02 City Council Min 08-03-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attorney Schenk said because of the nature of his office in having to keep up to date, these are necessary for the practice of law. Councilman Wilson questioned the rise in the budget of the phone bill from $3700 to $4700. City Attorney Schenk said that reflected actual costs of long distance and other phone services. He said the year to date was $3500 through the end of June. Mr. Schenk said this also included their portion of the phone system and pager and cell phone. Finance Director Anderson reminded the Council that since the main trunk line going into City Hall has been taken out of the Council's budget and is being reallocated to the various departments, these numbers will go up for everyone. Councilman Wilson wondered about insurance and bonds. City Attorney Schenk indicated those were the Fidelity bonds he had to have on his employees, Mr. Anderson said it also included their portion of the general liability. It was agreed that line item, #303, would be dropped to $2500. Councilman Bell questioned that although $2100 was requested in court costs, the year to date was zero and wondered if it couldn't be dropped to zero. City Attorney Schenk said if Councilman Bell could assure him there wouldn't be any court cases in the next year, it could be done. Councilman Bell asked what happened to the money in the past. Mr. Schenk said it was used on foreclosing liens and mowing liens. He said it could be reduced to $1100. Councilman Guest questioned the travel expenses. City Attorney Schenk said in his department, there are two attorneys that need to maintain their certifications, two paraprofessionsals that need to maintain their certifications and a person handling claims who also needs training., none of which is out of state travel. Councilman Bell questioned that the year to date was only $531.00. Mr. Schenk said most of them are offered later in the year. He also said the year to date was $2847.00. He mentioned he has to travel to court hearings, also. Councilman Wilson was concerned that Mr. Schenk received a car allowance and also got mileage. Mr. Schenk reminded them that was part of his contract. It was agreed to make travel $5000.