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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-26 Budget WorksessionBUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE EULESS CITY COUNCIL June 26, 2014 A budget work session of the Euless City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Linda Martin on Thursday, June 26, 2014, in the precouncil meeting room of the Euless City Hall, 201 North Ector Drive. Those attending included: Mayor Linda Martin Mayor Pro Tem Linda Eilenfeldt Council Member Tim Stinneford Council Member Jeremy Tompkins Council Member Glenn Porterfield Council Member Perry Bynum City Manager Gary McKamie Deputy City Manager Loretta Getchell Assistant City Manager Chris Barker City Secretary Kim Sutter Finance Director Janina Jewell Assistant Finance Director Jackie Theriot Accountant 11 Ross Fairclo Visitors Darl Easton City Manager McKamie outlined the purpose of the budget worksession including review of the proposed capital improvement projects and to receive input from the City Council. He stated that the goal in preparing this year's budget is to maintain the current service levels, offer a competitive salary package for employees, and evaluate staffing levels. He advised that the proposed budget is being prepared based on the current tax rate; however, the city expects increased expenditures related to fuel, utilities, and mowing costs. He recognized Accountant 11 Ross Fairclo for his role in preparing the draft workbook. Discussion ensued with regard to the car rental sales tax reserve level and the decision related to the amount of the reserve level. City Manager McKamie stated that the City Council identified a $2 million reserve level following the election in 1999 authorizing the collection of the short-term car rental tax. Council Member Glenn Porterfield expressed his interest in the city making a.` concentrated effort to increase reserve levels in the event of an economic downturn. Budget Worksession Minutes Page 2 of 3 June 26, 2014 Council Member Perry Bynum requested that consideration be given to mitigation activities specifically as they relate to the impact of new development. City Manager McKamie advised that the Council is being provided a draft of the Capital Improvements Projects workbook to facilitate discussion, and advised that the document is a working draft document and is not available for public distribution at this time. Deputy City Manager Getchell outlined the organization of the book including funded and unfunded projects and the ranking indicators. She presented and reviewed the preliminary Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal year 2014- 2015, and reviewed the proposed and completed projects, including funded drainage, street, water, wastewater, and other projects including the Texas Star Sports Complex — Phase IV, Entry Monument Sign Program, Redevelopment, Euless Development Corporation (EDC) Incentive Fund, Planning Consultant, EDC Contingency, ADAJTAS Facility Improvements, golf course improvements, Police and Court Facility, Miscellaneous Park Improvements, Park Irrigation projects, aquatics center, and Glade Parks trail connection design. Deputy City Manager Getchell reviewed the unfunded projects including the priority rankings for each. Assistant City Manager Chris Barker presented the Municipal Plaza Improvements concept (slated for funding in 2016) related to landscaping, including irrigation and drought tolerant plantings. He explained that the area would showcase drought tolerant landscaping options and would be used as an example to developers to give them an idea of possible landscaping options when developing property in the City. Discussion ensued related to the possibility of phasing in the project so that a portion of the project could be completed prior to 2016. Staff agreed to bring back a recommendation for funding a portion of the project. Deputy City Manager Getchell reviewed the city's current outstanding debt, including debt associated with General Obligation Bonds, Certificates of Obligation, Euless Development Corporation, Water and Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Golf Course Debt Service, Softball World Debt Service, and Taxable CO's Debt Service (Stars Center). Discussion ensued regarding the long -term plans for the Softball World complex, the status and plans for the South Euless swimming pool, and technology enhancements related to audio and visual upgrades at City Hall facility. As follow -up to citizens' comments /request at the recent Town Hall meeting, City Manager McKamie provided the following responses: Budget Worksession Minutes Page 3 of 3 June 26, 2014 Addition of a sidewalk on north side of Harwood Road o Staff has been evaluating the request; however, the property has never been platted and the city does not have the necessary right -of -way to construct the sidewalk. The City would have to purchase the right -of -way from the property owner and would also have to address the location of a telephone pole. Additionally, he advised that the property owner would be required to address the addition of the sidewalk upon development of the property. - Addition of police substation in the northern sector of the city. o Always a possibility, but a couple of the businesses that will be located in the Glade Park development will employ security, and staff does not feel a police substation is warranted. There being no further discussion, Mayor Martin adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. PREPARED BY: Sutter, TRMC City Secretary