1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Norm Childress called the study session to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Present were: Mayor Childress and Councilmembers Helen Darr, Bill Flory, Pam Horner, Jan McDonald, Robert Morales, Javier Rodriguez and Joan Souders.

Staff present were: City Administrator Scott D. Staples, City Attorney Jack Maxwell, City Clerk Anita Palacios and City Treasurer John Myers.

2. 5-YEAR FINANCIAL FORECAST

In 2005, a 6-Year Budget Estimate & Forecast worksheet was developed and presented to Council. At the February 20^th study session, Council reviewed an updated forecast worksheet reflecting a 5-Year Budget Forecast. During review and discussion, Council requested that a scenario of an increase of 1% in city utility taxes be presented at a future study session. In a subsequent meeting with Councilmembers Morales and Souders to review the information and results of the February 20^th study session, it was requested that additional scenarios be prepared for a 2% and 3% increase in the city utility taxes. The following five worksheets were distributed; the original 6-year forecast from the Spring of 2005, the 5-Year Budget Forecast from the February 20^th study session, and worksheets reflecting 1%, 2% and 3% increases in city utility taxes. The current expense fund would continue to experience expenditure increases greater than increases in resources. The fund balance would decrease. The worksheets illustrated that each 1% increase in utility taxes on the city’s water, sewer and garbage utilities would generate sufficient resources to extend by one year the point in time when the current expense fund experiences a declining fund balance. In addition to the impact on the city’s current expense fund, Council also requested that an estimate be made on the impact of a resident’s utility bill and also the industrial user impact. It was estimated that the 1% tax related increase on a residential utility bill for a user of 7,000 gallons of water and one garbage container would be about $0.64 per month. An average industrial billing impact was much more difficult to arrive at. There was a wide variance in total billing amounts and a relative few number of users. Based on 2006 consumption, the monthly impact on an industrial account could range between $0.39 and $977.41 a month. A mathematical average should probably not be used when considering industrial impact. One could calculate 1% of a current bill and be very close to what the 1% tax increase would be. As with other utility taxes receipted into the current expense fund, these funds were general, unrestricted revenues and may be used as the Council deems necessary to deliver services to Grandview citizens.

Following considerable discussion, Council instructed staff to develop a new worksheet illustrating a phased in utility tax increase of 1% each year over the course of five years. Staff was also instructed to schedule a meeting with industrial users to share information, and establish dates for two public hearings.

3. CODE ENFORCEMENT/NUISANCE CODE – 2006/2007 CITY COUNCIL TARGET

City Administrator Staples advised Council that staff had met and outlined existing weaknesses/ threats, strengths/opportunities and proposed solutions with respect to code enforcement/ nuisance code as follows:

Existing Weaknesses/Threats

· Staffing levels

· Legal process is cumbersome

· Lack of $ to abate nuisances

· Appeal process needs to be changed

· Input from staff in development of ordinances

· Program is reactive, not proactive

· Lack of consistency in enforcement in past

· Lack of follow thru in past

· Education of City employees in expectations

· Perception that Council has not always supported enforcement efforts when resident objects

· Lack of public education efforts with residents

· Need to review current codes to achieve maximum clarity

· Need to clarify expectations for employees and residents

Strengths/Opportunities

Increased attention on Fire Code enforcement
Increased positive interaction with residents to obtain voluntary compliance
Spring clean-up
Increased attention to detail and follow thru
Nuisance ordinance has been helpful in that it consolidates provisions in one spot
Faster attention to graffiti
Improved communication/coordination among departments

Proposed Solutions

Convert to Hearing Examiner system
Adopt 2006 International Property Maintenance Code to improve effectiveness of program and provide additional tools
Develop formal mechanism for employees to make written referrals of code enforcement issues to Code Enforcement Officer
Make certain that City is leading by example relating to City properties
Develop a public education plan to include use of City picnics, City website, brochure for City residents, visits to schools, and use of Americorps, Explorers and high school seniors
Move forward with code review project to update and modernize code
Provide laptop technology to Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Captain to improve productivity and customer service for field inspections
Modify GMC Section 8.24.085(A)(2) from 60 days to 12 months regarding gang activity to improve enforcement effectiveness
Create a code enforcement revolving fund

Following considerable discussion, Council agreed to move forward with the proposed solutions outlined by staff and entertain a budget amendment to provide funds for a hearing examiner, laptop computers, and a code enforcement revolving fund.

4. ADJOURNMENT

The study session adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

__________________________ __________________________

Mayor Norm Childress Anita Palacios, City Clerk