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MINUTES
LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION MEETING
7:00 p.m., May 18, 2009
Minutes are not a verbatim transcription, but rather an attempt to capture the intent of the speaker by the City Clerk.
ITEM 1 – CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Quinn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Lakewood Civic Center, 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado.
ITEM 2 – ROLL CALL
Those present were: Tom Quinn, Presiding
Diana Allen
Doug Anderson
Cindy Baroway
Karen Kellen
Sue King
Debbie Koop
Adam Paul
Ed Peterson
Vicki Stack
Absent: Bob Murphy, Mayor
Staff in attendance: Mike Rock, City Manager
Paul Kennebeck, Deputy City Attorney
Full and timely notice of this Study Session had been given and a quorum was present.
Rich Urbanowski, Planning Commission Chair, gave a brief introduction of the North Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor Plan. He noted that it was a lengthy process and it involved some 60 people representing a wide range of Lakewood citizenry.
Alexis Moore, Associate Planner, gave a presentation that highlighted the plan’s background, the process, and the outcome. She mentioned that they received substantial input from the public. The plan addresses the major land use and transportation changes that have occurred along the corridor since 1977, and because of changes along the corridor, an amendment to replace the 1997 Wadsworth Boulevard Strategic Plan was done. This amended plan establishes goals, action steps and implementation strategies that are organized into four major categories: transportation; land use; urban design and streetscape; and economic development. She noted key recommendations under each category. Public hearings are tentatively scheduled for next month. Surveys were mailed to some 1300 residents and the survey forms were also available on the City’s website. When asked, “What’s the biggest concern about the Wadsworth corridor as it relates to Lakewood?” The most frequent responses were congestion, increased traffic, road conditions, improving the aesthetics and character of the corridor, improving pedestrian, bicycle, and transit environment, and concerns about impacts of road widening, light rail and other projects on neighborhood and businesses along the corridor.
She asked that Council allow this document to move forward to Planning Commission Public Hearing on June 3 and Public Hearing for City Council on June 22.
After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of Council members present to move the plan forward to Planning Commission and City Council public hearings.
ITEM 4 – PRESENTATION - CITY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Mike Rock, City Manager, gave a brief update on the City’s current financial situation. He said the City’s been thoughtful in managing expenditures and ended 2008 with a higher fund balance than anticipated, due in part because we made no risky investments and we’re not “upside down” on anything.
Larry Dorr, Finance Director, noted that the City’s Budget and Audit reports are available on line for reviewing. He mentioned that the City of Lakewood received a national award for its well organized financial report. He explained the two types of City funds – General and Restricted — and noted that about three-fourths of General Fund Spending is on personnel and one-fourth is on other items, including building rent, electricity, insurance, gasoline and diesel fuel and water/sewer/natural gas. He gave a financial audit update and noted that the City’s reserve funds have increased over the years. In 2008, the revenues were favorable, budget was increased by 1.37% and the sales/use tax was on target. The 2008 expenditure savings resulted from sound financial practices that led to a favorable savings of 3.08%. Revenues for 2009 show a decrease, mostly in sales taxes. However, year-to-date as compared to this time in 2008, there is a 1.05% increase. Our savings initiative year-to-date for 2009 is $292,000 for fuel. We have a private fuel depot that we share with Jefferson Schools and West Metro Fire District. We’ve also seen savings in the Carmody Pool renovation, our telephone system, and debt refinancing.
He feels that the City’s reserve fund will provide some durability for the rest of the year and on into 2010.
He gave the following scheduled dates for upcoming financial events:
Budget Review – July 20, 2009
Audit Review – July 27, 2009
Budget Study Session – August 24, 2009
Budget Public Hearings – September 14 and September 28, 2009
ITEM 5 – OPEN DISCUSSION
None.
ITEM 6 – REPORTS
City Council Members reported their attendance at previous meetings and events and announced upcoming neighborhood meetings and events.
ITEM 7 – ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; Mayor Pro Tem Quinn adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Submitted by,
Sharon Blackstock, Acting City Clerk
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