The Lisbon city council tabled any action on window tints or shades at Lisbon City Hall until reviewing more of the city budget.
Council member Mike Williams had sought out quotes for blinds or other treatments to the windows after witnessing the glare that can come during the winter months.
City administrator Brandon Siggins said during certain times of day, glare can lead to it being hard to see anyone approaching city hall.
Adding to the glare issue is the installation of COVID shields to help protect city employees.
Council member Nathan Smith balked at the price point of $5,000 for tints to the windows or for blinds.
“I’d hate to spend $5,000 for us to address an issue that’s only around for people for maybe two days every few years,” Smith said.
Another issue was the amount of heat that might be missed from use of any solar shade, especially during the winter months.
The Lisbon City council set Jan. 9, 2023, as a date for public hearings on the ATV/UTV and golf cart ordinances in the city of Lisbon. The ordinances are being changed to address language changes made at the state level.
First budget presentations made
The first budget presentations by groups were made at the Dec. 12 Lisbon City Council meeting.
The Lisbon Library was for roughly the same amount as this fiscal year, with a proposed $360 increase overall. The budget did seek an increase for salaries of staff, but that increase was offset by reducing the building maintenance fund by roughly $10,000 this year, as the major repairs to the west wall have been completed.
The cemetery budget had a $19,000 minor equipment request for a new GIS program at the cemetery. That funding will come out of Local Option Sales and Service tax revenues. A slight increase for grounds maintenance to cover increased mowing expenses was proposed in the budget as well, which made most of the $53,000 budget for the service. Council asked about the trees along the cemetery suggested by Faye Alger. City administrator Brandon Siggins said he will ask the tree board to come up with suggestions and present them at a coming budget session for the city.
On economic development, Joe Jennison with Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group requested $6,000, no change from his budget over the last several years. There is also $5,000 in Business Enhancement Lisbon grant program that is offered annually from the fund, comprising an $11,000 investment.
The tree maintenance budget was reduced this year, due to the ash trees currently in the community all looking healthy according to public works director Travis Bagby. The community lost a significant amount of ash trees following the derecho, going from 105 to roughly 20 that still exist in the road right of ways. The city is applying for a Trees Forever grant to plant more trees again this year, and knows that there is a chance more trees will be impacted with the upcoming water main project.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department budget is proposing a three percent increase this year and next year. That will help the department cover the increased costs of salaries for officers. Police chief Doug Shannon explained that he was looking to keep the rates fair and consistent for the City of Lisbon. That increase amounts roughly $10,000 more than the current budget.