Mayor and City Council
City Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
6:15 P.M.
Present – Mayor Lee N. Fiedler, and Council Members Floyd “Pete” Elliott, Edward C. Hedrick, Jr., Harold L. Hendershot, Jr., and Terance J. Rephann.
Also Present – Jeffrey E. Repp, City Administrator; Kevin Hagerich, Director/Public Works; William Herbaugh, Fire Chief; Charles Hinnant, Police Chief; Jay Oliver, Community Development Manager; Lee Borer, Community Development Specialist; Michael Cohen, City Solicitor; and Sharon S. Clark, City Clerk.
I. Public Meeting Agenda Review – Jeff Repp, City Administrator
The meeting agenda was reviewed as follows:
Public Hearing – Mr. Repp reviewed the purpose of the public hearing was for staff presentation of the 2007 CDBG – Past Accomplishments/Needs Assessment and for presentation from individuals and groups concerning funding needs. A second hearing will be conducted on April 17th.
Mr. Repp explained the following ordinance and resolution are required as part of re-allocating funds from the bond issue for new projects as previously discussed by the Mayor and Council:
Ordinance supplementing Ordinance No. 3562 authorizing the Mayor and Council to use and apply a portion of the proceeds of the Public Improvements Bond of 2006 due to unanticipated cost savings on the Original Projects for projects identified as: Capital Improvements/Equipment – City Hall, Capital Improvements – Public Safety Building, New Fire Engine, and Road Improvement Program
A Resolution supplementing a Resolution adopted to authorize the Mayor and City Council to apply a portion of the proceeds of the Public Improvement Bond of 2006 for financing or reimbursing costs of projects: Capital Improvements/Equipment – City Hall, Capital Improvements – Public Safety Building, New Fire Engine, and Road Improvement Project in addition to or substitution for certain projects provided for in the Bond Issue.
The following resolution is to provide a tax credit for the WMSRR for the 2006-07 tax year:
A Resolution granting the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad a property Tax Credit for the tax year 2006-07 in accordance with Section 9-301 of the Tax-Property Article - $10,692.38
The consent agenda was reviewed as follows:
1. Accepting the Fiscal Year 2006 Financial Report and Fiscal Year 2006 Single Audit Report
Mr. Repp advised the audit has been completed and is a clean audit. It was posted on the City’s web site last Friday. He also advised the Uniform Financial Report was submitted January 30th – one day early.
Mr. Repp reviewed statements showing all expenses for all funds and total assets of the City. Councilman Hendershot asked what Mr. Repp attributed being on time in submitting these reports to. Mr. Repp stated he felt staff is more experienced since there has now been three years of consistent staff. He also attributed the credit to the new City Comptroller, Joe Urban, with his experience in governmental accounting. It was agreed Mr. Urban is an asset to the City.
Councilman Rephann asked when the FY 2008 budget process would begin. Mr. Repp advised requests would be asked for in March starting the process.
Mayor Fiedler commented that he feels the plans they have been working on are beginning to start to take place with no tax increase and revenue increasing. He added that the tax base will really being growing next year and believes the City will have a better year next year.
2. Approving the recommended projects for Rolling Mill Code Compliance Residential Forgivable/Commercial Deferred Loans for the residential property at 757 Maryland Avenue and the Commercial property at 218 Williams Street through Community Legacy Funding – Maryland Avenue, $5,400; Williams Street, $15,000
3. Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Road Transfer Agreement by and between the State Highway Administration of the Department of Transportation and the Mayor and City Council of Cumberland for a section of roadway known as Thomas Street - .15 Miles
Mr. Repp reviewed a map of this area and advised this road is next to the Outdoor Club. The State Highway wants to turn the road over to the City after which the City will turn it over to the Outdoor Club who will be responsible for all maintenance of it.
4. Adopting a City Take Home Vehicle Policy applicable to all City employees with the exception of those covered by the Cumberland Police Department Take Home Vehicle Policy
5. Authorizing the abatement of Personal Property taxes deemed uncollectible by the City Solicitor - $294.75
Mr. Repp explained the following two items presenting both before and after pictures of the projects. The City Clerk advised verification was made via the Historic Planner that these projects are under the old regulations:
6. Approving a Historic District Tax Credit for property at 37-45 Baltimore Street owned by Midson, LLC - $71,396.00 (5 Years)
7. Approving a Historic District Tax Credit for property at 10 S. Mechanic Street owned by Midson, LLC - $700.00 (5 Years)
8. Declaring City-owned 1995 Chevrolet 4x4 Dump, to be surplus and authorizing disposal of said vehicle
9. Authorizing the City Comptroller to abate City taxes on City-owned property located at 1 Navy Way - $10,137.47
10. Authorizing the City Comptroller to abate City taxes on two City-owned properties located on Bishop Walsh Road/Haystack Mt. - $1,642.39 and $1,660.09
Mr. Repp advised these taxes being abated are for cellular antennas on the water tower on Haystack Mountain. With the antennas being on the tower, it makes them taxable which amount is included in the rent.
11. Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Agreement between the Mayor and City Council and Nate Emory to provide services as “Engineer” for improvement projects to Constitution Park in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 to be completed no later than October 31, 2007.
Mr. Repp reviewed programs for which Mr. Emory would be providing his engineering services. He added that with Mr. Emory’s experience they may expand his duties.
Mr. Repp asked for further questions or comments. Being none, Mr. Repp requested an Administrative Session to discuss real estate issues. Mr. Elliott made a motion to go into Administrative Session. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rephann and unanimously adopted.
II. Adjournment –
With no further business to be discussed the meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon S. Clark
City Clerk