Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 23, 2003 Work SessionCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600 TDD (763) 706-3692 Visit Our Website at: www. ci. columbia-heights, mn.us ADMINISTRATION NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING to be hem in the CITY OF CO£ UMBI.4 HEIGHTS as follows: MaYor Julienne Wyckoff Councilmembers Robert A. Williams Bruce Nawroda' Tammera Ericson Bruce Kelzenberg City Manaoer Walt Fehst Meeting of: Date of Meeting: Time of Meeting: Location of Meeting: Purpose of Meeting: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL JUNE 23, 2003 7:00 P.M. CONFERENCE ROOM 1 WORK SESSION ~4 GENDA 1. Guidelines for 2004 budget preparation 2. Acceptance of credit card payments for City services 3. Acceptance of bids - refurbishment of Engine #4 and Rescue #1 4. City Council By-Laws and Rules of Decorum The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at 706-3611, to make arrangements. (TDD/706-3692 for deaf or hearing impaired only) THE CITY Of COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CITY COUNCIL LETTER WORK SESSION OF: JUNE 23, 2003 AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPT: CITY MANAGER NO: FINANCE APPROVAL ITEM: STATE AID CUTS RELATED TO THE BY: WILLIAM ELRITE BY.' ~ ~,/~_ ,/~-/~/ 2004 CITY BUDGET DATE: JUNE 6, 2003 NO: On May 29, 2003 the state legislature adopted the budget reductions and the list of cuts to cries for 2004. For the City of Columbia Heights, the total cuts are projected to be approximately $1,050,000. Of this amount cities are allowed to make up 60 percent of the cuts through a property tax levy increase. The bill does exclude the traditional levy growth adjustments for inflation, along with adjustments for household and commercial/industrial growtk In addition, cities like Columbia Heights that did not use all of their levy authority in 2003 will lose all of that unused levy authority for taxes payable in 2004. In essence, this is penalizing cities for not levying their maximum levy for 2003. Virtually all of these clauses do affect the City of Columbia Heights as it eliminates all cost of living increases in the levy and it penalizes us for being conservative and not levying the full amount that we could have for 2003. At the present time staff is finalizing the preparation of their 2004 budgets. With the adoption of the state legislation, we are recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution giving specific direction to the cry manager for the 2004 budget preparation. It is recommended that staff be instructed to absorb the full 40 percent aid reduction that cannot be made up through levy increases and that the budget be prepared using the state prescribed levy limits which allow for a portion of the state aid cuts to be recouped through a property tax levy increase. Understand that services to residents will be impaired by this budget reduction but will not result in the devastating reduction that would occur if the City did not levy the full amount allowable under levy limits. Attached is some summary information regarding the effect of the cuts on various departmental budgets along with a proposed resolution giving instruction to the city manager for budget preparation. Staff will be available at the work session of June 23 to provide additional information on the severity of cuts and the effect on city services. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive reading of Resolution 2003-28 there being ample copies available to the public. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2003-28 being a resolution providing 2004 budget preparation guidelines. 0306061 COUNCIL Attachments COUNCIL ACTION: RESOLUTION NO. 2003-28 RESOLUTION PROVIDING 2004 BUDGET PREPARATION GUIDELINES WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota legislature has adopted legislation that significantly reduces state aid to the City of Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, this legislation sets very restrictive levy limits; and WHEREAS, this legislation does not allow for inflation or growth in the levy limits; and WHEREAS, the implementation of the full reduction of aid without increasing the city levy would have a devastating effect on services to residents; and WHEREAS, legislation has only allowed cities to make up 60 percent of the aid cuts through levy limit increases; and WHEREAS, previous state aid reductions and levy limits have reduced city services to residents; and WHEREAS, absorbing 40 percent of the 2004 aid reduction will further reduce city services to residents; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Manager is instructed to prepare the 2004 budget utilizing the full levying authority allowed under levy limits; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all budget reductions should be done with the goal of maintaining as many city services as possible. Passed this Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: day of ,2003 Mayor Julienne Wyckoff Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota State Aid Cuts 2003-2004 City Manager's Proposed 2004 Budget Levels Reductions for 2004 Budget Reductions for 2004 Budget Adopted Revised Cuts Maximum Projected Aid Cut with Allowed Levy Increase Budget Budget For $ 1,050,000 10.83% $ 420,000 4.51% 2003 2003 2003 Max Budget JCut fm 2003 Max Bud~let ICut fm 2003 General Fund Mayor-Council 211,014 200,463 (10,551) 188,164 (22,850) 201,493 (9,521) City Manager 412,706 397,796 (14,910) 368,016 (44,690)i 394,085 (18,621) Elections 8,105 8,105 0 38,105 30,000 38,105 30,000 Finance 643,973 611,774 (32,199) 574,240 (69,733) 614,918 (29,055) Assessing 101,000 101,000 0 101,000 101,000 Legal Services 196,572 186,743 (9,829) 175,286 (21,286) 187,703 (8,869) General Govt Bldgs 158,546 158,546 0 141,378 (17,168) 151,393 (7,153) Police 2,786,587 2,652,306 (134,281) 2,484,841 (301,746) 2,660,860 (125,727) Fire 916,572 870,760 (45,812) 817,321 (99,251) 875,217 (41,355) Civil Defense 84,973 84,973 0 75,772 (9,201 81,139 (3,834) Animal Control 16,150 16,150 0 14,401 (1,749) 15,421 (729) Engineering 319,076 313,691 (5,385) 284,525 (34,551) 304,680 (14,396) Streets 690,319 649,874 (40,445) 615,568 (74,751) 659,173 (31,146) Street Lighting 126,416 126,416 0 112,727 (13,689) 120,712 (5,704) Traffic Signs & Signals 73,251 73,251 0 65,319 (7,932) 69,946 (3,305) Weed Control 16,428 16,428 0 14,649 (1,779) 15,687 (741 ) Recreation Admin 224,417 172,747 (51,670) 200,116 (24,301) 214,292 (10,125) Youth Athletics 19,702 19,702 0 17,569 (2,133) 18,813 (889) Adult Athletics 25,328 25,328 0 22,585 (2,743) 24,185 (1,143) Youth Enrichment 22,169 22,169 0 19,768 (2,401) 21,169 (1,000) Travel Athletics 22,635 22,635 0 20,184 (2,451) 21,614 (1,021) Tdps & Outings 38,666 38,666 0 34,479 (4,187) 36,921 (1,745) Senior Citizens 78,580 78,580 0 70,071 (8,509) 75,035 (3,545) Recog/Special Events 71,368 71,368 0 63,640 (7,728) 68,148 (3,220) Murzyn Hall 249,022 249,022 0 222,057 (26,965) 237,786 (11,236) Parks 751,437 734,321 (17,116) 670,068 (81,369) 717,533 (33,904) Tree Maintenance 104,500 101,100 (3,400) 93,184 (11,316) 99,785 (4,715) Contingencies/Transfers 50,000 50,000 0 44,586 (5,414) 47,744 (2,256) Budgeted Transfers 480,000 480,000 0 428,023 (51,977) 458,343 (21,657) Total 8,899,512 8,533,914 (365,598) 7,977,643 (921,869) 8,532,900 (366,612) Library Fund Library Total 679,700 679,700 645,800 (33,900) J 606,099 (73,601)] 649,033 (30,667)1 Community Development Protective Inspections 225,204 215,455 (9,749) 200,818 (24,386) 215,043 (10,161) Com Dev Admin 137,799 118,584 (19,215) 122,877 (14,922) 131,582 (6,217) Economic Dev Fund 140,569 140,569 0 125,347 (15,222) 134,227 (6,342 Total 503,572 474,608 (28,964/ 449,043 (54,529/ 480,851 (22,7211 Grand Total ] 10,082,784I 9,654,322 (428,462)1 9,032,784 (1,050,000)1 9,662,784 (420,000)1 StateAidCutsv3.xls CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO: Walt Fehst, City Manager Bill Elrite, Finance Director FROM: Linda L. Magee, Assistant to the City Manager/ Human Resources Director DATE: June 6, 2003 Administration 2004 Budget Impacts Listed below is a summary of substantive proposed budget cuts to the Administration budgets (Mayor/Council, City Manager, Assessing, and Legal) in response to a potential 10.53% reduction: 1) Personnel Reductions: Staffing over the past two years has been reduced by two positions (1.75 FTE). With the retirement of the Accounting Clerk II-Assessing in March 2002, staff recommended, and council approved, entering into an agreement with Anoka County for special assessment billing services. The duties performed by the Accounting Clerk II-Assessing were taken on by Finance, Public Works, and Administration staff. In 2003, the Clerk-Typist II-Administration position was eliminated from the budget, due to budget reductions. As a result of these cuts, the remaining staff has had to take on additional duties. This has resulted in projects left undone (records being put into Laserfiche and better records management, for example) and staffing levels down to one person in the office at times, resulting in less efficient and effective service to the public. Due to the reduction in staff and need for additional assistance, monies were budgeted for an intern in 2003. With budget reductions, this was left unfilled in 2003. A 10.53% reduction in 2004 will result in elimination of the intern position, and reduction of the Special Projects Coordinator from full time to ¼ time. This will further impact completion of projects in their entirety or on a timely basis, and efficient and effective service to the public. 2) Expert and Professional Services: Reduce monies budgeted by 57%, resulting in no monies budgeted for city-wide staff training and facilitator for goal setting retreat, and minimal monies budgeted for new employee physicals. 3) Advertising Employrnent: Reduce monies budgeted by 50%. Due to attrition, if it is determined positions need to be filled in 2004, we would not have enough monies budgeted to effectively advertise our vacancies. 4) Attorney Fees-Other: Reduce monies budgeted by 45%. These monies are budgeted for services of attorney other than the City Attorney. Based on past experience and expenditures, would not have adequate monies budgeted. 5) General Line Items: Line items will need to be reduced in the Administration budgets overall. This leaves fewer monies for general operating expenses. If you have any questions, please contact me. cb TO: Walt Fehst, City Manager FROM: Robert Streetar, Director DATE: June 17, 2003 SUB J: Potential 2004 budget reductions ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (Redevelopment, Housing) Maximum Cut (10.83% or $15,222) · Reduction of Expert and Professional Services. Minimum Cut (4.51% or $6,342) · Reduction of Expert and Professional Services. / Impact From 2002 to 2003, the Economic Development Authority budget increased only 2.6% or $3,554. A reduction in Expert and ProfeSsional Services means the financial, legal, land use planning and analysis related to redevelopment projects will take noticeably longer, or may not occur at all and as a r6sult redevelopment may not occur. The City will now have to rely on competitive Metro fund these necessary services. Moreover, there is no guara grant funding. Redevelopment is clearly top priority in the and leads to increased tax base for both the City and Schc on Local Government Aid. The City needs to conti~ redevelopment goals. I PROTECTIVE INSPECTIONS (Building Permitting, Planning, Council or CDBG grants to '~tee the City will receive the City's Comprehensive Plan ol District, and less reliance ~ue to move towards its Licensing) Maximum Cut (10.83% or $24,286) · Reduction of Building Official to half time. · Elimination of Attorney's Fees and Expert and Prdfessional services. Minimum Cut (4.51% or $10,161) 'i · Reduction of Building Official to half time. I~ Impact The Community Development made a $13,800 (6.1%) cut in 2003, reducing the Building Official to half time through 2005. In addition, we function with a three quarter time Building Permit and License Clerk. With a hal~time Building Official and a three quarter time Clerk, we are just able to maintain thE, minimum level of service. Reducing attorney fees and expert and profession service to zero leaves the City with no funds to address legal issues related to land use redevE,Iopment, housing, planning, building inspections, and licensing. I do not recommend a and Expert and Professional Services. · eduction of Attorney's Fees COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION Maximum Cut (10.83% or $14,922) · Transferring Housing Assistant position $19,215 (13.9%) from Community Development Administration to Parkview Villa North and South. Minimum Cut (4.51% or $6,217) · Transferring Housing Assistant position $19,215 (13.9%) from Community Development Administration to Parkview Villa North and South. Impact In 2003 this position was transferred from Community Development Administration to Parkview Villa North and South, because this is where the Housing Assistant spends their time. Maintaining this position allows the Department to continue to: 1. Implement the Capital Improvements Program for Parkview Villa North and South; 2. Assist with grant writing that brings money into the City for redevelopment and housing purposes. From January through June of this year, the Community Development Department has brought in $450,000 of grant money for redevelopment and housing purposes. 3. Work with the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation to implement $240,000 of grant money to acquire, demolish and build up to 13 new single family homes, just like the one the being built at 4828 5th Street. 4. Complete HUD related administrative duties. Eliminating this position would result in staff shifting its time from redevelopment, housing and grant-writing activities to administrative activities related to Parkview Villa North and South. 2 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DATE: JUNE 10, 2003 TO: WALT FEHST CITY MANAGER FROM: WILLIAM ELRITE FINANCE DIRECTOR RE: IMPLICATIONS OF 2004 PROPOSED BUDGET REDUCTIONS 1N THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT The Finance Department has a very limited budget for supplies and capital items. Based on this, it is virtually impossible to absorb any cuts in the department without reducing staff. The reduction of staff in the Finance Department will result in two things; less service to the people we serve, which is comprised of residents as well as city staff in other departments. To reduce the budget by the minimal proposed cut of approximately 4.5% we would need to decrease one current full-time position to part-time. Regardless of which position this is, it would necessitate a restructuring and reduction of services. The first line of service that I would propose to reduce would be the operation of the reception window. I would recommend reducing the hours that an individual is available at this window to service the public. For example, only providing services from noon until 4:45 p.m. In addition to this, I would recommend going to an automated attendant system, whereby people calling would receive an answering device that would allow them to select a number for the department they require. We would also need to cut back on some of the internal control items that we provide and streamline services. This would have a minimal effect in the beginning that could grow as time passes, as we would be unable to provide the current check and balance system we currently have to ensure that expenditures are in compliance with guidelines. This responsibility would fall back on the individual department and division heads to insure that what they are doing is in compliance with policy procedure and regulations. If it was necessary to make the 10.5% cut it would necessitate eliminating a full-time employee in the department and further compressing the services that are provided to the public. Under this scenario, we, again, would become reliant on division and departments to prepare more of the paperwork that we currently produce in the Finance Department. I would also recommend a further reduction of services to residents. For example, only accepting utility billing calls during specific hours of the day, such as from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. After that time individuals would get an answering machine and could leave a message. I would further reduce public contact at the window. For example, rather than allowing people to come to the window to pay utility bills, they would be required to drop their payments in the drop box. Items of this nature may greatly reduce the amount of time that is required for service but also would greatly reduce the services we provide to city staff and residents. It should be noted that I feel the above could be an operable system, but there is no doubt that in the beginning council members will receive significant complaints. This is primarily because our residents are used to calling frequently and receiving excellent customer service. However, to require residents to follow specific timelines when submitting concerns and to be reliant on dropping payments in the payment box does not seem to be a big deal and I am sure in time our residents would adjust to it. WE:sms 0306101CM Columbia Heights Fire Department To: From: Subject: Date: Walt Fehst, City Manager William Elrite, Finance Director Charles Thompson, Fire Chief Implications of Budget Decreases, Fire Department June 9, 2003 10.53% reduction in budget: $820,078 Eliminate one Fulltime Position. This will have a major effect on how the Fire Department functions. If we eliminate one position, this will have to be filled by the paid-on-call staff, which will be difficult during the daytime hours when paid-on-call firefighters are at their regular jobs. This will not be the only ramification of this action. · Wage freeze, benefit freeze for all employees. · Reduction of supplies and keep protective clothing purchases to a minimum. This could have a negative effect on firefighter safety. 4.21% reduction in budget: $877,974 · Wage Freeze/Benefit Freeze for all employees. Progression through approved ranges would remain in effect based on performance. · Reduction in supplies for 2004. · No reduction in staffing which would not effect the level of service. · This reduction would have the least effect on the Fire Department. It's quite clear that the 4.21% decrease in the 2004 budget will have the least effect on the Fire Department. The Fire Departments structure has not changed in over 25 years; however, we have taken on increased responsibilities (Housing Maintenance Program) and EMS (Emergency Medical Services). Call volume has more than doubled in the last ten years. In 1983 the Fire Department answered 957 calls and in 2002, 2137 calls were answered. If the decision is made to eliminate any position in the Fire Department, the effect will be noticeable. Therefore, ! could not recommend the 10.53% decrease in the budget for 2004. CT:cf 03-34 cc: S Schmidtbauer TO: Walt Fehst, City Manager Bill Elrite, Finance Director FROM: M. Rebecca Loader, Library Director SUBJECT: Implications of two scenarios on 2004 proposed Library budget DATE: June 4, 2003 Based on our conversation of 6/3/2003, I am submitting the following: 10.53% reduction: budget $608,143 · Eliminate one full-time position; replace with 24-hour-per week new position · Close two mornings per week; open from 12:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; full-time employees would work remaining evening hours · Eliminate 7 hours per week from Evening Supervisor schedule (equivalent of one person) · Reduce Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Close exterior book drop for after-hour returns; eliminate hours scheduled for employee to maintain book drop on closed days · Elimination of all capital expenditures except Automation License · Reduction in supplies to minimum; collection materials reduced by 3% · Wage freeze, benefit freeze for all employees; progression through approved ranges would remain in effect based on performance 4.21% reduction: budget $651,077 · Wage freeze, benefit freeze for all employees; progression through approved ranges would remain in effect based on performance · Reduction in supplies by approximately 2%; collection materials not reduced from 2003 levels and approximately 1.2% increases in periodicals · Hours and schedules preserved at 2003 levels · No reduction in public services · Reinstate 4 office chairs; painting of wooden roof cap and restrooms; refurbishment of workroom cabinets; replacement of magazine display shelving COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT TO: Walt Fehst, City Manager William Elrite, Finance Director FROM: Thomas M. Johnson, Chief of Police SUBJECT: 2004 Reluctant Budget Cuts DATE: June 5, 2003 PROPOSED RELUCTANT CUTS TO 2004 BUDGET 1. Police Officer (Officer Frakie) $58,408 25th officer 2. Police Officer (Officer R. Sorensen) $75,873 24th officer 3. Police Officer (Sgt. Vaughn) $84,162 23rd officer 4. Police Officer (Off. Johnston) $62,583 22~ officer 5. Cut inside CSO to 30 hours/week $11,393 6. Supplies cut $945 Running Total $58,408 $134,281 (4.21 or 5% cuts) $218,443 $281,443 $292,419 $293,364 (10.53% cuts) The cuts listed above will have the following ramification on the services offered by the Police Department on a daily basis: The officer who in the past was dedicated to community policing has been placed back on the patrol schedule to cover the streets, which is our main priority. Not having a community policing officer means that many meetings such as gang and drug task force, graffiti task force and cleanup program, Project Safety Net, school parent/teacher meetings, and our most popular rental property owners meetings are not attended by us or are simply not taking place. The personnel to attend and/or set up these meetings are simply not available. Also, the repetitive time and resource consuming calls that the community policing officer would have looked into to find permanent solutions have now been assigned to patrol to deal with as they can between calls for service or other details. With Sergeant Vaughn's retirement, we have had to move one of our three investigators back to the patrol schedule. This leaves us with two investigators and reported crime that is up 10 per cent. This is a position that, in my opinion, we must fill. At this time, we can fill it with a police officer and save several thousand dollars per year. I would want to refill the sergeant position in the near future, as I believe that the supervision on the street is extremely important! The 23rd officer is critical to our operation, not only in covering the streets, but also when planning for ongoing training, much of which is State mandated for officers to maintain their peace officer licenses. Page 2 June 5, 2003 Being at less than 23 officers also creates difficulty in allowing officers well earned vacation or compensatory time off. If the officers do not receive the earned and requested time off, we feel this may lead to additional sick leave usage. Sick leave usage, in my cases, creates an overtime callout situation, which in the end costs the City more money than having adequate coverage to allow people the time offthey have earned and deserve. Officer safety becomes a critical issue when we go below 23 officers. We currently have the following minimums by shift: Day shift "A" 2 officers Afternoon shift "B" 3 officers Night shift "C" 2 officers We have an overlap between the "B" and "C" shifts between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. This is Our busiest time for obvious reasons--most people at home, bars at peak operation time, and bar closing. Fewer than 23 officers create many occasions when overtime would have to be paid to maintain these shift minimums. This schedule has been in place since 1976 and has worked very well for the city. Lastly--and most important in my perspective--is that we have taken one of the most proactive, community oriented police departments in the State of Minnesota and have turned it into a reactive police depmtment. This in turn creates poor morale at a time when I felt morale was at or near an all time high! We have dedicated professional officers and civilian staff who care about the community they serve. We feel the citizens want and need the protection and services we have been able to give them during the past eight years. With any further cuts, programs such as our very popular community picnics will be gone next year. (We are barely able to do this program this year with our current 23 officers staffing). TMJ:mld 03-081 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Public Works Department TO: WALT FEHST, CITY MANAGER BILL ELRITE, FINANCE DIRECTOR FROM: KEVIN HANSEN PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER SUBJECT: PUBLIC WORKS 2004 BUDGET IMPACTS DATE: June 10, 2003 Attached is a summary listing of staff proposed budget cuts in the Public Works Department in response to a potential 10.53 percent decrease in our general fund revenue. I would summarize reductions in City services or departmental impacts to the City as follows: 1. Personnel Reductions: The department is currently staffed at 29 operating at minus two full time positions from the adopted 2003 budget - one assessing/clerical position and one maintenance worker. To meet the possible 2004 reduction, Public Works would lose an additional maintenance worker. The City Engineer and Assistant City Engineer have added this workload (PW related duties) after the Assessment Clerk position was vacated due to a retirement. Reducing the PW Maintenance Department by two employees will reduce our ability to get tasks completed or respond to in a timely manner. Such services as snow plowing, grass cutting or sewer maintenance could be impacted. It also reduces the number of personnel available for emergency call-outs. 2. Seasonal Reductions: Seasonal staffwould be reduced in multiple departments. In 2003, seasonal staffing was reduced in the Street Department from 4 to 2, and in the Parks Deparlment from 15 to 12. A reduction in 2004 would reduce the Engineering Department from 1 to 0, Signs and Traffic from 1 to 0, and further reduce the Parks seasonal from 12 to 9. This impacts summer street repairs and parks grass cutting and trimming. The further reductions in Engineering would require an alternative(s) for construction staking/prelim surveying; in Signs and Traffic would require an alternative for traffic markings and traffic counting; and in Parks further reduce frequency and timeliness of mowing and trimming. 3. Outdoor Skating Program: This program was eliminated in the 2003 reduction and as part of that it is proposed to not open any skating rinks in the 2004 season. 4. Wading Pools: Pools are open in 2003 but are proposed to be closed in 2004. Memo to Walt Fehst and Bill Elrite Public Works 2004 Budget Impacts 5. Weed Program: The program has developed into a proactive program were inspections are made on a routine basis along with enforcement. The program would be changed in 2004 to a reactive program, or complaint based only. 6. Portable Restrooms: Satellites are currently provided in multiple City parks costing approximately $10,000 per year. Staff recommends eliminating or minimizing the number of portable restrooms in City parks. 7. General Line Items: Across departments, line items are being held flat or reduced. Recognizing inflation and other cost increases to insurance, bonding, and energy, this leaves less in each department for general operating expenses and the ability to maintain service at a consistent level. 8. Additional Revenue: Staff is proposing to create additional revenue, both as one time and as possible consistent sources of revenue into the general fund. One time increases would be the sale of City equipment. A permanent funding source would be charging off staff time to improvement projects. Currently, no staff time is included as part of the assessment calculation for construction projects. Staff time could be charged off as actual time spent or as a percentage of the construction amount. KH:kh Attachment: PW 2004 Budget reduction listing Proposed Public Works Budget Reductions for 2004 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Reduce full time staffing by one additional personnel (total of 3 full time personnel reductions with 2 positions in 2003 - Assessment/Clerical Position & Maintenance Worker). Reduce Summer Seasonal Staffing in multiple departments. Eliminate Outdoor Skating Program (eliminates winter seasonal staffing). Eliminate or Minimize (keep 1 of 3 pools open) Wading Pool Program. Change to a complaint based weed control program. Create a complaint based brush in the alley program. Eliminate portable restrooms in the park system. Eliminate Public Works Safety Consultant. Eliminate Public Works GIS Consultant. Reduce overtime hours being used by PW employees during special functions, such as the City Jamboree. Reduction in operational and maintenance line items across departments. Reduction in O & M within the street lighting program for those lights the City still maintains - on 40th and 41 st Avenues off of Central and within our Park System. Eliminate the City's contribution for the removal of diseased trees, currently at 25%. Additional revenue by auctioning off pieces of equipment that the City/Public Works has minimal use. The funds would be placed in the general fund. Additional revenue by charging off actual time or a percentage of construction cost to improvement projects. This is a common practice amongst cities and has been done in the past. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Recreation Department TO: FROM: DATE: RE: WALT FEHST, CITY MANAGER BILL ELRITE, FINANCE DIRECTOR KEITH WINDSCHITL, RECREATION DIRECTORShiP} JUNE4,2003 RECREATION BUDGET CUTS 2004 The following list is a general overview of the Recreation and Murzyn Hall budget cuts as they were prepared for the 2004 budget. As 10.53% of a budget is a good portion of it, this would in turn mean less services provided to our residents. We already have cut some programs that our Youth Enrichment Coordinator position coordinated. This position was cut as part of the 2003 cuts that have already been made. Staff time, program supplies, equipment, and staff training are all important but certainly would be reduced and/or eliminated with an extreme cut of this size. Currently I feel that we have an outstanding Recreation Department as well as a great facility as Murzyn Hall. I would really be disappointed if we had to reduce the quality of the programs and services that we now take pride in providing to our community. Following is a list of cuts that would need to be made if we cut at the rate of 10.53%. RECREATION ADMINISTRATION Recreation Coordinator 47908 Part time Clerk 4192 Overtime 1000 Expert & Prof. Services 200 Advertising 1000 Out of Town Travel 1500 Park & Rec. Comm. Dinner 500 Local Travel 250 Repair Maint. Services 1000 Telephone 793 Office Supplies 800 Minor Equipment 300 General Supplies 300 Insurance 132 Recreation Total 59875 YOUTH ATHLETICS Seasonal Employees 2958 Insurance 32 Volunteer Recognition 3000 Youth Athletics Total 5990 ADULT ATHLETICS Workers Comp. Adult Athletics Total YOUTH ENRICHMENT 13 13 Workers Comp. 30 Youth Enrichment Total 30 TRAVELING ATHLETICS Workers Comp. 14 Expert & Prof. Services 2000 Insurance 17 Traveling Athletics Total 2031 TRIPS AND OUTINGS Insurance 28 Total Trips & Outings 28 SENIOR CITIZENS Personal Sevices (increase) Office Supplies 100 Minor Equipment 100 Printing 100 Program Supplies 200 Expert and Prof. Services 2500 Training 150 Postage 100 Local Travel 250 Out of Town Travel 300 Insurance 41 Rents & Leases 300 Senior Citizen Total 3040 1101 Page - 2 MURZYN HALL Personal Services 3944 Computer Equipment 300 Printed Forms 150 Vehicle Repair 100 Training 300 Postage 100 Other Communications 100 Local Travel 100 Insurance 868 Electric (increase) Gas (increase) Honeywell (increase) Building Improvement 2000 Mnrzyn Itall Total 4142 945 700 2175 TOTAL BREAKDOWN BY DEPARTMENT Recreation Administration Youth Athletics Adult Athletics Youth Enrichment Traveling Athletics Trips and Outings Senior Citizens Murzyn Hall 59875 5990 13 30 2031 28 3040 4142 Total Cuts for 2004 75149 Page - 3 If we were going to propose a cut of 4.21% of the 2003 Recreation budget I feel this would still give us the ability to provide a quality service to the residents of Columbia Heights. This would currently mean that we would still cut the pOsition of the Youth Enrichment Coordinator for a cost savings of $47,908. This would and has limited some of the youth programs that we provide such as Teen Nights, Bunny Branch and some school out day trips. We are going to try to cover some of these programs with current staff. This has affected the program, but based on the current budget crisis I feel we are all willing to help and make some programs be successful. As it is our goal to provide a quality service and experience for our community, I feel this cut of 4.21% would still enable us to provide this opportunity. CITY COUNCIL LETTER MEETING OF: JUNE 30, 2003 AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPT: CITY MANAGER NO: FINANCE APPROVAL ITEM: PAYMENTsACCEPTANCE OF CREDIT CARD DATE:BY: ~~ITEjI:~E 19, 2003 NO: Based on direction from one or more city council members, staff has conducted a survey in relationship to the acceptance of credit card payments for city services. Attached are the results of the survey that included a total of 36 cities. As you can see, there are a significant number of cities accepting credit card payments at this time. The advantage to accepting credit cards is that it provides an additional service to residents and customers as it gives them an additional, easier method of making payment. The two main negatives to the acceptance of credit cards are that it costs the City an additional fee of approximately 2 to 2-1/2 percent of the amount paid. It also creates an additional accounting workload in the reconciliation of the credit card statements and bank account. However, at least to start with, we would not anticipate a large number of credit card payments so both of these items may be insignificant in the beginning and could be monitored in the future for determination to continue accepting credit cards. Staff will be available at the work session to review this item in more depth with the City Council. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the City Manager to develop an administrative policy covering the acceptance of credit card payments and to consider the cost of this additional service in establishing future fees and service charges for services provided. WE:sms o3o6191 COUNCIL Attachment: Payment Survey Results COUNCIL ACTION: Payment Systems Survey Results Below are the results of the Payment Systems Survey. Out of 36 cities, 26 responded. 1. 19 cities accept credit card payments, 7 do not. Below is the breakout of what acco )ted for: City Blaine, Bloomington, Circle Pines, Eagan, Fridley, Maple Grove, Utility Billing 9 Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Shoreview ~,pple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Circle Pines, Eagan, Elk River, Fridley, Golden Valley, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, New Hope, Recreation/Park 16 Plymouth, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Shoreview Blaine, Bloomington, Circle Pines, Eagan, Fridtey, Maple Grove, Building Permits 10 Minneapolis, New Hope, Robbinsdale, Shoreview, ~,noka, Apple Valley, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Circle Pines, Eagan, Fridley, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Mounds View, New Hope, Richfield, Other 14 Robbinsdale, Shoreview o o 9. 10. Cities that have been accepting credit card payments for 5+ years. Apple Valley (10 years) Maple Grove ( 6 years) Bloomington ( 6 years) Minneapolis (10 years) Brooklyn Park ( 8 years) Mounds View (10 years) Fridley (10 years) Plymouth ( 5 years) Lino Lakes ( 5 years) Shoreview ( 7 years) Company/bank used for credit card payments. U.S. Bank (Apple Valley, Eagan, Shoreview) Wells Fargo (Blaine, Bloomington, Fridley, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, New Hope,) Lino Lakes State Bank (Lino Lakes) Card Service International (Robbinsdale) Card Services (Anoka) Authorize Net (Circle Pines) Costco (Elk River) Elan (Plymouth) All cities are charged a processing charge. None of the cities charge customers a fee for using credit cards as payment. 17 cities accept ACH/EFT payments, 9 do not. Below is the breakout of what accepted for: City ~,noka, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Circle Pines, Eagan, Elk River, :orest Lake, Fddley, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, New Hope, Utility Billing 17 ~orth St. Paul, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Shoreview Recreation/Park 1 Vlaple Grove Building Permits 0 Other 3 3rooklyn Park, Circle Pines, Golden Valley Cities that have been accepting ACH/EFT payments for 6-7 years are Apple Valley, Elk River, Maple Grove and Minneapolis, 5 years or less are Anoka, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Circle Pines, Forest Lake, Fridley, New Hope, North St. Paul, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Shoreview. Only four cities use a bank for ACH/EFT payments, the rest use a special software. Cities use Wells Fargo and LOGIS as their service providers. Software: Analysis Acct, Enterprise, LOGIS, AMS, Invision, Auto Draft, Therefore Systems, Wells Fargo. 11. None of the cities charge customers a fee for using ACH/EFT. City Responded Andov~r Yes Anoka Yes Apple Valley Yes Blaine Yes Bloomington Yes Brooklyn Center No Brooklyn Park Yes Champlin No Chanhassen No Circle Pines Yes Coon Rapids No Eagan Yes Edina No Elk River Yes Forest Lake Yes Fridley Yes Golden Valley Yes Lino Lakes Yes Maple Grove Yes Minneapolis Yes Mounds View Yes New Brighton No New Hope Yes North St Paul Yes Plymouth Yes Ramsey Yes Richfield Yes Robbinsdale Yes Roseville No St Anthony Village No St Louis Park No Shoreview Yes Spring Lake Park Yes Stillwater Yes White Bear Lake Yes Woodbury No CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meeting of: June 23, 2003 AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER APPROVAL NO:No: DATE: June 19,Fire~ ~..~~j ITEM: Authorization to Seek Bids for the Joint BY: Charles Thompson Refurbishment of Engine 4 and Rescue 1 2003 ~ At the April 14, 2003 City Council meetin& the Fire Dopmt was authorized to seek bids for the refurbi.qhment of Engine 4 and Rescue 1. Funds are bu~ in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund for this purchase. The Fire Department notified five reputable compardes within a 150 mile radius and gave them details of the refurbishments. At 1645 hours on May 30, 2003, the Fire Chief and committee meanbers opened the sealed bids submitted for the project. Of the five man~, two submitted refurbishment bids. The two proposals that were submitted came from North Central Ambulance Service and Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. Pierce Manufacturing had the highest bid price at $175,024. North Central Ambulance bid price was $90,689.63. After ~ of all the options, the committee decided to remove all Option 3 items and three Option 2 items from the bid. With these items removed, the low bid price will be $88,108.72. The committee believes that the othe~ bid options relate to safety items and did not wish to ~ea~ove any othex items at this time. The bid amount of $88,108.72 reflects the lowest and best proposal for the City of Columbia Heights. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to Award Refurbishment of Engine 4 and Rescue 1 to North Central Ambulance Service Based Upon Their Low Qualified Responsible Bid in the Amount of $88,108.72 With Funds to Come from 439-42200-5150; and furthermore, to Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into an Agreement for the Same. 03-37 COUNCIL ACTION: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - CITY COUNCIL LETTER Work Session Meeting off June 23, 2003 AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S NO: Administration APPROVAL ITEM: Adopt Resolution 2003-29 BY: Walt Fehst BY.kT~~/y~_.~_..~~.~~ Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum DATE: June 23, 2003 DA NO: Background: A request was made to review the City of Columbia Heights Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum regarding action taken on "Matters Not on the Agenda". The intent is to provide the City Council with appropriate and complete information on any issue raised during the Citizen Open Forum. The City Attorney has reviewed and suggested the following revision: 5. PUBLIC PARTICPATION. Members of the public may address the City Council during: a. Public Hearings Matters Not on the Agenda: This portion of the meeting shall be limited to fifteen minutes and individuals shall be requested to limit their comments to five minutes or less. If the majority of the Council determines that additional time on a specific issue is warranted, discussion on that issue shall be continued under Other Business at the end of the agenda. Unless the matter is considered to reauire emergency action, the Council shall refer the matter to staff for investieation and recommendation and/or to the aoorooriate commission for an advisory recommendation to the Council. The matter will then be placed on the agenda for the next remflarlv scheduled Council meetine, at which time staff will present its tinglings and recommendations for Coulacil consideration. c. Specific issues scheduled on the Agenda but in accordance with IV.6 of these Bylaws entitled "Addressing the Council." Recommended Motions: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-29, there being ample copies available to the public. Move to adopt Resolution No. 2003-29, being a Resolution amending the City of Columbia Heights Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum. COUNCIL ACTION: RESOLUTION No. 2003-29 BEING A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BYLAWS OF PROCEDURES AND DECORUM WHEREAS: The purpose of the City of Columbia Heights Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum is to ensure an accurate, timely and consistent method of developing and maintaining the various actions related to meetings of the City Council; and WHEREAS: The City Charter, City Ordinances and State Statutes governing the City Council shall be supplemented by these Bylaws; and WHEREAS: In all matters of Parliamentary Procedure, the Council shall be governed by the latest printed edition of Robert's Rules of Order, except as addressed by these Bylaws, and WHEREAS: The intent is to provide the City Council with appropriate and complete information on an issue raised during "Public Address of the Council", NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 5b of the City of Columbia Heights Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum shall be amended to include: Unless the matter is considered to require emergency action, the Council shall refer the matter to staff for investigation and recommendation and/or to the appropriate commission for an advisory recommendation to the Council. The matter will then be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Council meeting, at which time staff will present its findings and recommendations for Council consideration. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby authorizes this amendment to City of Columbia Heights Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum, a copy of which is attached and on file in the office of the City Manager. Passed this ~ day of June 2003. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Attest: Mayor Julienne Wyckoff Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BYLAWS OF PROCEDURES AND DECORUM I. PURPOSE These Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum assure an accurate, timely, and consistent method of developing and maintaining the various actions related to meetings of the City Council. They also assure retrieval of documents and data previously considered and notification of affected individuals and businesses. II. PROCEDURES 1. LAW. The City Charter, City Ordinances, and State Statutes governing the City Council shall be supplemented by these Bylaws. 2. GENERAL RULES. In all matters of Parliamentary Procedure, the Council shall be governed by the latest printed edition of Robert's Rules of Order, except as addressed in these Bylaws. 3. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE RULES. Regular Council meetings shall be held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, which are not observed legal holidays. Any regular meeting, which would fall on an observed legal holiday, shall be held on the Tuesday following such observed legal holiday. The Council may vary this meeting schedule by resolution and may set such special meetings in the form and manner as prescribed by Charter. 4. CABLECASTING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS. All regular Council meetings, being the second and fourth Mondays of each month or an optional day as set by' Council resolution, as well as the Truth in Taxation Hearing, shall be eablecast on the local access channel. 5. RECORDING SECRETARY OF THE COUNCIL. The Council may choose a secretary and such other officers and employees as may be necessary to serve at its meetings. The Council may designate any official or employee of the City, except the City Manager or a member of the Council, to act as Secretary of the Council. III. PRESIDING OFFICER 1. PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mayor shall preside at all meetings of the Council. In the absence of the Mayor, the Council President shall preside. 2. RIGHTS OF THE PROCEDURE. The Presiding Officer may speak on any question; make motions, and second motions. He/She shall have the power to preserve strict order and decorum at meetings, enforce the rules of procedure and determine without debate (subject to the final decision of the Council on appeal) all questions of procedure and order. 3. APPEALS TO A RULING. Any member of the Council may appeal a ruling of the Presiding Officer. If the appeal is seconded, the member may speak once, solely on the question involved. The Presiding Officer may explain his/her ruling, but no other Council member shall participate in the discussion. The appeal shall be sustained if it is approved by a vote. IV. AGENDA 1. PREPARATION. The City Manager is responsible for Council agenda format and preparation. This includes all items for consideration, Charter requirements, State law, Bylaws, etc. These documents shall be distributed as described in Section 1.04 of the City's Procedures Manual. 2. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION. All items to be included in the Agenda or on the City Manager's Report shall be submitted to the City Manager by 4:45 p.m. on the Monday preceding the meeting date. "Late" items, if approved by the City Manager, shall be distributed as described in Section 1.04 of the City's Procedures Manual. B. C. D. E. F. ORDER OF BUSINESS. At the hour appointed for regular City Council meetings, the Presiding Officer shall call the meeting to order. If a quorum is present, the Council shall then proceed with its business in the following order, which may be varied by the Presiding Officer: Call to Order/Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Public Address of Council on Matters not on Agenda Commencement of Cablecasting on Television Additions/Deletions to Meeting Agenda Consent Agenda 1) Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting(s) 2) Routine Items Requiring Limited Deliberation Recognitions, Proclamations, Presentation, Guests Public Hearings Items for Consideration 1) Old Business 2) New Business 3) Other Business Administrative Reports General Council Communications Council Executive Sessions If the Council is to consider an issue regarding pending litigation or a personnel matter, an Executive Session may be called. A recess is taken during a regular Council meeting or prior to adjoumment of the Council meeting. At the conclusion of the Executive Session the regular Council meeting is reconvened. M. Adjournment 4. CONSENT AGENDA. Council matters of a routine or non- controversial nature, which need minimal deliberation, shall be placed on the Consent Agenda. A motion to approve the Consent Agenda shall not be debated. At the request of any Council member, an item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed upon the regular agenda for debate immediately following approval of the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda shall only be adopted by an unanimous vote of those Council members present at the meeting. 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. Members of the public may address the City Council during: A. Public Hearings B. Matters Not on the Agenda. This portion of the meeting shall be limited to fifteen minutes and individuals shall be requested to limit their comments to five minutes or less. If the majority of the Council determines that additional time on a specific issue is warranted, discussion on that issue shall be continued under Other Business at the end of the agenda. Unless the matter is considered to require emergency action, the Council shall refer the matter to staff for investigation and recommendation and/or to the appropriate commission for an advisory recommendation to the Council. The matter will then be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Council meeting, at which time staff will present its findings and recommendations for Council consideration. C. Specific issues scheduled on the Agenda but in accordance with IV.6. of these Bylaws entitled "Addressing the Council." 6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS. All interested parties or their authorized representatives may address the Council regarding matters under consideration via written communication. The City Manager shall place these communications on the Agenda under "Acknowledgement of Communications to the Council." V. VOTING 1. PROCEDURE. The votes of the Council members on any pending ordinance or resolution shall be by voice vote unless any Council member requests that a roll call vote be taken. The votes on any motion shall be by voice vote unless any Council member requests that a roll call vote be taken. The Presiding Officer shall call for a roll call vote whenever a voice vote is not clear as to the disposition of the action before the Council. 2. ABSTENTION. If a Councilmember does not vote, it shall be recorded as "Abstain: [name]." 3. VOTING ORDER FOR ROLL CALL. The Council Secretary shall call for the vote in consecutive order beginning with the Councilmember who is seated to the far right of the Mayor. The Presiding Officer shall always vote last. VI RULES OF DECORUM 1. COUNCIL. While the Council is in session, the members must preserve order and decorum. A member shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the peaceful proceedings of the Council nor disturb any member while speaking. A member shall never refuse to obey the orders of the Presiding Officer. 2. RECOGNITION. No person or Councilmember shall address the Council without being recognized by the Presiding Officer. 3. DISCUSSION. A Councilmember shall only speak twice on any question for a maximum of five minutes each time unless Council consent for additional time is granted. 4. STAFF. City staff members shall observe the same rules of order and decorum as are applicable to the Council. 5. RELEVANCE TO DEBATE. Councilmembers, staff and citizens shall confine remarks to the matter under debate. 6. ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL. Each citizen addressing the Council shall approach the public microphone after being recognized by the Presiding Officer, where he/she shall state name, address, subject for discussion and representation. Remarks shall be limited to five minutes without further consent from the Council. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a whole and not to any member thereof. No persons other than Councilmembers and the current speaker shall be permitted to enter into discussion, either directly or through a Councilmember, without such declaration from the Presiding Officer. Questions of Councilmembers and staff are equivalently regulated. 7. SPOKESPESONS FOR GROUPS. In order to expedite Council meetings and avoid repetitious presentations, the Presiding Officer shall request a spokesperson to address the Council from a group, and if that group is making multiple presentations, to limit the number of such spokespersons. 8. MOTION CLOSURE. After a motion has been made or a public hearing has been closed, no citizen shall address the Council on the matter under consideration without majority consent from the Council. 9. CONDUCT. Any Councilmember, staff, or other person indulging in personal, impertinent, slanderous, profane, loud, threatening, abusive, or disorderly conduct shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer. If such conduct continues, the person may be barred from further audience before the Council. 10. AUDIENCE. No citizen shall engage in applause, stamping of feet, whistling, yelling or similar demonstrations listed in VI.9, which disturb the peace and good order of the meeting. VI I. ENFORCEMENT 1. WARNING. All persons shall be silent at the request of the Presiding Officer. If a person persists in disturbance after receiving a warning, he/she may be ordered to remove themselves from the meeting. If they refuse to remove themselves, they will be escorted from the meeting by a police officer and possibly charged with violation of City Ordinance. 2. MOTIONS TO ENFORCE. Any Councilmember may move to require the Presiding Officer to enforce these roles. 3. ADJOURNMENT. In the event that any meeting is willfully disturbed so as to render the order of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by removal of the individual(s) causing the disturbance, the meeting may be adjoumed with all remaining business considered at the next meeting. 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. If the matter being addressed prior to adjournment is of such a nature as to demand immediate attention, the Presiding Officer may call a special meeting. VIII. WORKSHOP MEETINGS 1. GENERAL. Workshop meetings of the Council may be held at the call of the City Manager with a notice of seventy-two hours. No official Council action will be taken at workshop meetings. IX. CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES Cameras, including television and motion picture cameras, electronic sound recording devices and any other mechanical, electrical, or electronic recording devices may be used in the Council Chambers, but only in such a manner as will cause a minimum of interference with Council proceedings. X. SEPARABILTY If any portion of the these Bylaws is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of law, such portion shall be considered a separate and distinct provision and will not affect the validity of the remaining portions. Proposed for revision this 30t~ day of June 2003