City Council Minutes 1998 12 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bill Simmons, City Administrator, stated that the cost estimate to provide lighting at the tennis courts is $70,000 and that it is currently not included in the Capital Projects Fund. He suggested that Council consider discussing the Capital Projects Budget in detail at an upcoming Work Session. Davidson stated that Council discussed tennis court lighting at several work sessions, however, they could not find the money in this budget to provide lighting at this time. He suggested that Council review the five-year capital budget and see what year they could include this item. Sisk requested that Council keep an open mind toward this request. He commended the members of the Centennial Valley Tennis Association for their presentation and canvassing of the neighborhoods to show the impact and benefits that lighting would have to the Louisville residents. He would like Council to look at providing this enhancement in the earlier part of 1999. Howard questioned when the actual budget figures for 1998 would be available for Council review. Ray replied that at the next Council meeting, she will be presenting requests for the supplemental appropriation for 1998. That should include projections through the end of this year. Simmons suggested that it might be helpful to delay discussions on the Capital Projects Fund until actual figures are available on what Sam's Club and Kohl's Department Store may generate in sales tax revenues. Howard stated that he would like to review actual figures from Sam's or Kohl's prior to considering an expenditure to provide tennis court lighting. Buri urged Council to include this item in the budget for 1999, if possible. Davidson closed the Public Hearing and called for Council questions and comments. Lathrop stated that he has had an opportunity to review the City's bonded indebtedness, which will be at $17,000,000 by the end of 1999. He stated that the City could, feasibly, be debt-free by 2009, if they choose to do so. He suggested that Council consider this as they move through subsequent budget years. He believes that for a city of this size to continue offering the same level of service while becoming debt-free would be a significant accomplishment and a goal to strive for. Howard agreed with Lathrop. Lathrop stated that his review of the City's indebtedness shows it will have decreased over the past three years from $26,000,000 to $17,000,000 by the end of 1999. This was accomplished while allowing for $5,500,000 in open space, building a ballfield complex, beautifying the City through the Gateway Projects, and providing substantial improvements to the maintenance of City streets. He commended Mayor Davidson for his leadership and the fiscal constraints that have allowed the City to accomplish these things.