City Council Special Work Session Minutes February 15, 2011

North Liberty City Council
February 15, 2011
Special Work Session

Call to order.  At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Salm called the February 15, 2011 Special Session of the North Liberty City Council to order. Council members present: Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Kuhl, Wayson.

Others present: Ryan Heiar, Tracey Mulcahey, Erika Harper and Lori Lindner and other interested parties.  

Approval of the Agenda. Chipman moved, Hoffman seconded to approve the agenda. The vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Wayson, Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Mayor Salm reported on the official 2010 Census number of 13,374. He thanked Mayor Pro Tem Kuhl for running the last Council meeting.

FY 2012 Budget.  City Administrator Heiar presented the updated items from the previous budget work session.  An updated Road Use Tax fund model with updated population numbers was distributed.  Heiar laid out the expectation of the meeting that consensus would be sought on items. The budget worksheet needs to be the newspaper for publication this week. The public hearings for the budget and the Capital Improvements Plan will be held at the March 8 Council Meeting.

The consensus on the speed trailer for the Police Department was that the funds would be maintained in the budget with additional discussion regarding how it would be used for speed reduction mechanisms. The consensus regarding a four wheel drive vehicle for the police department is that a vehicle should be added, but the type should be reviewed further. With regards to police department staffing, the consensus was to add the fifteenth officer and then review the staffing plan to ensure 24/7 coverage for consideration of adding additional officers.  

The Council consensus on rental of an additional unit at Quail Creek Circles was to move forward with the lease on the space and pursue first right of refusal on additional space in the building.

The Council consensus on the general fund reserve amount was to maintain the 25% goal as originally proposed with the possibility of utilizing reserves to offset future debt incurrence.

With regards to the crane truck purchase for the wastewater department and trade to the streets department, the consensus was to move forward with the purchases and then make the vehicles available for rental on a per hour basis plus manpower fee.

The Streets snow blower was inadvertently placed in the wrong budget year. It is planned for FY 2013.

Council discussed moving the Streets Department benefits back to the Road Use Tax Fund. This shift results in a $0.17 levy reduction. The consensus was to move the benefits to the Road Use Tax Fund and reduce the levy by $0.17.

The consensus on the replacement snow removal system was to move forward with the purchase of the proposed system.

The Council decided to defer the Comprehensive Plan updated, but keep the $20,000 allocated in the General Fund for potential costs of modifications relating to studying multifamily in town and east side planning.

Regarding a security system at City Hall, the consensus was to allocate $5,000 to the relocation project for security at City Hall.

Relating to TIF, Council talked about drafting an economic development policy with goals and objectives for the use of TIF.

Heiar presented the City Council with options for funding the Street & Maintenance Facility.  Council consensus was to keep the facility as bare bones as possible with essential needs being met. Bid alternates are considered appropriate for inclusion as well.

Strategy Relating to Employment Conditions of City Employees.  At 7:57 p.m., Chipman moved, Kuhl seconded to move into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.9 to discuss strategy relating to employment conditions of City employees.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Wayson, Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman, Hoffman; nays – Wayson, Hoffman. Motion carried.

At 8:11 p.m., Donahue moved, Wayson seconded to return to open session. The vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman, Hoffman, Wayson; nays – none. Motion carried.

Back in open session, Mayor Salm reported on the consensus on city employee salary discussions held in closed session. The budget will include a 2% cost of living adjustment with the standard merit increase if the employee meets the performance requirements. Councilor Wayson stated that the consensus is that staff is doing quite a good job under the circumstances and working conditions.

At 8:15 p.m., Donahue moved, Wayson seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.