HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1998-06-30 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OF
THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD
IN THE PRE-COUNCIL ROOM AT CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST
LOOP 820, NORTH RICHLAND HILLS - JUNE 30, 1998
Present:
Charles Scoma
Don Phifer
Lyle E. Welch
Russell Mitchell
Frank Metts, Jr.
JoAnn Johnson
Matt Milano
Cheryl Cowen Lyman
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Staff:
Larry Cunningham
Randy Shiflet
Ron Ragland
Patricia Hutson
James Saint
City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Secretary
Assistant to City Manager
Mayor Scoma called the work session to order at 4:00 p.m.
1.
CONTINUE GOALS RETREAT
Mr. Lyle Sumek, Lyle Sumek and Associates, Inc., who was the facilitator at the June 19 and 20
Goals Work Session, was present and continued the Council's discussion from the goals retreat
on procedures for establishing ad hoc committees. The Council also discussed performance
expectations for the Mayor, City Council, Mayor Pro Tem and City Manager.
The Council agreed that the Mayor Pro Tem:
1) is not a figurehead, but is a support for the Mayor
2) serves as a sounding board for ideas, is a resource for information and keeps
communication open with the Council
3) assists in moving the Council forward to achieve their goals and objectives
4) fills in for the Mayor in his absence at ceremonial functions and chairing of meetings
5) brings concerns of the Council to the Mayor's attention
6) provides to the Mayor a "sense of the Council" (not acquired from lobbying or polling)
keeping Mayor informed and aware of issues.
Guidelines for Council inquiries were agreed upon. Requests for information that is involved will
be directed to the City Manager's office. The City Manager will also send information that is
requested by one Council Member and that has to be researched and is time consuming, to the
entire Council. Requests that will take several hours for Staff to compile, will be taken to the
Council for approval. The City Manager will use his discretion. Information that is provided to a
Council Member and will be used in a Council meeting will also be sent to all Council members.
Work Session Minutes
June 30, 1998
Page 2
The Council discussed staff reports and the continuation of highlighting significant events/items of
interest. There was discussion on the need for all legal opinions to be in writing. Staff reports on
lawsuits should be more detailed with enough time allotted for legal reports. The Council asked
that when the Council makes a decision based on the legal recommendation of the attorney, that it
be documented by putting the legal recommendation in writing. Legal research should be
complete and include current law and case law. The Council agreed that a work session was
needed on new legal exposures and liabilities.
While discussing the role of the Mayor, the Council agreed that the Mayor was the spokesperson
for the City. Council should refer issues to the City Manager, the Mayor or the Mayor Pro Tem.
The Council briefly discussed TML, NLC and continuing education activities. The Council
discussed the importance of supporting those members serving on policy committees. The
Council requested monthly or quarterly briefings to keep the Council informed of work shop and
committee activities of the other Council members.
The Mayor recessed the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
The Mayor called the meeting back to order at 6:58 p.m. with the same Council members present.
Other Staff now present: Larry Koonce.
2.
1998/99 POLICY, BUDGET, AND VISION DISCUSSION
The City Manager advised the proposed budget for 1998/99 was based on the goals set by
Council. The Finance Director reviewed the 1997/98 budget. He reviewed the status of the
general fund, the revenue forecast, and the adopted and revised additional revenues and
expenditures. He reviewed the history of general fund revenues and expenditures, the
unreserved fund balance, taxable value of property, and the revenue from sales tax. He advised
the property tax rate has remained constant for the past ten years.
Mr. Koonce presented to the Council a preview of the 1998/99 budget. Included in the budget are
revenues projected at 23 million dollars, expenditures based on 23 million dollars and service
enhancements consisting of 1.2 million dollars. Although the preliminary budget is out of balance
1.2 million dollars, management will be presenting a balanced budget at the July work session.
Estimates were given on the general fund tax revenues, sales tax revenues and franchise fees.
Council was advised that some departments would be realizing a savings in the current budget
and management would like to propose at budget time that non-recurring capital items be
financed from the savings.
The Mayor suggested that consideration be given to an incentive plan where if a department is
able to realize a savings over and above the budget, the savings would be placed into reserves.
Then with City Manager approval, a department could request funding during the year for an
enhancement from the savings in reserves.
Mayor Scoma asked Staff to also look at the reserve for debt retirement.
Mayor Scoma adjourned the work session at 7:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
Work Session Minutes
June 30, 1998
Page 3
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