Minutes-12/1/1999

Tiffin City Council January 21, 1999 A special meeting of the Tiffin City Council was brought to order by Mayor Glenn R. Potter, 6:30 p.m. at the Tiffin Fire Station on January 21, 1999. Council present: Jim Bartels, Alan Kern, Mike Ryan, Rodney Walls, and Mike Gericke. Absent: None. Also present: Pat Callahan, Planner Mike Singer and Vic Zender. Draft report has been received by the city from Patrick Callahano, Municipal and County Management Services, 905 West Farmland Drive, Maquoketa, IA 52060. A Public Hearing was opened at 6:35 p.m. by the City Council of the City of Tiffin. Summary sheets for project work have been revised by Mike Singer and added to the plan. Their were no citizens present to speak either in favor of or against said proposed capital improvements plans. The city clerk has not received written correspondence in regard to capital improvements plans. Council considered options for funding capital improvements considered including: 1) increase general tax collections 2) increase General Obligation Debt Service collections 3) special assessments for street/curb and gutter improvements 4) increase water and sewer rates 5) expansion of TIF area Council discussed priority of sidewalk project along Highway #6. Water and sewer main improvements would preferably be completed prior to street improvements. Storm sewer work may cost as much as 200,000 per block. Pat Callahan noted to members that the city's General Fund was in need of additional funds. The current tax rate is $7.65/thousand valuation and could be increased to $8.10. Additional levy can be picked up with Trust & Agency, emergency and Debt Service levies. Additional state money will be collected when the new census count is done. Each person counted can make significant increased money over the next 10 years. Along with water and sewer improvements of mains, the city also recognized that a new water tower may be needed within the next ten years. Locations for a new or remodeling of present location for Fire Station/City Offices was also discussed. Park and recreation needs were considered in the capital improvements plan. Recent action by the city has tied up a new park location on the east side of town. Pat Callahan recommended putting library and community events within ongoing general fund expenses and increases could be realized if a local option sales tax is approved this spring. He local option sales tax could mean an additional $40,000 revenue for the City of Tiffin is approved. Public Hearing of the Tiffin City Council was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Regular session of the Tiffin City Council was reconvened.