Council Meeting of Mayor and Council, June 5th 2006

Posted Friday, June 9, 2006

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City of Alpharetta City Administrator’s Office 678-297-6014 www.alpharetta.ga.us

Prepared by: Robbie Rokovitz

Published: Thursday, June 8th, 2006

Council Meeting of Mayor and Council, June 5th 2006

This summary is provided as a convenience and service to the public, media and staff. It is not the intent to record proceedings verbatim. Any reproduction of this summary must include this notice. Public comments are noted as heard by Council, but not quoted or paraphrased. This document includes limited presentation by Council and invited speakers in summary form. This is not an official record of the Alpharetta City Council Meeting proceedings. Official Minutes are recorded and available for review.

 

I. Call to Order

 

§ Mayor Arthur Letchas called the Meeting to Order.

 

II. ROLL CALL

§ All members of the City Council with the exception of were present.

III. Pledge to the Flag

IV. Special Presentations

A. Recreation & Parks – Retirement Recognition of Doyline Bagley.

 

§ The Elected Officials and staff thanked Doyline Bagley for her 18 years of service to the city and her loyalty throughout the years.

§ A gift was presented to Doyline as well as flowers from the Human Resources Department.

V. consent agenda

A. Minutes: Council Meeting May 15, 2006

Public Hearing May 22, 2006

 

B. PH-06-AB-09 Quick Cuisine LLC d/b/a Tacone

3070 Windward Plaza, Suite E

Alpharetta, Ga. 30005

Consumption on the premises

Beer & Wine - Sunday Sales

 

Motion: Councilmember Gibson moved to approve the Minutes from the Council Meeting held on May 15th, 2006 and the Public Hearing held on May 22nd, 2006 as well as PH-06-AB-09 Quick Cuisine LLC d/d/a Tacone. Councilmember Monson seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

 

V. deferred business

A. Community Development: Councilmember Debbie Gibson

Presented by Sam Thomas

1. Second Reading: A-05-17 Waters Road Annexation

Consideration of an annexation request of 413-acres located on the east and west side of Waters Road. The property includes Birkdale, Dunmore, Lauren Court, Lauren Hall, Milton Park, Oak Mills, Waters Cove, Waters Glen, Waters Landing, Waters Mill, Waters Ridge, Woodbrooke, Woodbrooke East, Wrights Mill as well as individual lots on Jones Bridge Road and Waters Rd. The property is legally described as being located in Land Lots 10, 11, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 78, 900, 901, 917, 918, 919, 1st District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia.

§ This item was heard at the May 4, 2006 Planning Commission meeting.

§ There were representatives from several subdivisions in support of the annexation.

§ One resident from Woodbrooke was present to speak against the annexation and requested that his subdivision be removed from the annexation area.

§ About half the residents in his subdivision signed in support of the annexation. Although 60% of the residents did not sign in support in this individual subdivision, the overall Waters Road area exceeds the 60% requirement.

§ The Planning Commission did not remove the individual subdivision because it is the middle of the annexation area and removal could cause service delivery problems.

§ The Community Development Department is recommending approval of A-05-17 Waters Road Community Annexation with zoning classifications and land use designations subject to the condition that residential subdivisions currently under construction shall be completed in accordance with the plans and development standards approved by Fulton County and shall be assessed impact fees comparable to Fulton County.

§ A petition for annexation was received from subdivisions and individual property owners requesting annexation of 395.1 acres located on the east and west side of Waters Road bordered by Hampton Hall and Warrenton subdivisions to the north and Jones Bridge within unincorporated Fulton County to the south.

§ The subject property is contiguous to the City of Alpharetta’s corporate limits and meets State requirements for annexation.

§ The property incorporates 771 parcels and includes the following 14 subdivisions along with individual properties along Waters Road:

Birkdale

Dunmoor

Lauren Court

Lauren Hall

Milton Park

Oak Mills

Waters Cove

Waters Glen

Waters Landing

Waters Mill

Waters Ridge

Woodbrooke

Woodbrooke East

Wrights Mill

§ Georgia State Law, specifically O.C.G.A 36-36-31, requires that the following criteria be met in order for an incorporated municipality to entertain an application for annexation:

1. The territory to be annexed must be unincorporated and contiguous to the existing corporate limits by 1/8 or 12.5%;

2. At least 60% of the property ownership within the annexation area must be in support of the requested annexation; and

3. At least 60% of all registered voters within the annexation area must be in support of the application.

§ The submitted application satisfies these criteria with 479 homeowners signing the petition representing 233.4 acres or 66% of the 352 acres of land which excludes public roadways; and 6,106 feet of the property's 27,214 total linear feet, or 22%, is contiguous to the existing City limits along the property’s northern boundary; and finally, 649 of 1054 registered voters, or 62% within the annexation area signed in support of the annexation.

§ The property is developed residentially and comparable City of Alpharetta zoning designations have been provided for the properties.

§ Because the City does not have a zoning designation allowing 9,000 square foot lots comparable to the County’s R-4, nor a NUP category, CUP zoning was chosen for these parcels.

§ Oak Mills is currently under development within Fulton County.

§ Permits issued by Fulton County will continue to be inspected by Fulton County.

§ The adoption of this annexation will increase the City's service area by 395.1 acres, and 771 parcels.

§ One of the main reasons that people desire to be a part of the City of Alpharetta is due to the high level of services that it is able to provide.

§ Ensuring that this level of service is maintained is a goal that should be evaluated when an annexation application is submitted

§ The following is a list of services that the City will provide to the area.

§ A cost/revenue analysis was conducted by Staff to distinguish whether the ability of the services provided by the City would be recouped through tax revenues.

§ The City’s Police Chief was consulted on this issue and commented that the annexation of the area will require four additional officers.

§ The high level of service provided by the police department is closely tied to staffing, which is maintained at a ratio of roughly one sworn officer for every 500 residents.

§ This level of service standard also accommodates the needs of the business community at the current ratio of residences and businesses

§ The annexation will add approximately 2,000 residents, which will require the additional 4 officers.

§ The cost for the first year was determined to be $375,200 in order to obtain vehicles and equipment and provide salary and benefits for four officers.

§ Fire protection will be provided to the annexation area by the new fire station under development on Kimball Bridge Road.

§ This station will adequately provide services to the area without requiring additional personnel or equipment to handle the additional population.

§ The City’s Fire Department was consulted on this issue and it was ascertained that the additional population will increase Fire Department costs by $118,734 annually.

§ This amount is based upon the current budget of $154 per household with an increase of 771 parcels.

§ An important service that the City will provide is infrastructure maintenance.

§ Street repair and dedicated drainage easement repairs are duties the City will provide to the subdivision on an ongoing basis.

§ Overall, the roads within the subdivisions are currently in good condition.

§ The present estimate for resurfacing of streets is approximately $65,000 per mile.

§ Approximately 43 acres of roadway was measured with the GIS system which equals approximately 15 miles of paving or an anticipated cost of $975,000 for resurfacing the roadway within the area.

§ All detention ponds within the subdivisions are the responsibility of the homeowners association and would not be maintained by the City.

§ No estimate has been provided as to the possible cost of drainage pipe repairs and replacement.

§ In order to assess the potential cost that the City will incur as a result of the annexation, a cost/revenue analysis was conducted.

§ Staff has compiled this information as follows:

§ Police Protection $375,200/yr

§ These projected costs are already in the FY2007 budget and will not be new costs.

§ Fire Protection (additional cost identified by department) $ 118,734/yr

§ These projected costs are already in the FY2007 budget and will not be new costs.

§ Road Resurfacing (prorated over 5 yrs.) $ 195,000/yr

§ Code Enforcement ($9/household x 771 parcels) $ 6,939/yr

§ TOTAL Costs with removing Public Safety costs $ 26,439

§ The revenues generated by the area were provided by the City’s Finance Department.

§ The yearly revenues were found to be $ 425,378.

§ TOTAL GROSS REVENUES $ 425,378

§ TOTAL YEARLY COST $ 26,439 (First 5 years)

§ TOTAL NET REVENUES $ 398,939

§ The City's Comprehensive Plan, Section 9.0B, discusses the City's plans for annexation. One of the goals set forth in this study is to pursue the annexation of isolated areas of unincorporated Fulton County that are on the edge of the City limits.

§ These annexations are critical in providing efficient and effective City services.

§ The approval of this annexation request would further this goal.

§ Annexation of this unincorporated area will eliminate duplicate and inadequate service responses and allow the City to acquire tax revenues for services that in some cases are already being provided on an as needed basis.

§ Ms. Wheeler reported that her staff has gone through an extensive recount of all the votes, all the signatures and all that signed the petitions to make sure that all the signatures were correct and everybody who wanted their names removed were not counted and staff had up until the third day after the first reading to make sure that everything was in accordance with the way it is required. Two people in the office went through and verified all of the signatures and it has been determined that there were 643 voters out of a prospective 1,054 in support, which is 61% and 475 of 771 parcels which represented 65.9% of property ownership in support and so the requirements for this requirement have been met.

§ No changes have been made since the first reading of the annexation Ordinance.

§ The City Attorney provided the second reading of the Ordinance.

§ Mayor Letchas stated that since there have been no changes there will be no public comments unless council desires to have public comment.

§ This annexation will take effect on July 1st, 2006.

 

Motion: Councilmember Gibson moved to approve A-05-17 annexation. Councilmember Monson seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

VI. New Business

Mayor Letchas announced that Item #7 would be moved to the beginning under New Business.

 

A. Engineering/Public Works : Presented by Dr. John Moskaluk

1. Westside Parkway Phase III, Section 2: Construction Bid Award 06-014 (rebid) to CW Mathews Contracting for the Bid Amount of $5,985,714.21 and authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary documents.

 

§ John Moskaluk passed out map of proposed roadway improvement or plan view or crossway improvement of Westside Parkway from Webb Bridge to Cumming St.

§ He stated that there are several things going on in the industry that impact the bid proposals and one of these is how the city designs the roadway. He is suggesting that the cross section be reduced. Also, the grader at the Thomas group needs dirt.

§ The city has to move dirt in excess of 178,000 cubic yards. This is a great cost to the

§ City and hopefully they can negotiate with this grader to make a deal on removing this dirt. This cost can be approximately 1.2 million dollars. The other factor is the amount of work that has been awarded to these contractors. Ga. DOT has awarded or is in the process of awarding 1.2 billion dollars worth of roadway construction.

§ The Engineering and Public Works Department is seeking to award BID 06-014 (re-bid) Westside Parkway Phase III, Section 2, to CW Mathews Contracting for the BID amount of $5,985,714.21 and authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary documents.

§ The City of Alpharetta issued a request for bids to construct Phase III, Section 2 of Westside Parkway (Webb Bridge Road to Cumming Street).

§ The project includes construction of approximately 2,700 feet of new roadway, curb, gutter, and sidewalks.

§ The roadway section will be similar to the recently completed roadway between Haynes Bridge Road and Old Milton Parkway, and will consist of two travel lanes in each direction, a concrete median with left turn lanes at intersections, a five foot wide sidewalk along the southbound lanes, and an eight foot wide multiuse path along the northbound lanes.

§ The terrain through which this roadway will be constructed does present several obstacles which have added significant costs to the project.

§ The right-of-way acquired by the City is bound on the east side by a tributary of Big Creek and on the west side by a slight rise.

§ In order to reduce the need for additional right-of-way, the vertical design was developed to minimize impacts to the adjacent stream.

§ A result of this design approach is a significant amount of excess material (soil) that needs to be removed from the construction site.

§ This excavation consists of approximately 178,000 cubic yards of material.

§ To put this quantity of work is some perspective, a typical dump truck can haul ten cubic yards per load.

§ Other factors that impacted the results of this bid include the current cost for materials and the abundance of construction being let by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

§ As with the price of gasoline, asphalt has been significantly affected by the current oil prices.

§ Since the construction of Westside Parkway Phase II, asphalt prices have almost doubled and continue to increase.

§ In addition, all construction materials have seen substantial increases due to the heavy demand caused by rebuilding efforts from last years intense storm damage along the Gulf coast.

§ To complicate matters further, the Georgia Department of Transportation is in the second year of their Fast Forward initiative which intends to construct thirty years worth of transportation improvements over five years. Two weeks prior the bid opening of Westside Parkway Phase III, Section 2, GDOT opened bids for 129 projects worth over $750,000,000.

§ Two weeks after our bid opening, GDOT opened bids for 25 projects worth over $430,000,000.

§ With this much work available, contractors seem to be more discerning on the projects they bid.

§ While we had three bidders, it was obvious that some of the bidders were not aggressive on their pricing.

§ Bids were received and opened on May 4th 2006.

§ Three companies submitted. Staff from the Department of Engineering/Public Works reviewed the submittals and found all required items included.

§ The apparent low bidder, C.W. Mathews is currently working within the City for GDOT on the SR 9 milling and resurfacing project.

§ They have also worked for the City on the FY 2006 milling and resurfacing contract.

§ Their workmanship and performance is highly regarded by the City staff.

§ A pre-award meeting was held via conference call on May 15th.

§ The contractor confirmed they could execute this project within the suggested 365 day schedule for the prices submitted via their bid proposal.

§ Furthermore, they agreed to work with the City to find cost savings for the project by exploring Value Engineering opportunities and alternative disposal arrangements for the excavation.

§ At this time, the Department of Engineering/Public Works is working to identify cost savings alternatives.

§ Two specific items are currently being considered.

§ One, reduce the shoulder width along the Westside of the roadway (decreasing the amount of soil to be removed).

§ Second, assist the contractor in identifying a location for the excess soil.

§ At this time, we are anticipating a cost savings and will address these savings with a deductive change order to the contract.

§ Consequently, it is the recommendation of the Department of Engineering/Public Works to award Bid 06-014 to C. W. Mathews Contracting in the amount of $5,985,714.21.

§ City Council approved funding for Westside Parkway Phase III, Section 2 under the 2005 Bond referendum.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

 

Motion: Councilmember Monson moved to award Bid 06-014 Westside Parkway Phase III, Section 2 to CW Mathews Contracting for an amount not to exceed $5,985,714.21 and to authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary documents. Councilmember Gibson seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

2. Agreement between the North Fulton Community Improvement District and the City of Alpharetta for Mansell Road Streetscape Improvements

 

§ The CID has a desire to improve the streetscape along Mansell Road at the GA 400 interchange.

§ The project will be implemented entirely within the GDOT right-of-way along Mansell Road between the access ramps to GA 400.

§ The improvements will include beautification of the area by adding landscaping and street lights.

§ The City has shown interest in supporting these improvements. GDOT cannot issue a permit to a private entity such as the CID.

§ The applicant for the permit must be a municipality.

§ Therefore, the City must be the sponsoring agent and applicant for all GDOT permits related to this project.

§ In order to work together to implement this streetscape project, the agreement was drafted.

§ Under the terms of this agreement, the CID will be responsible for all costs related to design, right-of-way, utility relocation and construction.

§ The CID will also be responsible for mowing, watering and all landscape maintenance for one year after completion of the project.

§ The City will be the sponsoring agency and applicant for all necessary permits.

§ The CID will perform the design in accordance with DOT and City standards.

§ The City will review and approve the design and obtain any necessary permits such as GDOT permits.

§ Once construction has been completed by the CID, the CID will maintain the landscape for one year.

§ After one year, the City will be responsible for mowing, watering and all landscape maintenance. Since all design, right-of-way and construction costs will be paid by the CID, there is no cost to the City other than long-term annual maintenance of the landscape.

§ There is no funding required to execute this agreement.

§ The City will be responsible for long-term annual maintenance which is expected to cost $20,000 per year.

§ This maintenance will include landscaping, electricity and irrigation costs.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember Monson moved to approve an agreement between the North Fulton Community Improvement District and the City of Alpharetta for Mansell Road Streetscape Improvements. Councilmember Gibson seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

B. Community Development: Presented by Diana Wheeler & Sam Thomas

1. Consideration of Amendments to Article 1A, Occupation Tax - to approve amendments to the Occupation Tax Ordinance in order to establish a new rate schedule and to remove the option of calculating the tax based on gross receipts

First Reading - An Ordinance to amend section 12-29, Article 1A, Occupation Tax, of the code of the city of Alpharetta, Georgia so as to amend the tax rate schedule and limit the method of calculating the tax; to provide an effective date: to repeal conflicting ordinances and resolutions; and for other purposes

 

§ The City attorney provided the first reading of the Ordinance.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember Gibson moved to approve to approve amendments to the Occupation Tax Ordinance in order to establish a new rate schedule and to remove the option of calculating the tax based on gross receipts and the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend section 12-29, Article 1A, Occupation Tax, of the code of the city of Alpharetta, Georgia so as to amend the tax rate schedule and limit the method of calculating the tax; to provide an effective date: to repeal conflicting ordinances and resolutions; and for other purposes. Councilmember Paine seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

C. Finance: Presented by Carol Wolfe & Sam Thomas

1. Fingerprint Fee Rate Increase - Police

§ The Finance Department is seeking Council’s approval to adopt a resolution increasing fees charged for fingerprinting services in the Police Department.

§ Citizens, both resident and non-resident, occasionally have the need to collect their fingerprints on a standard fingerprint card for such uses as pouring permits, background checks for employment, childcare, and potential volunteer service. Currently, the City of Alpharetta Police Department charges the following fees for issuing fingerprint cards:

§ Resident $5.00 for an unlimited quantity of cards

§ Non-resident $10.00 for an unlimited quantity of cards

§ These rates represent one of the lowest fee structures for fingerprints in the metro area.

§ For this reason, the police department’s volume of fingerprinting services is very high.

§ The recommended revision in the fee structure is:

§ Resident $10.00 for first two cards

§ $ 5.00 for each additional card per person

§ Non-resident $15.00 for the first two cards

§ $ 5.00 for each additional card per person

§ Off-site Printing $20.00 for the first two cards

§ $10.00 for each additional card per person

§ $40.00 trip fee

§ The new fee structure should result in a decreased demand for fingerprinting services.

§ The result from reducing the volume of fingerprinting will be to reclassify the current full time position responsible for fingerprinting (Evidence Technician) to a part-time Fingerprint Technician.

§ A brief survey of surrounding municipalities was conducted as a frame of reference for fees charged for fingerprinting.

§ City/County Fingerprint Fee

§ City of Roswell $10 per card

§ City of Cumming $20 - 2 card set

§ City of Smyrna $10 - 3 cards, $1 each additional card

§ City of Stone Mountain $10 per card

§ Fulton County $ 5 per card

§ Forsyth County $20 flat fee

§ Cherokee County $ 5 per card

§ Walton County $25 per card

§ The financial impact of the new fee structure includes the elimination a full-time position and replacement with a part-time position.

§ This change represents an approximate saving of $13,173 in salary and associated benefits.

§ It is anticipated the revenues associated with the fee increase will be offset with a decrease in volume of services provided with the result being no significant revenue impact.

§ The City Attorney read the Resolution.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember DeRito moved to adopt a resolution increasing fees charged for fingerprinting services in the Police Department. Councilmember Paine seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

2. Hazardous Materials Abatement Ordinance Revisions:

First Reading - An Ordinance to amend Article III, Section 9-54, Clean-up, Abatement, Removal of Debris, Hazardous Material or Refuse, of the City of Alpharetta Code

§ The Fire and Finance Departments are seeking to revise Sections 9-54(a) and 9-54(c) of the City of Alpharetta Code, Clean-up, Abatement, Removal of Debris, Hazardous Material or Refuse, amending the fee schedule approval method and the revenue classification.

§ In the event of an accident in which hazardous material is deposited or released, the City’s Fire & Emergency Services Department provides clean-up and abatement of the effects of the hazardous material. In cases where the release of hazardous material is caused by negligence or a willful act, the City has the right to recoup our costs associated with the clean-up efforts.

§ These costs include labor (both City and contracted), equipment operation, and the cost of materials used.

§ Currently, the collection of these costs is managed by the billing and receivable team in the Department of Finance.

§ For example, after a response to a hazardous material spill, the Fire Department reports personnel hours used, equipment hours used, and any associated material costs.

§ The company responsible for the hazardous material spill is sent a bill from the City in order to reimburse City’s expense.

§ In the past three fiscal years, there have been seven incidents that have generated a bill to collect costs associated with hazardous material clean-up.

§ An incident in May 2003 was billed for $16,920, two in August 2003 were billed for a total of $32,349, an incident in February 2005 was billed for $3,185, and finally, three separate incidents in February 2006 have been billed for a total of $13,643.

§ In total, $66,097 has been billed in the last three years to recoup expenses for hazardous materials cleanup.

§ The recommendation for the revision of Section 9-54 (a) is to remove the requirement of the Fire Chief to annually present to the Council the fee schedule used to bill for costs incurred.

§ It is recommended that the fee schedule used to bill for labor costs be based on the current salary and benefit budget for each employee responding to an incident, the fee schedule used to bill for equipment cost be based on the equipment cost schedule used to track work orders (currently used by Engineering/Public Works), and actual replacement costs be used in billing for materials used.

§ The recommendation for revision to Section 9-54 (c) is to remove the reference to the collection of costs incurred during a hazardous material clean-up as a “dedicated” revenue for the Fire Department.

§ The recommendation is to receipt the abatement revenue into a general fund revenue account.

§ By receipting the revenue to a general fund revenue account, the revenue will net against general fund expenditures at the fiscal year end and the excess would roll into fund balance for re-appropriation.

§ In the event the Fire Department should require replenishment of supplies or equipment as a result of a catastrophic hazardous material clean-up, those necessary appropriations would be facilitated through a budget amendment, either midyear or as needed.

§ The fiscal impact will be neutral, as the revenue generated will not change, only the method of accounting for the revenue in the general fund.

§ The City attorney provided the first reading of the ordinance.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember DeRito moved to approve the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Article III, Section 9-54, Clean-up, Abatement, Removal of Debris, Hazardous Material or Refuse, of the City of Alpharetta Code. Councilmember Paine seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

3. Solid Waste Collection Rate Increase

§ The Finance Department is seeking approval from Council to adopt a resolution amending the solid waste rates for residential customers within the city limits of Alpharetta.

§ During the 2006 City Council Annual Retreat the City Administrator and Finance Department addressed the City Council on the potential need to increase rates charged for solid waste services due to the following factors:

Ø The contract price being paid to BFI/Allied Waste is in excess of the charges for

Ø service fees collected from solid waste customers.

Ø A subsidy is required from the General Fund to provide the services associated with garbage, yard-waste, and recycling services.

§ Prior to fiscal year 2006, the subsidy to the Solid Waste Fund was provided via the Water Fund, a second enterprise fund for the City. During fiscal year 2005, the water system was transferred to Fulton County and the Water Fund was closed.

§ From that point forward, the subsidy for solid waste services has been provided by the General Fund.

§ While this subsidy has been reduced from prior years, at the current rates, it is still required to provide financial resources for this service in order for financial appropriations to equal anticipated revenue.

§ Other revenues that offset the annualized loss include those derived from several other sources, such as interest earnings solid waste hauler permits.

§ Without a rate increase, the recommended subsidy from the General Fund for fiscal year 2007 will be $101,863, down from $276,391 in fiscal year 2006.

§ The City currently charges customers for residential garbage, yard waste, and recycling services as follows:

Ø $15.00 per month for garbage service – 95 gallon cart

Ø $13.50 per month for garbage service – 68 gallon cart

§ In addition, the City offers two discounted services as follows:

Ø Senior Reduction for residents age 65 or older - $9.67 per month

Ø Senior Exemption for residents age 65 or older with an income under IRS regulations as adjusted on an annual basis for income tax purposes

Ø Back-door Service is provided to anyone with a qualifying disability

§ All of these services are provided by an external service provider, BFI/Allied Waste.

§ BFI/Allied Waste currently charges the City as follows:

Ø 95-gallon container - $15.49 monthly

Ø 68-gallon container - $13.99 monthly

Ø Senior Reduction - $8.75 monthly

Ø Senior Exemption – no charge

§ An analysis for each customer type based upon charges by the City to customers and charges by service providers to the City is as follows:

Ø Net Gain (Loss)

Ø 95-Gallon $ 15.00 $ 15.49 $ (0.49)

Ø 68-Gallon $ 13.50 $ 13.99 $ (0.49)

Ø Senior Reduction $ 9.67 $ 8.75 $ 0.92

§ Based upon customer numbers at the close of May 2006, the City had customers in each category of service as follows:

§ Number of Net Monthly Customer Type Customers Gain (Loss) Effect

Ø 95-Gallon 10026 $ (0.49) $ (4,913)

Ø 68-Gallon 572 $ (0.49) $ (280)

Ø Senior Reduction 738 $ 0.92 $ 679

Ø Total $ (4,514)

Ø Annualized $(54,168)

§ When personnel and overhead costs are added to the cost of doing business in the solid waste fund, the total anticipated loss to the fund is $104,486 annually.

§ In an effort to have the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund be a self-supporting business activity, it is the recommendation of the Finance Department to increase the rates charged for solid waste service by $1.25 per month for both 95 and 68-gallon collection.
If adopted, new rates would be $16.25 and $14.75 for the respective services. There would be no change in the senior reduction rate.

§ Customer Type Charge to Customers Charge to City of Alpharetta by BFI/Allied Waste

§ Net Gain (Loss)

Ø 95-Gallon $ 16.25 $ 15.49 $ 0.76

Ø 68-Gallon $ 14.75 $ 13.99 $ 0.76

Ø Senior Reduction $ 9.67 $ 8.75 $ 0.92

§ Based on the May 2006 customer counts, the increase in rates would yield approximately $104,808 in additional revenue to the City. It is estimated this would eliminate the need for the operating subsidy from the General Fund.

 

 

Customer Type

Number of Customers

Net Gain (loss)

Monthly Effect

 

95-Gallon

10026

$ 0.76

$ 7,620

 

 

68-Gallon

572

$ 0.76

$ 435

 

 

Senior Reduction

738

$ 0.92

$ 679

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$ 8,734

 

 

 

 

 

Annualized

$ 104,808

 

 

§ For comparative purposes, the following are sanitation rates for other governmental entities in the metro area:

§ City Equivalent Monthly Charge

§ The first column is for 68-Gallon Service and the second column is for 96-Gallon Service.

§ City of Alpharetta Proposed $ 14.75 $ 16.25

§ City of Cumming $15.00 n/a

§ City Of College Park n/a $ 15.50

§ City Of Eastpoint n/a $18.00

§ City Of Hapeville $ 12.55 n/a

§ City of Marietta $ 26.75 $32.50

§ City of Palmetto $ 13.50 n/a

§ City Of Roswell n/a $ 22.00

§ City of Smyrna n/a $ 16.50

§ City Of Union City $ 11.25 n/a

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ There were concerns from council members regarding changing the senior citizen rate.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember Monson moved to tablet the resolution amending the solid waste rates for residential customers within the city limits of Alpharetta. Councilmember DeRito seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

4. Reaffirm 911 Charge:

First Reading - An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council to reaffirm the emergency 911 charge on Alpharetta phone bills

§ The Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta in Fiscal Year 1992 enacted a resolution establishing an Emergency Telephone System Fund.

§ O.C.G.A. § 46-5-134(d)(3) provides that a governing authority operating or contracting for the operation of an Emergency 911 system shall reaffirm by resolution the necessity for the 911 charge annually.

§ The Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta resolve and reaffirm the necessity for the monthly 911 charge of $1.50 per telephone line and $1.50 per wireless subscriber for the fiscal year 2007, imposed to establish and maintain an Emergency 911 Fund.

§ The City attorney provided the first reading of the ordinance.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember DeRito moved to approve the First Reading of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council to reaffirm the emergency 911 charge on Alpharetta phone bills. Councilmember Paine seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

5. Fiscal Year 2007 Millage Rate

First Reading - An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia, to fix the Ad Valorem tax rate of the City of Alpharetta, for fiscal year 2007; and for other purposes

§ The City Council desires to set the ad valorem tax rate for the City of Alpharetta, Georgia for the 2006 calendar year, on property subject to ad valorem taxation by the City at $6.60 on forty percent (40%) of each $1,000.00 of property subject to ad valorem tax by the City.

§ This rate of $6.60 is set on forty percent (40%) of each $1,000.00 of taxable property is levied as follows:

§ (a) For General Government purposes $4.15 on forty percent (40%) of each $1,000.00 of taxable property.

§ (b) For the purpose of retiring outstanding General Obligation bonds, $2.45 on forty percent (40%) of each $1,000.00 of taxable property.

§ All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith shall be repealed.

§ The City attorney provided the first reading of the ordinance.

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

Motion: Councilmember Aiken moved to approve the First Reading of An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia, to fix the Ad Valorem tax rate of the City of Alpharetta, for fiscal year 2007; and for other purposes. Councilmember Monson seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

6. 2007 Budget

First Reading - An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia, to adopt the fiscal 2007 Budget for each fund of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia, appropriating the amounts shown in each budget as expenditures, adopting the several items of revenue anticipations, prohibiting expenditures to exceed appropriations, prohibiting expenditures to exceed actual funding available and repealing Resolution 1132.

§ Carol Wolfe presented the budget. Tonight is the first reading of the budget ordinance and the second reading will be held on June 19, 2006.

§ Process began Jan. 2006 – Council retreat to establish and prioritize the use of available fund balance to most effectively position the City for financial success.

§ Key budget factors

Ø Sustainability of existing services

Ø Cost of government

Ø Increasing debt service payments

Ø Use of available fund balance

Ø Meeting the internal needs of operating departments\

Ø Maintaining the quality of life for constituents, businesses and citizens.

§ Debt Service Fund $3,000,000.

§ Pay-As-You-Go Capital Projects – 7,000,000

§ Meeting Internal Needs of Operating Departments

Ø Salaries and Benefits -$21,583,372 salaries and $8,192,248 for benefits

Ø 6.4% increase in health insurance premiums renewals – City will split cost - $3.00 increase for city employees.

Ø 4% merit increase

Ø Increase 1% deferred compensation match (from 3% to 4%). Funding will have to be addressed for pension fund.

§ New Employees

§ Community Development

1 Building Inspector

1 Code Enforcement Officer

§ Engineering/PW

1 Engineering Technician

§ Finance

Combination of 2 part-time positions into one full-time position

2 Staff Accountants

§ Municipal Court

1 part-time to Full-time position

§ Public Safety – Annexation

12 Police Officers

§ North Park Coverage

12 Part-time Firefighters (may change prior to meeting on 6/19/2006)

§ Recreation/Parks

Cogburn Park – 1 Parks Maintenance Technician

§ Technology Services

1 Public Safety Network Analyst

§ Operating Initiatives by Departments:

§ City Administration

One additional Street Fest in fall

Marathon Event – Funding for overtime cost for public safety and traffic control

§ Community Development:

Added cost of adding Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer

§ Engineering/Public Works:

Engineering Technician position

Full sponsoring of Bulky Trash Day

Tornado siren maintenance program

§ Finance Department:

Two staff accountants

Combinations of two part-time positions into one full-time position

Movement of two positions from the Solid Waste Fund into General Fund

§ Municipal Court

Part-time Deputy Clerk into full-time position

§ Public Safety Department:

Adding 12 police officers and associated cost

§ Fire & Emergency Services – coverage of North Park area

One mistake in document. Public Safety – Emergency 911 Division amount listed as $472,765 should be $484,321.

§ Recreation & Parks:

Adding Adult Flag Football, Adult Coed Soccer, Adult Coed Volleyball and Dog Obedience class.

Addition of Cogburn Road Park maintenance technician for 50% of the year

§ Technology Services:

Addition of Public Safety Analyst (Police, Fire & 911) Non-Departmental Expenditures

§ Contribution to P.A.L - $35,000

§ Contribution to the Friends of the Library -- $10,000

§ Contingency (Emergency Needs -- $353,177

§ Insurance Premiums -- $808,000

§ Summarized Capital Projects recommendations

§ Replenishment of Funding: Fire Vehicle Reserve - $268,040

§ Funded Projects:

§ City Administration:

Business Analysis Study -- $50,000

§ Community Development:

Office Space Modifications -- $25,000

Landscape Design at Police Dept. Headquarters -- $75,000

City Center Design (Architectural fees and misc. professional fees for City Hall Building.

Downtown Projects -- $107,000

Fleet Replacement -- $41,000

New Fleet (two new positions) - $41,000

§ Engineering:

Milling & Resurfacing -- $2,350,000 (350,000 added for a portion of Webb Bridge Parkway

Traffic Control Equipment - $100,000

Striping & Sign Replacement -- $150,000

Traffic Calming Equipment -- $30,000

Webb Bridge Rd at Shirley Bridge -- $200,000

Kimball Bridge at Waters Rd -- $240,000

Fleet Replacements -- $35,000

Replacement of Motorola Radios -- $36,000

Maintenance of City-owned Detention Ponds - $152,000

Storm Drainage Maintenance & Repairs -- $40,000

5-ton Asphalt Roller -- $36,000

New Fleet Purchase -- $20,500

§ Finance Department:

Payroll Process Automation -- $25,000

Outsourced Services for Billing Function -- $65,000

§ Public Safety Department: Police & Fire

Vehicle Replacements (18) -- $540,000

New Vehicles (12) -- $360,000

Rescue Vehicles (2) -- $160,000

Fire Truck Replacement Reserve -- $180,000

Automatic Vehicle Location System -- $10,000

Motorola Replacements -- $80,000

Tornado Warning Sirens (3 Mayfield, Kimball Bridge & Waters Rd area) - $57,000

§ Recreation & Parks:

Air Conditioning for Wills Park Gym -- $76,300

Union Hill Hockey Rink Improvements -- $225,000 (decreased from 1,030,000)

Cogburn Rd Park Playground -- $75,000

Master Plan Update -- $30,000

New Vehicle & Equipment (new position) -- $29,000

Webb Bridge Park Pavilion -- $35,000

Equestrian Equipment -- $26,000

§ Technology Services:

GIS Implementation -- $50,000

Network Development -- $20,000

Grant Management Software -- $40,000

Wireless Project Phase I -- $190,000

Wireless Connectivity Software -- $22,000

Firehouse Software Upgrade -- $27,500

§ Unallocated Funds -- $375,000

§ ABC Proceeds (unidentified sidewalk projects) -- $501,000

§ Alpharetta Convention & Visitor’s Bureau’s Budget is included

§ The City attorney provided the first reading of the ordinance

§ The Council asked questions of staff.

§ Public comment was invited and heard.

 

Motion: Councilmember Aiken moved to accept first reading and approve the budget. Councilmember Gibson seconded passed unanimously (6-0).

 

7. Supplemental Ordinance for the Competitive Sales of Series 2006 General Obligation Bonds.

 

§ Todd Barnes – A. G. Edwards was present to answer questions.

§ Nov. 2, 2004 voters approved four referendum items authorizing general obligation bonds in the amount of $26,290,000.

§ City is moving forward with the sale of those bonds.

§ This supplemental ordinance will authorize the use and distribution of the preliminary official statement to potential investors; authorize A. G. Edwards to issue Bid Notice of Sale and will authorize the Mayor to have the authority to accept the bid and award the sale of the series to the most successful bidder.

§ A. G. Edwards does not recommend that the city sell the bonds on a Monday. Because the city’s regularly scheduled meetings fall on a Monday, this ordinance will give the Mayor the authority to award the bid and it will come back for ratification on the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

§ Questions were asked by Council members.

§ Ordinance was read by Sam Thomas.

§ Public was invited and heard.

 

Motion: Councilmember moved to approve the first reading of “A supplemental ordinance providing for the authorization of the publication of a notice of sale and bid form for the receiving of bids for the purchase of $26,290,000 City of Alpharetta, Georgia General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2006; the ratification of the preparation of, and authorization of the use and distribution of, a preliminary official statement to be used in connection with the sale of the series 2006 bonds; the authorization of the Mayor of the City of Alpharetta, Georgia to accept bids and award the sale of the series 2006 bonds to the successful bidder; and for other purposes. Councilman Aiken seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0)

 

D. “To Correct Record” – Presented by Councilmember Debbie Gibson

1. Motion approved in minutes of April 24, 2006 MP-06-02/Z-06-01/CLUP-06-03 Northwinds Pod D/Wieland.

 

§ Councilmember Gibson stated that when the council approved this change, she made the motion and it was brought to her attention that she had left one sentence out when she made the motion.

§ She made the motion, however, when she sent the formal motion to Ms. Rainwater for the record, she left out the sentence.

§ Therefore, she would like to correct this.

§ She will just make the motion again and would ask Mr. DeRito to second again so that this is corrected for the records.

 

Motion: Councilmember Gibson to approve MP-06-02,Z-06-01,CLUP-06-01, Northwinds Pod D/John Wieland with the staff conditions with the following changes: 1) Zoning designation shall be R-4A with a density of 3.554 units per acre maximum permitted townhouses shall be 58 units. 2) change date site plan was submitted to 4-21-2006. 3) Same as staff. 4) Same as staff. 5) leave staff conditions except change the units instead of units 62 and 56 it should read: Tree save and undisturbed green space areas shall be substantially as shown on the submitted plan. In addition there shall be no encroachment into the critical root zone of the 34” oak and 32” oak located behind units 48 to 50. 6) Same as staff. 7) Same but add condition to #7 if the engineering department requires a decel lane applicant will comply. 8) Delete. 9) Same as staff. 10) Same as staff and add words rear setbacks shall not be unreasonably disturbed during construction. All the rest of the conditions 11 – 16 are the same. Councilman DeRito seconded and the motion passed unanimously (6-0).

VII. citizen comments: None

VIII. reports

 

§ Doug DeRito thanked everyone for attending the open of Fire Station #6. It was well attended and there was a first life saving situation when the station was first open. A heart attack victim walked into the station and our employees treated the victim and he ended up with several by-passes and thanks our people for helping to save his life. This all happened on the first day that the ribbon was cut.

§ Bob Regus – reminded council of the meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Ocee Elementary School. Councilman DeRito will be out of town. This meeting will be with newly annexed areas of Waters Road.

§ Mr. Regus emailed council member regarding email he had received from a representative of the Johns Creek Committee (The new city). They are interested in us providing Fire services for them. In the email Mr. Regus emailed what we should do. Some members of the council had responded and it was suggested that this be discussed here to get any other thoughts.

§ He will respond with a very positive response… we do want to support them in every way. The city is a good thing.

§ There have been several meetings to see if we can accommodate our neighbors but in reality, our city and the population of Johns Creek will be almost double the population of Alpharetta and everyone feels that our resources would be completely distracted to try to accommodate Johns Creek with the same level of service and diminish the level of service we want to continue to deliver in Alpharetta. We feel that we can’t impact our current level of service to our current citizen base. We just would like to be honest and it would be hard for us to provide a service that we could do this.

§ We will be in a mutual aid situation and in other joint efforts be it with Johns Creek or the City of Milton.

§ It was in agreement that Mr. Regus would respond that we will not be providing any services other than the ones mentioned in a joint effort.

IX. adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

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