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08/09/2000 Minutes I I I OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION August 9, 2000 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Budget Work Session of the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on August 5,2000. Mayor Gnadt called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The following members were present: Mayor Gnadt, Councilmembers Larson, Pielstick, Hosier, Seifert, Preisendorf, Whitesides, Ward, Samuelson, Murray and Sorensen. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator MarIan Ferguson, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Finance Director David Springer, City Attorney Charlie Cuypers and Public Works Director Steve Riehle. Marian Ferguson, City Administrator summarized the budget work session from last night August 8, 2000, Study Session. Distributed to the Council was a pie chart explaining the tax asking dollars compared to other entities within the City. Mr. Ferguson reviewed last years budget for the Fire Department relative to paramedic positions. Introduced was Terry Gallagher, Consultant for Shonsey & Assoicates, who reviewed the Ambulance Cost Study Report. Councilmembers Pielstick, Whitesides and Sorensen commented on the Broadwell Street Fire Station being closed. Jim Rowell, Fire Chief, explained some of the circumstances that might cause this to happen. Further comments were made by Councilmember Whitesides concerning the staffing, service and costs of the ambulance service. Mr. Ferguson reported on the changes that have happened over the last year and the plans for the future of the ambulance service. Councilmember Seifert mentioned the top goals of the Council at their retreat this spring was public safety. Fire Department Budget Request: Jim Rowell, Fire Chief, presented the Fire Department budget request. Explained was the staffing of firemen who obtain their paramedic certification by reclassifying them as paramedics. The Broadwell Street Fire Station was discussed further. It was stated that the Fire Department was trying to get more involved in the community which takes the firemen away from the station from time to time. Councilmember Ward questioned the salaries from 1999 to 2000. It was explained that this was due to hiring more personnel and the cost of living increase. Emergency Medical Services was reviewed. One ambulance has been budgeted for FY2000-2001. Councilmember Seifert questioned collections. Mr. Rowell explained that I I I Page 2, City Council Budget Work Session, August 9,2000 the Finance Department does the billing and have done an excellent job as the percentage rate for collections had gone up. Councilmember Pielstick questioned the paramedic positions that have not been filled. Mr. Ferguson stated that to hire six paramedics would cost $253,600. Mr. Rowell explained to the Council that the subscription program for ambulance services had been discontinued. Councilmember Samuelson questioned what the projections were to add six more paramedics. Mr. Ferguson stated that the ambulance service is nearly self-supporting. Paul Mueller, Accounting Manager, stated it would be approximately $309,000. Councilmember Pielstick asked what kind of revenue the ambulance had brought in. It is estimated for year-end $1,354,000 of which some ofthis is for previous years collections. Councilmember Larson commended the Emergency Medical Services, but stated that we need to recapture the cost of the services provided. It was stated that this would probably be an enterprise fund. Councilmember Whitesides stated his concern was with the service to the City first and felt there needed to be more staff. Mr. Rowell explained the staffing proposals for the upcoming year. Utilities Department Budget Request Gary Mader, Utilities Director, presented the budget requests for all Utility divisions. No rate increase is recommended in the electrical budget for electrical services. Future power supply was discussed. Councilmember Larson asked about deregulation and the salary ordinance relative to the Utilities Department. Mr. Mader explained that a superintendent position had been vacant for some time. Regarding deregulation, Nebraska's rates are one of the lowest and as of right now, Gary stated deregulation would not happen for some time. Councilmember Samuelson asked about the Burdick Station length of service. Mr. Mader stated that the unit was working well and paid for so will continue to run it. Mr. Mader stated water utility rates are budgeted to stay the same. Budgeted are to add 5 new wells to the City's wellfield. Councilmember Ward questioned the copper issue and what affect that would have on the budget. Mr. Mader stated that he feels it will come up. David Springer, Finance Director, reviewed the Finance Department, Non-Departmental and Capital Improvement Fund budgets, updating the council on changes within each. Councilmember Pielstick absent at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Preisendorf questioned the EDC budget. Councilmember Murray discussed briefly the EDC budget. Pat Downs, Director of EDC stated that policies and procedures could be put in writing. Councilmember Sorensen had concerns about the increase in the EDC budget. Page 3, City Council Budget Work Session, August 9, 2000 I Steve Riehle, Public Works Director, discussed briefly free grass clipping disposal at the request of Councilmember Seifert. Councilmember Preisendorf supported this idea. Mr. Riehle submitted a memo to Council with regards to the Assistant Solid Waste Superintendent position. Councilmember Seifert asked about the feasibility study. Mr. Riehle stated that this was not recommended in the study. Paul Mueller, Accounting Manger reviewed the changes to the budget that were discussed at last nights meeting. Marian Ferguson, City Administrator mentioned that a $50,000 grant has been continued for Family Preservation and Support. Councilmember Sorensen suggested that the renovation of bathrooms at Buechler Park and the Skateboard Park should wait until next years budget. Councilmember Preisendorf commented in favor of the Skateboard Park. It was the consensus ofthe Council to hold the renovation of bathrooms at Buechler Park until next years budget. It was the consensus of the Council to leave the Skateboard Park, wading pools, Assistant Solid Waste Superintendent position and paramedics position in the budget. It was the consensus of the Council that the budget had been reviewed sufficiently and that the additional budget work session scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2000 was not necessary . I Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, QJ\aL tQLV~ RaN ae Edwards City Clerk I