SUNFISH LAKE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING –
DECEMBER 4, 2006
7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Attendants:
Mayor: Molly Park
Councilmembers: Joel
Bennett, and Richard Williams.
City Attorney: Tim
Kuntz
City Building
Official: Russ Wahl
City Engineer: Donald
Sterna
City Planner: Laurie
Shives
City Forester: Mark
Johnson
City Treasurer: Mike Blair
City Clerk: Cathy
Iago
and Members of the General Public
Councilmembers Cathy DeCourcy and Judy MacManus were absent.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor
Molly Park opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. to conduct the Truth in Taxation
Public Hearing as required by State Statute.
2. PRESENTATION: Mayor Park
introduced Treasurer Mike Blair and asked that he provide information regarding
the proposed 2007 Tax Levy and Budget for those in attendance.
Treasurer Blair explained that there are two factors related to the proposed
15.4 percent increase; the first relates to the transition between the former
City Clerk and the hiring of the new Clerk. He noted that the former Clerk Myra
Hamper served as a consultant through the transitional period ending in December
and therefore two salaries were paid during that time period. He explained that
second factor relates to the mandate requiring all metropolitan cities to update
the Comprehensive Plan and asked the Planner to address that issue.
Planner Shives stated that the
Comprehensive Plan update much be completed by 2008 and that the funds were
budgeted in 2007 and the expenditures will take place during the years in order
to meet the 2008 deadline.
Treasurer Blair also noted that the remaining balance of the increase also
reflects inflation and increases in Police and Fire contracts.
The Treasurer referred to the revenue projections and pointed out that in 2007
the Bond Fund Levy reflects the City’s contribution to the Acorn Drive project.
He also pointed out that the State has reinstated Local Government Aid and that
this year the City would receive $3,200; last year there was no LGA contribution
to the cities.
Mr. Blair offered to respond to questions.
Henry Hovey asked the projected average earning for 2007. Mr. Blair responded
4.5 percent.
Councilmember Williams asked what the increase would be based on a per unit tax.
Mr. Blair explained that there have been a few new homes constructed in the City
each year and he believes the increase would be less than $100 per unit. He
noted that the bond fund and Comprehensive Plan update expenditures are mostly
responsible for the increase.
Councilmember Williams noted that the Comprehensive Plan update does not occur
annually, but asked if a reserve fund should be established. The Planner
responded that it is required every 10 years.
Treasurer Blair indicated he does not believe a reserve fund is necessary for
future Comprehensive Plan amendments; however he indicated it may be necessary
to establish a fund for Charlton Road improvements. Engineer Sterna agreed and
advised that Council had previously discussed potential improvements to Charlton
Road.
Councilmember Williams noted that the
reserve fund would be used for all public roads; Mayor Park agreed and pointed
out that Council had also discussed Salem Church Road improvements.
Mayor Park asked if there were any comments from the audience.
Eberhard Bulach asked if the former Clerk Myra Hamper’s salary would continue in
2007.
Mr. Blair responded yes. Mayor Park explained that Myra had served as a
consultant for 35 years and that her position received no benefits. She stated
that Council discussed and concurred to provide one year’s salary to Myra as a
retirement package for her extensive service to the City and as a transitional
salary during the transfer of Clerk’s duties to Ms. Iago.
Mr. Bulach stated he supports the Council decision and that Myra was a dedicated
consultant.
Mayor Park asked if there were any further questions from the public and there
was no response.
Attorney Kuntz pointed out that the Council
is required to conduct this public hearing to provide information on the
percentage increase in the Tax Levy and Budget for 2007 and also the rationale
for the increase. He stated that Council must announced that the matter would be
considered for adoption at the December 12, 2006 Special meeting.
Mayor Park announced that Council would meet at 7:00 p.m. to formally adopt the
2007 Budget and Tax Levy as proposed this evening.
Attorney Kuntz reported that the Tax Levy amount for 2007 would be set at
$335,000 and that is the amount that would be certified to the County pending
its adoption on December 12, 2006.
Treasurer Blair reported he would be available to respond to any further
questions prior to that date.
Mayor Park asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.
3. ADJOURN: Councilmember Williams
moved to close the public hearing and adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m., seconded
by Councilmember Bennett and carried.
Molly Park, Mayor
Catherine Iago, City Clerk
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