|
|
Home » City Government » Council » Minutes Archives; 2000 - 2003 » 2002 Council Minutes » May 15, 2002
May 15, 2002
The Lindon City Council held a Work Session at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, in the Lindon City Center Council Chambers at 100 North State Street, Lindon, Utah.
Conducting: Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor
PRESENT
Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor
Lindsey Bayless, Councilmember
James A. Dain, Councilmember
Jerald I. Hatch, Councilmember
Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator
Kristen Colson, Finance Director/Treasurer
Venla Gubler, Administrative Clerk ABSENT
Jeff Acerson, Councilmember
H. Toby Bath, Councilmember
The Meeting began at 7:16 P.M.
WORK SESSION
Mayor Ellertson observed that there were a few people scheduled to address the Council with budget issues, specifically the representatives of the Lindon/Pleasant Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Lindon Days Chairpersons. Past President Dustin Sweeten, President Phil Patt, and President-Elect Carmen Richins of the Lindon/Pleasant Grove Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to address the Council. Mr. Patt informed the Council that Executive Director Sandy Siebold was no longer with the Chamber. They are planning a part time position with a volunteer intern to help replace her. They are taking applications for an aggressive sales person for the part time position. The job description of the part time Sales Director is to contact the businesses in Pleasant Grove and Lindon to join the Chamber. He is also arranging for incentives for businesses to join.
Mr. Patt asked for funding of $9,000 from Lindon to pay this part time position. There was a discussion of the Chamber dues and how they compare to other Chambers. Mr. Patt disclosed that membership in a neighboring Chamber of Commerce is down 22 percent and conjectured that this was because of the increase in membership dues.
Mr. Sweeten informed the Council that the Lindon/Pleasant Grove Chamber of Commerce had lowered their budget projections because of lower employee wages. He disclosed that the percentage of members in Pleasant Grove and Lindon were 60/40 respectively, and the budget amount requested reflected that percentage. He noted that the Chamber membership had increased the past year, but not much. The previous personnel was not comfortable with visiting in person with businesses. He expressed the opinion that he would like to see a more aggressive approach so that the Chamber will grow. Mr. Sweeten asserted his belief that the Chamber is a benefit to both cities. The Chamber represents business, and some businesses pay for it by becoming a member and some don’t. He observed that he would like to see both cities take a pro business stance and help stimulate business. He commented that active, successful business promotes more business. They draw off each other. He added that the Chamber is still in the infant stages and cannot stand on its own yet. Mr. Patt commented that expansion is anticipated with the growth generated by the new interchange.
The various ways that Lindon City and the Chamber of Commerce could work together were discussed. It was noted that the City provides a list of new businesses licenses to the Chamber each month. Council attendance at ribbon cuttings was requested. Mayor Ellertson thanked the Chamber leadership for their contribution to the community and informed them that the Council would take their request under advisement.
Mr. Dameron informed the Council that the Lindon Days chairpersons would be present at 8:00 p.m. Mayor Ellertson suggested that the Council address other budget issues in the interim. He asked what effect the opening of a new Home Depot may have on Lindon’s sales tax revenue. Councilmember Dain agreed that there may be an undisclosed impact on Lindon’s budget. The Council discussed this. Finance Director/Treasurer Kristen Colson informed the Council that her figures anticipate less growth in the 2002/2003 budget. Mr. Dameron observed that there had been no dramatic drop in sales tax revenues in Lindon in response to 9/11. Councilmember Dain commented on the consistently excellent business reported from Utah Auto Sales.
Ms. Colson asked the Council if they had any questions on her handout of the proposed budget. There were none. There was discussion of the Chamber of Commerce request. The Council next addressed budget issue number one, the certified tax rate. Mayor Ellertson commented that the certified tax rate goes down each year to keep each property owner’s tax payment to Lindon the same each year. The City is required to initiate the truth in taxation process before changing the certified tax rate. The only increase the City has seen in revenues from property tax each year is the growth of homes and businesses by new construction. Councilmember Dain observed that if the City did decide to increase the certified tax rate, it would be the first time in ten years. He noted that it had been talked about for several years, but never done. He asked if there was an estimate of how much revenue this may accrue. Mr. Dameron replied that the County figures the certified tax rate that will generate the income to the City that has been approved.
Councilmember Bayless asked if other neighboring communities had raised their certified tax rate in recent years. Mr. Dameron replied that it had happened, but was not a regularly occurring event. Mr. Dameron commented that there has been much publicity on the deficits in government this year. He questioned the timing of appearing to raise taxes this year. Councilmember Dain agreed and then commented that Issue number two, Franchise taxes, also has the appearance of raising taxes. He suggested that the Council consider one or the other, but not both. Mayor Ellertson commented that the City should have a legitimate reason to increase taxes, such as assigning the accrued income to a specific project that would benefit the citizens of Lindon.
Ms. Colson commented that the County is considering bringing the ZAP tax before the residents of Utah County for a vote. The funds that could come to Lindon by this tax were discussed. Mayor Ellertson disclosed that there had been discussion on a transportation tax instead of the ZAP tax. The amount of the transportation tax and the proposed use of the funds were discussed. Ms. Colson verified that the additional funding that would accrue to the City by changing the certified tax rate could be earmarked for capital improvements and not city operation. Commissioner Councilmember Dain commented that this may be a lean year and not the right time to consider this move. He suggested that the City consider reducing costs to a minimum like many homeowners are being forced to do. Mr. Dameron commented that it is a common view that the property tax pays for public safety. The public safety budget was discussed.
Councilmember Dain asked about implementing the findings of the salary survey. Mayor Ellertson replied that he was still thinking about how to apply the findings of the salary survey. Councilmember Bayless returned to the budget issues. She asked if the garbage increase is a pass through of a tipping fee increase from the special service district. Mr. Dameron replied that the increase is not a pass through, but a inflationary consumer price index increase. Mayor Ellertson asked if there had been justification offered to show that the garbage company had actually experienced this inflationary increase. Mr. Dameron replied no. Mayor Ellertson asked if the company would cancel the contract if the increase was denied. The termination clause of the contract was discussed.
Councilmember Bayless suggested that the Council indicate which items should remain on the budget issue list for further discussion. Councilmember Dain agreed and suggested that Budget Issues One through Three should remain and be discussed further. The issue concerning employee insurance was discussed. It was disclosed that the URMMA would not be offering health insurance as previously discussed. Mayor Ellertson asked how other cities are offering their employees health insurance. This was discussed along with the amount of the increase proposed by Lindon’s current carrier. It was noted that Lindon employees are not making a contribution to their own health insurance premiums as yet. It was observed that the Lindon Days Chairpersons were ready for their presentation.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce & Lisa Armstrong passed a handout of their projected budget to the Council and explained that they projected a net expense of about $10,000. Councilmember Dain verified that the typical budget for the event is $13,000 plus an additional $6,000 for fireworks and final evening entertainment.
Each event, day by day, was discussed, including the projected income and expenses. There was discussion of refreshments at various events and whether to charge for them, or provide them for free. Discussion was held on insurance risks to the City from the rodeo games. The attractions at the Fair were described. Ms. Armstrong noted the chairpersons of the individual events and informed the Council that she was attempting to spread the work among more individuals this year.
There was note of events eliminated from this year’s schedule because of lack of interest in previous years, or not enough advance notice, a conflict of location and/or lack of a chairman for the event.
The Council asked the Armstrongs to be considering their successor for next year. There was a discussion of the cancelled car show and the method of charging for the fair rides. There was discussion of documentation of donations. It was noted that the entertainment prior to the fireworks would be a hypnotist show.
Ms. Armstrong commented that her chairman for the rodeo was not here to discuss the addition of steer roping, calf roping and/or team roping to the list of rodeo events. She noted that he had access to chutes, but his concern is the insurance. Councilmember Dain agreed that there may be liability concerns by the City’s insurance carrier. The Council discussed insurance issues and asked Mr. Dameron to check into the possibility of an event policy. Councilmember Dain suggested that the City could probably add the team roping event without an event policy. Ms. Armstrong asked about Council representation at each of the events, who was in charge of the rodeo royalty, and volunteers for the fair dunking booth. Councilmember Bayless informed Ms. Armstrong that Laurie Lori Esteban was in charge of the Rodeo Royalty. There was discussion on the use of the park for the fair, rodeo and fireworks. The Armstrongs were advised to contact City Planner Kevin Smith to arrange the broadcasting system. There was a problem reported with an electrical outlet in the park.
Mr. Armstrong reported that there are complaints about those making money on Lindon Days, in particular, the non-city-sponsored rodeo. Councilmember Bayless observed that these organizations do not make money. Mayor Ellertson agreed that there is a perception that these private organizations make money on Lindon Days. Ms. Colson suggested that the banner for the event clarify that it is a “fundraiser” for the 4H or the riding club. There was a discussion of sign ups for the event going through the City and the complications that may arise. Ms. Armstrong asked about the addition of a Mayor’s walk in conjunction with the fun run. Mayor Ellertson suggested an alternative of Monday evening for the Mayor’s walk. Ms. Armstrong asked about the Grand Marshals for the parade and the possibility of a fireside speaker. Ms. Colson volunteered her husband’s help for the Basketball Three on Three tournament. The Mayor thanked the Armstrongs for coming and the work they have accomplished in putting together the Lindon Days events.
The remaining budget issues were discussed. It was decided to keep the employee issues open for more discussion, but to only include the increase for the consumer price index in the budget figures. The tuition reimbursement proposal was discussed and Ms. Colson was asked to research private industries for their policies concerning tuition reimbursement programs. It was decided to eliminate the Franchise tax issue from future discussions. Ms. Colson was asked to implement the culinary and sewer increases in the budget. Mayor Ellertson suggested that it was good policy to institute an annual review of the culinary and sewer fees and to adjust them appropriately. The impact fee study was discussed briefly. Mayor Ellertson thanked Ms. Colson for her hard work.
COUNCILMEMBER DAIN MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 9:13 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVED - June 12, 2002
_______________________________________
Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator/Recorder
_______________________________________
Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor |
|
|
