10-27-10 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 27, 2010 hoped that the City would again realize a cost savings for these improvements given the continuing down economy. The Director noted the there are a lot of infrastructure improvements projected over the next five years. There are adequate fund balances to cover the City's cost of these improvements. The Director noted, however, that the Council has the option to slow down the rate of infrashucture improvements or skip a year of improvements altogether. Fund balances would react accordingly. The City Adnsinisri•ator reported that the Infrastructure Fuud will support approximately $1 million in improvements per year. The Administrator also noted that it is anticipated that the City would obtain good bid prices for 201 I improvements. The neighborhood meeting process will help reflect the extent of 2011 improvements. The Administrator also noted that the Infrastructure Fund does not reflect Little Canada Road streetscape improvements, which could be costly especially if powerlines are buried. I3lesener noted that infrastructure improvements are considered on a year by year basis. The Administrator pointed out that the City has accelerated a lot of this work the past couple of years, but the streets that were done needed to be improved. McGraw asked about the process for monitoring streets so that streets do not pass by the mill and overlay stage requiring full reconstruction. The City Administrator indicated that the City Engineer and Public Works Superintendent evaluate streets annually. The Director next reviewed the 10% Fund noting that this fund is supported by gambling revenues. The Director pointed out the declining revenues coming into this fund noting that while she projected $12,000 for 2010, actual revenue will be about $3,000. The Director noted that the 10% Fund was used for youth related recreational activities as well as to offset some recreational expenses. Given the decrease in this revenue, staff is recommending that these dollars be utilized to support fireworks at Canadian Days. The Director pointed out that in 2011 there are some dollars from this fund being allocated to Thunder Bay playground improvements. The City Administrator noted that the 10% Fund used to have approximately $60,000 per year in revenue and help to pay for a lot of park equipment, etc. While the City has not been depending on this source of funding, the decrease in revenues puts pressure on other funds. 2