workshop agenda. Mark brought up the Local Government Study Commission budget request. He asked Mary to provide figures from the last commission, which were presented to the committee. Discussion followed. The Study Commission may not need all that they have requested, as they may not be able to complete all their work in one year, and may need to extend their time schedule. BudgeffFinance Committee March 1, 2005 Page 3. A letter from the National City Municipal Finance company of Columbus, Ohio was distributed for informational purposes. Since the Intercap Loan program has been suspended until the legislative session is over, it is good to know there are other options for equipment financing. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, March 15th at 5:00 p.m. On the agenda will be: Accounting Policies and Procedures, Upcoming Projects, Budget Calendar, and Recording Machine. The special meeting is Wednesday, March 9th at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the 8½-hour shifts. The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Clerk/Treasurer