City Council Minutes
November 29, 2004 - 7:30pm
PRESIDING OFFICER: Mayor John C.M. Davis
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE: Mayor John C.M. Davis
PRESENT: Mayor John C.M. Davis, Mayor Pro-Tem Susan J. Osika,
Councilpersons Joane E. Ford, Justin R. Horvath, Mark D. Owen, Linda L.
Robertson, and Charles J. Sumrack.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENTATION -
STRATEGIC FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION
Gregg Guetschow, City
Manager, introduced Finance Director Richard Williams. City Manager
Guetschow outlined the procedure for tonight’s meeting. Finance
Director Williams outlined the schedule for strategic planning
sessions. He also commented regarding the City’s fund balance policy as
adopted in 1996. Mr. Williams commented regarding city funding that is
controlled by the State (state shared revenue sharing and property
taxes); reduced revenues; the effect of the Headlee tax amendment;
Proposal A; and the weak economy.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
James Capitan, 1005 Meadow
Drive, commented that the City Council is very fortunate to have the
staff we have at City Hall.
RECESS AND RECONVENE IN PAUL K. HOOD CONFERENCE ROOM
The City Council recessed
at 8:16 p.m. and reconvened at 8:19 p.m. in the Paul K. Hood Conference
Room.
DISCUSSION - STRATEGIC FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT
City Manager Guetschow
lead a council discussion regarding strategic initiatives. He commented
regarding the “Trends + Policies” that affect our municipal services
(Outcomes). Mr. Guetschow asked, “What does the council want to
accomplish”?
There was general
discussion regarding: reducing pension risk & long term cost (new
alternatives/new employees); health care benefit costs; reducing
costs/maintain services; sharing services with county/townships; State
Budget concerns; increasing revenues or spending from reserves to
maintain services; fixed city boundaries limits growth; bidding out of
non-essential services; generating alternate sources of revenue; project
specific funding; and making Owosso attractive to residents and
businesses.
Mayor Davis left the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Utilities Director Gary Burk commented regarding
selling services and creating water districts in townships.
Councilperson Horvath commented regarding PA 425 agreements.
Councilperson Sumrack inquired about excess capacity at the water plant
and using this capacity to generate revenue.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilperson Owen for adjournment at
9:25 p.m. Motion supported by Councilperson Horvath and concurred in by
unanimous vote.
____________________________________
John C.M. Davis, Mayor
____________________________________
Gail L. Schultz, City Clerk
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