HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1989-11-20 - Budget Meeting BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
BUDGET MEETING 7:00 P.M. NOVEMBER 20, 1989
PRESENT:
Committee Members: Schlather, Hoffman, Killeen, Cummings, Romanowski
Alderperson Excused: Nichols
Other Alderpersons Present: Lytel, Peterson, Booth, Johnson
Others Present:
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy Controller - Thayer
Police Chief - McEwen
Deputy Police Chief Ecklund
Fire Chief - Olmstead
Personnel Administrator - Walker
Personnel Associate - Patz
Commissioner - Daley
City Prosecutor - Smithson
City Attorney - Nash
Members of the Fire Department and Police Department
Members of the Public
Members of the Press
1. Meeting Agenda
Chairperson Schlather stated that the agenda for tonight's budget meeting was
as follows:
1 . Police Department Budget
2. City Prosecutor Budget
3. City Attorney Budget
4. Executive Session - A. CSEA Administrative Contract Update
B. Fire Contract Negotiations
5. Fire Department Budget
Other items that will be discussed as follows:
1 . Possibility of full-time City Attorney
2. Additional Fire Fighters
3. Other Revenue Sources
2. Police Department Budget
Police Chief McEwen and Deputy Chief Ecklund presented their 1990 Budget
requests to the Committee. Police Chief McEwen presented a revised budget
from the original Department request. Chief McEwen noted some changes in
the budget. The 110 Account shows an increase over the Mayor's request of
$60,810, of which $20,810 is needed to maintain the personnel that the Police
Department has in this account. The other $40,000 is a Police Department budget
calculation error from the prior year and needed to be corrected in the current
year. A brief discussion on the error followed.
Chief McEwen noted that the increase in Account 120 of $8,130 was for the per
diem matrons and dispatchers salaries and the school guards. The 200 series
equipment line decrease included $7,066 that should be included in the 100
account line and a $4,800 Diving Equipment request. The diving equipment
request can be offset by a State Grant. A discussion on the Chief's request
followed. It was noted that if the Chief gets the State grant for the Diving
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BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
Equipment he will return to B 8 A and request for the Diving Equipment in
conjunction with the State grant.
The Chief stated that his department needs more personnel, but at this time
he feels uncomfortable asking for positions, but he will evaluate his personnel
during the next year and ask for additional staff in 1991 based on his evalua-
tion.
A brief discussion on the Police Department computer situation and staff
development account followed.
Alderperson Killeen asked the Chief if the school guard hourly wage was
adequate or should we consider increasing this amount from its current rate of
$5.00/hr. The Chief responded by noting that the Police Department currently
has a good, hard working group of people for the Crossing Guard positions, but
it is hard to find additional people for these positions because of the wage and
the hours worked. Alderperson Killeen put a motion on the floor to increase the
wage rate by $.25 an hour.
To add an additional $1,125 to account A3120-120
for a $.25 increase in the School Crossing Guard
hourly wage rate. Motion passes 8-0.
After further discussion on the Police Department's Budget the following motion
was made:
To amend the Police Department Budget as the Chief has
requested with the inclusion of the modifications made
this evening. Motion passes 8-0.
It was noted by Chairperson Schlather that coming into tonight's meeting we
were about $72,000 ahead of the Mayor on the budgeting, with the approval of
the Police Department budget we will be down to approximately $14,000 ahead
of the Mayor's Budget.
3. City Prosecutor Budget
Present for the budget discussions on the City Prosecutor position were,
District Attorney-elect Dentes, City Attorney Nash, City Prosecutor Smithson
and Police Chief McEwen. Chairperson Schlather stated that the discussions
will focus on the possible elimiantion of the City Prosecutor position. This is
a continuation of the discussions from the first budget meeting in which no
formal action was made.
District Attorney-elect Dentes discussed his position on the possible abolishment
of the City Prosecutor position. Dentes was in favor of the elimination of the
City Prosecutor position, but felt the timing of the elimination must be done
carefully because the County has already passed their budget. He suggested
a possible phase in during 1991 .
Chief McEwen agreed with Dentes, but wants to be sure there is consistency
between the two offices. The Chief was also concerned that the County may
not be ready for the deletion of the Prosecutor position and increased workload
BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
that would be added to County's office. Also, the Chief was concerned with
the question of the D.A.'s office taking care of the cases that are not criminal
in nature.
Prosecutor Smithson discussed the City Prosecutor's position and the scope of
the work involved. He noted that City Court is probably the busiest Court in
the County and in 1988 the City Court handled 1695 criminal cases and 7455
vehicle and traffic cases. He noted the D.A.'s office workload would probably
increase by 50%. Prosecutor Smithson felt the D.A.'s office would not be able
to have time for all these items.
It appeared to be the consensus of the Committee that the City Prosecutor per-
formed a larger number of cases than previously thought and that if the City
Prosecutor position was to be eliminated that the D.A.'s office would need to
provide an Assistant D.A. to handle the increased volume of work.
After a lengthy discussion, Chairperson Schlather stated that the City should
fund the City Prosecutor position for 1990 and also fund a full time Staff
Attorney, but during 1990 a discussion with the County should take place to
determine if the County will fund the position for 1991 . The following motion
was put forth:
To approve the Mayor's Budget for the City Prosecutor
as is and request the County to investigate the possi-
bility of funding this position in 1991 . Motion approved
9-0.
4. City Attorney Budget
These discussions are a continuation from the first budget meeting. The dis-
cussion was on a proposal to add a full time City Staff person to the City
Attorney's office and contract with a Senior Attorney to be appointed by the
Mayor. Also, to decide if the Senior Attorney should be a one-half or a
one-third position per week. Attorney Nash was present for the discussion.
The following motion was made:
To add to the City Attorney's budget a full time Staff
Attorney, appointed as currently, to be added to A1420-110
by $32,000. Amend roster with position effective January 1,
1990. Motion passes 9-0.
A discussion on the Contractual Services Account A1420-430 followed. The
following motions were made:
To delete $14,706 from account A1420-430 for the deletion
of the Assistant Attorney position. Motion passes 9-0.
To delete an additional $5,627 from account A1420-430 for
reduction of Senior Attorney position to $24,000 for 1990 at
15 hours per week. Motion passes 6-3. It was noted that
$789 was left in the account A1420-430 to be consistent with
prior years.
BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
Alderperson Booth stated that the Mayor needs a half-time Attorney position and
that's why he could not support the motion.
Discussion on the City Attorney's position and salary amounts related to full
time and part time positions for the City Attorney's office followed. Also, a
discussion on the appointment process of the Staff Attorney took place. A
decision on who should make the appointment and how the hiring process
should be handled was not made. Chairperson Schlather stated that the
question of hiring and appointment procedures will be referred to the B E A
Committee which will make a recommendation to Council.
After brief discussions on other attorney items, the following motions were
made:
Amend the benefit lines of the budget to reflect the
benefits related to the $32,000 full time Staff Attorney
position by $8,000. Motion passes 9-0.
Approve the City Attorney's 1990 Budget as amended.
Motion approved. 8-1 .
The City Attorney then briefly discussed the following two non-budget items:
1 . Survey at Cherry Street - request for funding
2. 1986 tax sale - potential litigation
Chairperson Schlather suggested that the request for funding of the Cherry
Street survey should be put on the B 8 A agenda and the potential litigation
should be discussed in executive session.
The Committee moved 9-0 to go into executive session. The following items
will be discussed in executive session:
1 . Discuss potential litigation
2. CSEA Administrative Contract update
3. Fire Contract negotiations
5. Report from Executive Session
Chairperson Schlather reported on the three items discussed in executive
session as follows:
1. Redemption of property by paying taxes - no motion
was made - no action taken
2. Discussion on the ongoing negotiations of the CSEA
Administrative Contract took place - no action taken
3. The Committee has recommended by a 8-1 vote that
the City ratify with few minor adjustments, the
proposed fire contract
BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
6. Fire Department Budget
Fire Chief Olmstead presented his reworked 1990 budget request in two forms.
One form with the new contract and no new positions and one form with the
new contract and new positions. It was noted that the new Fire contract was
a six percent increase over the next three years.
Chairperson Schlather gave a financial update on the City's budget position
related to the Mayor's budget. Before the Fire Budget discussions, we are
currently approximately $20,000 over the Mayor's budget.
Chief Olmstead briefly discussed the two forms presented to the Committee.
It was noted that the reworked budget request with the new contract and new
positions was in total $3,210,309 compared to the Mayor's Budget in total of
$2,595,293. Chairperson Schlather then asked the Chief to discuss his most
important topic related to his 1990 budget request.
The Chief stated that the most important topic would be the request for addi-
tional fire fighters. Representatives from the public spoke on the additional
fire fighters issue.
Mr. Marshall stated that eight new fire fighters are essential to the Fire De-
partment. A representative for the Volunteer Fire fighters stated that if
eight fire fighters are not approved then the Volunteer fire fighters can not
be guaranteed. It was noted that the Board of Fire Commissioners supports
the Joint Committee's recommendation of six additional fire fighters.
Chief Olmstead stated the Joint City/Town Committee met for four to five
months. The Joint Committee was comprised of two Town of Ithaca represen-
tatives, two Council representatives, two Board of Fire Commission represen-
tatives, the Mayor and the Town Supervisor. The recommendation of the Joint
Committee was that 12 positions be added to the Fire Department, six in 1990
and six in 1991 . The Town of Ithaca also agreed that they would extend the
Fire Contract for two more years. The Town of Ithaca will decide on this
possible contract extension after it receives word on what the City approved
in relation to the additional fire fighters. It was also noted that the Town of
Ithaca is reluctant to pay any earlier on their contract.
Alderperson Killeen added to Chief Olmstead's statement on the recommendation
by the Joint Committee by noting that the recommendation had the following
four components:
1. Add additional fire fighters (6 in 1990 + 6 in 1991)
2. Volunteer opportunity
3. Ithaca College and Cornell should be induced to
support the Fire Services.
4. Town of Ithaca would agree to the Contract extension
All four elements are essential and need to be addressed. Chairperson Schlather
had questions on why the Fire Department needs six additional positions and
discussion on the staffing in each of the five fire stations followed. It appears
that the Chief wants 2 fire fighters in Station #9, 4 fire fighters in Central,
1 fire fighter in Station #7, 2 fire fighters in the new Westhill Station and 2
fire fighters in the new Southhill Station. Currently the City has 12 fire
fighters on three shifts and 11 on one shift. In addition, on each shift there
BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
is a Lieutenant and an Assistant Chief. On each shift there is 14 people, if
that number is reduced by three people to reflect vacation time, personal time,
comp. time, sick time and injury time, then that leaves 11 people on each
shift.
Chairperson Schlather wanted to know why there is a need for additional staff.
We have asked every Department in the City to work within the Mayor's budget
so there must be a justification for the large increase. Chairperson Schlather
felt that the way to change the problem is to set up different scheduling tech-
niques for the Fire Department and by redefining the EMS service so that we are
not answering every call.
A discussion on EMS services followed. It was noted that a EMS unit goes out
with: the Fire Department on every call. Chief Olmstead presented information
on the EMS operations for the Ithaca Fire Department. The information shows
through October 1989 that Ithaca Rescue only responded to 40% of the total
emergency calls that were dispatched to the Town and City of Ithaca.
A discussion on EMS operations and charges including municipal law followed.
One of the municipal laws presented stated that EMS charges can not be
charged by the Fire Department. The other municipal law presented stated
that you can charge for EMS service if you contract out. The question is
which law applies to the City's situation. The question could not be resolved
at this time, further discussion on the EMS operations will have to be done at
a later date. The consensus of the Committee was to request the City Attorney
to research the EMS charging question and report back to the B S A Committee
sometime in December.
Further discussion on the additional fire positions continued. A survey done
by the Fire Department showed that the Ithaca Fire Department ranks low
among other Fire Departments in relation to staffing. After all the Alderpersons
discussed their individual positions on the subject of the additional fire fighters
at length, Alderperson Booth proposed the following motion:
Take the Mayor's Budget of $2,595,293, include the
Contract conditions approved tonight and add the
cost of six new positions ($150,000) for 10 months.
Motion fails 3-6.
Alderperson Cummings stated that we must increase revenues in this area and
get a greater contribution out of Cornell and Ithaca College.
Chairperson Schlather stated if the majority of Council wants to increase the
number of fire fighters, it should be done by adding a total of four individuals
in 1990, two phased in when the Westhill Station opens and two phased in when
the Southhill Station opens.
Continued additional fire fighter discussions followed. Alderperson Hoffman
proposed the following motion:
To add four fire fighters including benefits for 10
months to the Mayor's budget by an addition of
$100,000 to be put into restricted contingency.
Motion passes 5-4.
BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 7 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
Chairperson Schlather noted that to get the $100,000 out of Restricted Contin-
gency the Town of Ithaca will have to approve it. Also, as part of the dis-
cussions with the Town of Ithaca on the additional fire fighters that the Town
be asked to accelerate the payment schedule.
Discussion began on the Fire Department's 100 accounts. Chief Olmstead stated
that he felt that $9,500 to $10,000 could be deleted from the 105 account because
of the lag in the hiring of the training officer. A discussion on the 125 over-
time line followed. Chairperson Schlather put the following motion on the floor:
Reduce line A3410-125 to $70,000. Motion passes 9-0.
This reflects a deduction in overall overtime for the
City fire fighters.
Also, A motion to reduce line A3410-105 by $10,000 to a
total of $208,767 was made. Motion passes 9-0. A
brief discussion on the 100 accounts followed. No
further changes were made on the Fire Departments
100 Series accounts.
A discussion on the 200 Series accounts followed. Chairperson Schlather felt
that the new 4-Wheel Drive pickup request was not needed by the Fire Depart-
ment and the following motion was put on the floor:
Move to cut the 4-Wheel drive pickup truck w/cap for
$18,000 out of the 215 Motor Vehicles account, reducing
the total 200 Series accounts from $44,000 to $26,000.
Motion fails 4-5.
Further discussion on the vehicles for the Fire Department continued. It
appeared to be the consensus of the Committee to reduce the dollar amount
being cut out of the 200 Series accounts so that a less expensive pickup
could be purchased. The following motion was made:
To cut $8,000 out of the 215 Motor Vehicles account,
reducing the total 200 Series accounts from $44,000
to $36,000. Motion passes 6-3.
A discussion on the Fire Department's 400 account contractual expenses lines
followed. It was noted that currently $380,500 has been spent in the 400
accounts. The Mayor's Budget is $431,886 for the 400 accounts. The Fire
Department requested $638,398 for the 400 accounts. A lengthy discussion
on the 415 clothing account took place. The Volunteer Clothing Program was
the main issue.
The remaining contractual expense lines were discussed. Alderperson Killeen
noted that the 476 account could be reduced because some of the equipment
maintenance could be done at the D.P.W. Alderperson Killeen motioned to
reduce account 476, equipment maintenance, by $20,000. No second on Alder-
person Killeen's motion was made, motion dies for lack of a second.
Chairperson Schlather stated that the total amount of the 400 accounts should
stay at the Mayor's Budget amount of $431,886 and have Chief Olmstead rework
the numbers within the Mayor's Budget and report back to the Committee on
November 30, 1989. No motion was made.
BUDGET MEETING - PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 20, 1989
A brief discussion on the sale of the number six Fire Station followed. It was
noted that the appraisal amount for the Number Six Station is in the revenue
accounts for the 1990 budget. Chief Olmstead discussed possible communication
problems within the City. No motion was made.
After a brief discussion, Alderperson Hoffman made the following motion:
Adjust the Fire Department's 400 Series accounts by $28,114,
increasing the Mayor's Budget for the 400 Series accounts
from $431,886 to $460,000. Motion passes 5-2. It was noted
that Chief Olmstead should present his reworked 400 Con-
tractual Expense accounts at the November 30, 1989 Budget
discussion meeting.
After a brief discussion on the Fire Department's remaining budget items,
the following motion was made:
Approve the 1990 Fire Department budget as amended.
Motion passes 5-2.
Meeting Adjourned 1 :30 A.M.
GENERAL FUND
REVENUES
$ 207,648 Balance Forward - Overall Increase in Mayor's Budget
20,477,344 Revenues through meeting of November 14, 1989
Adjustments approved at November 15, 1989 meeting:
350,000 Increase relating to Sticker Fee Program A2115
106,269 Increase Intergrovernmental Charges - Public Works Services to
Reflect Recycling Contract with Tompkins County
140,000 Increase Parking Fees A1720
21,073,613
596,269 Net Increase in Revenue, Meeting of November 15, 1989
803,917 Overall Increase in REvenues through meeting of November 15, 1989
$ 212,139 Net Change in Mayor's Budget to Date
$ 803,917 Balance forward - Overall Increase in Mayor's Budget
21,073,613 Revenues through meeting of November 15, 1989
Adjustments Approved at November 20, 1989 meeting:
-0-
-0- Net Change in Revenues, Meeting of November 20, 1989
$ 803,917 Overall Increase in Revenues through meeting of November 20, 1989
59,949 * Net Change in Mayor's Budget
*Increase in Parking Fees of $140,000, consensus at November 15,
1989 meeting, appropriated to Capital Reserve #14 Parking Area
Improvements, at meeting of November 29, 1989.
$ 199,949 If $140,000 described above is transfered to Capital Reserve #14,
the Total Additional Funding required over the Mayor's Budget
would be $199,949.
GENERAL FUND
APPROPRIATIONS
135,509 Balance Forward - Overall Increase in Mayor's Budget
$ 21,025,205 Appropriations through meeting of November 14, 1989
Adjustments approved at November 15, 1989 meeting:
Department of Public Works:
1,686 Increase DPW 100 Series, as distributed by Department Personnel
320,000 Increase Refuse and Garbage A8160-436 Tipping Fees by estimated
Landfill Cost.
78.233 Increase DPW 200 Series as distributed by Department Personnel
26,350 Increase DPW 400 Series as distributed by Department Personnel
30,000 Increase Refuse and Garbage A8160-426 Administration and Enforce-
ment of Sticker Fee Program
$ 21,481,474
456,269 Net Increase in Mayor's Budget from November 15, 1989 meeting
$ 591,778 Overall Increase in Mayor's Budget Appropriation through meeting
of November 15, 1989
$ 21,481,474 Appropriations through meeting of November 15, 1989
Adjustments approved at November 20, 1989 meeting:
Police Department
60,810 Increase A3120-110 to reflect proper shift-differential and to
maintain existing staff level
8,130 Increase A3120-120 for Matrons and Dispatchers, to handle office
and Administrative functions. Thereby allowing Police
Officers more patrol time.
1, 125 Increase A3120-120 which represents an additional $.25 per hour
for School Crossing Guards
1,476 Increase A3120-125 overtime for projected additional hours required
during Firemen's Convention during 1990.
( 11,866) Decrease A3120-225 for $7066 transfered to 100 lines, and $4800
originally appropriated to purchase diving equipment. The
Chief is attempting to acquire a State Grant for the Diving Eqp.
GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS - PAGE 2
City Attorney
32,000 Increase A1420-110 for a full-time Staff Attorney position
(
14,706) Reduce A1420-430 Fees for Professional Services, deleting the
Assistant City Attorney appropriation.
(
5,627) Reduced A1420-430 by decreasing the City Attorney's position
from 20 to 15 hours.
8,000 Increase A9000 Series for Employee Benefits relative to the
Staff Attorney's position.
Fire Department
100,000 Increased A1990 Restricted, which represents the addition of
four Fire Fighters, salaries and benefits
45,862 Increased A3410-105 as follows:
a. $38,000 for Training Officers Position which was
established during 1989 but not filed and not funded
b. To reflect increase for Volunteer Coordinator salary
from original estimate in 1989 budget.
c. To reflect Deputy Chief position for 12 months in 1990,
1989 amended budget projected 9 months salary.
160,686 Increased A3410-110 as follows:
a. To reflect 4 fire fighter positions for 12 months in
1990, 1989 amended budget projected 9 months salary.
b. To incorporate 1990 compensation per terms of the 1990
collective bargaining agreement recently negotiated.
( 13,091) Decrease A3120-125 Overtime
( 11,622) Decrease A3120-215 Motor Vehicles, to a net appropriation
of $36,000
28, 114 Increase A3120-400 Series, to be distributed by Fire Chief,
itemized report to be presented at November 30 meeting.
21,870,765
389,291 Net increase in Mayor's Budgeted Appropriations from November 20,
1989 meeting
981,069 Overall increase in Mayor's Budgeted appropriations through
meeting of November 20, 1989
( 117,203) Decrease A1990 Restricted Contingency, transfer to A3410-110 for
Salaries (1990 Contract)
863,866 Net overall increase in Mayor's Budgeted appropriations through
meeting of November 20, 1989
59,949* Net Increase in Funding Required over Mayor's Budget
GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS - PAGE 3
*Should increase in Parking fees of $140,000 be transfered to
Capital Reserve #14 Parking Area Improvements, as per
consensus at November 15, 1989 meeting.
$ 199,949 would be required over Mayor's budget