There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

A copy of the resolution, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.

Vice Mayor Byington explained that this resolution is related to the small cell wireless regulations that we just discussed. Under H.B. 478, small cell wireless providers can be required to place facilities underground, but only in specific areas that the City designates as being strictly for underground or buried utilities, and only if those requirements apply to all utility providers and not just small cell wireless providers.

The purpose of this resolution is to adopt undergrounding requirements for the City that generally preserve the status quo. In other words, Council will require the undergrounding of utilities, including small cell wireless facilities, in all areas of the City that do not currently have overhead utilities. Undergrounding would also be required in areas where undergrounding is necessary for a particular public improvement project, or where it is required by a condo or homeowner’s association.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the resolution be passed.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.

Finance Report: Finance Director Cindy Stafford, CPA referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on the following topics: 2017 year-end financials, 2018 financials through April 30, and the 2017 financial audit.

In regard to the 2017 year-end results, she referenced a chart for Non-Enterprise Funds (General City Services), excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $13,482,257 versus actual: $14,355,289) which is 106% of budget; and disbursements (budgeted: $14,500,979 versus actual: $13,931,294) which is 96% of budget. The year ended with $873,000 more revenue than originally budgeted. The net income tax receipts were roughly $709,399 higher than what was budgeted due to the increase in withholding payments as a result of House Bill 5. The City received a Workers Comp rebate of $74,823, and received a Supreme Court Grant of $116,977. In regards to disbursements, Mrs. Stafford explained that personnel expenses were $191,300 less than budget, including $128,000 less for health insurance. The street department was $107,540 less than budget. Most of these savings came from not having to purchase road salt. Mrs. Stafford shared that her staff can account for some savings as well from their due diligence of being careful stewards. She then recognized the following members of her staff: Alice Young, Assistant Finance Director; Linda Merker, Tax Administrator; Tracy Martin, Payroll Clerk; Theresa Rushlow, Utility Clerk; Stacy Vreeland-Mathes, Part-time Tax Clerk; and, Tracy Davidson, Tax Clerk.

Mayor Duncan asked if people made fourth quarter 2016 tax estimate payments in January 2017, and if people made fourth quarter 2017 tax estimate payments in December 2017.

Mrs. Stafford answered yes.

Mayor Duncan added that this would account for higher tax receipts in 2017.

Mrs. Stafford shared that timing of estimated tax payments is a result of federal law changes. She added that it is hard to understand the impact of recent tax changes, including the net profit returns that are now being processed by the State with a 1% fee being taken out by the State.