5/25/2006 Work Session Minutes COUNCIL PRESENT: Hamrick, Figueras, Bruner, Wangemann COUNCIL VACANCY: Ward 1 Seat STAFF PRESENT: Shuler, Merritt, Jordan Mayor Hamrick called the meeting to order. FIRE ISSUES: Resolution: Rescue 1 Refurbishment Request for Additional Funds Fire Chief Dick Taylor stated the department had been working on a refurbishment plan and had discovered the cost was greater than expected. The Finance Department had worked diligently to assist with funding. In addition, there was a head gasket leak in the relatively new truck. Vehicle maintenance had inspected the vehicle and indicated there were no other mechanical problems, besides the head gasket leak. Chief Taylor recommended proceeding with refurbishment noting a new unit would cost $105,000. He described how the truck is used indicating it also responds to hazardous material incidents. The Chief stated the truck was designed to handle 200,000 miles. It currently had 40,000 miles. Council Member Wangemann questioned the useful life of the 10 year old vehicle compared to purchasing a new vehicle. Placed on the June 6, 2006 Council Meeting Consent Agenda PUBLIC UTILITIES ISSUES: Resolution: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Special Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Grant Environmental and Treatment Manager Steve Payne stated this resolution was related to the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. The City had applied for this grant in the past and had received funding each year. Mr. Payne requested permission to proceed with pursuing these additional funds noting a match was required. The City had contributed $30,000 and expected to gain $204,400. Council Member Figueras confirmed that the City must qualify for the funding even though it was earmarked for Gainesville. It was noted that this was an administrative process that must be followed. Placed on the June 6, 2006 Council Meeting Consent Agenda POLICE ISSUES: Resolution: Secure Our Schools Grant Program Application 2006 Police Chief Frank Hooper stated this grant had been received in the past for the schools. The department must apply for the funds on behalf of the school. The grant will be managed by the Finance Department. The resolution authorized the City to apply for the grant and allowed the City Manager to accept a grant award. He commented on how the funds would be used. Placed on the June 6, 2006 Council Meeting Consent Agenda HUMAN RESOURCES ISSUES: Dental Plan Recommendation Human Resources Director Joan Sheffield proposed a change in the dental carrier noting there were five contenders that resemble the current plan. She discussed the enhancements that would be a part of this change. Mr. Sheffield stated she was scheduled to meet with the vendor later in the day and would prepare a resolution for Council’s consideration. It was clarified that existing employees would not experience a break in service. It was noted that this benefit was optional for employees. CITY MANAGER’S ISSUES: Executive Session City Manager Bryan Shuler requested an executive session for personnel matters. Meeting with the Board of Education City Manager Bryan Shuler stated the meeting with the Board Of Education was scheduled for May 30th after the budget hearing. The agenda will be placed in the Council mailboxes. Budget Hearing City Manager Bryan Shuler stated there were some glitches with the required advertising which disqualified the May 30th hearing from counting as one of the State required hearings. He had made the executive decision to continue this meeting. Council was asked to consider another meeting date to meet State requirements. A budget hearing was scheduled for June 8th at 9:00 AM. ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER’S ISSUES: Executive Session Assistant City Manager Tim Merritt requested an executive session to discuss potential litigation. COUNCIL ISSUES: Council Member Figueras 1. Provided a brief summary of discussion at the community meeting regarding Gaines Mill Road. 2. She had been advised that two transfer stations had been approved in the county in addition to the Waste Management station. This caused her to wonder why another one was needed. She did not want another station placed in Ward 3. 3. Reported a citizen’s inquiry about the Gainesville Hotel after which the City Manager stated it was for sale. 4. Requested an explanation of the budget advertisement and expressed a concern that people would think their taxes were increasing by 19% which was incorrect. The City Manager commented on the state’s advertising requirements and indicated he planned to clearly explain the increase during the budget hearing. 5. She supported the request for Henry Ward Way. 6. Reported big trash items (sofa and chairs) being placed on the curb at 511 College Avenue. 7. Thanked the traffic engineering group for changing the signals and expressed her opinion that traffic was flowing better. Council Member Bruner 1. She reported concerns about portable restrooms on the sidewalks. 2. Attend the Drug Court Graduation Ceremony. 3. Reported concerns about developing a subdivision on Cleveland Highway toward Smithgall Property. There was a need to have an overlay or some type of planning that doesn’t mar or ruin the gardens. The City Manager felt it would be appropriate to have the Planning staff discuss options with the Council. Council Member Wangemann 1. Invited everyone to participate in a community painting project at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) on Saturday from 9:00 AM to noon. 2. Reported 604 West Avenue is still in bad condition. 3. Reported a conversation with Carl Rogers who had indicated there were alternatives to completing the Frances Meadows Community Center Project without increasing the millage rate. One option was to seek grant opportunities noting monies in excess of $1 million were available. He also indicated the City could allow the State to build the project and lease it to the City on an annual basis. The City Manager was asked to explore these items. Council Member Hamrick 1. Reported Mark Fockley was willing to participate in other beautification projects and had specifically expressed interested in helping with the entry ways. 2. Asked if there was anything wrong with the grass on the City stadium field. 3. A group of Longview Drive residents reported a considerable amount of traffic between Holly and Spring Street. They were concerned about the cut through traffic and speed. 4. Requested an update on the Georgia Municipal Association’s Debt Collection Program. 5. Asked if the utility billing accounts were being monitored. 6. Asked if anyone had responded to the letter from Stanley Pearce. CITY CLERK ISSUES: Historic Preservation Reported Kathy Amos’ term on the Historic Preservation Commission would expire soon. She was willing to serve another term. Reappointment placed on the June 6, 2006 Council Meeting Agenda EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel and potential litigation at 10:26 AM. Motion made by Council Member Wangemann Motion seconded by Council Member Figueras Vote – 4 favor, 1 vacancy (Ward 1) COUNCIL PRESENT: Hamrick, Figueras, Bruner, Wangemann COUNCIL VACANCY: Ward 1 Seat STAFF PRESENT: Shuler, Merritt, Motion to close executive session at 10:53 AM. Motion made by Council Member Wangemann Motion seconded by Council Member Figueras Vote – 4 favor, 1 vacancy (Ward 1) ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:53 AM. /dj