HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2005-01-26 L4 .IL
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CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE--_ , ( L
Regular Meeting + �
-4. MAP ; 2005
January 26, 2005 ��''�
Ci.EA'S OFFICE
Members
Present: Alderperson Berry, Alderperson Cogan, Alderperson Coles, "'' son Zumoff,
Alderperson Townsend.
Council
Members
Present: Alderperson Whitmore
Staff
Present: Larry Fabbroni (Asst Supt), Allen Green (YB Director), Liz Vance (Deputy YB
Director), Steve Thayer (Controller), Scott Andrew (Deputy Controller)
Others
Present: Members of the Media
Chairperson Berry called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
A. Chairperson Greeting & Opening Statement
Chairperson Berry welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the evacuation procedures.
B. Agenda Review, Amendments, Announcements & Approval of Minutes
There were no amendments to the agenda or announcements. The Committee reviewed the
minutes from the December 2004 meeting. After discussion, Alderperson Zumoff made a
motion to approve the minutes from the December 22, 2004, City Administration Committee
meeting. Seconded by Alderperson.Cogan. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Statements from the Public. None.
D. Employee Comments. None.
E. Common Council Response. None.
! o
City Administration Committee
January 26, 2005
Page 2 of 5
F. Affirmative Action Advisory Committee Update
Alderperson Townsend reported that the January meeting was moved to Friday - January 28,
2005. A report would be given at next month's meeting.
G. Youth Bureau
1. Request to Amend 2005 Youth Bureau Budget for Minimum Wage Increase
The recent State Senate veto override resulted in the increase of minimum wage.
This increase has impacted the Youth Bureau budget, particularly Cass Park
(concession stand positions) and the Youth Employment Service (YES) Summer
Municipal Jobs Program (which hired 91 teens at minimum wage last year). The
Youth Bureau presented the Committee with two options, Option A and Option B.
Both options rely on the use of available money due to employees retiring. After
discussion, Alderperson Coles made a motion to approve Option A. Seconded by
Alderperson Cogan. The vote on the motion was as follows:
Yea: (4) Berry, Cogan, Coles, Townsend
Nay: (1) Zumoff
Motion passed 4-1.
H. Human Resources
1. Request to Amend the Personnel Rosters of Various Departments
Chairperson Berry reported that this item was inadvertently pulled from the
January Common Council meeting and, thus, must return to this Committee for
another vote. After discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a motion to amend the
personnel rosters of various departments as requested. Seconded by Alderperson
Coles. Motion carried 5-0. The Committee agreed that this item would be put on
consent agenda.
City Administration Committee
January 26, 2005
Page 3 of 5
I. DPW/Water & Sewer
1. Request to Amend Ecologic LLC Contract
The contract with the New York State Department of State (DOS) for the
riparian buffer restoration project at the City Silt Dam must be modified to
remedy discrepancies created by new requirements that the USDA and DOS
grants be separated. The Department of Public Works (Water di Sewer) requested
that the Ecological LLC contract executed June 19, 2003, be increased from
$143,060 to $187,750, drawing the $7,000 of the increased not covered by grant
reimbursement from the 2005 budget for Watershed activities F8321. After
discussion, Alderperson Coles made a motion to approve the request with an
additional whereas explaining the scope of the project. Seconded by Alderperson
Cogan. Motion carried 5-0.
2, Request to Amend Personnel Roster
The Department of Public Works (Water & Sewer) requested approval to amend
the 2005 Personnel Roster by
Deleting: One (1) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Adding: One (1) Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
After discussion, Alderperson Cogan made a motion to approve the request.
Seconded by Alderperson Coles. Motion carried 5-0. The Committee agreed that
this item would be put on consent agenda.
J. Common Council
1. Travel Policy
The Mayor and Common Council determined that attendance by certain municipal
officials and City employees at one or more meetings, conferences or schools
benefits the municipality. Common Council requested that Common Council, the
Mayor and City employees be authorized to attend conferences or other applicable
City Administration Committee
January 26, 2005
Page 4 of 5
training events during 2005 and that the cost for all events must be derived from
the existing 2005 Departmental Budgets with appropriate approvals obtained as
applicable. After discussion, Alderperson Townsend made a motion to approve the
request. Seconded by Alderperson Coles. Motion carried 5-0.
K. Finance/Controller
1. Controller's Report. The Controller reported on the following:
Sales Tax Revenue: Controller Thayer reported that the City had excellent
returns in December by the State and County (within City limits) that allowed the
City to make its budget number for 2004, with $1,000 over. The City received a
positive adjustment in December from an entity that did not report correctly
during the year. The City had large increases of 28%-40% over the last two 2004
payments. The City did reach the $8,391,000 2004 sales tax revenue number. Mr.
Thayer believes the new development and the positive adjustment pushed the City
to make budget. Mr. Thayer hopes to make or exceed 2005 sales tax revenue
number, which is currently over $9,000,000 and about an 8% increase. At this
time, Mr. Thayer is unable to say how 2004 budget is overall but will make a report
at next month's meeting.
Governor Proposed Budget: The governor has released a proposed budget, which
included an increase in State Aid, State Aid Policy and Pension Reform. The City
may get increased State Aid in the amount of $158,000 over the next two years.
The City would receive at least $40,000. But to get additional monies, the City
must comply with restrictions to keep spending limits within the threshold that the
governor is proposing. Mr. Thayer will report at future meetings as more details
are made available.
L. Reports
1. Mayor's Report. None
2. Sub-Committee Report
City Administration Committee
January 26, 2005
Page 5 of 5
Alderperson Zumoff reported that he has met and is now waiting for information
from the City Attorney regarding independent contracts.
3. Council Members' Announcements
Chairperson Berry thanked the anonymous person for shoveling the sidewalks on
West Buffalo Street and hoped for world peace. Chairperson Berry reported that
there would be a fundraiser for the Tsunami Relief on Thursday - February 3,
2005. Tickets are $40.
Alderperson Whitmore expressed his concerns about an editorial in the Ithaca
Journal suggesting that all Common Council members forego their health insurance
with the City of Ithaca. Mr. Whitmore mentioned that Common Council members
work an average of 60-99 hours per month and that they have not received an
increase in salary in a long time. Mr. Whitmore suggested creating a Sub-
Committee to look into Common Council members' salaries.
M. Adjournment
With no further business and on a motion by Chairperson Berry, the meeting was adjourned at
8:22 p.m.