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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1989-11-30 - Budget Meeting BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING AND 7:00 P.M. NOVEMBER 30, 1989 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES PRESENT: Committee Members: Schlather, Hoffman, Killeen, Cummings, Romanowski Other Alderpersons Present: Lytel, Johnson, Nichols, Peterson, Booth Others Present: City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy Controller - Thayer City Clerk - Paolangeli Commissioner - Daley Building Commissioner - Datz Police Chief - McEwen Fire Chief - Olmstead City Engineer - Gray Personnel Administrator - Walker Personnel Associate - Patz City Attorney - Nash Members of the Media Members of the Public 1. Public Hearing The final 1990 Budget discussions ended with a Public Hearing. A motion to open the Public Hearing was made. Motion approved 10-0. The following items were the items discussed at the Public Hearing: 1 . A member of the public proposed a change in the recycling system for the City. He proposed a fee system for recycling instead of the sticker system. 2.. Mrs. Hobbie, from the DeWitt Historical Society asked the Committee to put the $5,000 funding for the Society back into the 1990 Budget. 3. A member of the public discussed the D.P.W. Budget including Equipment and Staff. 4. A member of the public discussed Sales Tax Revenue and Tourism in Ithaca. S. A member of the public discussed the sale of Fire Station Number Six. After all members of the Public had an opportunity to speak on the 1990 Budget there was a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion approved 10-0. 2. Response to the Public Chairperson Schlather noted that currently the Committee is $20,351 to the good of the Mayor's Budget. Discussion on the DeWitt Historical Society followed. Alderperson's Cummings PUBLIC HEARING S REGULAR MEETING - B 8 A COMMITTEE - PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 30, 1989 and Booth both talked in support of the $5,000 to be added to the 1990 Budget for the DeWitt Historical Society. It appeared to be the consensus of the Com- mittee to support the $5,000 for the Society. The following motion was made: To support $5,000 for 1990 funding for the DeWitt Historical Society. Motion was split 5-5. Currently the money will not be put into the 1990 Budget. However, it is possible that the money can be put back into the Budget at the Common Council meeting December 6, 1989. Mayor-elect Nichols discussed a proposal to add $10,000 to the 1990 Mayor's Budget for contracts and for staff assistance and lay boards for the Mayor's Department. The following motion was made: To increase the Mayor's Department 1990 Budget within the 400 Accounts by $10,000. No vote, further discussion followed. Alderperson Romanowski stated that he was against this motion because there currently is enough money in the Mayor's Budget for this type of activity and because of the tight budget year, the Mayor should go to the volunteer sector of the City for this activity. Alderperson Lytel was in support of the motion, while Alderperson Johnson and Chairperson Schlather were against the motion. After further discussion on the funding of this motion and the concern of Mayor-elect Nichols over some of the Committee's comments, the following amendment to the motion was made: Put $10,000 in Restricted Contingency for the Mayor's Department to be used within the 400 series accounts. Amendment passes 7-3. Motion as amended passes 6-4. Chairperson Schlather stated that currently the Committee was $10,351 to the good of the Mayor's Proposed 1990 Budget. Alderperson Peterson discussed Homeless Shelter items and made the following motion: To put $12,500 into the Restricted Contingency Account for 1990 for Homeless Shelter Purposes. Motion fails 3-7. Chairperson Schlather stated that he appreciated the Committee's work to come within the Mayor's 1990 Budget number. It was noted that the Tax Rate was still at the 5.3% increase that the Mayor had recommended. After a brief discussion on the 1990 Tax Rate the following motion was made: Move to approve the 1990 Tax Rate for the City of Ithaca at 5.3%. Motion was approved 9-0. PUBLIC HEARING S REGULAR MEETING - B 8 A COMMITTEE - PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 30, 1989 After a brief discussion on the proposed sticker and fee system for recycling, the 1990 Budget discussions were complete as far as the Committee was con- cerned. It was noted that the final 1990 Budget would be approved at the December 6, 1989 Common Council meeting. It was noted that the individual who proposed the fee System for the Recycling Program in the City be invited to the December 28, 1989 B 8 A Committee meeting. 3. November 30, 1989 Regular B & A Meeting 1 . Police Department - Computer System Contract Award Police Chief McEwen and- Computer Consultant Gabriel presented information relating to the Police Department's Computer System Contract award. Chief McEwen noted three proposals had been received and Hewlett Packard was the recommended contract. A discussion on the recommendation of the contract followed. The Chief stated that he wanted the authority tonight to take this contract to the City Attorney consisting of $56,000 in software costs and another $26,000 in hardware costs for a total cost of $82,000. Funding for this project was then discussed. Following the discussions, it. was resolved that Capital Project Computer Acquisition, #211, be increased by $82,000, in order to modify and upgrade the existing Police Department Computer System. Said item was approved 5-0. Further discussion on the Computer Contract, Hardware and Consulting Fees followed. No further action was made. 2. Charles Barber Update Charles Barber presented a report on his progress of the City-owned land project. Mr. Barber noted that this was not the final report, but he felt he would be able to have a final report within two weeks. Discussion on his current report followed. Mr. Barber noted that he still had 30 hours left on his contract with the City, and that he should be able to conclude his project within that time frame. It was noted that Mr. Barber will present his final report at the December 28, 1989 B 8 A meeting. 3. G. I.A.C. Contract Chairperson Schlather reported that nothing new has transpired on the G. I.A.C. Contract with the City. Chairperson Schlather added that the space issue must be settled. PUBLIC HEARING 8 REGULAR MEETING - B & A COMMITTEE - PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 30, 1989 G. I .A.C. Contract (continued) Alderperson Hoffman reported that the G.I .A.C. Board was unhappy with the fact that they have to deal with the Community Dispute Center and not the City. The G.I.A.C. Board wants to deal with just the City. After a brief discussion on the space issue, it was the consensus of the Com- mittee that this issue needs to be addressed and brought to a close. Chair- person Schlather recommended that the City, G. I.A.C. and the Community Dispute Center get together and work out the Contract. Chairperson Schlather stated that he would recommend that the Mayor's office call the parties applicable to this contract and set up a time, early in 1990, to re- solve the contract issue. No other action was taken. 4. City Attorney - Cherry Street Survey City Attorney Nash requested funding for a Cherry Street Survey to free up a right-of-way. The request for the survey was $1,800. Attorney Nash noted that the right-of-way needs to be freed up because individuals currently leasing spaces on Cherry Street want to build, but because of the permanent easement they can not build. Alderperson Hoffman felt this was a land use issue and that he would like to review the applicable maps of the area before rendering a decision. After a brief discussion, no action was taken with direction that no modification of existing easement can occur without Common Council approval. 5. City Attorney - Sale of Fire Station #5 City Attorney Nash briefly discussed some changes in the sale of Fire Station #5. Attorney Nash noted that the buyer of the property, Harvey Ferdschneider, is willing to close by the end of the year. Attorney Nash also stated that there has been an amendment to the purchase offer. Mr. Ferdschneider is going to increase the amount on deposit by $1,000. After a brief discussion on the purchase offer the following resolution was made: Resolved, that the new contract terms for the purchase of the City of Ithaca's Fire Station #5 be published. Resolution passed 5-0. 6. Report from Executive Session After a lengthy executive session, the following items were reported from executive session: A. D.P.W. Personnel Item It was resolved that the Mayor's selection for Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. Narayan Thadani, be approved at the salary and relocation expenses recommended, effective January 16, 1990. PUBLIC HEARING S REGULAR MEETING - B 8 A COMMITTEE - PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 30, 1989 6. Report from Executive Session (continued) B. Personnel Item It was resolved that Bonnie Fiorille be appointed to the position of Senior Stenographer in the Personnel Depart- ment at an annual salary of $15, 167 (Step 5 of the 1989 CSEA Administrative Unit Compensation Plan) effective January 2, 1990. C. Building Department - Personnel Item It was resolved that Albert J. Rich, Sr. be appointed to the position of Building Inspector III at an annual salary of $22,378 (Step 3 of the 1989 CSEA Administrative Unit Compensation Plan) effective January 2, 1990. D. City Attorney - Block 99 Agreement After a discussion in executive session on the Block 99 Agreement the following resolution was made: Resolved, that the City Attorney be authorized to bring a law suit against the responsible parties in the Block 99 Agreement. Resolution passes 5-0. E. City Attorney - Legal Council After a discussion in executive session on the Central Processing facility, the following resolution was made: Resolved, that $10,000 from Unrestricted Contingency and $2, 141 from Restricted Contingency be transferred to A1420-435 City Attorney Contractual Services to be rendered in connection with any Central Processing Facility siting litigation. Resolution passes 5-0. 7. Fire Department - Code Enforcement Fire Chief Olmstead and Building Commissioner Datz presented a request to purchase equipment through the use of Fire and Building Code Funds. A discussion on the current procedure for expenditure of equipment with the use of these monies followed. In prior years it was the practice not to go to B & A for approval because: 1 . The Funds were for a specific purpose 2. A practice had been established for the expenditure of the funds. 3. The Building Commissioner, Fire Chief and City Controller would be held accountable for the appro- priate expenditure of the funds. City Controller Cafferillo wants to change the expenditure process and the handling of the funds to improve the internal control over these funds. It was the consensus of the Committee to change the expenditure process so that B 8 A would approve the expenditures of this money. PUBLIC HEARING 6 REGULAR MEETING B S A COMMITTEE - PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 30, 1989 7. Fire Department - Code Enforcement (continued) Fire Chief Olmstead and Building Commissioner Datz requested the following items be approved for purchase at tonight's meeting: 1 . One Fax Machine, Cost $1,495 2. Computer Version of Uniform Code, $495 3. Code Update Service, $200 4. High Density Filing System, $4,536 5. Computer Hardware and Software, $17,000 Please note items number two and three are under the $500 threshold for equip- ment approval. Therefore, they do not need to be approved by the B 6 A Committee. After a brief discussion on Fire Code Equipment purchases, the following resolu- tion was made: Resolved, that the Fire Department's Authorized Equipment List be amended as follows: A. 1 Fax Machine $1,495 B. High Density Filing System $4,536 C. Computer Hardware and Software $17,000 and be it further Resolved, that $23,726 be transferred from Accounts A690-6 and A690-7 Overpayments and Collections in Advance, to A3410-210 Office Equipment for the Acquisition of a Fax Machine, High Density Filing System, and Comptuer Hardware and Software. Said Resolution passes 5-0. 8. Fire Department - 400 Accounts Fire Chief Olmstead presented a reworked 1990 Fire Department Budget for the 400 Series Accounts. During the budget discussions it was recommended by the Committee that a reworked 1990 budget be presented to the B E A Committee. After a brief discussion on the 400 Series Accounts, the Committee agreed with the Chief's reworked amounts. No action was taken. 9. Personnel Department A. Civil Service Examination Fees Personnel Administrator Walker presented information regarding a request to waive applicant fees for Civil Service examinations. Administrator Walker noted the NYS Department of Civil Service began charging the Civil Service examinations fee to local Municipalities. The estimated annual cost to the City is approximately $2,500 a year. PUBLIC HEARING & REGULAR MEETING - B 8 A COMMITTEE - PAGE 7 NOVEMBER 30, 1989 Personnel Department (continued) After a brief discussion on exam fees the following resolution was made: Resolved, that as authorized by the Ithaca Civil Service Commission and requested by the City of Ithaca Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, the City of Ithaca does hereby waive all Civil Service application fees as authorized by Section 50.5(b) of the NYS Civil Service Law. Said resolution passes 5-0. 10. Items Tabled to December 28, 1989 B S A Meeting A. C.C. action 11 /1 /89 - Policy of Annual Zero Based Budgeting B. Personnel Department - Vacancy Review Procedure Meeting was adjourned at 12:50 A.M. , t APPROPRIATIONS 591949 Balance Forward - Overall Increase in Mayor ' s Budget 21 , 753 , 562 Appropriation through meeting of November 20, 1989 Capital Projects 10, 000 Transfer $10 , 000 (Down Payment) for Asbestos Removal Capital Project 5, 000 Transfer $5 , 000 (Down Payment) for City Hall Phone System Capital Project 20 , 000 Transfer $20 , 000 to a Capital Project for Commons Power Improvements 20 , 000 Transfer $20 , 000 to a Capital Project for the Roof Replacement at DPW Facility 11 , 500 Transfer $11, 500 (Down Payment) for Cass Park Rink Renovations & Equipment Capital Reserves 100 , 000 Transfer $100 , 000 to Capital Reserve #14 for Parking Plaza Improvements 20 , 000 Transfer $20 , 000 to Capital Reserve #25 for Design of Future Projects Contingency ( 40 , 000) Reduce Unrestricted Contingency 40 , 000 Increase Restricted Contingency (Executive Session Item 11/29/89) ( 60, 000) Reduce Unrestricted Contingency (Used for Various Budget Funding Items) 25 , 000 Increase Restricted Contingency (Southwest Master Plan) 151 , 500 Net Increase in Mayor ' s Budgeted Appropriations from November 29, 1989 meeting 1 , 015 , 366 Overall Increase in Mayor ' s Budgeted Appropriations through meeting of November 29, 1989 $ 21 , 905 , 062 Appropriation through meeting of November 29 , 1989 10, 000 Increase Restricted Contingency (Mayor' s Dept . 400 Series Accounts for Staff Assistance , Contracts and Lay Boards) $ 21 , 915 , 062 Appropriation through meeting of November 30 , 1989 . 15JL,641 A1990 Restricted Contingency items rolled over from 1989-1990 $ 22 , 067 , 703 REVENUE 803 , 917 Overall Increase in Revenue through meeting of November 201, 1989 21 , 073 , 613 100 ,000 Increase Sales Tax A1101 5 , 000 Increase Chamberlain Fees 451000 Increase Parking Fees 10 , 000 Increase Golf Course Charges 11, 500 Increase Ice Rink Charges ( 12 , 000) Reduced Site Development Fees ( 15 ,000) Decrease Youth Services Contract with County Mental Health 151* 000 Increase Real Property Rental 10 , 000 Increase Building and Alteration Permit Fees 11800 Increase Street Opening Permits $21 , 244, 913 1213, 300 Net Increase in Revenues , Meeting of November 29 , 1989 975, 217 Overall Increase in Revenues through Meeting of November 29, 1989 40, 149 Net Increase in Mayor ' s Budget ( 60, 500) Less Increase in Appropriated Fund Balance from Unneeded 1989 Restricted Contingency Items $ 20 , 351 Net Reduction in Mayor' s Budget through meeting of November 29 , 1989 ( 10 , 000) Less increase Restricted Contingency (Mayor' s Department 400 Series Accounts for Staff Assistance , Contracts and Lay Boards) $ 10 , 351 Net Reduction in Mayor' s Budget through meeting of November 30 , 1989