RESOLUTIONS
188. A Resolution adopting Battle Creek Transit's revised Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing Policy and Program, effective immediately.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
Supported By: John Godfrey City Commissioner
Comm. Godfrey asked Rich Werner if the City was tightening up different provisions of the existing program and if there were any significant changes.
Rich Werner responded that there were some major changes in procedures for observing behavior, return to duty, and follow-up testing for an employee who tested positive.
Votes For = 8
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
John Godfrey City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Mark Behnke Mayor
Sherry Sofia City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Tony Walker Vice Mayor
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
189 Revised. A Resolution adopting the ''2009 Fee, Bond, and Insurance Schedule'' for the City of Battle Creek.
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John Kenefick noted there are now more than 200 fee increases in the proposed Fee, Bond, and Insurance, Schedule and he believed the City was increasing the financial burden on citizens.
Comm. Yankama read a statement from U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer regarding CDBG funding. Comm. Yankama stated citizens can't handle the stress of the economy and did not think it was the right time to raise fees.
Comm. Baldwin was concerned about the increase in tenant's deposits and did not believe the timing was right for the tenant deposit requirements.
Comm. Hersha agreed with Comm. Baldwin.
Motion to amend the Fee, Bond, and Insurance Schedule to change the tenant deposits back to the 2007 levels.
Moved By: Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Supported By: Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Although Comm. Thompson supported leaving the water, sewer, and garbage tenant deposits at the 2007 levels, she opposed the Fee, Bond, and Insurance Schedule because it is the wrong time to be charging fees.
Vice Mayor Walker would like to see the information from staff on the other side.
Mr. Ritsema noted that he sent out an email explaining the rationale behind increasing the water deposits, which recognizes the rate increases in water, sewer and garbage. He stated staff could reconsider the tenant deposits; however, this schedule is recommended by staff based on the costs of running the programs.
Mayor Behnke struggled with increasing the water and sewer deposit fees and suggested sending it back to the administration one more time.
Comm. Sofia asked what happens if a tenant leaves town and doesn't pay a water bill.
Mr. Ritsema responded that the bills would be sent to a collection agency and the City would lose some of the fees.
Comm. Godfrey questioned if it would be more wise to moderate the fees rather than rely on a collection agency.
Mr. Ritsema stated sewer rates have been historically lower than water charges, and the garbage rates are proportionate to what the bill is now.
Vice Mayor Walker stated the schedule accurately reflects costs to provide services and did not think it appropriate to ask staff to change the schedule.
Comm. Yankama stated many people are living on fixed incomes and was not supportive of increased fees.
VOTE ON AMENDMENT:
Votes For = 5
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Mark Behnke Mayor
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
Votes Against = 3
John Godfrey City Commissioner
Sherry Sofia City Commissioner
Tony Walker Vice Mayor
MOTION APPROVED
Motion to approve amended Resolution 189
Moved By: Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
Supported By: John Godfrey City Commissioner
VOTE ON AMENDED RESOLUTION:
Votes For = 5
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
John Godfrey City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Sherry Sofia City Commissioner
Tony Walker Vice Mayor
Votes Against = 3
Mark Behnke Mayor
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED |