City of Chillicothe Finance Committee met April 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The finance committee met on April 12, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., in the council chambers at City Hall. Present: Chairman Vanbruwaene, Alderperson Sharp, Alderperson Braun, Mayor Hughes, Office
Manager Passage,
Chairman Vanbruwaene called the meeting to order 4:30 p.m. He announced that due to a personal commitment he would have to limit the meeting to one hour and apologized for any inconvenience.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vickie Owens-909 N. 6th - She stated that she was unaware that they could only speak once. She would like to have the questions answered and a status of the garbage service issue. She stated she opposes a contract with GFL.
Don Schmidt Jr. - 919 6th – He asked about a referendum for the topic.
Wanda Perry-923 N. 6th - She was there to gather information and voice her displeasure with the current garbage service.
Gary Fyke - 1509 David - He stated he was there representing the seniors from Pearce. He asked what is GFL asking.
Bill Dwyer - 1409 Harborway - He voice his concern regarding wanting a fair price for garbage service, how the city would handle vacant property and if a business owner would only receive on bill.
Christopher Schmidt-1605 Finney - He stated he is a person who recycles and does not want garbage. Also voice his concern regarding the high cost for service.
Jerry Lutker - 616 W. Hallock Hollow Rd. Edelstein - She stated she does not live in town. Does not like GFL and is city exploring other options.
Connie Lober - 306 6th-Wanted to know what progress has been made and detail status report
Terri Sibrel - 114 Louise - Wanted to know what progress has been made and how it would be enforced if it was billed on the water bill.
Sandra Colwell - 504 Taylor Dr. – Seeking information
Trudy Spencer - 1319 Sycamore - concerns regarding combination of water and garbage billing issues. Jeff Colwell - 504 Taylor Dr. – Concern about everyone having a different amount charged for garbage Brian Bungard 1328 N. Fourth - Did the city stop garbage trucks from going through alley for pickup. Get new garbage trucks
Nina Ehle - 1931 E. Truitt Road - Does not live in city. Her bill went up and the service is not good. She believes Limestone township the citizens voted on issue.
PURPOSE
Garbage Service - Chairman Vanbruwaene gave the following report regarding status of issue:
1. Looking into the cost because of the cost increase
2. GFL met with city and proposed a potential lower price with contract. With a guess of 30%
3. There are no contracts currently with any garbage companies between the city
4. Have looked at other municipalities, there prices are specific to their needs
5. For the city to control the garbage service the city would have to enter into a contract with a garbage company
6. We have looked at other companies such as G & O, Murphy's, and Republic no formal proposals Chairman Vanbruwaene stated that the city has the option to do nothing and things stay as they are now for citizens.
Mayor Hughes stated that he had received some calls from citizens regarding garbage concerns. GFL company representative contact him. He and others met with GFL just looked at what they had to offer.
Mayor Hughes stated an option is to place it on the tax bill.
Mayor Hughes said that he talked with GFL to get his bill lowered.
Alderperson Sharp explained that the committee is looking at the whole process. He explained that GFL is doing their own billing at this time and they are a private company. They are proposing the city to do the billing with a contract.
Chairman Vanbruwaene advised the committee that he has looked at the preliminary proposal and has sat with Office Manager Passage to determine some potential costs. He advised the best estimate at this time would be a $5.00 a month savings based on an average. A discussion was held regarding if the committee should take the request to the council to formally seek proposals from the three other companies or not. He advised that G & O company may be interested only if the city did the billing and Republic Company also wants the same thing.
Chairman Vanbruwaene stated that there was no good way to have citizens opt out. Alderperson Braun stated he does not want to force citizens to take garbage service.
Office Manager Passage gave an overview of what the committee has done up to this point.
She explained that information has been gathered regarding the process for a referendum question to be placed on the ballot.
After further discussion, Chairman Vanbruwaene asked if there was a consensus to take council the request to seek proposals. Alderperson Sharp and Braun agreed to bring the request to council so all alderperson could have input. This will be placed on the April 24, 2023 Council agenda.
Review - Building Permit Fees - Office Manager Passage explained to the committee that when building codes were adopted and a fee schedule was made that it would be reviewed after a few years. She explained that the electrical inspector's fee had increased to $65.00 and the permit fee for an inspection was $55.00. Therefore; for every electrical permit the city was expensing an extra $10.00. She stated that there should be a fee for failed inspections, along with increasing the fee for plan reviews. Due to the time restraint this topic will be placed on the next finance meeting agenda.
Budget 22-23 - Office Manager Passage reported the budget for the month of March was within the expected range.
Budget 23-24 - Office Manager Passage reported she had amended the proposed 23-24 budget to reflect the changes in the TIF business account and potential beginning balances. Therefore, the budget that was presented at the budget workshop has changed accordingly. A copy of the proposed budget will be placed in the agenda packet for everyone to review and will be presented to the city council at the April 24, 2023 council meeting.
Ordinance - Appropriation for Fiscal year 23-24 - Office Manager Passage presented the time line for the passage of the Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year 23-24. She stated that a public hearing would be held prior to the June 26, 2023 council meeting. The appropriation ordinance will then be presented as said council meeting.
New Business - Nothing to report
OLD BUSINESS
Property - 817 Sixth- nothing to report
Water Rate Analysis - nothing to report
Update - City Hall Renovation Project – nothing to report
SUMMARY
Council Agenda Items - Garbage Service Request for Proposals Chairperson Actions - Nothing
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m.
https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/04.12.23%20finance.pdf
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