Mayor Hawkins called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 7 PM with Councilmembers Minder, Price, Hunt, and Turner present. Councilmember Amenn called City Staff, indicating he would be late. City Clerk Gilleland and Public Works Director Light were also present. Mayor Hawkins stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Council concern regarding city finances.

Mayor Hawkins addressed the Council, stating there are some serious concerns regarding the financial condition of the City. Council chose to have each Councilmember address their concerns and to present potential solutions if possible.

Councilmember Minder suggested selling the Mooring park property, the administration car, the dump truck and any other piece of equipment or small properties that we can surplus. He asked if we could go to the voters with a special levy for the police contract costs. He also suggested the budgeted maintenance project at City Hall be cut back to $4,000 and we will do what we can with that, using the small works roster. He is against cutting additional personnel if at all possible.

Councilmember Price agreed with selling the Mooring property, the administration car, and the dump truck. He asked what a levy election would cost. Staff would look into election costs. He also agreed with lowering the budget for the City Hall maintenance. He asked if streetlights could be turned off. If so, we could save money, even if we turned off just half. Some discussion followed. Councilmember Price asked if Council could reduce their salary. Staff will find out.

Councilmember Hunt agreed with selling the Mooring property and any other equipment that can be declared surplus. She asked that, before a vehicle is sold, staff be consulted as to which vehicle they prefer. She agrees with the concept of turning streetlights off or changing the schedule for lighting in order to save money. As for maintenance of City Hall, she suggested a work party of volunteers could deal with the weeding, etc.

She then stated that the City couldn’t afford the Museum anymore. When the museum was started, the City was only going to fund it for that first year. Discussion followed. It was Council consensus to request a financial report from the Museum because the City is using public funds to support it. One other area the City could cut back is the number of police officers we contract for and perhaps renegotiate SnoPac. Mayor Hawkins stated it is almost time to start negotiations on the Sheriff’s contract. Discussion followed.

Councilmember Turner stated he was in favor of selling the Mooring property, the car, and the dump truck. Some discussion was held regarding the $1 truck deal staff was working on a while back. Councilmember Turner stated he would call some car dealers regarding some kind of deal to advertise on vehicles given the City to use. The City needs to have a dump truck and snow plow. Perhaps Homeland Security will provide a grant to get one. More discussion followed.

Councilmember Turner also suggested that volunteers be used for whatever they can be used for in the Gateway Park project. He reminded Council the City has a current contract with the corrections department and they can do the mowing. He hates to see additional personnel cuts, but perhaps we could go down to a part time position. Councilmember Turner stated he wasn’t too keen about cutting the police officers, turning off the street lights, or suggesting a levy, but we need to do what needs to be done. A good block watch program would help with safety concerns.

Councilmember Amenn arrived at 7:35 PM. Mayor Hawkins explained the process the Council has been using for expressing concerns and offering suggestions. Each Councilmember has limited themselves to five minutes. City Clerk Gilleland provided a recap of discussion items.

Councilmember Amenn apologized for being late. He asked a number of questions regarding the revenue, expenditures, and financial statements issued, stating he has concerns about these areas. Some discussion followed. Councilmember Amenn suggested taking the budget issues to the citizens and allowing them the choice. He felt the citizens should be asked if they want to continue with the Library District. He asked if we were at our maximum levy rate or could we increase it. He stated we should address the water rates again; we should reduce staff hours and supplant them with volunteers; and we should consider reduction of police coverage. Additional discussion followed.

Councilmember Minder and Turner moved to pursue selling the Mooring property; to sell the administration car and surplus the dump truck; and to explore the possibility of reducing street lighting with a timing device. Discussion followed. Councilmembers Hunt and Turner called for the question. The motion to call for the question passed, with Councilmember Amenn voting no. The original motion passed, with Councilmember Amenn voting no.

Mayor Hawkins stated she would talk to Finance Directors that she knows in other cities to see if they can assist the City with forecasting information for the budget. She also announced she has tentatively appointed a committee, consisting of the Clerk-Treasurer, Council-member Turner, and a citizen, to put together a five year financial plan. She is waiting for the citizen to get back with her.

Councilmember Minder requested staff to contact the Historical Society for a financial statement and a report indicating how many visitors they have and other pertinent information. Council agreed with the request.

Councilmember Turner asked if staff had compared the correction department quotes for printing with current vendor prices. Clerk Gilleland stated she believed they had done so and the local vendors were still less expensive.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by motion of Council-members Hunt and Minder.

ATTEST: ________________________

Colleen Hawkins, Mayor

____________________________

Hester Gilleland, Clerk-Treasurer