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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1989-03-30 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING 7 : 30 P.M. MARCH 30, 1989 PRESENT: Committee Members: Schlather, Hoffman, Killeen, Cummings, Romanowski OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Controller - Cafferillo Police Chief - McEwen Fire Chief - Olmstead Acting Personnel Administrator - Walker- Alderperson - Lytel Alderperson - Nichols Supt. of Public Works - Dougherty Building Commissioner - Datz City Engineer - Gray Youth Bureau Director - Cohen B.P.W. Commissioner - Reeves Negotiator - Dennis 1 . TOMPKINS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL Alderperson Lytel presented a resolution requesting that the $5,000 allocated for the United Arts Fund be used by the Arts Council for operating support in 1989 . Representative of the Arts Council Anne Jones disclosed that a comprehensive plan would be established by May 1 , for the remainder of operations during 1989 . Subsequent to that, a plan of activities for fiscal year 1990 would be prepared. Following discussion, the Committee voted 5 - 0 to allow the $5, 000 to be used as proposed. 2 . HALF-TIME HOUSING INSPECTOR FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT The Building Commissioner requested that $8,000 appropriated in the 1989 Budget (A3620-435 Contractual Services) , be reallocated to Staff Salaries for the purpose of hiring William Luce, Jr. , a retired Housing Inspector, on a half-time basis. Although the $8,000 disclosed above may not sustain this position for the balance of 1989 , Building Commissioner Datz felt that the neces- sary dollars would be available within existing appropriations. Following discussion by the Committee Members, the vote was 5 - 0 . 3 . STANDARDIZATION OF FIRE FIGHTER UNIFORMS Chief Olmstead presented information relative to standardizing uniforms with one manufacturer on a per item basis. Police Chief McEwen also discussed the pros and cons of standardization, but on a differing basis. Chief Olmstead disclosed that the designation would be reviewed and enacted on an annual basis to avoid complacency on the part of the Company chosen, while prices would be obtained from several venders to insure that the lowest possible price would be obtained. A vote of 5 - 0 was cast, following discussion. MARCH 30 , 1989 -2- 4 . PARKING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM The Superintendent of Public Works and Chief of Police discussed the merits of increased enforcement of other than over-time meter parking violations. Based on considerable debate at the Board of Public Works , both Departments agree that the Police Department is better equipped to operate this function. The Police Chief stated that no new vehicle would be required as a recycled police car would be used. The amount proposed: A 3120-100 Personal Services (9 mo. of $12 ,591) or $9 ,443 A 3120-400 Other Costs 3 ,557 Total $13 ,000 This amount was approved from additional revenue estimated from Traffic Violations fines ($13 ,000) . The program would commence as soon as an enforcement officer could be hired. Approved by Committee vote of 5 - 0 . 5 . DISCUSSION - CITY OWNED PROPERTY Supt. Jack Dougherty presented a program which would be conducted on a contract basis by retired D.P.W. employee Charley Barber. Step 1 of the proposal provides for a list of all City owned property and its existing use , plus other property evaluations . This function is estimated at an amount not to exceed $600 . Step II was discussed, but action on Step II was deferred until completion and presentation of Step I work. The cost and magni- tude of Step II will also be re-examined. Step I appropriation will be taken from funds already available within D.P.W. Budget allocations. No formal action required. 6 . STEWART AVE. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT #219 City Engineer Gray presented information relative to revised construction estimates prepared by Modjeski and Masters Engineers. Current estimates project a maximum cost of $500 ,000 to complete design and construction requirements. Mr . Gray also disclosed that New York State Department of Transportation was willing to reallocate up to $100 ,000 originally earmarked for reconstruction of the Thurston Ave Bridge to this purpose. The revised finan- cial plan was presented as follows: Current funds (Capital Reserve #4) $ 20 ,000 State Aid 100 ,000 Financed by Bond Anticipation Notes 380 ,000 Total $500 ,000 City Engineer also stated that the Thurston Ave project would be deferred to 1990 to prevent traffic problems. Following discus- sion, motion was approved by a 5 - 0 margin. MARCH 30 , 1989 -3- 7 . SENIOR ACCOUNT CLERK TYPIST POSITION - D.P.W. Superintendent of Public Works explained the change in roster positions, deleting one micro computer operator and creating a Senior Account Clerk Typist. He proposed that Cynthia Percey be permanently appointed to said position at an annual salary of $14 ,981 on the 40 hour CSEA Administrative work week compensation schedule effective April 10 , 1989 . Approved 5-0 . 8 . DENTAL PROGRAM AVAILABILITY TO RETIREES Art Santora, representing retired employees, requested exten- sion of dental benefits to retired employees at their own expense . Dental benefits would be handled on a consistent basis with other health insurance benefits currently available. Resolution was adopted 5 - 0 . 9 . LEGAL SERVICES FOR ARBITRATION HEARING In Executive Session the City Attorney apprised the Committee of an impending Personnel related arbitration hearing . After an approval to return from Executive Session, a resolution committing an amount not to exceed $5,000 from Unrestricted Contingency to be transferred to A1420-430 was approved by a 5 - 0 vote. 10 . SECOND ICE RINK DISCUSSION Andy Sciarabba representing the Community Recreation Center Association discussed the status of the project . Chairman Schlather suggested a committee comprised of himself, Andy Sciarabba, Ralph Nash, Dominick Cafferillo, John Wilson, Dick Booth, will meet to hammer out terms and conditions of an agreement. The first meeting was tentatively set for April 15 , 1989 with a draft document to be presented at our April meeting (no formal action taken) . 11 . PROPOSED INCREASES IN RECREATION FEES Youth Bureau Director proposed a new rate schedule for recre- ation programs at Cass Park and for Summer Camp Activities. Question was raised by the Committee, with regard to fees charged to children under 12 , which were not increased. It was suggested that a 25 cent increase be considered, as well as individual and family membership rates . (no action required) . March 30 , 1989 4- 12 . INCREASED FUND FOR ACQUISITION OF YOUTH BUREAU VAN Youth Bureau Director explained the need for an additional $1 ,510 equipment required for securing non-standard wheel- chairs, coupled with a price increase unavailable at the time of original estimate, caused the difference . The additional funds were appropriated from Unrestricted Contingency by a vote of 5 - 0 . 13 . EXECUTIVE UNIT REQUEST FOR INCLUSION IN DENTAL PROGRAM Paul Mazzarella, speaking on behalf of the Executive Unit, presented views of various members relative to two options: A. Inclusion in the Program at no cost to individual members . B. Coverage optional to member, with full payment made on a monthly basis by each member ($12 .50 per month) . The Committee discussed the ramifications of extending this benefit without collective bargaining, as it relates to those units which won this benefit at the table. The ultimate de- cision was to allow the Labor Management Health Committee to examine the issue , and bring back a recommendation for the April B & A meeting (no action taken) . 14 . ADDITIONAL FUNDING - FINAL PAYMENT ON RICE CONTRACT Paul Mazzarella, Deputy Planning Director, presented a final bill for legal services and related expenses from Rice Asso- ciates. After significant discussion, a motion was made to appropriate $7,544 from Unrestricted Contingency for said purpose. This action was defeated by a vote of 2 - 2 - 1 Abstention. An amendment was offered, to transfer $7 ,544 from the Restricted Contingency for Hazardous Materials Control to the Planning Con- tracts Line, this resolution also failed 2 - 3 . A second amendment was proposed, allocating $2 ,141 from the Restricted Contingency for Planning Purposes, and the balance of $5 ,403 from Unrestricted Contingency. After lengthy dis- cussion, the combined transfer was approved by a 3 - 2 vote of Committee. MARCH 30 , 1989 -5- 15 . AMENDMENT TO POLICE DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT LIST Police Chief McEwen requested that various items on their 1989 Equipment List be amended. The ultimate net adjustment required that $250 be transferred from A3120-225 to A3120-205 . Action was approved 5 - 0 . 16 . DAY CARE PROGRAM Acting Personnel Administrator Val Walker and Day Care Committee Member Betty Falco gave a brief overview of the proposed program guidelines. In general , qualified employees with children 0 - 5 years of age would be eligible for weekly reimbursement of up to $30 .00 . Children through age 11, would qualify for up to $10 .00 per week. All reimbursements would be subject to IRS regulations , with checks being issued quarterly subsequent to presentation of appropriate proof of payment . The action would also release $80 ,000 from the Restricted Contingency, to the applicable oper- ating accounts. A determination will be made on distribution of said $80 ,000 after the initial enrollment has been completed. Approved 5 - 0 . 17 . AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTES The City Controller was authorized to issue Revenue Anticipation Notes as needed throughout the balance of 1989 . The issuance of such Notes will depend upon cash flow needs , and the expenditure of City moneys in anticipation of subsequent receipt of State and/ or Federal Reimbursement Dollars. An initial RAN will be issued to purchase buses for $714 ,000 , $590 ,000 of which will be reim- bursed by the State of New York pending submission of Proof of Purchase. This program will take approximately 90 days to trans- pire . Approved 5 - 0 . 18 . AMENDMENT TO FINANCE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT LIST After a presentation by the Deputy Controller, the Committee approvedr�n of $1,600 from Unrestricted Contingency to A13154 Equipment, in order to purchase a Personal Computer for use by the City Clerk' s Office . Vote 5 - 0 . 19 . After Executive Session - possible resolution for settlement between the City of Ithaca and the Police Benevolent Associa- tion was placed on the Agenda depending upon ratification by the PBA.