09-09-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 recycling. Fischer stated that it makes sense to offset administrative costs through a transfer from Refuse/Recycling Fund to the General Fund. Montour indicated that he did not support the additional transfer of $10,000 from CATV to the General Fund indicating that with the franchise renewal there may be factors that will impact future franchise fees. It was noted that the City receives approximately $130,000 in franchise fees each year. The Administrator pointed out that these funds are used for expenses such as the Cable TV system upgrade that is currently occurring. The Administrator also pointed out that some other cities do not have a Cable Fund and allocates their franchise fees to the General Fund. Montour and Fischer indicated their support for the recommendations relative to park shelter rental fees. The Administrator indicated that he would have the Parks & Recreation Director and the Finance Director come back with a specific recommendation relative to those rental fees. Montour asked for additional explanation relative to the use of LGA in the General Fund. The Director noted that while the City's LGA is increasing, the Council's previous direction was to not increase the LGA dollar amount going into the General Fund. The Council's previous stated goal is to reduce General Fund reliance on LGA. The Administrator pointed out that the balance of LGA goes to the Capital Improvement Fund where it is used for expenses associated with the purchase of equipment or parks improvements, for example. McGraw asked if the City's cost of purchasing fire trucks comes from LGA dollars or the General Capital Improvement Fund. The City Administrator noted that a separate Fire Truck Fund has been established to better track these dollars and also noted the levy that the City imposed for this expense. McGraw asked how the amount of LGA that the City receives compares with LGA received by other communities. The City Administrator noted that some cities received much more than Little Canada. He also pointed out that the City lost its LGA allocation in 2004 and then began receiving LGA dollars again in 2008. Given the uncertainty with LGA, the City's policy has been to minimize its reliance on these funds. The Administrator noted that LGA is about 50% of some cities' budgets. The Administrator indicated that the Public Works Director is currently evaluating the City's sealcoating program. It may be possible to sealcoat streets on an 8 year cycle, rather than 7 years, thus saving dollars on 7