HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-25-00Minutes of the special Town Council meeting held May 25, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building.
There were present: John A. Johnston, Mayor
Council Members: James M. Neblett, Lane R Penn, Jeffrey S. Worrell, Bettye H. Steger,
Daniel Talbert, Jr., Joseph L. Weddle, Pauline G. Mitchell,
Charles W. Stewart, Jr.
Staff: Gary Elander, Town Manager
David Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager
Randy Eley, Town Attorney
Sherry Boyd, Finance Director
Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk
Others Present: Carlos Riveros
Carol Ohalla
Paul Dellinger, Press
Lee Carter, Press
Tina Ratliff, Press
At 4:30 p.m., Mayor Johnston called the meeting to order.
Councilwoman Steger made a motion to enter into Closed Session on 2.1-344 (A-7), consult with legal counsel, seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote:
James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye
Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Absent Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Absent
Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye
Councilwoman Mitchell arrived at 4:33 p.m.
Councilman Weddle arrived at 4:40 p.m.
At 5:00 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted Certification Resolution for Closed Session held prior to the meeting on motion by Councilwoman Steger, seconded by Councilman
Penn and carried on the following recorded vote:
James M. Neblett - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye
Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye
Bettye H. Steger - Aye Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Aye
Councilman Weddle led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Stewart gave the Invocation.
Following roll call, Mayor Johnston announced that the purpose of the meeting was a public hearing for the proposed FY 2000-2001 budget.
Mr. Elander advised that the budget, in summary form, has been advertised as required by law and has been on display at the library and in the Town Manager’s office. He advised that
the proposed budget is balanced with General Fund revenues and expenditures at $6,267,596; Water Fund revenues and expenditures at $1,817,416; Sewer Fund revenues and expenditures at
$2,636,121 and Special funds include the Cemetery Trust fund and the UDAG fund.
From the public, Mr. Carlos Riveros and Carol Ohalla advised that they are new to the area and had a few questions to pose to Council.
Mr. Riveros asked what percentage of the Economic Development department budget goes to salaries and overhead? If that department were eliminated, what would be the savings to the Town?
He also wondered if the Town’s Economic Development department is in competition with the County?
Mr. Elander advised that the Economic Development department is funded primarily with the interest earned from the UDAG fund. The total budget for this department is $169,256.00, of
which personnel and fringe benefits is $90,202. He also advised that the County does have an economic development function which concentrates mainly in unincorporated areas. They do
assist the Town when we ask for it, and we make referrals to the County when we can, but they don’t specifically serve the Town of Pulaski.
Mr. Riveros advised that in other parts of the country, economic development is handled regionally and he was curious why there was a division between the Town and the County here?
Mayor Johnston advised that the Town and the County do overlap in some areas, however, the Town’s economic development concentrates on development for the Town. The County concentrates
more on large companies, while the Town concentrates on smaller businesses to fill our existing buildings. He advised that there are regional committees that overlap both the Town and
the County as well.
Mr. Riveros inquired whether the Economic Development department handled tourism and retirement activities?
Mayor Johnson advised that the Economic Development department plays a major role in festivals and works with other agencies in promoting tourism and activities for the senior citizens.
Carol Ohalla inquired in regard to the Economic Development department, how one knows what each line item in the budget is spent on?
Mr. Elander replied that in the detailed budget there is a mission statement, goals and objectives for the current year, a listing of performance measures to measure success and in addition,
Council sets goals and objectives for the entire year for each department. During the year, Council receives reports to keep them up to date and at the end of the year, an annual report
is presented. In addition, there is an Economic Development board which meets monthly and provides guidance and policy for the department.
Mr. Elander also advised that reports are available in Town offices and information is available on the web.
Ms. Ohalla inquired how decisions are made on applications for UDAG funds?
Mr. Elander advised that recommendations are made to Council and Council makes the final decision.
In addition, questions were posed regarding festivals and mechanics of the budget.
There being no further questions, the Public Hearing closed at 5:30 p.m.
There being no further business, meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried on voice vote.