PUBLIC HEARING
1. Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 General Fund and Special Fund Budgets.
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James Ritsema, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, provided a presentation regarding the 2009-2010 Budget. (The Powerpoint handout is available in the City Clerk's Office.)
Mayor Behnke declared the Public Hearing open and asked for any public comments.
Rev. Colleen Nelson, Trinity Lutheran Church, was appreciative of the time the Commission and staff have spent with Neighbors Creating Change in understanding Hamilton Park issues. She urged the Commission to find funds in the city's budget to make a safe beautiful park for the Post Franklin residents to enjoy.
Angela Mosley, 31 W. Bidwell, stated Hamilton Park creates a positive atmosphere for the Post Franklin youth, and she endorsed funding for the park.
George Gray, 111 Academy, informed the Commission that Hamilton Park is in poor shape and hoped the Commission would allocate funds to renovate the park. He also announced a picnic will be held in the park on Saturday, June 6, 2009, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Steve Wagner, 30 Post, would like to see a partnership with the City to renovate Hamilton Park and asked for a promise to support the funding of Phase 1.
Betty Crow,Trinity Lutheran Church member, believed in neighbors helping neighbors to make Battle Creek a safe place to live. She stated Neighbors Creating Change is proud to champion the Hamilton Park renovation project and felt they are making a difference.
David Moore asked if the businesses are helping out with the Hamilton Park project.
Rev. Dale Bennett of JONAH asked if the Battle Creek Enquirer was correct regarding the budget and allocating funds for two Neighborhood Organizers and Neighborhoods Inc.
John Cash, 121 Academy, stated Hamilton Park is unsafe for children and renovations need to be made.
Laurie Sullivan, 130 Frelinghuysen, commented that she was stunned that there are many differences between the city's parks. She mentioned safety hazards with Hamilton Park equipment and encouraged the Commission to taking an aggressive approach to reaching out to the neighborhood.
Rico Bailey, 21 Jericho, stated the Hamilton Park neighborhood does not scream prosperity and there is nothing to do. The children are the future of Battle Creek and encouraged funding for Hamilton Park.
John Kenefick, 234 South Avenue, remarked that Neighborhoods Inc. was started by a Kellogg grant to rehab buildings and sell them. He felt that $100,000 of taxpayer money has supported Neighborhoods Inc. every year and the funding has grown to $200,000. Mr. Kenefick stated because of financial difficulties, the neighborhood organizers are shifting to Neighborhoods, Inc., and he felt that changes the scope of Neighborhoods, Inc.
Mayor Behnke asked for Commission comments.
Comm. Yankama noted the seriousness of the lack of good water and asked about the city's water quality. He also encouraged commissioners to approve Resolution 158.
James Ritsema stated the city's water is safe. He reported that the distribution system is an aging infrastructure and ultimately will need to be replaced. Mr. Ritsema anticipated providing a state of the system report to the City Commission in the near future.
Vice Mayor Walker asked Jim RItsema to speak about the increase in the fire and police pension fund.
James Ritsema advised the current police and fire millage rate is projected to be 3.418 mills and is a 10% increase.
Vice Mayor Walker asked what kind of impact the millage will have on the operating funds in the future.
James Ritsema noted the unadjusted chart of the five year projection doesn't factor in any major change in state shared revenue. The City is still capped on the General Operating millage at approximately 11.2 mills. There will be some challenges ahead that could effect the expenditure side of the budget.
Comm. Hersha stated there has been some confusion regarding the Neighborhood Organizers and asked what the future is for those positions.
Ken Tsuchiyama anticipated further reductions in state revenue sharing and the City needs to be prepared for additional reductions. The idea behind the contract with Neighborhoods, Inc. would prepare the City for future cuts and provide an opportunity to transition neighborhood organizing.
Comm. Hersha noted the budget resolution does not authorize an expenditure of funds for Hamilton Park. A resolution would need to follow.
Comm. Simmons asked if there is a cap on the police and fire pension.
James Ritsema responded the police and fire pension millage is a voted millage.
Comm. Simmons asked if there is potential for further negative impact on the major and local street funds.
James Ritsema advised the budget being considered tonight for major and local streets already include a 5% reduction in Act 51 revenues for those funds. If the economy gets worse, there is a potential for further negative impact. However, there are bills being introduced at the state level that might increase Act 51 revenue.
Vice Mayor Walker asked that the city remove the jagged edges on equipment at Hamilton Park as soon as possible.
Mayor Behnke declared the Public Hearing closed. |