INSIDE CITY HALL Here are some of...

INSIDE CITY HALL

Here are some of the items the council considered on Monday.

BUDGET DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

This item was continued from the May 5 meeting. The combination of

fiscal effects of the economy, the state’s budget crisis and rising

operating costs has created significant pressures on resources to

balance the 2003-04 budget.

While these pressures created a shortfall of about $10 million,

the city manager and staff were able to whittle the deficit to about

$4 million. The city manager and staff prepared a list of strategies

to address additional reductions for the next fiscal year as they

become necessary.

These include an across-the-board cut in appropriation requests

and service or program cuts.

WHAT HAPPENED

The council members identified the strategies they preferred.

Councilwoman Libby Cowan said she would rather see cuts to services

or programs instead of across-the-board reductions. Several council

members also talked about a hiring freeze.

WHAT WAS SAID

“I think [across the board reductions] aren’t fair and hit areas

that are very important, whereas other areas that aren’t as important

may not be affected as much and it’s very hard,” Cowan said.

WHAT IT MEANS

Staff now has a direction to follow.

LAW TO EXEMPT TEMPORARY RECEPTACLES

The city has an ordinance requiring that any trash container be

enclosed so it is out of sight. The city usually builds a brick wall

around them. The city uses the same type of bins for its recycling

programs to collect the used telephone books.

The council considered a change to this law that would exempt

temporary recycling receptacles.

WHAT HAPPENED

The council unanimously approved the exemption.

WHAT IT MEANS

For 45 days in the spring and 45 days in the fall, when the new

phone books and yellow pages come out, the bins to recycle the old

ones can be placed in clear sight so they are more accessible.

WHAT WAS SAID

‘It’s really for the good of all of the public to have them

available and in sight, and it’s a good training program for the

[kids] at the schools,” said Bill Morris, public services director.

-- Compiled by Deirdre Newman