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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