2008-09-23_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. Com~x-unication Items Budget Impact Memo Deb Bloom introduced a memo written by Public Works Director Duane Schwartz outlining the proposed budget by the City Manager. The City Manager's budget includes a zero budget increase for 2009 for the items identified in the memo, which. would cause impacts to the scope of the 2009 pavement maintenance program. Ms. Bloom. said while cutting back on maintenance may not be noticeable within the next two to three years, there will be long-term impacts. Member Willenbring wondered how many problems would arise in four or five years. Member Stenlund said once you let it go you never get caught up. Ms. Bloom added that the cost of paint also went up so the City will have to cut back on. painting crosswalks and arrows, etc. The energy cost for streetlights is expected. to go up 4% to 5%. Building maintenance costs are rising as well. Member Vanderwall commented that h.e sees the budget presented as being short-sighted and said that the Commission needs to make sure the City Council understands the repercussions of cutting maintenance budgets. Member Vanderwall suggested the Commission officially comment on a reduction in funding for the maintenance process. Chair DeBenedet agreed and said he was very alarmed at the maintenance needing to be cut because of lack of funding. Member Stenlund also agreed and said once you let something go you can never get it back. Member Willenbring said we just. can't let the streets go; they have to be maintained somehow. Chair DeBenedet wondered about the schedule and if there was enough time to put an official recommendation together before the council meeting. Ms. Bloom said that there is time for public comments at the September 8 council meeting and that the not-to-exceed levy limit will be set September 1.5. Member Vanderwall moved that the 1'WETC resolve that the City Council look. at a budget that will allow for the continuation of the maintenance standards that are currently in place. Chair DeBenedet said we need to maintain the public infrastructure in the mast cost effective manner. Member Stenlund asked if budget cuts would affect. street sweeping.. Ms. Bloom said street sweeping is part of the storm sewer budget, which is funded from that utility fund. The budgets being cut are funded from the tax levy. Member Stenlund said we need to go back to the last year where maintenance was being done at the optimum level and ask the City Council to continue funding successive years at that level plus inflation. Page 2 of 4