09-21-2020 Council Budget Work Session Minutes

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPRO VED 45 provide more flexibility than a fixed unit; the current fixture on Lake Drive in front of the 46 civic complex will be removed this fall. Staff anticipates that future signage in that area 47 will be part of a larger discussion about the intersection. Mayor Rafferty said that signs 48 come at a cost but he recognizes the value of having a way to provide information to the 49 community on the City's highly traveled roads. 50 51 Staff noted a $90,000 regular budget item to Parks and Trails that has been suspended and 52 that contributed to lowering the budget gap. Mayor Rafferty suggested that the council 53 have more discussion on that subject. Public Services Director DeGardner noted that he 54 wants it to be clear that the current budget doesn't include recreation services funding. 55 Mayor Rafferty noted that a $10,000 line item for Blue Heron Days remains in the budget 56 and council was looking to staff to explore a way to continue the community festival in 57 some way probably with assistance from outside city staff. 58 59 Councilmember Lyden noted that it's clear that the council is committed to the tax rate 60 and in that context he'd also like staff to provide information on impacts that the council 61 should understand. 62 63 Administrator Cotton noted that the budget currently includes the funding for Blue Heron 64 Days and also for the warming house program but she warned that even those recreation 65 initiatives would be impossible to administer without staff; budget discussions have 66 included the possibility of a part time recreation coordinator position. Ms. Cotton also 67 noted that the council has heard about the need for a part time communications position 68 that would be funded in total by telecommunications revenue. Councilmember Lyden 69 asked what those telecommunications funds normally fund and Administrator Cotton 70 explained that the most recent expenditures funded upgrades in technology in the council 71 chambers, media room and city hall meeting rooms. 72 73 Administrator Cotton said she would prepare the preliminary levy based on the stated tax 74 rate noted and the council will have that before them for consideration at the September 75 28th council meeting. 76 77 The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. 78 79 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on 80 September 28, 2020. 81 82 83 84 85 Juliann Bartell, Cit)l Cler 86 2 Rob Rafferty, Mayor