03/08/2000 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 3/8/2000 4) The Board of Control met and awarded the contract for the purchase of a new ambulance. 5) In the past week or two, agreement has been reached with two of the unions to hold in abeyance grievances that they had requested be taken to arbitration. Those grievances deal with the offering of alternative hospitalization coverage. The unions had some problem with that, thinking it would impact on the overall cost of hospitalization for other bargaining unit members. The unions have agreed to look at that further, and he will work with them to see whether or not those issues can be resolved. Mr. McKay, chairperson of the Finance Committee, read Finance Director Copfer's report as she was absent: 1) "The fourth quarter 1999 investment report was given to Council via interoffice mail on Monday, March 6, 2000. The final 1999 revenues and expenditure, encumbrances and appropriations reports were given to Council, Directors and department heads on Monday, March 6, 2000. Additionally, a summary I call "Fundcash," which provides an executive summary of all funds, was included. To highlight some of the improved fund balances ending in 1999, the unencumbered carryover balance for the General Fund was $946,049; the General Obligation Bond Retirement Fund was $357,578; the Hospitalization Fund was $376,878; the Sewer Fund was $1,374,056. Why is an unencumbered carryover balance important? Though each fund serves a specific purpose, except the General Fund, basically an unencumbered carryover is important because it provides the government with flexibility to handle unexpected problems that need funds to resolve quickly. It also protects the government from downturns in the economy or the loss of a significant taxpayer. Just imagine the cost Cleveland incurred in equipment, materials and labor working 24 hours a day for a week when the water main break occurred on East Ninth Street. Also, why do you think Brook Park is fighting so hard to keep the IX Center? What is an appropriate General Fund carryover? Industry guidelines suggest a minimum carryover of 10% of annual expenditures. We were at 5.6% at the end of 1999, which is the best it has been in several years. This was achieved by avidly monitoring expenditures closely while municipal income taxes and estate taxes came in ahead of a conservative plan. The fiscal year 2000 amended estimated resources was sent to Council in their Friday, March 3, 2000 packet on a one-page summary (sheet b). We can go into detail during the Finance Committee hearings if anyone has any questions or concerns on revenue projections made." President Saringer reported on three public hearings: 1) Public hearings were held on February 29 for Ordinances 99-106, 99-109 and 99-82. There was no audience participation for 99-106 and 99-109. One resident commented on Ordinance 99-82, and that was in regard to the landscape plans. She really did not have any comments in opposition to this legislation. But she did bring a concern up to Council about landscaping in her neighborhood, and a memo was sent to the Building Department. The Safety Director will reply to Council about this issue. Mr. Gareau reported that aCouncil-of--the-Whole meeting was held at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8. One agenda item was to discuss Ordinance 2000-12, an ordinance ,.~, creating a new and revised Chapter 1163 of the Zoning Code of the City of North 2