HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 04.21.2004 CC-SThe meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Mayor Gary Nelon.
All Councilmembers were present. All City Officials, Division Directors, and Department Heads
were present.
A. Discussion and possible action to review, amend and accept the 2004/05 Council
recommended program/project listing.
Brandenburg noted that Council had been given a copy of the Program/Priority Ranking
Sheet showing the results of their rankings.
There were comments from the Councilmembers regarding procedure and which
projects might be included in the budget if they don't require a high amount of funding,
even if they don't rank highly on the priority list.
Snell asked about Program/Project Item #6, since the City will be dependent on TXDOT.
Brandenburg explained that there may be a dollar cost and TXDOT may agree with the
City's desires and go forward, but may have their own schedule.
Smith asked about splitting a'/4 cent sales tax to use half for economic development and
half for property tax reduction. He said he will post that as an item on the April 27
Council Agenda.
Motion by Snell, second by Sansing to move Item #15 regarding improvement of
emergency response service levels to the #6 position and move everything from #6
down accordingly. There was discussion. Nelon recalled the previous discussion
regarding "two in and two out," saying Brandenburg had told Council that it is voluntary
and not mandated. Brandenburg reiterated that the "two in and two out" is a guideline,
saying OSHA standards require two in, two out, but they don't mandate the method to
accomplish. Fire Chief Anthony Lincoln said the City of Georgetown implements that
guideline by using the shift commander. He said rescues are exempt from the rule. He
said structure fires are a smaller percentage of the number of calls. Lincoln and Shell
emphasized that two in, two out for a fire inside a structure is a state law. Shell noted
there is sometimes a three- to four -minute gap while waiting for a second engine.
Nelon said it sounds like Council needs to know if they need to spend money to comply
with the required law. Nelon said he favors Snell's change in priority to move up Item
#15. Snell clarified that the original project was for police response, but this
conversation will expand the coverage by firefighters. Rundell told Council staff will
bring information about the effect of the cost to implement in relationship to the tax rate.
Minutes of Special Budget Ranking Meeting
April 21, 2004
Page 1 of 2 Pages
Eason .agreed that she would prefer that the costs be provided. Sansing asked and was
told that the Step Program for Fire and Police is already included in the base budget.
Kirby said he doesn't care for the method being used this year to provide priorities.
Noble said he agrees, and asked that staff take what has been gathered and put
numbers to it and bring back more information for Council to consider. There were
further questions and comments. Brandenburg said staff needs feedback from the
Council in order to bring back the proper information.
Motion by Snell, second by Sansing to adopt the priority list as amended.
Eason said she likes the process and appreciates all the hard work done by the staff.
Snell said he thinks the process is good. Approved 7®0.
Adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Approved:
Minutes of Special Budget Ranking Meeting
April 21, 2004
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Attest:
Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary