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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK August 28, 2001 ~ QA.. f)C)t:lDI ~ ~ q-l'ì'-O( CITY OF ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923. WWW.cI.ANDOVER.MN.US Special City Council Workshop - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 Conference Room A Call to Order-7:00 PM Discussion Items 1. 2002 Budget Workshop 2. Other Business Adjournment ~ ú.Q.¡ ~ 6~Lðta!ì6 CITY of ANDOVER 'i--¡8-0\ ANDOVER SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP -AUGUST 18,1001 MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache on August 28, 2001, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude Councilmernbers absent: None Also present: Building Official, Dave Almgren City Clerk, Vicki Yolk Fire Chief, Dan Winkel Finance Director, Jim Dickinson City Engineer, Scott Erickson Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg Anoka County Sheriff's Representative, Bruce Andersohn Park and Recreation Commissioner, Chris English City Administrator, John Erar Others AGENDA APPROVAL Add Item 6b, Discuss Truth-in- Taxation meeting. Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, approval of the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. 2001 BUDGET PRESENTATION Mr. Erar narrated a power point presentation highlighting the effect of the legislative changes on the City's budget, Council guidelines used in establishing the 2002 proposed budget, the property tax impact on residents of the proposed budget, growth implications to the budget, the proposed tax levy for 2002, projected revenues, fiscal trends and projected City expenditures: . Because the state legislature eliminated Local Government State Aid, the City will need to levy back that loss of $489,896 to the property tax levy. In addition, the property class rates were compressed on residential and commercial real estate, which resulted in the loss of about $4 million in tax capacity for the City. The limit on how much property values can increase in any one year will be phased out over the next six years. The cost of transit services will now be funded through the state, which may allow the City to explore opportunities for mass transit. Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes -August 28,2001 Page 2 (2002 Budget Presentation, Continued) · A fiscal goal of the Council was to establish a General Fund balance for working capital of no less than 30 percent of the planned 2002 General Fund expenditures. The proposed budget keeps the fund balance at 33.8 percent. It also establishes the debt levy at 9.8 percent of the total levy. The increase in local (a'{ capacity rate is proposed to be 3.5 percent, though the total tax levy will increase substantially because of the need to levy for the loss of Local Government State Aid and for the loss resulting from the state's changes in tax class rate formula. The 2002 Budget recommends approximately $380,171 in capital equipment and improvements. · Since 1995, population growth has increased 27 percent, housing units have increased 27 percent, and the miles of streets increased 13 percent though cul-de-sacs have increased 93.5 percent. The miles of storm sewer increased 44 percent, watermain 50 percent, sanitary sewer 38 percent, and acres of developed residential increased I 1.3 percent. Fire and medical runs increased 28 percent, police activities increased 137 percent, the number of parks increased 7.5 percent and the miles of trails increased I 19 percent. · It has been determined that the changes by the state legislature will result in the lower valued homes paying more in City taxes, and the medium to higher valued homes will be paying less of an increase. There will be a shift from the larger valued homes to the lower valued homes as well as a shift from commercial property to residential. · The proposed 2002 tax levy composition will include categories for fire, capital equipment purchases, park projects, road and bridge. These are new categories that were included in the General Fund Levy in the past. The dollars have been removed fi-om the General Fund levy and designated separately to reflect exactly what is being spent in these areas. The $597,396 proposed for Road and Bridge is for crack sealing and seal coating. It also includes the program established in 1997 to capture one percent of the tax levy for increased tax valuations for at least five years to finance street overlays. The 2002 budget is the last year of that financing program. Mr. Erar suggested in the future the Council consider maximizing these dollars by assessing a portion of the costs of those road improvements. The levy also includes $50,000 for park projects, which will allow the Park and Recreation Commission to bond for projects if they wish. This also allows the use of the PIR fund to fund park projects. There is $200,000 for capital equipment purchases and $43,750 for the City's contribution to the Firefighters' Relief Association. The gross levy increased from $5,038,537 certified in 2001 to $5,626,477 proposed for 2002; however, the net city levy was actually $489,896 less than that gross levy in 2001 because of the local government aid received from the state. The Council raised some concerns regarding the categories being used for the tax levy. Mr. Dickinson explained those are the categories he is required to submit when the levy is certified. The only difference is this is the first year the dollars for some of the items have been pulled from the General Fund and will be levied separately. The Council was concerned that the dollars allocated for Road and Bridges will be sufficient. Mr. Erickson stated the allocation will provide for the crack sealing and seal coating projects, which is based on a seven-year program to cover - - ----...- -.- - Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes - August 28, 2001 Page 3 (2002 Budget Presentation, Continued) the entire City. This does not include the dollars received from developers for the first seal coating project in new developments. Those dollars are set aside and dedicated for that specific development and are not a part of the General Fund. The Council asked for a list of all those accounts. They also felt the dollars allocated for Fire are misleading. Mr. Dickinson explained this is used solely to certifY what the City wants to be on the tax rolls that is outside the General Fund. It is not the budget. Council suggested the category be clarified by saying Fire Relief. · Proposed total revenues for 2002 is $6,977,261, down from $7,176,806 in 2001. Of that, 66 percent comes from property tax, 12 percent from licenses and permits, 9 percent from intergovernmental revenues, 6 percent for charges for current services and the remainder from fines and forfeitures, miscellaneous and transfers in. In the past, the City's budget used anticipated engineering fees as revenues. The problem with that is what happens if the projects do not come in? Mr. Erar stated the proposed 2002 budget reflects a change in that philosophy. The Engineering Departtnent project revenues will be reduced by one-third each year. The new philosophy is that the revenue will not be counted until it is actually received. That money will not be shown as a new source of revenue until it is received. Expenses for the Department will be offset through the regular general revenue sources. If a project goes through, that revenue will be transferred into the General Fund budget. Council was concerned that the positions in the Engineering Departtnent were justified based on the revenue. Mr. Erar stated those positions are still justified by the projects. This is a more conservative and prudent way of approaching it in terms of planning for the City's expenses. Mr. Dickinson noted they are trying to create a more realistic budget. Next year they are budgeting on 300 new homes, scaling back from 350 homes last year. The budget will be based on sustainable revenue sources. The City could end up with a surplus the following year through transfers in certain areas. Councilmember Orttel was concerned that by keeping a lower revenue projection, the taxpayers end up picking up the slack unnecessarily. Mr. Erar noted the Council controls the purse strings. They are trying to remove the reliance on development activities to fund the budget and to base the budget on the tax base. Mr. Davidson stated this is a step in the right direction to allow the City to report according to the new requirements in 2003. Councilmember Knight raised the issue of City fund balances. Both Mr. Erar and Mr. Dickinson were comfortable with proposed fund balance of 33 percent. It is the carryover needed to fund the City's operation for three to four months into the new year. Mr. Dickinson stated property taxes account for 66 percent of the City's revenue. A reserve of33 percent represents half ofthe property taxes. The property tax revenue is received twice a year from the county. · The tax capacity rate for 2002 will be 34.81 percent compared to 22.56 in 2001. Mr. Erar again noted the major reasons for the increase are the loss of Local Government Aid and the reduction in overall adjusted tax capacity. · Overall expenditures for the proposed 2002 budget are $6,977.261, down ITom $7,176,806 in the adopted 200 I budget. - -- . _ ~ _·4 _ Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes - August 28, 2001 Page 4 1001 BUDGET MESSAGE Mr. Erar highlighted his memorandum to the Mayor, Councilmembers and residents of Andover dated August 28,2001, regarding the 2002 proposed budget: Page 4, Item 17: The budget includes dollars to support Anoka-Hennepin School District community education programs which provides activities to over IS,131 students at district schools in Andover. In addition, school facilities were used by over 247,8S0 participants in a wide range of community activities. Page S, first paragraph: General Fund increases in expenditures is supported by a net increase in property tax revenues resulting from the City's expanding tax base plus levying back for the loss of state aids. Other revenues include an increase in interest income from City investments, an increase in building permit revenue and operating transfers to the General Fund for overhead reimbursements. Expenditures increased primarily because of capital outlay requirements, increases in fuel costs, increases in health insurance premiums and inflationary increases in general operating costs. Mr. Dickinson explained he expects an increase in interest income nom the City's investments because they will be carrying a higher cash balance, the allocation will be modified, and the portfolio is based on short- and long-term liquidity. Page 6, Transportation: Of the $S97,396 proposed for transportation programming, $2S0,000 is designated to the seal coating and crack sealing programs and $347,396 is dedicated for street overlays pursuant to previous Council direction designating a one percent tax levy and capturing one percent of new tax capacity growth to transportation infi-astructure needs. 11ús funding commitment represents approximately 10.8 percent of the Gross Tax Levy. Page 6, Crime Prevention Programming: Captain Andersohn stated Ham Lake is not interested in participating with the cost of a crime prevention coordinator. Andover is the only community that has expressed an interest to be involved in that program. His Department would be funding half of that position in conjunction with the City of Andover. Mr. Erar stated the City's portion to fund that position is included in the 2002 proposed budget. Councilmember Jacobson understood Andover was not going to make a decision on the program until it found out what the other cities had decided. This plus the next item of the Sheriff's Police Contract Services comes to $97,000. He understood the school district can fund part of this. Mr. Erar stated he contacted Bob Otto from the school district, who has said their contribution for school police liaisons would be SO percent. Councilmember Trude asked if a decision has been made about the DARE program or similar programs in the elementary schools. Captain Andersohn stated no decision has been made. The funding has been cut, and they will not hear about the outcome of a grant application for funding until December. The data has shown that the overall effectiveness of the DARE program is not good, though it remains a popular program, especially with the parents. Captain Andersohn also explained that based on the amount of time deputies now spend in Andover on demand for services balancing with undedicated time, it is likely that another officer will be needed in another year. ->.- - - - -- -..,-- Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes - August 28, 2001 Page S (2002 Budget Message, Continued) Page 7, Parks: Mr. Erar noted the 2002 Budget proposes $40,000 to upgrade the existing playground structure at Wild Iris Park. Mr. Dickinson explained that the Park and Recreation Commission borrowed $7S,000 for the tunnel under Bunker Lake Boulevard, which is to be paid back over seven years. They have the option of using the levy or park dedication dollars to reimburse that amount. Commissioner English stated the cost of that project could potentially go up because of the site conditions. The Commission can opt to pay that debt off at one time if there is a surplus or they can spread it out over several years. He was very pleased with the $SO,OOO levy. They have $440,000 sitting in the park dedication fund that the Commission has been unable to agree on how to spend. He is of the opinion to spend it when they get it. Page 7, Civil Defense: Mr. Erar stated the 2002 Budget proposes $30,000 to replace two outdoor warning sirens with battery backup systems. Mr. Almgren stated over the next seven years, all of the sirens will be replaced with battery backup systems. A battery will last about five years. Page 7, Community Education Program Funding: The request ITom the Anoka-Hennepin Community Education program is $72,814 for the 2002 school year. This includes an additional amount for a coordinator at the Rum River Elementary School. The Council generally agreed the whole area of community education, the scheduling of athletic fields and a park coordinator needs further discussion. It was suggested that it be added to a future workshop agenda or possibly a task force should be appointed to review the issue. Commissioner English also stated depending on what sports facility is constructed, it more than likely will require an administrator to oversee it. One of the things the Commission talked about was that person having a dual role of managing the recreational center plus other needs within Park and Recreation. Page 7, Energy Cost Increases: Mr. Erar noted the 2002 Budget contains an increase of$39,OSO in natural gas expenditures. They under budgeted for that item in 200 I. Page 7, Anoka County Assessing: Mr. Dickinson stated the budget for 2001 underestimated assessing costs by about $12,000. Mr. Erar noted the increase for 2002 by $17,SOO, as the City continues to have more property that needs to be assessed. Page 8, Staffing: Mr. Erar noted the 2002 Budget includes the additional full-time position for a Fire Marshall plus an additional seasonal part-time position in Parks Management and one seasonal part- time position in Streets and Highways. The cost-of-living adjustment for Staff is proposed at three percent, representing approximately $61,901 for all City Departments. Page 8, Staff Performance, Retention and Recognition: Mr. Erar stated they did review the Stanton averages for a City the size of Andover. Most of the mid-management positions are well within the ranges of the Stanton survey. In his view, more of the senior management positions are the ones that have fallen behind and needs to be addressed. He is proposing $7,SOO in the budget in market adjustments to those positions to make sure they remain competitive. He is also proposing they conduct a market study. Also included in the budget is $2,2S0 for employee appreciation activities --- - - - _._~....-- -- Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes - August 28, 2001 Page 6 (2002 Budget Message, Continued) and $2,500 for a new pay-for-performance program to recognize outstanding employee performance. Councilmember Jacobson didn't think $2,500 for performance recognition is enough. He suggested adding enough to make it worth while to the employee. Mr. Erar assumed people don't make the extra effort primarily for money. He felt this is a step in the right direction of recognizing outstanding performance. Commissioner English suggested a time-off program rather than additional money or provide gift certificates instead. Mr. Erar appreciated the comments but felt as a governmental unit, the pay-for-performance is an accepted incentive program. Page 9, Fire Relief Association Contribution: Mr. Erar noted an increase from $850 to $875 per firefighter is being proposed in the 2002 Budget, which results in a cost of $6,250. Councilmember Jacobson noted the hourly rate for Andover's Firefighters is less than many other cities. He would be in favor of increasing that amount. He felt the City is comparable in the pension fund area but is behind in the hourly rate area. Mr. Erar stated he and the Chief are comfortable with the three- percent cost-of-living adjustment plus the increase toward the pension fund. He felt it would create a morale problem if the firefighters received more than the three-percent increase. Chief Winkel stated this was a total package. This year the contribution toward the pension fund was increased. Next year his intent is to bring forth more incentives such as longevity payor a step program for years served. The Council asked that they be provided with the details on the Fire Department budget and the supporting documentation. Pages I I and 13, Long-Term Fiscal Objectives: Mr. Erar reviewed the fiscal strategies used: I) Employ a strategy aimed at reducing the City's reliance on the property tax levy to fund basic City services through "sustainable" revenue sources; 2) Develop and use an appropriate cost accounting structure that will lead to the creation of individual cost centers for all City department activities to accurately reflect the true cost of providing specific services; 3) Develop work performance goals for each Department to ascertain and measure how each operating division contributes to the City's overall public service mission; 4) Develop a long-term financial model for long-term financial planning of how the City will continue to be assessing needs and issues and striving to be fiscally healthy; 5) Maintain aggressive and appropriate investment of idle City funds to maximize the generation of interest income yet ensure an adequate cash flow.; 6) Greater reliance on technology to enhance employee productivity; 7) Adopt a financial philosophy that seeks to spread the cost of significant capital outlay expenditures over an extended period of time to ensure that current and future taxpayers share equally in underwriting the cost; 8) Involve all employees in the process of re-engineering the work environment; and 9) Continually review opportunities to form partnerships with neighboring communities. Councilmember Jacobson felt that some of these are policies that the Council needs to discuss. Pages 13-17, Executive Summary: Me. Erar noted a special budgetary issue is that of storm sewer operations, with the general fund budget currently underwriting $126,299 for the costs of maintaining the storm sewer infrastructure. He suggested a review of alternate funding sources should be examined by the Council at a future meeting. He also noted that with the loss of local govemment aid resulting in an increase in the City's tax levy, overall the residents should see a reduction in their taxes because the State is now funding the schools. Mr. Erar recognized Mr. --- - -- ~·4_ - -- Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes - August 28, 2001 Page 7 (2002 Budget Message, Continued) Dickinson and his Staff as well as the management team in their efforts to put forth the 2002 proposed General Fund Budget. Councilmember Knight wanted to know how the tax bill of the residents will be affected by the county. He had a concern approving this budget without knowing what the county will do. Mr. Dickinson stated the City must certifY to the county by September 15. At that time, he will be able to calculate the total tax bill on homes of various valuations. He stated he will produce that document as soon as he has all the figures needed. Councilmember Orttel suggested that should also be put in the City's newsletter. FISCAL REVIEW Mr. Dickinson noted the handout from the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, which indicates what the legislature did to the tax capacity computations relating to the property tax classifications. Andover's tax capacity value for 2002 will be 17.22 percent less than that in 2001 even though new growth is computed to be 12 percent. There is also a shift from commercial/industrial to residential properties. For residential properties, there is a shift from the higher valued homes to the lower valued homes. The bottom line is the City experienced a growth but the valuation is reducing. The result is the proposed tax capacity rate for 2002 is 34.814, up rrom 22.564 in 2001 and 22.781 in 2000. Mr. Dickinson noted the proposed budget is not the maximum levy allowed. It is under by $106,786. In reviewing the breakdown for the personal services expenditures, Mr. Dickinson noted the reallocation of workers' compensation from the unallocated account. It also includes the cost ofthe new employees. Councilmember Trude noted a 76 percent increase in professional services on Page 204 of the budget. Mr. Dickinson stated that is a reclassification of community schools. The Council generally didn't like that classification, thinking it should be a separate one. Mr. Dickinson stated he would leave it under professional services, but will create a separate item for community schools for internal accounting. Mr. Dickinson then reviewed the General Fund balance analysis. Allowing $41,682 to be added back to the balance results in a General Fund balance of 34 percent. Mr. Erar noted the critics of high General fund balances want the cities to spend down the stockpiles of money instead of raising taxes for expenses. He agrees. The 34 percent is half of the projected revenues from taxes and is needed to pay for expenses until those tax revenues are received from the county. Mr. Dickinson stated yes there are other funds with fund balances. The only place that carries large amounts of money is in the debt service funds, but that money is dedicated to pay down the debt. - - -- -- ~--... Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes - August 28, 2001 Page 8 COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONS CounciJmember Trude was concerned that the overall Public Works budget is reduced considerably from last year. She also noted the water fund took a big hit. Mr. Erar slated that is the result in the shift of the projects to the Road and Bridge fund. Mr. Dickinson explained the transfers in focused on the overhead items in the water fund. Those would not affect the funding of a water treatment plant. Councilmember Trude questioned the expenditure of $117,000 for the Recycling Department, spending more than what is received in fees. She hoped the City is getting everything done that it wants. Mr. Erar stated the City pays for the recycling material to be hauled away. A lot of those dollars are offset by the SCORE funds received by the City which pays for the staffing component of the program. The t-shirts and lunches are provided for the volunteers on Recycling Days. Those volunteers work hard for no pay. He understood the tonnage increases every year. He thought the operation is done well. Councilmember Trude asked about the reallocation of charges from elsewhere for the Human Resources Department. Mr. Erar noted training and other items were reallocated to this Department. Also, that person doesn't have all the knowledge and abilities related to training, so some additional dollars may need to be spent. There are specific outside resources that can come in for such things as customer service. About $5,000 to $6,000 is budgeted for consultants over and above the Human Resources Manager. CounciJmember Jacobson noted about $130,000 is proposed to be spent on legal fees. He wondered if it is time to look at an attorney on staff. It seems to be to the point of considering something different. Mr. Erar stated he has talked with other cities, and this figure is within the range of costs for legal services. Several months ago he did talk with Attorney Hawkins about a retainer type agreement for 2002. The attorney would be providing all services for a specific amount. An advantage is that Staff and the Council can talk to him when issues arise without being charged by the minute. The amount reflects about $120,000 per year based on a retainer. Councilmember Jacobson suggested that the City levy the maximum at this time. It can always be reduced, though he didn't think the Council has ever reduced it in the past. He was concerned that with all the legislative changes this year, that the City not get caught with a shortfall. Levying to the maximum would provide a cushion. He also agreed that the issue of storm water utilities should be discussed at an upcoming work session plus the funding of the water treatment plant. In addition, when the new positions proposed in the 2002 budget are being filled, he asked that the Council be made aware that Staff is starting that process. Communication is the issue. Mr. Erar stated the Council will be kept updated on these items. There was some discussion on Councilmember Jacobson's suggestion to levy the maximwn amount at this time. Councilmember Trude agreed because the budget will be fixed before they do their goal setting. What if there are additional costs for the new high school? Mr. Erar stated given the intensity of review of the proposed budget at the Staff level, he would argue against the increase. It would be _.- - - -- ~ -.... -- Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes -August 28, 2001 Page 9 (Council Discussion and Questions, Continued) levying more than the dollars needed to manage the operations of the City. If the Council wishes to appropriate more dollars toward an item, it comes back to them for approval and the funds would come out of the fund balance. He didn't think the City had any more obligations toward the new high school. Councilmember Orttel felt the object of a budget is to set goals and then live by them. The City always levies to the limit and doesn't spend one dime less. He felt this is a tremendous effort by the Staff, and he saw no reason to go over that amount. Mayor Gamache agreed with the Staff and saw no reason to levy more than what is being recommended. Councilmember Knight felt the public will be surprised by their tax bills. He preferred to keep the budget lean. After further discussion, there was no consensus to increase the levy to the maximum. Councilmember Trude asked about funding for the aquatic center that will be requested by the county. Mr. Erar stated those dollars would have to be determined. He thought the county is looking at the 2003 time frame. The funding of a sports facility would be separate from the General Fund. Commissioner English stated he has attended the committee for a regional sports facility. One of the things everyone is struggling with is costs, what it will look like, etc. They would like the final drafts ready to go as soon as the City Council has the final input. That involves costs. His recommendation is so that the committee can move forward that the Park and Recreation Commission offer park dedication funds of about $20,000. It would be a show of support. Everyone wants to see a quality product that provides good information to everyone. Or possibly a budget item should be considered at this time. Mr. Erar stated it may be a bit premature until the survey comes back and it is determined whether or not the community supports this. Councilmember Orttel also felt the location of the facility should be determined first. Mr. Dickinson stated if necessary, money could be taken from the reserve without affecting the levy. That way the committee will feel that the City and the Council are making the commitment. After further discussion, the Council generally agreed to wait until the results of the survey are known. They also assured Commissioner English that ifit moves forward, the sports facility would be very professionally done and will probably be a function of the finances available. DISCUSS TRUTH-IN-TAXATION MEETING Mr. Erar noted the Council is not required to hold a Truth-in- Taxation hearing. Council generally felt the public should be given an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed 2002 Budget, but deliberated whether a public hearing should be held, whether it should be done at a regular meeting, whether an informational meeting should be held or whether the residents should be invited to come to City Hall to review the documents and talk with Staff. After further discussion, there was some agreement to have an informational meeting held at the Staff level, though Councilmembers were encouraged to attend. Another option would be to hold a special Council meeting on the budget. It was also suggested that as much information as possible be communicated to the residents via the newsletter, WEB site and cable TV. p- - - -- -- Andover Special City Council Workshop Minutes -August 28, 2001 Page 10 MOVE ITEM TO SEPTEMBER 4, 1001 COUNCIL MEETING The Council agreed to act on a formal Resolution to certifY the levy as proposed at the regular Council meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 200 I. In addition, they agreed to schedule a Truth-in- Taxation informational meeting or a special Council meeting. Councilmember Jacobson asked that the information on the fIrefighters' salaries be provided and discussed prior to certifYing the levy. Mr. Erar and several Councilmembers indicated again that the rates were based on the three-percent cost- of-living adjustment and that the Department wants to look at longevity, retention and recruitment issues for the following year. OTHER BUSINESS New ball field taskforce meeting - Councilmember Knight received a notice there is a meeting of the Ball Field Task Force. The school board has sent the agreement back regarding the new ball fields. They do not agree to pay to run the electricity to the fields. It is a cost of approximately $7,000. Councilmember Jacobson stated he would look into the costs to run the electricity to the fields. Update of Rum River Elementary School- Chief Winkel updated the Council on the inspections being done by the Fire Department and Building Department so the new Rum River Elementary School can open. They have an open house on Thursday. Everything seems to be falling into place. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Orttel, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 p.m. R:;:~ ~cella A. Peach Recording Secretary ..- - - - - - - -.- -- -.-- -