Long-Range Planning Discussion

City Manager Fred Enderle gave a brief overview of his memo that was sent out to employees in reference to the article that appeared in the Piqua Daily Call on Saturday, March 8, 2008.

City Manager Enderle went over the current projections. Mr. Enderle stated he would not ask the City Commission
to raise expenditures in the 2008 budget, but it would begin with the 2009 budget or maybe the 2010 or
2011 budget. The long-range plan is to be spread over five years or more.

Finance Director Cindy Holtzapple went over the preliminary expenditures and alternatives.

Several questions were asked concerning contractual services and street lighting funds.

Ms. Holtzapple went over the Governmental Potential Expense Reductions.

Mr. Enderle stated he wanted to make it clear to everyone that there were no layoffs being proposed at this time, restructuring will take place as positions are vacated. It will be a last resort to take public safety of the streets.

Ms Holtzapple went over all the departmental projections, and the projected Fund Balancing Funds.

Ms. Holtzapple explained the Projections with the Revenues and Expanse Alternatives.

Mr. Enderle stated without any catastrophic expenses the reserves should have 20% of the General Fund on hand for emergencies.

There was discussion of the purchase of a new telephone system and what can be done to use the current system.

There was discussion of the purchase of a new computer system and if it was needed at this time.

Commissioner Martin asked what kind of revenue does the Health Department generate?

Mr. Enderle passed out a handout with a breakdown of the various expenses.

There was discussion of some of the services provided by the Health Department being given to the County and the Police Department to oversee.

Commissioner Vogt inquired if the city could contract with Waste Management or Rumpke to do all of the refuse service but still have the city do the Spring Cleanup?

Mr. Enderle stated we could bid out the services and see what types of bids come in, but will look for direction form the City Commission on this as far as the level of service the city would like to have. Refuse service is an Enterprise Fund not out of the General Fund, not sure we can save money, depends on the type of service stated Mr. Enderle.

There was discussion of raising the fee from $3.50 to $7.0 for Spring Cleanup.

Several of the Commissioners voiced their opinion on keeping the wading pool open at Fountain Park.

There was discussion of charging organizations to use facilities in the parks that are now free.

Mr. Enderle stated he would like to set up a meeting with Community Leaders to discuss the Heritage Festival participation, and what can be done to make increase programs and revenues.

There was discussion of parking control, closing park restrooms at certain times, and raising rental fees.

Commissioner Terry stated she felt the City was asking the public for more money, but giving them less services.

Mr. Enderle stated our expenses are high with 75% our costs in people and services that we supply.

Mr. Enderle stated the State of the City report would be presented in two weeks.

Chris Lee voiced his concern on the restructuring and the possible layoffs in the safety services.

Mr. Enderle explained how this would be done, and further stated no one would be taken off the streets.

City Commissioners all agreed to take the closing of the wading pool at Fountain Park off the list of closings.

Mayor Hudson asked about taking bids on the refuse, and asked that we look at all possibilities to save money in the Sanitation Department.

Health & Sanitation Director Amy Welker asked what level of service the Commission wanted to have.

All Commissioners agreed to instead of cutting out the Spring Cleanup, to put a resolution on the next available agenda to raise the rate from $3.50 to $7.00.

It was agreed on by all Commissioners to cancel the March 17, 2008 Piqua City Commission Meeting.

Mayor Hudson thanked everyone for attending.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Work Session at 6:30 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Terry, Vogt, Fess, and Martin. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________
THOMAS D. HUDSON, MAYOR

PASSED: ________________________

ATTEST: _________________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION