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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Town Board Budget Study Session 1996-11-04BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Budget Session November 4, 1996 Board: Attending; Also Attending; Absent; Mayor Robert L. Dekker, Trustees Barker, Baudek, Doylen, Hix, Marshall, and Pauley All Town Administrator Klaphake, Finance Officer Vavra, Clerk O'Connor None Mayor Dekker called the meeting to order at 9;00 a.m. REVIEW 1997 PRELIMINARY BUDGET - BUDGET ISSUES. Administrator Klaphake reviewed the following 1997 Budget Issues; Highway 7 Reconstruction. This project is a dominating factor of the budget, and includes a traffic light, sidewalk to the schools, and electric and water line reconstruction. Senior Center. Renovation, estimated at $240,000 will engulf the existing building and expand it. The Town is assisting the Center in applying for a State grant in the amount of $135,000. The Town's portion is $75,000, with $30,000 to be raised by the Senior Center plus all furnishings. Trustee/Liaison Marshall reported that the Seniors have recently concluded a fund-raising drive where $41,000 has been collected. Staff will provide statistics on the average number of lunches/meals on wheels are being served/day at the meeting scheduled Friday, November 8. Comprehensive Plan, Phase III. Staff anticipates closure on Phase II of the Comp. Plan before the end of the year. In a joint venture with Larimer County, each entity is providing $50,000 to hire an attorney to prepare the new regulations and stipulations for all zoning categories. Public hearings will be conducted and the Plan will be inaugurated. Through an IGA, it is anticipated that mid-year, the new "Joint Planning Commission" and Comprehensive Plan will be in place. Advertising. The Advertising Budget figure has been increased 13%. Trustee Barker reported that in the recent Chamber of Commerce election, members overwhelmingly were in favor (95%) of reorganization. An Overview Committee has been appointed to work on a Marketing Plan and they are now underway. The intent will be to seek and obtain major corporate sponsors. Trustee Baudek noted that the Chamber Overview Committee, in their future planning discussions, should be advised that a budget increase from the Town may not always be available. Staff reported that corporate sponsorships will be used as leverage; and Trustee Doylen noted that the Business License fees are a significant portion of the Town funding. CACEP. Trustee/Liaison Barker reported that, in lieu of the Stanley Hall Renovation Project, the CACEP Regifting Program budget amount is $8,000, with an additional $500 to administer said Program—total 1997 Budget amount of $8,500. The Stanley Hall Renovation Project is a 50-year commitment, and the 1997 Budget contains $30,000 for this Project. Trustee Doylen reported on her meeting with the Colorado State Historical Society and extensive discussions/negotiations which have generated a working agreement with Grand Heritage. Heritage has committed $50,000 and the Historical Society is receptive to a 3-yr. grant. With the Town's $30,000/yr., a facility for BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Budget Study Session - November 4, 1996 - Page 2 every aspect of the arts will be available for the community. Administrator Klaphake reported that significant funding is anticipated for the renovation due to current code violations. Grand Heritage is focusing their efforts on the Manor House and hotel building. The Town is assisting in filing for a Legacy Grant and the application is due in November. The Town should be advised of the approval in February. Mayor Dekker noted that in previous discussions, all of the CACEP funding was to be delegated into Stanley Hall. CACEP President Saunders agreed CACEP could manage; however, the Town opted to again fund the Regifting Program. Trustees Marshall and Pauley suggested an additional $3,600 be allocated to CACEP for their operations (new facility rental, etc.) Trustee Doylen stated CACEP was offered free space in the Municipal Building which CACEP refused. The request for additional CACEP funding of $3,600 will be considered on November 8th. Technical Committee Review. This internal committee has been added for the purpose of ensuring priority automation purchases are considered/funded. Rather than every department independently purchasing computers and the like, they will submit their requests to a Technical Committee. Following current policy, if the item is asterisked in the budget. Committee review will also be required. Tree Diversity. Ash trees in the downtown area were damaged in 1994 due to inclement weather. Staff has assessed the damage and found a value of $60,000 for replacement. This figure has been reduced to $30,000, and staff has been directed to prepare a plan for diversification for consideration by Committee. Leveraging of Funds. Administrator Klaphake summarized the leveraging of funds with grants for the Senior Center, Hwy. 7, Hike/Bike Path, Phase III (may shift a portion of this particular project to the EVRPD), and Stanley Hall. 1997 PROPOSED BUDGET - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Finance Officer Vavra presented and reviewed the Executive Summary for the 1997 Budget. Revenues and expenses, as well as budget comments were reviewed for the General Fund. Trustee Baudek recommended a $1,000 match for programs at the Youth Center be considered during the November 8th meeting (this request was made during the October 17 Public Safety Committee meeting). The 5% budget growth over 1996 projections versus the 8% growth within the URA boundaries was clarified. The Enterprise Funds (Light and Power and Water), as well as Capital Projects, Debt Service, Internal Service and Trust Funds will be reviewed November 8th. PUBLIC COMMENT. Paul Saunders, President/CACEP, offered background information on previous Town funding amounts, office space. Regifting Program expenses, effects of the decrease in Town subsidy on CACEP's budget, and CACEP's value of their volunteer service. In summary, it is difficult for CACEP to campaign for the Stanley Hall renovation when, in their opinion, CACEP's funding is being sacrificed. Therefore, arts support will be on a minimal level. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO.RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town Board Budget Study Session - November 4, 1996 - Page 3 Virginia Hastings Floyd/Secretary to CACEP's Executive Committee read a letter signed by CACEP Officers Paul Saunders, Tom Beck, Hugh Beckham, Gary Elting and Ms. Floyd on how important the arts are in the community and State, requested consideration for general operation and program funding in 1997, provided statistics on volunteerism indicating how many people were served, and referred to a news article where the arts was found to have more support than sports events. George Hockman, 1625 Prospect Estates Dr. stated that, in his opinion, the basic function of government should be to fund Police, Fire, Streets, etc. and infrastructure. Mr. Hockman expressed his concern with government providing funding for other various community services, including the arts. While the arts are very important to the community, it is not function of government. Mayor Dekker announced that all comments will be considered and the Board will have an additional opportunity to revisit the items discussed above (Youth Center support = $1,000, and CACEP additional support = $3,600) at the November 8th meeting. The Mayor expressed the Board's appreciation to the audience and staff for their comments and efforts. Mayor Dekker adjourned the meeting at 11:25 a.m. Vickie O'Connor, CMC/AAE, Town Clerk Note: Minutes of the study session are not circulated nor approved by the Board of Trustees.