Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting primarily focused on the presentation and initial discussion of the proposed 2014-2015 budget. The City Manager provided a detailed overview of revenue sources, expenditure categories, and capital improvement projects, emphasizing the complexity of the city's multi-fund budgeting process. Council members raised questions regarding specific departmental budgets, personnel costs, and the allocation of funds, particularly for a potential cost of living adjustment for employees.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ordinance 3259 - Amending Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code
01:06:50The council approved on second reading an ordinance amending sections of the city code related to motor vehicles and traffic, specifically concerning stopping, standing, or parking violations and parking time limits.
Financial Matters
Proposed 2014-2015 Budget
Initial presentation and discussion of the draft budget for the fiscal year starting July 1st, 2014. The budget combines all funds for a total projected revenue of $117.8 million and total recommended expenditures of $109.9 million.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Employees
A 3% across-the-board cost of living adjustment for non-union employees is included in the proposed budget, totaling $1,005,000, pending council approval. Union employee contracts are under separate negotiation.
Airport Capital Projects
Proposed projects include security wildlife fencing ($600,000, with $300,000 federal grant) and southeast hangar development ($300,000 federal grant), leveraging federal funds for a 50% cost reduction.
Fire Department Training Facility
Recommendation to begin construction of a training facility at the fire station, to be lease-purchased over four years with annual payments of $21,000.
Parks and Recreation Playground Equipment
Recommendation to allocate $100,000 for new playground equipment at Boomer Lake, in response to public input.
Couch Park Tennis Courts
Recommendation to allocate $400,000 for the complete rebuilding of tennis courts at Couch Park, based on public demand.
Street Pavement Management
Recommendation to allocate $4 million for street repair and replacement, consistent with the previous year's allocation.
Traffic Signal Replacement
Allocation for the replacement of traffic signals.
Police Vehicles
Allocation for the purchase of 10 police vehicles to catch up on replacements.
Rural Fire Fund Vehicle
Purchase of a one-ton, four-cab chassis for rural fire services, funded by county taxes and rural service contracts, not general revenue.
Water Utilities Ground Storage Tanks
Allocation for ongoing ground storage tank projects within water utilities.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Budget approval before the end of May 2014
Watch For
- Further budget discussions on May 5th, 2014
- Public hearing and potential budget adoption on May 19th, 2014
- Negotiation results for firefighter and police union contracts
- Detailed breakdown of General Government expenses
- Breakdown of employee numbers and salaries per department
Announcements
- Councilor Darlington will be on radio KPI 780 AM at 8:15 AM on Tuesday.
- The Mayor will be on Triple Play at 7:00 PM on Wednesday.
Agenda Summary
Discussion about the 2014-2015 budget
Presentation and initial review of the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including revenue projections, expenditure categories, and capital improvement plans.
Ordinance 3259 - Amending Stillwater City Code Chapter 29 Motor Vehicles and Traffic
Second reading of an ordinance to amend sections related to stopping, standing, or parking, including violations and time limits.
Request for Executive Session
Request for an executive session for confidential communication regarding the purchase or appraisal of real property.