HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Notes 09-21-15STUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
City Council Chambers 7500 W. 291h Avenue
September 21, 2015
Mayor Jay called the Study Session to order at 6:30p.m.
Council members present: Jerry DiTullio, Bud Starker, Zachary Urban, Kristi Davis, Tim
Fitzgerald, Genevieve Wooden, and Tracy Langworthy
Absent: George Pond
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Manager, Patrick Goff; Administrative
Services Director, Heather Geyer; Parks Director, Joyce Manwaring; Police Chief, Daniel
Brennan; Public Works Director, Scott Brink; Community Development Director, Ken
Johnstone; Court Administrator, Kersten Armstrong; City Treasurer, Larry Schulz; other
staff and interested citizens.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Joe DeMott 0/VR), chair of the Carnation Festival, played a You Tube video about the
Carnation festival. They're hearing this years festival was by far the best. They had
good sponsorship --the City being the largest. 25,000 people attended. There are
things that can be done to make it bigger and better. Last year they asked for $80K and
got $50K. They are again asking for $80K so they can address some of the issues.
Volunteers are just not enough to handle 25,000 people; they had to call in temporary
help with security after Friday night. They made money this year, but there are expenses
before the festival that can't be recouped. Weather is always a consideration. They'd
like a little more from the City to make it better and better every year, but everything costs
money. They want to improve the fireworks; a WRHS alum has offered to help with that.
There are commitments to be made soon for next year and what they have in the bank
will go for that. We're now a regional festival -competing with other festivals.
Gina Hallisey (Arvada), event planner for the Carnation Festival, presented to the City
the marketing book and a commemorative signed poster. She read a letter from Sen.
Cheri Jahn thanking the City, telling how the Festival now draws crowds from neighboring
areas, and how more local and some large businesses have become sponsors. She's
done fundraising since 2008 and it is becoming difficult. Community expectations are
high now, and volunteers aren't enough. She believes the City should donate a minimum
of $80,000. Ms. Hallisey noted we have surpassed other festivals and are becoming a
destination. She referenced the budget provided to Council. Fixed general expenses
before the event started totaled $160K; improvements for next year will make it $177.5K.
Guaranteed pre-event revenue is $24K in vendor fees -not counting sponsorships.
Funds needed to cover expenses for next year are $153K and they have $60K in the
bank. The risk is $93K. She said they think they can come up with $13K in
sponsorships, so $80K from the City would allow them to continue to grow the festival so
it becomes self-sustaining.
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21 , 2015
Page -2-
Mr. Goff noted that the budget being presented tonight provides $67.5K, plus $22.5K for
police overtime, and received clarification from Ms. Hallisey that their request tonight is to
increase the $67.5K to $80K.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1. Presentation and Review of Proposed 2016 Budget
Link to the budget is available at http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1320/2016-Proposed-
Budget
Mr. Goff and the department heads presented the proposed 2016 budget.
Financial Health of the City
-Revenues have increased steadily since the recession, especially the last three years.
2016 revenue should be slightly over $30M.
-Expenditures were kept flat following the recession (when cuts were made), but we've
gradually been able to increase expenditures as revenues increased. Increased
expenditures in 2014-2016 have primarily been related to economic development and
included large one-time expenditures: paying off the loan at 44th Upham (2013), the $1M
cash incentive for Kipling Ridge (2014), purchasing solar panels (2015), and ESTIP/TIF
payments (2016). 2016 expenditures should be a little over $30M.
-Capital expenditures have increased steadily since 2010 -made possible with
transfers from the General Fund, but the 2016 CIP budget will be about $2M below 2015.
Short-term Budget Picture The 2016 budget is balanced.
• $775,000 in department requests were cut.
Four new position requests and $261 ,000 in fleet maintenance were deferred.
• $983,000 is transferred to reserves and $2 .8M is transferred to CIP.
$100,000 is transferred to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund.
• Projected Reserves of 17% will be maintained.
Long-term Fiscal Challenge
Continued reliance on the General Fund for more infrastructure projects. Grants are
helpful, but economic development continues.
2016 Total Projected Revenue (All Funds) are expected to be fairly status quo.
$38,427,846 Projected revenues
+$11.490.671 Beginning fund balance
$49,918,517 Total available funds
2016 Total Proposed Expenditures
$42,212,869 -includes General Fund (72%), CIP (16%), and 8 special revenue funds
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21 , 2015
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(Rec Center 6%, Open Space 3%, Conservation Trust Fund 1%, other special funds 2%)
This is about a 5% decrease compared to 2015. In 2015 Open Space had money for the
Clear Creek trail and the Parks storage facility; Public Works had the Kipling Trail and did
more preventative maintenance than is planned for 2016.
General Fund Budget
Projected General Fund Revenues
$31 ,980,290 Projected Revenues (1.2% increase from 2015)
+ $ 8.271.981 Beginning Fund balance
$40,252,271 Total Available Funds
Revenue sources: Sales tax 60%, Use tax 11%, other taxes 8%, lntergov. 6%, Licenses
5%, Services 4%, Fines 2%, Property tax 2%, other 2%
Proposed General Fund Expenditures
$30,997,144 Projected Expenditures (0.4% increase from 2015)
$31 .980.290 Projected Revenue
$983,146 Maintain Fund Balance
Unrestricted fund balance is $5,282,127 (17%)
Expenditures by department: Police 32%, Public Works 15%, Parks 15%, Admin
Services 11 %, Central Charges 10%, General Govt (incl. City Council, Clerk, Treasurer,
City Manager, Econ Dev, City Attorney) 10%, Community Development 4%, Court 3%
Breakdown of expenses by Council goals:
Goal 1: Economically viable commercial areas
Urban renewal projects (annual contribution) -$300,000
ESTIPfTIF payments -$802,000
ESTIP (CO Plus, Green Herb, W 29th Ave Restaurant),
• T IF (Kipling Ridge, Wheat Ridge Corners and WR Cyclery)
Ridge at 38 public events (4): -$120,000 (increased from 2015)
Ridgefest, Tree Lighting, Criterium, TrunkfTreat)
Citywide public relations and marketing efforts (contract w/ public relations firm)-$43,500
WR Business District (WRBD) grant program (for exterior improvements) -$45,000
Live Local events (WR2020)-$50,000 (small increase)
Building Up Business Loan program (BUBL) (WR2020) -$25,000
Realtor, new resident and developer positioning tours (WR2020) -$20,000
44th Ave Corridor marketing -$5,000
29th Ave Marketplace marketing -$5,000
Ridger at 38 banners and lights program -$25,000
Ward Road Gold Line opening party -$20,000
Goal 2: Financially sound I Providing exceptional services
Preventative street maintenance -$1.9M
Fleet acquisition and replacement-$564,200
Employee compensation-3% projected pay-for-performance -$450,000
Firewall electronic security software -$230,000
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21, 2015
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Continued regionalization of RMS (Police records) -$139,000
Lakewood crime lab services -$63,000
Regional crime lab-$31 ,280
Employee safety and wellness programs -$29,680
Priority Based Budgeting (year 5)-$15,000
Goal 3: Desirable neighborhoods
Prospect Park improvements -$700,000
Outdoor pool maintenance -$155,000
Rec Center maintenance -$236,150
Active Adult Center parking lot replacement-$50,000
TLC program (neighborhood Traffic safety, Life quality and Crime reduction)-$40,000
Discovery Park cameras -$20,000
Traffic signal upgrades-$16,600
Home Investment Loan Program (HIP) (WR2020) -$25,000
Police Dept community-oriented neighborhood programs-$1 7,655
Police Dept greenbelt patrol -$30,000
Police Dept special events overtime-$15,000
Goal 4: More Attractive WR
Kipling St multi-use path and lighting -$835,000 (part grant funded)
Discovery Park ADA accessibility playground -$80,000
Parks & trail maintenance projects -$75,000
Citywide right-of-way maintenance -$59,530
Open Space improvements -$50,000
Bus shelter and bench maintenance and cleaning -$16,000
Large-item pickup program -$5,000
Other notable budget items:
Carnation Festival/Circus-$67,500 (up $17,500 from last year; plus in-kind services of
$22,500) (Mr. Goff noted additional request made earlier during public comment.)
Seniors Resource Center (SRC) circulator bus -$35,000 ($5,000 increase from 2015)
Carnation Festival Battle of the Bands -$2,500
Arvada Food Bank-$15,000
Feed the Future backpack program-$10,000
Outside agency requests $11,500
• Action Center -$1,600
• Arapaho House-$1,300
• CASA of Jeffco-$1 ,000
Family Tree-$1 ,000
• Glass Hearts -$400
Jefferspon Center for Mental Health -$1 ,100
• Ralston House-$1 ,000
• Seniors' resource Center-$1,400
• Wheat Ridge Optimists Club -$1 ,200
Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) -$4,000
Kite Festival -$2,000
Exempla Lutheran Leaves of Hope event -$2,500
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21 , 2015
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Jefferson Center for Mental Health -$2,500
WRHS Farmers 5000 -$2,500
Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAT)-$1,500
Outdoor Lab foundation -$1 9,940
Socrata Open Budget transparency software-$7,500 (Helps citizens get information)
Contractual services for specialize sales and use tax audits-$41,250 (Should bring in
$130K in direct revenues and prompt more diligent compliance for use tax.)
Fleet Replacement (based on age and mileage/hours): $564,200
Jet-Vac (to keep drainage and storm sewer lines open) -$251,000
Active Adult Center Mini-bus-$82,000
Police vehicles (2 for code enforcement)-$1 35,000
Public Works vehicles (truck) -$34,500
Parks & Rec vehicles (2 small trucks)-$61,500
• Anticipated needs for fleet replacement the next four years include:
2017 $1 ,000,000 (includes street sweeper deferred from 2016)
2018 $ 998,000
2019 $775,000
2020 $823,000
CIP Budget
Total Available Funds: $5,907,560 disbursement
Distribution: Street improvement projects 61%, preventative maintenance 29%, drainage
projects 5%, NTMP (traffic calming) 2%, gateway signs 2%, bike/ped improvements 1%
CIP Major Projects -Scott Brink
Preventative street maintenance projects -$1.9M
Wadsworth EA project (environmental assessment) -$1 .5M
Completion of Kipling trail improvements -$835,000 (part grant funded)
Gold Line Station street improvements (Tabor Street)-$740,000 (grant funded)
29th & Fenton intersection improvements -$350,000 (pending completion of reservoir)
Drainage improvement projects-$279,821 Reconstruction of outfalls into Clear Creek
(near Balsam; near Marshall)
Public improvement projects related to development-$1 00,000
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program-$50,000
Entryway signs -$50,000
ADA transition plan for improving sidewalk accessibility -$50,000
Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan -$25,000
CIP-2016 and beyond (Needs)
o We transfer $3M a year from the general Fund for CIP projects.
o We will need $5.5M from the General Fund in 2019 for Wadsworth reconstruction
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21 ,2015
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Open Space Fund (from Jeffco Open Space tax) -Joyce Manwaring
Revenues $1 ,058,000 Total Available Funds $1 ,717,239
Expenditures $1 ,629,337 Ending Fund Balance: $87,902
Project Highlights
Open Space improvements-replace Bass Lake retaining wall $50K
• Improvements to Public Works and Parks Ops facility (add covered shelter to
protect equipment $150K
• Improvements to Prospect Park (Biggest project for 2016; improve drainage on
softball field; add a soccer field; new shelter)
• Complete masterplan design for renovation/improvements to Prospect Park
$80K (budgeted in 2015)
• Outdoor pool maintenance (2015 project; resurfacing of leisure pool; repair toys)
• Parks maintenances projects (several; water table at Hopper Hollow; shade
structures at Discovery Park; other)
• Trail replacement and repair (Johnson Park)
• Matching funds for the Jeffco Open Space River Corridor signage project ($25K)
Conservation Trust Fund (Lottery Funds) -Joyce Manwaring
Revenues $300,500 Total available funds: $515,878
Expenditures $493,150 Ending Fund Balance: $22,728
Project Highlights
• Rec Center maintenance projects (variety) -$236K
• Rec Center pool facility improvements and replace frog slide
• Active Adult Center parking lot replacement
• Discovery Park ADA accessibility for the playground (per new federal law)
• Parks maintenance projects
• Resurfacing of tennis and basketball courts
2016 Staffing changes-overall net increase of 0.5 FTE's
• New Position: 1.0 FTE maintenance worker II (Public Works)
• Previously grant funded : (grant requires to keep position for one extra year)
1.0 FTE Vice/Intelligence Detective (Police Officer II) Massage parlors,
prostitution, human trafficking, gambling, liquor/marijuana enforcement training,
gangs, etc. (Will allow us to be more proactive, not reactive)
• Position FTE increases: 0.5 FTE Recreation coordinator, Act Adult Ctr (Parks)
• Position FTE decrease: 1.0 FTE School Resource Officer (Police)
2016 Staffing by Fund-General Fund 210.875, Rec Center 11 .5, Crime Prevention 4.5
Open Space 5
2016 Staffing by Department-Police 107, Parks/Rec 47.125, Public Works 30, Admin
Services 21 .5, Community Development 12, Municipal Court 10.25, General Gov 4
Employee Benefits Highlights -Heather Geyer
• Year 4 of new Pay-for-Performance Plan
• $450,000-3% increase (comparable to the market)
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21 , 2015
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• 2015 Market Study-average 3% increase in both sworn and civilian pay plans
• Medical benefits-8.3% increase to be absorbed by employees (negotiated down
from 12%; still much less than market)
• Employees are very engaged in the wellness program activities
Public Hearing on the budget -October 12
Discussion and questions followed.
• The Vice/Intelligence position was grant funded , so not considered a new FTE.
• The ESTIP and TIF payments of $802,000 come from sales tax that is collected.
• The four new positions that were NOT funded are 1 maintenance worker, 1 human
resources tech, 1 SRO and 1 senior liaison.
• Right-of-way maintenance does include some work with COOT on 1-70.
• We subsidize the Carnation Festival. It contracts with the Circus.
• The request for funds for Outdoor Lab is from the School District (for WR kids).
• Fleet replacement is replacement of existing units.
• ADA transition plan funds will finish the 2015 plan and allow for some projects.
Would be possible to coordinate with the bike/ped master plan.
• NTMP: In 2015 will not use all the $50K budgeted. Program going well.
• Elimination of the SRO? We aren't at full strength; 1 granted position eliminated
• Discussion of permanent speed boards on Harlan.
• Discussion of the Carnation Festival budget as it relates to the Circus: If they want
the extra $20K they have to replace the Circus as a main attraction.
Councilmember DiTullio received consensus to increase the Carnation Festival
contribution by $20K, with the condition that they get rid of the Circus.
Councilmember Langworthy excused herself at 8:34pm.
• Further discussion about the Festival
• Discussion about reducing money for Battle of the Bands to $1 ,000 and giving the
savings to some of the outside agencies.
Consensus by Councilmember Wooden to amend the funding for the Battle of the Bands
to $1 ,500 and transfer the remaining $1 ,000 to the other outside agencies.
• The $5.5M for Wadsworth reconstruction in 2019 is only the City's share.
• Discussion of credits for the solar garden.
• Discussion offunding for WR2020: 2016 funding is $421 K ($67,000 less than they
asked for, but $40K more than 2015). $120,000 is for the 4 main events (up from
$80K in 2015; $140K was requested for the events). Could they get other funding
sources? They are important events -the personality of WR. We have no budget
from them like the Carnation Festival provides.
STUDY SESSION NOTES: September 21 , 2015
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• Marketing money for 44th Av and 29th St is not WR2020 money; it's in the
Economic Development budget.
• 381h Ave Lighting and Banner program is WR2020's program (City installs).
• Discussion of the Gold Line grand opening party: Funded by the City. Nov 2016.
Events Th, Fr and Sat are being coordinated with Arvada. RTD will fund some.
Would be good to have a budget about this.
• Discussion about removing $10,000 from the bus tours ($20K; up $5K from 2015)
and using the money for commercial marketing (44th & 29) rather than residential.
Mr. Goff indicated a line item budget and narrative is available and he will get it to
Council.
• Discussion of budget for gateway sign at 261h& Kipling as it redevelops. Mr. Brink
indicated the funding is adequate.
ADJOURNMENT
The Study Session adjourned at 9:03p.m.
J elle Shaver, Ctty Clerk
APmo~z UNCIL ON October 12, 2015
Bud Starker, Mayor Pro Tern