08-28-04 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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C?ommittEE cREI2ott of t/Z£ �zzlorznzr and 9tnana£ &mmitt£E of th£ c5OLtth BEnd eOmmon e_OuI2ai noted that the reserves will have to be used in 2005 and 2006 leaving no cash balance and that the program would be in the red in 2007 and 2008. In the Bureau of Wastewater,Mr. Dillon is asking for a 7%raise to be competitive for his lab employees, since many positions are $4,000 less than comparable positions in Elkhart_ In 2002 they won 1st place in the Wastewater challenge, earned a 1st and 2nd in 2003, and placed 3rd this year. There is also a significant increase for legal services in order to anticipate a remonstrance and consent decree actions. The next Advisory Committee meeting will be in September and thereafter the Council will be updated with an written executive summary of the meetings held to date. The 20-year plan moves up the separation of storm sewers,noting that the projected cost for the storm water master plan being$60470 million. Council Member Puzzello suggested that a tour of the facilities take place. Mr. Dillon then briefly summarized the Organic Resources operations, noting that two (2) positions have been reduced. He also summarized the Sewer Repair program noting that the average cost is $2,000 per repair. He stated that he would have to come back to the Council to "enhance the rates", since the sewer insurance fund for 2004 shows a deficit of$40,356 and a deficit in 2005 of $42,432. Several options are being considered such as a rate increase, increasing the deductible, and having the property owner pick up more of the cost of repairs when heavy pavement cuts are needed. Bureau of Sewers Sewage Operation&Maintenance Fund $2,878,098 requested in 2005 +3.20%increase Wastewater $8,198,645 requested in 2005 -1.93% Sewage Works Sinking Fund $3,682,775 requested in 2005 +1.03% Sewer Repair/Insurance Fund $ 715,432 requested in 2005 +10.34% Gary Gilot and Sam Hensley noted that a new program of planting wildflowers in retention basis is resulting in saving money, beautification and reduced work hours. The former costs to maintain a retention basin was $4,900; where now in light of a partnership with Duck Unlimited for seed the cost is $1,800 per retention basin. The City has fifty-six (56) retention basins of which 34 are maintained by the city. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello,Mr. Gilot stated that the wheel tax proceeds would be addressed in February when the capital budget is addressed. Council Member Dieter thanked everyone for an excellent presentation and alot of great written materials. He noted that they may be asked to come back to review the financials in more details. He noted that the next meeting is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Derek D. Dieter,Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachments Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of August 28,2004 Page 9