2011-08-08>08-10 Regular Meeting and Budget Workshop of La Porte City Council

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Councilmember Clausen reminded Council of the Buxton Study, and staff was directed to provide copies of the study to the new Councilmembers. The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) budget was presented with no questions from Council. City Manager Ron Bottoms discussed the Human Resources budget and provided information regarding costs for updated /new software. City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the Liability and Insurance Fund budgets. City Council recessed for a break at 7:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:54 p.m. Councilmembers Zemanek and Kaminski returned at 7:57 p.m. City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the Information Technology (IT), City Council, and Finance budgets. Of note, the Finance Department budgeted $15,000.00 for the purchase of Laserfische software. Council discussed the Non Departmental budget contingency of $250,000.00 versus reducing it to $175,000.00. Council agreed to leave the contingency at $250,000.00. City Manager Ron Bottoms and City Council discussed employee merit increases as requested by Councilmember Engelken. Councilmember Zemanek recommended a one -time salary adjustment of $1,000.00 per employee and to fund the adjustment by having Lomax Arena Improvements paid by the La Porte Development Corporation. Councilmembers Engelken and Martin also supported a one -time salary adjustment of $1,000.00. City Manager Ron Bottoms confirmed an Animal Shelter could not be funded by the La Porte Development Corporation. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if Lomax Arena Improvements could be funded from Hotel /Motel funds. The meeting recessed at 9:12 p.m. and will reconvene on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2011 Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. The following members of Council were present: Councilmembers Leonard, Zemanek, Moser, Clausen, Mosteit and Martin. Absent: Councilmember Engelken. Also present were Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris and City Manager Ron Bottoms. Mayor Rigby began the meeting by directing the City Manager to address the conduct of City staff in the audience during Council meetings. City Manager Ron Bottom began by presenting the Public Works Departmental budget. Councilmember Moser inquired about the Crack Seal Program and the goals of the Street Department. Councilmember Moser was advised to forward a list of streets in District 4 that are in need of repair to City Manager Ron Bottoms. Page 4 of 7 August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes