2000-12-13 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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VII. PETITIONS AND COMPLAINTS Mr. March stated that he had heard several rumors concerning the City Council's approval of expenditures to update City Hall. Mr. March explained that the quote was for $50,928.00 which includes new paint, new carpet, all new office furniture, a new copier, and a new telephone system. The City Council has also approved the furring out of the outside office walls as they radiate cold air and make for an uncomfortable working environment. Those bids will be presented later in the meeting. Mr. March clarified that there is extra capital to be used for this project because there have been several projects that funds were budgeted for that were not approved or not acted upon. There were funds budgeted for this project at one point and then the upgrade was voted down. Mr. March noted that if Council deemed fit they have the ability to lower the tax levy. He then invited residents to either call City Hall to express their opinions or to attend the Truth in Taxation Hearing scheduled for December 4, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Sweeney stated that he had been personally questioned concerning the City Hall upgrade at a business in town. Council Member Sweeney stated that he had given the person the exact dollar amounts. Despite having the correct facts, Council Member Sweeney later learned that this person had conveyed incorrect facts to another resident, thereby perpetuating the negative rumors concerning the update. Council Member Sweeney stated that the original quotes for the various components of the upgrade had been obtained several months prior to presentation at the November 8, 2000 City Council Meeting. To indicate, as residents have, that this was a politically motivated agenda item is inappropriate and he feels personally attacked. Council Member Sweeney noted he believed that Council has acted fiscally responsibly during the course of their tenure. Council Member Sweeney stated that there may be other ways to expend the extra capital, but he feels the update to City Hall is justified and appropriate at this time. Council Member Nelson indicated she had originally voted to keep the tax levy the same as citizens had told her they liked the way things were. She indicated she had a question as to whether a possible buildout of more offices in City Hall or a possible expansion to City Hall had been considered in the current plans for the upgrade. Mr. March explained to her previously that the upgrade would not be a waste of money should a major change to City Hall occur. Having this information from Mr. March she feels comfortable with approving the updates to City Hall. Council Member Travis stated that he was at City Hall on election night waiting for the results and City Hall was crowded and after spending the entire evening there it was clear to him that City Hall needs the proposed updates. He then invited residents to come to City Hall and look around. The upgrades are long overdue and he feels most of the items on the list are a simple matter of maintenance to the building. Page 3 of 9