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City Council Finance Committee <br />Meeting Minutes <br />05/24/17 <br />Page 3 of 5 <br />Kowar stated that the Underpass project is approximately $225K ahead, and that <br />those savings are available for other miscellaneous work. <br />Finance Committee Members and staff discussed that the Underpass and South <br />Street Projects have resulted in additional scopes of work which were not initially <br />anticipated. The Committee and staff discussed that these projects need to be <br />identified and conveyed to the LRC. Mayor Muckle stated that he believes the <br />LRC has already agreed to help with funding for the South Street Project and that <br />the $325K paid by the LRC is in addition to the 50/50 split initially agreed upon. <br />Council Member Stolzmann requested additional information from Director Kowar <br />on the South Street Project, noting the additional budget request of approximately <br />$400K. Member Stolzmann asked why, as Director Kowar stated, there are <br />savings on the project, additional funding is being requested. Director Kowar <br />stated that contracts negotiated included contingency funds, and the purchase <br />orders encumbered those full amounts. For the savings to be recognized, the <br />contracts and underlying purchase order would need to be amended. <br />Chairperson Stolzmann asked Director Kowar to explain the SCWTP and HBWTP <br />Upgrade budget amendments which total just over $1.5M. Director Kowar stated <br />that a detailed schedule and narrative would be provided for the June 6 City <br />Council meeting. In summary, Director Kowar stated that these amounts will cover <br />the cost of routine maintenance that has been ignored over the years. Member <br />Stolzmann asked about the ongoing operational costs needed to continue such <br />maintenance. Director Kowar stated that the operations budget will not need to be <br />increased for the routine maintenance, and that they will work within the approved <br />operations funding. Director Kowar stated there is new leadership and a renewed <br />culture of pride that will ensure the ongoing repair and maintenance of these <br />facilities. City Manager Fleming commended Director Kowar for his efforts with <br />Public Works staff and in bringing these safety issues to light. <br />Finance Director Watson stated that the improvements may not really be capital <br />improvements, but rather an amendment to the operations budget. Director Kowar <br />stated that the scope of small repairs was so large after so many years of neglect, <br />he felt the costs were more of a one-time expense. Director Kowar stated that <br />going forward, the available operations funding would be used for ongoing <br />maintenance. <br />Council Member Stolzmann asked how these additional projects will impact utility <br />rates. Director Kowar stated they would have negligible impact. <br />Director Kowar asked the Finance Committee for clarification of their concerns <br />regarding the budget amendments. Chairperson Stolzmann stated that, when the <br />budget is out of balance, and there are negative fund balances, she is concerned. <br />10 <br />