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08/15/2006 Special Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-SPECIAL MEETING

AUGUST 15, 2006

Mayor Horner called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall.  Advanced notice of the meeting was given by publication in The Sentinel, the appointed method for giving advanced notice.  All proceedings shown were taken while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

The Mayor, Roger Horner, presided and City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, recorded the proceedings.  The following Councilmembers were present:  Dan Fricke, Gary Tuttle, and Harlan Schrock.  Dustin Weber was absent.  A quorum being present and the meeting duly convened, the following proceedings were had and done.

As required by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, Mayor Horner announced that a copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act has been posted on the south door of the City Hall meeting room for all in attendance to review.

Mayor Horner announced that the public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments related to amending the previously adopted budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 was now open at 7:01 p.m.  Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Fricke for this public hearing to begin.  On roll call voting aye, Tuttle, Schrock, Fricke.  Nays none.  Weber absent.  Motion carried.

Mayor Horner asked if there were any comments relating to amending the 2005-2006 budget.  No comments were received.

Discussion began regarding individual department proposals for the 2006-2007 fiscal year budget. 

Fire Chief, Brent Milton and 2^nd Assistant Chief, Stanley Krause submitted a budget proposal for the Fire Department.  Chief Milton said the proposal is basically the same as last year except that this year they intend to purchase a new truck.

Councilman Dustin Weber now present at 7:04 p.m.

Librarian, LaRaine Cihak submitted a budget proposal for Gilbert Public Library.  This budget includes matching funds for a grant received for landscaping in front of the Library.

Mayor Horner announced that if there were no objections or recommendations to be heard regarding amending the previously adopted budget for fiscal year 2005-2006, the public hearing could now be closed.  Motion to close the public hearing was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock.  On roll call voting aye, Tuttle, Schrock, Fricke, Weber.  Nays none.  Motion carried.  Public hearing was closed at 7:15 p.m.

Mayor Horner introduced the following resolution.

Resolution No. 06-10

WHEREAS The City of Friend has refunded a previous bond issue, and paid for unanticipated expenses related to the Maple Street Fire cleanup not previously budgeted in the fiscal year budget for 2005-2006, and;

WHEREAS these changes will cause an increase in that year’s budget for expenditures;

WHEREAS these changes necessitate an amendment to the fiscal year budget for 2005-2006 of the City;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA as follows:

The City of Friend hereby approves by resolution the budget amendment for the year October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006.  The budgeted expenditures are increased by  $267,825 (Wastewater Bonds refunded for $192,000 and Maple Street Fire clean-up expenditures of $75,825) to $7,281,589.

Motion to approve Resolution #06-10 relating to amending the 2005-2006 budget was made by Weber, seconded by Fricke.  On roll call voting aye, Weber, Tuttle, Schrock Fricke.  Nays none.  Resolution #06-10 was passed and approved this 15^th day of August, 2006.

Police Chief, Mark McFarland submitted a budget proposal for the Friend Police Department.  One factor that contributes to the increase in this budget over last year’s budget is retirement expenses for McFarland and Officer Stork, as they have completed one year of full-time service and are now eligible for retirement benefits.  Another factor that McFarland brought to the attention of the Council was the increase in fuel prices.

Utility Superintendent, Patrick Gates submitted a budget proposal for the Street, Water, Light, Sewer, and Park & Recreation Departments. 

Terry Galloway, CPA from Shonsey & Associates attended the meeting.  Mr. Galloway gave recommendations to the Council for the 2006-2007 fiscal year budget.  After discussion, Council requested that submitted proposals be reconsidered and resubmitted to the Council for review at the September 5, 2006 meeting.

At 9:00 p.m. motion was made by Tuttle, seconded by Weber, to enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues.  On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Tuttle, Weber, Schrock.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Weber, to return to regular session at 9:15 p.m.  On roll call voting aye, Tuttle, Schrock, Fricke, Weber.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tuttle, seconded by Fricke.  On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Fricke, Weber, Tuttle.  Nays none.  Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.