HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2005-12-01CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
December 21, 2005
Members
Present: Alderperson Berry (arrived at 6:15 p.m.), Alderperson Zumoff, Alderperson Cogan,
Mayor Peterson
Members
Excused: Alderperson Coles, Alderperson Townsend
Council
Members
Present: Alderperson Taylor, Alderperson Tomlan
Staff
Present: Tom Dorman (Deputy Fire Chief), Duane Twardokus (IT Director), Lauren Signer
(Police Chief), Steve Thayer (Controller), Schelley Michell -Nunn (HR Director),
Leslie Moskowitz (Mgr of OD), Denise Malone (HR Executive Assistant)
Acting Chairperson Cogan called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
1. Chairperson Greeting & Opening Statement
Acting Chairperson Cogan welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the evacuation
procedures.
2. Agenda Review and Amendments, Approval of Minutes & Announcements
There were no announcements, amendments to the agenda or minutes to approve.
3. Statements from the Public. None.
4. Employee Comments. None
5. Common Council Response. None.
6. Workforce Diversity (WFD) Committee Update
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HR Director Michell -Nunn reported that the WFD Committee met to work on identifying plan
goals for 2006 and providing support (or serve as a resource) to department heads as it relates
to their diversity competency.
Chairperson Berry arrived at 6:15 p.m.
7. Police Department
1. Waiver of City Residency Requirement for the Chief of Police
The City of Ithaca's Police Chief requested a waiver of the residency requirement
due to extenuating circumstances that require her to provide accommodations for
a disabled family member. The Chief's existing City residence would require major
structural adaptations including additional square footage and the displacement of
the disabled family member for the renovation period. The Chief's efforts to find
accommodating housing within the City of Ithaca were unsuccessful. After
discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by
Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 3 -0.
2. Request for Vacation Benefit Time Adjustment for Sr. Deputy Chief of Police
Deputy Police Chief Randolph Haus, Sr. served twenty years with the Ithaca Police
Department before retiring in 1998. At the time of his retirement, Deputy Chief
Haus was at the rank of Captain receiving the maximum pay and benefits. Deputy
Chief Haus returned from retirement at the request of the City and was credited
the entry -level benefit accumulation, which was not sufficient to cover time
commitments made prior to his return. Deputy Chief Haus accepted a lower salary
than that recommended by the Human Resources Director at the time of rehire
for reasons of his own. The Police Department requested that Deputy Chief
Randolph Haus, Sr. be awarded five (5) additional days of annual leave in
recognition of previous tenure. After discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a motion
to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 3 -0.
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December 21, 2005
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8. Fire Department
1. Request to Establish Capital Project for Equipment Acquisition
The Ithaca Fire Department has been designated by Common Council resolution as
the Tompkins County Hazardous Materials Team. Many funding sources, including
grants, are available through Tompkins County. Following City purchasing practices
and retaining control of the purchasing process through the Ithaca Fire
Department facilitates the reimbursement for the purchase of equipment and
personnel cost for the Hazardous Materials Team. The Fire Department requested
that Capital Project #496 IFD Hazardous Materials Team Equipment Acquisition
be established in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the purposes of
purchasing Hazardous Materials equipment and reimbursement of applicable
personnel costs. The funds needed for said project shall be derived from Federal,
State and Local grants and donations. After discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a
motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried
3 -0.
9. Human Resources (HR) Department
1. Proposed Electronic Mail Poli
IT Director Twardokus reported that the proposed policy resulted from the
collaborative work of the HR Director, the City Clerk, and himself. Senior Staff
has reviewed and made suggestions to the policy. The policy was also reviewed by
the City Attorney's Office. IT Director Twardokus requested that the Electronic
Mail Policy be approved as a City policy. Common Council members present
expressed concern about the policy. After discussion, the Committee decided to
table the policy until the January meeting.
2. Director's Report. HR Director Michell -Nunn reported on the following:
Flu Shot Clinic: Common Council passed a resolution that allowed the City to
conduct the first Flu Shot Clinic. Over forty (40) employees participated in the
clinic. Another component of the resolution allows employees to get reimbursed
for flu shots.
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Staff Acknowledgement: Ms. Michell -Nunn acknowledged the HR Department
staff that, in the spirit of the holidays, volunteered at Loaves and Fishes earlier
today.
10. Finance /Controller
1. Controller's Report. Controller Thayer reported on the following:
Pension Payment: The pension payment in the amount of $2,600,000 was made
December 15, 2005, to the New York State Retirement System. For paying early,
the City saved about $25,000.
State Aid: The City received the second installment of the State Aid, which
included an additional payment of $315,000.
Sales Tax: The sales tax was about 15.9% or $500,000 above 2004. The City is
still due a final payment in January 2006.
Building Permit Revenue: Is over budget about $300,000.
Parking Revenue: The parking revenue continues to be short of projections about
$140,000. Minor adjustments to fees have been made for 2006.
Overtime Cost: The overtime cost, which is beyond our control, is over budget
about $400,000.
Fine Revenue: The fine revenue is under budget about $500,000. This was due to
compliance with some of the laws and to vacancies in the Police Department that
caused fewer tickets to be written than in 2004.
Snow Removal Budget: The funds for snow removal have been exhausted. Small
adjustments have been made for 2006.
Utilities for 2005: The utility cost for 2005 should be within budget or just
slightly over the budgeted amount of $600,000. The cost of gas has increased
tremendously. There is a contract in place for the electricity.
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Fuel Cost: The fuel cost for 2005 is over budget about $75,000.
Overall Budget: The overall budget will be close with revenues keeping pace with
the expenditures. This would depend on the final payments of the sales tax.
Bonding Attornex: As of December 31, 2005, Willkie Farr & Gallagher will no
longer be the City's bonding attorney. Request for proposals were sent out and
returned. The City selected Orrick Harrington & Sutcliffe, LLP as the bonding
attorney. They are located in New York City.
Annual Resolutions: There will be resolutions coming forth in January for the
Committee to approve the official newspaper, designation collateral for the
deposits and accounts, and a blanket bond for public employees.
Apprenticeship Program: The Controller's Office had their first experience with
the Apprenticeship Program. Common Council put this program in place in 2005.
The Thurston Avenue Bridge project was over the $500,000 threshold. The City
received three bidders. One company did not bid because of the restriction. Mr.
Thayer expressed concern about having the restricted bidder environment.
11. Reports
1. Mayor's Report. The Mayor reported on the following:
Organization for 2006: The Mayor is working on staffing Common Council
committee rosters and chair positions, and on liaisons to other boards and
committees.
Holidays: The Mayor wished everyone a Happy Holiday.
2. Sub- Committee Updates. None.
3. Council Members' Announcements
Chairperson Berry thanked the staff and the members of the City Administration
Committee for their incredible work for the past two years and wished everyone a
Happy Holiday.
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December 21, 2005
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4. Next Month's Meeting: January 25, 2006.
12. Adjournment
With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Zumoff, the meeting was adjourned at
7:05 p.m.