Revenue Committee

Dunes City Hall


Agenda


Wednesday, August 26, 2009 – 3:00 pm

 

I.                    Call to Order  

II.                 Consideration of Minutes of the July 8, 2009 meeting    

III.               Old Business  

a.       Business License  

b.      Grants  

c.       Other  

IV.              New Business  

a.       Community Yard Sale

b.      Bingo Night

c.       Haunted House  

V.                 Input/Suggestions from Committee Members and General Public  

VI.              Schedule Next Meeting  

VII.            Adjourn.


MINUTES


July 8, 2009 , 1:00 p.m.   DRAFT

A meeting of the Revenue Committee of Dunes City was held at the Dunes City Hall , on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 .  Members present were Ralph Farnsworth, Tracy Quandt and John Stead.  Dunes City Recorder Amy Graham was also present. Jamie’s absence was excused. Bob and Mary Jane’s absence was unexcused.  

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson John Stead at 3:12 p.m , at the request of Chairperson Jamie. She indicated on her e-mail that the main agenda item would be the draft business license ordinance John asked for additions to the agenda.  

System Development Charges: Ralph added System Development Charges explanation. He reported that SDCs are fees levied on new developments to recover all or part of the cost of infrastructure needed to serve that development and handed out a two page document titled,  Questions and Answers about Oregon’s Land Us Program: System Development Charges.  A question was raised about streetlight charges. The developer pays for installation and the city pays for the electricity. Amy indicated that the city’s streetlights electric bill is close to $1,200 per month which includes lighting of city and certain County streets. After discussion, it was agreed that this fact should be checked into.  

County Taxes : Amy reported Lane County is getting close to $300,000 from Dunes City for its general fund. Ralph said this supports deed recording, the Court House, the jail, the Sheriff’s Department and other services not seen on a daily basis. Tracy added we are not getting sufficient County services for police protection. Ralph said calculations show Dunes City is entitled to six-tenths of a deputy. Tracy suggested finding out what other Lane County residents receive in comparison. John said Florence has a city tax for police protection and also pays county taxes entitling them to support from the Sheriff.  

Burn Permit Ordinance Draft:  This topic came to the committee for consideration as a way to increase revenue. Tracy suggested that compliance would create more oversight and increase administrative costs more than the amount brought in by fees.  After further discussion it was agreed that it may be needed in the future but for now, leave it alone.  

Grants: Amy asked if anyone had information about the three grant applications with a deadline of July first. Committee members indicated a lack of application awareness.  

Quorum: Concern was expressed that three committee members may not be enough for a quorum as three members were absent. A review of the ordinance establishing the committee affirmed that three voting members constitute a quorum.    

Draft Business License Ordinance:  Ralph said, the proposed ordinance was developed by reviewing ordinances from other cities. That some items in the draft may not be applicable today, but we need to look ahead twenty years.  The following changes were recommended:  

(1). ¶ 120.60 A. Change “may” to “shall”.

(2)  ¶ 120.60 B. Tracy suggested that if the applicant has been vetted and certified by a State Agency, which should be sufficient. The committee recommended that the city’s attorney review this section.

(3). ¶ 120.60 E. after discussion the committee recommended changing “may” to “shall”. (4). ¶ 120.07, The committee recommended adding the wording as shown in blue on the draft and incorporating the requirement that there be a filing fee of $50 as consistent with other ordinances.

(5). ¶ 120.75A. The committee took no action, regarding the concern expressed in red.

(6). ¶ 120.75E. The committee recommends further research about the limiting childcare in private homes to five children.

(7). ¶ 120.75G. Delete “or service occupation” as it is not defined in this chapter, and simplify ”second degree of consanguinity”.  The committee concluded that if the business is providing service to Dunes City residents, G. should be applicable. i.e. Dunes Home Services (the people who clean City Hall or Coastal Air Tools on Pacific Avenue . 

(8). ¶ 120.75H. Refers to ORS 197.660. John volunteered to research. (See below)  

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.                                                            _____________________________________

                                                            John Stead, Secretary pro tem

 ----------------------------------------------------------

      (1) “Residential facility” means a residential care, residential training or residential treatment facility, as those terms are defined in ORS 443.400, licensed under ORS 443.400 to 443.460 or licensed under ORS 418.205 to 418.327 by the Department of Human Services that provides residential care alone or in conjunction with treatment or training or a combination thereof for six to fifteen individuals who need not be related. Staff persons required to meet licensing requirements shall not be counted in the number of facility residents, and need not be related to each other or to any resident of the residential facility.  

      (2) “Residential home” means a residential treatment or training or adult foster home licensed by or under the authority of the department, as defined in ORS 443.400, under ORS 443.400 to 443.825, a residential facility registered under ORS 443.480 to 443.500 or an adult foster home licensed under ORS 443.705 to 443.825 that provides residential care alone or in conjunction with treatment or training or a combination thereof for five or fewer individuals who need not be related. Staff persons required to meet licensing requirements shall not be counted in the number of facility residents, and need not be related to each other or to any resident of the residential home.

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April 8, 2009 , 1:00 p.m.  

A meeting of the Revenue Committee of Dunes City was held at the Dunes City Hall , 82877 Spruce St. , in Westlake , Oregon , on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 .  Members present were Ralph Farnsworth, Bob Read, Mary Jane Bielman, John Stead and Jamie Mills.  Dunes City Mayor Eric Hauptman and Dunes City Recorder Amy Graham were also present.  

Chairman Mills called the meeting to order at 1:25 p.m.  

The first order of business was to select names to set terms of each member and to elect a vice chairman.  Names were drawn and the following terms assigned:

For three year terms:  Bob Read and John Stead

For two year terms:      Ralph Farnsworth and Mary Jane Bielman  

Upon motion made by Bob Read, seconded by Ralph Farnsworth, and passed unanimously, John Stead was elected as Vice Chairman of the committee to assume the chairman’s duties in the absence of Councilor Mills.  

The City Recorder was introduced to make a statement.  Amy Graham reminded everyone to please sign the volunteer sign-in sheet.  Ralph Farnsworth also pointed out that the meetings are to be recorded.  Amy concurred and set up the recorder.  Actions taken before the recording were re-done to ensure their inclusion on the record.  

The Mayor was introduced.  He explained the problem with the loss of the timber money and his concern that there may be money out there that the City is entitled to, but is not getting, just because we aren’t aware.  He also stated that with the return of a portion of the timber money, he can’t understand why Dunes City isn’t entitled to receive any.  The Mayor asked the committee to re-examine franchise fees and permit fees.  He asked the committee to re-examine the county taxes to see what we get in services, and if we don’t get an equivalent value, find out if we can get some of it back.  Research if others pay and don’t receive services as well.  He also asked the committee to look at the possibility of business license ordinance, however, its shouldn’t be burdensome and the idea is to give the City some oversight and control over who does business within the city limits..  

John Stead pointed out that the 2008 Tax bill explanation indicates that 32% of the taxes are returned to the local governments, but because Dunes City doesn’t have a tax base, this is misleading.  He believes the Revenue Committee has a duty to let citizens know that 32% of the tax base does NOT come back to Dunes City .  

The Mayor summarized by saying he wants the committee to help ensure the Dunes City is getting its fair share.

Discussion turned to Franchise Fees.  Bob Read asked what the current population numbers were.  Amy reported 1360.  Bob pointed out that there were 1200 in 1970, so that means only 160 more since 1970.  He questioned the accuracy.  Amy suggested that it was because the census only counts full-time residents.  Discussion on how the census is taken and numbers reported ensued.  It was reported that Springfield is doing a new population forecast.  Bob asked if we are locked into the numbers or if there is an appeals process.  Bob Read volunteered to check into it.  

Discussion was then had on the PUD’s.  Concern was raised that franchise fees are passed on to the power users on their power bills and that if we were successful in adding an additional $1.50, it would only raise about $4,200 per year, begging the question, is it worth the fervor it would cause?  

Ralph suggested that if we do seek amendment to our franchise agreements, we should just do it once and for all with a reference to a cost of living increase on a regular basis, so we don’t have to keep coming back and re-visiting them.  

Bob Read volunteered to take on the research of the franchise fees and what we can and cannot change.  

Brief discussion was had regarding the proposal of a business license ordinance.  Jamie had information given to her by Larry Lewis, as well as her attempt at a rough draft of an ordinance.  Ralph volunteered to review and work on the business license ordinance issue.  

Jamie indicated that she would work with Lisa and Amy on the permit fees re-examination.  

Discussion was had regarding the motels and vacation rentals.  It was suggested that any business license ordinance might include a requirement for the privately owned vacation rentals as well.  Ralph will ensure language to that affect is included.  John and Ralph will also look more closely at the current dollars being received by Dunes City to determine if Dunes City is getting all it is entitled to receive.  

Discussion was had regarding grants.  Jamie will work on grants but needs all eyes looking for opportunities.  She asked if she should pursue grant funding for police protection.  Ralph indicated he believes Dunes City is a relatively safe community; we just need Lane County to do their job.  We pay taxes; we should be entitled to protection as well.  

Discussion then turned to Fines and Liens.  Concern was raised that it may not be realistic to believe people will really pay and whether it is cost effective to pursue repayment in all instances.  It was first determined that we need to know what is out there, what is the nature of the fine or lien, and is it financially feasible to pursue collection, and if so, what method of collection is advisable.  Jamie will ask Amy to work with Mary Jane and Bob so they can go through the files and identify outstanding fines and liens.  Mary Jane also indicated she would work with Bob on the franchise issue.  

Ralph suggested there might be stimulus money out there.  Jamie indicated that she had been watching the offerings, but that most were for projects that would employ large numbers of people, or with matching requirements that Dunes City cannot meet.  She said she would continue to do her regular grant searches on behalf of Dunes City .  

Jamie asked for other ideas.  A suggestion of Dog Tags was submitted.  Everyone was asked to think about it and report back.   With regard to ideas, Bob suggested that we include consideration as to whether it is worth pursuing or not.  As an example, if we were to enter into some sort of revenue sharing agreement with the county for the boat ramp, would it end up with Dunes City having to pay more than it gets back because of maintenance and monitoring?  

There being no further business to come before the committee, and upon motion made by Ralph Farnsworth, seconded by John Stead, and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned.  

                                                           Jamie Mills________________________________

                                                            Secretary of the Meeting


March 28, 2008  

1.  CALL TO ORDER  

The Revenue Committee meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by City Recorder Greg Perkins.  All members were present except Mark Chandler, Naomi Wasserburg, and Jamie Mills.  

Greg Perkins presented the minutes from the January and February meetings.   

Ralph Farnsworth moved to approve both minutes and Richard Koehler seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.  

The Committee reviewed the procedures for sharing the minutes with the website administrator.  

2.  OLD BUSINESS – Potential Grants  

Greg Perkins reviewed the Mayors letter regarding the Rural Tourism Marketing Grant and a letter from the Department of Land Conservation and Development regarding grants.  

Ralph Farnsworth then presented a continuation of his and John Stead’s report comparing revenue/funding sources of cities the size of Dunes City .  

Ralph presented a discussion of how expenditures reflect the goals of cities.  The committee focused in on franchise fees, business tax, and system development changes.  

At or around 2:45 p.m. the Committee decided to skip over agenda items 3(A) (B) due to time constraints and go to agenda item 3(C).  

Amy Graham presented reports on Dune City finances from fiscal year 2006/2007.  The Committee reviewed the various revenue sources and entries.  Amy explained how the first chart compared the budget to the funds available and the second compared budgeted expenses to actual expenses.   

The Committee decided to meet next on 04/11/08 at 1 p.m.    

3.    ADJOURNMENT  

The Committee adjourned at 3:25 p.m.  

 

Respectfully Submitted,  

Lisa Ekelund

Administrative Assistant  

 

            APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Greg Perkins, City Recorder


February 22, 2008

Members Present:  Ralph Farnsworth, Naomi Wasserberg, Susie Navetta, Richard Koehler, Mark Chandler, John Stead, and Jamie Mills 

Staff present:  Greg Perkins, City Recorder and Amy Graham, Finance Specialist 

The meeting came to order at approximately 1:35 p.m. at Dunes City Hall . 

Greg Perkins welcomed those in attendance and turned the floor over to Ralph Farnsworth for his report. 

The report by Ralph Farnsworth and John Stead first summarized the issues facing them in regarding Dunes City finances. They handed out pages summarizing their findings. They reported on audited types of city revenue streams. They noted disparities between like sized cities.  Ralph noted that only two other Oregon cities of like size to Dunes City have no tax base.  Those are Banks and Tangent.  

Richard Koehler presented a report summarizing his investigation of informational resources available from the League of Oregon Cities.  Dunes City is a member and so this information is available. Amy Graham informed the committee of a recap of the current state of Dunes City financial system. 

Greg Perkins reviewed the upcoming city budget cycle.  He informed that additional members are needed on the Budget Committee and passed out an application form and urged people to apply.  Greg mentioned that the knowledge they were gaining on the grants would be valuable to the Budget Committee. 

Jamie Mills presented notices of potential federal grants/ideas. For the next meeting, Ralph Farnsworth will follow up on his presentation based on today’s discussion. It was also noted that Mark Chandler continues to work on a water quality grant. 

Summary minutes of the last meeting were passed out for review and action at the next meeting.  The next meeting is set for March 11, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at Dunes City Hall .

Respectfully submitted,

Greg Perkins,

City Recorder


January 30, 2008

 

Members Present - Ralph Farnsworth , Richard Koehler, Susie Navetta, Jamie Mills, Naomi Wasserburg, John Stead , Mayor Eric Hauptman 

Staff Present:  Greg Perkins and Amy Graham 

The initial meeting of the revenue committee came to order at 1:40 p.m. at Dunes City Hall .  Members and staff introduced themselves. 

Mayor Eric Hauptman addressed the group and welcomed them, informing the group of the vital need to find additional revenue for the city in the next fiscal year. 

Copies of the 07/08 current year budget documents were given to the members. 

Susie Navetta responded that an announcement of a State Parks & Recreation Grant application cycle was received.  She indicated that staff was referring this to the Parks & Recreation committee for their review. 

John Stead reported on a Community Development Block Grant CDBG application packet.  He indicated that the grant target did not fit with Dunes City needs i.e., sewer systems, water systems, etc. 

Assignments for the next meeting: 

Ralph Farnsworth and John Stead volunteered to look into and report on the current types and levels of state funding to the city at the next committee meeting. 

Richard Koehler said that he would look into revenue sources listed on the League of Oregon Cities website of which Dunes City is a member. 

Next meeting is set for February 22, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.  Meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Greg Perkins,

City Recorder 

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