Thursday, March 19, 2015

March 19th City Council Work Session Notes

On Thursday, March 19, 2015 the City of Huntington City Council met for work session.  About 31 people were in attendance; this included three Huntington Police Officers and the mayor. A few members not in attendance. The following notes are what we briefly discussed at the meeting:

-Pledge
- Reports and reminders from the mayor:
·      Introduction of Rick Edgar, new manager of Big Sandy:
o   Been on job for week.
o   Plans for big summer events
o   Making connections in tow
o   Multiple ways of recruiting
Concern with new billing system at sanitary board
Problematic with bills: 60 days behind, trying to catch up, loss and lack of communication, no one will have the charge of lateness on the bill, a letter of explanation will be sent out, 12 months to pay, no late fee, no termination, meeting next week to further discuss the matter, should have been handled differently, new billing cycle to catch up, not to worry, talking to everyone that calls in, software issues, were told the current software is what was needed and we had to adapt, not going to happen next time, citizens are the customers, high compliments to the staff for taking care of issues.

#5: Business sidewalks and the removal of snow issues- businesses need to keep them clean and clear for safety reasons.
#6: Amending sections: charter- brings in line with current legislation: Chapter 8 Article 4: 8-24 is now 8-8.
#7: Payment of municipal fees for members of council: have the fees and bills withheld from members of council’s wages until it is caught up
#8: 9-51 ordinance fee-exemption for low income renters, clarifies that landlords of low income renters can claim exemption are taking advantage of this policy, needs to be rectified.
#9: Planning commission and house keeping ordinances/charters to be caught up with current code
#10: March 9 meeting- recommended by state: 3 changes to ordinances:
o   Addition of definitions and terms
o   Clarification on elevations
o   Attributing on preferences
#11: Resolution of City Hall renovations, 100th anniversary coming up, volunteer work on construction saved money, take up of floorings and removal of glue costs, still have over $55,000 for renovations in foundation funds, agreement with one crew that worked on Visual Arts Center to remove flooring and glue at $21,000, 1985 was last renovation yea on building.
#12: Douglas Center Update: Mr. Runyon, finance director, volunteers as president of Ebenezer Outreach Clinic, 3 clinics in building, dental, medical and pharmacy, multiple tenants, non-profits, Marshall to purchase to operate, to add offices as well, proceeds to pay off loan, adds $130,000 back into the organization’s budget, approved transaction in April, 50 year designation has to remain with the historical integrity of structure of building, debt service of $780,000, responsibility of building fall to Marshall and the state or city, Outreach will continue to pay it’s share of the rent.

#13: General Fund Budget: Saturday a resolution to be made for 2015-2016 to be adjusted to add revenues and expenses for two items: collection of $265,000 extra, $455,00 more for extra paving making budget $1 million, rest of budget proposed stays same. NOTE* Reads different because of state revenue: adopt to meet language of Charleston, special assessments, elections in line wiggle room for more adjustments to budget, 27th is when it is due.

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