City Council Workshop Meeting
April 13, 2006
The Mt. Vernon City Council met in a Workshop Meeting on Thursday, April 13, 2006, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
City Clerk Jackie Sharp called the Workshop Meeting to order and stated that the first order of business was to elect a Mayor Pro Tem to serve at this meeting. Ms. Sharp stated that nominations were now open. Motion by Council Member David E. Keen to nominate Council Member John Howard as Mayor Pro Tem for this meeting. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Howard, Keen and Walker. Absent: Heck.
Mayor Pro Tem John Howard called the Workshop Meeting to order and stated that the reason for the meeting was for Discussion of the 2006/2007 Budget.
Roll call showed present: Council Member/ Mayor Pro Tem John Howard, Council Member David E. Keen and Council Member Mike Walker. Absent: Council Member Ricky D. Heck.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that the first department to review was Fleet Services. Mr. Bill Reininger was present to discuss his budget. Finance Director Merle Hollmann stated that account 140 was for certification for the mechanics per level of certification the mechanics get extra pay per level. There are two mechanics that receive the extra pay for this. Discussion was held regarding the pay jump for one mechanic. The reason was because he had been off work on Workmans Comp for quite a while so last year’s salary looked low, so it made this one look much higher. Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a service truck for the department. The State purchasing has been very slim in the past year or so because they are holding on to their vehicles longer also. Discussion was held regarding the gas prices and what they could go up to. The purchase of a floor jack for safety issue was discussed.
City Manager Roy L. Payne stated that the next department was Public Works. Director Elbert Cain and Assistant Director Dale Mick were present to discuss their budget. Finance Director Merle Hollmann discussed the two employees that would be retiring in the next few weeks and that their retirement packages were built into this budget.
Discussion was held regarding the mosquito spraying for the summer and how often spraying was needed. Mosquito spraying always take overtime funds to run because it has to be done late in the days. The storm damages have also cost a lot in overtime recently. The winter weather has not been bad in the last two years so the overtime for salt has not been high. Discussion was held regarding tractors, mowers and chain saws the department uses. Discussion was held regarding the salt supply. It was explained that the salt has to be purchased several months ahead so we can get the contract price. Mr. Cain discussed the Logan Street project and stated that there are still water lines to put in. Discussion was held regarding traffic signal lights and the amount that the State pays to reimburse the City.
The Park Department was the next for review. Wes Plummer and Richard Roach were in attendance for the review. Discussion was held regarding the summer help and temporary workers such as the pool. The day camp help was discussed. Council discussed repairs to the park building. Dredging and the grant were discussed and the EPA Grant that was to cover the dredging. The City has to make the match funds now by leasing a trackhoe to do the rest of the work. Council asked about the lake chemicals. Council discussed the possibility of having some banners made to use for sunshades for the tennis courts so that spectators could be out of the sun somewhat. Selling advertising on the banners could help pay for some of the costs.
The next Department for review was the Fire Department. Fire Chief Brent Hahn and Assistant Fire Chief James Brown were present for this discussion.
The ESDA department was the next one to review. Assistant Fire Chief James Brown was present to discuss this budget. Finance Director Merle Hollmann stated that the Fire Department payroll is like the Police Department payroll in that it is very complicated and breaks down to many areas. The back pay for the union contract will be paid next week when the contract is signed. Council discussed the building repairs for the 27th Street Station and the 42nd Street Station that is needed. The 27th Street Station has been in need of a lot of repairs for several years. Discussion was held regarding training and paramedic recertification. Chief Hahn stated that the department has to purchase more drugs used from the trucks from the hospitals. This has been discussed a lot the last few years. Discussion was held regarding the Fire rating for Mt. Vernon. Fire Chief Hahn stated that he would like to achieve a #2 rating for Mt. Vernon. Discussion was held regarding the ability to burn landscape waste.
The Economic Development Commission was the next department to review. The City helped set up the new office for the Economic Development Commission.
The Department has asked for more funds to purchase some office equipment. Council discussed the amount that the City will be paying the Commission on May 1. Finance Director Merle Hollmann stated that next year’s amount will be shown in the General Corporate Budget when it is covered at a later day. Discussion was held regarding a contract with EDC. Discussion was held regarding reports needed from the EDC. Council discussed the makeup of the Commission and Boards of the Commission.
Motion by Council Member David E. Keen to adjourn this Budget Workshop Meeting. Second by Council Member Mike Walker. Yeas: Howard, Keen and Walker. Absent: Heck.