Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2006-05-01CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting May 31, 2006 Members Present: Alderperson Korherr (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Alderperson Coles, Alderperson Zumoff, Alderperson Townsend, Alderperson Cogan, Mayor Peterson Council Members Present: Alderperson Tomlan Staff Present: Allen Green (YB Director), Philly DeSarno (Dep Director of Economic Development), Michelle Thompson (GIS & Quantitative Methods Planner), Phyllis Radke (Building Commissioner), Thys VanCort (Director of P &D), Steve Thayer (Controller), Scott Andrew (Deputy Controller), Schelley Michell -Nunn (HR Director), Leslie Moskowitz (Manager of Organizational Development), Denise Malone (HR Executive Assistant) Others Present: Rebecca Elgie, Members of the Public, Members of the Media Chairperson Coles called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 1. Chairperson Greeting & Opening Statement Chairperson Coles welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the evacuation procedures. 2. Agenda Review and Amendments, Approval of Minutes & Announcements There were no announcements or changes to the agenda. Alderperson Coles made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 26, 2006 meeting. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 4 -0. (Alderperson Korherr was absent from the vote.) Alderperson Korherr arrived at 7 :05 p.m. City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 2 3. Statements from the Public Rebecca Elgie of Ithaca spoke in favor of agenda item 12.1 - Comprehensive, Single Standard National Healthcare System and asked the Mayor and Common Council to support the resolution. 4. Employee Comments. None. 5. Common Council Response. None. 6. Workforce Diversity (WFD) Committee Update Alderperson Townsend reported that the WFD Committee met with the Chamberlain's Office to present and answer questions related to the WFD Plan and to help the employees understand what this means to them. HR Director Michell -Nunn reported that department heads have been attending the WFD Committee to present their communication and diversity competency plans. The Information Technology (IT) Department presented at the May meeting. 7. Safety Committee Update Chairperson Coles reported that Rosemarie Tucker is the Chair of the Citywide Safety Committee and that Debra Parsons is the Vice- Chair. The Committee developed a list of short and long -term goals and will work toward answering some of the questions raised by the workforce. Employee Health & Safety Coordinator Andy Olmetti will attend a future meeting to give a formal report. HR Director Michell -Nunn mentioned that representatives from our workers' comp insurance visited the City recently. Ms. Michell -Nunn had an opportunity to review statistical data regarding cost from the workers' comp report. The City experienced a reduction in cost. Recommendations for the City in terms of moving forward would be forthcoming. 8. Youth Bureau 1. Request for Budget Amendment The Tompkins County Workforce Investment Board advised the Youth Bureau of new funding in the amount of $79,452 for the development of a Summer Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Employment Program. The new City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 3 program would provide short -term subsidized internships for fifty (50) TANF eligible teens needing assistance in securing summer employment with priority to teens 14 -16 years old and first time workers. The Youth Bureau requested approval to amend their budget by an amount not to exceed $79,452. After discussion, Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Korherr. Motion carried 5 -0. 9. Building Department 1. Request to Amend the Building Department 2006 Budget and Authorized Personnel Roster Recent increases in City development, increases in Cornell University building construction projects, and changes to mandatory State inspection cycles have put a heavy work burden on the existing Building Department. The Building Department cannot continue to operate effectively with the current staffing levels and work environment. The Building Commissioner proposed a restructuring of the Building Department in a phased approach, which will involve new positions, position upgrades, and analysis and changes to work flow operations. The current phase of said restructure will include two new positions, one position upgrade, and a contract for a substitute Electrical Inspector at an estimated 2006 net cost of $63,000 including fringes to be offset by increased permit fee revenue and previously encumbered funds. The Building Department has generated over $2,000,000 in fees over the past three years and expects another $2,000,000 in fees over the next three years. The Building Department requested approval to amend the Personnel Roster effective June 12, 2006 as follows: Add: One (1) Building Inspector - 40 hours One (1) Deputy Building Commissioner - 40 hours After discussion, Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Townsend. Motion carried 5 -0. City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 4 10. Planning and Development 1. Request for Additional Funding for Green Street Parking Garage The Planning Department expects to receive the bids on June 6t" for the rebuilding of the Green Street Garage. If bids come in at the appropriated cost or lower, then Common Council would do nothing. If bids come in higher than the cost already appropriated by Common Council, then Common Council would review the plans and bids. 2. Request to Increase Hours of GI5 and Quantitative Methods Planner It has been determined that there is the need to increase the hours of the Geographic Information Systems (GI5) and Quantitative Methods Planner in the Planning Department from 20 hours per week to 25 hours per week. The current 20 hours per week is not sufficient for the demands of the position to maintain current work flow, respond to on- demand map and GI5 analysis requests, participate in coordination with the GI5 program, facilitate the upgrades of the website and co- manage the GI5 /planning intern. The Planning Department requested approval to amend the 2006 Authorized Planning Department Personnel Roster by increasing the Geographic Information and Quantitative Methods Planner from 20 hours per week to 25 hours per week. The funds necessary for said roster amendment shall be derived within the existing Planning Department Budget. After discussion, Alderperson Korherr made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 5 -0. 3. Request to Increase Annual Leave of Deputy Director of Economic Development The Deputy Director of Economic Development was appointed on February 27, 2006, earning ten (10) hours of annual leave a month. The Planning Department requested approval that the annual leave earned by the Deputy Director of Economic Development be increased to fifteen (15) hours a month effective June 1, 2006. The Deputy Director of Economic Development will follow the current Managerial personnel benefit package annual leave length of service schedule starting with her seventh (7) year of service with the City. For the purpose of discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Chairperson Coles. City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 5 The Committee discussed the request. Concerns were expressed about the number of employees who would be affected by the request of the Planning Department. After discussion, Chairperson Coles made a motion to amend the hours earned per month to 13.5. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. After further discussion, Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to table this item pending additional information from the HR Director about whether employees affected by this request should be adjusted. Seconded by Alderperson Townsend. The vote was as follows: Ayes (4): Townsend, Cogan, Coles, Zumoff Nays (1): Korherr Motioned carried 4 -1. 11. Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) 1. Request to Amend 2006 GIAC Budget and Roster The City of Ithaca recently reassigned the Youth Program Administrator position from the CSEA Administrative Unit to the Executive Association. The Youth Bureau position has an equivalent position at GIAC titled GIAC Program Administrator. To maintain consistency and equity it is recommended that the GIAC Program Administrator position be reassigned to the Executive Association. The CSEA Administrative Unit has been duly consulted and has no objection. GIAC requested approval to amend its 2006 budget and roster as follows: Move the GIAC Program Administrator position from the CSEA Administrative Unit to the Executive Association Salary Grade A, and Amend the roster to increase the hours of this GIAC Program Administrator from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per week effective June 12, 2006, and Amend the 2006 GIAC budget by transferring an amount not to exceed $3,936.00 from Account # A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account # A7311- 5110 -1101 GIAC Staff Salaries. City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 6 After discussion, Alderperson Korherr made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Townsend. Motion carried 5 -0. 12. Common Council 1. Support of a Comprehensive, Single Standard National Healthcare System Whereas, enormous and rising profits of insurance companies, HMOs and pharmaceutical companies have resulted in limiting and virtually denying healthcare to as many as 100 million people in the United States; and Whereas, the existence of thousands of public and private insurance payers has result in an unruly bureaucratic system and in confusion throughout every aspect of insurance coverage from patients to practitioners; and Whereas, healthcare for all is a basic right under the UN Declaration of Human Rights and is a mandate under the U.S. Constitutional call to provide for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and Whereas, solutions that are often discussed other than a single payer solution imply limitations, high deductibles and the reduction of health services especially for the poor, the sick and elderly; and Whereas, statistics show that the greatest barrier to health is poverty and that inequalities in healthcare diminish not only well -being but also everyone's ability to work and prosper; and Whereas, Congressman John Conyers has introduced H.R. 676, the United States Nation Health Insurance Act, also known as the Expanded and Improved Medicare For All Act; and Whereas, H.R. 676 would cover every person in the U.S. for all necessary medical care including prescription drugs; hospital, surgical, outpatient services; primary and preventive care; emergency services; dental and mental health; physical therapy; vision care and long term care among others, without deductibles; and City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 7 Whereas, a national movement is growing in support of a national single payer system, and, as a result, the number of members of Congress endorsing this bill has tripled in the past year; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Ithaca endorse H.R. 676, The United States National Health Insurance Act, and call on the Congress of the United States to pass this bill and begin its implementation swiftly in order to reduce the suffering and dying in our city, our state and our nation. Resolved, that copies of this resolution be sent to Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer; to Legislators Barbara Lif ton and George Winner and to Congressman Maurice Hinchey. After discussion, Alderperson Coles made a motion to approve the resolution in support of the comprehensive, single standard national healthcare system. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 5 -0. 13. Human Resources (HR) bepartment 1. Amendment to Personnel Rosters - DPW (Streets & Facilities) and Police A vacancy exists in a Custodial Worker position assigned to work at the Ithaca Police Department. It is preferable to have this position supervised and employed by the Ithaca Police Department, rather than the Department of Public Works where it is currently authorized. The City has been consistently transferring vacant custodial and maintenance positions to the departments at whose worksite the work is performed. The HR Department requested approval to amend the Personnel Rosters of the following departments: Streets and Facilities Division of the Department of Public Works Delete (1): Custodial Worker - Buildings and Grounds (40 hours) Ithaca Police Department Add (1): Custodial Worker (40 hours) City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 8 After discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 5 -0. 2. Director's Report. HR Director Michell -Nunn reported on the following: Emergency Management Training: The HR Department has been working with the Fire Department to set up the Emergency Management Training. The Emergency Management Training will be rolled out the last two weeks of June. Employees schedule to participate in the training can do so on line or in the classroom. Project Management Training: Senior staff participated in a two -day project management training in earlier May. The feedback was very positive. Diversity Consortium Annual Conference: The Conference is scheduled for June 1St - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Hilton Garden Inn. They were booked to capacity. Soy Milk Documentary: A documentary has been produced called Spilled Soy Milk. It is about the history and diversity within the Asian American community. It is an excellent documentary and a copy of the DVD can be found in the HR Department. Employee Picnic: The employee picnic is scheduled for Friday - September 15, with a rain date of Friday- September 22. More information to follow. HR Department Training: Monday - June 5, the HR Department will be closed to participate in a facilitated training. Staff will be working on the HR Director's diversity competency. 14. Finance /Controller 1. Controller's Report. Controller Thayer reported on the following: Sales Tax Revenue: Receipts continue to come in fairly strong through May collections, about 13% above 2005 collections. Should this pace continue, the City would be about $650,000 - $700,000 ahead of 2006 budget. June is a busy collection month. There are four payments due from the State. City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 9 Fuel: Fuel is one reason why sales tax revenue is up. The governor signed a bill to cut the taxes on fuel. The City now is allowed to forego its portion of sales tax revenue on fuel. Recently, a meeting was held of the inter municipal group steering committee to discuss cutting the local portion of the sales tax on fuel. The consensus of those present was not in favor of pursuing this course at this time. Should the City decide to cut its portion of sales tax on fuel a resolution must be submitted to the State by June 16. The City can make changes any time after June 16. Sales Tax on Clothing /Shoes: Discussion continues to take place on the exemption of sales tax for clothing /shoes on $110 or less. The City received a report that a couple more counties adopted the permanent sales tax exemption on clothing /shoes of $110 or less. For the City to do so would mean about $150,000 - $200,000 annually. This item could be discussed during the budget process. Health Insurance: The City budgeted $6,170,000 for the health insurance program. The City is within the budgeted amount. Stop Loss Coverage: The City now has stop loss coverage. This covers the City for claims over $125,000. The City requested documents to gather data on our health insurance program to determine the best direction the City should go with the health insurance program. Overtime Expense: The overtime expense is slightly over the budgeted amount of $680,000. The City is doing much better than a year ago. Parking Revenues: Parking revenues are slightly under budgeted projections. New equipment has been installed at the Dryden Road and Seneca Street garages. Looking forward to seeing if revenue changes based on the new equipment. Fine Revenues: The City continues to be under budget even though more tickets are being written. If there is compliance by the citizens, then the City revenue is not met. The Controller's Office will continue to monitor and make needed changes. 2007 Budget: Budget guidelines will go out in mid June. Departmental budgets are due by August 1. City Administration Committee May 31, 2006 Page 10 Reports: The Controller's Office will soon be caught upon their reports. State Auditors: The state auditors will be in City Hall next week. They are working on inventory items like fuel, recording of assets, license agreements, and collections of revenues /fees related to those agreements. 15. Reports 1. Mayor's Report. The Mayor reported on the following: Capital Projects: A message went out to departments about capital projects and being conservative on the projects. The Mayor asked the departments to review the Thomas' report, which came out four years ago, to refresh their memories. NYS Conference of Mayors: Next month, the Mayor will attend the NYS Conference of Mayors in Saratoga Springs and serve on a panel about multi year financial planning. 2. Sub- Committee Updates The Residency Requirement Sub- Committee will make a report at the next meeting. 3. Council Members' Announcements The Ithaca Festivals starts Thursday - June 1 - with the parade. 4. Next Month's Meeting: June 28, 2006. 16. Adjournment With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Cogan, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.