Minutes 03/31/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 31. 2009 Utilities The Department of Public UtilitieslWorks strives to deliver quality environmental services while maintaining affordable rates. In preparation of this budget, staff conducted an external review of our current cost of service model. As a result of this action we are recommending a decrease in the projected FY1 0 rate of 8.5% to 2% and a decrease from the projected 2011 rate of 10.5% to 5.2%. We continue to manage our share in obligations to a regional consent order from EPA relative to Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO). Status of FY09 Initiatives The Page - This report has been prepared for its target release prior to the budget public hearing. It will be released via the City's website. Biennial Budget/Budgeting for Outcomes - The biennial budget format is being introduced with this budget message. The budgeting for outcomes concept was used in collaboration with City departments and agencies as a tool for budget preparation. Destination Portsmouth - This initiative continues to advance Council's Destination 2025 award-winning comprehensive plan. A Design Week process was utilized to gain public input toward the implementation of form-based code development regulations. Financial Policies - Finance has drafted a number of guiding principles that will be introduced for Council's consideration prior to budget adoption. Conclusion The biennial budget process establishes a unique opportunity to advance Council's vision in the area of fiscal policy two years at a time. This element combined with Destination Portsmouth and Budgeting for Outcomes will aid our efforts to establish sound administrative infrastructure capable of advancing the City towards its hopes, dreams and aspirations. Where the above referenced tools will serve as a lamp unto our feet and light unto our pathway, they can only serve as guidance. The decisions we make based upon such guidance shall determine our destiny. 09 - 178 - Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to go into Closed Meeting pursuant to provisions of Section 2.2-3711 (A) of the Code of Virginia, to discuss or consider investing public funds where competition or bargaining is involved, pursuant to subsection 6. The subject of the meeting is the financial situation of the Southeastern Public Service Authority. The purpose of the meeting is to protect the financial interest of the City and it's taxpayers by permitting confidential discussions of these subjects. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None Motion by Mr. Smith, and seconded by Mr. Moody, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3712(D) of the Code of Virginia, certifying that to the best of the Council Members' knowledge during the immediately preceding Closed Meeting of the City Council: 1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and 2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion, by which the Closed Meeting was convened, were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the City Council.