2014-08-11>08-12 Regular Meeting Including a Budget Workshop on Proposed 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Budget of La Porte City Council

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Councilmember Zemanek questioned the cost of $4,850 for equipment maintenance and the fee of $3,606 to lease a 75 horse power tractor with wing mower. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded the calculations are based on the maintenance cost for the last four years and staff will go back and gather a summary with additional information. Public Works Director provided a handout with answers to questions during the previous night meeting. Mayor Rigby questioned if citizens express wishes that the Hazardous Waste Collection Day be held more often than once a year. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded there are calls from citizens that missed the Hazardous Waste Collection Day and want to know what to do with hazardous materials. Councilmember Earp questioned if the Public Works Department can provide a disposal site for hazardous materials. Public Works Director Dave Mick advised staff will confirm the options and liabilities for providing the services. Mayor Rigby questioned if the hazardous materials were disposed by city employees. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded a contractor trained with handling the disposal of the materials in accordance with environmental laws disposes of hazardous materials. Finance Director Michael Dolby provided and handout with answers to questions during the previous night meeting. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council account 8050 (Motor Vehicles) in the Emergency Medical Services Budget will decrease by $17,500. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal. Year Budget for the Planning Department. Mayor Rigby questioned if there was enough budgeted for training when transitioning over to ONESolution in the GIS Division. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded the actual training is expected to take place in a year or two. Councilmember Moser commented he noticed mowing in District 4 has decreased. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded the decrease of mowing was due to being without one of the two Code Enforcement Officers, in addition to other staff shortages in the Planning and Development Department. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the employees in the Inspections Department are cross -trained to continue providing services to the City. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded employees are trained and staff shortages in the department may have had an impact on customer service in the past. Mayor Rigby commented Council does not have an issue with new positions being requested if they can be justified. Councilmember Martin questioned if the post office can be issued citations for complaints of tall trees and high grass. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded yes. Councilmember Earp questioned if most code enforcement issues are reported or discovered by the Code Enforcement Officers. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded most are reported and the Code Enforcement Officers are driving looking for violations as well. Page 5 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes