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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-03 Budget WorksessionMINUTES OF A WORK SESSION OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL August 3, 2013 A work session of the Euless City Council was called to order at 9:08 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2013, in the Travis Room at the Texas Star Conference Centre, 1400 Texas Star Parkway, Euless, Texas, for the purpose of discussing the proposed annual budget and related items for Fiscal Year 2013 -2014. Those attending included: Mayor Mary Lib Saleh Mayor Pro Tem Leon Hogg, Place 2 Council Member Tim Stinneford, Place 1 Council Member Linda Martin, Place 3 Council Member Linda Eilenfeldt, Place 4 Council Member Glenn Porterfield, Place 5 Council Member Perry Bynum, Place 6 City Manager Gary McKamie Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell Assistant City Manager Chris Barker City Secretary Kim Sutter Finance Director Janina Jewell City Manager Gary McKamie opened the meeting. Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell presented information with regard to how the Trinity River Authority (TRA) calculates projected annual water rates as well as the billing and refund process. Additionally she addressed questions regarding the water rebates issued to residential customers. She advised that the rebate is not available to commercial customers, but that commercial customers are charged a flat rate as opposed to the tier rates charged to residential customers in an effort to promote water conservation. Discussion ensued regard the water rate stabilization fund, current water and wastewater fund reserve level, and residential rebates. City Manager McKamie reviewed the proposed Capital Improvement Program Projects, including funded drainage, street, water and wastewater projects. Deputy City Manager Getchell reviewed the remainder of the projects included in the Capital Improvements Program, including unfunded projects. Deputy City Manager Getchell advised the City Council that the proposed revenue increases are projected at conservative growth levels, with most revenue items projected at a three (3) percent growth factor. She added that property tax valuations are projected to increase three (3) percent annually, and Budget Worksession Minutes Page 2 of 3 August 3, 2013 sales tax is also projected to grow approximately three (3) percent annually based on new retail development and continued recovery in other sectors. Deputy City Manager Getchell reported that departmental expenditures include an increase of less than one (1) percent with annual increases for salary plan adjustments, health insurance increases, and changes in depreciation. Additionally, funding has also been included in future years to restore positions which are currently authorized but unfunded. Deputy City Manager Getchell presented a summary of the General Fund Revenues and Expenditures, the General Obligation Debt Service, Half Cent Sales Tax, and the Crime Control and Prevention District Fund, Short Term Motor Vehicle Tax Fund, Water and Wastewater, and the Water and Wastewater Debt Service /Debt Reserve Fund, Texas Star Golf Course Fund, and Health Insurance Fund Multi -Year Financial Plans. City Manager McKamie and Deputy City Manager Getchell presented an update related to the Glade Parks and the Riverwalk Developments as well as other development opportunities within the City. Following lunch, City Manager McKamie presented an update related to the reclaimed water line extension project, meter replacement project, status of the city's water wells, and the golf course resurfacing project. Mayor Saleh presented the City Council with drawings for a proposed sculpture to be located at the Euless Family Life Senior Center. The proposed sculpture will depict the "Spice of Life" kitchen band. City Secretary Kim Sutter presented the proposed 2014 Council calendar, elections processes, and discussed City Council communication, including city issued e-mail accounts and a voice message center. City Manager McKamie provided an update regarding pool attendance statistics, Phase 5 improvements at the Parks at Texas Star, and Softball World. The City Council convened into closed session at 2:26 p.m. for deliberation regarding the following: CLOSED SESSION — Deliberation authorized by the Texas Government Code: Deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as authorized by Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code. The City Council recessed closed session at 2:48 p.m. The council members discussed all sections of the proposed general Operating and Capital Improvements Budget for Fiscal Year 2013- 2014, but made no final decisions. Budget Worksession Minutes Page 3 of 3 Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 3:09 p.m. im utter, TRMC Cit Secretary August 3, 2013