CITY OF
MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 31, 2007
Meeting called to order by
Mayor
PRESENT: Mayor Breault, Alderpersons Randy Morrissette,
Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Allan
Burchill.
OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine
Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Linda Donaldson, Steve Weld, and
others.
REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY 2008
CITY BUDGET: Mayor Breault explained that budget
background information was provided in the meeting packet. Finance Officer Betty Caruso provided a
summary of the house and senate bill regarding the State Budget that was
signed. She noted that it would have
allowed a levy limit increase of 3.86%, resulting in an additional $50,000 to
the City’s budget. However, due to the
Governor’s veto, the end result removed $125,000 that the City would have been
allowed to use.
Updated handouts were
provided showing the increase in revenues of $295,195 (copy attached). Mayor Breault stated that two budget options
were presented for Council review (attached).
He noted that Option 1 included all essential areas that needed to be
covered. Option 2 showed a budget with
some items eliminated. He stated that
both options included the required 2.5% employee wage increases per the current
union contracts for the Police Patrol Officers and Sergeants.
Detailed information was
shared concerning specific Department requests.
It was noted that the ambulance service per capita amount would be
$10.50 for 2008, up from the previous $7.00 rate. There would also be a change in personnel
structure. An $11,000 increase would occur
for insurance, due to experience and claims factors. An additional $17,000 was needed to cover the
City Attorney charges. Mayor Breault
reminded that the committees needed to come before the Council before
requesting the attorney to provide legal opinions. Discussion was held regarding other options
for legal service. The value for
knowledge of municipal law was noted.
The need for a fulltime IT
person was expressed; it would add $18,803 to the budget for wages. The current IT employee has agreed not to
accept the City’s health insurance benefits.
Ms. Caruso explained the
GASB mandated actuarial study, and that $20,000 was budgeted for that
purpose. She also requested a step increase
for an account clerk in the amount of $1,506.
Mayor Breault pointed out that the positions requesting step increases
would need to be justified. Additional
discussion was held regarding employee raises.
It was also noted that funds would be needed for four elections to be
held in 2008.
Details were shared
regarding the Fire Department increases.
Mayor Breault and Fire Chief Frye have established a new plan whereby
someone on the scene of a fire call would decide whether EMS would be needed,
or not. He stated this would be a
cost-saving measure.
O’Malley shared information
regarding formula for the City’s contribution to the Hudson Area Joint
Library. It was noted that the Public
Works budget included roof repairs for the City Hall building. It was reported that signage needs to be in
compliance, and care should be taken when considering additional street signs.
Discussion was held
concerning the difference between Options 1 and 2, wages and benefits for
employees, and Police Department wage requests.
The Public Works contingency amount of $40,000 for overtime and snow
removal was noted in Option 2. The
projected deficit amounts and solutions for balancing the budget were
reviewed.
Mayor Breault suggested
pursuing Option 2 for the 2008 budget;
Council was in agreement. He
stated that more budget meetings would be held and all members would sign off
on the approved budget. The Public
Hearing for the proposed budget would be held on Monday, November 19th. The Capital Outlay expenses would be an
agenda item at the November 5th Council meeting.
Convene
into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85 (1)(c), (E) AND (G) Wis. Stats. to DISCUSS
BARGAINING AND LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE: MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to convene into Closed
Session pursuant to §19.85 (1)(c), (e), and (g), Wis. Stats. to discuss bargaining
and legal issues related to employee health insurance coverage. Roll call vote, ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 8:28
a.m
Reconvene
in Open Session for possible action re: employee health insurance: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley to reconvene
into Open Session. All ayes (6) at 9:23
a.m.
Consider
adoption of Resolution No. 16-07 re: decision to
MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to
adjourn the meeting. MOTION CARRIED all ayes (6). Meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m.
Nancy
Korson, City Clerk
I hereby certify that the
City Clerk has submitted the foregoing minutes to me, and I hereby by my
signature approve said minutes and all acts of the Common Council as sent forth
therein.
Jack D. Breault, Mayor