10-08-97 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 8, 1997 The Fire Chief reported that the Department is currently working with the League to try and obtain a reduction in the cost of their Workers' Compensation coverage. The Department is hoping to see a$3,000 to $4,000 reduction in this premium, which would be an additional reduction to the 1998 Budget. Fahey noted that the Fire Department completed the refurbish of truck 742 at a cost of $47,000. This was paid for with pro6ts from the Department's charitable gambling operation. In reviewing the Streets portion of the Budget, Morelan asked if striping should be included annually in the Budget rather than bi-annually. The Administrator indicated that the amount budgeted for striping was not a significant amount, therefore was manageable on a bi-annual basis. In reviewing the Street Lighting portion of the Budget, Morelan asked the cost of a street li~ht. The Administrator replied that lights are approximately $14.95 per light per month. However, in new developments, if lights are installed by the developer, then NSP bills streetli~hts back to the City at a cost of approximately $5 per month. In reviewing the Recycling/Sanitation portion of the budget, it was noted that the cost of the City's newsletter is charged against Recyclin~;/Sanitation since the newsletter is used to promote the City's recycling programs. The Administrator reported that there may be a decrease in this bud~et amount given that quotes are being obtained from printers in an attempt to reduce those costs. The Administrator pointed out that the budget provides for an increase in the frequency of the newsletter from four to six issues per year. This would allow for the incorporation of some special mailings that the City currently does into the newsletter. Council discussed utility costs at the City Garage with staff indicating that increases in these costs appear to be the result of energy demand charges. Council next reviewed the Parks & Recreation Bud~et. Fahey asked if program fees were increased on an annual basis. The Parks & Recreation Director reported that fees are evaluated every year. Adjustments may be made up or down dependent on the historical cost of the various programs. Scalze felt it appeared some activities have higher expenses than revenues and that expenses were not being char~ed out appropriately. Scalze stated that she thought the intent was to make programs self-sufficient.