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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget/Finance Committee Minutes 09.04.2007 CITY OF LAUREL BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE MENUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mark Mace Gay Easton Mayor Ken Olson Kate Hart Doug Poehls OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Embleton The Budget/Finance Committee meeting was called to ord{x at 5:39 p.m., by Chairman Mark Mace. There was no public in attendance. The minutes of the August 21, 2007 meeting were reviewed and approved via motion by Doug, seconded by Kate, and passed unanimously. August claims totaling $419,198.87 were reviewed. Mary stated that the large claims consist of $106,000 for liability insurance, $40,000 for property insurance, $65,000 for the final payment on the sewer trunk line project, and $33,000 in debt service. The asphalt milling machine is now paid oft Motion by Doug, seconded by Kate, to recommend approval o f the claims by the council. Motion passed unanimously. The following purchase requisitions were approved by the committee: GENERAL FUND: 6 body armor sets - police dept. (grant) $ 3,400.00 FEDERAL EQUITABLE SHARE: 6 body armor sets - police dept. $ 3,400.00 Computer server for car camera system $ 2,340.00 WATER FUND: Labor & materials to install 6" water meter at railroad - system $ 1,700.00 The committee voiced their appreciation for the grant to help pay for the vests. The Comp/OT reports were reviewed for pay period ending 8/31/07. The Payroll Register for PPE 8/31/07 totaling $119,637.76 was reviewed. Motion by Kate, seconded by Doug, to recommend council approval of the payroll register. Motion passed unanimously. Budget/Finance Committee September 4, 2007 Clerk/Treasurer Comments: ~ - The Department of Revenue reported back that the certified mill is correct. The public hearing is scheduled for tonight, and a separate public hearing must be held for the Permissive Medical Levy. Last year the city levied 27.34 mills, but this year the city needs only 24.75 mills, due to a 4.4% rate increase in the insurance premiums. The tax resolutions will be presented at the workshop next week, with final budget adoption scheduled for the September 18~ council meeting. Audit ~ - Mary heard back fi:om the auditors, and they will see if they can reschedule the audit. There are no new developments on the 10-year cash flows or GARVEE issues. Mayor's Comments: Ormoino Projects: Mayor Olson stated that the Chin Seal pmjeet information is the same es the last report; work has begun on the SE 4t~ mm lane; the West Main sidewalk, curb and guttcr SID - Steve is working on limiting the number of bulb-outs at the inte~,,eetions, as they may not be practical in some areas; Storm water project preliminary figures have been prepared by Great West Engineering, and there will be an impact on the larger land owners, i.e. Fox Lumber, Laurel Ford, Fichtner Chevrolet, end Wal-Mart; 8th Ave. oroieet - Cost information was distributed to the committee. Steve is working on obtaining updated figures. Inmact fees: TischlcrBise is working in other areas in Montana and will supply the city with a list of Montana references. The new city planner started today, and will be included in the process. Urban renewalfrlF District: Mayor Olson reported that he and the clerk/treasurer met with Joe McClure and Steve Zeicr of Big Sky Economic Development Authority last week. There is an opportunity for Laurel to capture the growth that occurred in 2007 as part of the formula to create a Tax Increment Finance District, as long as the city passes an urban renewal plan by December 3 l't. Two of the main concerns voiced by the city were: (1) What impact, if any, would this have on the school district? And (2) Can TIF be used to help pay for personnel costs? The city and BSEDA will work with the school district. BSEDA will introduce the concept to the City/County Planning Board on Thursday. A process timeline has been formulated. The committee asked if the defined urban renewal area can include county property. Other issues: Mary announced that she will be on vacation next week. Mayor Olson announced that there will be no Public Utilities Director appointment at tonight's council meeting, as Steve Klotz tendered his resignation, and will be starting a new job in Belgrade on October 1~t. Johnson Controls reps will be in Laurel on Sept. 18~' to monitor the project. They have asked Laurel to participate at a presentation on performance contracting at the Montana League of Cities Annual Conference. One property owner recently complained about the higher water bills due to higher consumption, so the new meters appear to be doing what was expected. Morrison Maierle is working on a watcr/sewer rate study. 2 Budget/Finance Committee September 4, 2007 Lisa Scribner was in comact with city hall today, expressing interest in the vacant council seat for Ward 4. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, September 18th at 5:30 p. nx For next agenda: remove Sewer Trunk Line fi.om Future Meetings as this project is completed. The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.nm Respectfully Submitted, Clerk/Treasurer 3