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Home My WebLink AboutTB Minutes 2010-10-07 Final Minutes Budget Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY Minutes Board Members Present: Herb Engman, Bill Goodman, Pat Leary, Eric Levine, Tee- Ann Hunter, and Rich DePaolo. Absent – Susan Riha Supervisor Engman opened the meeting at 5:32 p.m. and agenda items were added with Board approval. AGENDA ITEM Persons to be Heard Christa Bissell, Pine Tree Road; Ms. Bissell had a handout for the Board regarding the proposed construction on Pine Tree Rd (See Attachment #1) Ms. Bissell spoke in opposition to the raising of the Pine Tree Rd bridge and felt that the neighborhood had not been kept informed of the proposed construction even though it has been stated that they had been. There was a copy of a petition submitted to the County. The neighborhood objects to be called student housing and they are concerned about the Cornell ERL project going through the process right now that will last for years and involve thousands of truck trips. The Board had some questions about how they could control traffic or uses of the road, but added that the Town does not own the road and has limited input into the overpass reconstruction. Ms. Bissell disagreed, stating that the neighborhood owns the road and there is a right of prescription with the County. Members felt she should continue to talk to the County and present alternatives to the County and solid facts. Mr. Engman added that the Town is only concerned with the bike/pedestrian path and resident safety. AGENDA ITEM Presentation of the Tentative 2011 Town of Ithaca budget Supervisor Engman reviewed the budget process stating that the Budget Committee starts early looking at trends, impacts etc and then Department Heads are asked to submit there departmental budgets and the Town started early this year. Then, the Town Supervisor submits the first budget, called the Tentative Budget, which is what is being presented tonight. At that point, the Town Board as a whole then can change whatever they want within the budget submitted by the Supervisor. Mr. Engman gave general comments on the budget, stating that the main accounts of the Town are in pretty good shape this year, but at a price. We are probably not going to be filling 3 positions that are vacant now or coming up vacant. We are replacing some large ticket vehicle items that were put off last year and the water and sewer rates will be going up to cover our aging infrastructure. Overall, the spending will increase by Page 1 of 11 Final Minutes 6.12% and the total tax levy 1.85% increase excluding the sewer and water rate, and the figures from Bolton Point came in at 2.87 per 1,000 and increase of 8.3% which is higher than we anticipated. Questions from the Board Mr. DePaolo asked about the fire tax rate and Mr. Carvill answered that it is currently $3.23/1,000 and the proposed is $4.05/1,000 and that is because last year an increase was put off by taking a surplus from the fund balance and putting it into the fire fund to give residents some relief while the Town watched the economy. The Board discussed how to go about reviewing the tentative budget and it was decided that comments on particular line items would be mentioned and further details given at the regular meeting in October or the budget meeting in November. Mr. Carvill went over the Budget Summary and Ms. Hunter went over particular line items which would be further explained in the following meeting(s). ** Audio recording stopped at this point for unknown reason(s). AGENDA ITEM Discuss and consider approval of the Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment (IAWW) Plant budget TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-171: Approval of the Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Plant 2011 Budget WHEREASthe Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Plant’s 2011 Budget has been submitted to the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the Town Board has considered said Budget at its October 7, 2010 Budget meeting, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Plant’s 2011 Budget. Moved: Councilman DePaolo Seconded: Councilwoman Leary Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Consider Approval of Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Non-bargaining Employee Wages for 2011 Page 2 of 11 Final Minutes TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-172: Approval of Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Non-Bargaining Employee Wages for 2011. WHEREAS, the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has reviewed the proposed wage scale and wages for Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission’s (Commission) non- bargaining employees for the year 2011 (see attached); and WHEREAS, the said wages have been approved by the Commission at their October 7, 2010 meeting; Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the said wage scale and wages for the Commission’s non-bargaining employees for the year 2011 as presented, and to be filed in the Human Resources Office. Moved: Councilman Goodman Seconded: Councilman DePaolo Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Discuss amending the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Agreement Increasing the Water Rate Charges and Application Fees a. Set a Public Hearing TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-173: Set a Public Hearing to Consider Amending the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Agreement Increasing the Water Rate Charges and Application Fees RESOLVED,that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at th the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 18 day of October 2010, at 5:47 p.m. for the purpose of considering an amendment to the agreement which would increase the water rate charged by the Commission from $2.65 per 1000 gallons to $2.87 per 1000 gallons, said changes to be effective January 1, 2011; and it is further RESOLVED, that at such time and place all persons interested in such memorandum may be heard concerning the same. Moved: Councilman Levine Seconded: Councilwoman Leary Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. Page 3 of 11 Final Minutes AGENDA ITEM Discuss the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission’s 2011 Tentative Budget a. Adopt as the Preliminary Budget TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-174: Accept the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission Tentative Budget as Preliminary WHEREAS the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission has submitted its 2011 Tentative Budget to the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, and WHEREAS, the Town Board has considered said Tentative Budget at its October 7, 2010 Budget meeting, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby accept the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission’s Tentative Budget (with changes) as the 2011 Preliminary Budget, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board will hold a public hearing regarding said Preliminary Budget on October 18, 2010 at 5:49 at 215 N. Tioga St, Ithaca, NY. Moved: Councilwoman Hunter Seconded: Councilman DePaolo Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Discuss proposed increases to the Town of Ithaca Water Rate Schedule and Town of Ithaca Sewer Rent Schedule a.Consider setting a Public Hearing –Water Rate Schedule TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-175a: Set a Public Hearing to Consider a New Water Rate Schedule Effective January 1, 2011 for Water Rates, Charges, and Other Fees Chargeable to Consumers of Water in the Town of Ithaca RESOLVED,that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at th 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 18 day of October 2010, at 5:52 p.m. for the purpose of considering an increase in the water rate charged for water consumption in the Town from 4.32 per 1000 gallons to 4.70 per 1,000 gallons effective January 1, 2011; and it is further RESOLVED, that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed increase may be heard concerning the same. Page 4 of 11 Final Minutes Moved: Councilman Goodman Seconded: Councilwoman Leary Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. b.Consider Setting a Public Hearing – Sewer Rent Schedule TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-175b: Set a Public Hearing to Consider a New Sewer Rate Schedule Effective January 1, 2011 for Sewer Rates, Charges, and Other Fees Chargeable to Renters of Sewer in the Town of Ithaca RESOLVED,that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at th 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 18 day of October 2010, at 5:54 p.m. for the purpose of considering an increase in the Sewer rate charged for Sewer renter in the Town from 2.20 per 1000 gallons to 4.05 per 1,000 gallons effective January 1, 2011; and it is further RESOLVED, that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed increase may be heard concerning the same. Moved: Councilman Levine Seconded: Councilwoman Hunter Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. Discuss the 2010 Assessment Rolls for Special Benefit Districts and Special Benefit Areas for 2011 a. Set a Public Hearing TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-176: Set a Public Hearing regarding the assessment rolls for the Town’s Special Benefit Districts and Special Benefit Areas BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at 5:56 pm, on October 18, 2010 at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY for the consideration of the following or Special Benefit Districts and Special Benefit Areas 2011 Assessment Rolls: Forest Home Lighting District Glenside Lighting District Renwick Heights Lighting District Eastwood Commons Lighting District Clover Lane Lighting District Winners Circle Lighting District Burleigh Drive Lighting District Westhaven Road Lighting District Coddington Road Lighting District Page 5 of 11 Final Minutes Water Improvement Benefited Area Sewer Improvement Benefited Area Moved: Supervisor Engman Seconded: Councilman DePaolo Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Discuss a proposed increase to the Fire Tax Rate a. Set a Public Hearing TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-177: Setting a Public Hearing regarding an increase in the Fire Tax Rate WHEREAS, the Fire Tax rate is proposed to increase from $3.23 to $4.05 for 2011, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at 5:58 pm, on October 18, 2010 at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY for the consideration of the Fire Tax Rate. Moved: Councilwoman Leary Seconded: Councilman Goodman Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Consider approval of wage scale for non-bargaining unit staff and bargaining unit staff TB RESOLUTION NO. 20010-178: Approval of 2011 Wage Scale for Non-Collective Bargaining Positions and Collective Bargaining Positions WHEREAS, on May 7, 2001, the Town Board established a Wage Scale, which set the Hiring Minimum and Job Rate for each job classification, which may be increased each year based on a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA); and WHEREAS, after evaluating the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) as well as other factors, the Town Supervisor and Human Resources Manager in preparation for the 2011 Tentative budget recommended to the Personnel Committee a 2.0% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all classifications of the Wage Scale for Non-Collective Bargaining positions; and WHEREAS, the Collective Bargaining agreement with the Public Works employees specifies that the 2011 COLA increase will be equal to that of the non- collective bargaining positions’ COLA; and Page 6 of 11 Final Minutes WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee reviewed and discussed the recommendation and recommends a 2.0% COLA for the 2011 Wage Scale for Non- Collective Bargaining positions and Collective Bargaining positions; and WHEREAS, the Budget and Finance Committee during its review of the 2011 Budget worksheets discussed the Personnel Committee’s recommendation and reviewed alternatives, and also recommended the 2% COLA for the budget; and WHEREAS, the Town Supervisor has used the recommended 2% COLA for the Tentative Budget as filed with the Town Clerk; Now, therefore be it RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve a 2.0% Cost of Living Adjustment for all classifications of the 2011 Wage Scale for Non- Collective Bargaining positions (see attached sheet) and for Collective Bargaining positions (see attached sheet.) MOVED: Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED: Councilwoman Leary Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Consider approval of the 2011 Elected Officials’ Salaries There was some discussion amongst the Board regarding the proposed increase in salaries. Members restated their position; there were no changes in individual stances, or in the proposal. (*reminder - recording failed) TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-179: 2011 Proposed Elected Officials Salaries. WHEREAS, the Town Board on September 13, 2010 passed resolution number 2010-161 recommending Town Board members’ and Town Justices’ salaries for 2011 be increased from $8,797 and $16,818 respectively, to the amounts as outlined below; and WHEREAS, the Town Supervisor’s proposed salary is a 2% increase which matches the COLA authorized for town staff; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and discussed the proposed listed salaries for the elected officials for the year 2011; SUPERVISOR $ 49,486.75 (Paid Biweekly) (includes Supervisor’s Administrative Function) TOWN BOARD MEMBERS (6) $ 12,590.00 Each (Paid Quarterly) TOWN JUSTICES' (2) $ 20,818.00 Each (Paid Biweekly) Now, therefore, be it Page 7 of 11 Final Minutes RESOLVED, the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the following salaries for the elected officials for the year 2011: SUPERVISOR $ 49,486.75 (Paid Biweekly) (includes Supervisor’s Administrative Function) TOWN BOARD MEMBERS (6) $ 12,590.00 Each (Paid Quarterly) TOWN JUSTICES' (2) $ 20,818.00 Each (Paid Biweekly) ; And, be it further RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish the said proposed salaries as required by Section 108 of the Town Law. MOVED: Councilwoman Leary SECONDED: Councilman DePaolo Vote: Ayes –Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Nays – Engman, Absent – Riha Motion passed 5 to 1. AGENDA ITEM Consider adoption of the 2011 Tentative Budget as the 2011 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Ithaca TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-180: Adoption of the 2011 Town of Ithaca Tentative Budget as the Town of Ithaca 2011 Preliminary Budget Whereas, the 2011 Town of Ithaca Tentative Budget was filed with the Town Clerk on September 30, 2010 and distributed to the Town Board for their review, and Whereas, the Town Board reviewed and amended the Tentative Budget at their meeting on October 7, 2010; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts the 2011 Town of Ithaca Tentative Budget as amended as the 2011 Town of Ithaca Preliminary Budget MOVED: Councilman Goodman SECONDED: Councilwoman Hunter Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. a. Set a Public Hearing TB RESOLUTION NO 2010-180a: Set Public Hearing regarding the 2011 Town of Ithaca Preliminary Budget Page 8 of 11 Final Minutes BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hold a public hearing at th 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on the 18 day of October 2010 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering the 2011 Town of Ithaca Preliminary Budget; and it is further RESOLVED that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed budget may be heard concerning the same. MOVED: Councilman Goodman SECONDED: Councilwoman Hunter Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. Added AGENDA ITEM Discuss revised job description for Finance Officer TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-181: Approval of Revised Job Description – Finance Officer WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee has reviewed the Budget Officer job description, the full time hours for the position, job classification and the hiring range; and WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee recommends a change in title to Finance Officer and minor revisions to the job description prior to advertising for the position; and WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee recommends the position to be a salaried position at 37.5 hours per week, with a hiring range of $59,611- $61,000, in job classification Q; Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the attached revised job description for the Finance Officer position; and be it further RESOLVED, the position will be a salaried position at 37.5 hours at a hiring range of $59,611- $61,000, in job classification Q; RESOLVED, the Human Resources Manager is directed to advertise for the position. MOVED: Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED: Councilwoman Leary Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Consent Agenda Page 9 of 11 Final Minutes TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-182: Consent Agenda BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the resolutions for the following Consent Agenda items: a. Town of Ithaca Abstract b. Approval of Minutes of September Study Session MOVED: Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED: Supervisor Engman Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-182a: Town of Ithaca Abstract WHEREAS, the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town Board for approval of payment; and WHEREAS, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said vouchers in total for the amounts indicated. VOUCHER NOS. 9055 - 9120 General Fund Town wide 28,379.36 General Fund Part Town 4,592.30 Highway Fund Part Town 13,477.75 Water Fund 3,598.73 Sewer Fund 319,640.47 Forest Home Traffic Calming 32,203.38 Trust and Agency 400.00 TOTAL 402,291.99 MOVED: Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED: Supervisor Engman Vote: Ayes – Engman, Goodman, Leary, Hunter, Levine and DePaolo Absent – Riha Motion passed unanimously. Added AGENDA ITEM Enter Executive Session to discuss matters leading to the appointment of a particular person. Motion made by Tee-Ann Hunter, seconded by Eric Levine. Unanimous. (7:03 p.m.) Page 10 of 11 Final Minutes Motion made by Bill Goodman, seconded by Tee-Ann Hunter to reenter regular session. (7:48 p.m.) Unanimous. Meeting was adjourned upon motion at 7:49 p.m. Page 11 of 11