08121996 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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36 Regular Meeting August 1~, 1996 Page 2 position this fiscal year and stated Penny Keith was doing a good job, is skilled, enthusiastic, has had many accomplishments and progress is noted. The Association went before the Planning and Zoning Commission to present their concerns in February. Mr. VonderLippe stated the neighborhoods are the biggest water users, and they want to cooperate with the City. He stated the' neighborhood streets need rehabilitation and hopes this can be taken care of. They want to see the Drainage Master Plan implemented. They are pleased with the Horizons Master Plan and hope it will be ¡ implemented, particularly the sector plans. They hope to give more meaningful input in the future. Mayor Moore stated a determination had been made by Staff it would take a bond issue to bring the City up on streets. Mr. VonderLippe indicated this is a high priority for the neighborhoods. Mr. VonderLippe stated the neighborhoods are pleased with the street crew and hope they can do more if more dollars are budgeted for materials. Mr. VonderLippe stated he thinks the City is pro-active in making the neighborhoods viable and safe, and Mr. Guerra stated the City is committed to neighborhood integrity. No one else wished to speak, and Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. Mr. Guerra asked Mr. Gilley where the budget increases would come from. Mr. Gilley responded the increase in the Human Services funding to Level One would be from General Fund fund balance. The $10,000.00 increase to the Hispanic Chamber will be as follows: $5,000.00 reduction from CVB to increase the Hispanic Chamber's tourism funding and $5,000.00 from the Electric Utility Fund to the Hispanic Chamber's economic development funding. Mr. Cox stated he is uncomfortable with late' requests but hopes the City can do something to support Ms. Johnson's request for funding of the Child Advocacy Center. He stated abused children is a significant issue and wants the City to commit some funding. Mayor Moore stated he agrees and is in favor of funding $10,000.00, and Mr. Cox stated he was thinking about $5,000.00 but could go with $10,000.00. Mr. Guerra stated he would be in favor of $25,000.00 if the City also opens the opportunity to other agencies. Mr. Hart I agrees with Mr. Guerra that if we entertain any, we should entertain all requests. Mr. Hernandez stated we have a process through the Human Services Advisory Board, and there is always next year to get into the system. Mr. Cox stated his inclination is to help now. Mr. Guerra questioned if an individual has access to the Council, they can then go forward. Mayor Moore stated waiting another year to fund a program to aid kid abuse would be another year of damage to the whole fabric and wants to help them this year. Ms.' Hughson inquired where the money would come from to fund this program, and Mr. Gilley stated it could come from fund balance. Mr. Hart suggested the Council reduce the level of funding to the human services agencies and fund this program with the difference between Mr. Gilley's proposed funding of $242,800.00 and an amount not to exceed the $252,512.00 the Council decided to fund (Level One). He stated in all fairness Ms. Johnson's request should be denied. Ms. Johnson advised they were able to put the request together to potentially be considered, because it was an opportunity for ~ start-up money that will not be available again. Ms. Johnson stated the State will continue the $25,000.00 annually for the program, and there will be no duplication of services if this program is approved. Mr. Guerra stated the program is needed and worthwhile, but for him it is an issue of process. Ms. Johnson stated it is her ¡ job to make the Council aware of the opportunity. Mr. Hernandez! stated he is not in favor of additional funding. Mr. Cox stated the I merits of this case take priority over process and is willing for- the City to commit $10,000.00 towards their match. Mr. Guerra stated he is not in favor of changing the budget for the human service program. Mr. Hart stated he wants to stay at Level One. Ms. Hughson stated she agrees with Mr. Cox, that the merits and opportunity outweigh other factors. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he supports Mr. Cox's position. Mayor Moore directed $10,000.00 be added per consensus of the Council towards this match. If they are able to raise the $25,000.00 funding needed for the match, the City will provide $10,000.00 of the funding. The consensus was to approve this funding amount (For: Cox, Mihalkanin, Hughson, Moore; Against: Hart, Guerra, Hernandez).