Minutes August 11, 1992385
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
AUGUST 11, 1992
The Council convened into the Work Session of the City of Denton
City Council at 5:15 p.m. in the Civil Defense Room.
PRESENT: Mayor Castleberry, Council Members Brock, Chew, Perry,
Smith and Miller
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Hopkins
1. The Council received and considered budget presentations from
the following departments:
Human Resources
Tom Klinck, Director of Human Resources, presented an overview of
the department budget which offered the same level of service as
the current fiscal year with two service level exceptions.
The personal services budget was approximately 3.3% higher due to
the Mercer implementation and insurance costs. Supplies were
approximately $3,000 less due to fewer supplies needed for pay plan
implementation and the newsletter would be published only every
other month. The maintenance budget for office machines increased
slightly, but the services budget, including travel and
registration, decreased from last year. The tuition reimbursement
program reduced a little for the 26 participants from 100%
reimbursement to a reimbursement level set at each budget year
based on the budget which was 80% for 92/93 budget year. The
awards account which funded the annual employee service awards
program remained the same. The fixed asset accounts reflected a
request of $800 for the purchase of a personal computer for the
upgrade of the clerical testing program for more accurate test
procedures.
Council Member Miller questioned that other than the newsletter and
tuition reimbursement the service level remained the same.
Mr. Klinck replied that he anticipated the department would meet
all of its service commitments.
Council Member Miller asked how much was the reduction in expenses
was for 80% versus 100% for tuition reimbursement.
Mr. Klinck stated that the reduction was approximately $5,000 -
$6,000. He also stated that cuts which impacted the fewest
employees were considered, and the tuition reimbursement program
effected 2-3% of the entire work force.
Mr. Kllnck presented the compensaUlon and bene£1~s pot=ion o£ the
budget. As Council requested, Hr. Klinck researched some
additional alternatives for the compensation and benefits. The
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August 11, 1992
Page 2
considerations reflected an anticipation of a 15% health insurance
rate increase which became effective January 1, 1993, and
translated to an equivalent 1 - 2% wage salary decrease for
employees once the new costs were implemented. Over 50% of the
work force which covered dependents that were effected with no
salary increase.
Council Member Miller questioned whether that assumed an increase
just for dependent coverage or if it assumed that the city would
cover the 15% additional employee cost.
Mr. Klinck stated there was a small increase of approximately $2
for employee only coverage.
Mr. Harrell explained that the employee only coverage 15% increase
was included in the proposed budget to be covered by the city less
a $2 increase. If the premium exceeded a 15% increase, coverage
was scaled back to maintain a 15% increase.
Council Member Chew asked if that was done in the form of
deductibles.
Mr. Klinck agreed and stated an example to cover a small increase
was to increase the drug payment deductible from $100 to $150.
Mr. Klinck reported that market data on a local government or
regional data basis on how salaries were progressing showed the
market increasing 4-5% as the city competed for labor. Another
consideration recognized the importance for employee recognition
and maintained the philosophy of the new salary and performance
program Council authorized implemented on January 1, 1992.
Alternatives included across the board increases of 1, 2, or 3% and
some additional Civil Service steps; a reduced level implementation
of the new salary pay for performance program; or an increased
contribution to the Texas Municipal Retirement System program of 6%
or 7%.
Mr. Klinck outlined alternative 1 for an across the board increase
for~. all satisfactory performing employees and Civil Service
increases for police officers and firefighters. The new structure
the city implemented provided for step increases based on length of
service for police officers and firefighters only. Across the
board costs were outlined for the Council for 1%, 2%, or 3%
increases and the Civil Service steps.
Council Member Miller asked if it was necessary to do increases in
that manner since the cost in the original document for a 1%
increase was in the low $200,000 area and the example distributed
indicated it was approximately $260,000.
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August 11, 1992
Page 3
Mr. Klinck stated that the figures outlined in the proposed budget
had not included police and fire step increases.
Council Member Miller questioned why a 1% increase for most city
employees and a step increase for police and fire.
Mr. Klinck stated that the law allowed for the Civil Service
Commission to set up classification of jobs for firefighters and
police officers and developed the step system.
Betty McKean, Executive Director for Municipal Service/Economic
Development, stated that the city was required to use the step
structure for Civil Service positions or across the board increases
for all.
Mr. Harrell stated that the city could not apply Mercer plan to
police officers and firefighters the way the law was written and
had to maintain a step plan.
Mr. Klinck stated that the across the board increases outlined in
alternative one were not within the defined compensation philosophy
implemented January 1st.
Mr. Klinck stated the second alternative outlined a reduced level
implementation on the pay for perfo£mance program and involved no
market adjustment on any plan, provided a PRI matrix, and provided
for the addition of a couple of steps for Civil Service; and as
part of the Phase II implementation, added a step for each of the
command ranks for the police and fire plan. For the police plan,
corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain were added; and the fire
plan added driver, captain, battalion chief and division commander.
Mr. Klinck outlined the non civil service PRI matrix which averaged
a 1% increase based on performance overall including steps for
police and fire. Another alternative PRI matrix increased to 2.6%
the average merit increases and provided steps for civil service.
The final alternative PRI matrix established 3.4 % increases and
provided for police and fire steps. An across the board 1%
increase versus 1% average increase on a PRI matrix was $259,988
versus $303,158. For an across the board increase of 2% and an
average of 2.6% for the PRI matrix, the cost was $453,000 versus
$498,000; and for a 3% across the board versus an average of 3.4%
PRI matrix, the cost was $647,000 versus $652,000. Mr. Klinck
also stated that an investment in the pay philosophy helped because
the longer implementation was delayed the more expensive it became
to implement a pay for performance program. The second alternative
provided for the additional step on the police and fire command
lines.
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The third alternative outlined Texas Municipal Retirement System
increases of 6% for a 2 to 1 city or 7% for a 2 to 1 city which
eventually was an effective benefit increase of as much as 40-60%.
Mr. Klinck indicated that since the budget message had been
presented, the cost of 6% for a 2 to 1 city increasing on 1/1/93
would be less than anticipated as a result of the actuarial audit
from TMRS. The cost of doing a 6% for a 2 to 1 on 1/1/93 was
$149,995; half of that amount translated to approximately $75,000
as opposed to the $108,500 amount outlined in the budget message.
The 7% for a 2 to 1 city was even less with a cost of approximately
$300,000. The increase in TMRS was the same amount for the fire
pension fund. Mr. Klinck stated that Denton was one of only three
cities locally that remained at 5% while everyone else had moved to
a 6% or 7% for a 2 to ~ contribution program.
Mr. Harrell stated that with a tight budget with no salary increase
recommended, a recommended increase to the employee retirement
contribution was more beneficial in the long run for the least
amount of money.
Council Member Smith asked if an increase to the city contribution
to health insurance rate and a 6% for a 2-1 retirement was adopted
what happened to the employee's take home pay.
Mr. Klinck replied that with a 15% health insurance increase for an
employee with family coverage, the take home was reduced 2%. City
employees would see with longevity with the city a better
retirement program.
Council Member Chew stated concern with "pie in sky" in the future
and paycheck reduction next year for city employees. The Council
needed to ensure city employees took home the same amount of money.
Mr. Harrell stated that to guarantee that employees took home the
Same amount of money, the Council needed a 2% increase with a cost
of approximately $450,000.
Council Member Miller stated retirement contributions were not
taxable. Mille= stated that the Council needed to review TMRS and
the city contribution philosophy. The cities that were lowest
contributors to the TMRS were cities where city pays all. Council
Member Miller suggested the Council study the issue to develop the
city's long term philosophy especially when Denton was compared
with the other cities.
Ms. McKean stated that a contributing factor was that some cities
had opted out of social security.
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August 11, 1992
Page 5
389
Mr. Kllnck stated that the contribution to the employee retirement
programs was a very strong recruitment benefit.
Council Member Miller stated that he was concerned with the
reduction in employee take home pay.
Council Member Perry stated that a lot of time, money and effort
was expended to develop the Mercer plan, and Council needed to
determine if the city was going to be serious in carrying that
forth and funding the program. Perry stated that it was very
important that Council considered support of the Mercer plan.
Transportation
Jerry Clark, Director of Engineering and Transportation, reported
that three quarters of the interest money paving was completed as
Council requested. Mr. Clark stated he would cover four budgets
including engineering, traffic, street patching and construction
and streetlighting.
Mr. Clark stated that the Engineering division funding request was
basically the same as the previous year. Revenues were mainly
derived from charges to the bond fund, and the'Utility Department
had increased their requests for project designs. Expenditures
were down, and Engineering was requesting $4,960 less than the
previous year. Engineering was cutting a position, an Engineering
Tech I. The position became vacant mid year, and the department
opted to leave the position open for the next budget year making a
reduction of four people in last four years. The department was
back to pre-bond issue personnel levels.
Mr. Clark outlined the Traffic division. The revenue was smaller
in the traffic area because most revenue was derived from work done
on the Square. The new fiscal year had only one signal.
Expenditures were about the same with the exception in the services
portion because of the purchase of bucket truck during the current
fiscal year.. Personnel remained the same.
Mr. Harrell-asked about the approximate $9,000 increase in the
service account.
Mr. Clark stated that the majority of the figure was for the bucket
truck. The bucket truck was a large one ton service vehicle used
to do a majority of call outs and traffic problems which replaced
a 1982 van.
Mr. Clark outlined the street patching budget which was for fixing
potholes and utility cuts and was not a revenue generator. The
division had worked harder with the utility area to adjust charges.
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August !1, 1992
Page 6
Expenditures were almost the same as last year, and there were no
changes in personnel.
Mr. Clark outlined the street construction budget. An example of
projects done by the division included Nottingham, Masch Branch
Road, Jim Christal Road and blade on work. The division had done
the majority of work on the interest money overlay recycling
program. City crews were working on Jim Christal Road as part of
county bond program. Expenditures in personal services were down
because of long term personal lost. The division cut $10,000 for
tree trimming and the number of personnel remained the same.
Mr. Harrell stated that the elimination of tree trimming was a
service level decrease.
Mr. Clark explained that emergency work was done and preventative
work was eliminated.
Mr. Clark outlined the street lighting budget which was exactly the
same as the previous year. Denton was one of the first cities in
the Metroplex participating in a new program in which the state
paid for all power costs for traffic signals along 1-35 which would
cover the increases for the current year and allowed for a little
increase next year.
Council Member Miller asked if there was any other service cuts
besides tree trimming.
Mr. Clark stated the division would perform at same service level.
Rick Svehla, Deputy City Manager, outlined the airport budget. The
increase in personal services was due to implementation of the
Mercer study. The services category increased just a little
because some maintenance activities required expertise. The
overall budget was actually going down.
Mr. Harrell stated that the maintenance person was eliminated and
the airport contracted with Parks to mow the Airport.
Mr. Svehla stated that arrangement worked well and problems were
only experienced during the rainy season because of the extra
demands on the Park crews.
Fire Department
John Cook, Fire Chief, reported an error as printed on page 231 in
the proposed budget in the number of persons proposed for next
year's budget. Proposed personnel in administration was 10 people,
the operations budget reduced from 75 to 73 people, prevention was
City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 7
391
4 people, EMS increased to 16 people, emergency management zeroed
out and the final number was 103 people and not 105 people.
Many things occurred since last year that caused the budget to be
different. The first change was due to the wettest two years in
history causing construction of Fire Station #6 delays. Because
Fire Station #6 was not open, new people were not hired. Because
of the stagnant economy, staff revisited the nine new positions.
The Fire Department also underwent the first internal audit
addressing the overtime problem which resulted in a lowering of
minimum staffing requirements from the 24 proposed last year to
maintaining the 22 that city currently had. Because of the
resignation of the Emergency Management Coordinator, reassessment
of the emergency, management contract with the county occ~_
Because of the continued urbanization of the county, it was deemed
appropriate to separate the two services. The Fire Department
continued to provide emergency management services to the city and
discontinued the joint relationship with the county.
Chief Cook stated that under the administration budget the one
package was to replace a number of aging vehicles which resulted in
the downsizing of the number of vehicles and reduced maintenance
and supplies for vehicles. The only fixed asset was for the lease
payments on a copy machine.
Chief Cook outlined the Operations budget which anticipated hiring
at least four people to start an academy on September 1, 1992, with
three in suppression and one EMS. Assuming two battalion chiefs
retired based upon the vote of the Pension Board, three additional
firefighter positions would be hired when that occurred.
Mr. Harrell stated that when the two battalion chiefs retired,
rather than filling the positions with new people, the city looked
to captains to perform more management responsibilities and to hire
three new firefighters for the same amount of money.
Chief Cook stated that the elimination of middle management allowed
some reorganization and gave the Chief time for more hands on
experience.
Council Member Miller stated having some confusion on the personnel
count. When battalion chiefs retired, the city would replace with
three firefighters. Council Member Miller asked if the 91-92
estimate of number of firefighters included the three the city
hoped to hire now.
Chief Cook replied that the 78 figure included nine new firefighter
positions which were authorized in the '92 fiscal year budget and
included the four that were to be hired now.
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August 11, 1992
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Council Member Miller stated that the 78 figure was not an actual
number but an authorized number. Council Member Miller stated he
had a problem reducing the number of personnel, and the city needed
to be looking at how many people were fighting fires.
Chief Cook stated that the actual number was 69.
Council Member Miller stated that in actuality the city had 69
firefighters instead of 78 and were adding people in the new fiscal
year who could fight fires.
Chief Cook stated that although they were adding people, the
staffing level would not increase. With the new vacation policy
and the new people, the city was absorbing overtime slots that
occurred.
Mr. Harrell stated that compared to what the city had on the street
today to fight fires, the new budget made the city better off
because more firefighters Were on duty than before. He reminded
the Council that the city had not added any firefighters since
1980. The staffing level was determined by what had the least
detrimental effect on the fire fighting ability of the department.
Mr. Svehla stated that the internal audit pointed out that the fire
department staffing determined why the Fire Department was running
into problems. The new people plugged the overtime gap and helped
have more people out to fight fires.
Council Member Brock asked about actual hiring of three people.
Chief Cook stated that offers were made to three people contingent
on them passing the physical and psychological exams. The fourth
person scheduled to be employed failed to show up for oral review
board.
Council Member Perry asked if one of the city's objectives was to
improve the city's emergency services.
Chief Cook replied that the training of additional paramedics and
the additional equipment that was ordered and allowed for an
ambulance to be run out of each station. The bottom line was that
the public was getting improved emergency medical service.
Chief Cook outlined the fire prevention budget. Personnel remained
the same. They would be purchasing some fire prevention literature
for use In public education. The budget outlined the purchase of
two computers, one for the engineer and one for the arson
investigator. The decrease in maintenance was the result of the
replacement of some vehicles in the fleet.
City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 9
Chief Cook outlined the emergency medical service budget which had
several substantial increases. The first increase was the six
months of payments for an ambulance on order. The second increase
added an additional captain's position with an assignment pay which
would be in charge of the EMS program..
Chief Cook reported that the Emergency Management budget was
eliminated and incorporated the program into the department.
Council Member Chew asked if the coordinator for emergency
management was someone in-house.
Chief Cook responded that the responsibility was that of the Chief
with Chief Jez's cooperation.
Mike Jez, Police Chief, reported that the six month 91-92. budget
estimate indicated the department slightl~ over budget but
anticipated being slightly under budget. The 92/93 proposed budget
reflected a $47,000 reduction in expenditures. The reduction was
accomplished first by a patrol position held open for part of the
year. Secondly, the 91/92 budget talked about civilianizing some
of the positions police officers were currently occupying. In an
effort to save money and embark on that program, one position was
filled with a public safety officer. Police officers currently
working the duty desk were replaced with civilian personnel. The
Chief anticipated a long term positive effect on the ability for
minority recruiting efforts. Thirdly, the department was able
reduced the budget by reaching the payout on lease payments on
vehicles and had not replaced vehicles in CID during the year.
Council Member Miller asked if the level of services remained the
same.
Chief Jez stated that there was no significant impact on service
delivery. The department was asked to do more all the time as
neighborhood group activities continued to grow. Response rate
remained the same and the crime rate was down.
Council Member Brock stated that she understood as neighborhood
groups developed calls for service increased. She questioned if
the increase were due to people being more aware.
Chief Jez stated that he had not wanted to indicate an increase in
calls, but an increased demand placed on the Police Department
which in turn used up time. As the department improved relations
with the neighborhood, citizens had more confidence in the
department. Chief Jez also stated that an eight hour orlentatlon on
COPs was provided for new employees.
393
Council Member Brock asked what was the police academy.
Chief Jez explained that the citizens police academy would start
September 2nd and meet for 14 weeks for citizens to participate in
a training process to increase understanding between the Police
Department and the citizen.
The Mayor announced that there would be a ten minute break.
Drainage
Bob Nelson, Executive Director for Utilities, stated that the
drainage utility was almost unchanged from last year. The
organization had six people with one supervisor and five people
with a portion devoted to street sweeping. The department
experienced an increase in the number of work orders with the same
number of people. The department used JTPA students to help with
weed control. Within that organization, the actual maintenance
workers were to be transferred over to the water/wastewater field
services operation under Lee Allison. The drainage utility was a
major issue and the first public hearing was set for next Tuesday's
City Council meeting. If the utility were established,- the
effective date was October 1st.
Bill Angelo, Director of Community Services stated that drainage
budget had few changes from last year. Savings in personal
services came from loss of a person who was injured on the Job with
a temporary to fill in. Supplies went down because of an
anticipated decrease in fuel costs. Services increased primarily
from lease payments on a dozer and street sweeper. Most of the
equipment in drainage was extremely old and needed to be replaced
in the future. The drainage division showed a significant increase
in almost every performance indicator which meant the people were
working harder and smarter and improving performance and
productivity. The major issue was funding options for drainage of
either general fund or utility fee. To generate the $800,000 that
provided drainage funds, a fee for residential property of $1.50-
$2.00 per residential unit per month and $14.00 per acre on the
commercial 'side was needed to maintain current level of operation.
The department~ experienced an increase in number of calls and
demand for service.
Council Member Smith asked why the tremendous increase in service
calls.
Mr. Angelo replied that when drainage was with the street
department the pressure was to do street problems and efforts of
the drainage division were directed to street reDair. Since
drainage separated from the street department, concentrated
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 11
drainage efforts had been done throughout the community and
citizens became more aware and made more requests in other
neighborhoods.
Mr. Nelson stated that the intent in moving some of the drainage
operations to water/wastewater field services was because the
division had done stop gap measures in the past due to lack of
equipment and funds to do maintenance and long te~m measures. The
transfer allowed for sharing of equipment and expertise.
Mr. Angelo stated that sweeper mileage increased partly due to the
new sweeper with a specific routing system doing 30 curb miles in
a single day.
Utilities
Bob Nelson, Executive Director for Utilities, outlined the rate
issues that the utility budgets addressed. He stated that the
Electric Department was anticipating a 5% reduction in the electric
rate which reflected a 0-3% reduction in residential rates; a 4-6%
reduction for medium load factor commercial customers; and an 8-10%
reduction for high load factor commercial/industrial customers.
The water rate anticipated approximately a 6% increase reduced from
10% as directed by the Public Utilities Board. The wastewater rate
anticipated a 10% increase in rates reduced from 15% as instructed
by the Board and with no more than a 15% increase for the 1994
budget. To reduce the rates as instructed, some cuts to the budget
presented to Council which was discussed. The increased solid
waste rates passed through the 3 1/2% state tax regulatory
surcharge which was absorbed last year. The surcharge was a 70
cent increase per month on a residential bill from $9.95 to $10.65.
The commercial rate increased 3 1/2% with the state regulatory
surcharge which was listed separately on the utility bill.
Mr. Nelson explained that the staff went into the wastewater budget
anticipating a 15% rate increase both in 1993 and 1994. He
outlined the cuts necessary in the proposed budget to hold the rate
increase to 10.% for 1993 and 15% for 1994. Several different
options and a decrease in personnel were outlined to reduce the
proposed budget $400,000 for 1993 with about $800,000 worth of cuts
necessary for 1994. The cuts included reduction or elimination of
personnel, toxic identification, sludge reuse program, outfall
sampling site, septic design inspection and design assistance,
underground tank inspections, sledge field maintenance, pollution
control and abatement program, preventative maintenance of
collection system and special services to customers.
Council Member Chew asked what a 15% rate increase in 1993 would
meant because he was concerned with $400,000 in cuts.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 12
Mr. Harrell stated that the increase was not driven by demand for
service by the city, but to pay the costs for expansion of our
wastewater treatment plant mandated by EPA. The first option to
keep current service levels increased rates over the next two years
at 15% and 15%. The second option increased rates 10% first year
and 25% the second year and held the same level of services. The
third option increased rates 10% the first year and 15% next year
and made some cuts in services.
Mr. Nelson stated his concern because the EPA expressed that
insufficient personnel were available to document the pollution
abatement controls.
Council Member Miller asked if EPA requirements were not maintained
would a penalty be involved.
Mr. Nelson answered that a penalty was involved, and staff had to
be sensitive to that in developing cuts outlined.
Council Member Brock asked what a cut in the sludge reuse program
meant.
Howard Martin, Director of Environmental Services, stated that the
sludge reuse program was part of the composting program and used
sludge to make a reusable compost product.
Council Member Brock asked if cutting the sludge reuse program was
putting off implementing the composting program.
Mr. Martin stated that the sludge reuse program would put off
implementing the composing program and the alternative was to
landfill the city's waste activated sludge.
Council Member Brock stated that she felt it was shortsighted to
put off the project and eliminate non mandated programs.
Council Member Brock asked what was cutting all sludge field
maintenance.
Mr. Martin answered that currently the city contracted for 200
acres of sledge, lnjeGted fields to be mowed and disked two to three
times per year to eliminate weeds, improve looks, and eliminate
problems when injecting sludge.
Council Member Chew questioned that when the city eliminated the
composting program would it eliminate money from grants which John
Hall, Texas Water Commission, mentioned.
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August 11, 1992
Page 13
397
Mr. Martin stated the staff was confident and worked jointly with
Bill Angelo's operation in utilizing the composting project.
Mayor Castleberry stated that he did not see anything that was real
serious since most people were temporary or part time personnel.
Mr. Nelson stated that was correct except for the night shift
operator which was needed for safety reasons. A lot of the techs
and temporaries utilized assisted to determine where lines needed
to be replaced in the collection system.
Jim Harder, Director of Electric Utilities, reported that the
revenue reduction decrease of 4.8% was expressed in the overall
rate decrease with some classes receiving more or some less. The
1993 total proposed budget increased from $64.3 million to $65.3
million mostly from the increase from the city's TMPA purchase
power cost. Personnel changes reduced the division by 3.5
positions by eliminating 5 full time positions and increasing
temporary positions. Total personnel costs decreased, supplies
decreased, the maintenance budget decreased, the services budget
decreased, and insurance costs decreased.
Mr. Harder outlined the major electric projects which included
overhead to underground conversion at $330,000 per year, re-roofing
the Service Center, distribution system coordination study, 69 KV
circuit breaker replacement at Spencer substation, customer
incentives and tree power programs, overhaul of Spencer unit 3
retaining rings, and cleaning of unit 4 boiler. Mr. Harder stated
that the Hickory Substation circuit breaker replacement and gas
pipeline construction for alternate fuel source were major projects
funded by CIP bonds.
Council Member Miller asked if intrastate deregulated was that
necessary.
Mr. Harder stated if intrastate became completely unregulated then
the project became unnecessary.
Mr. Harder stated that production power and fixed assets increased
for the next year because of an attempt to pay as much of the CIP
projects out of current operating revenue and not out of bond
funds.
Lee Allison, Director of Water Operations and Engineering, reported
the proposed water budget was 3.5% greater than last year and added
one new position in engineering to provide landfill expertise. The
reorganization in the field service re¢lassed 1! light equipment
operators to maintenance workers and reclassed two clerks to senior
engineering aides. Mr. Allison outlined major projects which
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 14
included replacing water mains, developmental plan lines, painting
the high school water tower, abandoning water wells, and debt
repayment to the Electric Department. The CIP program included
transmission line easements to Ray Roberts, disinfection system
modification, Teasley lane line replacement, and water line
upgrades.
Mr. Allison explained cost reduction actions which included
budgeting for a normal year not a drought year, budgeting for man
hours not for overtime, increasing meter change out time from 7 to
10 years, extending fire hydrant painting period from 3 to 5 years,
and repairing not replacing vehicles and equipment.
Council Member Miller questioned whether customers were informed
when water meters were changed out.
Mr. Allison replied that customers were not notified.
Council Member Miller recommended that communication that water
meter change out had occurred seemed like a good idea.
Mr. Allison stated that could easily done with a door hanger and he
would implement the recommendation.
Mr. Allison reported that the division was adding one new engineer
and the temporary/seasonal category reflected a small increase.
Mr. Allison expected overtime to decrease. Personal services
decreased but the overall budget was going up attributable to
capital items and Lake Ray Roberts payments.
Howard Martin, Director of Environmental Services/Financial
Administration, outlined the wastewater budget maintaining the same
level of service and regulatory compliance. The major issues the
budget addressed included the wastewater treatment plant expansion,
biomonitoring, sludge disposal and pretreatment. The budget
addressed known public health concerns primarily in the Cooper
Creek drainage basin, minimized collection system overflows,
maintained current level engineering services, and continued
development ofl the GIS system. Administrative issues to be
addressed included funding for economic development, participation
in North Central Texas Council of Governments, funding for
wastewater rate study, participation in the Upper Trinity Regional
Water District, and an increase in regulatory inspection fees.
Council Member Chew asked if there had been an increase in the
contribution to economic development effort.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Public Utilities Board recommended an
increased economic development contribution from $60,000 to $80,000
City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 15
per year with half from the water budget and half from the electric
budget.
Mr. Martin stated that a reduction in overall budget expenditures
for the Wastewater Division was over $314,000 with the majority of
the funds coming from the collection system primarily from capital
projects currently funded out of current revenue and funding them
through bond funds.
Mr. Martin stated the administrative budget increased slightly, the
treatment budget decreased slightly, the engineering budget
increased and the laboratory and pretreatment budgets increased
expenditures. Mr. Martin stated that positions remained the same
with a small increase in temporary positions.
Council Member Perry asked if the city had failed an EPA monitoring
toxicity level and why.
Mr. Martin stated that $50,000 was to initiate the first phases of
the testing that allowed the city to discover what caused the
· toxicity.
Council Member Smith asked if toxic identification was the item the
city had failed.
Mr. Martin stated that the city failed the last two months.
Mr. Nelson stated that the electric budget included $10,000 for
advertising targeted at companies relocating in the Denton area.
Bill Angelo, Director of Community Services outlined the solid
waste budget. A major budget issue allowed for the upgrading of
four temporary employees to full time positions in the residential
section because of employee turnover with temporary employees in
the past. The budget upgraded a half time clerical to full time,
added a part time administrative intern position, added Household
Hazardous Waste Public Information program, added paint swap
program, added a waste minimization/recycling public education
program, reclassed a commercial maintenance mechanic to commercial
driver, and relocated a commercial maintenance mechanic to the
machine shop. Recycling options included city-wide collection at
an increased cost of $1.25 per month or subscription service at a
cost of $3.25 per month charge for participants if a 20%
participation achieved. Mr. Angelo stated that no expansion of
existing collection programs for recycling were planned.
Mr. Angelo stated that personal services increased due to
implementation of the Mercer study. The supplies increased as a
result of expending additional fuel in the commercial area.
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City of Denton City Council Minutes
August 11, 1992
Page 16
Maintenance increased due to vehicle maintenance, and services
increased due to a partial year payment for trucks and dumpsters
for the commercial solid waste division. Mr. Angelo pointed out a
substantial decrease in insurance because of diligence of
employees, and an increase in fixed assets for computer and a pump
for landfill. The largest increase for commercial solid waste was
for containers. Debt service increased reflecting a repayment to
the electric fund. Miscellaneous increased because of putting
aside $100,000 per year for closure of the city landfill and costs
included for such. Approximately $10,000 was earmarked in services
as contribution for the city's beautification efforts.
Council Member Chew asked what was the $96,000 surcharge to the
State of Texas in fixed assets.
Mr. Angelo stated that the $96,000 was currently paid out of
revenues and not reflected in the city's .financial reports.
Budgeting the amount allowed for better financial tracking of
costs.
Mr. Angelo outlined the fleet services budget with few changes but
restructured to divide garage into three sections for cost centers
and revenues. The restructuring included a garage, parts and fuel,
motor pool and machine shop budget to aid in reporting and tracking
costs and revenues. The one additional employee came from solid
waste.
Mr. Nelson stated that rates increased in the garage and machine
shop on a per hour basis to be competitive with the private sector.
Staff surveyed garages in community and the in house charge was 85%
of that cost. The increase was the first since 1986.
Mr. Harrell added that Mr. Angelo and Mr. Nelson had made
adjustments in hours of operation of garage, and the garage was
open several hours in the evening in order to get vehicles serviced
from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. to increase productivity.
Mr. Angelo reported on the operation of cable television channel
which included, operation of a bulletin board service, nominal
programming, training activities, broadcasting City Council
meetings, and nominal programming provided from canned programs in
the Utility Department and the Fire Department safety and training
programs. The annual operating cost was $300,000 per year.
Discussions with DISD for joint operation started along with
additional negotiations with Sammons.
Council Member Chew stated that he had a conversation with council
person from Corpus Christi, and the cable television provided
City of Denton City Council Minutes'
August 11, 1992
Page 17
401
bulletin boards and broadcasting of city council meeting at no
cost.
Mr. Angelo stated that he thought Corpus Christi provided service
at no cost because it was a much larger city and had more
subscribers.
Council Member Brock stated that a DeSoto Council Member said they
received cable television services free of charge as part of the
franchise agreement.
Mr. Angelo stated that the city currently had a 15 year franchise.
Mayor Castleberry asked about UNT channel.
Mr. Angelo stated that UNT was not interested in the city taking up
the time for city programs and charged for their services.
Kathy DuBose, Director of Financial Operations, distributed a
handout concerning administrative transfers in response to Council
Member Miller's previous questions.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32.
BETTY WII~LiAMS
DEPUTY CITY SECRETARY
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
BOB CASTnEBERRY ~-~
MAYOR ~
CITY OF DENTON, TEXi~S
/
AMM00194