HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1994-04-25 f
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING 7 :30 P.M. APRIL 25, 1994
MINUTES
Present:
Committee Members: Booth, Shenk, Gray, Johnson
Others Present:
Mayor - Nichols
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy Controller - Thayer
City Attorney - Guttman
Supt. of Public Works - Gray
Building Commissioner - Eckstrom
Fire Chief - Wilbur
Deputy Fire Chief - Dorman
Asst. Supt. Water & Sewer - Fabbroni
Deputy Planning Director - Sieverding
Youth Bureau Director - Cohen
Members of the Public/Media
1 . Opening Comments:
Chairperson Booth stated that the following changes were made
to the agenda:
A. An additional Mayor s item regarding the sale of BT Glass
building.
B. An additional DPW item regarding the establishment of the
Stewart Avenue Stabilization Capital Project.
C. An additional Fire Department item regarding the
Assistant Chief ' s contract.
Members of the Public were asked to speak; no members spoke.
2 . Building Department - Request to Provide Funds for Board of
Zoning Appeals Trainkpq
Building Commissioner Eckstrom presented a request to
fund a training session for the Board of Zoning Appeals
members in the amount of $395 . Eckstrom stated that the
training session would be very useful to the BZA. He
explained that the session will be conducted by the
Rhodes Real Estate Review in Lansing. Eckstrom stated
that he does not have funds in his 1994 budget for this
1
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
training, and he requested that the funds be derived from
the unrestricted contingency account.
City Attorney Guttman stated that he was in favor of this
training for the BZA. After a brief discussion, the
following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Rhodes Real Estate Review is conducting training
sessions for Boards of Zoning Appeals in Lansing, New York,
and
WHEREAS, The Building Department is recommending said training
for the City' s current Board of Zoning Appeals at a cost not
to exceed $395. ; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That $395 . be transferred from Account A1990
Unrestricted Contingency to Account A3620-440 for purposes of
funding said training session.
3 . Deaartment of Public Works
A. Request to Amend Personnel Roster
Superintendent of Public Works Gray presented a request
to amend the 1994 DPW Personnel roster by creating an
Assistant City Electrician position. Gray explained that
the current maintainer would move into this newly-created
position, which would leave the maintainer position
vacant and unfunded. He stated that this promotion to
Assistant City Electrician would be contingent upon the
employee' s passing the Civil Service test. Gray
explained that additional funding for this promotion was
not required.
After a discussion regarding the new position, the
following motion was made:
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Department of
Public Works be amended as follows :
Add one ( 1) Assistant City Electrician
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Maintainer position which shall be vacated
due to the promotion of an employee to the Assistant City
Electrician position shall remain vacant and unfunded pending
the results of the civil service examination process, and be
it further
2
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
RESOLVED, That the position of Assistant City Electrician be
assigned to the CSEA Administrative Unit at Grade 12 of the
1994 Compensation Plan.
The motion passed 4-0.
B. Fiber optic Communication System Project Update - Report
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported that his
department, in coordination with the Controller's office,
is continuing to collect data related to the possible
fiber optic project. Gray stated that the sub-committee
will be meeting with the department staff on Thursday to
determine if the project is feasible. No action was
taken.
C. Request to Amend 1994 DPW Budget to Cover Snow Removal
Costs
Superintendent of Public Works Gray presented a request
to amend the 1994 DPW budget by $200,000 to cover snow
removal costs. Gray explained that the DPW has exceeded
the 1994 snow removal budget by $140,000. He stated that
the DPW expects snow removal costs for the remainder of
the year to cost the City approximately $78,000. The DPW
is recommending adjusting the 1994 budget by undertaking
the following:
1) transferring $78,000 from Capital funds to the
General Account to cover labor costs associated
with road work,
2) decreasing by $122,000 funds for maintenance of
City roads, and
3) increasing by $200,000 General Fund expenditures
related to snow removal.
The total adjustment would be $200,000 in the General
Fund budget.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that he concurred with
the recommendation. Gray presented the committee with
the list of streets in the city that will be worked on
during the Summer of 1994. After a discussion regarding
the adjustments to both the DPW budget and Capital
Project, the following two motions were made:
3
f
f
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
1 . WHEREAS, the unusual winter of 1993 was not only harsh on area
residents, but the City' s snow removal budget was exceeded by
$140,000. , and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has estimated that
another $78,000. will be needed to cover anticipated snow
removal costs for the remainder of 1994; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1994 Department of Public Works Budget be
amended as follows to cover current and a portion of
anticipated snow removal costs for 1994:
Increase Revenue Account:
A2803 Transfer from Capital Fund $78, 000
Decrease Appropriation Accounts:
A5111-486 Maint. of Roads-Curb & Gutter Renewal $ 30,000
A5111-487 Maint. of Roads-Machine Paving 50,000
A5111-488 Maint. of Roads-Gravel Base 42 ,000
$122 ,000
Total $200, 000
Increase Appropriation Accounts:
A5010-435 Street Admin. - Contracts $ 10, 639
A5132-125 Garage - Overtime 3, 326
A5142-115 Snow Removal - Hourly Wages 48,745
A5142-125 Snow Removal - Overtime 25,739
A5142-435 Snow Removal - Contracts 5,282
A5142-470 Snow Removal - Equipment Rental 20, 372
A5142-477 Snow Removal - Equipment Parts & Supplies 12,936
A5142-484 Snow Removal - Salt & Cinders 55,440
A7111-125 Parks & Forestry - Overtime 6, 675
A9030 Social Security 5, 953
A9040 Workers , Comp. 4, 893
$200 , 000
* List of Capital Project Asphalt Work Estimates attached to
end of Budget and Administration Committee minutes .
The motion passed 4-0 .
2 . WHEREAS, the snow removal costs for 1994 have exceeded the
current snow removal budget and additional funding is
requested to cover anticipated snow removal expenses through
1994, and
4
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works must defer scheduled
street and road construction projects to cover the estimated
$200, 000 exceeded budget in the snow removal account, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has recommended that the
scheduled street and road construction projects be done in
1994 because of the current disrepair of the City streets, and
WHEREAS, in the 1994 City budget, Capital Project #279 Street
and Road Construction was established in the amount of
$400,000 for various City street and road construction
projects; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Capital Project #279 Street and Road
Construction be amended by $200,000 for a total authorization
of $600,000 to fund various additional 1994 street and road
construction projects, and be it further
RESOLVED, That said funds will be financed by the issuance of
serial bonds. '
The motion passed 4-0.
D. Request to Amend 1994 Water and Sewer Authorized
Equipment List
Assistant Superintended of Water & Sewer Fabbroni
presented a request to amend the 1994 Water and Sewer
Equipment List by $24, 000 to permit purchase of various
pieces of equipment. Fabbroni explained to the Committee
that the Water and Sewer Departments are in need of
equipment replacement to help improve the department's
efficiency in projects. He stated that the equipment has
not been upgraded or replaced for many years, and is now
in a state of disrepair.
Fabbroni explained that the $24,000 needed to purchase
the equipment will be derived from funds within the 1994
Water and Sewer Budget. After a discussion regarding the
equipment, the following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works - Water
and Sewer has recommended the replacement, upgrade and
addition of several small pieces of equipment in the Water and
Sewer Department, and
WHEREAS, the equipment will improve the department' s
productivity and overall operation, and
5
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
WHEREAS, the cost to purchase the equipment has been estimated
at $24, 000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Water and Sewer Department' s 1994
Authorized Equipment List be amended by the following:
(2) 3" pumps $ 2,400
( 1) Tamp 2, 150
(2) Mobile Radios 1,990
(1) Laser 7X 000
Various small tools 600
Work Zone Signs 1,850
(1) TV/VCR 1,200
(1) Skill saw 185
( 1) Cordless drill 199
Inflatable sewer plugs 6,000
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a total amount not to exceed $24,000 be
transferred from the following accounts to cover said
equipment purchases:
From Appropriation Accounts
F8341-435 Gen. Main. - Contracts $ 9,600
G8121-435 Gen. Main. - Contracts 14,400
To Appropriation Accounts
F8316-225 Shop & Equip. - Other Equipment $ 9, 600
G8116-225 Shop & Equip. - Other Equipment 14,400
The motion passed 4-0 .
E. Request to Fund and Amend 1994 Water and Sewer Authorized
Equipment List
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Fabbroni
presented a request to amend the 1994 Water and Sewer
equipment list by $10,500 for the purchase of a truck-
mounted valve operator. Fabbroni stated that the valve
operator will increase the department' s productivity
relative to maintaining water valves . He explained that
the City never really had an ongoing water valve
maintenance plan, but with this piece of equipment, the
City can now establish a plan and adhere to it. He
explained the function of this piece of equipment to the
Committee.
6
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
Fabbroni stated that the funds for this water valve
operator purchase will be derived from the Water
Department' s unrestricted contingency account, which
currently has $60, 000. The following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Department is in need of a
$10,500 truck mounted valve operator to maintain water valves
located in the City, and
WHEREAS, said piece of equipment will improve the Water
Department' s productivity, protect and improve the reliability
of the city' s water distribution system, and establish an
ongoing water valve maintenance program; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1994 Water Department Authorized Equipment
List be amended as follows:
Add (1) one TM/5 truck mounted valve operator $10,500
and be it further
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $10,500 be transferred
from Account F1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account F8341-
225 General Maintenance Other Equipment to fund said piece of
equipment.
The motion passed 4-0.
F. Pump Station Replacement Projects - Report
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer Fabbroni
reported to the Committee that the pump stations at Giles
Street and Buffalo Street need to be replaced. He stated
that the costs would be as follows:
Giles Street Pump Station $30, 000
Buffalo Street Pump Station $15, 000
Fabbroni stated that the funds will be derived from
within the Capital Project #603 Sewer Collection System
Renovations. No formal action was taken.
G. Request to Approve Strand Parking Lot (Lot X) Agreement
and Funding for Parking Lot Equipment
City Attorney Guttman presented a request to approve the
Strand Parking Lot agreement. The Committee discussed
the lease agreement, and noted the following as key
points :
7
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
1 . The City will operate the lot as a parking lot.
2 . The City will collect parking lot revenues .
3 . From lot revenues, the City will pay the taxes on
the property.
4. From lot revenues, the City will reimburse itself
$2,000/year for operation of the lot.
5. From lot revenues, the City will reimburse itself
the sum of $35, 000 for establishment of the lot.
6 . The balance of lot revenues will be divided equally
between RHP Properties, Inc. and the City.
The Committee also discussed the possibility of placing
a new dynameter, or walk-to meter, in this parking lot.
Further discussion regarding the lot and number of meters
in the lot followed. DPW was unable to provide
information concerning the costs that have been put into
the parking lot, and costs that will be necessary to make
the land a short-term parking lot.
Chairperson Booth stated that he was not in favor of this
lot because of the various problems it will cause,
including public reaction to putting a parking lot on
this vacant land. The Committee agreed that the
discussion on the Lot X agreement, and the actual costs
of the lot will be forwarded to the Common Council C.O.W.
meeting. No action was taken.
H. Request to Approve Stewart Avenue Stabilization Capital
Project
Superintendent of Public Works Gray presented a request
to establish a capital project in the amount of $348,000
for the stabilization of Stewart Avenue. Gray explained
that a landslide occurred in the 900 block of Stewart
Avenue in 1993, and that the entire bank is very
unstable. The proposed project would stabilize the bank.
Gray explained that the City applied for, and received,
partial State funding for this project in the amount of
$202, 734. The State funds were received through the
Emergency Assistance Program. The City' s share of the
project, including State funds, would be $145,000, and
would be financed by the issuance of serial bonds . After
a brief discussion, the following motion was made:
8
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
WHEREAS, a landslide occurred in the 900 block of Stewart
Avenue during April, 1993 which threatens the stability of
Stewart Avenue, and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to undertake a project to preserve
Stewart Avenue and to provide long term stability to this area
which is adjacent to a 1977 landslide repair undertaken by the
City, and
WHEREAS, the road stabilization project cost has been
estimated at $348, 000, and
WHEREAS, the City submitted this as Project 11 in its
application to the New York State 1993 Disaster Relief Program
and received partial funding for the amount of ($348,000 x
58 .257% _) $202,734; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Capital Project #288 Stewart Avenue Road
Stabilization be established in the amount of $348,000 to fund
the stabilization of Stewart Avenue and provide long term
stability in the area, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the said Capital Project be funded as follows:
New York State Emergency Relief Program $202,734
City of Ithaca Issuance of Serial Bonds $145, 266
$348 ,000
The motion passed 4-0 .
4 . Planning and Development - Use of City Property for Day Care -
Report
Deputy Planning Director Sieverding reported to the
Committee on the possible use of city land for Daycare
purposes. He stated that the new possible daycare site
would be the land adjacent to the Water and Sewer
building on First Street. He explained that the BT Glass
building was originally purchased for daycare, but it has
been determined that this building is not suitable for
daycare. Mayor Nichols stated that the BT Glass building
will be used for something else, or sold.
The discussion of the proposed daycare site raised many
areas of concern, including the following:
A. Consolidation of DPW activity, including Water &
Sewer and Streets & Facilities .
B. Purchase of other lands in the same general area.
9
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
C. The impact on water rates of using this site for
day care.
D. The need to move the storage space on this
property.
E. Fuel tank removal, and general clean-up of Water &
Sewer property.
F. Impact on the Northside planning area.
G. Funding sources .
After the discussion regarding several items relative to
daycare and the DPW site, the Committee asked that Deputy
Planning Director Sieverding prepare a memo for the
Council C.O.W. meeting, explaining all the issues. No
action was taken.
5 . Fire Department
A. Entry Lighting for Stations 5 and 6 - Report
Fire Chief Wilbur reported to the Committee that the Fire
Department will be contracting with NYSEG to install and
supply entry lighting at Stations 5 and 6 . He explained
that these lights are needed to improve the exterior
lighting at these stations . No action was taken.
B. OSHA Mandated Training - Report
Fire Chief Wilbur reported that OSHA mandates that all
incident commanders, who will assume control of the
incident beyond the first responder awareness level, must
receive at least 24 hours of training. Wilbur explained
that eleven officers would need this training at a total
cost of $3,954 . He stated that this amount was not
budgeted for 1994, but the funds will be derived from
within the current Fire Department budget. No action was
taken.
C. Mack/Baker Aerialscope Repair - Report
Fire Chief Wilbur reported that most of the cost of the
accident damaging the aerialscope truck 933 was covered
by insurance. However, he stated that $1,500 in repair
and vehicle rental costs were not covered, but will be
covered within the current 1994 Fire Department budget.
No action was taken.
10
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
D. Fire Vehicle Bids - Report
Fire Chief Wilbur reported that the fire vehicle bid for
the pumper and ladder trucks are out, and due May 12,
1994. He explained to the Committee that the Capital
budget for these vehicles was approved for $900,000. No
formal action was taken.
E. Assistant Chief Vacation Time - Report
Fire Chief Wilbur reported to the Committee that the
change in staffing in his department, and the retirement
of Assistant Chief Sharp, have created a situation which
will result in overtime expenditures that were not
budgeted for 1994. Wilbur explained how the overtime
situation arose. He stated that coverage for an
assistant chief on vacation is provided by a lieutenant,
acting as an assistant chief. He stated that a
lieutenant must have at least two years of time in grade
to qualify to serve as an assistant chief. Wilbur
explained that, as a result of the retirement, the
department, has one shift that will not have any
qualifying lieutenants, and that this problem will
continue until mid-1995 .
Wilbur stated that the department is working on various
solutions, including the possibility of hiring an
assistant chief to cover vacations . The Committee asked
the Department to bring back various recommendations to
the problem at a later B & A meeting. No formal action
was taken.
6 . Youth Bureau
A. Request to Amend 1994 Budget for Youth Development
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to amend
the 1994 Youth Bureau Budget by $8,500 to expand the
Youth Bureaus Summer Municipal Jobs Program. Cohen
explained that the funds will be derived from the Town of
Ithaca and the Village of Lansing. He explained that the
$8,500 would be used to allow ten teenagers from the Town
of Ithaca and the Village of Lansing to participate in
the program. The following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Youth Bureau has been advised by
the Joint Youth Commission of the Town of Ithaca and Village
of Lansing that the Youth Bureau ' s Summer Municipal Jobs
Program will be expanded by $8, 500, and
11
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
WHEREAS, the expansion of the Municipal Jobs Program would
allow ten additional teenagers from the Town of Ithaca and
Village of Lansing to participate in the program; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1994 Youth Bureau Youth Development Budget
be amended as follows:
Increase Revenue Account
A2070 Contributions for Youth $8,500
Increase Appropriation Accounts
A7310-120-1202 Hourly P/T $5,900
A7310-210-1202. Office Equipment 2,045
A9030 Social Security 451
A9040 Workers ' Comp: 104
The motion was passed 4-0.
B. Request to Amend 1994 Youth Bureau Personnel Roster
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to amend
the 1994 Youth Bureau Personnel Roster by adding three
positions. Cohen explained that, in the 1994 Budget, the
funds for two custodial workers and one maintenance
worker were transferred from the DPW to the Youth Bureau
budget. However, the actual positions were not
transferred to the Youth Bureau, and persons in those
positions are currently DPW employees . Cohen stated that
he would like to transfer those three positions from the
DPW to the Youth Bureau, explaining that if the three
positions were transferred, it would provide him with the
proper authority to hire, supervise and discipline the
employees. It was stated that this transfer will not
change the budget amounts in any way. After a discussion
regarding the positions, the following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the 1994 Youth Bureau Budget included the funds
necessary to compensate three DPW positions for Youth Bureau
custodial services, and
WHEREAS, the positions were never transferred from the DPW
Budget to the Youth Bureau Budget, and
WHEREAS, the transferring of the positions will provide full
authority to the Youth Bureau in the hiring, supervision and
discipline of the custodial positions; now, therefore, be it
12
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
RESOLVED, That the 1994 DPW and Youth Bureau Authorized
Personnel Rosters be amended as follows :
DPW Personnel Roster:
Delete: Two (2) custodial worker positions
One (1) maintenance worker position
Youth Bureau Personnel Roster:
Add: Two (2) custodial worker positions
One (1) maintenance worker position
The motion passed 4-0.
C. Funds for Budget Amendment - Report
Youth Bureau Director Cohen reported that the Youth
Bureau and the Board of Public Works will be examining
the current custodian shift problem at the Youth Bureau.
He stated that currently the custodian at the Youth
Bureau is working a split shift, 8-10 A.M. and 4-10 P.M. ,
which causes a hardship for the employee. Cohen stated
that the Youth Bureau will be asking the BPW to increase
the custodial hours to 2 :00 P.M. to 10: 00 P.M. Cohen
explained that $2,800 should cover the increased hours.
No action was taken.
D. Request to Amend 1994 Budget for NYS Grant
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to amend
the 1994 Budget by $19,230 to reflect the receipt of a
New York State Grant through the Department of Social
Services . Cohen explained that the grant funds will
allow community building and a needs assessment for city
residents of the north side and south side neighborhoods.
He stated that the project will be done by GIAC and the
Southside Community Center personnel. After a discussion
on the project, the following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca' s Youth Bureau has received final
approval of $19,230 in grant funds from the New York State
Department of Social Services, and
WHEREAS, these funds will allow for a cooperative project
between GIAC and the Southside Community Center to conduct
community building activities and a needs assessment for
residents of the north side and south side neighborhoods; now,
therefore, be it
13
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
RESOLVED, That the 1994 GIAC Budget be amended as follows:
Increase Revenues :
Account RESULT State Aid Youth Programs $19,230
Increase Appropriations :
Account A7311-120-1100 Hourly P/T $12, 949
Account A7311-435-1100 Contractual 6, 100
Account A7311-460-1100 Program Supplies 181
The motion passed 4-0 .
7 . Committee to Proceed Into Executive Session
The Committee voted, 4-0, to move into executive session
to discuss the possible sale of City property, and the
Assistant Chiefs ' contract.
8 . Report from Executive Session
A. Fire Department - Request to Approve Assistant Chiefs,
Contract
RESOLVED, That the Agreement between the City of Ithaca and
the Assistant Fire Chief ' s Unit for a new four-year contract
commencing January 1, 1994 and expiring on December 31, 1997,
be approved as recommended by the City's Negotiating Team and
the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to sign
and execute the contract on behalf of the City under its
Corporate Seal.
The motion passed 4-0 .
B. Mayor - Sale of BT Glass Building
Mayor Nichols discussed with the Committee the possible
sale and future use of the BT Glass Building currently
owned by the City. No formal action was taken.
9 . Attorney
A. Adoption of Local Law Extending the Term of the Mayor
from Two Years to Four Years - Call for Public Hearing
City Attorney Guttman presented a request to call for a
Public Hearing to adopt a local law extending the term of
the Mayor from two years to four years . Guttman stated
that the public hearing would take place at the next B &
A meeting. After a discussion regarding the Mayor' s term
and the public hearing, the following motion was made:
14
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
RESOLVED, That a public hearing will be held at the Common
Council Chambers at the City of Ithaca on the 18th day of May,
1994 at the regularly scheduled Budget & Administration
Committee Meeting in the matter of the adoption of a local law
extending the term of the Mayor of the City of Ithaca from two
(2) years to four (4) years; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk should give notice of such
public hearing by the publication of a notice in the official
newspaper specifying the time when and the place where such
public hearing will be held and in general terms described in
the proposed action. This notice shall be published once at
least 15 days prior to the public hearing.
The motion passed 4-0 .
B. Domestic Partnership - Health Insurance Coverage - Report
City Attorney Guttman reported to the Committee on the
Domestic Partnership Health Insurance coverage. Guttman
explained that the City of Ithaca adopted the Domestic
Partnership Ordinance in 1990. He stated that at that
time certain fringe benefits were provided to domestic
partners, but not health insurance coverage. The
decision was based upon the State Insurance Department' s
position of not allowing health insurance coverage to
unmarried persons. Guttman made the following points
relative to the health insurance coverage for domestic
partners:
1 . The State Insurance Department now allows domestic
partners health insurance coverage under the
appropriate circumstances.
2 . For such coverage to be provided, domestic partners
would need to provide proof of mutual economic
dependency.
3 . Thirteen (13) other municipalities in the country
provide health insurance for domestic partners.
4. In providing insurance coverage to domestic
partners, there has been some concern regarding the
possibility of fraudulent claims and of AIDS-
related claims .
Guttman stated that the City has the following options if
it wishes to extend health insurance coverage to domestic
15
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
partners:
1. Health insurance coverage could be provided to
domestic partners as if they were spouses .
2 . Health insurance coverage could be provided to
domestic partners who were registered as domestic
partners for a period in excess of a specified
minimum period of time.
3. Health insurance coverage with a specified monetary
cap could be provided to domestic partners .
Guttman also explained that under the City' s Domestic
Partnership Ordinance, persons wishing to register as
domestic partners have to complete a Domestic Partner
Statement, and pay a $20.00 filing fee.
The Committee agreed to discuss this issue at next
month' s B & A meeting. No formal action was taken.
C. Attorney - Plumvs Outdoor Dining Permit
City Attorney Guttman presented a request to approve
Plum' s 1994 Outdoor Dining Permit. Guttman stated that
the permit allows Plum' s Restaurant to utilize certain
areas along North Aurora Street .for outdoor dining,
including the sale of alcohol. He explained that the
permit was a revocable permit and included the
appropriate insurance coverage.
A discussion regarding the permit followed. Chairperson
Booth stated he was against the City supporting the sale
of alcohol in heavily used public areas like. The Commons.
The following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the owners of Plum' s Restaurant, 112 North Aurora
Street, have requested a license to allow that restaurant to
utilize certain areas along North Aurora Street, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has approved Plum' s
Restaurant request that they be granted a license to use 100
square feet of right-of-way comprised of two areas 5 ' x 10 ' on
either side of the entrance until October 31, 1994, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council' s responsibility to determine
whether or not use of this public area for outdoor dining at
Plum' s Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
16
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or
similar public property involving the sale and consumption of
alcohol should be covered by a minimum of $500, 000 .00
insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, for the year 1994, that Common Council hereby
approves a revocable license agreement for the outdoor sale
and consumption of alcohol between the City and Plum' s
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with
the terms and conditions set forth in application therefor,
including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$500,000.00 and Commons Advisory Board approval for outdoor
dining permits.
The motion passed 3-1. Chairperson Booth voted against the
motion.
10 . Finance/chamberlain - Request to Approve Expungement of
Penalty on Taxes
City Controller Cafferillo presented a request to expunge
a tax penalty in the amount of $118.30 for the property
owner at 220 East State Street. Cafferillo explained
that the waiver of penalty request was researched by the
City Chamberlain, and she agreed with the property
owner' s request. The following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the property owner of 220 East State Street has filed
a request to waive a $118.30 penalty on tax bills, stating
that a duplicate payment was made on another of the property
owner's properties, when in fact, the payment was intended for
the 220 East State Street property, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain has researched the request and
agrees with the property owner and is recommending a waiver of
the penalty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby expunges the $118. 30
penalty on tax bills for the property owner at 220 East State
Street.
The motion passed 4-0.
11 . Finance/Controller - Request to Standardize on Compute
Hardware
City Controller Cafferillo presented a request to
standardize on Hewlett Packard Computer Hardware.
Cafferillo explained that the Council previously approved
a capital project for the acquisition of a new financial
17
t
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
computer system for $30,000 . He explained to the
Committee that the standardization of computer hardware
on Hewlett Packard is being done for the following
reasons :
A. The City can obtain the HP system for $10,000 less
than the State contract price, by purchasing some
demo HP computer system components . The equipment
is fully warranted.
B. The City has significant investment in HP systems
at the Police Department, City Hall, Youth Bureau,
and Streets & Facilities .
Cafferillo also stated that he will be recommending a
software upgrade at next month' s B & A meeting. After a
discussion regarding the equipment, the following motion
was made:
WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City
for reasons of efficiency, uniformity, compatibility and
economics to approve the Standardization of Hewlett Packard
computer hardware for the Finance Department' s financial
computer system, and
WHEREAS, a significant capital investment has been made in
other City departments Hewlett Packard computer systems, and
WHEREAS, the City' s current financial hardware equipment and
software programs will more effectively and economically
convert to a Hewlett Packard computer system; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 103, subdivision 5 of the
General Municipal Law of the State of New York, this Common
Council hereby authorizes the standardization of Hewlett
Packard computer hardware as the type of computer hardware to
be used and purchased by the City of Ithaca Finance
Department .
The motion passed 4-0 .
12 . Committee to Proceed into Executive Session
The Committee voted, 4-0, to move into executive session
to discuss a City Attorney personnel item.
18
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING APRIL 25, 1994
13. Report from Executive Session
A. Request to Approve Salary Increase for Confidential
Secretary
RESOLVED, That the position of Confidential Secretary to the
City Attorney be reallocated from Grade 1 of the Confidential
Employees Compensation Plan to Grade 3 of the Confidential
Employees Compensation Plan, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Salary of Cindy Wasleff be increased by
eight (8%) percent to $19,800 to correspond with the position
reallocation, and be it further
RESOLVED, That $960 be transferred from Unrestricted
Contingency to Account 1420-110 for the balance of 1994.
The motion passed 4-0 .
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 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.
19