09-06-2000 CC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 2 September 6, 2000 Chief explained that the truck was in need of repair, however the repair was not as expensive as anticipated. He explained that the trucks are on a 25-year replacement plan. Councilmember Dietz suggested paying the entire cost of the pumper with equipment reserve funds in order to save interest. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of finding a demonstrator unit that may cost less money. It was the consensus of the Council to authorize the Fire Chief to go out for bids for a pumper and that the specifications should include both a demonstrator and a new truck. It was also the consensus of the Council to keep the pumper in the budget as an equipment certificates item, but to make no decision on the purchase until the Council can review the bids. The City Administrator explained that the Net Tax Capacity (NTC) increased by 10.46%. This increase results in an additional $218,100 being available for General Fund activities without a city tax rate increase as compared to the August 7 budget draft and discussions. If all of these funds were added to the General Fund, this would reduce the budget gap from $237,150 to $19,050. Councilmember Dietz asked about the funding level in the recreation budget for the ice arena shortage. He further suggested modestly increasing the tax rate by 1% so that more money can be earmarked for the street replacement program. Mayor Klinzing indicated that she would prefer to see a 5-year proposal to be able to plan for this and other long-range programs. Council discussion was held regarding the request to purchase a 4x4 utility vehicle for the police department. The Police Chief proposed that the police department include $12,000 from drug forfeiture funds to help fund and equip the vehicle. Discussion was held regarding the need for the vehicle. The chief of police explained how the vehicle would be used. Councilmember Motin questioned the need to grant all of the budget requests. He stated that before the NTC information was received, it was perceived that cuts would have to be made in order to balance the budget. Discussion took place regarding the emergency preparedness siren program. Councilmember Farber stated that he did not think the department requests were unreasonable. He further stated that it would be best to purchase what can be afforded at this time instead of waiting until next year when funds may not be available. Discussion was held regarding the proposed employee appreciation program. The City Administrator explained that a committee has put together three options for a program and he is suggesting the middle option. The option includes a program consisting of dinner for the employee and guest, with the guest paying $10.00, and combining the dinner with the employee appreciation awards. The suggested timing was for sometime in winter, but after the holidays. It was the consensus of the Council to implement the Employee Appreciation Award Program recommended by the City Administrator but to eliminate the $10.00 fee for the guest and to include the Fire Department and Police Reserves.