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The Plainview City Council met on September 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers of the Plainview City Hall at 901 Broadway. The agenda for this meeting
was posted in City Hall at 3:40 p.m. on September 6, 2013. Mayor Wendell Dunlap
presided. Councilmembers present were: Charles Starnes - District 1, Cathy Waggoner -
District 2, David Garcia - District 3, V. O. Ortega- District 4, Lionel Garcia - District 6 and
Eric Hastey- District 7.
Staff members present were: Greg Ingham -City Manager, Jeffrey Snyder- Assistant City
Manager, Leslie Pearce -City Attorney, Todd Kennemer- Community Development
Manager, William Mull- Police Chief, Mike Gilliland- Director of Public Works, Rusty
Powers -Fire Chief, Isauro Gutierrez - Information Technology Specialist and Belinda
Hinojosa -City Secretary.
News Media Present: Ryan Crowe - Plainview Herald
Guests Present: Susan Blackerby, Kathryn Pressley, Kevin Carter, James Odom,
Bill Wells, Bill Nelson, Hope Hastey, Larry Williams, Marlene Reed, Tiffany Barnes,
Becky Summers, and Tom Almon
Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Waggoner delivered the invocation and led in the pledge of
allegiance.
Councilmember Starnes moved to adopt the consent calendar. The motion was duly
seconded by Councilmember Ortega and carried by unanimous vote. Items approved
on the consent calendar included approval of the minutes of August 13, 2013 and
August 22, 2013; approval of the financial reports; authorize Mayor to sign Department
of State Health Services Contract 2014 - 001047 -00 between the Department of State
Health Services and Plainview Hale County Health Department for IMM /LOCALS
Immunization Branch - Locals; authorize Mayor to sign Department of State Health
Services Contract 2014- 001071 -00 between the Department of State Health Services
and Plainview Hale County Health Department for RLSS /LPHS RLSS /Local Public
Health System -PnP; authorize donation of fire equipment through the Texas Forest
Service Helping Hands Program; approval of Resolution R13 -292, a Resolution of the
City Council of the City of Plainview, Texas, Approving the Requests of the Plainview
Herald and the Plainview Chamber of Commerce; Authorizing the Filing of the
Agreement for the Temporary Closure of State Right -Of -Way With the Texas
Department of Transportation for the Cowboy Days Annual Parade, the "Hale On
Wheels" Bicycle Ride, and the "Hale On Feet" Runs; Declaring That the Events Serve a
Public Purpose; and Agreeing to Comply With Regulations; and authorize Mayor to sign
Proposal with Ener -Tel Services, Inc. for the City of Plainview, TX Security Camera and
Access Control System through the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Agreement
Mr. Greg Ingham, City Manager reviewed the initial part of the Budget. The budget
document presents in financial terms the overall plan for providing municipal services
during the coming twelve months. This budget provides funds for the current level of
services and provides a basis for a higher level of services in the future.
As the national economy is continuing to move gradually towards recovery, and much of
the Texas economy is moving towards growth mode; the Plainview economy is facing
the challenges created by the closure of the Cargill Meat Solutions plant. As we
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September 10, 2013 Page 1 of 6
consider the 2013 -2014 budget, there are a number of factors that we must address
and take into consideration as we move forward. We must take the steps necessary to
assure that the City of Plainview maintains a sound financial footing. While we
anticipate that the changes in Plainview's economic situation will have an effect on the
City's bond rating, failure to address the City's financial needs will result in more
significant impacts from rating agencies which could increase the City's cost of
borrowing money when it decides it is time to consider some of the large capital.
At the same time that we are addressing the revenue losses we are facing, we must
invest in the future of our community if we are going to be in a position to help facilitate
the rebuilding of the economic structure in Plainview. In order to do this, the City must
work with the County and Industrial Foundation to implement the plans developed in the
Economic Development Strategic Plan for Hale County and the Targeted Industry Study
that were completed last fall.
Plainview and Hale County do not have an economic development sales tax which
means that a lot of the funding for these activities will come from the City's fund
balances. While the City is in a strong enough position to make some level of
investment to encourage new development in the City, we must approach this in a
judicious manner.
We are also facing rising fuel costs, increasing health insurance costs, and regional
competition for skilled employees. At the same time the ongoing efforts to reduce
spending at the State and Federal levels. A lot of times these impact us in the local
level.
The total budgeted expenditures for all funds for fiscal year ending September 30, 2014
are $28,965,495. This is down about $2 million from last year because of last year's
capital fund projects. The total budgeted expenditures for major operating funds for
fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 are $23,839,560; which is up about $1.6 million.
The General fund is primarily supported by tax and franchise fee. The General Fund
revenues for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2014 are $12,179,790. Sales tax
collection is projected at $3,590,000.
Departments funded with in the General Fund are as follows:
• Unger Library — Budget $419,215;
• Streets and Traffic Safety — Budget $1,297,870;
• Plainview Hale County Health Department — Budget $390,505;
• Animal Control — Budget $151,600;
• Community Development— Budget $143,195;
• Code Enforcement — Budget $258,400;
• Main Street — Budget $103,355;
• Parks Department — Budget $740,235;
• Plainview Police Department — Budget $3,546,580;
• Fire /EMS Budget — Budget $3,317.715.
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We are replacing capital items. We are replacing items such as four police cars; an
SCBA Air Compressor for Fire /EMS; a trailer mounted wood chipper; and upgrading
servers and related computer equipment.
We have seen a decrease in the contribution rate to the Texas Municipal Retirement
System. This year the City's budgeted contribution rate to the Firefighters Pension fund
has been increased to 21.45 %. There have been some issues in healthcare.
Health /Prescription Claims in 2012 -13 are projected to exceed claims in 2011 -12 by
about $1 million.
The City will continue working with the County and the Airport Board on a major
Rehabilitation /Reconstruction project that will see $4,300,000 in improvements made to
the airport during this period as we move closer to the actual reconstruction work. The
City's portion of the cost is 5 %, the County will pay 5 %, and the Federal Aviation
Administration will pay 90 %.
The budget includes a 2% cost of living adjustment for all employees. The individuals
who work for the City are the heart of this organization. We are seeing an increase in
competition on the market. We have at this point a 2% cost of living adjustment. It is
below what other cities around us are asking. City Staff will be presenting Council
possibly a flat pay increase which would be more uniform among the employees.
With the loss of Cargill Meat Solutions it is imminently clear that if Plainview is to rebuild
its economy, the City must work with the County, the Industrial Foundation, and its other
community partners to move forward. In this budget, we have a $1,000,000 line item for
economic development, and another line item that would increase the amount of
revenue the City will provide to the Industrial Foundation by $72,500 a year (this is
equivalent to what one cent on the City's property tax generates).
Services Paid for by the General Fund are as follows:
a) 24 Hour Police Protection
b) 24 Hour Fire Protection
c) 24 Hour EMS Service
d) Maintenance of all Public Streets and Alleys
e) Park Facilities including Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Fields
f) Animal Control Services
g) Environmental Health Services — including Restaurant Inspections
h) Public Health Services
i) Building Inspections and Permitting Services
j) Code Enforcement Services
k) Emergency and Disaster Management
I) Economic Development and Grant Administration
m) Main Street Program
n) General Administration, Legal, and Finance Services
Not included in the budget are three police department dispatchers at an estimated cost
of $118,115; three new Fire /EMS personnel at an estimated cost of $151,420 and a
10% pay adjustment for Fire /EMS.
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September 10, 2013 Page 3 of 6
The General Fund expenditures for fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 are
$13,369,075. The budget includes a proposed tax rate of $0.6185. The rollback rate
for 2013 -2014 Fiscal Year is $0.6380; the effective tax rate for 2013 -2014 is $0.5800
and the adopted tax rate for 2013 -2014 is $0.6185. The average home value is
$80,530 and this would impact the homeowner $2.58 per month.
Councilmember Ortega moved to open a public hearing on the proposed tax increase.
The motion was duly seconded by Councilmember David Garcia and carried by
unanimous vote.
Mayor Dunlap asked for public comment.
Larry Williams of 124 SE 9 Street stated he feels that as a Christian man that he needs
to speak for the unemployed. He feels the unemployed are being punished even more
so by the City raising all the rates.
Bill Nelson of 1106 Floydada stated he had served on the Council in another town. He
is against the proposed tax increase. He has to live with his pay and feels the City
should adjust without increases.
James Odom of 3509 Kirchwood feels times are worse right now. He has 15 empty
rental units.
Mayor Dunlap thanked the individuals making comments.
Councilmember Starnes moved to close the public hearing. The motion was duly
seconded by Councilmember Lionel Garcia. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
Mayor Dunlap closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
A vote on the first reading of the Ordinance to adopt the proposed tax rate will be held
on September 19, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 901
Broadway. A vote on the second and final reading of the Ordinance to adopt the
proposed tax rate will be held on September 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers at City Hall, 901 Broadway.
Mr. Ingham presented information on the 2013 -2014 City of Plainview Budget. The
Solid Waste Management Fund is an Enterprise Fund, which means that it supports
itself with the revenues it generates. It does not use the Equipment Replacement fund
for equipment purchases but instead pays cash or sometimes uses the Solid Waste
Improvement Fund for the equipment or improvements that are needed. The financial
position of the Solid Waste Management Fund and the Solid Waste Improvement Fund
are tied together because the Solid Waste Improvement Fund is where major capital
projects are funded.
The Solid Waste Management department has a budget of $3,073,835. The City will be
building a new landfill cell; this will be done without issuing debt. The proposed Solid
Waste Management Fund revenues for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2014 are
$3,045,745. The Solid Waste Management Fund Expenditures for Fiscal Year ending
September 30, 2014 are $3,073,835 in operating expenditures. There is a 2% increase
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in refuse collection fees. The current fee would go from $19.08 to $19.46 for a
residential unit.
In the Water and Wastewater Utility Fund the total expenditures for Fiscal Year Ending
September 30, 2014 are $6,033,495 in operating costs. Items in this budget are Water
Production department has a Budget of $1,649,535, the Wastewater Collection
department has a Budget of $361,775; Water Distribution System department has a
Budget of $581,675, and the Water Reclamation Plant department has a Budget of
$999,640.
The most significant challenge for the Water and Sewer Fund is the fact that it lost 20%
of its water revenues when Cargill Meat Solutions closed. The revenue generated by
these water sales was a part of the overall rate structure and the loss of this revenue
stream must be addressed. Since much of the water sales that were lost were local
well water, there are no significant cost savings to offset the revenue which helped
support the overall system production, treatment, distribution, and debt costs.
In order to fund the Water and Sewer Fund adequately and to keep the funds on sound
footing we have proposed an increase in the base water rate from $21.50 to $31.00 per
month and the rate per thousand will increase from $1.70 to $1.87, or 10% in all rate
steps. These increases will raise a basic 5,000 gallon water bill from $30.00 to $40.35.
The RSVP Fund is continuing to experience change this year as their funding sources
are cut back and their operating rules are changed. Last year we saw the RSVP leave
their offices at Wayland due to the growth of Wayland's athletic programs and RSVP is
now located in the basement of the Library. The program was also informed recently
that it's Senior/ Volunteer for Childhood Immunization (SVCI) program has been
eliminated which means they will be losing one part -time position.
The Capital Improvement Fund includes funds to move forward with the development of
a Skate Park that has been studied and developed with input from the Vision Skatepark
Plainview group and considered in the planning process.
The Hotel /Motel Tax Fund is being stressed this year due to the water related damages
and the replacement construction that is being done to the facility. The Civic Center has
been closed for several months this year which has had a negative impact on the
overall use of the facility. The Convention & Visitors Bureau budget is $223,730.
The overall impact of this budget on an average homestead will be $10.73 in water and
garbage and a tax rate increase of about $2.58 per month.
Councilmember Hastey moved to open the public hearing regarding the 2013 -2014
Budget. The motion was duly seconded by Councilmember Ortega and carried by
unanimous vote.
Mayor Dunlap asked for public comment.
Teresa King of 409 Mesa Circle stated she felt it was the wrong time to give a raise to
city employees. She stated that she made huge cutbacks in her business.
Tom Almon of 1209 Amarillo stated he is not against economic development and feels it
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September 10, 2013 Page 5 of 6
should be encouraged. He is opposed to the $1 million for economic development in
the budget. He stated he did not feel it is right to give from one group to another.
Hope Hastey of 3101 N. Columbia asked if there were any fat that could be eliminated
from the budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Waggoner moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember
Lionel Garcia seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote. The public
hearing was closed at 8:10 p.m.
Mayor Dunlap announced that a vote on the first reading of the Ordinance to adopt the
budget will be held on September 19, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers
at City Hall, 901 Broadway. A vote on the second and final reading of the Ordinance to
adopt the budget will be held on September 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers at City Hall, 901 Broadway.
Mr. Ingham presented for consideration and to take necessary action regarding
Agreement for Professional Services for Police Chief Search. Chief William Mull
recently announced his plans to retire. Staff believes it would be in the best interest of
the City to retain a search firm to help us conduct a broad search for a new Police Chief.
These firms bring an array of services to the hiring process that most cities do not have.
City staff believes that Strategic Government Resources (SGR) is the best firm to assist
us in this search. This is a professional services contract. The fee would be $17,500
with a not to exceed of $6,500 for expenses. Staff recommends that we retain Strategic
Government Resources to move forward with the police chief search.
Mayor Dunlap asked for public comment.
Norbert Bublis of 906 Houston stated he feels it might benefit to explore within the
police department for advancement.
Councilmember Lionel Garcia moved to take necessary action to enter into professional
services agreement with Strategic Government Resources for police chief search. The
motion was duly seconded by Councilmember Ortega and carried by unanimous vote.
There being no further business, Mayor Dunlap adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Belinda Hinojosa
City Secretary
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