HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 11.15.2016 MINUTES
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 15,2016 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Emelie Eaton Chuck Dickerson
Doug Poehls
OTHERS PRESENT: Shirley Ewan Mayor Mark Mace
Heidi Jensen Kurt Markegard
Rick Musson
Chairman Eaton called the regular meeting of the Budget/Finance Committee to order at 5:31 p.m.
There was no public present.
The next scheduled meeting will be December 6, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
The minutes of the November 1, 2016 meeting were presented. Doug made a motion to approve the
minutes as presented, seconded by Chuck, motion passed.
The Utility Billing adjustments were reviewed by the Committee. Shirley noted that there was
nothing unusual about the adjustments. Chuck made a motion to approve the UB adjustments, Doug
seconded, motion passed.
The Mayor has reviewed and signed the October journal voucher. Chuck made a motion to approve
the October journal voucher, Doug seconded, motion passed.
The monthly financial statements were reviewed by the Committee. Shirley stated that 33% of the
new fiscal year has expired and the City is at 11% revenue collected and 14% of authorized
expenditures spent. She then went briefly through the report. Doug did ask if the extension on tax
payments to December 15th was going to have any impact on the city. The only impact was going to
be receiving the money later than expected. The real issue is the $70,000.00 shortage due to the
recalculation of Northwestern Energy's taxes. We were not allowed to recertify the City mill values.
Doug made a motion to accept the financial statements, seconded by Chuck, motion passed.
There were two Purchase Requisitions presented to the Committee by Rick Musson. The first one is
for a new logging recorder to be purchased using the CIP fund. The current logging recorder has come
to the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. The logging recorder records 911 calls and radio
transmissions. It's a vital piece of equipment as it preserves all communications between the public to
dispatch and from officer to officer. Rick brought in a quote from Industrial Communications &
Electronics, in the amount of$16,994.00. Chuck asked about any service agreements and Rick stated
that it does come with a 1 year warranty. Doug asked if there were any funds available in the 911 fund
and there are none available at this time. Rick mentioned that the City needs to look at updating all of
its 911 equipment soon. The equipment is outdated and not produced any longer, so it makes replacing
equipment very hard. Heidi Jensen and Rick have been talking about updating all of the 911 and
phone systems. Rick stated that it would take approximately $165,000.00 to replace the 911
equipment. Chuck asked if this recorder would work with updated 911 equipment. Rick assured the
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committee that this logging recorder would be compatible with any updated 911 equipment. The
second purchase requisition is for an 8000 VA Watt UPS with a second external battery. The UPS is a
battery backup in case of a power outage. The current backup has been failing and needs replacement.
The cost for the UPS is $9,800.00 from ACE Electric, which is a savings of$11,600.00 from the
Warren Electric quote. Chuck made a motion to recommend approval of both purchase requisitions,
Doug seconded the motion, motion passed.
The Comp/Overtime report for PPE 11/06/16 was reviewed by the Committee. There were no
questions.
The Payroll Register for PPE11/06/16 totaling $183,855.70 was reviewed by the Committee. Chuck
made a motion to recommend approval of the payroll register to the Council, Doug seconded the
motion, motion passed.
Clerk/Treasurer's Comments:
FEMA Money Update: Bethany stated that her last communication with Tim Thennis was an email
received on 11/14/2016. Tim stated that the $2,468,338.35 should be deposited on 11/14/2016 or
11/15/2016. Heidi stated that she spoke to Kelly McCarthy and if the money isn't received by Friday
the 18th, FEMA will get involved regarding the payment.
November 28th Audit Prep: Bethany stated that all requested documents have been sent to Curt Wyss
of Olness &Associates, PC. Curt and his audit team will be in the office beginning Monday, the 28th
of November.
Mayor's Comments:
The Mayor was not present and Vice President Doug had no comments.
Other:
Update from Kurt on the East Side Lift Station: Kurt reported that the pressurized line from
Village Subdivision carries waste to the lift station. During the hot months, bacteria growth is
accelerated and this creates excessive H2S gas. This gas then mixes with the moisture in the lines and
creates sulfuric acid and this acid is slowly dissolving the concrete lines and manholes. The line could
be extended past Elm, but this wouldn't solve the problem. Carbon filters could be installed, but the
containers would need to be emptied weekly at a cost of$1,000.00 each time. This solution would be
too costly to the City. There is EPA documentation regarding solutions to this problem; however,
there is nobody locally that has the proper knowledge or has implemented a successful solution. Kurt
provided two letters, one from KU and one from Great West, regarding personnel that they feel could
help with this solution. The City would have to go out for bid on the job and would need to advertise
for qualifications.
For the Next Agenda:
Update on FEMA money
The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bethany eler, City Clerk/Treasurer
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