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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-27 Council Minutes - Budget Work SessionKENAI CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 27, 2004 6:00 P.M. MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING Council Present: Jim Bookey, Pat Porter, Linda Swarner, Joe Moore, Blaine Gilman, Rick Ross, John Williams Staff Present: Carol Freas, Linda Snow, Larry Semmens, Cary Graves, Ewa Jankowska, Scott Walden, Jack La Shot, Chuck Kopp, Kim Wannamaker, Rachael Craig, Keith Kornelis, Bob Frates, Scott McBride, Mike Wichman, Randy Kornfield, Lee Gattenby Others: Michelle Glass (KVCB) The work session opened at approximately 6:04 p.m. Mayor Williams gave an update on the Pebble Mine Project and suggested a reception be planned for 60-80 people, including all the contractors, company officials, Chambers of Commerce representatives, elected officials, etc. He also suggested the contractors and company officials be toured around the area, including the airport facilities and perhaps Rig Tenders Dock, etc. Williams suggested the cost for the reception be split between the Airport and General Funds. Williams added, he'd like the reception scheduled as soon as possible. General Fund, Continued: • Library -- Jankowska reviewed the budget and its changes from the current budget, i.e. increases in books, funds for replacement of two computers, increase in travel, increase in Miscellaneous. Porter suggested $5,000 be taken from the travel budget and the removal of additional library hours as she wanted to find funds for additional overtime in the Police Department budget and dust control applications. A brief discussion took place relating to lapse and cuts made in the current year's budget. Bookey stated he also would like to cut funds in travel and the 290 additional hours. Swarner and Gilman stated their preference to have the library open on Sundays. It was pointed out, opening the library on Sundays would require a half-time position and $25,000 to cover those salary costs. Bob Peters -- Stated his support of the library budget and noted the participation of the Friends of the Library and volunteer program helps to support the library and in doing so, there is less requested from the General Fund. Findings: Consensus was to not fund Sunday openings. There were no changes made to this budget. � COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION APRIL 27, 2004 PAGE 2 • Fire Department -- Chief Walden reviewed changes made to the budget compared to the current budget. It was noted $5,000 would be removed from the Machinery/ Equipment account which had been earmarked for the Fire Department's portion of a new phone system. Since the phone system has already been replaced, the funds will not be required. Similar reductions will also be made in the Police and Communications budgets. It was also noted much of the equipment in the old ambulance will be removed and placed in the new ambulance. Also, some funds will come from the Borough for spruce bark beetle mitigation, however the level of funding is not know. Walden noted the Department of Forestry will have a Hot Shot crew working around some neighborhoods and trails removing trees. The Forestry Department is also applying for a grant to fund removal of trees in the gullies. Findings: There were no changes (except the new phone system funding) . • Kenai Police Department -- Chief Kopp reviewed the changes in the budget and noted the increases included were officer -safety related, i.e. cell phones, two new patrol cars, taser purchases, etc. A brief discussion took place relating to whether an additional officer position or additional overtime funds should be added to this budget. It was noted, there are funds included in the personnel services portion of the budget to cover additional overtime needs. If those funds are depleted, administration would bring forward a resolution to transfer funds from contingency to cover additional costs. Discussion also took place regarding the purchase and training/use of a canine unit. Kopp stated, though they were not requesting a dog, there is department support and they would not object if that is the direction council wants to go. Findings: There were no changes (except the new phone system funding). • Communications -- Findings: There were no changes (except the new phone system funding). • Animal Control -- Chief Kopp noted a fee schedule is being developed for animals taken in from outside the city. He also noted, one of the department trucks will be replaced in this budget. Findings: There were no changes. BREAK TAKEN: 7:55 P.M. i RESUMED: 8:05 P.M. COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION APRIL 27, 2004 PAGE 3 • Planning 8v Zoning -- Findings: There were no changes. • Public Works Administration -- Findings: There were no changes. • Shop -- Findings: There were no changes. • Buildings -- Public Works Manager La Shot noted it was his intention to do the exterior library and public safety building painting from the current budget. Then use the new year's budget for painting the gym floor at the recreation center and painting of the Visitor Center's exterior. Findings: There were no changes. • Legal -- Attorney Graves noted the budget included funds to cover the hiring of a code enforcement officer. Findings: There were no changes. • City Manager -- Findings: There were no changes. • Lands -- Findings: There were no changes. • Non -Departmental -- Council Member Swarner suggested the city's website be updated completely. An estimate for an overhaul was suggested as $M000. Findings: There were no changes. • Finance -- Findings: There were no changes. COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION APRIL 27, 2004 PAGE 4 • Clerk -- Clerk Freas noted council had briefly discussed a desire to restore commission/committee meetings to a monthly schedule. She added, if council desired to change the schedule to monthly and have an attendant to take notes instead of the department representative, this budget did not reflect funding to cover those costs. She added, the amount of funding would also depend on the style of minutes they preferred, i.e. semi -detailed or meeting summaries. Findings: Consensus was to add contract secretary/meeting schedule on the list to discuss further at the May 3 work session. Funding information for both scenarios was requested. There were no changes to the budget presented. • Kenai Visitors 8v Convention Bureau -- Findings: There were no changes to this budget. • Equipment Replacement Fund Schedule -- It was noted the Fund did not include funds for police car replacements. It was also noted the bucket truck would need replacing in the future due to inadequate lift capacity, cracks in the boom, etc. Findings: There were no changes to this budget. WRAP-UP: Comments included: • A letter of request for a $5,000 donation for CARTS was reviewed. Consensus of council was to not fund the request. • Suggested additions on the list totaled $70,000. • An ordinance will be brought forward to appropriate funds to cover the cost for exterior maintenance of the Vintage Pointe facility. • The list of changes and costs was requested to be prepared and distributed to council prior to the budget work session. • A brief discussion took place relating to public relations and marketing of the city and their importance to its future. The work session ended at approximately 9:45 p.m. Notes prepared by: � � Y. zte06� Carol L. Freas, City Clerk