July 2009 Council Mtg.

Issue 1: Approval of the preliminary budget.

Rule 1: Each year by October 1st the City Council must pass a budget for the City. From the preliminary budget to adoption of the final budget, the amount cannot increase.

Analysis 1: I voted in favor of the preliminary budget because I think it's a step in the right direction. It decreases the budget over last year and puts more money towards roads. This is a good time to be constructing infrastructure because the costs are cheaper than we've experienced in recent history.

Conclusion 1: I voted to approve the preliminary budget.

Issue 2: Whether to vote to preserve the historic train depot.

Rule 2: The train depot was recently shut down by Amtrak. The City would like to make sure that the historic train depot is not demolished.

Conclusion 2: I voted to support the preservation of the historic train depot.