Cleveland City Council

p. 392 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 3:00 P.M. MINUTE BOOK 28 BE IT REMEMBERED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE MET IN A REGULAR SESSION THIS MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 AT 3:00 P.M. AT THEIR REGULAR MEETING PLACE IN THE CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL BUILDING. Present and presiding was Mayor Tom Rowland. Also present were Vice Mayor Avery Johnson, Councilmen Charlie McKenzie, Bill Estes, Tom Cassada, David May, Jr., Dale Hughes and Richard Banks. Others in attendance according to the sign-in sheet were as follows: City Manager Joe Fivas; Assistant City Manager/CFO Shawn McKay; Assistant City Manager/Operations Melinda Carroll; City Attorney John Kimball; Christy Bryant, Support Services Manager, Beverley Lindsey, Executive Secretary II; Fire Chief Ron Harrison; Jonathan Jobe, Director of Development and Engineering Services; Tommy Myers, Director of Public Works; Police Chief Mark Gibson; Mark Fidler, Jetport Director; Patti Petitt, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Davis, Personnel Director, Kris Miller, IT Director; Brian Moran, Social Media Coordinator; Kim Spence, Safety and Wellness Manager; Bethany McCoy and Marah Whitaker with Lee University; City Reporter Randall Higgins; Max Phillips; Chris Townsend; Jonathan Carroll; Tad Bacon with Cleveland Utilities; Teresa Torbett, CDBG Coordinator; Dustin Tommey; Jane Stum; Kim Lorello and Kathryn Alhindi with Friends of Blythe Oldfield Park; Sharon Marr with Mainstreet Cleveland; Joyce Stapek; Charlotte Peak; Brooklynn Townsend; Doug Berry and Gary Farlow with the Chamber of Commerce; School Board Members Dawn Robinson and Krista McKay; Larry Bowers with the Cleveland Daily Banner. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and prayer by Vice Mayor Johnson the following business was then entered into: WAIVE READING OF MINUTES Vice Mayor Johnson moved that the City Council of the City of Cleveland waive the reading of the minutes of the Regular Session of the City Council held on April 24, 2017 and approve them as written. The motion was seconded by Councilman May; and upon roll call the motion unanimously passed. PRESENTATIONS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAIL Chris Townsend thanked the City Council and City Manager for taking time meeting with Lt. Jonathan Carroll concerning staffing needs at the Cleveland Fire Department, specifically a Deputy Chief. The position has been frozen for five years. As they began compiling statistics to validate their request, they realized staffing, within the City of Cleveland for essential services, which are considered public works, police and fire has lagged behind city growth. In the Police Department it is nearly staffed 15% less than it was ten years ago. The Fire Department is staffed about 21% less than ten years ago. He had two questions for the City Manager, specifically their initial request was to find the funding for a Deputy Chief so, administratively, the department has the support necessary to continue to provide a high level of service and they make that request for July, FY2018. Second request is that the City Council and our City Manager place the appropriate positions for essential services, as well as other departments which certainly have needs, but placing them into perspective when we look at new initiatives, such as downtown redevelopment. The second request we can see overtime but the first request is more pressing. They would like it staffed in July 2018. Mayor Rowland stated everyone has received a copy of the presentation. [Copy on file in the City Clerk’s Office] Mayor Rowland stated Alvin Word had previously approached him concerning property he owns that would be suitable for fire station 7. He understands Mr. Word is about to go commercial with the property if the City does not take action. Mr. Word stated the property is located at 37th Street/Tasso Road. It was set aside for building of a fire hall. We approached, and Mr. Fivas received information last time we were here and did not get a response. If the City is interested in the property it is available for a couple more days. It was carved out of a piece of land for the Fire Department. It was done for them and if they don’t want it, we’re ready to start with another project and would like to move forward. He would like to have a final yes or no p. 393 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -2- MINUTE BOOK 28 today. Mayor Rowland asked Chief Harrison if he was familiar with the piece of property. Chief Harrison stated yes. Mayor Rowland asked if the location would fit into the current plans they have. Chief Harrison stated yes, it is quite unusual to find a piece of property exactly where you need it, which is where they will need Station 7. Mayor Rowland asked about any arrangements or pricing. Mr. Word asked if that was to be done at this level. Mayor Rowland asked Mr. Fivas if he had any comments. Mr. Fivas stated not at this time. Councilman McKenzie stated we need to know the price of it before we try to buy it. Councilman May asked if we voted would it not be to vote to start negotiations. Councilman Banks replied it would have to be appraised. Councilman May agreed. Max Phillips stated this property was divided into a development they’ve had and ready to start building. Mr. Townsend and the Fire Chief approached them and they resurveyed and drew the property out to their specifications for a Firehall. It was all the intent that they felt they were going to buy it for a Firehall. The developer felt it would be good for the City to go ahead and sell it as a fire station site. Nothing came about and Mr. Word bought the property and now we are saying we’ve waited long enough and will have to proceed with something else. The developers want it to be a firehall. Councilman Banks stated we need two weeks to do a little due diligence. This was the first he’s heard about it so he couldn’t vote without knowing more about it. Councilman May asked if we could vote to have the City Manager get an independent appraisal and report back in two weeks. Mr. Word stated our first responsibility is to the City and we need to move forward. Basically, the property is $200,000. Mayor Rowland asked how big is the lot. Mr. Word stated 1.04 acres. He then stated he would wait two weeks until the May 22 meeting for an answer. Councilman May asked the City Manager to look at the property and obtain an independent appraisal so they will have further information at the next meeting. Mayor Rowland stated a request was received from Mt. Olive Ministries for a donation of $5,000 to assist with the city fireworks. Councilman May stated he understand Mt. Olive pays $15,000 from their budget. Mayor Rowland stated the Church handles all the insurance, licensing and professionals to prepare the show. Councilman May moved to fund $5,000 for the July 4th city fireworks. The motion was seconded by Councilman Estes; and upon roll call, unanimously passed. Mayor Rowland stated today’s meeting is being held as a public hearing to hear public comments concerning an amendment to section 3.1.B of the Zoning Regulations to create provisions which allow for review and approval for greater densities of development on properties which are allowed to be developed to the R3 Multi-Family Residential Zoning District standards. Mayor Rowland asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the amendment. No one spoke. Mayor Rowland asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition of the amendment. No one spoke. Mayor Rowland stated today’s meeting is being held as a public hearing to hear public comments concerning rezoning 1.9 acres located at Tennessee Nursery Rd and Martin Dr NW (Tax Map 49 Parcel 1.04 and Tax Map 049B Group E Parcel 28.00 from R1 Single Family Residential Zoning to MU Mixed Use Zoning District (Planning Commission: Denied; 0-9). Mayor Rowland asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the rezoning. Mr. Calfee stated he was not at the Planning Commission and has heard what he could and couldn’t do with the property. At the time of the Planning Commission he was not the owner nor the requestor. His interest is to make it more attractive and has already cleaned the property, laid gravel and will put up a fence. He would like to store tools and equipment there, like the skid steer and dump truck out of the rain. He wants it to look better and understands nothing additionally could be built. He has no intention of building apartments, townhomes or ministorage units but would like to make improvements to look better for the entire subdivision. He would like to build a shed and would need to be rezoned commercial. Councilman Estes stated at one time there was an attachment to the building. Is that grandfathered in? Mr. Jobe stated no. If something happened to the building it couldn’t be rebuilt. Councilman Banks asked Mr. Calfee if he attended the Planning Commission. Mr. Calfee stated no he purchased the lot after the Planning Commission meeting. Councilman Estes asked about what the city stance was. Mr. Jobe stated everything p. 394 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -3- MINUTE BOOK 28 around it is R1. It is too small for Mixed Used Zoning. It should stay R1. Councilman Cassada stated he received a number of calls in opposition to the rezoning. City Attorney John Kimball stated the vote at the Planning Commission was denied because there was no plan to make the rezoning worthwhile. There is a change of circumstances with a new owner. Councilman Banks stated if he withdraws his planning request he won’t have to wait a year to ask for rezoning. Mayor Rowland stated Mr. Calfee did not make the request to the Planning Commission. It was the previous owner. Councilman Banks asked when he bought the property did he buy the pending rezoning request. Mr. Kimball stated the applicant is the owner. Councilman Banks asked why are we hearing this request today. Mr. Kimball stated this is the first he’s heard that Mr. Calfee bought the property but items automatically come to your agenda for a vote. Councilman Banks stated he feels Mr. Calfee should have the opportunity to appear before the Planning Commission as the property owner and an opportunity to meet with the neighbors. Charlotte Jones stated you have an adjoining property the city owns and if it burnt down you would be in the same zoning situation and nothing could be rebuilt. That is why there are two parcels in this zoning request. Mr. Jobe stated the City building can be rebuilt no matter the zoning. If the Planning Commission had rezoned the property they were going to include the city’s parcel as well. Mayor Rowland asked if the city should rezone our parcel. Mr. Jobe stated if you don’t it would be considered spot zoning. Councilman Cassada stated he felt this could open potential spot zoning requests. Councilman Hughes stated the biggest battle will be the neighborhood. Councilman May stated while we are discussing it, the city needs to enhance what they’ve got. Mr. Fivas stated we have money budgeted to do just that. Councilman May stated we need to make sure we spend it this year. Mr. Fivas stated we have funds to replace the fence and clean up the area. Mr. Calfee stated the city uses a portion of his property to turn the trailers around and asked if there were any plans to install a gate. It seems the city installed gates and do utilize them. Dan Hartman stated yes we do use his property to help back the equipment in and the previous owner did not object. We will certainly look and discuss with Mr. Calfee to work together. Mayor Rowland asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition of the rezoning. No one spoke. Mayor Rowland declared the public hearing to be closed. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Rowland reviewed the items on the consent agenda. • Resolution No: 2017-23 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign contract amendment #8 with WSP USA, Inc. (formerly Parson Brinkerhoff, Inc.) for MPO projects. RESOLUTION NO: 2017-23 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO A TRANSPORTATION PLANNING CONTRACT WITH. WSP USA, INC., FORMERLY PARSONS BRINKERHOFF, INC. IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEVELAND URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION WHEREAS, the City of Cleveland serves as the contracting entity on behalf of the Cleveland Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in order to plan and implement transportation improvements within the Cleveland MPO area; and, WHEREAS, the City of Cleveland has maintained a contract with parsons Brinkerhoff, Inc. for transportation planning services on behalf of the Cleveland Urban Area MPO and additional services are anticipated to be needed above the current “not to exceed” amount established by a prior contract amendment, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Cleveland, Tennessee does hereby: Authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment (attached) to the existing contract with WSP USA, Inc. for transportation planning services. p. 395 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -4- MINUTE BOOK 28 Approved this 8th day of May, 2017. /s/John F. Kimball ___________________________ City Attorney Tom Rowland, Mayor ___________________________ Shawn McKay, City Clerk • Street Light Recommendation – Ryan Hodges at 3420 Dogwood Trail NW (Cleveland Utilities recommends the addition of one 51-watt LED cobra street light fixture at the requested location). • Surplus Property – Items from 3745 and 3765 Sycamore Drive NW be declared surplus and donated to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Home Store. MEMO: TO: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL FROM: Melinda B. Carroll DATE: May 2, 2017 SUBJECT: Surplus/Salvage Items for Donation The City of Cleveland was awarded a Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant from FEMA to remove the homes at 3745 and 3765 Sycamore Drive NW as they had been classified “Severe Repetitive Loss Properties”. The homes must be removed and the property will be kept perpetually as open green space to avoid future flooding hazards. Therefore, I respectfully request that the City Council declare any items that remain in the homes surplus and donate to the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Home Store. • Bid Report – Blythe Oldfield Park Playground. BID SUMMARY BLYTHE OLDFIELD PARK PLAYGROUND PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT April 26, 2017 1. Game Time Knoxville, TN _$365,890.71__ _ $265,494.81 – Alternate Bid (Did not include all items per specifications) 2. Great Southern Recreation Murfreesboro, TN __$226,935.46_ _ $274,994.00 – Alternate Bid 3. Miracle Recreation Clarkson, KY NO BID___ __ 4. Recreational Concepts Cookeville, TN __NO BID _____ Recommendation is to accept the alternate bid from Great Southern Recreation of Murfreesboro, TN with a total bid of $274,994.00. Committee Recommendation: Great Southern Recreation Assistant City Manager’s Approval: Melinda B. Carroll _ Department Head’s Approval: Patti Petitt _ p. 396 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -5- MINUTE BOOK 28 Councilman Hughes moved to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilman Estes; and upon roll call, the motion to approve the consent agenda unanimously passed. Councilman Banks had removed the following item from the Consent agenda stating he doesn’t feel we shouldn’t accept such a low bid under the appraisal value. Ms. Carroll stated she doesn’t recommend to accept the bid. REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Councilman Banks stated Mr. Fivas mention during the Work Session about designating someone to meet with Whirlpool to begin discussion on purchasing property. He then moved to encourage the City Manager and/or whoever he delegates to start discussions with Whirlpool about some of the redevelopment of the area. The motion was seconded by Councilman Estes; and upon roll call, unanimously passed. NEW BUSINESS AND ORDINANCES The following Ordinance was then presented in full: ORDINANCE NO: 2017-16 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE, PROVIDING THAT THE CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 14 CHAPTER 2, ZONING REGULATIONS, BE AMENDED BY REVISING SECTION 3.1B TO CREATE PROVISIONS FOR HIGHER ALLOWABLE DENSITIES WITHIN ZONES WHERE MULTI-FAMILY USES ARE PERMITTED; AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS the City of Cleveland has experienced unprecedented growth over the last several years; and WHEREAS there is little evidence that recent growth patterns will not continue over the foreseeable future; and WHEREAS the State of Tennessee has limited the ability of the City of Cleveland to expand housing opportunities through annexation of new territory; and p. 397 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -6- MINUTE BOOK 28 WHEREAS the supply of housing units must keep pace with demand in order to maintain the existing low cost of living which the residents of Cleveland enjoy; and WHEREAS the City Council has determined that the existing zoning regulations provide adequate consideration by the Board of Zoning Appeals for conditional uses; and WHEREAS the City Council has considered that an increase in the allowable densities may be appropriate in areas where multi-family residential uses are permitted; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE: Section 1. The Cleveland Municipal Code Title 14, Chapter 2, Zoning Regulations, be amended by revising Section 3.1B to read as follows: 3.1.B. Maximum Allowable Density Where requirements are otherwise met, this ordinance generally allows for the development of multiple structures on a common site. For multiple buildings on a common site or for a subdivision of two or more lots, the maximum allowable density is a function of the required minimum lot size. R1 and RA land cannot exceed a maximum of 1 residential unit per 7500 square feet, including any common open space if developed as a cluster subdivision. R2 land, or land in any other zoning district where allowed to be developed residentially at R2 standards cannot exceed one (1) unit per five thousand (5,000) square feet for single family, or two (2) units per seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet for duplex structures, or three (3) units per ten thousand (10,000) square feet for triplex structures, or four (4) units per twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) for quadruplex structures, including any common open space if developed as a cluster subdivision, townhouse subdivision, or other type of development. R3 land, or land in any other zoning district where allowed to be developed residentially at R3 standards, requires seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet for the first unit and two thousand five hundred (2,500) feet for each additional unit on the same lot or parcel regardless of structure type, adjusted for any common open space if developed as a cluster subdivision, townhouse subdivision, or other type of development. As an alternative where a lot otherwise allowed to be developed residential at R3 standards is less than 1 acre that and is not a flag lot, if designed to include a minimum 5 foot greenspace buffer area along the lot's street frontage except for not more than 2 driveways not exceeding 24 feet in width for both driveways, and otherwise meeting the landscaping and buffering requirements of zoning and stormwater ordinances, can be designed to the R2 density standard. R4 residential development density is regulated by the standards for mobile home parks and subdivisions. R5 residential development must provide adequate parking and otherwise conform to the requirements of the R5 district. Density for residential development in the UC zone is to be guided by Table 2. Residential development in mixed use development projects, such as with ground floor commercial with residential above, shall provide adequate parking and otherwise be governed by the height, lot coverage, and setback requirements of the zoning district in which they are located. Non- residential development does not have a density limit, but the intensity of the use in terms of its overall developed floor area is restricted by height, setback, lot coverage, greenspace, parking requirements, and other requirements of the zoning and stormwater ordinances. (as added by Ord. #2009-49, June 2009) In any zone where multi-family residential uses are permitted, the Board of Zoning Appeals may grant approval of the R5 density standards as a conditional use where appropriate. The same considerations outlined in section 1.7.2 of the zoning ordinance shall be applied. Section 2. That all Ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to implement this ordinance. p. 398 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -7- MINUTE BOOK 28 Section 3. In the event that any part of this ordinance is invalidated by a court of competent jurisdiction, all other parts shall remain in full force and effect unless otherwise lawfully repealed or amended. Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage on second reading, the public necessity requiring it. APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/John F. Kimball ___________________________ City Attorney Tom Rowland, Mayor ___________________________ Shawn McKay, City Clerk Councilman May moved that Ordinance No: 2017-16 be voted for passage on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Cassada; and upon roll call, unanimously passed. The following Ordinance was then presented in full: ZONING ORDINANCE NO: 2017-17 BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Cleveland, in regular session assembled that the property described herein be, and the same is hereby, re-zoned from R1 Single Residential to Mixed Use Zoning District. Approximately .98 acres, more or less, located on Tennessee Nursery Rd and Martin Dr NW as shown on the attached map. For reference, see Book 1736 Page 641 and Book 318 Page 604 in the Register’s Office of Bradley County, Tennessee, and being shown on Tax Map 49B Group E Parcel 28 and Tax Map 49 Parcel 1.04, in the Assessor’s Office for Bradley County, Tennessee. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all Ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed to the extent of said conflict. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage on final reading, the public welfare requiring it. APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/John F. Kimball ___________________________ City Attorney Tom Rowland, Mayor ___________________________ Shawn McKay, City Clerk Exhibit p. 399 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -8- MINUTE BOOK 28 Councilman Banks moved to send the item back to Planning Commission due to new ownership by Greg Calfee so he can apply for the rezoning and go through the process if he desires. The motion was seconded by Councilman May; and upon roll call, unanimously passed. Councilman Hughes left the meeting. The following Ordinance was then presented in full: p. 400 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -9- MINUTE BOOK 28 p. 401 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -10- MINUTE BOOK 28 p. 402 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -11- MINUTE BOOK 28 Mayor Rowland asked if the Deputy Chief position for the Fire Department was including in the FY2018 Budget. Mr. Fivas replied it was not submitted to us from the department head but if you will recall at the end of the budget planning session we are not opposed to the suggestion, which is what I commented to the people who came in and spoke with me. We need to look at the holistic standpoint, from an organizational standpoint for succession planning overall. Once you add the twelve new firefighters beginning next year that position would certainly be warranted and would be a better fit. That is my recommendation, to just wait until we do a succession planning and bring that back to the Council, when completed in January. We are not opposed to it. We feel when you add another station that it will be warranted but there is a process we should go through. Mayor Rowland stated for clarification the position is established but not funded. Mr. Fivas stated correct. Councilman Hughes stated we’ve not had the position for five years. Councilman May stated he didn’t think that was something they were involved in. Chief Harrison stated when Chief Haun was promoted to Chief, he was promoted from the Deputy Chief position. Ms. Casteel chose not to fill that position. He continued that they are the only department that they benchmark with that doesn’t have a Deputy Chief. Councilman May stated he was concerning about the ISO rating. Chief Harrison stated what they run into is they don’t have administration to tackle all the issues, like building a fire station or buying fire trucks. We call the position a Deputy Chief and it is a pay grade 30. The Police Department has two pay grade 30 positions filled. Councilman May stated the ISO certainly looks at the staffing and how your management is set up. Chief Harrison stated yes they look at the entire department. Mayor Rowland asked if this was the only department with a vacant staff position that high up. Mr. Fivas stated he hasn’t looked through all the positons that have ever been created but he wasn’t aware of any. Councilman McKenzie asked Chief Harrison if he had any extra money. Councilman May stated that was to be a temporary agreement. Mayor Rowland stated he thought it was for one budget year. Councilman Banks asked Chief Harrison if there was anything in the budget to forgo to fund the position. Chief Harrison stated no, they have cut their operation budget close to 8% and really have no money. Councilman May stated we have asked all departments to cut their budget and that’s probably the reason. The thinking behind Ms. Casteel’s move, trying to save money. We asked them to cut 10%, fuel and utilities, that is when all this happened. It’s never got back to be funded. He feels it does need to be funded. Mayor Rowland stated Mr. McKay has a sharp pencil. Mr. McKay stated no, not unless we generate more revenue. Councilman Cassada stated we need to take the recommendation of the City Manager into consideration. Councilman May stated he feels he is asking us to make the request. Mr. Townsend stated when the request was made they presented an option, a mechanism to fund the positon. There is a lot of enthusiasm for downtown redevelopment and it could be really good. He then asked Mr. Fivas how much he requested in the initial budget presentation for downtown for the first year. Mr. McKay responded the first year money is what is paying for your firefighters in the second year. That is a one-year request. Mr. Townsend stated that is specifically for downtown, was it 6 cents, right? Mr. Fivas replied you know what the number is. Mr. Townsend stated yes I do and I also know it’s $600,000. We also know the number might be $679,000 and when you factor in the property tax reassessment, which there will be a decrease in the effective tax rate, which means every penny will generate more tax dollars, according to Stanley Thompson. It could be between 11-12%. That means every penny would generate $128,000. Mr. McKay stated you can’t say that. Mr. Townsend replied can you say $113,000. Councilman Banks asked what does this have to do with the Deputy Chief position. Mr. Townsend stated downtown revitalization is great but the City Manager wants $600,000 then give it to him but there is an additional $80,000 within that 6 cents. Councilman Banks responded he doesn’t care if Mr. Townsend comes and asks for a Deputy Chief but when he starts talking about their job that maybe stepping over the line. Mr. Townsend replied I am not speaking as a city employee I am speaking as a city property owner. Respectfully, you were kind enough to meet with us and in that meeting Mr. McKay indicated the range for one penny. Mr. McKay stated correct, $100,000. Mr. Townsend said you gave a range of $90,000-$106,000. Mr. McKay stated we always use $100,000 per penny. The last property tax increase did not generate $100,000 per penny, it generated less. So to say a penny increase will generate $128,000 per penny is not correct. Mr. Townsend stated we want to support downtown revitalization but within that there should be a sensible position in regards to Public Works, Police and Fire. Mr. p. 403 REGULAR SESSION MAY 8, 2017 PAGE -12- MINUTE BOOK 28 Fivas asked if he understood we were hiring twelve police officers, twelve firefighters, fire training center, $400,000 in apparatus for the Fire Department and $265,000 in police cars, so please, I think the conversation should be focused more back on the Council’s prerogative on whether they want to fund a Deputy Chief. We can certainly work with the Council on finding the funding if that’s the direction they like to go. Mayor Rowland asked if one of the positions could be the Deputy Chief position. Mr. Fivas stated you could, but that would use one of the front line positions but that would certainly be up to Chief Harrison. He continued, his suggestion as previously stated he is not opposed and we need to do this but there should be a process. The Police Department might want to have an Assistant Chief and there are other department needs so we need to look at it from a holistic standpoint, do analysis and figure out what fits best for us. We can bring back a recommendation to Council, which will likely contain the Assistant Fire Chief. I don’t think anyone is opposed to anything being suggested. It was not proposed in the budget and is a legitimate thing to talk about. As management, we need to do our due diligence and propose the information to the City Council and make decisions to move forward. At that time, we can work on the funding and if we need to add funding at this time it would be another penny. We appreciate the comments and suggestions but we need to focus on the assistant position that we’ve said we’re not opposed we just need to go through a process. Mr. Townsend stated Public Works, Police and Fire have significant staffing needs and just ask for consideration for everybody involved. Mr. Fivas replied we have given consideration. Mr. Townsend continued with priority over downtown revitalization. Mr. Favis stated we are spending nearly $4 million on public safety and thinks that is an unfair statement. Mayor Rowland stated the need is seen for the position and see if we can put it in the budget or wait until the new staffing comes around. Councilman Banks stated we can always amend the budget. Mr. Fivas stated yes. We believe there needs to be a process and once we establish it, we can amend the budget. We are not in opposition. Councilman Cassada stated he feels we should follow Mr. Fivas’ recommendation of a process. He sees it as a need and we can amend the budget. Mr. Townsend thanked the Council and their support of the Fire Department. Councilman Banks moved that Ordinance No: 2017-18 be accepted on first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilman Cassada. Councilman Estes thanked Mr. Fivas, Mr. McKay and Ms. Carroll for the good budget process. The last couple of months gently walking him through it have been great and he appreciates it. Upon roll call the motion unanimously passed. Mayor Rowland stated the public hearing for the FY2018 Budget will be held on May 22. Also, we will be discussing the property at 37th Street/Tasso Road. There being no future business the meeting was adjourned at 3:56 p.m. _________________________________ ______________________________ Mayor City Clerk