You're live at 101 center. >> Sorry, perfect. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. You know what? You guys can all sit down. Actually, sorry. Ben emailed me and said he wasn't going to be here tonight. So, that leaves tomorrow with one table. I'm sorry. >> So, that All right, there's a place to sit. All right. >> [clears throat] >> All right, I'd like to open the meeting. So, today's August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. We would like to have our We're going to have our first budget work session meeting for the budget. Okay, we'll start today with the budget amendments. >> I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Our council, please do the roll call. >> Mayor Hibbert. >> Here. >> Councilmember Bryant is absent by excuse. Um Councilmember Glazer. >> Here. >> Councilmember Renda. >> Present. >> Councilmember Swenson. >> Here. >> Um Financial Planner Yager. >> Yep. Here. >> Chief Miller. >> Here. >> [laughter] >> Assistant Chief Nelson. >> Here. >> Okay. And from Public Works, we have Eric Watson and Isaac. >> Here. >> Okay. And then myself, Natalie Dawson. The roll call is complete. >> If you just have a question on the agenda or if you want to make a motion to approve the agenda. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Councilmember Renda. >> I would uh move to approve the agenda as presented. >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none, we'll move to vote to approve the agenda. All those in favor say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed? Motion carries. All right, Ms. Yager. So, we're now on number two. So, you're going to take us through the pre- preliminary budget discussion. Um stick with general funds to start off with and then we can branch down. Plan for approximately two hours as we have two additional meetings to follow. But, if there's specific questions, you can ask them at any time. >> Yes. So, um Mr. Mayor, within the packet included in the packet are several summary documents, number one highlighting the 2027 budget and also the um the preliminary 2026 current numbers, too. So, with with that being said, um you know, I sent out a memo highlighting some areas that we talked about. Um we're continuing to to utilize the $50,000 that we get from um gambling contributions to help pay for our sheriff um assistant calendar. And then the general fund levy right now is a um $232,950 increase, and that's what the that's what's being proposed. And the fund balance used is at $13,500, which includes $20,000 for transfers to to other funds. Um >> Ms. Shirk? >> Yes. >> From Schmidt. Ms. Shirk, in the first paragraph it says, "No use of general fund balance with 13 5." That's not coming out of general fund balance. >> It is. I I I must have missed that my correction, so it is being used. So, there were several last minute changes, and I just haven't implemented the change in the memo. >> So, to clarify that, so the 13 5 is coming out of general fund. >> That's correct. >> Okay. And then I I I realize that we're going to go through some of this, you know, in more detail a little bit later, but we don't actually take in We didn't actually take in $50,000 this year. >> No. >> We're not projecting that. >> No. So, um customer service and the blazer, they they have a fund balance in there because we had some carryover from previous years, and so it carried over into the into the gambling fund when we created that fund, and so we're still utilizing some of those funds. Currently, we're projecting about 40-some thousand dollars to to bring in. Um we will still be able to use 50,000 a year because there was probably about 30,000 of fund balance, I think, to begin with, so you're still using a little bit of that fund balance every year, sooner or later the program will be set for 40,000. So, to help make sure that or on the negative, if you don't need it, so. >> So, that says to me we're just paying the sheriff's contract going down. >> No, no. No, if if if we could replace that utilization of that 50,000 with a levy increase or some change some additional state aid, you know, I think it's solved that whole budget. >> So, potentially higher taxes. >> Higher taxes or more state aid, you know, there's a couple of options there. So, but I mean, right now we're utilizing that money for sheriff. >> Thanks. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Councilman Rubal. >> Mr. Eggers, so, you have an estimate based on what we have used from that fund balance of gambling. Is there 5 years of balance there for us? So, how many? Let's see here. >> But by my estimates, it's roughly 2 more out of those years. >> I would say that I think that's about um about that. Maybe 27 and 28, I think it's that. And then 29 I I would use it um 45,000 and then 30 I would use it 40. So, it doesn't go down much. in the future. >> Unless there's more gambling fund there. >> That's what I'm going to say. That was the chance of >> Yeah. >> fingers crossed there's always a chance of that happening. >> Yeah. >> And at this point we're doing projections. >> Yeah. >> So, with the projection it could go up, it could go down. >> Yes. >> You don't know what's necessarily >> Yeah. So, and then so, we're transferring money to the equipment fund and also for turnout gear for the firefighters. Um right now our fund balance I'm projecting for this year will be over a million dollars or about 40% of your total expenditures, and your operating expenses. Um the state auditor's office recommends anywhere from 35% be available to help with paying the bills for the first six months of the year. Because you don't get your tax um distribution until you to use the funding for for that as expenditures. Um currently we're looking at a 3% cost of living increase um for employees. And we're projecting a 10% increase in in health insurance costs. Um still have not gotten an exact amount yet, but what the health insurance will be going up. >> Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, so in the in the summary it only talks about um cost of living. So we're not going to have step increases in 2027? >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. Let me say comments and may may not may sir. The 3% cost of living is um applied um to the step increases. So they would get their step increase with the 3% higher than what was originally given to you. >> So and so when I was going through all this um over the last >> [snorts] >> several days, I didn't see the actual financial impact of of the steps for this coming year. >> Yes. For 2027? >> Correct. >> Yeah, I haven't um actually added that up or calculated that um for employee. It's So what I've done is I added the 3% um cost of living to the steps and assumed that everyone would achieve those steps. So they're not getting 3% cola and 3% step. They're getting their step unless they're at their max, then they get that 3%. So there's some employees that are at their max. >> So we have that information um for second meeting on August 14th. >> I want to see what that that total is. I I think it's important that residents see what, you know, where their tax dollars are going and how much. >> Uh let's see. I've increased the council per diem budget. Council has not increased their um per diem. I don't know what that is. And that's all my head. I I >> Mr. Mayor. Councilor Rudy. >> I I believe what I have in my current records was 2019. >> Okay. >> So, anyway, it's a suggestion that I have in here. Um I've eliminated the 4,000 for the extra pay that was in the budget and that was for people that were attending meetings outside of council meetings. And nobody's utilized that this year. >> But Mr. Mayor. Councilor Rudy. >> Mr. Mayor, that that statement seems contrary to what's in the numbers in regards to that in the budget. >> Uh-huh. >> For that um I forget what page it was actually on. Um but I believe over $3,000 is projected to be spent. And then in your in your summary statement here, it talks about >> [clears throat] >> you know, increasing the uh the monthly payments to the to the council and mayor by a total annually, I think it's $5,040. But the increase is actually $50. 85, but the $4,000 um is still in the the budget. >> Okay. It's not supposed to be in there. It's in there. It's That's an error because I I I I don't know. Sorry, Mr. Mayor. >> I think it's still it's in there. >> Is it? >> Mhm. Why don't we just take a moment and talk about this? So, one of the things that was proposed is >> I don't see it in there. Oh, yes, it is. All right. I don't know why that's in there. It's not on my spreadsheet. So, that will come out. So. >> Mr. Mayor, I'm not Yeah, I'm on the spreadsheet. >> So, let's talk about the increase to the paying for uh the council and the mayor's position. What are your thoughts on this? This was put in the proposal to consume the $4,000, but let's talk about this cuz if you don't think it's applicable, we can take it out. Mr. Mayor? Councilman >> Yes. >> I I mean, personally for my own uh income sake, I don't I don't want it, but I do think it's important to adequately compensate people taking these roles so it's not financially prohibitive for people running and considering running for it. Just because I can afford to make it on what I get paid on these things and then the next year and then the next guy doesn't. And so, I really could go either way on this. For the council and the city health as a whole, I would I would say an increase probably makes sense. For myself, I I don't need it. Um and yeah, so those are my thoughts on it, I guess. Mr. Mayor? Councilman Boyd? >> Um I My personal position on this that we've talked about before is to um leave the mayor and the council where it's at. I know that you know, we're in an election year and so potentially going to have two new council members that may be traveling to meetings and and um undertaking training. And so, is that money better left there and then what their activities are going to be. So, that's I would prefer just to leave it where it's at. >> Councilman Riemer, any thoughts? >> Um I You know, I I've been here for a long time. Um so, I'm the one that hasn't had the raise. Yeah, but everybody else has got 2 years under their belt, so um I I'm fine with not doing it and leaving some in the um stipend fund. Um and it's up to people to decide um whether they want to take advantage of that stipend fund or not. I've never I've never taken up any of that. So, it's up to people to choose. >> So, I'm just wondering, what's an example of one that the fund would be used? Like, I believe you guys are on the some water in the water or I can't remember what it's called. >> I don't remember water shed. >> Yeah, is it used for that? Is it used for training? What is like an actual example when that would be used? >> Um at previous administration, whenever they went to different meetings, um certain members would request $40 back for going to different meetings, whether it was water shed or local government meeting or any kind of training or the LGA conference or conference um anything like that. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Okay, I I want to reply to Council member Swanson's position. At the day, um does the council get enough money to attract people to come? In this case, they got four candidates. So, I I think I can say that we we were probably okay on not putting this increase forward because we got enough candidates. So, for me, I think I'd say let's take it out of there and let's not worry about it cuz then it puts more back in the general fund. So, if you remember that, it sounds like we got the majority that could say either way or take it out. Um but if nobody's using the 4,000, maybe you reduce that down to 2,000 or something like that. So, if there's any council member that wants to go to training, they have a pool of to take from. Um and then just leave wages as they are. >> So, they're playing okay with that? >> Yeah, Mr. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Council member Rivers. >> And just to clarify, the the training is a different budget. So, it's just it's a stipend for going to the meeting like that. The newly elected officials is 2 and 1/2 days. So, stipend for that go to LGO and then mileage back and forth. So, the training is still under is under a different budget. >> Would you be okay with reducing the 4,000 down to 2,000? I don't think 2,000 we could consume that. How much have you consumed in the last year or two? Like nothing? >> No, we have Okay. >> At least you can drop it down to 1,000. >> I was able to get in the abandoned money. So, we haven't used anything this year. In 2024, we used 20 2400 2440. Um and in 2025, we used 720. >> 2025 we used 720. >> No, we didn't. >> Oh, no, we didn't. That was nothing. Sorry. >> Nothing in 25 now? Nothing in 23? >> Nothing in 23. Just in 24. >> Is anything happening in 24 that would cause more stipends to be paid out? Like what? >> It was a new budget. >> Oh. >> Well, that didn't It doesn't matter who was turning in their forms to get reimbursed. Um Mr. Mayor >> Mr. Mayor, you're on. >> I I would suggest not going down to I would say 2,000. We have two new council members and um it's important that they be able to go to all of those items and be compensated. The board of those sessions will be compensated. >> So, you're saying 2,000? I drop it down to 2,000. >> I was at 1,000 at the beginning. Just to be correct with 1,000 to go back to your safe zone. >> I'm fine with 1,000. >> Yeah. >> You good? >> So, leave that as is. That's That's the consensus. >> Yeah, perfect. >> Minus the raise. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Leave that as is. Do not in or put the raise in. Just leave that as is. >> Okay. >> Okay, good. Now we got that. >> Most of the 250,000. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> She's talking about being sitting for a year for a special election. >> And so then we also included 9144 the possibility of a special election in 2017. Um and this could be eliminated in December. That's not the case. So it just depends on what happens with the election. >> So more like a contingency fund that would be just used for special election in December. >> Yeah, but stay there until December and then we can eliminate it in December's Wednesday. >> So in case that anybody decides to leave the council, then you would need that. >> Yeah. >> Maybe that this is what councilmember Primus was alluding to this having a process, having money reserved. So maybe you just put that and say that is part of the contingency fund just for a special election. So if that would have been the case, then it would have eliminated all of the things that took place. Any thoughts on that? >> I would have eliminated that place. >> So the big argument on that was that we didn't have $10,000 to spend. So if you have a budgeted amount of $9,140 and somebody did quit, then you just put it to special election fund. We got I'll say 90% of the funds if it's a little over that. You let me know if that's an estimate. >> [snorts] >> It's an estimate. That's right. >> Go ahead. >> Oh, I did talk to a couple other cities. They do con- have it as a contingency in some of their bud- in their budgets um because there's always a chance of an accident, a death, something that could happen that could open up a seat that could potentially happen with a special election. >> Councilmember Rubalcaba >> Or special election, yes. >> And I I was going to say what the other lady So, I would just leave it in under elections. Okay. Yeah, and if at the end of the year we don't need it and we need it someplace else. >> So, that as we go to 27 it would be under the elections budget. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. And I during our meeting last What did we do last last one last month? Um I did say that we we should um have something in the budget each year. >> Or a hospital special >> Hospital special election. >> Okay. >> That would just be an ongoing expense. And again, if we don't use it by the end of the year, then it can either stay there or go to something else. >> Mhm. Council member Watson. Yeah, but I I don't personally I'm not a a fan of this having this as a the special election fund as a reserve and then it can go someplace else. We're levying this these dollars to the taxpayers. So, before we can have we can have we had money in that we could have pulled from from fund balance to have a to have a special election last year. We elected Council member And now we want to levy the taxpayers on this $10,000 in the event [clears throat] that there's might be a special election. Oh, and if we don't use it for that, we'll spend it we might spend it on something else. >> So, it is a recommendation at this point. It's an open discussion. >> I I understand that you're >> But let's keep it as an open discussion and not get defensive about it. So, Council member Watson. >> Yeah, I mean I think it would make sense to have this as a contingency. And I I guess I would disagree with spending it on something else at the end of the year. If we fund it once and never use it, that's only one hit one year to levy. And then it sits there until we need it. And it ensures that there's money there to pay a special election. Well, there wasn't a special election last year because of that because it wasn't budgeted for. It wasn't in the budget. Having this line item as a contingency is a one-time funding of that contingency in the event we need a special election. So, let it sit there and never leave. You know, maybe you know, it step it up with inflation if the cost of elections go up, but essentially just fund it once and if we don't ever need it, then it's just there as a contingency. >> So, another way to look at this is, you know, you could say as long as we have a $10,000 contingency budget of some kind. And this it could be tagged for special elections. >> Mhm. >> So, again, maybe we don't look at it as having additional money, maybe there's just a $10,000 contingency. >> Who knows? In Iowa's I'm >> And you Yeah, go ahead. >> I mean, I was thinking keep it specifically as a contingency for election and then have separate contingency fund for everything else. Cuz I still think it's important that we have a contingency fund for that. And I don't think it's excessive to to fund the two of them because like I said, if you don't use them, you don't use them. You're not taxed for it. You're not having to levy for it next year. The money's still there to fund the following year's contingency fund. >> And right now, how do we have listed >> It's in the elections department that >> And then it would just go away at the end of the year if it wasn't >> Well, it would be up to you. Well, yeah, it would just stay in the fund balance. >> Okay. >> If you don't have a home. >> Okay, so how about we do this? We'll chew on this one and come back next meeting and put your thoughts together and what you would like. So, it could go any one way. You could do a contingency. I I do like what Councilwoman Blazer said is if you take a look is what I don't want to do is levy additional money that's not going to be used. And I don't want to do it every year. If you did it one time, so the argument is good. There's no right answer. It's just what do we think is the best? That's the question. Okay. So, I'll move that and we'll bring that up on the next budget meeting. >> And currently we have a $4,400 budget that totals $15,500. I don't know where the council has set it with these code enforcements for 2027. >> What should we spend in 2026? Or what are we projecting to spend in 2026? >> We have a couple of issues that are with Robert right now, but I don't have a bill for them, so I don't know how much time is spent on them yet. >> Do you have any idea just give me ball park estimate do you think we're at $10,000 do you think we're at $20,000? You don't know. >> That's really tough. I'd say it's $90 an hour depending on how many how much money is spent. How much time is spent on it? >> [clears throat] >> And Mr. Mayor >> Go ahead. >> The 15,500 I mean is this a proposal to increase it? >> No. No, that's just what's in there right now. I just want to know if you want to continue funding going towards 2017 this year. >> I certainly think we need to. But that's my perspective. Anybody else? >> Councilmember >> Councilmember Noble >> I would also say it's important that we fund our code enforcement. >> Councilmember Noble >> Councilmember Noble >> Um yeah, I think that we obviously had uh issues in the past uh 2025 we had some serious bills um in regards to code enforcement. So, I Hopefully our the work that we're going to start that we're doing presently with the planning to to redo our codes to simplify things and make things more straightforward will help that. >> Mhm. >> Unfortunately, I think we have to be prepared for things that might happen. >> Mhm. >> Councilmember Watson any comments? >> Yeah, I mean I think we need money to enforce enforce code, but then the question is just how much and >> So, right now you have 15,500 >> Right. >> Right. So, they can come back for discussion but definitely something that's important to the council. >> Okay. And then number eight um I talked with Natalie and looked at the report from PERA and currently the fire is overfunded for the retirement fund. The city was contributing $7,000 a year. At this time that is not necessary. >> Because it's being covered by the state? Mr. Mayor. >> Go ahead. >> Mr. Yager said is that um that that fund is is being so well funded is that from work of past administrations? >> I think so, yes. I think it's the state aided that. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Mayor, council members, council member >> It's a state volunteer pension. >> Yeah. >> Um that's funded by 2% of the of the insurance policies that everyone pays within the city businesses and at homeowners. So that money then funds the state volunteer pension which then funds the pension for the fire fighters. >> Sure. >> Um partially we're overfunded because um you collect that state 2% that comes in um it's divided up between a smaller amount of fire fighters and so >> [clears throat] >> and when the the fire department started 5 years ago it started out at the excuse me at the base retirement wage that they could. Um and so last year if you remember we came before council and increased it $3,500 per year. >> Mhm. >> Um and we're going to as we fund the allowance we're going to increase that that that pension for our fire fighters. Um to not only attract fire fighters but keep the ones that we currently have. As that pension fund is funded and managed by the state pension board. So we really have no um say in how that's managed and it's managed separately at that at the level of PERA. Public Employee Retirement Association. So presently we have 16 fire fighters. >> Okay. We have 16 firefighters 7 year line myself. So, as we approach that, the number that you'd like to get to is 25, so there's something we'll have to jump on to as to as far as the city's >> Yeah. >> We only have 100. >> Yes. This is where the council will council will be placed and we will always monitor it year to year. And we will increase it as needed as the pension allows. >> We'll trust you there. Just to clarify the question, Chief, and so the $7,000 that we put in there is additional for 2027. >> No, but yeah, in the 2020s No, we were looking at not doing that because of budget issues, so we're not It's budgeted, but we may not do that. >> Because it's not needed. >> If not if it's not needed, then no. >> So, for 2027, the question is, do you think you'll be at the amount of people that you need so you can budget some of that? So, at present, 16, and we're going to get to 21 by the end of the next year, and does there is there enough fair funding by the state to cover this or do we need to budget it? >> Mr. Mayor, council members have fair I believe that we are about 300% funded currently. Um and that's because of the age of our firefighters cuz they don't become eligible for retirement until for 5 years. Um then they then they're vested in the pension at that point. Um so, that number will it'll start to shrink, it'll start to even out as our firefighters gain experience in the in the plan, um and we add new ones. >> Will we be okay for 2027 by not funding that? >> Yes. We'll have to look at that year by year by year and adjust accordingly. >> Good explanation. Any questions for the Chief on that? So, zero line item for 2027, okay. Thank you. >> And then there's uh the training is is being increased, but that is reimbursed by the state by 80%. So, even though we're increasing the budget, it also increases revenue coming back and stuff like that. >> So, do we need to budget the entire amount even though we're getting reimbursed, or can we budget less because we're getting reimbursed? >> Mr. Mayor and Mr. Council, we need to budget full as we have to record it as revenue from the state. So, we have to do that. Total expenses, you can't offset that expense with any revenue. So, I'm sure. >> Okay, question for the chief is is all training for the fire department uh reimbursable, or is there other things that are not? >> Mr. Councilman Councilman Councilman Riggle, um certain things are reimbursable. It depends on what the state will allow. So, um there is some training like uh specialized EMS training might not be reimbursable by the state. Um because they may not have a reimbursable level. Um that would be things like variance training, things like that. But, basic firefighter training, advanced firefighter training, again, probably 90% of our training is reimbursable by the state. Some training is. >> What about EMT? >> The EMT is not uh reimbursed by the state. I don't know. Um but, I have to look into that. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Okay. >> So, that's just maybe one example where it's not. >> Right. >> And and we have we have training budget most of it all the basic stuff is all reimbursed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Councilman Riggle. >> Uh Chief Miller, but the training that we are taking, whether it's reimbursable or not, is an important training for our fire department to stay up. >> Yes. Uh Mr. Councilman Councilman Riggle, um all the training that we're doing is to advance this department and make it a professional organization. Um we have 5 years of of of creating this fire department, and so everything we're doing is we're doing to Natalie. Um give training for our firefighters, for our citizens, but also to advance our firefighters to become officers, making it self-sustainable, um and and prepare future leaders. >> Do you have any questions on that? >> No. >> Thanks. >> And then, just an overall statement that we're increasing maintenance property and public works. 1.57. And you'll see that reflected in the budget. So. So, if we want to move on to summary statement. Okay. We'll look at that, and then we Here's a comparison of the just the departments and how they they are impacted by the how they the levy actually pays for each one of the departments. Also, debt services included in there. Some departments have funding from the state, so they have things that offset them. Planning and zoning and and building inspections, they have charge services that offset theirs. Fire has um the training grant and stuff that gets offset against their um budgets. And so, you can see here that the the largest levy user is the sheriff's contract. By far. And then, I guess not by far. Nope, I'll take that back. It's going to be public works. In 2027, is the largest user of the levy, and then sheriff's. And then, office administration. So, if you think of it that way, then that are the areas that would impact the levy the most if you change the levy. Those are the ones. >> Are you looking at 2027 numbers when you say that? >> Yeah, but 2027 is the public >> Cuz I'm looking at Sherer's contract is higher than public works. >> On that not the contract, but the how the levy if you look over in the levy column as you that's where the levy money goes. And you can see there that the levy for debt service is not going up in 2027. The levy for the debt will go up in 2028 cuz the bonds are issued in 2027. And then I did a summary of changes that were put through as far as revenues and expenditures. You can see here that the use of fund balance is basically dropping dramatically and the levy is going up to replace that fund balance you see. So, in 2026 we didn't increase the general fund levy. We used that increase in the levy to pay the debt service. Now in 2027 we need to increase the general fund levy to offset what we were utilizing as general fund reserves. So, our general fund reserves are going down from about 63% down to 40% in 2027. >> Sure. >> Which one? >> So, if if we did not increase our levy this year, it would not be a matter of just holding firm at spending levels of last year. We would actually have to cut spending levels because of the lack of draw from the general reserve. >> Right. You don't have that you don't have the reserves available anymore to utilize because you don't want to go below 35% of >> Well, I I understand that. I'm just trying to conceptualize this levy increase. So, if we held the levy increase at 0% >> Right. and we drew and we drew what you are suggesting from the general fund balance, we would actually have to cut spending. We couldn't just hold it solid at >> $233,000. >> Basically, it's $233,000. It's really nothing. And so, it's essentially just filling the hole that drawing from our savings had done for us. And so, now we're just filling that hole. We're paying it out of the checking account, essentially, rather than the savings. Sort of. >> Well, we're paying it out of the levy >> Yeah. >> So. Oh, I guess I did figure out the Oh, no, that's the Um So, then you can see here the the changes uh that are happening in the expenditure side. Um The the mayor council that we pulled down by the the the amount that I put in for the the amount. So, that would be the amount that we would have to pull down or whatever it is. I don't know what the top line is. And what it will be >> What if it's zero? >> No, because there's something else in there, too, that is going up and So, you're I mean, you're using the >> That was the 4,000 >> Yeah, you're you're using the 4,000 offset. Oh, yeah, it'll be less. It'll actually go down because they're going to reduce that 4,000. >> But, right now, we're paying it out of the general fund balance, so it's zero. >> All right. So, it should be zero. Okay. And then, the uh administration with the increases basically the the cola and the steps that are being laid. Um elections is going down because it's only a special election, not a full election. Um And the finance and assessing there's increased an audit contract and accounting hours. Then legal, you know, your legal costs have gone down which is why we're projecting that your future legal costs will continue to be lower than previously. Um in general government, there was That's where we put the merit increase that was like $27,000. Now we're not doing that merit increase. So, that's actually nothing in general government. Um and then also decrease in what the what was not insurance. So, the staffing increase was almost $25,000. That would be a decrease. So, >> Mr. Mayor, Mr. Smith, do you know what is the reason for the drop in what I don't know what that is? >> I'm playing. >> You know? Oh. >> I got you. I don't >> [clears throat] >> Time out. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Which one is it? >> Yeah. So, and then the same planning and zoning um right now we are escrowing the planning fees and then the people that are uh pulling the permits are paying directly for those fees. So, we're not expensing that. We're not revenueing either. So, you'll see that the revenue also went down for those um planning escrow planning fees. And that's same with engineering. Those fees are being escrowed and uh so, we're not showing the revenue or the expenditure there. Um the law enforcement contract was up to $25,000. Um and fire management was up by 60 for adding firefighters and additional training. Um the uh public works, we got additional gravel and crack filling and salt and maintenance all in public works. And then the parks primarily in Cola >> [clears throat] >> and uh Upper Rum River, it's a slight increase in what they're getting on an annual basis. And uh transfers all increased, too. >> Then just a quick question. So, under administration, you've got an increase of 50,000 on 65, but none of the parks is 22,005. >> That's the number of employees that are in >> So, what is Ms. Johnson, maybe you can help us. What is the allocation of administration in parks? Is part of that public works in the parks or is >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, historical members, it's um depending upon where the guys are working is where they code their time to, whether it's in the park or if it's at for roads. Or prospector or snow plowing. >> So, then two categories, do they include all of public work public works then? And there's summer cycling And summer cycling? >> And summer summer maintenance. >> All right, thanks. >> Okay, very well. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Mr. Council. >> We skipped a line. That's a decrease building inspections by that amount. >> Um they're just not building as much, so I just saying that's not too much. I just said $75. So, those are the changes. And then I also did another summary um showing you the the the categories basically and the departments so that you can have a new um obviously the property taxes $232,950. It's a 12% increase. Um and it's to cover the operations of the 2040. So, there's an increase in the uh amount of pay that we're anticipating in the state of Minnesota for the firefighters. Otherwise, everything else is staying the >> So, you go back to the 12.3? >> Yeah. >> Is this the recommendation right now? What is the 12 >> Yes. But that's not the total. This is just the general fund. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The total is 1,010. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. So, I don't know if you want to talk about each of these departments here or if you want to go to the detail. How do you want to >> I I think this would be helpful if you go down just like you did and then you can ask questions and then figure out and then really for session two is the details. How much do you have questions on that? >> Okay. So, again, this will be zero. We're going to take all of that out. So, we'll go back to where it was in 2026. Uh for our mayor and council office and administration, you can see there where the increase is primarily in cola. We're we're reducing our supply budget, but we're adding additional training for Lexi and Julia. >> What are these trainings for? >> Uh it's it's on the maintenance and contract services. That's where the additional training is. >> Okay. Looks good. >> Yeah. >> Looks good. >> Okay. >> Ms. Shaffer, the uh under office administration, salaries and staff, you're stating a 15.52% increase in that. Where can we see that broken out though? What portion of that is >> Is this staff? >> And then that's it's benefits and what percentage that is above salary and percentage increases? >> Yeah, I can bring that to you for next time. Sure. >> Quite a detail. You want to see the detail on it? >> Yes, please. >> Okay. And then the elections, um the it's the it's the cost of the ballot and the special election. That's what the budget's up for. There. And then in the finance, um additional hours for overtime. Um the contract amount for the audit is going up and assessing has been in-house since the beginning. So, they're going up by $500. Any questions? Okay, then. Um legal, like I said before, it's trending down as far as the expenditures go. So, that's reflected there. Um in general government, again, no merit. That's decreasing at their 25,400. And then, no sign in also in in 2017. The sign in is in 2016. That's 20,000 dollars. So, that's why that's going down. Um there are increases for additional budget for building supplies. Um we are putting on new fire emails for the firefighters. And we're planning on having monthly meetings. The animal control has gone up on the budget. It is um What What was that? Do you know what the animal control is? Much higher than what >> Yeah, and just to explain to the council members, the reasoning is that um animal main society in Anoka they shut down. So, we had to contract out with another company that would do it. And that was the cost that it was. We talked about that when they were Yeah, so it's a contract amount, but um the sheriff does call a lot to have animals picked up, so it should go up. >> And then, the planning Oops, sorry. And then, the planning and zoning um the escrow or escrowing expenditures is rather than expensive input for our planning activities. Excuse me, the same with engineering, too. So, that's going up by about 18,000 dollars. >> Mr. Mayor, >> I report. >> Yeah, I'd like to go back to the animal control sheriff. Is that something we can have a article in the newsletter on? That as far as making sure that your dogs are either leashed in their yard or fenced in the yard, whether it's the invisible fence or a cyclone or a wooden fence. And then this is what's it is costing the city. Especially for the ones that are habitual. And allow their their animals to run on their consistent basis. >> Mr. Mayor, one question Mr. Rainbolt. Is there really a habitual offender where they pick up the dog and they poor animal They pick it up and they take it to our local pound and the people go pick it up from the pound and this happens again and again and again. >> There have been some. But it's not There's not a huge number of them. Um this one is it's not like the Oklahoma City side was where we get charged per animal per time. This is just a monthly contract with them regardless if it's one animal or 12 animals. And where we've gotten hit before with the animal control was a dog was brought up and had nine puppies. With your permission, Mr. Mayor. We were charged a per day for every puppy. Um and so it does get very expensive that way as well. This This is our only choice for Yeah, this is our only choice for animal control. They also were called out. Um if someone calls a complaint called 911 and makes a complaint about animal and they want animal safety taken care of, they do get called out for that and we will also be getting billed for that. We did have one of those last month. >> That's right. So Councilman Wood, Ms. Johnson, so the one that we had last month was that That was an animal that belonged to one of our residents, a girl. >> No, it was a complaint about many animals at a particular property and so they had to go check out the site. >> So it was kind of an animal [clears throat] welfare check. Is there any way that that the state recovers the cost of these services that that we're contracting for? >> It's something that we can put onto the fee schedule. It's just very difficult to figure out the right verbage as to how you can put it back onto the residents. Because it's not really a nuisance. It's not a fine. It's not a I don't know. It's something we can talk about and try and figure out and see if there's a better way to do that. >> Well, that's a huge expense, so. >> Mr. Mayor >> Councilman Rubino >> It's I want to thank you. I did not realize I I I missed that we are on a monthly the second hour of the month, so so I thought it was quarterly. I missed that. >> So maybe we could do it as Councilman Rubino was saying is you take a look at this and depending on all of this right now we're we spent uh we're at 129. >> Well, that's not just for that's not just for animal >> Well, so how much is just for animal control in the state? It's expensive. >> So that would be in the detail here. >> All right. So if [clears throat] you look at frequency and say is there any patterns or anything like that because by the time you pay the attorney to write this up, it might not justify doing that, but if there was anything as you go through that and there's a repeat pattern or people getting called out for specific things. >> Historically it's only been less it was less than a $1,000 in '24. It was 1,800 in '25 and this year I'm projecting almost $6,000, so it's gone up like that. You used to budget um $1,000 for it and now you're budgeting $6,000. Jeez, Louise. >> Now from the tens of thousands to the thousands. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And Mr. Mayor, when we and Councilman when we do the um it's like a pound like it's a resident that a lost dog. If we know who it is, we have been that there is a way that we set up for us to build that back. So, if we know who it is, then we can There are times that we don't. >> Okay. Any other questions on that? Mhm. Okay. Anything else on page four? >> Nope, that's for the two. Okay, sheriff contract, that's why I'm 2.7%. Um that's the county. And then fire management, um we have a additional firefighters, and we have to increase our PARA. Um but it's offset by the state aid, so that's But then we're also budgeting for overtime. >> The county just said we didn't have to increase PARA. >> Yes, but the the state is giving you more money, and so you also have to show it as an expenditure. Because it comes in, but but you don't actually get it. It goes to PARA for you. >> It's a line item for the county. >> Right. Yeah. You have to show it as an expenditure. >> Chief, fire you got here, why we have you here? You want to talk about fire management, anything that we should know other than salaries and benefits are going up? >> I think it's important that to know that Mr. House members that um with the increased uh employees are going to uh come with increased cost. Um uh adding iPads um to our our fire response, um which will then allow us to uh have computer aided dispatching um within our trucks. Right now we're we're we are relying on our personal cell phones for that, which is not the it's not the right way to do things, but it's what we it's kind of like what we're on currently. Um but the county has come up with a computer aided dispatchers system that allows us to do away um with the iPads, which is a much cheaper option than with the ambulance seats. So, uh so that that's probably the the major increase. >> Sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> You said as opposed to the the ambulance >> And that's that's like some expensive computer >> Yeah, mobile data computers. We had we Mr. Kelso said so. We had MVC computers donated to us last year for free. Um we were unable to secure grant to actually get them connected and it's probably a blessing in disguise that we couldn't get them connected because they switched their entire CAD system to to move towards a more mobile CAD system that will run off of things like iPads rather than expensive mobile data computers. So, these these mobile data computers that we had donated to us are are basically free to us and so since we didn't get them connected, there's no expense to us for those. Um but what will happen forward in the future with iPad versions of that. >> Chief, can you talk about like just maintenance contract and up 23%? >> Absolutely, Mr. Area Kelso again. Mr. Area again. Um what we're seeing is an increase because of personnel we have an increase in and cost for those. We have an increase in items that we need to buy and anyway, since our call volume is increasing every year. We're going to be close to 300 calls this year with again 75% of those calls being medical. Those supplies come out of our budget for for medical supplies, things like that. Um we're seeing that with fire equipment as soon as you hang the word fire on it, it becomes an ex- an expensive piece of equipment. Um uh what we're seeing too is is increases in tariffs and just the general increase in in expenditures from inflation. Um and you look at fuels and things like that. All of that is is increasing at exponential rates. And so um you know we started the fire department 5 years ago um as very very very bare bones and we're trying to build this uh into a solid fire department. And we've done this through incremental growth. And I I think since I've gotten here I've preached that to the council that these things have to come in incremental growth to allow us to respond correctly and properly and help the fire department appropriately. >> Any questions for the chief? >> Thank you for coming and just explaining that. You guys are expensive. >> [laughter] >> Mr. Mayor >> I like your shirt. That's typical of the sheriff. >> I just would like to share share an example. We came into the office the other day and said beep beep beep beep beep and we couldn't figure out what the heck it was and it was our AED on the wall. Um that's just that Captain Nelson had to find some pricing for between him and the chief and it's $700 to replace two batteries. >> Mhm. >> Huh? That's crazy. >> It's all right. Yeah. Un- unfortunately this brand cost more. Um you know, we try and shop around the best that we can and try and get the best prices that we possibly can. Um we have several different vendors when it comes to medical supplies or fire equipment and things like that. So um we're trying to keep costs down the best we can. Um but the thing is increased staffing, increased um trying to to increase our equipment to to match our response that is needed. Um it just comes at an expense. Um that um sometimes unfortunately, we just don't don't have for all those expenses. >> If you If you want to compare to the sheriff's contract, where we have two people, you guys are a much bigger entity. >> Yes. >> Um and that's that's something to consider. Even though the cost is expensive, that uh we appreciate what you guys do to keep our community safe. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, so then we'll move on to building inspections. Again, you just have a slight drop. Okay, so that $5,000 is changing the budget a little bit. And then we're on to public works. You can see there that salaries and benefits actually went down a little bit. Um it was because we have less health insurance costs there and um less part-time. It's probably two people, not staff first. So, kind of balances that, but the coal increases in that department. >> So, the part-time be like the summer help in the >> No, it's not. >> How about we have less summer help? I thought it was >> It's It's year-round. >> No? >> No, it is. We have less >> Oh. >> part-time. >> And you're going to have part-time help, too, yeah. >> Yeah. So, then materials and supplies is fuel and and new signage that uh that's going to be required in the future. So, that's what's going up there in in materials and supplies. And then the uh the Department of Transportation Services, that that cost is increasing in 2027. And then I mentioned before, we're adding gravel, and that's what we're going to install in the new roads in maintenance and contract services. So, >> Any questions for public works? You got representation of Eric and Ezekiel? >> Mr. Mayor. >> Councilman Weidner. >> I'm just curious, so um residents are aware, what's the plan for the additional dollars? Are there specific roads that or is it just a general that you guys were behind on? Some repairs, crack filling. How is that How is that being to be scheduled in some ways or what's the plan? >> Can anyone answer that? >> Um as far as patch working, it's I don't know what that exact increase would be. Um crack filling actually um when I first started here, we crack filled all blacktop in the whole city. Now with budget issues, we do half and half. So, we do the south half one year and we do the north half the following year. Now the north half of the city has way more gravel than it has blacktop. So, for 2027, I was proposing to do the north half. >> [clears throat] >> And then the additional would be for anything that is getting overlaid this year will have to be crack filled in 2027. Whether I mean there might be a little bit on the south and the north. I think most of it will be on the north half of the city for that. Overlay projects also this this season. >> This year. >> Um adding gravel, obviously we have uh getting the gravel out of Ogleby, um it's a lot more running, a lot more fuel, uh less loads per day, but gravel is at least probably 50 75% better than anything local because of the clay content. Um salt as far as salt goes for road maintenance, we probably won't need an increase salt for 2027. So, I think that's [clears throat] just kind of a line item all in general. >> Okay. Okay. Um now the farmers market is no change. And then the parks area, changes in all the stuff that we need for that for that department. Also, more landscaping and signage in in the parks. And then we're looking at fertilizing uh the the contract contract now for fertilizing. I guess somebody wants to talk about that cuz I don't know what that is. >> Mr. Mayor. That was the uh agreement with getting a sprinkler system into the ballfields is that we would have it sprinkled and it it would so it would have a water system. Um and I think one of the guys can probably speak to it as well, but I believe the recommendation was six applications and I think we went with three this year. Did we go with three or four? >> It was three weeks >> I believe it was three and then we had a little bit if we needed to increase but I think we only did three on the baseball field this season. >> So, last year we had some of us this discussion we're talking about fertilizing we had a certain amount budget. But what it shows here is for 2026 and half of the money we had $100. Was it in the phone or different line items? >> I think we started from under professional services. I think it was part of that. I think there's two line items in that section. Printing utilities special services. So, it's kind of has everything everything in it. >> So, did we have it in possibly in the maintenance and contract services? Is that where we had it? >> Were we changing that line cuz I don't remember >> So, landscaping supplies, let's see where I am. Professional services was actually the $1,100 was under utilities and was no budget for contracting, fertilizing. >> I think this is the one that you added in. >> Yeah, it's a new one. It's $3,500. >> And you did it last year? >> Must have done it under something else. I don't know what. >> We may have done it just under maintenance. >> Yeah. >> Which would be fine also, but Yeah. Done under maintenance, it's $8,600 this year and it's $8,600 proposed in 2027. Is that $4,600 or $3,500, whatever that amount was, is that rolled in already? >> So, that's a new line item, $3,500, and we're leaving the maintenance line item at that $8,100. >> So, maybe we need a brief on for the next meeting on what what is in the maintenance item. $8,600 cuz we already approved this, it was already rolled in. >> Sure. >> We'll just go over it next time and talk more about it. >> Sounds good. >> Is it working okay doing the three fertilization? It's obviously not six, but >> All right. It's okay. Obviously, it could be a little bit better. There again, fertilizer works depending on moisture. >> Yeah. >> We've gone a month and a half with no water except for Friday, we got an inch, you know, so. When when we're limiting the applications, they are doing it due to possible weather coming. The only two areas that we have irrigated is the baseball field and the main area at the city office. Everything else, there's no water. >> Well, wasn't that the requirement specifically, Natalie, toward the irrigation? >> That was a requirement with that agreement, yes. >> So, maybe we can >> We do a little bit at the office as well. Other than that, we don't >> If we look at the size of where we're actually putting fertilizer It is fertilized the softball field is fertilized I think twice, the soccer field is twice, and then one of these here have water irrigation. The baseball field is irrigated and then the main area of our maintenance shop office area is irrigated. So, I believe we're doing one of two applications softball field, two soccer field, and then three baseball, and then three at our maintenance building. >> It's a lot of money, but I I think it's a good point. We'll bring up the preliminary details up and then we'll talk about them in the next meeting. >> Okay, and then the upper river that's going up by $845. I'll just give that information on them. On the contingency, I left the budget at at at $10,000. Um you can see there for operations we're using $49,240 um of revenues or off fund balance. We're offsetting that with a transfer in from the the uh gambling fund $50,000. So, that offsets that. We're doing transfers out of $15,000. So, actual fund balance used is $14,340. And that's the general fund. Now, I don't know if you want to continue doing some more stuff or do you want to dive into the details? >> Well, we got a couple of groups here that might be helpful and we could deeper dive into the fire department help chief at this point while we got you here and then take things to public works so we can make sure we are smart about the time with these guys. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we'll coordinate so we don't have to come back for everyone. >> Yeah, we'll just have you on the call for the next one. So, we'll talk about fire management and then we'll also dive into the equipment that they're looking at getting for next year, too. So, here's the On page 14, I just want So, um I think there was an explanation regarding the overtime and why that budget is is changing. And and so, that that that impacted the fire department. Um there's additional part-time earnings for new firefighters going into 2027. It seemed like projected for 2026 is is almost where the the 2027 budget is. So, um I'll keep my eye on that. Uh the PARA also increased by $9,000, but but again, that is offset with state aid income. So, but we have to reflect the expenditure here um also, so Um again, the contribution by the city to the budget fund that went down by $7,000. And then, the rest of the supplies and and so forth are there, and I will let the uh fire chief talk about anything that he would like to talk about. >> All right, 2027 What you need to know on here that's helpful. >> What is um I think the I think most probably if you just overall looking at the budget, um the increases really are coming from from increasing personnel and the training. Um one of the things that we we did in 2025 when I got here and changed it in 2026 was we were giving um incentive pay for people to go to finish their training, right? So, it was like a almost like a stipend. And we switched that because again, you don't take a part-time job at the national people anywhere like that and then get trained and then at the end of the training you all of a sudden you get a kicker for for actual training that you did. So, we switched to train or to paying them per hour for for their training, which has been well received by the firefighters. And so, that initial training it actually um makes a little bit more palatable for them to be away from their families up to 300 hours a year for training when they know they're at least getting compensated for that for that time. Um and so, we do pay them from the moment that they leave the fire station um to get to the training ground and back to the fire station so that they're 100% compensated. And so, you'll see increase in training from that for increasing personnel. Um with that, cost of outfitting our firefighters has increased. You'll see that the uniform budget has has increased quite a bit, but that's it to outfit firefighters. Each firefighter gets a similar uniform to what myself and Assistant Chief Nelson are wearing. These are for to respond to events, public public education events, things like that, a formal uniform. Plus, we have a informal uniform that we use on calls. So, we don't we don't necessarily want firefighters to come from home in in a Hawaiian shirt. >> [laughter] >> We don't want them to show up We don't want them to show up to somebody's home to to the regular idiot. Uh uh for that individual on going to be there, right? And so um we provide a uniform for them to do that. Um it looks professional, it gets them pride in the in the department. And so um that comes with the increased cost. Just like everything else, all of that all of that yeah, it has been increasing as exponentially um across the board with with inflation and tariffs and everything else. So nothing seems to be made in America anymore. And so um and then we've got fuels that have gone up um and our maintenance again, I've spoken I think ad nauseam about um the fact that um we have a department that's 5 years old, but our equipment is a lot older than that because we purchased it >> [cough] >> prior to the becoming a fire department. And so what we have is what we have and we have to maintain that. Um and so um that comes with the increased cost. >> Do you have any questions for the chief? No. That was quick and easy. >> Yeah. >> Can we go on to public works? >> Yeah. >> Who's next? >> Public Works. >> Wait, didn't we say we were going to talk about um equipment and fire department? >> Oh, that's right. That's right. >> Yep. >> Go back. >> Yes, page 19. >> Okay. All right, >> [snorts] >> so here. Yes. >> Yes, we were going to talk about that. >> Yes, you're right. So 20 Okay, start [clears throat] on page 30. That's what it should turn out here. So uh turn out here for 2027, um the budget is going from $25,000 down to $10,000. Hoping that we leave that enough turnout here in 2016. And then we need two more turnout gears in 2017. >> Yeah, again, uh Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman we were projecting to be able to reduce some of the turnout gear we have. Uh re-outfit that turnout gear and have enough money to to purchase the gear that we need for the new employees or candidates. Um that means you place them at the start. >> So next year we'll have $1,000 to put towards that. And then >> Okay. >> Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman this is a little off topic but it pertains to the fire department. Can I make a recommendation in regards to our where I want signs? >> Sure. >> Instead Instead of the flimsy wire brackets that come with the signs, like a 3 in 2 in bar cuz there's some that are the wind is kind of kind of beating down a little bit and [laughter] uh >> Yep, absolutely. We can Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman, Councilwoman Glazier we can we can definitely uh probably reinforce those. We'll leave that for >> Mr. Mayor >> Councilwoman Libow >> Thank you. If I can ask my husband he had a free bar. >> [laughter] >> I'm no longer using it so >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. >> Okay and then we'll go on to page 33. I want to talk about the public works capital at this point too since it's on the same page. So for fire we have a mobile radios, portable radios, mobile radios $3,900, portable radios $10,600, SCBA air packs $19,600. Um that's it. >> Yeah, I guess we can ask Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman >> Um, we If you remember earlier in the year, I I talked about um trying to spread these things out so they're not such a large impact on the budget. So, the the mobile the fire mobile radios are the ones that are actually in the truck. Um, they don't have to have any parts. And so, and they have to be replaced in periodically. And so, what we're trying to do is spread that out over a number of years. And so, what we're just seeing is that I believe this is if that is two mobile radios, if I remember correctly. Um, and then our portable radios are the same same thing. They start to age out and they're no longer supported. And so, what we're trying to do is we're trying to purchase these in incrementally so we're not doing one large purchase. And so, um what that does is helps spread this out and and lessen that impact. Um, the SCBA air packs, if you remember uh for um the new fire truck that we're going to get in 2027, so we don't have enough air packs to to actually go on that truck because we're going to increase the seating and capacity and the use of that vehicle um for what it's replacing. So, those are just new to that vehicle. >> Chief, could you describe the difference between a fire mobile radio and a fire portable radio? >> Absolutely. Fire mobile and mobile isn't the same thing? No, uh it's not. Mr. Mayor Costanzo, uh a mobile radio is actually hard fixed to the apparatus. Never leaves the apparatus. And so, that's what we use to um call in service, talk on the way to the to the fire or the uh emergency scene. And it's also there for the driver that is left at that vehicle. The portable radios are what the firefighters use inside of buildings and and um in at the the So, as firefighters are moving around the scene, they're always connected um to a to a radio so that um we always have um accountability of where our firefighters are. Um that's the only lifeline outside of the hose line we have inside of the building is having a portable radio. So, every every firefighter carries that in two of them with them. That That's the difference. >> And out of the how many do we have of portable radios and how do you replace them? Portable radios? >> Um Yeah. Portable radios that we have 16 of them. Is this something to replace like three or four of them? >> This >> This is like two. >> This is like >> It's a thousand. >> It's a This is >> Probably three or four. >> It's It's probably just over It's like two. Um based on two to three um based on what they were going for. I think they're between three and four thousand dollars a piece. >> And so again, we're trying to do this incrementally so that we're not and spread ourselves too thin and impacting the budget one one shot. What I don't What I don't want to do is come to you and say we need two hundred thousand dollars for our budget. >> I understand. >> I'll see what I can do to try to get approval. >> Sure. >> Those radios that you said you had donated last year that turned out to be not really usable, can we sell those or trade them in or >> They're mobile radios. >> Absolutely. >> Uh Mr. Mayor, for smart for smart citizen, those aren't radios. Those are >> These are almost like a mobile data computer. >> Well, I I I heard >> Well, I heard you trade them in or something. >> Because they're donated, I'm not sure. I'd have to look legally on that what we can do with those. Um I'm not sure. That's That's That's the best answer I can give you. But definitely we'll look at into that. So. >> So, that makes sense. Any other questions for Chief? All right, Chief. Can I go to public works and cover some of it here? >> Yep. So, public works, there's the dump truck that's already been ordered, um and being delivered in 2027. And then in addition to that is a zero-turn mower and the security camera system. >> I think that was part of the building. >> Okay. >> Page 16. >> We're on page uh >> Are you going to turn to page 33? >> Bottom of 33 is what I'm This thing and I'm assuming there's another page >> Yes, four Yes, yes. I just had something right here already. >> It's on the very top of the >> Problem is it's down here cuz it's a dump truck. >> It's not in the line item. It's down at the bottom somewhere. >> Okay. Let me see if the outside has the equipment on it that we're purchasing in 2027. >> So, zero-turn mower is a budget item >> Yes. >> for 2027. >> That's new then. >> Okay. Talk about it. Zero-turn mower. I really don't know. Okay. >> Mows grass. >> [laughter] >> Mows grass. >> Mows grass. >> It's It's You can go ahead and have a >> It's a replacing a what will be a 21-year-old machine next year. It's It's currently uh it's on its 20th season. It's a 2000 Purchased new in 2006. There's I'll have to get you exact hours on it, but I know the the hours are over 2100 hours on that zero turn. >> So, is it diesel or gas? >> It is a diesel. >> And the security camera system is for >> Uh that was to install more securities at the parks and be able to hopefully um something with the locks to be able to lock up both buildings and be able to unlock them remotely rather than having to get keys. >> Anything else? >> Currently, Craig was able to do something with the cameras, some sort of wiring in there, and they seem to be working great right now, the cameras that we do have, so we may not have to replace those. >> Excuse me, Mr. Chair, Mr. Jackson, on the security camera system and and the the door locks. Um this is for the locks. Are they like a Is this done with cellular, which requires a monthly subscription? >> Over [clears throat] at Memorial, or I'm sorry, at Twin Lakes, potentially if we decided to do anything there, it would, but uh Memorial has power and everything, so we're all good with it. Just like it the office. >> Question. Well, um I know that when fiber was being put in, there is fiber in the park. Is that something that would be could be incorporated? You know, they they they brought fiber all the way up to the restroom pavilion, the main block pavilion where the restrooms are. Um you know, so a a subscription could be avoided. >> Yeah, I'm just curious if if if that in that $6,000, it covers the cost of communicating with that piece of equipment to open and close it. >> No, because we don't really have everything even thought about. These are all just estimates with what we're going off of numbers, right? We're just I mean, these are just guessing and what we put in for that meeting. I'll put that spreadsheet you received earlier. It's the best part of it. So, then we can go back to the public works department and the general fund. would be the same? Okay, that would be uh 316. >> Thank you. >> 710 uh And the salaries include the the step increases. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm increasing the the budget for part time. >> [clears throat] >> Um And then the public transit also goes up. 2027 >> So, your motor pool is going down. >> Yeah. I'm going to pay All right, that's fine. Oh, that was for cell phones. >> That was for the cell phones. >> So, yeah. getting cell phones I guess that's not going to happen anymore. Um I did put in the budget for unemployment compensation. We did have unemployment compensation in 2020. six And then the budget for that in the past And then though there's uh small increases on the top And more fuels are going up. General supplies slightly going up. The biggest changes I think are on the bottom down there by but I have crack sealing with 10,000 45,000 Um crack seal went by $1500. >> So, it's mostly from the gravel, rock, etc. >> Yeah, all that down there. >> So, that was the biggest change of $15,000. And if you go up, uh, looks like we have repair maintenance up $7,000. >> And then it sanitizes up $4,000. >> So, we got just about repairs and maintenance. This is projected cost to maintain equipment. Is this the driving? >> No, that's repairs and maintenance. It's just for the trucks, uh, road grader service, tractor, um, just kind of all around equipment. Um, lawn mowers and stuff, that all comes out of the park budget regardless the bathroom or organizer from my heart. >> So, you're getting it up to what is projected this year because we're at 24314 projected? So, that would definitely make sense cuz we've increased some costs and also getting up to DOT standard. That was the other thing. >> Yeah, that hit us pretty good this season with the DOT, uh, failures. Um, the fuel item, I would say that might have to actually go up a little bit higher. A $30,000 increase won't even buy me one barrel of fuel. Diesel's $4.50 a gallon right now, so um, that might have to increase especially if we're going to increase gravel. Something like that, I would say. >> Where is diesel costing us? >> Oh, that's just the fuel. More fuel. >> The 12. I [clears throat] think it's 10 minutes. What? More fuel for the equipment. Okay. What? Two. >> Um, Eric, can we buy some of that? Do you have a separate tank for off-road diesel? >> They're both off-road. It's being being a government, we don't have to pay the off-road fuel taxes. So, all our all our vehicles are diesel, including the fire trucks that fill at our place and everything is off-road. So, we don't have to pay the whatever, 30-some percent 30-some cents a gallon higher for >> The only gas-powered tools that we have are the miscellaneous hand tools, you know, trash pump that, you know, occasionally used things and then and weed whips and blowers and such that are that are too straight. Otherwise, all of our fleet is diesel. >> It's hard to estimate what fuel costs are going to be next year, but if you're at 25% this year, then we had 26. I'm going to recommend we add some additional in there. >> Well, I'm just Yeah, I mean, if we're going to increase the gravel budget to do some more gravel, that's saying well, that's uh 200-plus miles a day we're putting on a dump truck out on the roadway. >> So, recommendation just from myself, but to push this up to 30,000 so you have enough to pay for fuel for the year. Cuz my concern Yeah, cuz we don't know what fuel prices are going to >> Correct. I mean, >> If you budget it, then you have it covered. If you don't budget it, then you're trying to shift the shift the amounts. >> So, can you make a note of that then? >> Yep. >> And then I'm going to add something quickly, the crack filling actually probably won't even have to be increased for 2027. >> Okay. >> Uh you have an increase of 5,000, but like I stated, my projection is to crack fill the north half of the city and 2/3 of the north half is gravel roads. Maybe not quite that number, but um way more gravel in the north than the south half, and we did the whole south half this year including the extra overlaid roads. Um, and we came in at the $41,000 or whatever it was. We were actually a little bit under this year. >> Yes. >> On the 45. >> You're under budget, which is great. And then we can shift that extra money over to seal. >> Right. >> Yeah, maybe it's just a >> just a trade changing lines here is always. So, do you think 40,000 is enough to cover >> half of it? >> Half of it? It should be, yes. >> Okay. >> Now, unless obviously expenses go up, um, we also saved a fair amount of money this year with chloride because they found a company that I don't know if they gave [clears throat] us a smoking good deal or what, but uh, chloride went up 10% calcium did. Um, from 25 to 26. So, if we stick with magnesium chloride, uh, hopefully it doesn't increase that much so we can still make it in our our around our 50,000. Unless we are going to increase uh, dust controlling uh, more gravel roads. >> Right. >> And that's up to you guys, obviously. >> It It brings up a great point because there has been multiple complaints from others that would like to see a rotation on what roads they go on. So, it's a discussion that can be had. >> And that that chloride percentage is in the road improvement budget um, for the next couple of years. I am transferring it back to the general budget. So, I think that's what should be. So, um, but I think I I put in the 55,000 for 2017. For the chloride. >> Okay. Um, right now if we stick with what prices we paid out this year, uh, you know, the 55 [clears throat] from 50. >> Yep. >> That'll get us about 2 and 1/2 more of miles. Is all. Two to two and a half. Um, also this year I had to cut some roads down a little bit as far as percentage uh, application percentage. Because we basically did roughly 12 to 12 and a half miles on a 10-mile budget. We could try and make as many people happy as we possibly can. Sure. >> So, this could get you to do the full 12 miles and if you >> At a at a full rate. >> Yeah, at a full application rate. >> Full miles of >> Right. >> Full miles. >> But, I had a question on a different area we could talk about or discuss. >> What area we talking about? >> Thank you for the point. >> On lubricants, it looks like we budgeted seven, only spent about two. And I remember talking about this last year. And I feel like in '23 or something, you spent a crazy amount, got a bunch of lubricants. And it sort of artificially lowered our cost. Were we expecting to sort of refill on lubricant this year? Why are we so far under budget? Do we need 4,927? >> Um, lubricants, right now a barrel of 1540 is $1,800 for 55 gallons. So, in order for me to change out all of our trucks, grader, tractor, you're going over 55 gallon barrel. So, right now on the ground I have a full barrel. [clears throat] Hydraulic oil 2023, you said? We had some major hydraulic hose pump issues. So, we went through two or three barrels, um, because they seem to fail when you're plowing snow and you don't see a leak right away. So, you tend to go through a little bit more oil that way. >> Why are so far under this year though? We budgeted at seven and we've only spent two. >> I just called to get prices actually last week. So, I have not ordered anything as of today. But, 1540 is $1,800 on one barrel of hydraulic oil and it's $2,000 as of the >> 29th >> 26th or 28th of July when I called. >> So, do you think 4,900 is enough for next year? If you spend a couple more bucks this year? >> Should be. If you don't blow any hydraulic issues >> Well, I think that's up to you. >> Um so, that's you know, it it should be, you know. Um and the lubricants also is including all our penetrating oils and grease, um all through the Schaeffer products, synthetic greases. And we have a lot of some of that stuff as we speak. Um so, therefore I have not purchased anything as of today's date besides a little bit here and Um So, like I said, I have a barrel of each oil on the ground as we speak. But, that barrel will be gone as soon as I start changing oils in the fall. So, do we buy another barrel now at 2,000 and 1,800 or wait till next year and then it might be 2,200 and 2,000. So, you know, I mean everything's going up by the minute it seems. So, >> Keeping an inventory of one barrel, and not exceeding one barrel would be the right >> You're right. I have We have a barrel with our pumps my dog pumps in them. So, that neither one of those barrels are plumb full right now. They are partial barrel and I have one full barrel on ground. So, I mean I I probably have enough right now if I was to change all the oils right now, but I'll be at zero gallons starting 2027. So. >> It sounds like you guys are using inventory. You're not excessively storing five full five-gallon drums of oil. That's not the case. So, having the full one on the ground should be cuz you never know what's going to happen. >> Right. >> Cuz that's not where we want to be. So, trying to be again, keeping your inventory to the amount of oil that you have. Do you guys have any more questions? >> No. That's all the questions. Thank you. >> Oh, do you guys have anything to add? Anything you'd like to talk about? >> The only point would be on on the discussion about gravel road coverage for dust control. When the 12 miles, 10 to 12 miles that we're trying to always cover our our the faster, heavier traffic roads, uh historically a cul-de-sac gravel road is not not going to get a a dust control treatment because of the the limited traffic that's that's on it. You just have your your in and out for your residence. It's not necessarily a through street, you know, some of some of our other higher traffic roads. >> It's definitely not the ones that I get complaints on. I'll put it that way. That's the quickest way to say >> Yep. >> It's the ones that get traveled a fair amount that don't get the calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. And I'm sure we have four, five, 10 miles that aren't covered and that's the ones that they they call about. >> And and with that caveat, too, there there are residents on those same roads that one neighbor wants wants the dust control and one neighbor does not cuz it is a corrosive product. >> But, the back road is less costly, less plastic, yes. >> I would say they both are caustic. Cost savings is substantial with the maintenance plan. But they are both corrosive. >> Are there any other sheets we need to look at before we close? >> Uh no, you know, unless we want to look at park capital and public works. >> That's probably a good idea at least if we have them in hand. This is what is known as the future. >> Or maybe the building capital still. Almost look at that for fire because that's where the well is. >> We also look at park hearing in the front. >> Well, that's why I am here. Should we look at park hearing in the front? Okay, so I'm going to go to the uh the building capital first and then I'll swing back at the park. So, our park improvements. Um Currently where we have the 9-hole disc trail improvement. Um we're putting doors on the bathroom because I've heard that that is way too tall. But that would have estimated they are now $28,000 instead of $10,000. >> [clears throat] >> And um a million roof replacements, $34,000. Twin Lakes parking and driveway patch, still putting $100,000. Um security gives us security equipment. Park stores, fishing pier improvements, $15,000. And we need two more of those on playground equipment. On playground equipment. >> Does this all come out of the park funds? >> Yep. Under the uh park dedicated funds. So, currently um the ending fund balance is over $200,000. This would bring it down to about $46,000. At the end of 2017. >> So, you do have the funding there. Um Actually, it's projecting 2.5, so Yeah. This this this expenditures will bring it down to 1.45 and 1.6. Depending on whether or not, you know, I can only guess at how many new houses are going to go up and what developments. So, I put in, you know, the $12,000 for park development fees, but obviously this year you're collecting $65,000. So, you're collecting higher than what I was expecting. >> Both roofs, can we talk about the pavilion roof replacement? The whole of the roof is Do you have any idea on that? >> I don't know if that was replaced since the park was transferred from county to township. >> No. >> So, it's Yeah. I believe it was in 2006 that that was transferred to the 2005 or 2006 that it was transferred to the to the township. >> It was prior to prior to >> And it would have been at that point or prior. So, they're over 20 years old. >> I I believe both roofs have been replaced one time since I've been here. And I believe they were both replaced due to storm damage. >> Okay. >> But don't quote me on it. I'm pretty positive the lower half shingles that came off of the bathroom pavilion shelter, whatever you want to word it, and then also the uh the big beach wood roof shelter, I believe it's been replaced one time. >> Okay. >> And somewhere in that, you know, I've been here almost 22 years, so it's been done once. >> But just a quick question, if >> Go ahead. >> Ask my question. >> You have You finished. >> I'm just going to ask about um do we look at putting like a steel pole building roof on it so we don't have to go through this in 20 years and see what happens? >> That's what we were looking into um both of those shelters getting [clears throat] replaced or changed. >> This is an option. >> I don't know I don't know if that might be my area of expertise, but that's what we're going to do. >> I I just I want to get you like some clarification. So, it's pavilion roof replacement. So, the pavilion is the big one with the wooden roof, the circle. Okay. And then are you When you say replacement, are you including the concession bathroom? >> Mhm. >> All of them are included. >> Just the concession. Okay. >> The other roofs on the other shelters throughout the park were all replaced last year or this spring, whatever it was. >> So, the last thing is two months. >> Right. >> I just want to clarify this. And I would uh agree that if we did only do one in the back, which is what we've done here. >> Correct. >> Not anymore. >> No. Correct. And also the baseball grounds was replaced at the start of the ball. Also. >> So, playground equipment, any thoughts on it? We have any down there? Is there any playground equipment at the >> I I like Yes, there is. >> Does it need to be replaced or all of this >> There are some components that need to be replaced. Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So, yeah, check customer service for that. >> So, the 50,000 is just a a guess to me. >> Yeah. >> I don't have a line. And I just came up with that. I don't know for sure how much has to be replaced or anything like that. So. >> That's fair. So, uh Isaac, Eric, would it be reasonable to to ask that we get a better idea what those costs are going to be instead of I don't know. Instead of throwing a dart at a dartboard. >> Mhm. >> 50,000 is a lot. >> The uh rock climbing little wall at Twin Lakes is worn out. It's got holes in it. Um and that cannot be replaced cuz the playground is too old for whatever the new stuff is. >> They don't make a direct replacement for it. >> So actually a lot of the rocks have duct tape on them to try and keep so people don't get their foot pinched through or whatever in between the plastic molding. Um I did We did receive from a company uh veterans company and I have not reached out to them yet. I believe they're based out of Wisconsin. They would like some pictures of them and they could possibly come and plastic weld them at Summit Lake if that was an option. Um is there a replacement for rocks? >> Mr. Mayor? >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. >> So in that I Correct me if I'm wrong here, Aaron, but all of that play equipment is original from when the county redid that park. >> No, it's not. >> It is not. When is >> That playground, the original playground that the county put in was burnt down. >> That's right. >> Um all of it was then sued up 4 years after me starting here. So we replaced all of that in the last, let's say, 18 to 20 years. >> It's still old. Okay. Yeah, thank you. I forgot about that fire. Yeah. >> Say again? >> Mr. Estes asking for >> Yeah, for it. >> So I think when we were talking about it, I think you were talking about the um rocks and how people are the kids are getting pinched and stuff on it. They weren't able to just replace that piece. When we were coming up with estimates, Lori and I just went online and looked at a whole piece of equipment. >> You can't replace it because you can't just take the rock climbing off it. >> Correct. >> So can you guys do this just as a customer and pleasure ask develop this one and let's talk about it in the next meeting. >> Yeah, whatever that is. >> I think it's a great one to bring up. If it's complete replacement, I don't know what the the lifespan on this playground equipment is. So, maybe a little research on that to see if the lifespan is this, and maybe a full replacement is necessary. I don't know. What we don't want is kids getting hurt at the park, getting their fingers stuck in plastic. I don't want to plastic weld any old plastic cuz it it's a terrible idea. It's it's it's deteriorating. So, let's replace it and put good stuff in. If you want to do that, tell us what the plan should be. Or you guys take ownership of it. It's thousands of dollars of money. So, we'll bring that one up. When is our Miss Johnson, when is our next meeting? >> That's 18th. >> Next month. Is a week enough time to come up with a proposal on this? >> No, no, not next week. After. >> Yeah, we got two weeks. >> Two weeks. Two weeks. >> Next week's next week's election. >> I'll make sure of that. >> [clears throat] >> Okay, so we're going to talk about the building improvement fund. Um This is where we're we're purchasing the our building and drilling for a new well for for the um I'm proposing to drill a well for fire. Um and that's where the bond proceeds to go is to pay for that new well. In addition to that, we have some security cameras also budgeted here. The air conditioning at City Hall. That budget actually has decreased from 10 down to 7,500. And we got a a bid on that. We're looking at insulation for town hall and recycling, and some fans for the shop. That budget has doubled. It was eight and no one knows. >> Yeah, I got the bids in today. So, some of the budgets have changed. Um but >> So, we'll update the paperwork for our next >> Yeah, we'll have to have them updated, but we can still talk about the projects that are here. Who is ready to go? >> I was just about the town hall and for the recycling center, did we get estimates for some of the building installation? >> That was just a ballpark to throw some into the roof if that's what we needed because we can't do the infrared um study until it's super cold outside. >> Okay. Do you have any idea if $10,000 for the insulation is enough? >> Yes. >> That doesn't sound like a lot. >> No. >> Okay. >> To to blow insulation it's not going to be that ex- If it's just requires insulation to be blown in the attic up here, it I that's very conservative estimate. As far as the small installation. >> Yeah, it's No, it's more than enough. >> Okay, so >> Yeah, it's for it's for for blowing in insulation. >> So, if you're blowing insulation across this whole building, you'd be okay with $10,000. >> Yeah, the question the question is what really needs to fit needs to be done with the recycling center. Um you know, one of the things that we really need to to evaluate is what are the temperature set points for the you know, 10 hours during the week that we're open and you know, 3 hours two Saturdays a month. So, you know, that's >> I can answer that. 50° is what they told me when they were up there. >> Okay. >> So, I did find that question on the comparison of the two places. But so, if you looked at it they were some of the comments are like, "Hey, these are the air conditions here." Like, air conditions. I don't understand it gets hot, but like there's not windows in there. There's like a What do you call them? Transparent uh >> Skylights. >> Yeah, skylights and it's that's what the window is. So, tell me like there's a lot of opportunity over there. I'll just say that. So, unless you were somebody to come in and give an estimate because it like would need something better than that. There's no insulation. It's just paper thin pieces of transparent roofing is what they have in there for handles. >> Okay. >> And then this is the attic. >> That's where I was going. >> Okay. >> did uh submit a grant request to the county to bring in air conditioning um mini splits um and they refused it because it does not increase recycling. Um it's just a benefit for employees which they did not feel was worthwhile. And and we are very limited in that building as far as we have have no windows. It's just a panel building. Um where we would put windows um is where things are. You know, I mean we just don't So, we're very limited in what we can >> I wasn't focusing so much in the summer. >> Yeah. >> I was really focusing on that winter where it costs us the >> Yeah. And the And the winter it's cold in there. I mean, I I just find the ticket my winter boots from last time I worked in the recycling and I left [laughter] them there. Staff was very happy to have them for a little bit more. [snorts] But it's cold. Yeah. And this spring >> But >> I did um get quotes from Light 'n Up for two fans in that main area to try to bring the the cool down and the or the heat down and the Um it's 21,548. Um she could not give a bid for the area where the desk is. >> This is the recycle center? 21,000? >> For two fans. Two of the 8-ft fans. >> All right. >> That's my square. >> Go ahead. I I didn't realize that you were you know what you had advanced quoted for the recycling center. I thought it was for the shop. >> We did for the shop as well. We're just trying to get because with both the gentleman that came out and gave the energy um gave a recommendation that if we can't If we can't bring in more insulation and all that kind of stuff that maybe what if we use a fan it would bring the heat down and the cool up or whatever works the best for that. As a you know call this >> So, you don't have a line out there for fans for the recycling center. No, that was just getting it to see if we could take a look at it to see how for the comfort because that building was not made to house people in the winter or in the better of the summer either. The recommendation was to install new gas destratification fan in the garage areas to improve circulation of the conditioned air. Just trying to get them moving around. We brought a customer later. Can you talk about the fans for the public works? That was one fan. It would be 24 ft. That's $13,780. A potential $500 rebate. 12 ft 4 ft fan? It's 20 ft. It's a big ass fan. But [laughter] the sales person was out. She did calculations. I asked her specifically I said, "How do you determine because we were thinking probably two fans?" And she said she's got some software that calculates what needs what it would need. She was out measured everything for both of She recommended one fan. One fan. And I yeah, I asked her just a couple questions today cuz I received it late this afternoon. And I did put $4,000 into the second fan. What fan is that going to be? What else? So you want to talk about some of the conditions that you guys work in cuz I I think this is an important point for the fan in in the public works area. You guys spend a lot not a ton of time in it but if it's a rainy day you're in there. It's some if it's not raining you guys are in and out of there. But moving the air it gets It's warm in there. That's what I was told. >> It's a un-air-conditioned shop, you know, that that that has significant sidewalls, so you've got limited air movement with the current uh air-to-air exchanger that's there. >> Not for you You're not close to keeping it cool. You're just saying you get limited air movement period. There's not any fancy air other than That's what I was told, that's what I was >> Correct. There's no permanent fixtures other than the air-to-air exchanger that that it is uh on the southwest corner. Uh intake is southwest corner, exhaust is northeast corner >> I'm assuming we have insulation in the ceiling. >> Correct. >> So, it's not about an insulation factor or not having an insulation factor. It's just no air movement. That's my understanding, so I'm asking questions to make sure >> Sorry for just nodding my head. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> I have not been there on 100° days, guys, so part of that's understanding. So, your recommendation to Johnson would be for the shop fan increase that to What did you say the dollar amount was? >> 14,000, I think. >> And you do have um currently projected 203,000 in the in the uh building fund right now. So. >> Which shop fans could >> security cameras >> air conditioning and the three all would all fall under that. >> And and insulation. >> Yeah. The only thing that we're we're bonding for is the the new roof. >> Do you have recommendations for the council on what you'd like to see different? >> I >> Go ahead. Mr. Mayor, I I think that that is We'll get a chance to talk about the site next time, but I think we need to have substantial thought about >> [clears throat] >> how much longer we can sustain a recycling center that seems to be going down with some of the revenues that it used to take in. Is it Is it attributed to the reduced hours? And I had a conversation with the resident this weekend that said that, you know, it's it's almost got to the point where it's you know, they don't want to use the recycling center more cuz they just can't remember what day it's open, especially on Saturdays, and people are going elsewhere. And so, how much money do we You know, do we put into it for what is it? 5 or 10 hours a week in during the week and 6 hours a month on weekends. It's not a It's not a huge profit center for the city. >> No. I don't think it's a profit center at all. >> No, I I I I used to I used to use the the recycling center a lot. And I I I right now I don't even want to bother with having to remember what Saturday I can pick up. >> So, right now there's nothing projected in your any money going to the recycling center. >> Not in the building fund, but in the recycling, you know, I would say that money probably is the recycling >> Okay, but from the building improvement fund? >> No, no, no. >> And I think that's how it should remain. >> Yes, but there's $4,000 in there. >> In the Not in the building fund, but in the recycling the recycling financial $4,000 worth of bagging. >> But that's not their needs and their services. If they're going to do it, But if maybe the if I can clarify this, if um if you don't provide um recycling in your city, you know, for individuals that they get their recycling done, you have to have a recycling center. Is that correct, or I don't I'm not sure what the rule is from the county. I think you have to I think you have to allow people to have recycling at their homes. And then otherwise you have to have a recycling center. Somehow you have to provide recycling for your residents. How do you do it in the county? I >> Mr. Mayor, is >> Go ahead, Mr. >> So the state requires that every resident um such recycles. All of the haulers that that service Noland offer recycling. They Yes. They are required to. >> Okay. >> They are now some doing some um the current side waste. Um some are doing organics. Um we do have uh residents that choose not to use the recycling through their carrier um or provider. Um which I don't understand because they're paying for it whether they put anything in that can or not. >> It's not charged to the state. >> They are paying it. >> Yes. Yes. They are paying that. >> No, you cannot not bill. Um but many people You know, it's so my stuff. For all of our metal comes up to the recycling center. I could put it all in my my bill. I don't. I bring it all up here. We bring our cans up here. We bring our paper up here. But yet we still find that we use the recycling bin at home a lot. Um now not everything comes up here, but I put it all up. Um and it is a it is a question, you know, we are getting the additional $14,000 um a year from the county and that should help us. The problem with the recycling center is it takes forever to fill up a big roll off of paper, um metal. Metal not so much. That could fill pretty quickly. Um so there may it may take us a year and a half to fill something up. So there's no revenues coming in on aluminum or paper or glass or plastic until we take that roll-off to the to the end user. Um so it's hard to look at the dollar amounts in a budget for a recycling center because you could look at expenses maybe that year we had three we we need [clears throat] to be hauled something three times but that's a year and a half of of product. So it it I mean the appliances people like it for the appliances even though you can go drop them for free and they won't crush them all to melt but people it's convenient for them. Maybe we were there the other day and we pulled up we were one car and by the time I came out there were eight cars there. I mean it was just so I think it's hit and miss. But it is something that the council has to decide if they want to go forward with it. We do have to worry about there is a line in the contract with the county that if you stop providing it they can ask they can claw back any funds that they gave you to do anything. And so that could be Yeah. Yeah. And and they have given us capital money yeah. So it could cost us in the long run if we have to pay back the improvements that we did to the building. The the roll-off that we bought. There's some decisions that need to be made but it is a difficult one to look at and to decide whether or not we're making or losing money cuz it's not a monthly. You know it doesn't get dropped in a month and picked up in a month and dropped in a month and picked up in a month. And and and the the recycle center employees are doing a great job, um, trying to keep things separated. Um, they're they're, you know, trying to pull out copper now and, you know, trying to change trying to do the metals differently so that when the metals go to the, um, altar, we can get a better price for them. And then but then you This is difficult. >> Okay, so we'll we'll shift off and, um, anything else for for the public works to talk about? That we should talk about? Parks. >> Parks. >> That's not fertilizer. >> 10 minutes weekend unless you have any questions or whatever things that people might have. >> Okay. >> Page 17. >> Thank you. >> Page 17. Okay. So, you guys can see the, um, step increases for public works. Um, that is one of the larger increases and same with the insurance here. Um, because they're spending more time, I think, in the parks area, that's why the insurance is also being charged here. Um, general supplies going going up slightly, $500. The biggest increase is in landscaping supplies and sign supplies and that >> for the last couple of years. >> Those are the three main areas. So, I don't know. You guys want to >> Is that professional services? Is that what we're talking about? >> Fertilizing, yeah. They have somebody do it. They have somebody come and do it. >> Fertilizing. See, I I believe we should talk about fertilizing and just look at if we're required to do the ball field because we've got irrigation, but maybe from the public works perspective, what what are your thoughts on getting this done? And we're currently spending any idea on the total spend for fertilizer for the rest of the park? Is it needed? Can we go without it? Does it help? >> bring our clients. >> All right. >> Do you remember the name of the company? >> For what? >> Who did it this year? >> Yeah, a complete ground maintenance. >> I think ground up. >> Yeah, yeah. I was going to ask him about the pricing. >> [snorts] >> But I'll probably get a few contracts as far as some of them liquid. He does the granular stuff. The liquid, you have to have uh I don't know, a fertilizer license and all that applicator's license. We talked about possibly if one of us could get that sub license and the city would buy, you know, some sort of an application tank to pull behind a tool cat or something like that. Maybe that would help to save the city some funds as far as fertilizing that way goes. But that's just been kind of a brainstorm the last little while. I think I've been talking about it a little bit. >> Mhm. >> Okay. If we did something that could, you know, your first year cost would be paid for the applicator and then you could get a cost savings probably right after that. >> I would assume within the after [clears throat] the first year, first season. >> you Can you guys look into that and then we'll talk about it on August 17th? >> I will be on vacation on August 17th. >> You wouldn't have to be here to meet with me. >> You get the information to Mr. Johnson. >> Do you have any other questions? >> I'm all set. >> What do you have? >> Yeah. >> Um softball field was 568, soccer field was 481, the baseball field was 765, and the office was 199. >> And that's per application. >> Mhm. >> Okay, that's good. >> So total is 2,000. So the total was $2,000. And you did you did three instead of the six that were required or asked. >> Right. >> Recommended, very good. >> Mr. Johnson, if you bring that back, you and public works work that and come up with a plan and bring it to us on the 17th. What's possible? Can we get an after hour license? What does the equipment cost? Does it make sense to do it or to tell us that it doesn't make sense? >> We can bring the information, but we're calling them monthly at this meeting. >> Okay. Can you forward the information >> [laughter] >> Somebody >> Any questions regarding the parks? Okay, the signs and supplies are going up significantly I think for the new budget cycle and the parks. Is there We have a parks ordinance that's coming and with that ordinance will come what we can do for signs. And it's based upon our recommendations of uh you know, no vehicles on the paths because we've had vehicles going down the paths. So we've had um no fishing at the beach or between No fishing between signs. We've got uh vehicles with trailers only. Um fishing pier only. Okay, this kind of things and different >> Can I ask a question? Was that also some of the swing gate um or some of the walking trail stuff or was that not? >> I believe we put the swing gates just under repairs and maintenance cuz it's not a capital item. And [clears throat] also the mulch and all that stuff for the different paths that we talked about, we also put those in the maintenance cuz again, it's not a capital. >> This would all be covered with park funds? >> No, this is in the general fund. >> This is all general fund projects. you. So even signage you know that we're using park as a general fund when we go to the park. Yes, I'm missing the park. >> Okay, it's not really a capital item. I mean it's more of a durable item. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Any other questions on parks? Any other questions for our public works or fire department? And apparently this job is because you're not going to be here on 17th either. >> So let's look at first this page administration. >> Um I will bring the letter of agreement. Uh page 10. And it's really the the the changes here are in the staffing increases and all of that. And I'll explain the breakdown for you. Um reducing the computer cost cuz we we found out from the IT guy that it's only going to be about 1,500 per computer. And one of the administrative groups needs a new computer next year. Um postage has increased. And so the postage costs have have gone up. Uh the newsletter costs have gone down. And Mr. Mayor >> Go ahead. >> So this year cost of postage is is driving this or the volume is? Uh mail that we're sending out. >> It's well we because the cost went up, the amount the amount we sent out really hasn't changed a whole lot. Um next year I do anticipate it changing some because we will be um verifying IUPs and CUPs. And any of the letters that are coming out um for people that want to not have it on their properties, so will be one of our projects next year. And then like the two other newsletters we did go down, and that's all based on advertising. A lot of part of that is because staff has been formatting and creating the ads for some of the vendors that are advertising. Um but I kind of like to put a note to with the advertisers choose not to advertise, that dollar amount could change. Yeah, we're just anticipating that they will continue to do so. >> And then mileage of travel went up for training. And then marketing and then extra $2,000. >> Excuse me? >> For what? What what This incorporates a $2,500 marketing budget for the city. >> Um well, we have had Comcast as sponsored the 19th night for the last 2 years. >> [snorts] >> I don't know if they'll sponsor us. I didn't guarantee them that they'll want to sponsor again next year. Um we do the little toys and food and all that kind of stuff on the 19th night, which has been great. And hopefully next or hopefully tomorrow night's going to be a great turnout as well. >> Is that Is that budget just for 19th night? >> No, it was also before if there's any shirts with or uniform, if we're going to conferences, you know, we'll have that kind of stuff. So, we don't do a lot of any kind of marketing other than um we do an ad in the heritage or I'm sorry, in the young the threshing show, there's an ad for the heritage festival, there's you know, it's just a bunch of little miscellaneous stuff. There's nothing that's large. The biggest expense potentially next year is going to be if we have to fund 19th night ourselves. Now, I do have a potential sponsor that um reached out that we have to away for next year to ask, but if we don't have it, then there would be no money to host the event next year. >> What what does that cost us if we have to do this? >> It's about $2,500. >> What is the focus $2,500 made up of mostly, what did you say? >> It's just And we bought extra stuff this year with the Comcast service Comcast money that they gave us to be able to have some and do some things having some leftovers there, and I wouldn't have to buy additional service unless we had to check on staff changeover. That would all stay the same. We can certainly cut it if the council would >> So, the risk is 1998 definitely stopped if you can have a sponsor. That's really the piece, but it's only a portion of this. >> Yeah, and it's a very I mean, it's the largest portion of it because we don't >> So, it's $1,000 for 1998 to sponsor it? >> I think Well, I'll come with the advertising receipts after tomorrow. I can do that. I don't know exactly what the costs are going to be. I just know that when we set the budget, we said don't go over $2,500 when we're getting our gifts, getting the food, getting the water, getting everything together for them. >> I think cuz we'll get the information if we just show up and tell them on the 17th. >> I can bring I can bring what the budget was last year and this year. >> And prior Mr. Mayor, >> What is >> prior to that, the Naugatuck Lions did the 1998 party. It's only been the last 2 years that it's been a city sponsored event. >> Could we just make it a separate line item like we do for the 2000s of the Heritage Festival or whatever it is? >> I think that'd be a better idea. >> So, it's very clear on what it is, and then the council can vote whether they want to do it or not. And we'll see how well it goes money can I didn't make it last year and it was out of town. >> Yeah, just over 200 people last year. >> I I would like to see that if we can do that. >> Okay. >> So, I'd like to just move it right in with that same you know, it'll be part of Parker and then that night we move it. >> Mhm. Any other questions? Any other questions for anybody? Just cover them all over. >> Do you have any questions? >> I'm good. >> Do we have a motion to make a motion? >> I'll move it over there. >> Second somebody? >> I'll second it. >> Thank you. >> Have a good night, everybody. >> Great casting. >> [groaning] >> Cheering. >> I might want to bring a widget spinner for you. >> Do you have a second? >> Questions and stuff that we cover when we come back and study for the