2009-04-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 APPROPRIATION : ANNUAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FY 2010 Mr. O’Connell reviewed revenue and expenditures changes made to the budget. Mr. Taliaferro said that if we have further decreases in our assessments it would be a concern to him to add the efficiency position. He said he cannot support it at this time. Ms. Edwards said she is concerned where the gap will be if we do not have the position to address efficiency. Mr. Huja said each department should be responsible for its own efficiencies. Mr. O’Connell said it will be difficult for staff to do in-depth agency reviews as well as departmental reviews. He said the accountability for the economic stimulus money will take a lot of work for existing staff. He said the level of what can be done will be diminished with the new position. Mr. Norris said when the idea for the position was initially floated he did not support it, but he is more inclined to lately given what Council is asking staff to do, including how money could be better spent with agencies. Dr. Brown said he does not recall that being mentioned, and is hearing a different need now. He said he will reconsider it before the final reading of the budget. He asked if the position could be filled for one or two years. He said it may be better to contract with someone for the agency review issue. Ms. Edwards said she understood that the position would be used to do internal audits for departments, the same as with agencies. He said this would be a good time to look at recommendations of the efficiency study and a good time to look at change. She said the City will have less money in the next few years. Mr. Norris said he agrees with Dr. Brown’s suggestion. Ms. Edwards said she supports removing the matching funds for the Meadowcreek Parkway in the CIP and using it for sidewalks and greenspace. Mr. Norris, referring to comments made by Mr. Pfaltz, noted that the economic development fund has been built up over a number of years. Dr. Brown made a motion to approve the budget appropriation as is, with the efficiency position included, and amending it on second reading if necessary. Mr. Taliaferro seconded the motion and the FY 2010 Budget Appropriation was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. REPORT : BELMONT BRIDGE DESIGN Mr. Jim Tolbert said that design work is about to begin on the Belmont Bridge, with MMM chosen to do the work. He said staff wants to find out any concerns or issues that Council has. He said the funds are expected to be available in 2014 for the $9 million project. He said the design process is expected to take two years. He said the project is federally funded. He said the process will include community involvement. Mr. Huja said it needs to be quality design like the Main Street Bridge. He said he would also like to see a bike lane. Dr. Brown suggested looking to the BAR as well as having a public process. He said he would like to see enhanced pedestrian access. Mr. Norris said he agrees with comments made by Mr. Huja and Dr. Brown.