HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of Budget Workshop March 23, 2009.pdf
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Minutes of Budget Workshop
March 23, 2009
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees
Present: Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Bors, Collyer, Donner, Szekely, Riesman, and Staley, Supt.
Cross, Fire Supt. Tamborelle, Police Chief Boyce, Treasurer Silber, Clerk Manning
Absent: Ass’t Supt. Frisbie
Others: Anita Watkins, Kate Supron, Bob Andolina
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Mayor Gilmore opened the meeting at 5:15 pm explaining that this was a budget workshop.
The Mayor introduced Treasurer Silber, who explained that this was a working session with no
action to be taken. He then explained the budget timetable as prescribed by Village Law.
The Trustees then discussed the issue of compensation for the Cayuga Heights Fire Dept.
Assistant Chiefs. Fire Supt. Tamborelle spoke how compensation for these leadership
positions would create an incentive for individuals to take the courses necessary to become
assistant chiefs. Tamborelle spoke to Steve Estes of Tompkins County Personnel, and Estes is
trying to come up with a generic job description that will make the job non-competitive. There
was discussion about municipal fire departments, and the responsibilities they entail. The
possibility to invite John Galligan of NYCOM back for another seminar was also discussed.
Galligan has presented his seminar on municipal administration of a volunteer fire department
to the Village of Cayuga Heights in the past.
Supt. Tamborelle assured the trustees that he is planning to be Chief for another three years, and
is looking forward to be sure the department is strong and ready when he does leave.
Trustee Riesman took a minute out of the budget discussion to congratulate Anita Watkins, who
was in the audience, and is being honored at the City Federation Women's Organization's event
next Thursday, March 26 for my her work in the Campus Club ESL program - one of 9 local
women being recognized. The Board congratulated Ms. Watkins on this accomplishment.
Attorney Marcus advised the Board that they could open the floor to everyone in the room for
discussion on the budget.
Move by Trustee Szekely
Seconded by Trustee Riesman
Motion to invite the entire audience to discuss the budget at this informal work session.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Bors, Collyer, Donner, Riesman, Staley and Szekely voted YES.
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Treasurer Silber distributed a copy of the Assessor’s Report, which by law now has to be
attached to the budget. No action needs to be taken on this. He then went over the budget line
by line. He explained the columns on the right hand side of the budget, simply put, 1st column is
the department request, 2nd column is the budget officer’s figures, and the 3rd column is the
board’s figures. Mayor Gilmore discussed his request for administrative help vs. Supt. Cross
wish for technical help. Trustee Riesman stated that a specific job description should be
discussed before any new position is approved.
The budget must be approved by May 1, 2009, or the tentative budget will go into effect.
There was some brief discussion on the number of trustees on village committees, i.e. Public
Safety, Public Works and Finance. There was a agreement that two trustees would be on each
committee, and the Mayor would not serve on the committees.
Move by Trustee Szekely
Seconded by Trustee Bors
Motion to adjourn the budget work session at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Bors, Collyer, Donner, Riesman, Staley and Szekely voted YES.