ACCOUNT OPENED WITH BUDGET SURPLUS
Your Council recently passed a resolution authorizing the Finance Director, Marian Delaney to open a new Capital Reserve Account with budget surpluses. $53,946 was deposited into this Capital Reserve Account and set aside for future capital investments and begins to replace the reserves (savings) spent on the Municipal Complex construction last year. This amount results from an excess of revenues over the Council approved expenses in the FY 2004-5 budget. More contributions to this Account are expected in the next 60 days. A Finance Committee was established last July consisting of Finance Director, Marian Delaney, Finance Council Liaison Gen Miller and City Treasurer, Janet Carlin to review all expenses every two weeks of each of the operating departments. For more information, call any member of the Finance Committee at 322-9801.
$135,000 MORE FOR HOMELAND SECURITY
Police Chief, Kevin McDerby, has secured a $135,000 grant from the Federal Homeland Security Agency for equipment for the NC PD. Much of this grant will be used to purchase protective gear, such as ballistic vests and shields, facemasks and HAZMAT gear. A new phone recording system, new 800 megahertz radios, and new auto lap top computers will be purchased also. This equipment and grant is in addition to the Public Works Homeland Security Grant reported last week. While these grants are available to municipalities, we need to recognize and thank Chief McDerby for his initiative and results in securing this important funding for our public safety. For more information, please call the Chief at 322-9800 or email him at KMcDerby@newcastlepd.state.de.us
SAFETY COMMITTEE TO BE FORMED
A safety committee is being formed with members from the City management team and City employees to promote and improve safety in the work place. The goal of this task force is to help to develop policy and procedure for safety and to move safe practices to the forefront of operating procedure. If you would like more information about this, please call Finance/HR Director Marian Delaney at 322-9811 or email at mdelaney113@newcastlecity.org
CALL 322-9813 – 24/7 FOR CODE VIOLATIONS
Your Council passed legislation recently to create an Office of Code Enforcement and has funded a part time position to address property code violations throughout the City. A phone number and 24-hour message center have been set for complaints and information. This effort is designed to “partner” with the community with code enforcement activities. Citizens are urged to call the Code Enforcement number to alert Code Officials to potential violations and anonymous calls are welcome. Callers are asked to report the address and possible violation. Approximately 200 code violations have been serviced so far with most violations solved without court action. Studies show that property maintenance issues affect property values and public safety. A detailed report is submitted monthly and available at the City offices. A Code Enforcement brochure outlining typical code violations is planned in the spring. The Public Service Department will have this Code Official position open in February due to a transfer of the current Official. Interested citizens should apply at the City offices. Please call Jim Weldin at 323-6089 or email jimweldin@newcastlecity.org for more information.
