Representatives from CopSync gave Llano City Council a presentation on the services they provide to law enforcement officers.

According to the presentation, CopSync is a comprehensive software program that allows officers to perform duties such as paperwork with greater ease as well as allowing instant access to records that are normally retrieved by calling dispatch. The program gives officers the ability to share information between agencies that utilize it, including issuing alerts in emergency situations, such as abductions.

The system includes a laptop, printer, card swiper for swiping driver licenses, and a data card which allows access to the system wherever cell towers are located. In addition to all of the hardware, the program utilizes GPS which tracks officers in squad cars on a map and includes the direction and speed of travel.

According to the representative, no Llano County agencies currently use the system, but Mason, Brady, Burnet County and all of the Concho Valley area agencies do.

Community Development Director Doris Messer addressed the Council, presenting her proposed FY 2012-2013 Budget. She outlined her goals for the coming year, including attending more trade shows, concentrating on increasing the workforce in Llano, visiting with businesses, and producing marketing packages for prospective businesses for the City.

Council discussed suggested revisions to the Sign Ordinance, specifically regarding electronic signage and electronic scrolling signage.

The draft outlines size restrictions for the signs, as well as the frequency with which the signs can be changed. Alderwoman Jeanne Puryear expressed concern regarding a clause in the draft that would limit sign changes to only once within a 24 hour period. Alderwoman Kelli Tudyk agreed, and council suggested expanding the number of times the sign could be changed. Mayor Mike Reagor recommended that the proposed ordinance be run by the city’s legal counsel prior to consideration.

The first reading of the budget of the Llano Economic Development Corporation was approved, but will not be final until a second reading before the Council.

LEDC Board President Jim Thomas was present to explain the budget. Total expected revenue for the year is $289,610. The majority, $210,000 will come from sales tax based on a quarter cent sales tax and interest, with an additional $10,000 coming from the sale of 1.6 acres of the 88 acres owned by the LEDC to John and Tracy Neff and the sale of 47 acres to Wootan for the amount of installments of $21,500 over the next five years with a final balloon payment at the end of that time.

Expenditures for the LEDC include payment of two bonds in the amount of $228,310, projects including Downtown Planters, LanTex Theater Maintenance and Main Street Facade and Restoration Grants.

Two-Pro Golf Management came before Council for approval of the purchase of projects and equipment exceeding $2,500, as per their contract. The proposed purchases will not increase the budget; funds already allocated to the golf course will be used.

Two-Pro representatives told Council that after evaluating and prioritizing needs, a spray rig, to be used to spread fertilizer as well as other necessary products to maintain the course, was at the top of the list. A new spray rig would cost approximately $27,000; leasing the rig would cost $650 per month for 48 months with a $1 buyout at the end of the contract. The total cost of the lease would be $31,200 plus the $1 buyout, which is $4,200 more than purchasing the equipment, however, Two-Pro told Council that leasing the equipment would provide maintenance when needed.

In addition to the spray rig, Two-Pro suggested that they be allowed to sod all of the courses bunkers at a cost of $3500. Disrepair of the bunkers and the cost to fix and then maintain were the reasons for the suggestion. Two-Pro said that after the bunkers were sodded, the grass would be cut to a height of four inches, giving a half stroke handicap, similar to a bunker.

While Two-Pro believes that the change would benefit the course long-term, however, course members have expressed concerns with the elimination of all bunkers.

The course has 22 bunkers, eleven of which are completely overgrown. The remaining eleven could be salvaged, with a lot of work, according to Two-Pro. Council suggested that a reasonable number of bunkers not be sodded, allowing for a compromise.

Departmental Budget Hearings will be held Thursday, July 19 at City Hall.