8/1/24 City Council Agenda | Budget, Agenda Item 1, pg. 5

[Paul Roberts]

8/1/24 City Council Agenda | Budget, Agenda Item 1, pg. 5

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My meeting notes:

General Questions:​

1. Project Prioritization and Justification:
   
   • How were the projects prioritized? What criteria were used to determine the importance of each project? (Page 8)
   • Are there any projects that could be deferred or reprioritized based on immediate needs or budget constraints?
2. Cost Estimates and Funding Sources:
   
   • How accurate are the cost estimates for each project? (e.g., "The actual cost will be unknown until the scope is identified and engineering plans are completed." - Page 12)
   • What are the contingencies for cost overruns?
   • Are there any alternative funding sources or grants that have not been explored? (e.g., "Awarded Grants - $0" - Page 8)
3. Operational Impact and Long-term Costs:
   
   • What are the anticipated long-term operational costs associated with each project? (e.g., "Some operational costs will increase, but that amount is unknown at this time." - Page 16)
   • How will these projects affect the city's operational budget in future years?

Specific Questions on Projects:​

Parks:​

1. Sunset Park East Driveway Entrance (PK-1):
   • "The original budgeted amount was $350,000 in FY-23. An increase to $375,000 is being proposed for the new entrance to Sunset Park to accommodate for price escalation." - What is the status of the TxDOT review process? (Page 11)
   • What are the specific challenges that have delayed the project?
   • Are there any potential cost savings if the project is delayed further?

General Government:​

1. Public Works Operations (G-1):
   • "The City will be utilizing the Alfalfa Property as the new Green Center." - Can you provide more details on the potential transfer station and emergency disposal facility at the Alfalfa Property? (Page 12)
   • What are the expected benefits and potential challenges of this relocation?

Utilities:​

1. New 500,000 Gallon Elevated Storage Tank:
   
   • "This tank will replace the current Golf Ball elevated storage tank. The Golf Ball Elevated Storage Tank is currently undersized and does not meet TCEQ requirements." - What is the current condition of the existing Golf Ball Elevated Storage Tank? (Page 13)
   • How will the new tank improve water storage and distribution in the city?
   • Are there any additional costs associated with decommissioning the old tank?
2. Water Treatment Plant #3 Upgrade:
   
   • "The engineering design will be funded in FY-25. It is anticipated that construction will begin in FY-26 and be completed in FY-27." - What are the specific upgrades planned for Water Treatment Plant #3? (Page 14)
   • How will these upgrades improve water quality and capacity?
   • Are there any environmental or regulatory hurdles that could delay the project?
3. Effluent Pond #17 Rehab and Effluent Pond #2 Upgrade:
   
   • "As part of our Effluent Disposal Permit the City isn't permitted to discharge Type 2 effluent into Lake Travis, and the City is also required to install a 3rd effluent storage pond in its system once the City reaches 0.75 MGD of wastewater." - What is the current condition of Effluent Pond #17? (Page 16)
   • How will the new effluent pond and irrigation system improve effluent disposal and golf course conditions?
   • Are there any risks of further leaks or environmental contamination during the construction?

Overall Fiscal Responsibility:​

1. Budgetary Constraints and Future Planning:
   
   • How will the city ensure that all projects remain within budget? (Page 9, 12, 14, 16)
   • Are there any plans for future projects that need to be considered in this budget cycle?
2. Public Transparency and Community Impact:
   
   • How will these projects be communicated to the public?
   • What are the anticipated benefits for the community, and how will they be measured?