2007.12.03 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council meeting of December 3, 2007 Page 4 Arda Ryder, 16075 Elmcrest Avenue, discussed the large increase in the valuation of her property. Ms. Ryder was advised to contact the City's assessor to discuss her issue. Mike McAllister, 13829 Isleton, representing WeThePeople cited their suggested $600,000 in reductions to the proposed budget and that the budget indicated only a $34,000 reduction. He also suggested that the City use Washington County for its assessing services rather than utilizing an outside contractor to save additional money. Julie Williams, Director of "L Counseling, made her annual visit thanking Council for its support and request for consideration of more funding. (CITY ENGINEER JAY KENNEDY ARRIVED AT 8:10 PM.) Clyde Wagner, 8650 136th Street, asked that Council consider reducing its proposed budget in light of the country's poor economic condition. He suggested that a state audit would highlight areas where the City could reduce spending. He stated that the tax rate was not important; only the total amount of the budget. He asked that Council delay the proposed Rice Lake park project for better economic times. Walter Stoltzman, 8139 157th Street, asked that Council consider delaying unnecessary projects to help reduce the budget. Wendy Maxwell, 9674 152nd Street, stated that her property taxes have increased by 23% and questioned the amount of property taxes that was needed to balance last year's budget. After asking several time for any additional comments, and hearing none, Mayor Miron closed the public hearing for Council discussion. Council discussed the budget validating the proposed expenditures, as well as again citing the fifth consecutive year for a tax rate reduction. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, directing staff to prepare resolutions for the 2008 City budget with amounts provided and review assessing services suggested by Washington County. All aye. Motion Carried. AWARD OF BID FOR 2007 PUMPERITANKER FIRE TRUCK On November 9, 2007, City staff and the Hugo Fire Department opened bids for the construction of a new pumper/tanker fire truck, which would replace a 1974 International pumper and a 1974 International tanker truck, respectively. The City received a total of six bidders on the new truck. After careful review by the truck committee, City staff recommended Council award the bid to Custom Fire, as the apparent low bidder, Rosenbauer/General Safety did not meet the requirements set forth within the specifications. City Attorney Dave Snyder reviewed the bid specs, and based on the recommendation of the truck committee, advised the City to reject the Rosenbauer/General Safety bid and award the bid for the fire truck to Custom Fire, as the next lowest bidder.