HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1995-10-18 r 1 ✓'T
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING 7 :30 P.M. OCTOBER 18, 1995
MINUTES
Present:
Committee Members: Booth, Johnson, Shenk, Thorpe
Others Present:
Mayor Nichols
City Controller Cafferillo
Deputy Controller Thayer
Ithaca Activities Coordinator Deming
City Clerk Holcomb
City Chamberlain Parsons
Supt. of Public Works Gray
Asst. Supt. of Public Works Ferrel
Supt. of Water & Sewer Fabbroni
Asst. City Attorney Kennedy
Planning Staff Meigs
Facilities Manager Doyle
Members of the SPCA
Members of the media
1 . Opening Comments:
Chairperson Booth stated that the following changes were
made to the agenda:
1 . Deletion of Report on Tax Sale Liens
2 . Deletion of the item dealing with Ithaca Housing
Authority Salaries
3. Deletion of the 1994 City Financial Report
Members of the Public were asked to speak; no members spoke.
2 . Common Council - Fundinq Request from Kitchen & Firehouse
Theaters
Tom Newton from the Firehouse Theater and Mandi Snyder
from the Kitchen Theater requested 1996 funding for the
Firehouse Theater in the amount of $10, 000 and for the
Kitchen Theater in the amount of $5, 000 . They both felt
they were left out of the 1996 funding process . In 1995,
they were both grouped with IPAC, and in 1996 they did
not receive a funding request form. Mayor Nichols stated
that he will be recommending a $12, 000 funding level for
IPAC in 1996, and currently is not recommending funding
for either the Kitchen Theater or Firehouse Theater. It
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
was noted that both these organizations received $4,000
in 1995, and IPAC received $12, 000. Fund-raising
techniques of both organizations were discussed.
Alderperson Johnson made a motion recommending to the
Mayor that $4,000 each be funded to the Firehouse Theater
and the Kitchen Theater in 1996 for a total funding of
$8, 000 . Voting results on the motion were as follows:
Ayes : (2 ) Johnson, Thorpe
Nays: (2 ) Booth, Shenk
The motion failed 2-2 .
Tom Newton from the Firehouse Theater suggested that the
Mayor' s $12 , 000 to IPAC be split three ways, $4,000 each,
to IPAC, Kitchen Theater and Firehouse Theater. Mayor
Nichols felt this suggestion could not be recommended
without IPAC members present. A discussion regarding the
funding followed.
Alderperson Shenk made the following motion regarding the
1996 funding:
RESOLVED, That the B & A Committee recommends to the Mayor
that a total of $18, 000 be funded in 1996 to IPAC, Kitchen
Theater and Firehouse Theater, with the funding allocation as
follows:
IPAC $10,000
Firehouse Theater 4,000
Kitchen Theater 4,000
$18, 000,
It was noted that this resolution would reduce the
Mayor' s current 1996 recommendation to IPAC by $2,000 .
Voting results on the motion were as follows:
Ayes: (3) Johnson, Shenk, Thorpe
Nays : ( 1) Booth
The motion passed 3-1 .
3. Commons Coordinator - Amending Local Law for Animals on The
Commons
Ithaca Activities Coordinator Deming discussed amending
the local law dealing with animals on The Commons .
Deming stated that the current City Code states that no
animals are allowed on The Commons unless they have a
permit from the Superintendent of Public Works .
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
Deming explained that the draft language prepared by the
Commons Advisory Board would clarify the permit and
application process for obtaining a special permit to
allow an animal on The Commons . She explained that the
new language would include a definition of primary
Commons residents which have been defined as residents
who hold leases for space on the primary Commons with
access to the primary Commons only. These residents do
not have a back door to their premises . Deming explained
that this type of permit would apply to about five
individuals.
The Committee agreed that this item needs a public
hearing, and it will be scheduled for the December B & A
meeting. No formal action was taken.
4. SPCA - Dog Enumeration
Karen Smith and Pam Stonebraker from the SPCA presented
a proposal regarding a City-wide Dog Enumeration. Karen
stated that the SPCA would offer dog enumeration services
to the City for 1996 for the fee of $7, 000. She
explained that the proposal would provide for the
following:
A. Identification of addresses and owners of dogs in
the City;
B. Cross reference of dogs located with existing
licensing records;
C. Follow-up letters to owners of unlicensed dogs;
D. Delivery of tickets to owners where applicable; and
E. Establishment of a temporary team to do the dog
enumeration.
Karen stated that the SPCA has estimated that 3,000
unlicensed dogs will be found and based on this, the City
can expect revenues to increase by $15, 000 to $20, 000 a
year. The current SPCA contract costs the City $38,000,
while license revenue is about $6,400 a year. A City
enumeration has been attempted several times in the past
without success, but the SPCA feels that this time it can
be accomplished. A discussion regarding the process of
a dog enumeration followed.
Deputy Controller Thayer stated that the Department has
encumbered $5, 000 from 1994 to assist in such an
enumeration. Therefore, the 1996 total cost for this
proposal would only be an additional $2,000, which the
Mayor would need to need to place in the 1996 Budget.
The Committee made the following motion:
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
RESOLVED, That the B & A Committee recommends to the Mayor
that the SPCA be authorized to conduct a city-wide dog
enumeration at a cost of $7,000, with costs to be derived from
a 1994 encumbrance of $5, 000 and $2,000 of new funds placed in
the 1996 Budget.
The motion passed 4-0.
5. SPCA - Cat Control Expenses
Karen Smith and Pam Stonebraker from the SPCA presented
a proposal to the Committee that the City assist in
paying for county cat control expenses. Karen stated
that currently the SPCA is providing cat control at a
cost of $36,000 annually. Tompkins County is paying
$18,000 of the cost, but the SPCA would like to have the
other municipalities in the county share the remaining
$18, 000 in cost. The City' s share would be $3,206. A
discussion regarding cat control followed.
A motion to recommend to the Mayor that $3,206 be placed
in the 1996 Budget to support county cat control was
made. Later, the motion was withdrawn. The Committee
agreed that the County should fund the entire amount, and
Chairperson Booth stated that he would write a letter to
the County urging them to reconsider funding the entire
amount. Booth stated that if the County would not fund
the amount, then he would bring this request back during
the 1996 budget discussions. No action was taken.
6. Finance/Clerk - Local Law Amending "City Officers" Section C-
26
City Clerk Holcomb proposed a local law amending Article
II entitled "City Officers" , Section C-26(A) of the
Ithaca City Charter. Holcomb explained that the
amendment represents additional wording needed to clarify
this particular section of the Charter. She noted that
the wording change relates to the titles of the City
Attorney and the Assistant City Attorney. This section
of the Charter deals with the Mayor' s appointment of
certain City Officers. After a brief discussion, the
following motion was made:
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
A Local Law amending Article II entitled "City Officers",
Section C-26(A) of the Ithaca City Charter.
BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New
York as follows :
Section 1. Article II entitled "City Officers" , Section C-
26(A) of the Ithaca City Charter is hereby amended to read as
follows :
"A. The following officers of the City shall be
appointed by the Mayor in the manner provided herein:
Superintendent of Public Works, Fire Chief, Youth Bureau
Director, Building Commissioner, City Controller, City
Clerk, Director of Planning and Development, City
Chamberlain, Personnel Administrator, and Assistant City
Attorney. "
Section 2. This law shall take effect immediately upon filing
with the Office of the Secretary of State.
The motion passed 4-0.
7 . Finance/Chamberlain - Request Extension for Tax Sale
Redemption
City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request to extend
the period of time for property redemption on the 1992
City Tax Sale. The property owner at 513 North Albany
Street has requested the extension until May 1, 1996 .
Parsons stated that the property owner was incorrectly
informed of back taxes owed on his property. To pay the
back taxes owed, $5,252 .70, the owner needs additional
time. After a brief discussion, the following motion was
made:
WHEREAS, the property owner at 513 North Albany Street has
requested an extension of time for property redemption from
the 1992 City Tax sale for the property at 513 North Albany
Street, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee has reviewed
the request and recommends approval of the extension; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the existing owner be permitted to redeem the
property at 513 North Albany Street, up to May 1, 1996, for
the total lien amount outstanding, plus additional interest,
penalty and related costs through the date of the redemption.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
The motion passed 4-0 .
8 . Committee to Proceed into Executive Session
The Committee voted, 4-0, to move into executive session
to discuss possible litigation regarding real property.
9 . Report from Executive Session
After the Committee voted, 4-0, to move back into regular
session, Chairperson Booth reported that the Committee
discussed a tax sale lien with the Assistant City
Attorney and City Chamberlain and gave staff directions,
but no formal action was taken.
10 . DPW
A. Request for Use of Cemetery Trust Funds
City Controller Cafferillo stated that a capital project
to replace City cemetery vaults was put forth in the
Capital Review process at an estimated cost of $132,000.
Cafferillo stated that the City has a cemetery trust fund
with $49,278 in principal. He stated that with the
appropriate legislation it might be possible to use this
principal to repair the vaults . The fund was set up as
a non-expendable fund with its interest used for cemetery
maintenance. The project will not be recommended by the
Mayor for 1996. A discussion regarding the vaults
followed.
Assistant City Attorney Kennedy stated that she would
look into the possibility of invading the trust
principal. Kennedy stated that it may take six months to
complete the process. The Committee agreed to have the
Attorney' s Office look at the cemetery fund possibility.
No formal action was taken.
B. 1996 Water & Sewer Rates
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported that based
on initial reviews of DPW budgets, the Board of Public
Works is looking at a 1996 increase of five percent in
sewer rates and a ten percent increase in water rates.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that the rate increases
may change based on the final budget numbers, but the
increases stated are reachable. Cafferillo and Gray
stated that water and sewer rates will both be increasing
for years to come depending on the magnitude of the Water
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
Plant construction and what direction is taken on the
City' s water source. A discussion regarding water and
sewer rates followed. No formal action was taken.
C. Cass Park Utility Costs
Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Ferrel and
Facilities Manager Doyle discussed Cass Park utility
costs with the Committee. Ferrel stated that the
following Cass Park utility expenditures have been made:
Year Budget Actual
1994 $65,000 $88, 000
1995 $80, 000 $71, 000 year-to-date
Based on 1994 activity, it appears that the 1995 Cass
Park utility costs will be $97,500 . Cafferillo stated
that the DPW requested $90,000 in Cass Park utility
costs, but Council reduced this amount to $80,000 on the
basis that the Cass Park season would be structured to
fit within that cost allocation. He stated that the 1995
budget is tight, and we need to bring this situation to
Council' s attention. A discussion regarding utility
costs and programs followed.
It was agreed upon that the Controller' s Office, DPW and
the Youth Bureau will look at the utility costs and
program issues related to Cass Park, and make suggestions
for the year end and 1996. No formal action was taken.
D. Water & Sewer - Request to Transfer Funds
Superintendent of Water and Sewer Fabbroni presented a
request to amend the existing authorized equipment list
and transfer funds to purchase various pieces of
equipment. Fabbroni stated that because of the Route 96
project and other force account projects, staff felt that
they could delay the $27, 000 purchase of a replacement
vehicle for Vehicle #180 and instead purchase a 20-ton
equipment trailer for $13, 000 and various pieces of
equipment in the amount of $9,925 (already transferred by
the Controller) .
Fabbroni stated that he is amending the equipment list by
deleting the vehicle and adding the trailer. He
explained that he would have to transfer $13,000 from the
Vehicle account to the Other Equipment account to
purchase the trailer. After a discussion regarding the
equipment, the following motion was made:
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Department was authorized in the
1995 Budget to purchase a replacement vehicle at a cost of
$27, 000, and
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Department has determined that
based on the current needs of the department relating to the
Route 96 project and several force account projects, the
vehicle funds would be better utilized if a 20-ton Equipment
Trailer and various pieces of equipment (previously
transferred by the Controller' s office) were purchased with
the funds; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Water and Sewer Department' s Authorized
Equipment list be amended as follows :
Delete: One (1) Vehicle $27,000
Add: One (1) 20-ton Equipment Trailer $13,000
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following Account transfers be made as a
result of said equipment list amendment:
From Accounts:
F8316-215 Vehicles $5,200
G8116-215 Vehicles 7, 800
To Accounts:
F8316-225 Other Equipment $5,200
G8116-225 Other Equipment 7, 800
The motion passed 4-0 .
11. Planning Department - Approval of Bicycle Plan Consultant
Contract
Planning staff member Meigs presented a request to
approve a $20, 000 contract with Trowbridge and Wolf to
provide the City with a proposed city bicycle master
plan. Meigs stated that the contract will include the
following:
Data collection;
Development of a preliminary master plan;
Development of a final master plan
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
Meigs stated that the funds would be derived from a
previously approved capital project, and that the
approval of the contract is contingent on the approval of
the NYS Department of Transportation. After a brief
discussion, the following motion was made:
A
WHEREAS, the City' s Bicycle Master Plan Consultant Selection
Committee has reviewed proposals from various consultants for
preparation of the City Bicycle Master Plan and has
recommended that the firm of Trowbridge & Wolf be selected for
the contract, and
WHEREAS, the cost of the Bicycle Master Plan contract will be
$20,000 and includes: data collection, development of a
preliminary master plan, and development of the Final Master
Plan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the firm of Trowbridge & Wolf be selected to
prepare the City of Ithaca' s Bicycle Master Plan at a cost not
to exceed $20,000, including reimbursables, and be it further
RESOLVED, That said funds will be derived from within Capital
Project #267 Bicycle Facilities, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the approval of said contract is contingent on
the review and approval of the New York State Department of
Transportation Contract Management Bureau.
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The motion passed 4-0.
12 . City Attorney - Residency Requirements for City Employees
Assistant City Attorney Kennedy discussed residency
requirements with the Committee. The focal point of the
discussion was whether police officers should be required
to live inside the city. Alderperson Thorpe stated that
she would like to have the police officers move into the
city when hired, and stay a city resident for a period of
at least three years . She stated that the police
officers need to invest in the city and be a part of our
community. A discussion regarding the police officers '
residency requirements followed.
The Committee agreed that the city residency requirements
for police officers will be discussed at the next COW
meeting and then brought back to the B & A Committee next
month. No formal action was taken.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
13. Youth Bureau - Request to Transfer Funds to Complete Cass Park
Bleacher Project
A resolution to fund $3, 000 of the Cass Park Bleacher
Project was requested. It was noted that Joe Cassaniti,
a city resident, established a project to build bleachers
at Cass Park at a cost of $11,000 . The project was to be
funded by private labor and materials, but the fund-
raising effort fell short by $3,000 . The remaining items
needed include: a wind screen and a railing system. The
Youth Bureau and DPW have both agreed they would like to
complete the project. The Committee offered its thanks
to Joe Cassaniti and the community for the project.
It was noted that the remaining funds could be derived
from within the 1995 Youth Bureau Budget. After a
discussion regarding the project, the Committee made the
following motion:
WHEREAS, a Cass Park Ice Rink Bleacher project was established
by city resident Joe Cassaniti at a cost of $11, 000 funded by
private donations, labor and materials, and
WHEREAS, the project is approximately 90% complete, but the
effort to raise $11,000 fell short by $3,000, and
WHEREAS, the following project work needs to be completed at
a cost of $3,000:
- A screen in front of the bleachers;
A railing system around the bleachers;
A wind screen around the bleachers;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca finish the Cass Park Ice
Rink project at a cost not to exceed $3,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That said funds be derived from the Youth Bureau
budget within the building maintenance account.
The motion passed 4-0.
14 . Finance/Controller - Request Authorization to Cover Red
Accounts
City Controller Cafferillo presented his annual request
to allow him to transfer funds amount accounts within the
1995 budget allocation. The transfers are done at year
end to cover various accounts in the red. After a brief
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18, 1995
discussion, the following motion was made:
RESOLVED, That the City Controller be empowered to make
transfers within the 1995 Budget appropriations, as needed,
for the remainder of the 1995 Fiscal Year.
15. Committee to Proceed into Executive Session
The Committee voted, 4-0, to move into executive session
to discuss a personnel item.
16 . Report from Executive Session
After the Committee voted, 4-0, to move back into regular
session, Chairperson Booth reported that the Committee
discussed a personnel item with the Assistant City
Attorney and gave directions to her on the matter. No
formal action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 11 : 30 P.M.
NOTE: In many cases the actual texts of the resolutions
presented in these minutes were prepared following the
Committee' s deliberations and decisions on the matters
involved. The resolutions presented here are in complete
accord with decisions made by the Committee.
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