Laserfiche WebLink
<br />City Council <br />Study Session Summary <br />DATE <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />dates the Boards and Commissions would present their Work Plans. In addition, Mayor <br />Sisk indicated other matters might conflict with the presentations. <br /> <br />Ms. Marsella also expressed value in the meetings with the Boards and Commissions. <br />She believed this approach would work, and the Council would be apprised as to what is <br />going on, and provide suggestions. <br /> <br />Discussion - City Manager's Goals <br /> <br />Mr. Fleming discussed how he will accomplish his goal of a sustainable Budget. He <br />suggested a series of meetings and presentations for anyone interested. The <br />presentations would include budget items, revenue, capital projects, five year projected <br />fund balances, various taxes, funding requested, as well as items not funded. The <br />public would be able to respond with suggestions, and feel heard. The meetings and <br />presentations would educate the public, as well as encourage feedback from the public <br />on the various proposed projects, sources of revenue needed, and what may need to be <br />scaled back. Mr. Fleming mentioned the fact our economy is at its worst since the <br />depression. Mr. Fleming asked Council Members: Are we headed in the right direction? <br />Do we want the presentations to occur prior to elections? <br /> <br />Ms. Marsella commented that we can provide the information on the City's budget, but <br />Council will have to be champions or go forward in pursuing revenue sources; go to <br />organizations, solicit focus groups, surveys, and public meetings. Ms. Marsella indicated <br />that the presentations would be a great opportunity to explain a use tax. <br /> <br />Ms. Balser discussed the general fund and capital projects, indicating that the <br />conversations with the public would provide an opportunity to educate the public about <br />the distinctions between the general fund and capital projects, fund gaps, options, and <br />what, as a City, we plan to do. Mr. Dalton commented that we could answer the <br />question, What do we need more revenue for? He also stated that this would be a good <br />discussion when the budget is developed in the fall. Ms. Balser stated that this would <br />put the budget in context, and draw feedback from the community on what they are <br />willing to support. <br /> <br />Ms. Marsella commented that the public pays attention when the programs that they are <br />interested in are or will be cut. Mayor Sisk indicated that this is a great time to plant <br />some seeds, and continue the discussion of how and where are we going to go? The <br />comment was that this is also an opportunity to go to the Louisville Times and Daily <br />Camera when nothing is on the agenda. A concern was expressed about the time <br />commitments of the approach to present the budget to the public, and the need for a <br />concentrated audience, and or target specific populations. <br /> <br />Discussion - Energy Report <br /> <br />Mr. Szabados discussed the Public Works interest in alternative energy projects. Mr. <br />Szabados provided information on how the City uses energy. He reviewed the last three <br />years of data to track energy consumption in various City buildings. Mr. Szabados also <br />discussed auditing facilities, lighting, and temperature controls. He stated he stays <br />current with the energy scene and the growth of technology. He is researching possible <br />grants in order to implement strategies to save energy. The report covered prioritizing <br />