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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-01-06-2007-al L 1 1 CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: PRESIDING: U O� k65 Alderman Wollin Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Bernstein Aldermen Wynne and Moran Mayor Lorraine H. Morton January 6, 2007 Alderman Holmes Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Rainey Alderman Hansen A SPECIAL MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Saturday, January 6, 2007, 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber for the purpose of conducting a Budget Review Workshop on the FY 2007-08 Proposed Budget. At 9:00 a.m., Alderman Tisdahl moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation and reserves/claims pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 (c ) (11) and (12). Seconded by Alderman Rainey. 2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following: (11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. (12) The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the public body or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool of which the public body is a member. Roll call. Voting aye -- Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein, Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (7-0). At 9:38 a.m. Alderman Tisdahl moved convene into Open Session. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Mayor Morton thanked Mary Rodino who prepared the 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. 2007-08 Proposed Budget City Manager Julia Carroll remarked that preparing this budget was one of the most challenging of her career. Last year she committed to Council that she would examine the annual budget gap by looking at a different process. An alderman correctly identified the problem as a structural problem. Staff set out to look at all City services and identify areas where there is internal duplication or service available within the community. They also looked at inefficiencies in programs. Staff presented an unprecedented set of six budget policy workshop meetings to describe the services provided by some 900 employees. She thought that Council and staff learned a lot from this process. As they put together the budget in August, she knew that, again, the City would face a budget deficit of about $3.5 million. All staff was informed of this problem. Through careful review and revised projections, the gap was cut to around $2.5 million on November 1. She came away from the November 7 Budget Policy meeting with two primary objectives for the upcoming budget year. The majority of Council wanted to keep the property tax increase as low as possible and wanted staff to engage community providers to outsource the clinical services of the Health & Human Services Department. To achieve those goals, they had to find other expenditures to cut or new revenues. They were able to achieve a balanced budget, but it was not easy. She thought they were on the right course to correcting the structural problem in the budget. Ms. Carroll reviewed the budget meeting schedule dates, noting that the budget must be adopted by the end of February. City Code requires that the City Manager present a balanced budget to Council by December 31. This year staff looked beyond the upcoming fiscal year at what it will take to make the organization sustainable from a revenue/expenditure 2 January 6, 2007 standpoint. Certain functions were reorganized to eliminate some services and others added to align the City with its resources and the goals of the Strategic Plan. This is the first of a three-year plan to get the City aligned with expenditures and resources. The City will look for ways to become more productive/efficient and partner with other organizations in the community; will work with labor unions and employees to attempt to reduce the cost of employee health insurance over the long-term. Changes in the budget document The budget document was changed to reflect the salary increases and all benefits within department and division budgets. Prior years had salary increases, IMRF pensions, Medicare and Social Security budgeted in the general contingency account. The new method reflects a more accurate portrayal of costs by department. Major organizational changes Two departments will be absorbed by other departments. Facilities Management will be absorbed by Public Works and Human Relations' functions will be absorbed into various departments. The Human Relations Commission will report to the City Manager. Transition plans are underway. Clinical health services, except the dental clinic, will be transitioned to community hospitals and other providers. (This decision was made by the entire City Council.) The City will serve as a referral point for citizens to connect with service providers. Other positions were eliminated to balance the budget. Eliminated or modified services Funding of Sister Cities - $5,000 cut from City Manager's Office. With a position elimination, the City Clerk's office will no longer provide Illinois Hunting and Fishing Licenses as well as U.S. Passport applications because both services are available elsewhere in the community. With these changes and others, they made reductions ofmore than $1.7 million on an ongoing basis. The total reductions, with new positions recommended, are 17.72 FTEs. Requests not funded Arts Council Corporate Sponsorship Account Representative — approximately $52,000. Mental Health Board increase - $15,000 Police Tactical Team— five officers $500,000 Fire Department — Third ambulance staffing $497,000 Year-round youth employment program $87,750 Five -Star Enrichment Program (Recreation Division) - $65,200 Annual Cost of City Government $164,494,351 annual budget (proposed all funds after transfers) 76,406 residents (2006 estimate — Evanston Planning Division) $2,152.90 per year for each resident $5.90 per day for all services This is virtually equal to one year ago. Where the City gets Money for the General Fund Property taxes 20%, other taxes including sales taxes, real estate transfer taxes and utility taxes are 46%. Other sources are service charges, licenses, permits and fees, etc. Other Taxing Bodies The City has remained constant at just under 20%, while public education funding takes about 66% of tax dollars. Compared to other communities Comparison of the 2005 property tax levy by municipality shows that Evanston is in the middle of nine comparable communities. Evanston is close to Skokie and well below Oak Park, which Evanston is often compared to. They are asking for a total property tax levy of $35.5 million which is 5.4% more than last year. For the taxpayer the increase is about 1.08%. Expenditures for labor costs have run close to 80%, while this year labor costs make up 75.7% of the General Fund, which has a payroll of nearly $48.5 million. The 4%increase for labor contracts is $1.95 million. Pension fund costs have increased due to an aging population, legislative changes and poor stock market performance. Some good news is that the IMRF rate decreased by some $400,000. Budgeting is a Balancing Act They must think about the impact on taxpayers as well as the need to provide goods and services. Revenues have to equal expenditures and, if don't, they will have to cut something in order to introduce something new. External Forces Affect the City The state economy still is on a moderate rebound. Its budget continues to be uncertain and state shared revenues are still at -risk. Goods and services costs have risen 4.13%. Wages and contracts increases are 4%. Health insurance has increased 6.5 % this year, after a pharmacy carve out that saved more than $300,000. a-7q 3 January 6, 2007 Evanston's Economy Real estate transfer tax collections for 2007-08 are projected similar to last year. Building permits decreased slightly due to the housing market. The good news is that the sales tax is projected to rise by 7.3% and the Home Rule sales tax is projected to increase by 3.6%. Income taxes per capita revenue will increase by 11%. New Development in Evanston Evanston is limited because it is a mature community and mostly does redevelopment. Much of the increase in taxes from new development has gone to pay the City's cost to encourage development. In 2009, $110 million will come on the tax roles from TIF's. The City's share will be $2.1 million in new property tax revenue based upon current tax rates. How the Budget was balanced Personnel needs and programs were reviewed carefully. Non -salary and benefit lines were kept to a minimum. Property taxes will be recommended to go up by the cost of living (3.5%) for the General Fund. Some positions were cut and services transferred to others. Increased revenue is proposed for recycling and yard waste. Future years Staff will continue to become more efficient, innovating and reducing expenditures where possible. They will do more with the same resources and evaluate processes continuously. All vacant positions will be reviewed as they occur to derive the best overall organizational structure. Staff will ask City Council to consider an Early Retirement Incentive program for eligible employees to set up possible savings in future years. 2007-08 Operating Budget Review Finance Director Matt Grady made this portion of the presentation. The total operating budget is $86.8 million, an increase of 0.26% over the 2006/07 budget. As a comparison, the Illinois Municipal Price Index increased 4.13% and the Consumer Price Index by 3.4%. The total increase in General Fund expenditures is $889,800, a 1.04% increase. Overtime has been reduced by $237,700 and IMRF, FICA and Medicare reduced by $837,400. He reviewed a four-year history of IMRF noting the rate had been reduced. Wage increases are 4% primarily due to contracts. Outsourcing Clinical Health The City is in discussions with both hospitals and other providers to take over clinical services. If another provider cannot be found by March 1, that service will remain at the City until a provider is located. Expenditure Summary This is the lowest increase in the overall budget for at least the past ten years (0.26%) The average General Fund budget increase over the past ten years has been 4.85%. General Fund Revenue Most General Fund revenues do not keep pace with expenditure growth. Revenues from other taxes, property taxes, transfers from other funds and licenses, permits and fees comprise 84% of General Fund revenues annually. Other taxes are the state shared sales tax, the state home rule tax, state income tax and the real estate transfer tax. The sales tax was levied at 1%, which is projected to bring in $8.8 million. The state income tax is projected at $6.1 million, an 11% increase from the prior year. The Home Rule sales tax is 1% and projected to bring in $5.7 million. Utility Taxes will remain stable at $8.55 million, same as last year. The telecommunications tax projected at $3.2 million, decreased 15.7 % from the prior year. This is a statewide issue due to the federal government's interpretation on taxation of DSL lines, which are not taxed. The Real Estate Transfer Tax is projected at $4 million, the same as last year. Building permit revenue is projected at $2.8 million, which was $3.1 million last year and dependent on development. Mr. Grady will address the cigarette tax in a budget memo. Alderman Rainey requested a revenue -to -date sheet. Fines Fines are down from $4.56 million to $4.2 million. One reason is an increased use of parking garages instead of street parking. Some meters have been hooded during construction of large projects and fewer tickets were written by Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs) as they were assigned to be crossing guards and other tasks. Alderman Rainey asked why revenue producing personnel were assigned to help school children cross the street. Ms. Carroll stated that $32,000 was added to the budget for crossing guards so PEOs don't have to be pulled off. Alderman Rainey asked why this has never occurred before. Public Works Director David Jennings explained that PEOs always have been backups for crossing guards. When they did the program review for Council, they pointed this out. When parking was civilianized, both PEOs and crossing guards came as a package. By double staffing some crossing guards, they found using the PEOs for crossing guards wasn't the best solution, it was the most efficient and expedient. They put in more money to staff crossing guards, so that when there are absent guards, corners can be staffed. PEOs provide that service as well as handling services such as picking up material when something falls off buildings due to wind. In response to Alderman Bernstein, he explained that when the City builds, it does not charge itself for loss of revenue. Only private developers are charged for loss of 4 January 6, 2007 revenue from parking meters. Alderman Wynne asked for a breakdown of the revenue losses and an analysis of the past two years. Mr. Jennings explained that crossing guards earn a little more than $8 an hour for a four-hour day. Mayor Morton recalled that many times they did not know when crossing guards were not available and the schools had to send out personnel to do the job. Alderman Moran would take a hit on parking fines, noting the tickets written are a drag on the economy. He would try to develop a more welcoming atmosphere in the downtown. Alderman Rainey was talking about loss of $500,000 and has had no complaints about parking tickets. Alderman Jean -Baptiste wanted to know what changes will be made so that PEOs are not engaged in non -revenue producing tasks. That will be addressed in a memo. Charges for service are projected at $7.4 million, up from $6.7 million last year. Service Charge Proposed Rate Increases The recycling fee will be converted into a Sanitation Surcharge. The rate will change from $3.72 to $5.00 per month. The ambulance fee proposed increase is from $300 to $350 for residents and from $400 to $450 for non-residents. They also have a 50/50 Tree Planting Program. Alderman Rainey commented that the Sanitation Surcharge was cited as an incentive to recycle. She called it nonsense, noting you don't charge people more and call it an "incentive." Who will use larger receptacles for recycling — the very people who already recycle. There is an entire segment of residents who recycle nothing. She called it a regressive tax and asked for more thinking on this. About $300,000 would be raised from this rate change. Alderman Wynne asked for an explanation of the 50/50 program. Ms. Carroll explained the City has funded parkway tree replacement at 100%; this program would ask the property owner to pay 50% of that cost and the City 50%. Alderman Wynne recalled the cost of a tree replacement is $200; expressed skepticism about that program as an undue burden. Alderman Wynne asked for a memo on the 50150 program. Alderman Tisdahl was opposed to changing the parkway tree program. State and Federal Grants used for the General Fund Operating Budget The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) reimbursement for some personnel costs is $782,634. The Health Department receives $696,500 through various grants; General Fund operating grants are $303,000. Alderman Rainey wanted a budget memo on the grants the City will lose in the Health Department based on eliminated services/positions. Transfers from other funds to the General Fund The cost of administration is covered by the following: Parking Fund, Emergency Telephone System, Motor Fuel Tax Fund, CDBG Fund, HOME Fund, Maple Garage Fund, Water Fund, Fleet Service Fund, Economic Development Fund, Sewer Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, Housing Fund and TIF Funds. Other Funds - Insurance Major litigation and liability claims have been settled. They need to build a reserve fund for claims below the stop -loss policy of $2 million. They will continue to provide aggressive risk management, training and recruit a Risk Manager. Police Pension and Firefighters' Pension Contribution requirements are determined actuarially. The Fire Pension Operating Budget is $5.7 million, an 11.4% increase from the 2006-07 appropriation. The Police Pension Operating Budget is $5.98 million, a 14.86% increase from the 2006-07 appropriation. Charts showing the history of City contributions to the Firefighters' and Police pension funds were included. In 2005 the City contributed $3.3 million, which was the required annual contribution. In 2004 the City contributed 115.5%. Alderman Tisdahl asked if some of the assumptions were changed. (Not in this presentation.) The City Manager had written a memo about addressing unfunded liabilities and part of that would look at actuarial assumptions. She understood that is one factor. Mr. Grady has been in discussions with both boards. Alderman Rainey had asked that the City's bond counsel provide an analysis on the pros and cons of Pension Obligation bonds. Mr. Grady stated that the City Manager would come before Council in the first quarter with a recommended plan. Alderman Rainey wanted advice from their bond counsel on the effects of two lower levels of the bond rating. Parking Fund Anticipated expenditures are $3.7 million. City Council adopted a rate structure in summer of 2004 to stabilize this fund. Water Fund No rate increase is projected. The operating budget is $13.5 million, a decrease of $154,600 from 2006-07. Depreciation has been funded adequately. Sewer Fund No projected rate increase. The operating budget is $16.4 million, a $206,700 decrease from the 2006-07 appropriation. Fleet Services Fund New equipment purchases are restricted. The operating budget is $4.3 million a decrease of $758,800 from the 2006-07 appropriation. Fuel costs are higher. 2.76 5 January 6, 2007 Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked why this budget was decreased. Management, Business & Information Services Director Pat Casey recently took over the Fleet Fund; stated staff will take a year off from buying new equipment and review procedures. They buy only necessary equipment. Equipment will be re-evaluated and a new replacement schedule developed. Alderman Tisdahl asked about hybrid vehicles. Staff will look at hybrids and diesels. Alderman lean -Baptiste asked how this decrease will impact the cutbacks in fleet services. A position targeted for elimination won't affect the fund. Most of the reduction is due to not replacing vehicles. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked for a broader breakdown. Alderman Holmes asked if this would affect repairs. This decrease won't affect how and when they repair cars. They are looking at a new model on what a vehicle would cost annually. Most repairs are done in-house, though no body work or specialized repairs are done in-house. Alderman Rainey asked the status of ENORSKO; noted last year they recommended continuing it. Compressed natural gas vehicles are not being used. Mr. Casey will provide a memo with costs. Mayor Morton asked if more TIF funds can be used for fleet services. Other Funds Motor Fuel Tax Fund has an operating budget of $2.5 million and is funded from the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax Fund. The Emergency Telephone Fund has an operating budget of $2.2 million and is funded from wire and wireless surcharges. CDBG has an operating budget of $2.2 million and the Economic Development Fund has an operating budget of $1.76 million and is funded by the Hotel and Amusement Tax. Summary Ongoing budget concerns include increased pension funding requirements; the state and local economy; actions of the state legislature; escalating cost of goods and loss of federal or state grants due to fund reduction or diversion. The proposed 2007-08 budget represents an effort to begin to reduce the structural financial gap that has affected the City for years. The recommendations presented are difficult but necessary to begin corrective measures. Substantially, all services affected will be provided either by other City departments, available by the private sector or other governmental agencies. Council Discussion Outsourcine Health Department Clinics Alderman Bernstein asked what sources are available other than hospitals. Health & Human Services Director Jay Terry responded that a transition report would be available at the next budget workshop. In addition to the hospitals, some services the City provides are not a perfect fit for the hospitals: family planning and quick turn -around on sexually transmitted diseases are two examples. They have had discussions with Access Health Care, which operates a clinic on Howard Street; Planned Parenthood and private physicians that participate in Access Health Care. Mayor Morton referred to an Evanston Hospital Community Benefits Program report indicating their commitment to helping the indigent. Alderman Jean -Baptiste was interested in whether the hospitals would absorb City staff that lose their jobs. How many could be absorbed by the hospitals? How many will retire? How many will lose their jobs? Alderman Hansen knows there is a several month wait list at Evanston Hospital for children/adolescents. Would any priority be given to City patients in the case of siblings (on the wait list)? How many patients will be absorbed by the hospitals? Ms. Carroll noted that some programs serve non-residents and asked for a breakdown of residents and non-residents. Alderman Tisdahl said they met with the hospitals and are clear about what they can and cannot do. Both hospitals have been helpful. Mayor Morton advised that the data in the report be broken down into two or three parts such as K-8 and high school. The booklet she referred to described the health services at the clinic at ETHS for students. Landlord/TenantIssues Alderman Rainey was concerned about issues having to do with landlord/tenant and building deterioration resulting in displacement. One role the Human Relations Department has assumed is going in and intervening where there are real housing disasters. She saw this would be moved to the City Manager's office and Community Development; asked how this program will be dispersed and how it will work. Ms. Carroll stated that would be shared at the next budget meeting. Alderman Rainey stated this is a critical service. Youth and Juvenile Services Alderman Jean -Baptiste noted that 19 people are dedicated to youth and juvenile services at the Police Department and they have talked about adding five tactical officers. They also have talked about not funding the year-round youth employment program. He wanted clarification on the impact of those 19 personnel and how do they evaluate what is 6 January 6, 2007 being done. Council has discussed the need for greater youth intervention and he wanted more analysis. Ms. Carroll did not propose hiring five tactical officers. Ten tactical officers were requested by former Chief Kaminski last summer. She did not put the request in due to lack of funds and before a new chief is hired. A budget memo will be prepared on what youth and juvenile services do and how they are evaluated. Ms. Carroll noted there is $150,000 in the budget for a Youth Coordinator position and that person would coordinate with the Police Department and other departments on youth. Alderman Holmes noted the City/School Liaison officers cost almost $400,000 and asked how this all works together and what is the overlap. What is the social service department doing? How are they addressing what is happening to youth. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked if they were allocating the work properly. Ms. Carroll stated there are ten officers in the Juvenile Bureau; four school liaison officers and the Social Service Bureau has a victim advocate. Alderman Rainey directed colleagues to pages 156-161 in the budget, which have to do with youth. She did not think the majority of youth create problems and did not think they could blame lack of activity. She has asked numerous times the status of juvenile crime here. The Social Service Bureau deals with juvenile victims. On page 158, it shows crimes dealt with by the Juvenile Bureau. She did not have a handle on how widespread this juvenile situation is here. She noted there is almost $2 million in the police budget for youth. She asked for a memo on the expected outcome of the new Youth Initiative in the first year and projected costs. CITIZEN COMMENT: Julius Belser. 722 Monroe St., Reba Place Development Corporation Board chair, spoke about how Human Relations and Paula Haynes helped defuse tensions in their neighborhood. His point was that human relations is a good investment and not the place to save money. John Barrier. 713 Seward St., Fischer Memorial AME Church, said they were opposed to any disruption to the Human Relations Department. Paula Haynes is a dedicated employee and her leadership and commitment are needed to findjobs and affordable housing. Sue Canter. 3151 Harrison St., Mental Health Board chair, reported that since 1995, the board has lost $260,500 in funding capability, from a high of $1.8 million to the present funding of $829,000. In 1995 their dollars were about 2% of the General Fund. Now they are a little less than 1 %. There is a 22% increase for requested dollars. The board is aware of the deficit the City faces and has asked for $15,000 to partially support some citizens. About 7,400 residents are served by these agencies. The majority of clients are senior citizens, families and youth. At the January 29 Human Services Committee meeting the Mental Health Board will discuss its request for additional funding. Gree Salustro. 1120 Austin St., Arts Council member, reported the Arts Council wants to initiate a pilot program to get corporate sponsors to help fund community activities and arts events. Many of those businesses are in Evanston and residents are targeted consumers. They propose hiring a full-time employee, to secure sponsors, who would be paid $30,000 in base salary and offset by sponsorship sales that they project at $85,000 in the first year. They will seek sponsors for Arts Week, Ethnic Arts Festival and the Starlight Concert series. The potential for building a future program is enormous. Businesses and corporations use marketing strategies to reach consumers. Alderman Rainey asked for a written analysis of this request from the Arts Council. Alderman Wollin noted it was for $52,000. Ms. Carroll explained the salary is $30,000 and they plan to give a 10% commission of $8,500. The $9,000 in benefits was incorrect. Leah Callaehan. 1017 Sherman Ave., Arts Council chair, thought having a professional fundraiser for the arts would serve the community over the long term. She described programs in Naperville and Ann Arbor, Michigan; said they have all the pieces, businesses, larger corporations and a supportive citizenry. Barbara Havden, 1212 Monroe St., Arts Council member, noted that local businesses are supportive of the arts community. If they had a liaison between businesses and the arts community, they could be connected with organizations such as Home Depot, Borders, Barnes & Noble and LaSalle and Chase banks. Public engagement with the arts adds value and a dedicated position would develop branding opportunities and help the City's budget. aIF 7 January 6, 2007 Gerald Gordon. 1228 Lake St., had not received the number of personnel vacancies and an interim financial report. He pointed out an inconsistency in the Water Fund transfers to the General Fund;. suggested more transfers could be made from the Water Fund. With the new meters, why are the revenues not greater and recommended that new users pay for the meters. He did not think a 5'/z% property tax increase was reasonable, especially since fee increases are proposed. He suggested that they use the $975,000 from the General Fund to fund the $946,745 increases to the Police and Fire pensions. He asked if they fund empty FTE's or can they reduce staff by attrition. He asked the monetary affect of proposed elimination of 12.27 FTEs. The $490,000 proposed decrease in Parking Revenues that was attributed to Parking Enforcement Officers' being assigned as crossing guards was unacceptable. Alderman Rainey recalled when the tax levy was discussed, Council indicated they would consider the fund balance issue. Chervlette Hilton. 1721 Ashland Ave., Human Relations Commission co-chair, ECDA board and NAACP Education Committee. A realtor, she has worked with the Human Relations Department and found Paula Haynes to be supportive; was willing to raise funds to keep the Human Relations Department. Judith Treadwav, 226 Callan Ave., asked that the City consider a municipal employee tax. She did not know the number of municipal employees who live outside of Evanston and a signification portion of those salaries don't get put back into the community. She estimated more than 30% don't live here. It could be lower for residents and higher for those who live outside and include school district employees. While NU does a lot here, they are a significant user of land and she urged a more significant contribution to the City. She has found that the majority of residents cannot afford the new condominiums. Those who have lived here a long time have to move. She represents the NAACP. She thought it unfortunate to dismantle the Human Relations Department. It was a place where a complaint could be lodged without retaliation. Eliminating this department must mean there are no problems or they will not address them anymore. That department needs retention and coordination by the person who integrates the issues. She was concerned about job eliminations — whom do they impact? Residents or non residents? Are the nine new employees residents? She discussed maintenance and standards for condominiums; spoke about youth services and asked if 350 youth are to blame for the problems here. She suggested they cannot afford a coordinator when they need people on the street. They need a detailed and effective report on youth issues in the community. She supports many of their positions, but they must look at basic community needs to make sure it serves all of its citizens. They need to address those with the greatest needs. Alderman Bernstein asked the manager to respond to Mr. Gerald Gordon's letter. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked what has changed in the Moody's report. Ms. Carroll said they would involve the rating agencies and bond counsel and do a comprehensive review. Alderman Jean -Baptiste expected a report on how they would cover services with fewer personnel. Ms. Carroll stated that transition plans would be prepared and there would be no diminution of services. She stated the commitment to human relations was high. Ms. Carroll had just received a draft of the financial statement for the first nine months, which would be handed out next week. The vacancy report will also be sent and all will be covered. Alderman Rainey asked to schedule another budget review during January. Council members would be surveyed. Alderman Tisdahl asked for an explanation of why revenue could go down when more tickets have been given (reference to page 247). There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 12:10 p.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recordin¢ of this meetine has been made Dart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office. I