City Council Meeting 6/2/20—In staff reports, City Administrator Jeff Alvis provided an update on several city projects: 1) the Bybee Drive overlay/ paving project was completed ahead of schedule and under-budget. 2) The city received word that a $1.4 million “seismic” grant had been approved to upgrade the current Fire Hall and that a report on the matter is forthcoming. 3) Bids for the completion of the second floor of the Courthouse/City Hall were expected soon. 4) Fire Department grants for the acquisition of new gas monitors and firefighter turnouts were approved.
Council approved a “scope of work” plan presented by Planner Ian Foster on the formation of an Ad-Hoc citizens committee to study and make recommendations for city-wide ADA/accessibility matters. The city will prepare handouts for the business community reflecting ADA best practices. Committee work is intended to offer guidelines and not serve as an “inspection agency,” according to Mr. Alvis.
Council held a Public Hearing and then adopted the FY 2020-2012 city budget. Please find a copy of the full-length City Budget Letter prepared by City Finance Director Stacy Bray and Administrator Alvis on page 13. Staff and council discussed the ramifications of the current Covid-19 fiscal environment that negatively impacts revenue due to a lack of 2020 Britt ticket tax receipts and park fees after the cancellation of the 2020 Britt Festival season.
Editorial Note: The publisher wishes to thank voters who supported his stance against the 2018 meals tax ballot measure (to fund the Police Department) and for defeating it by a wide margin. In recent discussions with members of the budget committee, council, staff and citizens, he was reminded that had the targeted tax become law, the city budget would be in disarray due to the shutdown of the restaurants for nearly three months and the resulting lack of a revenue source. The publisher is grateful for the feedback and for being reminded of how professionally well-run our city finances are and how the Budget Committee, Staff and City Council work together for our mutual benefit.