09-07-1999 ERMU MIN - SPECIAL MTG

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V City Council Minutes Page 3 September 7, 1999 Mayor Klinzing stated that she is not prepared to move the sewer or water department. She stated that she sees no reason to make any changes at this time. Councilmember Thompson stated he sees the water and sewer superintendent positions having similar qualifications. He suggested hiring one manager to manage the water and sewer departments and then eventually hiring a lead person for each department. He stated that the benefit to the end user would be increased. Councilmember Motin indicated that he concurs with the Mayor that this is not the time to make changes. He stated that problems could arise with the shared position. Councilmember Motin noted that in the future he would like to see the water department move to the city. Chair Tralle concurred with Mayor Klinzing that this is not the time to join the position of water and sewer superintendent. Councilmember Farber noted the majority of the Commission is not comfortable with the idea of sharing a position, so the position should not be pursued. He stated that he feels the city and utilities work well together, and that a shared position could also work well for both departments. Mayor Klinzing indicated that the council will discuss this issue when the position of sewer superintendent is reviewed. 4. City Council Discussion on 2000 Budget Mayor Klinzing discussed budget under-spending and that this can create carry- over revenues for the following years' budget. She stated that she would like to see these estimated for 1999. Mayor Klinzing noted that the city should be responsible for money that is not spent in the budget and reduce taxes accordingly. Councilmember Farber noted that carry-overs have been limited and the council has consciously been putting them, plus excess revenues, into the fund balance. Councilmember Farber left at this time-6:00 p.m. It was the consensus of the council to raise the tax levy by$150,000 to help balance the budget. The City Administrator suggested adding the available balance of the $24,750 that is proposed to be cut from the department budgets to the Council Contingency Fund. Discussion was held regarding the city contributions to the Historical Society and to the River's of Hope and other organizations that ask for contributions. It was suggested that organizations approach the council for contribution requests and that the money come from the Council Contingency Fund. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO MAKE THE BUDGET CUTS SUGGESTED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR,TO ADD $150,000 IN TAXES TO THE GENERAL FUND REVENUES, AND TO ADD THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND: $3,000