01-22-2004 Minutes - SpecialCommission
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CITY OF SALINA, KANSAS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
January 22, 2004
5:00 p.m.
The Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order at 5:00 p.m. in Room 107,
City -County Building. A roll call was taken followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of
silence.
There were present:
Mayor Alan E. Jilka, Chairman presiding
Commissioner Deborah P. Divine
Commissioner Donnie D. Marrs
Commissioner Monte D. Shadwick
Commissioner Paul G. Webb
comprising a quorum of the Board, also present:
Dennis M. Kissinger, City Manager
Greg Bengtson, City Attorney
Lieu Ann Elsey, City Clerk
Absent: None
SALES TAX REAUTHORIZATION
Mayor Jilka thanked the citizens for coming and reminded them that the purpose of the
meeting was to obtain citizen input on the potential of calling a special election to consider the
extension of the quarter cent sales tax that was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2004.
Jim Dent, 248 S. Eleventh Street, spoke on his opposition on the sales tax extension. Mr.
Dent expressed his feelings of city funds to be used in a more productive and efficient manner. He
also commented on the percentage of funds that the Chamber of Commerce receives from the hotel
transient tax revenue.
George Montis, 1233 Louise Lane, expressed his opposition on the sales tax extension.
Mr. Montis stated that major improvements should be funded with the sale of bonds.
Joe McKenzie, 2120 Fairdale, representing the Salina Public Library, expressed his
organization's support to the continuation of the quarter cent sales tax to fund capital improvement
projects. Mr. McKenzie also proposed that funds could help fund improvements to the library. He
continued to explain that the library makes a strong contribution to the community and surrounding
communities.
Elaine Edwards, 1507 Bradshaw, representing the Childcare Education Task Force,
expressed their support. Ms. Edwards proposed a portion of the revenue generated could help provide
quality childcare and financial stability of child development. Childcare and early learning
opportunities are critical needs in the community.
Carolee Jones, 2235 Melrose, representing Child Abuse Prevention Services, supported
continuation of the quarter cent sales tax. She expressed that the revenue could help provide funding
for childcare and economic development.
Susan Crawford, 348 Sunset, Salina Municipal Swimming Pool, commented on the need
of the tax revenue for capital improvement projects funding. She expressed the need for an aquatic
facility. Ms. Crawford noted that the tax rate would not increase because the current quarter cent
increase to fund computer technology for U.S.D. 305 was scheduled to expire; therefore making it a
"painless" tax.
Barry Weis, 504 Sunset Drive, expressed his support on the tax extension. He also
proposed that a portion of the revenue be used for youth sport facilities and a public recreation center.
The creation of the facilities and center would give Salina the ability to host numerous sporting
Commission
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tournaments, which would in return bring tax revenues from outside communities.
Jane Bradbury, 619 Briarcliff, representing the Salina Soccer Club, commented on the
future soccer complex and sales tax revenues that would be brought in from outside communities, by
Salina hosting numerous tournaments. Ms. Bradbery also expressed the importance of sales tax
revenue to help improve the city's entryways and gateways to become more presentable.
Richard Brake, 2707 Argonne, Chair of the U.S.D. 305 School Board and representing the
Salina Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, expressed his support on the sales tax extension. He
commented on the importance of providing funding for capital improvement projects and long range
planning.
Ken Robison, 662 Starlight, former Parks and Recreation Advisory :Board member, stated
that he is proud of his community. He continued by stating that Salina is a progressive and active
community and favors the sales tax extension for future capital improvement projects.
Tom Bell, Salina Journal and Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Board, commented on
the Chamber's creation of an Economic Development Task Force. He noted that communities such
as Emporia, Manhattan, and Topeka currently use sales tax revenue for economic development. Mr.
Bell noted that the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Policy Position supports a ballot issue on the
re-enactment of the quarter cent sales tax. The Chamber of Commerce Board recommends that a
minimum of 75% of the proceeds be dedicated to the City's continued capital improvements funding;
12.5% of the proceeds be dedicated to a special economic development fund that may used as another
tool to aid in the economic development competition Salina experiences with other cities; and 12.5%
to the proceeds to dedicated to project the City Commission deems appropriate.
Sheldon Wally, E1Dorado National and representing the Salina Area Chamber of
Commerce Board, read their Policy Position as outlined by Mr. Bell.
Tim Howison, Broker Developer, commented on the need of economic development and
suggests that more funding be provided to the Chamber of Commerce to bring in new businesses. He
explained that by bringing in new businesses and jobs it would spread the tax base.
Harry Kenziky, 137 Camp Road, Solomon, President of the Aquatics Club, expressed his
support for the sales tax extension. He noted that non-residents of Salina frequently come to the
community to shop, and those monies from outside sources would stay in Salina.
Gayle Martin, Executive Director of Salina Downtown, Inc., expressed their support on
the tax extension for funding capital improvement project. She noted that the SDI board of directors
is developing a mission statement on their position prior to the next City Commission meeting on
February 2, 2004.
Dennis Kissinger, City Manager, commented briefly on the proposed timeline and noted
at the January 26, 2004, the City Commission will be discussing the issue and giving staff direction
on the election ordinance preparation.
Commissioner Divine thanked the citizens for their input.
Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m. OL
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Alan E. Jilka, ayor
[SEAL]
ATTEST:
Lieu Ann Elsey, City
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CONSENT TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
We, the undersigned, being duly elected, qualified and acting Commissioners of the City of
Salina, Kansas, and constituting a majority of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Salina,
Kansas, do hereby consent to the holding of special meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the
City of Salina, Kansas on the 22nd day of January, 2004, at 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of the
following:
1. Consideration of public information and public comment on the potential of
calling a special election to consider sales tax extension for the City of
--- Salina.
Dated this 12`h day of January, 2004.
(&"IJ E-- a-4 -
Klan E. Jilka, Ma or
Abseni-
Deeborah PDivine,
'�Commissioner
61. 0
Donnie,,D. Marrs, Commissioner
Monte
G. Webb. Commissioner