Budget Workshop
                                                                        City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
                                      February 2, 2009 – 5:30 P.M.

A budget workshop was called to order on this date by Mayor Pierce.  Present:  Council Members Burkhart,
Mallory, Peck, Stieneke, Leach, Administrator Eikmeier, Clerk-Treasurer Taylor.

The council met to continue review of the 2009-10 budget.  Administrator Eikmeier gave a brief overview stating
that department heads were told that there were basically no new revenues and that this years’ budget will be tight. 
Several departments turned in projects that are not in the budget, but that they felt were important.  The two
employee unions are in the second year of a two-year contract, so those wages are set.  The same amount has been
added to the budget for supervisory and non-union employees.  Comparable cities have been surveyed regarding
supervisory wages and although the council may not be able to make any changes this year, he wants them to be
aware of what other cities are paying.  The next budget meeting was set for Monday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m. at
which time the council will discuss the total budget, unfunded projects, salaries, and management recommendations
on balancing the budget.

The council then heard a summary of budget requests from Department Heads. 

Street:  would like to crush concrete chunks from the Indian Street project, which would save having to purchase the
material; requesting a new sander, plate compactor and jackhammer; Birch Street bridge replacement, city’s cost
$35,000-$55,000, not in budget, but will be added when better estimate is known. 

Park:  budget includes roof and door repair; seal coat roads in Spring Lake Park. 

Community Center:  hire custodian by spring; roll-over phone line to City Hall when community center isn’t staffed;
alarm system monthly fee; should be considerable savings in utilities with the new heating/cooling system.

Recreation:  replace Westcott shelter roof; volleyball referee standards; bases; sand for volleyball courts; infield materials.

Pool:  umbrellas; lounge chairs; concession stand canopy

Water (City):  part-time, seasonal employee for mowing; roofs on E. Main Street buildings; distribution system
maintenance-dead end lines, hydrants, valves; distribution system modeling; used vehicle for part-time employee;
annual tower maintenance on 3 water towers; removal of N. 1^st St. reservoir could add to crushed concrete stockpile-not
included in budget.  Administrator Eikmeier noted that although the $200,000 transfer for bond payments will no longer be
needed, he would like to continue setting aside this amount for future improvement projects if possible.  This will be
reviewed further.

Water (Industrial):  roof and door replacements on all buildings.

Sewer (City):  although not funded in this budget, the council will be asked to consider three capital projects – rebuild
south Hwy. 59 lift station-$160,000, gravity line to replace part of Hwy. 59 force main-$14,500, and Beech Street lift
station grinder-$90,000.  If funds aren’t available from one years’ budget, possibly get a short-term (3 yr.) loan from a local bank. 

Mayor Pierce had another commitment and turned the meeting over to Mayor Pro-tem Leach at 6:50 p.m.

Council:  includes funding for council elections in the fall.

Mayor/Administrator:  Administrator’s salary is shown in this budget, but 90% of the salary is paid from water, sewer and
road use; travel and conference expense covers a statewide conference in Iowa City.

City Hall:  includes funding for part-time janitor, could combine with community center janitor.

Planning & Zoning:  funding included for a land use plan for the comprehensive plan update.  A 47% grant would be
available through SIMPCO for this project.

Building Inspection:  will review this further.  Checking with other county seats to see how they handle inspections –
contract or share. 

Debt Service:  covers annual principal and interest payments on general obligation bonds. 

In summary, Administrator Eikmeier pointed out several items that are not included in this budget, but that he feels are
important:  computer control gas pumps for security control-$15,000 split among all departments using the pumps;
magnetic manhole lid lifter for safety purposes-$6,000 split water, sewer, street; demolition of buildings; computer
server at City Hall-$5,000; GIS mapping-start with a $10,000 minimum investment-water, sewer, street; push button
door opener for main doors (both levels) at community center.

On a motion by Stieneke, seconded by Burkhart, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.  Motion carried.

Pam Pierce – Mayor

ATTEST:

Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer