12/02/1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL BUDGET SESSION DECEMBER 2, 1991 Council Member Kuether questioned the amounts budgeted for Economic Development. It was explained that the Planner's position was eliminated and the position of City Engineer was created. $36,167.00 was budgeted for Economic Development and $21,000.00 was budgeted for a secretary who would coordinate planning activities with a consulting planner. Council Member Kuether noted that $2,880.00 was added to the Government Buildings budget for health insurance. Mr. Volk explained that the part -time maintenance person is proposed to become full -time. Health Insurance would be part of his benefit package. Council Member Kuether noted that the City Council had discussed contracting building maintenance. Mr. Volk said that would not be his recommendation and explained that security for all buildings was most important and it would be hard to control under a contracted service. Council Member Reinert noted the confusion regarding the increase in the 1992 budget and the increase in the 1991 payable 1992 tax levy. He asked that Mr. Schumacher take the time to thoroughly discuss the difference between the two (2) figures with graphs and overlays if necessary. Council Member Reinert felt that it may be difficult for residents to understand that although the budget may increase 10 %, taxes will not increase an equal amount because the levy will not be increased. Council Member Kuether noted that the Public Works Department is over budget in the area of snow plowing. Mr. Volk explained that $35,000.00 had been cut from this area of his budget. With the unusual snowfall on Halloween and Thanksgiving, the reduced budget was exceeded. He noted that he has offered to give the worker's time off in lieu of overtime payment whenever possible. Mr. Volk noted that the Halloween snowfall cost about $20,000.00 to remove. Council Member Reinert felt that this is a cost that should be made public so that there is a better understanding of where tax dollars are going. Mr. Volk noted that there will be an item in the next Quad Paper and he also felt that it would make a good newsletter item. Mayor Bisel asked if it would be more economical to contract the snow removal in storms of this magnitude. Mr. Volk explained that there are people who do parking lots but not city streets. He also noted that contracted persons do the work on their schedule, not on a schedule produced by the City. There was discussion regarding alternating snowplow routes with each storm. Mr. Volk said this is done routinely, however, the routine cannot be done backwards because the trucks are set up to make right hand turns. PAGE 2 1 1 1