ccsp 08-24-05COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
`. _; Wednesday, August 24, 2005
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Session on Wednesday, August 24,
2005 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertti„ Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin
presiding, Council Members Carl Douglas, John Trayhan, Reginna Agee, Tony
Wilenchik and Michael Carpenter. Schertz City Manager Don Taylor and Deputy
City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
#1 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Called under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code, Sub-section 551.074, Personnel Matters, deliberation and interview of candidates
for appointment of City Secretary.
An Executive Session was held from 7:00 to 7:36 p.m.
Mayor Baldwin advised. that Council would be going back into Executive Session after
the budget workshop and would skip item #2, at this time, but would be taking action
after the budget workshop.
At this time, Council continued with the next item on the agenda.
#3 Budget Workshop
At this time, Council covered Public Information budget and discussion followed
regarding advertising line item of $10,000. Debbie Gildea, Public Information Director
explained the .money covers television, radio, and other advertising venues proposed for
City exposure. It was noted that only one employee is associated with the department at
this time, however the department would like to add an employee. Records Management
department had been combined with City Secretary department, however ~it no longer is
and budget numbers reflect two employees. Council had no discussion. Police department
budget had an increase from $1,611,887 to $1,675,887 under Personnel Services salaries,
also discussion was held relative to overtime salaries and the department's request to add
two police officers, not included in the budget as presented. The proposed personnel are
part of City Manager's recommendation included in document passed out earlier.
Mayor Baldwin suggested that Council continue review of budget and wait to discuss the
City Managers proposed addition of personnel (document passed out for Council
consideration). The document presented by the City Manager would possibly involve
increasing the proposed tax rate or cutting the budget to accommodate the proposed
addition of personnel.
Council continued with the Fire Department budget and noted that there would be a slight
increase to Personnel Services salaries. At this time, Fire Chief Friesenhahn stated he
would like to recommend the addition of a fireman, consider some sort of a program that
would address replacement of equipment such as trucks, etc. Presently, the department is
in need of an additional truck The last item that he would like Council to consider is a
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personnel issue; he would like to see the Fire department clerk increased to an
Administrative Secretary. The clerk has undertaken more responsibilities.
In continuing, the Police Department budget was reviewed, and recommendation was
made to add additional personnel as presented by City Manager documentation. The city
is growing and in research of City's of comparable size and budget, a City of our size
should employee 37 patrol officers. Currently, the City has 27 officers. The department is
in need of a GAD system (reporting software program); at this time patrolmen have to
return to the department to complete reports, which takes the patrolman off the streets.
In review of Inspection Department budget there were no signficant changes. In review
of Streets Department budget there were no significant changes. In review of Parks
budget, the City Manager's recommendation document passed out earlier came up
regarding the addition of personnel, which would be discussed later. Discussion followed
on items under utility services, which cover the new Civic Center coming on line. There
were no significant changes noted to the Pool budget, the only increase was to utility
services. In review of Library budget there were no significant changes. In review of
Animal Control budget there were no significant changes, the same was true of the
Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance, W&S, Fleet Services, Capital
Recovery, EMS, Drainage.
In review of SED Corporation (4-B) Council was informed the department is requesting
an (one) employee, as well as purchase of vehicle for the Directors use. These items are
included in the budget presented. It was mentioned that the department is self-
supporting, (funds out of 4-B). Other than these additions, there were no significant
changes to the budget.
In review of Special Events budget, it was brought to Council's attention that Emergency
Svc Day would be dropped, due to non-participation, there were no other items noted. In
review of HoteUMotel Tax, Council would be given a target number of monies to expect
with the new hotel coming aboard. In review of the Park Fund budget Council was
advised that line item Tree Mitigation has a substantially increase. Recycle Fund as well
as Capital projects had no significant changes noted.
Mayor Baldwin stated that Council has one more workshop session, August 31, 2005 to
discuss the budget. Council needs to determine if there is a need to add additional
meetings. Council stills needs to review City Managers recommendations relative to
additional personnel in the amount of $232,402 (document passed out). Council would
need to determine to cut budget in order to fund these recommendations or come up with
other solution. There was discussion regarding mid-year adjustments, covering
advantages and disadvantages; is it necessary.
Mayor Baldwin stated that as presented, the budget reviewed this evening is a balanced
budget with an estimated surplus of $30,000. The Council has to decide regarding City
Manager's recommendation of $232,402 for additional personnel funding; does Council
fund the positions, and if so, need to direct him. Discussion followed on the possibility of
utilizing reserves, advantages and disadvantages. It was determined that the City has four
options; disapproval, approval and take money out of budget, approve and use next years
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funds or rise the tax rate (roll back). Discussion followed relative to possibly funding half
of personnel amount in this budget, which is another option.
Council Member Trayhan stated he doesn't agree with the use of fund balance, however
believes there is a possibility of finding (cutting) 2% of expenditures within the budget
(across the board), would possibly fund the additional personnel. It was pointed out that
departments have cut back to the bare necessities.
City Manager Taylor stated he would research other options and come back with possible
alternatives for funding additional personnel at next budget workshop.
At this time, 10:21 p. m. Council went back into Executive Session.
An Executive Session was held from 10:21 p.m. to 10:24 p.m.
#2 Action, if any on the subject of above Executive Session.
Council Member Agee moved to appoint Judy Tokar as City Secretary at pay grade 28,
step 13. Council Member Trayhan seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Council Members Douglas, Trayhan, Agee, Wilenchik and Carpenter.
NAY: None.
#4 Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Baldwin adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
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City
ATTEST:
Depu City re ,City of Schertz
specwks 08-24-05