HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN_CC_Budget Meeting 10-20-22COMMON COUNCIL Special Meeting Voting Record
BUDGET MEETING #3
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2022 Location: City Hall, 108 E. Green Street 3rd Floor, Council Chambers Meeting Called to order: 6:00PM
Meeting Adjourned: 7:30 P.M.
YouTube Link(s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwqPDKcJZdM&t=348s
Attendance Record of Voting Members
Name Present (In Person) Remote Absent / Excused
Acting Mayor – Laura Lewis x
1st Ward – Cynthia Brock x
1st Ward – George McGonigal x
2nd Ward – Phoebe Brown x
2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen x
3rd Ward – Jeffrey Barken x
3rd Ward – Rob Gearhart x
4th Ward – Jorge DeFendini x
4th Ward - Patrick Mehler x
5th Ward – Robert Cantelmo x
5th Ward – Laura Lewis x
Total voting members for this meeting 10
Agenda Item 1: Called to Order
YouTube Timestamp: 0:15
Vote Pass: No Vote
Discussion Summary: Exit Recess from 10/13. Motion still on the table to continue Budget Discussions. Starting
with Human Resources.
Department Review
Human Resources
YouTube Timestamp: 0:33
Discussion Summary: Presented by Director of Human Resources Schelley Michell-Nunn. Schelley thanked the
Mayor for putting together a Budget that recognizes staff. Gave a description of the new position listed. The
position focuses on Outreach Recruitment, Diversity, and Inclusion. Talked in length about the 2019 Private
Survey and actions taken by HR and the City, also talked about in detail the Compensation Survey. Commented
on Automation Capital Project that was funded last year; moving slower than expected, but still being worked on.
In response to Ducson’s question, talked about improving communications between the Mayor, Select Leadership
and Departments. Talked about a Communication Survey being put out to the workforce. Data from that Survey
will be presented to the Engagement Team. The position in discussion is intended to start beginning of second
quarter, April 1.
DPW
YouTube Timestamp: 10:59
Discussion Summary: Presented by Mike Thorne. Also present for questions is Tim Logue and Scott Gibson.
Mike opened the discussion by going over Budget Narrative. Pleased with the Mayor’s Budget with the focus
being on Infrastructure. Discussed staffing, retracting, and retaining staff. Still down thirty staff across the whole
DPW. Discussed a number of Grants being worked on. Discussed upcoming Capital Budget Projects for next
year; difficult to run projects without staffing. Talked about attracting diverse candidates and meeting the Black
Hands Universal in regards to helping find jobs with DPW. Discussions continued around staffing issues and
wages.
Agenda Item 3 Capital Projects
YouTube Timestamp: 47:27
Discussion Summary: Discussion on Water Meter Replacement Project. Mike Thorne asked Scott Gibson to
speak on the Water Meter Replacement Project.
Scott described in length the Meter Program. Meters were replaced 10-12 years ago under the Johnson Controls
Performance Contract; however, we are now seeing meter batteries that were expected to last 15 years are now
failing after 8 years. 5700 meters are no longer functioning properly. Talked about the benefits and advantages of
upgrading with new modern technology. The new system is a Cloud Based reading system. It makes sense for a
full upgrade on 5700 meters instead for replacing them with a 12-year-old technology. Mike followed up noting
this is a multi-year project. What is showing now is eight-hundred thousand ($800,000) there is about 1.2 million
that needs to be spent in the next couple of years. Project is being broken up into thirds. Discussions continued
surrounding staffing, warranty, and efficiency of Meter Program.
Mike Thorne responded to Patrick’s question regarding Bigger Dollar Items being in Water & Sewer, the Dam
being the Higher Dollar Item being a couple of years away but not in a position to ask for money by October 2024.
Jorge DeFendini commented and asked questions pertaining to Police Vehicle Replacement, warranties and
repairs being the most cost-effective route, presented questions about buying new vehicles vs repairing vehicles.
Mayor Lewis in response brought attention to the fact that some Whole Capital Projects are partially funded rather
than fully funded, far more costly and less efficient to look at repairs as opposed to replacement. Made mention
that funding was very strategic in terms of looking at and allowing the best use of City resources. Discussions
continued surrounding cost effectiveness, repairs, and replacement of Police and DPW vehicles.
Cynthia, to build off Patrick’s questions, commented on DPW and City working with community on finding funding
to replace led service lines. Cass Park and Youth Bureau were not in attendance to address Capital Project
questions.
George briefly added to discussion by adding each department would prioritize staff over replacing vehicles.
Mayor Lewis reminded all that one-third of Capital Projects costs are covered by contributions from the Town of
Ithaca.
Comments and statements from City Controller Steve Thayer on vehicle replacement, finance that includes traffic
violations, Chamberlains office, Controllers office, pages 9, 11 and 13 of the Budget. Talked about funding for
staffing and the new Deputy Controller position. New accounting requirements in a number of areas that are
adding to work activity; we have fallen behind on financial reporting but are working hard to catch up in that area.
There is an increase in the cost for fees related to external audits and reporting. Increase in staff development
and increasing and improving financial software package. Announced to be retiring next year, funds have been
incorporated into the 2023 Budget for the overlap of positions and to help with the transition of hiring a new
Controller. There is no request over the Mayor’s Budget. Responded to George’s question about the rise in
interest rates on BANS (Bond Anticipation Notes). George talked about how the city could save money and staff
time if the city went to a Bi-weekly payroll instead of a weekly payroll. George did note that it is tied to contract
negotiations. Per City Controller, moving from a weekly payroll to a bi-weekly payroll is currently in the contract,
and planning for that transition in the future.
Alderperson Chair Robert Cantelmo reminded council discussion of Budget Amendments will be had after City
Administration Committee, Human Services, the Mayor’s Office, and Council Budgets.
Jorge is working on a proposal allocating One Million Dollars from our ARPA Funds for a cash payment program
as part of the Economic Recovery as part of the Pandemic. Jorge has been having conversations throughout the
city including conversations with the Human Services Coalition. Phoebe supports Jorge’s proposal.
Agenda Item 4: Recess.
YouTube Timestamp: 1:32:35
Motion to Recess until 6pm October 26th, 2022, Patrick Mehler
Seconded by Jorge DeFendini
Vote Pass: 10-0 All in Favor.
Discussion Summary: No Discussion
Member Approve Deny Abstain Table
Cynthia Brock x
George McGonigal x
Phoebe Brown x
Ducson Nguyen x
Jeffrey Barken x
Rob Gearhart x
Jorge DeFendini x
Patrick Mehler x
Robert Cantelmo x
Laura Lewis x