09/04/2007 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 9/4/2007 2) July's month-end reports have been distributed. She reviewed them and noted no significant fluctuations from what was previously mentioned at the June review. There was a problem e-mailing the historical report that shows comparative years at this point in time, but that should be sent in the next day or so. 3) The wording on quarterly bills from the Division of Water will read "sewer charge" instead of "sewer assessment" beginning with the November bills. We had requested this several years ago, but we were unsuccessful in working through the bureaucracy. Councilman Barker requested we make one more attempt. Through Donna Murphy's diligence, she found the person who could make the change. This will work out better so residents will understand it is actually a user charge. 4) She participated in police negotiations on Thursday, August 23. Councilman Ryan questioned Finance Director Copfer about the change in year-to-date revenues from 2006 ($43 million) and 2007 ($34 million) Finance Director Copfer said it was the fire station bond retirement. Last year, we did a refunding and so those are considered in revenues. If you look in the fire station bond retirement, you can tell that there was $4.6 million there because we issued the debt. Then, if you look at the permanent improvement fund, there is $6.6 million. That is where the streets and storms are paid out of because the notes were bonded out. Mr. Ryan inquired about the increase in the unencumbered balance as it appears we have a cash balance about $l.l million more than what we had the previous year. And yet, when you look at revenue collection, it appears that it is pretty much stagnant. How did that happen? Mrs. Copfer explained the balance at the end of 2006 is cash, and the balance in July of 2007 is unencumbered. Expenditures have gone up year-to-date 2 percentage points and revenues have gone up about 3.6. Mr. Ryan expressed concern because the city will no longer receive the RTA payment after this year ($250,000); and, as Mrs. Copfer reported, the local government funds for 2008 will be reduced by $163,000. Mrs. Copfer agreed that there are revenues which will be reduced; she has been saying that for quite some time. Councilman Miller, chairperson of the Environmental Control Committee: 1) The committee met on August 30 to discuss 2007-87, an ordinance authorizing the Director of Public Service to solicit bids for the collection and disposal of solid waste and recyclable materials; and further authorizing the Mayor, upon approval of the Board of Control, to enter into a contract with the lowest and best bidder. The legislation had been discussed at a previous committee meeting. There will be a fuel adjustment clause to make it more equitable with the highs and lows of fuel that could be charged over the life of the contract. The contract will require bidders to separate out the cost of the first three years, there will be an option for a fourth or fifth year. The Service Director has Looked at the issue of recyclables and their value. The committee also discussed various issues such as how large appliances are picked up. The committee unanimously recommended Council approve Ordinance 2007-87 and pass it under suspension of the rule. Councilman Tallon, chairperson of the Finance Committee: 1) The committee met on August 28, 2007. In attendance were committee members Tallon, Miller, Ryan; Councilpersons Orlowski, Jones, Gareau and Barker and Council President Kennedy; 4