City Council Minutes

Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Northville City Council Chambers, 215 West Main Street, Northville, Michigan.

Present: Mayor Christopher Johnson, Councilmembers Kevin Hartshorne, Jerome Mittman, and Thomas Swigart

Absent: Mayor ProTem Carolann Ayers (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, Deputy City Clerk Carol Kasprowicz, Police Chief James Petres, Fire Chief James Allen, Director of Public Works James Gallogly, Building and Code Enforcement Officer Rick Starling, Parks and Recreation Director Traci Sincock, Accounting Supervisor Sandi Wiktorowski, Assessor John McLenaghan, Appraiser Jena Shephardson, and Police Sergeant Dustin Krueger.

CITIZEN COMMENTS: None

Mayor Johnson requested Council members and staff to focus on questions regarding the budget rather than repeat the printed material previously submitted.

John McLenaghan, City Assessor, Wayne County Appraisal Company, pointed out several key facts regarding the property tax revenue.

- The total assessed value of residential properties increased by 9.7%; the overall assessment increase for all classes was 11.62%.

- The taxable value for the community increased by 5.44% to $309,537,086.

- The variance between the SEV and Taxable Value for total properties in the City is 29%.

- With the Headlee Roll Back Formula, the current maximum millage rate authorized for 2003 is 14.628 mills.

- FY03/04 budget is based on the requested operating millage of 13.3 mills.

Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Bateson stated, in reviewing the past five years, the amount of unlevied operating millage is consistently being diminished because of the restrictions of Proposal A and the Headlee Amendment. This is occurring despite maintaining a level operating millage. Revenue has also diminished because of reduced State revenue sharing. Bateson pointed out that a Headlee override might have to be investigated for future consideration.

Questions were asked regarding the initiation of the Rental Inspection Program, Impounded Vehicle Fees, and Police Protection Services.

City Council: Question regarding the Independence Day commitment (the amount has been approved and committed).

City Manager: Question regarding increase in Conference & Meetings budget line (conference is being held Charlotte, North Carolina).

City Clerk/Elections: Question regarding the Supplies budget line (purchase of City maps; one less election).

Discussion ensued regarding salary and fringe benefits budget lines for all departments. It was noted that non-union pay raises would be funded from the Contingency line item. Also a 12% increase in health insurance in FY04 is included in the fringe benefit line item.

City Attorney: Question regarding fees (it was decided the wiser course was to be conservative on the high side).

Finance & Administrative Services: No questions.

Taxation: No questions.

Buildings and Grounds: Question regarding Ash tree removal (most of removal done to date).

Police: Discussion regarding downtown parking enforcement, use of Public Improvement Funds for police vehicles, schedule of vehicle purchase and maintenance, and financial and staffing impact of the elimination of the previously approved full time dispatch position.

Fire: No questions.

Technology: No questions.

Public Works: Question regarding Parking System Maintenance (parking deck painting, upkeep, snow removal).

Planning, Zoning, and Inspection Services: No questions.

Shared Services: No questions.

Contributions to Other Funds: No questions.

Debt Service: No questions.

Insurance, Central Supplies, and Unallocated Reserve: Questions regarding liability insurance for Allen Terrace (information will be given to answer questions of residents).

It was agreed that the "cuts" list will be reviewed and discussed at the next budget meeting scheduled for April 28, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Mayor Johnson indicated he would not be able to attend the April 30^th budget meeting.

There being no further business before Council, meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz, Deputy City Clerk