Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1996-10-24 - Budget Meeting BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. OCTOBER 24, 1996 MINUTES Present: �t Committee Members: Shenk, Efroymson, Thorpe, Mackesey, Marcham Other Alderpersons Present: Blumenthal, Sams Others Present: Mayor Cohen City Controller Cafferillo Deputy Controller Thayer Acting Police Chief Barnes Deputy Bldg. Commissioner Radke Supt. of Public Works Gray Members of the media/public ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Opening Comments: Chairperson Shenk stated that the following changes were made to the agenda: 1 . Additional DPW item related to Snow Removal 2 . Additional items related to CDRC Funding 3 . Additional item related to neighborhood trash clean-up program 2 . Finance/Controller - Approval of 1995 Single Audit Report Jack Little, partner from the CPA firm of Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little and Mickelson, discussed the City' s 1995 external audit report with the Committee. Mr. Little discussed various aspects of the City financial activity for 1995. A Comparison Balance Sheet was reviewed for the period of 1991 to 1995. Mr. Little stated that the City' s report is clean and the City' s financial position is stable. After a discussion regarding the report, the following motion was made: 1 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 RESOLVED, That the Single Audit Report for the period of January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995, prepared by the accounting firm of Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little and Mickelson, C.P.A. ' s, be accepted to comply with all of the City' s applicable Federal Single Audit and related Audit Requirements. S The motion passed 5-0. 3. Common Council A. West-End Business Association Sub-Committee City Controller Cafferillo reported that the sub-committee for the West-End Businesses met and discussed various topics related to the west end and the construction. The following items were discussed: Can the City reduce or abate city taxes for property owners in the west end. The City cannot reduce or abate property taxes to the west end property owners . Legislation would have to be passed to change the taxes . - State Senator Seward and State Assemblyman Luster will be placing grant requests for parking and traffic calming in the amount of $500, 000. The Committee discussed the report items, but took no action. The sub-committee will give further reports as necessary. B. Zeigler Financial Feasibility Study Discussion The Committee was given an update on the IPAC ownership situation, and the proposal for a financial feasibility study. John Schroeder, Richard Driscoll and a member of the Grass Roots Festival were on hand for the discussion. Schroeder explained that the Zeigler study would accomplish some of the following items: - Business plan for old debt. - The number and type of personnel at the theater. - A budget proposal for the theater. - The study should be owned by the entities paying for the study. - Assessment of the building condition. 2 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 He .explained that the study proposal needs to be discussed in detail by the possible owners during the next month and brought back for funding. Schroeder stated that the study may cost up to $30, 000, depending on the scope. A discussion followed regarding the physical condition of the theater. Deputy Building Commissioner Radke cited the following problems with the State Theater: New boiler needed - estimated cost of $30,000 . New roof needed - estimated cost of $100,000. She felt that the building should be secure before a financial study is performed. The majority of the Committee felt the City would be willing to put at least $5,000, but not more than $10,000, into the study. The B & A Committee stated that the Client Committee should strive for a feasibility study less than $30, 000. The Committee selected Alderperson Mackesey to serve on the Client Committee. No action was taken. The item will be discussed again at next month' s meeting. 4. Affirmative Action Committee - Proposal for Diversification Program Administrator Deputy Building Commissioner Radke discussed the Affirmative Action Report and the need for a Diversification Program Administrator with the Committee. Radke stated that the Affirmative Action report identified the Personnel Department as a weak department in terms of personnel. The Personnel Department has lost two employees, and is in need of a Diversification Program. Administrator position. Radke also stated that a committee should examine the Personnel Department and look at various ways to reconfigure it. The diversification position should be an individual with experience and training in this area to assist all City departments. A discussion regarding the issue followed. The Committee felt that the 1997 Budget should include a position dedicated to diversification for City employees and also coordinate the associated training. No formal action was taken. 5 . Finance/Controller A. Request Authorization to Cover Red Accounts City Controller Cafferillo presented a request to cover the year end overdrawn accounts with remaining funds from other accounts. He stated that this was an annual resolution. 3 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: RESOLVED, That the City Controller be empowered to make transfers within the 1996 Budget appropriations, as needed, for the remainder of the 1996 Fiscal Year. The motion passed 5-0. B. Equalization Rates Report City Controller Cafferillo reported that the State Board of Equalization and Assessment has tentatively agreed to allow Tompkins County to have a single equalization rate, which is a change from the current rates. Currently, the rates are different from municipality to municipality, and affect the local school tax amounts. Cafferillo explained the equalization rate to the Committee. He stated that the annual dollar value varies from year to year, but last year it would have been estimated at $350,000. Future reports will be given if necessary. C. Transit Budget Report Deputy Controller Thayer reported that TCAT, formerly ITTC, is in the process of transit consolidation, which includes the consolidation of budgets for the owners : Tompkins County, City of Ithaca, and Cornell. Thayer explained that the transit budget committee has established a tentative consolidated budget slightly over $5,000, 000. He stated that the City will need to commit to a certain budget value for transit in 1997 and beyond. He stated that for 1997, the overall City contribution to TCAT will not increase from 1996 . Thayer noted that when the actual TCAT consolidated budget is adopted, he will put together a memo explaining the funding. After a discussion regarding the issue, no formal action was taken. 6. Common Council A. Request to Release Contingency Funds for City Neighborhood Trash Program The B & A Committee has received requests from city neighborhoods to participate in the City' s trash program, which allows neighborhoods to receive free trash tags to clean up the city. It was noted that $5, 000 was placed in the 1996 Budget restricted contingency account for the purpose of funding City Neighborhood Programs . 4 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 After a discussion regarding the item, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, Common Council placed $5,000 in the 1996 Restricted Contingency Account to fund various City Neighborhood Programs, and WHEREAS, Common Council is requesting that the City Neighborhood trash clean-up program be funded again at $1,000 to assist in the beautification of the city, and WHEREAS, the established City trash program allows city residents to voluntarily pick up trash in the neighborhoods, and receive free trash tags from the City for the trash collected; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That $1,000 be transferred from Account A1990 Restricted Contingency to Account A1490-5435 Public Works Administration Contracts to fund said City Neighborhood Trash Program. The motion passed 5-0. B. 1997 Budget Meeting Schedule The Committee discussed the 1997 Budget meeting schedule, and the following schedule was approved: November 7th 8 :30 P.M. November 12th 7 :30 P.M. November 14th 7 :30 P.M. November 19th 7 : 30 P.M. November 20th 7 : 30 P.M. November 25th 7 :30 P.M. C. Human Services Coalition/CDRC Review Process The B & A Committee discussed the 1997 budget review process for the Human Services Coalition and the CDRC. It was noted that these two agencies are now removed from the Other Service Agencies review and funding process . The Committee discussed the issue and recommended that a sub-committee be formed to review the Human Services Coalition and the CDRC 1997 Budget requests, and then submit a budget recommendation to the Mayor. No formal vote was taken. 5 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 7 . DPW A. Request Funds for Upgraded Signal at Route 13/Commercial Avenue Intersection G City Controller Cafferillo reported that the County has requested verification of, the Central Processing Facility' s impact on the intersection at Route 13 and Commercial Avenue. City Traffic Engineer Cole is evaluating the intersection and the frequency of accidents prior to, and after the CPF was built. Further review and evaluation by the Traffic Engineer will take place, and the results will be sent to the County. B. 1997 Water and Sewer Rates Controller Cafferillo reported that the Board of Public Works approved the 1997 Water and Sewer Rates, which will be included in the 1997 Budget. He stated the rates for 1997 were as follows: Water Rates: $1. 69 per 100 cu. ft. - an increase of 10% from 1996 . Sewer Rates: $1 .70 per 100 cu. ft. - the rate remains the same as 1996 . Cafferillo explained that the rates are approved early to allow consumers to be notified prior to consumption. The first quarter 1997 rates are based on consumption of water and sewer for the fourth quarter of 1996 . The water rates are increasing based on anticipated future construction costs related to a new water plant. The sewer and joint activity rates will remain the same or lower for 1997 due to strong reserve funds. A discussion regarding the water rates followed. No formal action was taken. C. Request to Amend 1996 DPW Budget for Snow Removal A request to transfer $22,000 from various DPW accounts to the Snow Removal account was presented. A review of the Snow Removal account revealed that additional funds were needed to cover the November and December normal winter weather conditions. After a brief discussion regarding the accounts, the following motion was made: 6 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works has reviewed the DPW Snow Removal accounts for 1996 and has determined that to insure the proper funds are distributed within the Snow Removal accounts to cover normal November and December winter conditions, a transfer of funds is required, and WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works is recommending a $22,000 transfer be made within the DPW 1996 Budget to cover the Salt and Cinder and Equipment Parts accounts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 1996 DPW Budget be amended by the approval of the following transfers to cover various snow removal accounts: Increase Appropriations Accounts: A5142-5477 Snow Removal Parts $ 9,000 A5142-5484 Snow Removal Salt 13,000 $22,000 Decrease Appropriations Accounts : A5111-5486 Maintenance of Roads Curbs & Gutters $13,000 A5111-5487 Maintenance of Roads Machine Paving 5,000 A8745-5483 Flood & Erosion Construction Supplies 4,000 $22,000 8. Boards and Commissions Chairperson Shenk handed out a listing of City Boards and Commissions. Shenk stated that the Committee should review the list and determine what Boards and Commissions have staff or need staff. This item will be discussed in December. No action was taken. 9 . Committee to Proceed into Executive Session The Committee voted, 5-0, to move into executive session to discussion personnel and contract items . 10. Report from Executive Session After the Committee voted, 5-0, to move back into regular session, Chairperson Shenk reported that the following action took place in executive session: 7 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1996 A. Personnel Item - DPW Transit The Mayor discussed a personnel item involving transit with the Committee. No action was taken. B. Youth Development Funding The Mayor discussed an item relating to City/County Funding of Youth Development Services with the Committee. No action was taken; it will be discussed again during the 1997 Budget. C. Police Contract Status City Controller Cafferillo gave the Committee a status update on the Police Contract. No action was taken. The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M. NOTE: In many cases the actual texts of the resolutions presented in these minutes were prepared following the Committees deliberations and decisions on the matters involved. The resolutions presented here are in complete accord with decisions made by the Committee. V � 8