CITY OF BERKELEY LAKE
4040 BERKELEY LAKE RD.BERKELEY LAKE, GA 30096-3016
PUBLIC HEARING - 1998/99 BUDGET
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 1, 1998Those in attendance for the City Council meeting were as follows: Council Members: Anthony Arakawa, Kelly Goff, Tom Kitchens, Sherwin Levinson, Sherry Ruys
City Attorney - Dick Carothers
Mayor - Marguerite Cooke
Public Works Director - Bob Flaherty
Zoning Enforcement Officer - Stanley Kelly
City Clerk - Marcie Zielazienski CITIZENS PRESENT - Approximately 50 for Public Hearing
Approximately 20 for Council Meeting
PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Cooke called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. This hearing was called for the purpose of hearing citizen’s comments regarding the proposed budget for 1998/99. Mayor Cooke informed that each citizen would have two (2) minutes to make a comment. A sign-up paper was being circulated. There were two mistakes in the original budget as presented to Council. One was a mathematical typo, which has been corrected. The other was that the License and Permit fees were over estimated. Mr. Kelly has informed that these fees should be $25,000 maximum for the 1998/99 fiscal year. Mayor Cooke reviewed that the budget is the Mayor’s responsibility. However, as the City has grown, it has become more extensive and complex. For this and other reasons related to the City’s finances, she and the Council appointed a Financial Affairs Committee at the beginning of this year to assist in addressing several concerns. Among them, to change the fiscal year to a calendar year; to improve the method of property tax billing; and to formulate and recommend the annual budget. Mayor Cooke introduced the members of the Financial Affairs Committee as follows: Councilman Kelly Goff; Intellectual PropertyAttorney, Ken Massaroni; Certified Public Accountant, Delicia Reynolds; Certified Public Accountant, John Rockers; Certified Public Accountant, Rober Shutt. They are all Berkeley Lake residents, who have volunteered their time and expertise to do this, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. We are very grateful to them for the generous contribution that they have made to the community. She introduced Mrs. Reynolds, who has also done a lot of extra work for the City this year related to the financial statements and the City’s new computer accounting program. Mrs. Reynolds reviewed the proposed budget as presented at the August 4 City Council meeting, with the two changes made. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Rober Shutt (116 Ridge Road) - Three things to talk about - political gridlock, how to make the determination of millage rate, and reserve. Think there is gridlock between the City Council and the Mayor - I think a lot of it started by big city, small city things. We want a small city - we want to keep it small, and we want to make sure we can do that. We can look at these budget figures, and we can talk about all the small differences, but they are really small. The real issue is how are we going to use the surplus. I want to repeat that the Financial Affairs Committee was trying to level the millage rate cut rather than having 7.5, 7.6, then 5.5 for the year 2000. The millage rate is the tax figures divided by the digest figures. We worked with $48,000,000, which was determined by Mr. Kelly Goff, Chairman of the Financial Affairs Committee. If this figure increases or decreases on the digest when it come out, this changes the millage rate, but we usually do not know what the digest figure is until the last week of July. However, the budget, once approved by ordinance, is law and the City can collect that amount. The City Council can change the millage rate but here, I wish to discuss a little about history. The rate, once set, was not changed in the past; it was not changed for 1998, and I do not expect it to be changed for 1999. Ken Massaroni (3424 Chaselton Court) - Am a member of the Financial Affairs Committee, and we recently distributed a memo in order to address a number of omissions, critical factual omissions, that we felt were necessary to have a fully informed statement on tax policy. Think I can speak for the whole committee when we say that we are delighted to see that our memo will have pre-focused the City Council on tax policy for the coming year. My question has never been whether to take money from reserves but how much we could reduce the reserve based upon future considerations. Particularly, since we enjoy a very large cash surplus of approximately 1.2 million. What we want the rest of the citizens to think about is the fact that there are some issues in here which the Financial Affairs Committee has not been able to take a look at. The assumption of a tax digest at $53,000,000 next year might be a little bit more rosy than we, as the Financial Affairs Committee, believe would be appropriate. Forty eight million is probably more appropriate. We would like the City Council to budget the tax millage rate next year more with the realization that we would use approximately $160,000 of the surplus and not make unnecessary or perhaps unwarranted rosy assumptions that we are going to have this much cash next year. We have been over taxed as a City substantially for the last several years in order to come to a 1.2 million surplus. It is time to return a little bit of that to the citizens by not taxing simply quite so heavily in the future. Accordingly, we would like the City Council to consider a budget which assumes that we are going to have at least $160,000 from the surplus used, and if it is not, all the better still. But, lets not make recommendations or assumptions on a number that may not come to pass in the future, when we know that $48,000,000 is a much more reasonable number that we can expect for the next fiscal year. Bernie Cohen (381 Lakeshore Drive) - I am not a member of the Financial Affairs Committee. I think that the City Council has to be somewhat conservative with our surplus. There is a payoff date for the bond. If there is sufficient money when it comes up, you can save a great deal of money in interest. If we are not still here, we save it for whoever is living in the City at that time. It is something like fifty cents on the dollar. It is a great deal of money. The other thing is that you must look carefully at every line item in the budget and what can happen in the year, and it is the responsibility of Council to do this. If the economy goes "sour", for example the $27,000 we get for insurance would be more like $12,000 or $13,000. These things happen. There is $50,000 in there for roads. We do know what it will cost to repair a piece of road in the City. Fortunately, in the newer developments, the roads are much better than in the older portions of the City. This year is the first year we are really going to have to replace some roads, and this is not a $50,000 item. If that figure is reduced or raised, this makes a major difference in the budget. Suggest that the Council look very carefully at every item, examine it and decide whether it is realistic and whether it is something you really want to go with. How do you want to spend our money? You may find the money already in the line items without fooling around with the surplus and the argument that you all are having. Marty Yates (3434 Chaselton Court) - Was very impressed with the credentials of the Financial Committee, who are making recommendations to you. Therefore, I would take their advice and their council very seriously. Why are the attorney fees increasing so substantially this year? Would like to ask Council to do whatever you can in your power to make sure the budget is as lean as possible and do anything within your power to reduce taxes. We do not want to go against the grain of all the citizens and all the cities across America that are trying to reduce taxes to make sure government is run in an appropriate fashion. John Jenkins (3470 Mansions Parkway) - I do not think the issue is as much large city or small city. I think it is city or no city. As a tax payer, I look at the value I receive for my 7.5 mills. I don’t feel a lot of tangible value is being returned to me. When I spoke to a real estate agent recently, they said the tax rates in Berkeley Lake are high, and they are going higher, which actually takes away from the property value rather than adding to it. The City of Duluth has a millage rate of about 7 mills, but they have a full time police force. In the City of Duluth, they do not have to rely on contract help from the County. They have a full time police force for 7 mills. We are proposing 9.5 mills, and we do not have our own. In River Mansions we have a continual vandalism problem in the pool area. We are paying taxes for police protection, but we are not getting it. As far as the surplus, why does a small, back-water town like Berkeley Lake need a million dollars in reserve. That is two to three times the proposed annual budget. What are we doing with this money. I think we are nuts. I think we are being fiscally irresponsible, and I think our Commission and our Mayor need to take heed of this. Our Mayor ran on a platform of making this a better place to live by making the taxes go down, and instead of having the taxes go down, we are looking at another fifty percent increase in taxes. In two years they have taken our taxes from 3 mills to over 9.5 mills. This is what they are proposing. This Council, this Mayor, this Finance Committee has no fiscal responsibility. They have no concern for those of us who are paying the bills.
(applause) Mayor Cooke - Clarified to Mr. Jenkins that the Mayor and Finance Committee recommended that the present tax rate be lowered to 6.25%. The 7.6% was an amendment, which was made by the Council, to the budget. Nick Lore (50 Lakeshore Drive) - Would like to thank the Mayor and Council for the healthy debate. Frankly, I think this is very good. Wish to make some statements. I would like to ask the Council and the Mayor if they agree on the expenses of the budget,and do you agree on the income as it is proposed now? I assume you have agreed on the budget, so the question really is whether to spend some of the surplus funds. I think "deficit spending" is a misnomer. You would have to be spending money you don’t have. I think you have the money. I would appreciate it if you did not use the word "deficit". To Council, what are your concerns about the surplus? What is the threshold where you feel there is a concern? If you feel like creating a concern for the citizens, I would like to know what that is. Then, when we can address that issue, I think the citizens can do a better job of informing you of what we think our issues are. Jane Hardwick (770 Lakeview Lane) - Agree with most of those who have spoken about the need to examine the line items, and I question the road system as Mr. Cohen did. I’m questioning the City Attorney fees, not that he is not "worth his salt". We need help, but I think we need to stay out of law suits by being a little more amicable in our dealings with citizens. Also, question why we can’t put more pressure on the County to furnish us police protection that we are paying for through our taxes and get very little of in our City, because we are a City. Mayor Cooke reviewed two letters from two residents, David Garramone (3581 Mansions Parkway) and Marcy Medinger (3531 Mansions Parkway), who wished to comment on the budget but could not be at this public hearing. Their communications are attached to these minutes. Sonja Sanders (4525 River Mansions Trace) - Agree with the comments that have been made by the other residents from River Mansions. Understand that the City is supposed to provide services for the community, and we do not see this. Would like to question the Director of Roads and Public Works, which is a new added position. This City is so small, I do not see that is necessary. There are also a lot of other offices that I do not recognize very much a need for, but that is the one that stuck out in my mind the most. For a City that is growing, as far as administration, and giving fewer and fewer things to the citizens that are in the community, I think that we are in a downward spiral, I don’t see the need for a City. The City Charter, to me, is not necessary, and I would propose going ahead and doing away with the Charter. Mayor Cooke - Wished to clarify that the anticipated expenditures for a Director of Roads and Public Works, which she and the Council saw a great need for when we began this administration, is costing approximately $5,000 per year. Some people may have a very different idea of what a Director of Roads and Public Works would cost the City. We are keeping him extremely busy since the tornado. Bill Brinegar (458 Lakeshore Drive) - Asked if there is going to be any kind of response to all these comments. We have a meeting with a lot of people making comments, and then it just dies. Would like a response. Mayor Cooke - Normally, we only hear comments at a public hearing. We could answer some questions if they could be answered rather quickly and rather simply, but think that it may be a benefit to the citizens if they would stay for the Council meeting, and if the majority of Council would like to change the order on the agenda and have the discussion on the budget for the fiscal 1998/99 first, then we will do that. Marty Yates - Madam Mayor, do you know what your salary is compared to other municipalities. How is it in comparison to Lawrenceville or Duluth? Mayor Cooke - Think they get $4,000 to $5,000. The mayor in Berkeley Lake gets $9,400. Wondered about this myself, even before I got on Council. Checked into it and find these other cities have a city manager or a city administrator, and the salary for those people varies somewhere between $60,000 to $70,000. In this City we have no City administrator or manager. It is too small, so anything done by this personnel in other cities pretty much falls on the mayor in Berkeley Lake. __________ After a brief recess, Mayor Cooke called the City Council meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Levinson motioned for Council to consider the budget as the first (agenda) item after the invocation and then to proceed with the agenda as stated. Mr. Goff seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. INVOCATION: Mr. Nick Lore presented the Invocation.__________ FOURTEEN MONTH FISCAL YEAR BUDGET - 1998/99:Mr. Levinson motioned that the budget preliminarily adopted by the Council on August 4, 1998 and discussed at the public hearing today, be amended by the Council as follows: 1. That the tax anticipated to be collected be reduced from $364,800 to $347,007 assuming a tax digest of approximately $53,386,000, this would mean a millage rate of 6.5 mills for the budget year; 2. That the other tax projected to be collected be increased from the $23,333 in the adopted budget to a total of $30,333, based on anticipated collection for this year of $26,000, which is the same monthly rate that I am proposing be adopted; 3. That the permit fees be reduced from $58,333, as adopted by the Council last month, to a total of $20,000; 4. These changes, when taken together, would modify the amount to be taken from reserve from $108,743 to $106,204. Mrs. Ruys seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous.
(Revised budget attached). Mr. Levinson - Addressed some of the reasons for the above stated amendments and also some of the concerns heard this evening. The changes are on the income side of the budget and would result in a millage rate of 6.5 anticipated for the coming year, which is identical with the millage rate that was levied this current year. However, the actual levy, not set until August and being able to meet this budget means meeting the taxes that are expected to be collected by keeping expenses under control. Is personally concerned about preserving the City’s reserve fund in that the City faces a debt of approximately 2.8 million dollars right now. Whether or not anybody voted for the bond issue, the reality is that we have it, and that is what the City owes. Most of the bond cannot be redeemed until January 1 of 2007. That may seem like a long way off, but there is about $2,000,000 that is going to be needed if we are going to redeem any of those bonds early. Roughly $800,000 worth of bonds will be paid off by that point, plus interest expense. That is why the tax rate is what it is. Not to minimize the difference between a 6.25 millage rate and a 6.5 millage, it is about an average of $40 to $50 per tax bill, but this is not huge. It is not like the difference between 9 mills and 6 mills. The Council believes a rate of 6.5 can be sustained all the way out to the year 2020 if that is how the citizens and the future government of the City choose to deal with the bond issue. We would like to somehow build reserves so that some of those bonds can be paid off early. For every dollar that we pay off on 2007, we save .50 cents in interest expense from that point on. Wish to suggest a goal of paying off $1,000,000 worth of those bonds with the reserves we have. With frugality for the next 7 to 9 years, this will save all of us $500,000. We do not know what the future will bring. The reserves seem large. I agree that the reserves are going to be about 1.2 million dollars by the end of November. Of that, the City needs to have a little over $300,000 to pay the bills for the coming year, because the City won’t collect property tax income again until the following October. There’s $123,000 in the City’s reserves that we do not know for certain can be spent on bond repayment. We hope it can, and we will asking the City Attorney to confirm this. We believe a $500,000 emergency reserve is a reasonable amount in case of a disaster. If something happens to the dam or if a road gets washed out by a storm, the expense could be enormous. The only recourse to a reserve is to assess more taxes because the City is responsible for paying for these things. The State allows the City to assess upwards of a 40 mill rate. It could be argued how much the City needs. If it came down to having a reserve or paying off bonds, would vote for paying off bonds early. Will suggest to Council to discuss at planning meeting how to deal with the future and that we do not plan on taking any more of our reserves until we hear how the whole City wants to deal with it. That was the thinking behind setting these budget rates, and I do not think there is any substances difference between what the Council intends to pass and what was recommended by the Financial Affairs Committee. Mr. Goff - The income from the reserve this year will be in excess of $30,000. Without those reserves and the interest return from that we would have had a 10% higher tax rate. The bigger the reserve, the more the interest, and all of us are better off in the long run. Mrs. Ruys - About the 7.6 mill rate, the City Council set a working budget of 7.6 mills. We never intended to set the millage rate next August, when it is time to that, at 7.6.
__________ Mr. Levinson moved that Council proceed with citizens comments at this point.
Mrs. Ruys seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. DISCUSSION ENSUED with a number of citizens making comments and expressing their concerns regarding City finances. A number of citizens supported the idea of paying off some of some of the bonds early, and several questions and answers were heard on this subject. One or two citizens would prefer to sell the greenspace and give the money back to the residents. Shorter term bonds have lower interest rates while longer term bonds have higher interest rates. The average interest rate for the bond, according to the schedule is 6.37. The schedule goes all the way out to the year 2021. It was suggested that there could possibly be another public hearing for the residents to discuss whether they would like to pay a higher tax rate in order to pay off half of the bonds by the year 2007. The tax rate would need to be about 7.2 mills through the year 2006 to get half the bonds paid off. There is a 1% premium for paying off the bonds January 1, 2007. On January 1, 2008 there is no premium. A 1% premium against 6% interest for another year would be a bargain. If a 7.2 millage rate were assessed to the year 2006, then it could possibly drop as low as 4.6 with paying off half the bonds. After the bonds are paid, the tax rate can probably be around 3.6. A couple of citizens felt that about $100,000 could be cut out of the expense side of the budget. A citizen suggested that Council should establish performance commitments that are measurable and trackable for each of the administrative expenditures, and to make a commitment to the community to report on a quarterly basis how these performance commitments are being met. More discussion ensued about the millage rate and what can be done to lower it in the future. The City will have about 1.4 million dollars in this bank this year after this years taxes are collected. Approximately $500,000 of this should be set aside to cover any disaster that might occur and $250,000 could be discretionary. The rest, about $300,000, is needed to pay the City’s bills. This means that the City has approximately $800,000 more than it needs to pay its current bills. Mr. Levinson, as a citizen, of Berkeley Lake would like this to be held to pay off the bond as soon as possible. A citizen expressed appreciation for the openness of Council - for being willing to listen. Has been involved in a lot of different places, and this is one of the more open discussions. Seems to be a real interest in getting comments. A citizen encouraged those who have not taken the time to enjoy the lake and beach to do so. Suggested that, otherwise, these resident are missing the essence of the community. Never wanted to see different subdivisions with different names in Berkeley Lake. If the whole community was simply "Berkeley Lake", there would not be any perceived division, and there would not be six (6) different homeowners associations in the City. The citizen comment time was brought to a close, and the regular meeting resumed.
__________ On another matter and a little later into the meeting Mrs. Emily Dennisson (3935 S. Berkeley Lake Road) expressed her appreciation to the City government for getting the flashing light "traffic entering road" signals installed near her driveway. She explained that entering Berkeley Lake Road from her driveway was becoming a greater and greater hazard, with her barely escaping serious injury from a recent accident as she was entering the road. She and her neighbors are most grateful for the consideration and effort that went into getting these warning lights installed.
__________ A question was raised as to whether there was enough money budgeted for the salary of the Director of Roads and Public Works. After a short discussion, Mr. Goff motioned to take the average hours (63.1) as presented by Mr. Flaherty and to amend his salary to $7,600 per year. Mr. Levinson seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. Mayor Cooke clarified that this was for the 14 month fiscal year.
__________ Mr. Levinson moved that the excess bond funds be used for the next bond principal and interest payment and that the treasurer be directed to do so and publish the necessary notices associated with that. Mrs. Ruys seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous.
__________ Mr. Goff motioned to postpone discussion (of the establishment of a sinking fund) until the next Council meeting to give the Financial Affairs Committee an opportunity to meet and discuss this. Mr. Levinson seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous.
__________ The Mayor and City Council Members asked for the following corrections (boldface type) to the minutes of the August 4, 1998 City Council meeting: Page 6, first paragraph - Berkeley Field should be changed to Berkeley Walk;
Page 6, last paragraph - meeting was held in Chapel on July 18;
Page 15, 4th paragraph, "never assumed" is an incorrect quote. Correct paragraph by rewording to read as follows:
"Mr. Goff said the Financial Affairs Committee, which he chairs, discussed the 14 month budget at 6.25 mills. There as some heated discussion - he did not agree with this mill rate - but 6.25 was not recommended. Mayor Cooke said she was at the meeting and recalled that the committee had recommended this millage rate for 1998/99. She said she can defend this."
Page 13, 4th paragraph, Mr. Kitchens will oversee Goal # 4.
Page 16, 2nd paragraph from bottom, change Miramont to Berkeley Walk;
Page 12, 5th paragraph, change 90 days to 60 days;
Page 13, 6th paragraph, add, "Vote for approval of the motion was unanimous."
In the Budget Ordinance, 4-205 should be corrected to say that the late penalty is nine percent rather than five percent. In Section 4-207, may be should be changed to may by. Mr. Carothers will have this done and will provide a corrected copy. Mrs. Ruys motioned to accept the minutes of the August 4, 1998 meeting with the corrections noted. Mr. Levinson seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous.
__________ Mr. Levinson motioned to accept the financial reports for months ending July 31 and August 31 (1998). Mrs. Ruys seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous.
__________ The Zoning Enforcement Officer’s report had been distributed to Council for their review prior to the meeting (attached). With no questions forthcoming, Mayor Cooke asked that the report be approved as submitted. There were no objections, so Mayor Cooke noted approval.
__________ The Police Officer’s report was reviewed. A citizen asked why the City could not get adequate police protection from the County as this is part of what County taxes are supposed to be used for. Officer Dunlap explained that the people outside the cities in greater Gwinnett County are not getting their share of police protection either. In a county of over 500,000 people, there are only approximately 350 police officers. The guidelines for acceptable coverage are that for every 1000 people, there should be one police officer. The County is hiring 10 to 15 officers per month and losing 25. Officer Dunlap told the citizens that they are very fortunate to have a Mayor and Council that are using what limited funds they have, without raising the taxes, to get Berkeley Lake additional protection. Asked citizens to address any particular concerns they might have to the Mayor or Council, especially Mr. Arakawa, who is Chairman of the Traffic Control Committee. If there are any particular problems anywhere, Officer Dunlap needs to be notified so he can respond. The "no parking" sign placement at the school was discussed. It was determined that Mr. Arakawa would pursue this matter with Gwinnett County DOT. Officer Dunlap stressed that if there is a problem in the community, 911 should be called. If he or another of the officers is in the area working for the City, the dispatcher will know this and will send the call to them. If not, the closest car in the area will be sent. By calling 911, there will always be a response to the call. With no further further questions forthcoming, Mayor Cooke asked that the report be approved as submitted. There were no objections, so Mayor Cooke noted approval.
__________ The report of the Director of Roads and Public Works, Mr. Flaherty, was reviewed (attached). Some discussion ensued about the effluent pipeline that is to be installed along Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Mr. Carothers informed that the decision has been made to move the line across Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to the side away from the City. The County is very aware of the City’s concerns regarding this pipeline. A Mr. Frank Stevens has offered to attend a meeting at Berkeley Lake to give information and answer questions. There are a number of issues such as the time table for installation, how the contractor plans to control sediment runoff, disaster control, etc. A question was raised about the sidewalks being proposed and what side of Peachtree Industrial they are to be installed on. Mr. Carothers suggested this might be a question for Mr. Stevens. Regarding pavement damage, Mr. Flaherty informed that he has toured the whole City with contractors. One contractor, Cooper Paving is the contractor that does routine maintenance for the City of Sugar Hill. He suggested that it would be better for the City of Berkeley Lake financially and functionally to develop a contract with a company to do such work, as needed. It takes a great deal of time to meet with contractors, solicit bids, etc., each time there is a problem. Having a contractor that could be simply be called in would alleviate a lot of problems. Council is concerned as to whether access to the greenspace is discouraged well enough. Mr. Goff would like to see a nice, high berm there at the equipment entrance road. Mr. Flaherty explained that a number of things can be done - a high berm, dig a ditch, and plant trees. All these things can be done if Council wishes. For now, the plan is to do berms and to place logs in the road path. With no further questions forthcoming, Mayor Cooke asked that the report be approved as submitted. There were no objections, so Mayor Cooke noted approval.
__________ Because there are a number of issues to be addressed and some time has passed already, Mayor Cooke asked Council if they would like to omit the committee reports from this evenings agenda. There was a general consensus to hold these reports until the next meeting and proceed with the rest of the agenda. MAYOR PROTEM SELECTION/REMAINDER OF 1998:Mrs. Ruys motioned that Mr. Goff be appointed as the Mayor pro tem for the remainder of 1998. Mr. Arakawa seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. HOMEOWNERS ADVISORY BOARD ORDINANCE - SECOND READ:Mr. Goff motioned to accept the Homeowners Advisory Board Ordinance as amended for a second read and approval. Mr. Arakawa seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. ROADS - ROAD MAINTENANCE:Assuming that Cooper Paving is licensed and bonded and that Mr. Flaherty has checked their work with other cities to make sure it has been acceptable, Mr. Arakawa motioned to accept the bid of Cooper Paving as presented by Mr. Flaherty and to authorize Mr. Flaherty to enter into the agreement with Cooper Paving. Mr. Goff seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. Mr. Levinson motioned to authorize Mr. Flaherty’s acceptance of a bid for the right-of-way work not to exceed $25,000 once he has received three (3) bids. Mrs. Ruys seconded the motion. (Some discussion ensued.) After some concerns were debated regarding the differences between bid amounts stated, Mr.. Levinson motioned to postpone the vote on the motion till the next meeting. Mrs. Ruys seconded, and vote for approval of this motion was unanimous. CITY OWNED CUL-DE-SAC EASEMENT:Mr. Levinson motioned that the City Council direct Mr. Carothers to proceed with exploring this matter (cul-de-sac land maintained by homeowners on Lakeview Lane) and bring the City Council a recommendation and a cost estimate at the next meeting. Mr. Arakawa seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. COUNCIL MEETING DATE CHANGE:Mrs. Ruys reported that her informal poll of the Council Members informs that all of them would like to change the meeting date. Changing the date from the first Tuesday would mean that those who wish could then attend the County Commission meetings, which are scheduled for that day. The preferences were for the second Wednesday or the second Thursday. After a short discussion, Mr. Levinson motioned for a first read of an ordinance to change the date of the regular City Council meetings to the second Thursday of each month. Mrs. Ruys seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. Mr. Levinson moved that the next meeting be held on October 8th, 1998, Mr. Arakawa seconded, and vote for approval of the motion was unanimous. CHAPEL LEASE AGREEMENT:Mr. Carothers reviewed that there were two changes in the Chapel lease agreement (attached). If the City uses the building more than 24 times the Chapel Association wants the City to pay $85.00 per use, and the building is scheduled for use on a "first come - first serve" basis. Mr. Levinson motioned to ratify the Chapel lease (attached) as amended and authorize the Mayor to execute same. Mrs. Ruys seconded the motion, and vote for approval was unanimous. FOURTEEN MONTH FISCAL YEAR BUDGET - 1998/99:Mr. Carothers questioned as to whether there had been a motion to approve the amended budget. Mayor Cooke polled the Council as to whether it had been their intent and was their understanding that the budget was approved as amended. There was unanimous consensus of Council that this was their intent.
__________ THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, MR. LEVINSON MOTIONED FOR ADJOURNMENT. MR. KITCHENS SECONDED, AND VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS. THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WAS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 8, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Marcie E. Zielazienski City Clerk/Treasurer
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