City Council Minutes 2013 10 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 15, 2013 Page 11 of 23 Council member Jasiak addressed the Conservation Trust Fund and asked whether the Coal Creek Trail reconstruction is included and whether the estimates will cover the replacement costs. City Manager Fleming explained the budget contains $1 million for trail reconstruction and because the trail is considered a transportation corridor, FEMA should make full reimbursement of 75% of the cost, making the City's contribution $250,000. He noted the golf course reconstruction will not come out of the Conservation Trust Open Space Conservation Fund. Mayor Muckle asked if the $1 million for the reconstruction of trails is budgeted over the next five years. City Manager Fleming reviewed a graph, which illustrated the funding for the trails. Mayor Muckle inquired whether the $180,000 annual payment from Western Golf is still included in the budget. Finance Director Watson confirmed both the $180,000 of revenue from Western Golf and $180,000 of transfers from the Golf Course Fund to the Wastewater Utility Fund were included in the 2014 Recommended Budget. Finance Director Watson also clarified the gross amounts budget for flood reconstruction were $1 million for trails, $2.5 million for the bridge, and $6.5 million for the Golf Course. He explained a lot has changed since October 1st because of the cost estimates for reconstruction. Council member Loo inquired whether the City had a policy for the amount of reserves maintained. City Manager Fleming stated the policy for the General Fund is to maintain at least 15% of annual expenditures in reserve. Finance Director Watson stated there is a policy in the Utility Fund, which is also about 15 %. He noted the City is approaching the limit in the General Fund. City Manager Fleming suggested a policy for the Conservation Trust — Open Space and Parks Fund be to maintain at least $4.25 million in reserves, or the equivalent to acquire simultaneously the top three open space properties in any given year. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Menaker, 1827 W. Choke Cherry Drive, Louisville, CO addressed the Recreation and Senior Center Lobby and the rental fees charged. He voiced his concern the City is charging for small group related arts activities. He felt there should be a public policy to consider exempting them from paying a rental fee. Historic Preservation Funds: City Manager Fleming addressed the concern expressed over increasing expenditures from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for staffing. The recommended increase in HPF support for staffing reflects the increase in staff time spent on historic preservation related activities over the past two years. Staff believes there will continue to be a base level of activities by positions funded from the General Fund. Funding such costs is specifically authorized by voters approving the ballot measure in 2008. The recommended budget proposes the staff funding be