08/08/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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BUDGET WORKSESSION AUGUST 8,1996 • that he did not feel that computer technology would hit a plateau for several more years and felt that there should be at least a three (3) year rotation of computers. Mr. Wessel explained the need for a dependable vehicle. He noted that Ms. Divine had been stranded several days ago. Mr. Wessel also explained that it is important to have a respectable vehicle to escort prospective commercial developers to various areas of the City. There was a suggestion to replace the Ford Taurus (Administration vehicle) with a mini -van that is approximately one year old. There also was a suggestion that a mini -van would be more appropriate for the Community Development Department. • Mayor Landers said that somebody has to be responsible for repairs to the City vehicles. He asked what happens when a door handle falls off of a vehicle. Mr. Wessel said that he tells the City mechanic who is responsible for maintenance of City vehicles. Mr. Wessel explained that the City mechanic does keep a regular schedule of maintenance for each City vehicle. Council Member Kuether asked Mr. Wessel if he would be interested in being paid mileage and use his own vehicle. Mr. Wessel said that would be all right, however his vehicle is a pickup truck. Council Member Lyden asked Mr. Wessel if he was saying that his 1997 budget request is exactly the same as his 1996 Economic Development budget and the 1996 Planning Department Budget combined. Mr. Wessel said yes, all non -salary budget items are coming in the same as the 1996 Economic Development budget. POLICE DEPARTMENT, CHIEF DAVID PECCHIA Chief Pecchia gave each Council Member a packet of information which included the 1996 Police Department Goals, 1997 Budget Priority Requests, 1997 Budget Proposal and a graph for Comprehensive Per Capita Spending. He explained that the Police Department budget is the largest budget and gave background information on how the department determined the budget requests. Chief Pecchia said that he wanted his department to be on the "cutting edge" and explained various changes in regard to the operation of the department. He also explained that he had secured $150,000.00 of federal grants and $16,000.00 of state grants to fund some of the programs as well as solicited donations from non-profit organizations and public support. Police Officers are being requested to work security for local events. The Police Department is charging all costs for this service to the persons or organizations organizing the event. Chief Pecchia explained the enforcement activities that generate revenue for the City such as tickets, restitution, state aid reimbursement and reimbursement for officer training. The 1997 budget needs were determined from input from the City Council which sets policy, input from the 20/20 Vision Project, neighborhood watch groups and employees. Because the City is growing, the Police Department will continue to grow. The Police Department staff is in the process of preparing building needs for a growing department. PAGE 5