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LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
AGENDA
January 24, 2011 - 6:00 P.M. - Council Chambers - City Hall - City of Dover
Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at appropriate times.
When possible, please notify the City Clerk (736-7008 or e-mail at
CityClerk@dover.de.us) should you wish to be recognized.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
1. Review and Recommendation - Filling Critical Positions
2. Review of Council Memberships (Tabled by Committee on 12/13/10)
3. Statistics on Residency of City of Dover Employees
4. Review of City Reserves and Policy Requirements
5. Adjournment by 7:00 P.M.
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THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO
INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS.
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ACTION FORM
PROCEEDING: Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee AGENDA OF: 01-24-2011
DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: City Council DATE SUBMITTED: 12-01-2010
PREPARED BY: Traci A. McDowell, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Review of Subscriptions and Memberships - Council’s Budget
REFERENCE:
RELATED PROJECT: N/A
APPROVALS: N/A
EXHIBITS:
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: $11,198 (estimate) AMOUNT BUDGETED: $12,198
FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): 110-1200-512.30-27
TIMETABLE: Consideration by City Council on 02-14-2011
RECOMMENDED ACTION: (If Council wishes to continue memberships) Authorize the City Clerk
to include membership dues in the FY2011/12 City Council Budget.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
There are certain membership dues included in Council’s budget. Once they are approved through the budget
process, staff processes the payments as renewals are submitted. Since these expenses are reflected in Council’s
budget, it has been suggested that the expenditures be reviewed and approved for continued membership.
For Fiscal Year 2010/2011, City Council’s budget included $12,198 for subscriptions and dues. This amount
is based on the previous year’s costs or, when provided, a cost adjustment. The specific membership dues for
this Fiscal Year are as follows:
League of Local Governments - Annual Membership Renewal - $6,000
National League of Cities - Annual Membership Renewal - 3,258
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce - 856
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce - 875
Miscellaneous (M agazine Subscriptions, etc.) - 200
Total $11,198
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EXCERPT - LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2010
Review of Council Memberships
Members were advised that certain memberships are included in Council’s budget and that, once
these memberships are approved through the budget process, payments are processed as renewals
are submitted. Since these expenses are reflected in Council’s budget, it was suggested that the
expenditures for continued membership be reviewed and approved.
For Fiscal Year 2010/2011, City Council’s budget included $12,198 for subscriptions and dues. This
amount is based on the previous year’s costs or, when provided, a cost adjustment. The specific
membership dues for this Fiscal Year are as follows:
League of Local Governments - Annual Membership Renewal - $ 6,000
National League of Cities - Annual Membership Renewal - 3,258
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce - 856
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce - 875
Miscellaneous (Magazine Subscriptions, etc.) - 200
Total $11,198
Mr. McGiffin advised members that overtly political communications are sometimes received during
the budget preparation and election “seasons” and relayed his concerns regarding the utilization of
tax dollars for membership dues to organizations that engage in political activity. He suggested that
members be thoughtful and deliberative in determining which organizations Council will join,
particularly when tax dollars are used to pay dues. Mr. McGiffin recommended that Council not pay
membership dues to the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) and the Central Delaware
Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) due to his feeling that these organizations are increasingly involved
in political activities. He suggested the possibility of Council resigning immediately from these
organizations and requesting a pro rata refund of dues already paid.
Mr. Ruane referred to relevant emails and other notices provided to members (Attachment #1) and
indicated his concurrence with Mr. McGiffin’s concerns. He stated that City funds should be used
only for those memberships that are truly beneficial to the advancement of the causes for which the
City and its government were established to accomplish.
Mr. Bonar reminded members that the City has a long history of involvement and participation with
the CDCC and local Chambers of Commerce at a variety of levels. He noted that the late
Mayor Crawford Carroll was one of the main proponents of City and Chamber interaction. Due to
the associations developed between the members of the Chambers, City Council, and
City government, many business activities have transpired in the City which have been beneficial
to the City’s tax base and citizens. It was Mr. Bonar’s hope that the City would continue to maintain
membership with these organizations so that integral resources can be developed and interactions
can be fostered between City government and the business community. However, he recommended
that the City remind the Chambers that the City’s participation is voluntary and that the City does
not condone involvement in political activities.
Council President Hogan relayed his concerns with the emails sent which encourage individuals to
express their disagreements with the City. It was his opinion that these organizations were actively
recruiting and working against the City of Dover. He stated his opposition to paying tax dollars to
organizations that are working against the City in this manner.
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EXCERPT - LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
OF DECEMBER 13, 2010 Page 2
Mr. Leary voiced his support of the organizations and the benefits of membership. He suggested that
members continue to authorize the City Clerk to include these memberships dues in the upcoming
proposed budget, which would allow members the opportunity for further review during the budget
process. In the meantime, he suggested that an outreach effort be made to resolve any problems the
City may have with the organizations involved.
Responding to Mr. McGiffin, Mr. DePrima advised members of the benefits offered by the CDCC,
such as leadership programs, the Mayor’s attendance at Board Meetings, etc. He was not aware that
the City was a member of the State’s Chamber of Commerce. Mr. DePrima stated that the
Delaware League of Local Governments (DLLG) provides a variety of services to members,
including educational and other information, lobbying, monthly educational meetings, etc. He was
not aware of any local issues involving the National League of Cities (NLC); however, it was noted
that some members of Council attend the NLC annual convention.
In response to Mr. Bonar, Mr. DePrima stated his feeling that there was not much collaboration from
the CDCC during the budget hearings; however, he advised members that the Chamber offered to
meet with City staff to assist in budget development. He stated that a meeting was held with the
Executive Director and President to determine how the City could allow for better public
participation through the budget process. As a result, the Chamber will create an expert advisory
committee that will work with City staff in the preparation of the City’s budget.
Dr. Jones suggested the possibility of staff contacting representatives of the CDCC to voice the
concerns of the City prior to severing the relationship. Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that when
he met with the CDCC Executive Director and President, he mentioned that there were concerns and
assured them that they would have an opportunity to address members; however, since he was not
aware that this matter was scheduled for this meeting, they were not contacted nor invited to provide
input.
Dr. Joel Halpern, member of the CDCC, advised members of the many benefits provided by the
organization, which serves as a voice for businesses and is instrumental in bringing businesses to the
community.
Mayor Carey felt it important for the City to continue memberships with these organizations and
mentioned some of the various benefits provided to the City in this regard, noting that the City
receives information regarding current issues.
Mr. McGiffin moved to recommend that the matter be tabled to allow the opportunity for the
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) and other organizations to address
members regarding the benefits of membership, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously
carried.
Mr. Leary requested that staff reach out to the organizations involved and provide them the
opportunity to address members to explain the benefits of memberships.
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City of Dover
CDCC & City:
Common goal – to develop and maintain a healthy economic environment for businesses and to
provide employment opportunities to the residents of central Delaware which includes the City
of Dover.
Joint Projects:
First Friday’s
Downtown Partnership/Main Street – activities, workshops, seminars
Diplomatic Training Facilities
Leadership Central Delaware
DAFB – Abilene Award
Served on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee
Kent County Is Open for Business
Transportation Plan for Kent County – Project Priority List
Lobbying for State Funds – road repairs & projects ‐ (South Governor’s Avenue Association)
Caroling on the Green
Mayor’s Monthly Report to the CDCC Board of Directors
Issues Addressed:
Business License Fee Increases
Property Tax Increases
Business Redistricting
The CDCC is:
The voice of the business community.
A resource for the City to provide a direct connection to the business community.
A supporter of the City when the State and Federal Governments propose mandates on
municipal entities.
A driver for economic development and job creation!
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When membership ceases:
City will not receive the Chamber Connection Newspaper, enews, broadcast emails,
monthly mailings, invitations to events – Awards for Excellence Dinner, Legislative
Luncheon, Military Affaire, Milcon Breakfast, Sunset Business Mixers, Power Networking
Sessions, Seminars, Bluesuiters, ASH Tournament, 55 + Expo, Christmas Party, etc.
As non‐ members, the City will not be able to participate in Sunset Business Mixers,
Power Networking Sessions, Member to Member Expo or the Leadership Central
Delaware Program.
Events they do attend they would have to pay the non‐member rate.
Events Attended 2009 – 2010
Legislative Luncheon
Bluesuiters
Awards for Excellence Dinner
Milcon
Christmas Party
LCD Participant
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Investment in Membership -
Presentation
• Membership Rolls
– DSCC Kent County Members
• 88 Organizations/Companies
• 9,202 employees as of 1/18/2011
• Membership Annual Activities in Kent
County
– DSCC Legislative Lunch Sessions
• Manufacturing Conference & Legislative
Brunch – April 6 at the Sheraton Dover
Hotel
• End-of-Session Brunch – June 15 at
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
• Networking / Mixer Events
– DSCC Morning and Evening Mixers
• Scheduled for each county throughout the
year
• DSCC Lobbyist on Staff
– Maintains constant relationship with
Business and Legislature throughout the
year.
• DSCC Sr Membership Associate
– Primary focus is Kent and Sussex
County
– Establishing an “Ambassador
Committee” for the County Members in
2011
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Anthony DePrima, City Manager
FROM: Kim Hawkins, Human Resources Director
DATE: January 14, 2011
RE: Residency of City of Dover Employees
Based upon the addresses of current City of Dover employees, it was determined that 88
employees or 24% of our employees reside within the City limits. 284 employees or 76% of our
workforce live outside of the City limits. The attached chart provides an overview of each city
department.
H:Minority Recruiting/Residency
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ACTION FORM
PROCEEDING: Legislative, Finance, & Administration AGENDA ITEM NO.: 5
DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Finance Department DATE SUBMITTED: 1/24/11
PREPARED BY: Donna Mitchell, Controller/Finance Director
SUBJECT: Review of City Reserves and Policy Requirements
REFERENCE: N/A
RELATED PROJECT: N/A
APPROVALS: Committee & Council
EXHIBITS: N/A
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: N/A AMOUNT BUDGETED:
FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget):
TIMETABLE: N/A
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Acceptance of the reserve analysis
Attached for review and discussion is the schedule of City reserve account balances as of
December 31, 2010. Please note Budget Balances are budgetary amounts as included in the most
recent budget amendment for the operating and capital project funds.
Some of the estimated budget balances for the utility capital project funds are higher than the
policy requirement, however in most instances this is a result of having a five year CIP Plan and
multiple year projects. Therefore the funds this year may be in the plan to be used next year for
a multi-year project.
One item that we believe needs discussion is the calculation of the Budget Balance requirement
for the Electric Revenue Fund. The policy requirement is for the Budget Balance to equal at
least 8% and no greater than 12% of operating revenues. Now that we are utilizing the Power
Cost Adjustment to increase/decrease the base revenue, this increase or reduction will be
included in the budget balance calculation. This has the potential to create substantial increases
or decreases in the budget balance requirement from year to year.
We prefer to keep our cash flow balances levelized for paying vendors and such. This would also
assist us in managing funds in years in which the power cost adjustment may not be matched to
the year in which the power supply cost was incurred. For example, if last year’s power supply
came in lower than budget and we put those funds in the reserve for the following year’s PCA,
but yet the following year the power supply was higher than the prior year it may impact our
cash flow requirements.
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City of Dover
Schedule of Reserve Accounts
As of December 31, 2010
Current Policy Policy
Reserve Account & Brief Description Fund Balance Minimum Maximum Comments/Recommendations
Budget Balances Budget
In order to meet cash flow needs the General Fund $ 2,940,253 $ 2,833,318 $ 4,249,978 Between 8% and 12% of Operating Revenues.*
City maintains a minimum 8% of its Water Fund 1,641,149 391,942 832,878 Between 8% and 17% of Operating Revenues.*
revenues in the Budget Balance for Wastewater Fund 1,445,274 293,411 623,498 Between 8% and 17% of Operating Revenues.*
each of the major funds. Wastewater ‐ Kent County Fees (1,831,884) 312,830 312,830 Between 8% and 17% of Operating Revenues.*
Electric Revenue Fund 10,209,168 7,842,549 11,763,823 Between 8% and 12% of Operating Revenues.*
Total Operating Budget Balances $ 14,403,960 $ 11,674,050 $ 17,783,006
*Policy requirement excludes the Beginning Budget Balances. Reflects recent Budget Amendment. Sum W/WW=(C)$1,254,539, (MN)$998,183, (MX)$1,769,205
Contingency Reserves Actual
In order to cover emergencies of a General Fund $ 536,993 $ 708,330 N/A When the Contingency Reserve Balances do not meet
non‐recurring nature the City main‐ Water Fund 123,782 97,986 N/A the policy requirement, the practice is to let interest
tains a minimum 2% of its revenues Wastewater Fund 138,509 73,353 N/A earnings accumulate in the reserve to get to the
in a Contingency Reserve for each Electric Revenue Fund (* 1% Policy) 1,048,168 1,000,319 N/A policy balance unless it's a significant deficiency.
of the operating funds. Electric 1%; Total Contingency Balances $ 1,847,452 $ 1,879,986
Capital Asset/Project Reserves Actual or (*)Est.
In order to assist with funding General Capital Project Fund $ ‐ $ ‐ N/A No minimum required ‐ pay as you go
capital improvements or purchases General Capital Asset Replacement 252,246 500,000 N/A $500,000 min.; $200,000 annual if not met;
the City maintains capital reserves. Designated for Library Construction 3,243,252 N/A N/A No balance requirement;
These reserves are funded by Designated for Parkland/Recreation 224,356 N/A N/A No balance requirement;
annual appropriations, interest Water Improvement & Ext. Fund (*) 623,431 489,992 N/A $200,000 plus 10% contingency on projects > $250,000
earnings, non‐recurring revenues, Wastewater Improvement & Ext. Fund (*) 588,068 841,079 N/A $200,000 plus 10% contingency on projects > $250,000
project reimbursements, or savings Water Capital Asset Replacement Resv 213,585 500,000 N/A $500,000 minimum;
generated in current budgets. Wastewater Capital Asset Repl. Resv 67,064 500,000 N/A $500,000 minimum;
Wastewater ‐ Impact Fee Reserve 3,884,230 733,527 N/A Restricted; Minimum 20% Wastewater Revenues
Water ‐ Impact Fee Reserve 246,737 979,856 N/A Restricted; Minimum 20% Water Revenues
Electric Improvement & Ext. Fund (*) 1,688,861 476,353 N/A $200,000 plus 10% contingency on projects > $250,000
Future Capacity Reserve 9,103,739 10,000,000 N/A Minimum $10 Million; Replenish over 7 years;
Depreciation Reserve (+ $2 Mil in FY11) 8,092,098 10,000,000 N/A Minimum $10 Million; Replenish over 7 years;
Total Capital/Project Reserves $ 28,227,667 $ 25,020,807
Other Reserves
Additional reserve accounts are set up General ‐ Verizon Reserve $ 87,639 N/A N/A Verizon Franchise Grant
when designated for a specific purpose Police Criminal Investigation ‐ Donations $ 15,724 N/A N/A Individual/Business donations designated for Police
or to provide for insurance deductibles Electric ‐ Insurance Deductibles $ 400,038 $ 350,000 N/A Minimum $350,000
as required by bond covenants and to Electric ‐ Rate Stabilization (+$1.3 Mil in FY11) $ 4,817,301 $ 2,214,264 $ 7,380,880 Minimum of 3%, not to exceed 10% of power supply
assist in stabilizing electric rates due
to power supply cost fluctuations.