CITY OF HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 30, 2012

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Castle Hills was held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2012, in the Community Room at the City of Castle Hills, 209 Lemonwood Drive, Castle Hills, Texas, 78213.

The attendance roster included Jim Gaines, Christine Catalani, William Beuhler, Luis A. Jimenez, and Van and Jane Garcia.

Staff Present was City Manager Michael Steele, Assistant City Manager Rita Hoyl, City Secretary Linda Gill, Fire Chief Jerry Riedel, Police Captain Wayne Davis, and Financial Assistant Suzanne Riley.

I. OPENING A. QUORUM - Present and composing a quorum of the City Council were Mayor Smiley-Kaliff, Steve McGuire, Douglas Gregory, Tim Howell, Michael Catalani, and Tom Davis.

II. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None

III. REPORTS – None

IV. BUDGET WORKSHOP

PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE PRELIMINARY FY 2013 BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF CASTLE HILLS.

Mayor Smiley-Kaliff opened the workshop and asked Mr. Steele if he had anything to say before the departments made their presentation. Mr. Steele said that he didn't, that he gave a summary of the whole budget last meeting. The mayor then asked Fire Chief Riedel to give his presentation.

Chief Riedel stated that the only noticeable change from last year is in the utilities account (5030) under operations. He said that he increased it $1,000.00 due to the cost of internet services that the Fire Department had previously been receiving free from Time Warner. He said that he was within his budget this year, and everything else has stayed the same.

Councilman McGuire said that the department's budget is excellent; and it shows that, in Castle Hills, "best value" is more important than "least expensive."

Councilman Catalani agreed that the budget is very well done. He asked the chief if there is anything he needs or wants that isn't in the budget. Chief Riedel said that down the road he would like to look at getting the Fire Department an emergency 1 generator. He said that, right now, that's the only thing he can think of. The mayor noted that the item is on Councilman Howell's wish list.

The mayor directed the meeting to the Police Department. Captain Wayne Davis first pointed to a large increase in salaries ($90,000.00) due to the addition of a Drug Enforcement Officer. He said that amount will include the salary of a narcotics officer, which he anticipates will be offset by seizure funds. The captain said he has talked with sister cities, that have the officers. He related that one city said the seizure funds have far exceeded the salaries paid to two officers. He said that he will pay this employee a Step 5 salary and provide him with a vehicle until he seizes a vehicle of greater value or quality to replace it. Then the old vehicle will be sold and the money returned to the General Fund. Captain Davis said that, typically, seeing returns on this type of operation will take a year or two. The Police Department will manage the funds.

Captain Davis went through the remainder of the department's expenses, explaining increases in gas, oil, and tires, subscriptions and dues, and building maintenance and supplies. He mentioned that the server room, which virtually runs the whole city, is extremely hot and causing issues with the computers and video downloads from the vehicles. He said he got a bid to re-run some ducting to alleviate the problem. The City of San Antonio went to a new system and cut the city off of the radio/cell phones/MDTs, and they put in a bid with Bexar County. He said the first year is $4,116.00, but it will go down to $3,134.00 the following year. He said he's asking for $1,000.00 more for training for dispatchers and officers to ensure quality and professionalism. Captain Davis briefly discussed the seizure fund and what it is used for.

Councilman McGuire again said the budget shows best value. Councilman Davis discussed how the money in the budget for the drug enforcement officer may not be spent due to the time it takes for a job to open up and then hire an officer. Councilman Catalani reiterated that, if there is anything needed that is not in the budget, now is the time to bring it up. Captain Davis answered questions from Councilman Gregory.

V. NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Smiley-Kaliff initiated discussion concerning lists of special projects or "wish" lists that he had asked council members to bring to the meeting. He said that Councilman McGuire did not turn one in, Councilman Howell did turn his in, and Councilmen Davis and Catalani turned in one. Councilman Gregory said he would write his down and give it to the mayor later. The mayor said he was going to read the list of items he received, and some overlap. He read the following: City Hall rework and repave parking lot a new roof and insulation. fire and safety equipment exterior façade on building front a gutter system with cistern tanks police carports to protect cars 2 air conditioning redo for Police Department emergency generator for Fire Department explore solar panels to save electricity tablets for city council members to save paper/time update projection equipment in council chambers renovate the office space in the Police Department revamp interior of City Hall to make space more efficient The Commons a pavilion site work to prepare it for the long term a gate and fencing a lighting plan for safety an irrigation plan, paths, drainage, plumbing

Economic Development – business incentive fund for new retail business broker incentives for new retail business residential purchase investment for troubled properties retail economic incentives to increase tax base improve street lighting in public areas

The mayor said that, eventually, he would like to put costs to all these things; and if a funding source becomes available, develop a budget for them

Councilman Gregory said that one of his wishes is that, of any CEID funds the city receives, 80% should go for streets with the remainder for roofing or insulation or other needed items.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

Brief discussion among council members concerning upcoming Public Hearings on the tax rate and budget ended, and the mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:24 p.m.

These Minutes were approved on the 14th day of August, 2012.

APPROVED:

Bruce Smiley-Kaliff, Mayor ATTEST:

Linda Gill, City Secretary

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