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City of Colorado Springs / Commissions & Committees / Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee

Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee - Minutes     
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Committee members in attendance:  Marjorie Smith, Richard Hansen, Ronald Ruckdeschel, Daniel Mullin, Pat McElderry, Winfield Pate.  Joe Pelka via phone conference.

 

Committee members absent:   Frank O'Donnell, Cindy Corsaro, Randy Case, Tim Cassibry

 

Others present: Bernie Herpin/City Council, Nina Rikoski/CSFD, Nancy McCauley/CSPD, Joe Curro/CSPD and Jena Rakoczy/CSPD

 

Call to Order:  Chair Richard Hansen called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

 

Citizen Comment:  No citizen comment.

Approval of Minutes:  Ronald Ruckdeschel requested that, due to the special guest in attendance, the meeting began with Bernie Herpin's presentation.

Bernie Herpin

Mr. Herpin began with the explanation of why the POC and Station 8 were used as collateral for the new USOC office building.  Station 8 and the POC have no debt, so they were used as collateral.  He stated the bond issuers wanted something of value and the newest and nicest station (Station 8) is the most valuable.  He stated that the CAB already has liens on it and could not be used.  When the USOC building is paid off, the people/taxpayers will own this building, too.  The City will pay $1.8 million the first year which increases 2% each year for 30 years. 

When asked what would happen should the USOC decide to leave prior to the end of the agreement, Mr. Herpin stated the agreement provides that the USOC would pay a prorated amount if it left in 25 years or less.  If the USOC left between 25-30 years there would not be a penalty. 

 

Mr. Herpin stated that the Council decided it was economically wise to keep the USOC in Colorado Springs as it will generate more revenue than financing the building will cost the City.

 

Mr. Herpin stated that the City has made mistakes, and he understands that the tax payers have the perception that the Council does not know what they are doing, but council members agreed that the USOC was a good idea. 

 

Mr. Herpin stated that Sean Paige was the new council member.  He stated that Council thought Mr. Paige would be a good balance to the council.  He stated that since Mr. Paige has been such an adversary, it might be a good idea for him to see exactly what the Council does and how hard it can be. 

 

Mr. Herpin was asked if Council had considered that Station 8 was paid for with PSST funding.  Mr. Herpin advised that the original funding source was not discussed by Council but that he feels the spirit of the PSST initiative has been followed. It was noted that none of the stations are encumbered; 17 stations were built awhile ago ? most are more than 10 years old.

 

Mr. Herpin finished questions and his presentation and left.  Joe Pelka signed off the conference phone.

 

Approval of Minutes:

MOTION:  Mr. Ruckdeschel moved to approve the minutes from the September 2nd meeting as written and Mr. Mullin seconded the motion.  There was no discussion and the motion passed with five  in support and with one abstaining.   

 

Old Business and Updates:

Department Updates

Stetson Hills Police Substation - Joe Curro, CSPD Facilities/Fleet Manager

 

The building was completed in May 2004 and one year later, in 2005/2006, the cracks were noticed.  At the beginning the cracks were ¼ - ½ inch wide.  The cracks were monitored for 13 months and now some of the cracks are ¼ - 1 ¼ inch wide.  It was determined that core drill and soils tests would be done to determine what is causing the concrete slabs, only the interior walls, to move. 

The testing will cost no more than $7,000 per test and will be paid for from the General Fund. The core drill and soils test will determine how the soil was prepped and also if the concrete was out of specification. 

Review Status of Council Presentation

Mr. Hansen stated the team at the Fire Department and Police Department worked very hard on the presentation for the new budget data.  He stated copies would be available next week.

Because the presentation includes draft 2010 budget information, the committee was reminded that the information was confidential until the budget is released. The presentation to City Council is scheduled for Friday, October 16th The specific time is not known at this time, but it may be at 2:30 under "Outside Agencies" in the schedule.

Various minor changes were made to the presentation by the members in attendance. 

Discussion

The November 6th election will be a mail-in, consolidated ballot that includes 2C.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010, at the FDC.  If an earlier meeting is needed, one can be scheduled. 

Mr. Hansen requested that members think about who they would like to elect as a new chairman at the February meeting.  He said he would be a co-chair for the transition.

Adjournment

Ms. Smith motioned and Mr. Winfield seconded that the meeting should adjourn which was met with a unanimous agreement.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

 

Notes:  The minutes of this meeting were taken by Ms. Rakoczy.  Any omissions or corrections should be brought to the Chairperson's attention at the next PSSTOC meeting.