Special City Council Meeting

City Council Special Meeting Minutes, January 24, 2024. Mayor West called the Special Meeting to order at 2:00PM, January 24, 2024. Those in attendance were, Nick Sears, Monty Parks, Spec Hosti, Kathryn Williams, Tony Ploughe and Bill Garbett. Also attending were Michelle Owens, Interim City Manager; Bubba Hughes, City Attorney; and Jan LeViner, Clerk of Council. Items for Consideration: CIP Financing. Ms. Amerell approached Mayor and Council to ask for direction with Davenport. She continued, the proposal is to have another organization that we can give information to who has access to different outlets for funding and grants. Mr. Sears stated he does not feel Davenport can provide what the City is looking for and asked, if approved, when would they start. Ms. Amerell stated Davenport will not start any work until the City gives them specific direction. Mr. Hughes recommended we give them specific direction in writing so there is no confusion. Mr. Sears stated if Ms. Amerell is comfortable with the contract he is in favor. Ms. Williams made reference to the CIP from DPW. She asked if the priority of projects has changed. Mr. Gulbronson stated no, not at this time. He continued to discuss each item, the priority of each, and funds needed. Mr. Gulbronson stated he is working on projects as the money is available within his budget. The storm water projects are not included in the list. Ms. Amerell stated they are not included, as she would like to focus on water/sewer projects. Mayor pro tem Parks stated the purpose of this is to consider a contract with a consulting firm, Davenport, to review available financing options. There was a brief discussion regarding the inspection of the sewer lines to ensure repairs are prioritized if needed. Mr. Gulbronson stated they are being reactive currently and would like to be proactive regarding repairs. Ms. Williams asked Ms. Amerell what the consulting firm has to offer, different skill set that she cannot do. Ms. Amerell responded time and personnel. With a study such as this takes a great deal of time and they have access if the City should decide to go to the public market it issue debt. Ms. Williams asked if GMA would have such resources. Ms. Amerell confirmed but she feels having Davenport will better aid the City. Mr. Gulbronson stated in the ten (10) year CIP that he presented, it is $2M a year and there are place markers such as a deep well and a water treatment plant. Mayor pro tem Parks asked if there was any lines that have a potential to collapse which will need emergency funding. Mr. Gulbronson state there are probably some unknowns and funding is not in the budget. Ms. Williams thanked Mr. Gulbronson for providing the list of all projects for Council. Consultant Proposal for Utility Rate Review. Spec Hosti made a motion to approve the proposed contract. Bill Garbett seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 6-0. Monty Parks made a motion to adjourn. Spec Hosti seconded. Vote was unanimous, 6-0. _________________________ Janet LeViner, MMC Clerk of Council