07/24/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Regular Council Meeting July 24, 2017 Page 9 Council Member Drake said she had requested this item be placed on the agenda and expressed appreciation to Mr. Godwin and Mr. McDaniel. Public Works Director Jerry McDaniel reviewed a map of drainage channels reflecting flooded areas, as well as the City's progress and plans. He said planned projects included Collegiate near Clarksville, West Center, South Church, Pine Bluff, York and Brownwood Circle. Following the presentation, Mr. McDaniel answered questions from City Council. 18. Discuss and provide direction to staff on the FY 2017 -18 budget for the City of Paris. Mr. Godwin outlined the highlights of the 2017 -18 recommended General Fund budget, which included increasing the tax rate of 50.195 cents per $100 of valuation to $55.195, as called for in the May bond election; a general raise for employees of 2.5 %, with the lowest paid employees receiving 5.0 %; a $2,000 raise for firefighters, to include all fire personnel below the chief ranks; an increase of $25.00 per month per employee to help cover increasing insurance costs, beginning January 1, 2018; replacement of SCBA equipment for firefighters ($40,000); one new ambulance and associated equipment; construction of a replacement EMS station in northwest Paris; costs related to implementing the ADA transition plan; pumps and filter replacement at the city pool, funding for improvements and updates to the City's website; one new full time employee each in drainage and code enforcement, both effective April 1, 2018; additional funding for contract mowing ($20,000) for Cox Field and the loop right -of -way, so that parks and code staffs can better concentrate on their regular duties; and implementation of a wellness program in the police department. Mr. Godwin said items that were not included in the budget were improvements or repairs to the exterior of the police and courts building; needed replacement equipment for streets; all- weather surfaces at the warehouse; a cost of living raises for retirees; additions and enhancements to the sports complex; and resurfacing of the swimming pool. Following the budget presentation, Mr. Godwin answered questions from City Council and reminded City Council that they would have a meeting every week in September. Council Member Drake said she would like something on the Agenda about a COLA for retirees and Mr. Godwin said they could discuss under this item. Council Member Knox said she would like additional information about the retiree pension fund. Mr. Godwin said the City of Paris was a part of the TMRS pension plan with the exception of the fire department, as they had their own plan. Mr. Godwin said that staff would provide them additional information. 19. Consider and approve future events for City Council and /or City Staff pursuant to Resolution No. 2004 -081. Council Member Drake inquired when the joint work session with code enforcement was scheduled, and Mr. Godwin said tentatively in October. Council Member Knox said she would like for the City as a whole to get a plan of where they wanted to be and that she would like more integration. Mr. Godwin said there were two forums in which they could address this, one as a City Council agenda or a work session. Council Member Knox favored a work session. Council Member Portugal suggested a one -half day City Council retreat to do some team building.