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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/02/2000CITY COUNCIL 2 MARCH 2000 The South Burlington City Council held a budget work session on Thursday, 2 March 2000, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members present: J. Condos, Chair; J. Britt, T. Sheahan, D. Austin Also present: Chuck Hafter, City Manager; Jim Fay, CWD; Joe Weith, Director of Planning & Zoning; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Don Whitten, WPC; Bruce O'Neill, Tom Hubbard, Recreation Dept; Sonny Audette Mr. Hafter began by noting a correction regarding two employees who had been put in the wrong categories. This resulted in a net increase of $10,279. To compensate for this, the revenue amount under Vermont District Court was amended to $100,279. 1. Water Department: Mr. Fay said they are proposing a 5% rate increase, from 1.84 to 1.94 per 1000 gallons. This means about an $8.00 a year increase for the average family of 4. Specific items in the budget include: the first year interest on the Route 7 project, a $19,000 increase in encumbered cash reserves (for the capital reserve fund), a temporary employee who will become permanent (will read meters in South Burlington), and $6000 more for the new administrative support person who has more seniority than the person who left. The Superintendent's salary will decrease as the new person entering will not be at the same pay level as the person who left. Mr. Condos expressed concern with fire hydrant maintenance and repair. Mr. Fay says they usually do only 5 a year but he felt they could get someone to come in and do 15 or 20 using money from the capital reserve fund. 2. Planning Department: Mr. Weith said there is a 3% overall decrease in the budget due to Dick Ward's retirement. There is an increase of $1500 in advertising as there are a lot more applications that require public notice. There is also an increase in printing so that new forms can be purchased. $1500 is included for maps for the Comprehensive Plan update. There is an increase of $4000 in consulting fees. The Planning Commission has a number of projects that will require consultants (lighting standards, wetland maps, etc.). Equipment maintenance costs are going up, and $1800 has been added in that area. There is also $600 in travel to send the Zoning Administrator to a conference regarding zoning regulations. Capital expenditures include $1200 for a new computer and printer, also a GIS software program and a new typewriter for the secretary. Mr. Hafter noted that the fund balance is sufficient to fund the orthophotoing equipment just approved by the Council. 3. Recreation: Mr. O'Neill said there are no dramatic changes other than a big increase in printing costs. There is an increase in part time salaries due to the increase in the minimum wage. Capital expenses include furniture and equipment including a computer and a new TV for training. Mr. O'Neill noted that he gets a lot of requests for scholarships for youngsters whose families can't afford to have them participate in department programs. These are handled through the guidance counselors at the school. An item has been added to the budget this year to cover these scholarships. 4. City Clerk: Ms. Picard noted that most of the increases this year are due to the upcoming elections. Capital expenses include a computer for Laura, a printer, and proposed networking of the system to avoid duplications that now exist. 5. Police Department: Chief Graham said they are requesting an administrative person to handle the large volume of record-keeping. They are also picking up the salary of the officer coming off the COPS grant. The Department would like another officer to put someone on the Task Force. This is important due to the increase in drug activity in the city. There is only one person doing most of the drug investigation work now. Chief Graham noted that an international police professionals conference will be held at the Sheraton this year during the week following Thanksgiving. The Department will send a number of people. Capital expenses include replacement of 2 vehicles, continuation of the motorcycle lease, and replacement of computer systems. Mr. Hafter noted that next year's #2 priority will be Police information technology. Mr. Condos spoke to the need to coordinate all the computer purchases to get the best volume prices. 6. Water Pollution Control Department: Mr. Whitten said there is an increase of $15,000 in personnel for repair to lines. He noted that 6 employees operate the city's two facilities. There is also an increase in sewer line maintenance costs, especially in the Laurel Hill area. There are also three new pumping stations to maintain. There is a reduction in chlorine and sulfur because of the new system. Sludge management is also down $2500. Mr. Whitten noted that the contract with the City of Burlington is working out very well. Capital purchases include replacement of a plow truck. Mr. Hafter noted there will be no rate increases to homeowners. 7. Debt service: Mr. Hafter said debt service now includes $100,000 for the public works facility bond and $245,000 for the Bartlett Bay Treatment Plan loan. 8. Other agencies: Mr. Hafter explained that this is "pass through" money. The County Court is up 2%, Winooski Valley Park District is up $1,000, and the MPO is up 4%. CCTA shows a 1% decrease. Mr. Sheahan noted that although Regional Planning shows no increase this year, there will be an increase next year. 9. Revenues: Mr. Hafter noted that the main revenue is from property taxes ($6,400,000). Other revenues include the highway assessment approved by voters (this is reduced from $194,000 last year to $170,000 this year), penalties and interest, City Clerk's Office (fees amounting to approximately $142,000), fees for parks and recreation programs (approximately $162,000), interest income, building and sign permits, highway state aid, etc. Mr. Austin moved to authorize the presentation of this budget to the Steering Committee on 16 March. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter reminded members of the Legislative Breakfast on Monday morning. As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.