HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1990-02-21 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 21, 1990
MINUTES
Present:
Committee Members: Peterson, Romanowski, Booth, Cummings,
Golder
Other Alderperson Present: Daley
Others Present:
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy Controller - Thayer
Youth Bureau Director - Cohen
Mayor - Nichols
Personnel Administrator - Walker
Building Commissioner - Datz
City Chamberlain - Parsons
Fire Chief - Olmstead
Commissioner - Cannon
Commissioner - Reeves
Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani
City Staff Attorney - Kennedy
Transit System Manager - Carpenter
Members of the Media
Member of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce - Corey
1. Opening Comments and Public Comments
Chairperson Booth opened the B&A meeting by introducing the
members of the B&A Committee. Chairperson Booth noted the
following additions to the Committee's agenda for tonight's
meeting:
A. Public comments regarding the City income
tax issue.
B. City Attorney item relating to a conflict of
interest issue with respect to the City's
current Community Development Grant
application.
Mike Cannon spoke on the City income tax issue. He stated
that he currently works at a local bank as a commercial loan
officer and deals with many businesses in the local area.
He feels and has noted that if the proposed City income tax
were implemented, it would drive successful businesses out
of the City. Mr. Cannon wanted to encourage the B&A
Committee to drop this issue from further discussion so that
area businesses would no longer be affected by this issue.
Chairperson Booth noted that the Committee could respond to
the public and to this issue at the end of the meeting when
the income tax issue is scheduled. However, it was the
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
consensus of the Committee to respond at this time instead
of later in the agenda.
Alderperson Golder noted that it was unwise to dismiss the
City income tax issue before any discussion on the issue has
taken place.
Alderperson Romanowski noted that the City income tax issue
should be dismissed from further discussion because a City
income tax could only be implemented in a City with a
population of 1,000, 000 or greater, unless there is special
legislative permission from the New York State government.
Alderperson Cummings noted that there is no place for a City
income tax in a small municipality such as Ithaca.
Alderperson Cummings noted that she will not support a City
income tax and she wanted to see action on this tonight.
No other comments were made on the City income tax issue.
Chairperson Booth felt that the remainder of the discussion
on this topic should wait until the Committee has taken up
tonight's agenda.
2 . City Attorney - Community Development Application
Conflict of Interest
Chairperson Booth stated the current Community Development
Application is moving along on a narrow timetable.
Chairperson Booth also noted that the Department of Housing
and Urban Development has determined that there is a
conflict of interest with the current CD application
relating to the role of Alderperson' Hoffman, who is serving
on the Board of Directors of the Eddygate Street Cooperative
Market. . This circumstance is not unusual, and the City can
file for an exception to HUD.
Chairperson Booth also noted that he has talked with
Alderperson Hoffman regarding this conflict and notes that
the conflict is more complicated because Alderperson Hoffman
is involved financially with the Co-op. He has loaned the
Co-op $1, 000 and has also cosigned a bank loan for $15, 000.
Pat Kennedy from the City Attorney's office presented a
resolution and stated that the Council can request a
exception from HUD, if they want the Eddystreet Co-op
included in the current CD application. A full disclosure
of Alderperson Hoffman's conflict must be made with the
exception request to HUD. Pat Kennedy noted that she was
unaware of the loan and cosignment of the bank loan and was
unsure what those circumstances would do to the CD
application. It was stated that Alderperson Hoffman has
recently resigned from the Eddygate Board. Discussion
continued regarding the new conflicts of the CD application.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
Pat Kennedy noted that she could put the request for an
exception together, but that the Attorney for HUD would rule
on the conflict of interest and decide if the conflict
jeopardizes the grant.
Alderperson Cummings stated that the conflict of interest
issue comes up occasionally with the HUD grants.
Alderperson Cummings also noted that she would like to see a
resolution come out of this Committee during tonight's
meeting contingent upon the CAC's review of the additional
information and their recommendations.
It was noted that the Eddygate project is currently the only
project in the CD application. After further discussion, it
was the consensus of the Committee to hold this item with no
action taken at tonight's meeting. It was noted the CAC was
to meet on this conflict of interest issue with Alderperson
Hoffman present, and determine if they want to go ahead with
the exception to HUD.
3 . Public Comment on the City Income Tax Issue
An additional member of the public wanted to comment on the
City income tax issue. Thomas Corey from the Tompkins
County Chamber of Commerce said he would present a
resolution to the Committee regarding the possibility of a
City income tax. Mr. Corey noted that he had a written
resolution and would present it to the Committee at a later
date when it was in a more presentable form. The Chamber
feels that the possibility of a City income tax establishes
a negative attitude regarding investment and growth in . the
City of Ithaca. The implementation of such a tax would
deter economic growth in the City. Mr. Corey noted a
reduction in building permits over the last three years and
that economic growth in 1989, was at its lowest point during
the past five years. He also noted that there are seven
empty stores on the Commons, the most empty store fronts
there have ever been. He wanted the possibility of a City
income tax put to rest so as not to deter future growth in
the City of Ithaca.
4 . Building Department Request for Equipment Purchase
Building Commissioner Datz presented a request to purchase a
total of $7,089 in computer equipment from New York State
Code Enforcement funds.
Commissioner Datz stated that these new items are needed to
support the volume of information that is coming out of the
Building Department at this time. It was noted that the
Code Enforcement funds are received from the State.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
Currently, the City has $22,400 in the Code Enforcement
account to be used for such purpose by the City's Building
and Fire Departments. It was noted that this item would be
budget neutral. After a brief discussion, the following
resolution was made:
RESOLVED, that the Authorized Equipment list for the
Building Department be amended to include the following:
1. 1 Everex 1A61386/25 MHZ Computer $4,590
2 . 1 Hewlett Packard Laserjet
Series II Printer $1,892
3 . A Logical connection with 256k
for Printer Sharing $ 607
$7,089
and be it further
RESOLVED, that $7,089 be transferred from Account A690-7,
New York State Building and Fire Code Aid, for such purpose.
Said Resolution passes 5-0.
5. Fire Department - Request to Amend 1990 Equipment List
Fire Chief Olmstead presented a request to amend the 1990
Fire Department equipment list for a total of $4,745 to be
used for purchasing computer equipment and one additional
fan.
Chief Olmstead noted that the computer equipment needed was
originally included in the heavy rescue vehicle bid, but
later deleted, so that the bid was within $350, 000
authorized limit. Chief Olmstead stated that the computer
equipment is necessary for the Fire Department's Hazardous
Materials program. The money for this computer equipment is
in the 1990 budget and would only need to be transferred to
the appropriate account. Chief Olmstead noted that the Fire
Department deleted $85, 000 in equipment from the heavy
rescue truck bid and that the equipment covered by this item
was strongly needed by the Department.
After a brief discussion on how the requested computer
equipment would be used to hook into a federal database to
assist in fighting hazardous material fires, Alderperson
Cummings stated she was not convinced the $4, 000 purchase of
this computer equipment was the most effective way to use
the $4, 000. She would rather see hazardous gear purchased.
Chief Olmstead also requested that the authorized equipment
list, which was approved for 1990 and included two gasoline
powered fans, be amended to three gasoline fans. There is
enough money for three fans based on the actual price of the
fans.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
. t
Alderperson Romanowski felt there is a need for a joint
venture among the Town, City and County in relation to fire
equipment and hazardous materials. He felt funding for the
hazardous materials program should be done by all three
municipalities.
Following further discussions on hazardous materials, the
following separate resolutions were made:
RESOLVED, that the Fire Department Authorized Equipment list
be amended as follows:
1. 1 Apple Micro-Computer $3,775
2. 1 Apple Printer 970
$4,745
and be it further
RESOLVED, that $4,745 be transferred from Account A3410-460,
Program Supplies for Hazardous Materials Control
Programming, to Account A3410-225, Other Equipment. Said
resolution passed 4-1. Alderperson Cummings opposed.
RESOLVED, that the Fire Department Authorized Equipment list
be amended for one Gasoline Powered Fan, no additional funds
required. Said resolution passed 5-0.
6. Mayor
A. Request for Transfer from Restricted Contingency
Mayor Nichols requested a transfer of $5,000 from
Restricted Contingency to provide funding for a Rental
Housing Commission, a Cornell-City Relations Study
Commission, and an Opportunities for Youth Commission.
Mayor Nichols noted that $10,000 was• set aside in the
Restricted Contingency during the 1990 Budget discussions
for the purpose of establishing various commissions and
providing staffing for them. Mayor Nichols noted that he
would now like to get these commissions underway and is
requesting the $5, 000 be used for the establishment of the
three commissions listed above. Mayor Nichols also noted
that membership and mission statements for all three
commissions have now been completed.
Alderperson Cummings stated that she is supportive of
modest funding for the commissions; however, the intent of
all three commissions is not clear. She felt the Rental
Housing Commission has a clear intent, but the other
commissions were not clear. Alderperson Cummings would like
to know more about the commissions before she approved
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
funding for the commissions. She would like a mission
statement of the other two commissions before funding.
Chairperson Booth stated that the amount requested for
the commissions is reasonable, and he is willing to vote on
this request tonight.
After further discussion on the commissions and what
the funds might be used for, the following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the 1990 adopted budget included $10,000 in Account
A1990 Restricted Contingency for use by the Mayor's office
to provide staff support to various Boards and Commissions,
and
WHEREAS, Mayor Nichols has requested that $5,000 of such
fund be allocated as follows:
$2,000 for the Rental Housing Commission
$1,500 for the Cornell-City Relations Study
Commission
$1,500 for the Opportunities for Youth
Commission
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that $5, 000 be transferred from Account A1990
Restricted Contingency to the Mayor's Contractual Services
line, A1210-435, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor be authorized to enter into . the
required personal services contracts where applicable, or
hire such staff on a part-time temporary basis, for the
purposes described herein. Said resolution passes 4-1.
Alderperson Cummings dissented.
B. Request to Amend Equipment List
Mayor Nichols requested that the Mayor's office amend
the 1990 Equipment list to include computer equipment
costing $2,783. Mayor Nichols felt the Mayor's office has
been operating inefficiently in dealing with the public.
Currently the Mayor's office does not have a computer, but
only a memory typewriter. A computer would allow for
improved communications and a more efficient work
environment.
The Mayor noted that this request would be funded as
part of the $10,000 currently in Restricted Contingency.
Alderperson Cummings stated that she is against this
request because she felt a computer would not solve all the
communication problems. The following motion was made by
Alderperson Golder:
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
RESOLVED, that the Authorized Equipment list for the Mayor's
office be amended to include the following:
1. MacIntosh plus Computer $999
2 . A 20 MEG Dataframe Hard Disk 495
3. Word 4.0 Software 299
4. Deskwriter Printer 990
$2,783
and be it further
RESOLVED, that $2,783 be transferred from Account A1990
Restricted Contingency to Account A1210-210, Office
Equipment, to fund the computer acquisition. Said
resolution passed 4-1. Alderperson Cummings dissented.
7. Department of Public Works
A. Feasibility Analysis Study for the City Court
Facility
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani presented a
resolution for a request to execute a contract for services
of a consulting firm to provide a City Court analysis at a
sum not to exceed $5, 000.
Superintendent Thadani stated that New York State is
requiring courts throughout the State to meet certain
building requirements. The State has noted many
deficiencies relating to the City Court currently operated
by the City. In order to correct these deficiencies the
City must increase the Court facility by 6, 000+ square feet.
The options available include adding a floor to the existing
Hall of Justice, using another existing City building,
adding on in back of the existing building or building a new
building for the Court facility.
Superintendent Thadani noted that the State has a time
schedule that includes a selection of a option by March 31,
1990. The requested analysis would evaluate the options
available to the City and recommend the best possible
option(s) . A discussion on the time schedule of this issue
continued.
Chairperson Booth added a few minor changes to the
resolution: including the word "whereas" at the beginning of
the resolution, including the word "possible" in the first
whereas, and adding a further resolved at the end of the
resolution. The following resolution passed 5-0:
WHEREAS, the Ithaca City Court has been mandated by the New
York State Unified Court System to expand and restore the
existing City Court and Facilities; the Superintendent of
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
Public Works has met with the City Court Judge and Court
Clerk to discuss how to achieve this, and has arrived at a
variety of possible options for renovations that would
satisfy the decision of the New York State Unified Court
System.
WHEREAS, the options which meet the State requirements
include: the expansion of the existing Court facilities
building by either adding an extra floor or the addition of
a 6, 000+ square foot two-story facility behind the existing
building; building a new facility in the Police Department
parking lot across East Clinton Street from the Hall of
Justice; relocating to another existing building (to be
identified) ; or building a brand new facility elsewhere in
the City, and
WHEREAS, the finalization of these options cannot be done by
staff in the time frame required because the professional
expertise of the Department is already tied up in various on
going projects, and
WHEREAS, the State has mandated that this analysis must be
completed no later than March 31, 1990 and, therefore, the
results of the in-house analysis must be done by the middle
of March to provide time for review by City staff and the
Board of Public Works, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is requested and
authorized to negotiate and execute a contract for the
services of a consulting firm to provide this analysis at a
sum not-to-exceed $5, 000, to be taken out of Capital Reserve
Account #25, for design of new capital projects, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the firm undertaking this analysis be
instructed by the Superintendent to give sensitive
consideration to the historic importance and architectural
significance of the existing Hall of Justice building
(identified as a monument in the South Hill Historic and
Architectural Resources Survey of 1987) , and be it finally
RESOLVED, that Common Council 's final acceptance or approval
of any of the listed building alternatives shall require a
further decision by Council.
B. Design Plan Consolidation of Water and Sewer with
Streets and Facilities
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani presented a
resolution respecting the possible consolidation of certain
Department of Public Works operations, which resolution
would authorize the Department to hire a contractor to
prepare a conceptual design for this consolidation in an
amount not to exceed $4, 100.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
Superintendent Thadani discussed the possible
consolidation of the Water and Sewer Departments with
Streets and Facilities and the future of the Public Works
Department.
Alderperson Cummings noted that the resolution stated
the funding for the design would come from Unrestricted
Contingency, but felt that the funding should come out of a
design contingency. The Committee members agreed.
Mayor Nichols noted that the original purpose for the
consolidation of the DPW was to increase efficiency and
provide storage space. After further discussion on this
issue the following resolution was made:
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has endorsed the concept
for consolidated Department of Public Works operations, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Architectural firm of Trowbridge and
Trowbridge be engaged for an amount not to exceed $4, 100. ,
to prepare a conceptual design relative to the proposed
relocation and consolidation of the Water, Sewer, and
Streets and Facilities Divisions of the Department of Public
Works, and be it further
RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $4, 100 be transferred
from the Design Capital Reserve #25 for such purpose. The
said resolution passed 5-0.
C. D.P.W. Joint Transit Maintenance Administration
Facility
Transit System Manager Carpenter presented a resolution
and a request to appropriate $45, 000 for the City of
Ithaca's share of the design costs related to a future Joint
Transit Maintenance Administration facility. Transit
Manager Carpenter gave a brief background on this joint
venture. He noted that a site was presented to the State
and Federal Government, and they both liked the idea and
agreed in the assistance of funding this joint project. The
State has their portion of the project funds in place; the
Federal Government has their portion in place based on the
information that a conceptual plan was put together with
estimate costs for the entire project.
Transit Manager Carpenter noted the local share of this
facility's costs will be shared with Cornell University,
Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca. The local costs of
the project would be shared 50%, 25%, 25% respectively. The
total design for the potential facility would cost $294,000.
The County and Cornell have already approved their portion
of the design phase and request tonight is for the City's
share not to exceed $45, 000. The funding for the $45, 000
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
would come from Capital reserve #22, which currently has
$181, 000. The total cost of the project has been estimated
at $4, 690,000, with City costs of $234, 000.
Controller Cafferillo noted that Capital Reserve #22
was established for Bus acquisition and in order to
reallocate this money, Council, by resolution, will have to
transfer the $45, 000 from Capital Reserve #22 to a capital
project. After a brief discussion the following resolution
was made:
WHEREAS, Staff from Cornell University, the City of Ithaca,
and Tompkins County have been exploring the possibility of
constructing a Joint Transit Maintenance and Administration
Facility, and
WHEREAS, Staff has met with Representatives of the New York
State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal
Urban Mass Transit Administration (UPTA) relative to the
design and location of such facility, and
WHEREAS, funding for the construction of a Joint Facility,
if approved, would be financed by Federal Section 18 Aid of
2.1%, Federal Section 3 Aid of 67.2%, New York State Aid of
9. 6%, and a local share of 21. 1%, and
WHEREAS, NYSDOT has expressed a willingness to allocate a
small amount of available matching funds for the design
phase of such project, and
WHEREAS, the local cost of the entire project would be
shared as follows:
1. Cornell University 50%
2 . Tompkins County 25%
3 . City of Ithaca 25%
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Capital Project #229 for the construction of
a Joint Transit Facility be and is hereby established to
finance the City's share of the design and construction of
said facility, and be it further
RESOLVED, that $45, 000 be advanced from Capital Reserve #22
for Bus Acquisition, to Capital Project #229 to fund the
City's initial share of the design phase (total cost for
design is projected to be $294, 000) , and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Mayor be authorized, subject to review by
the City Attorney, to execute the appropriate agreements to
facilitate the City's participation in the design of a Joint
Transit Facility. Said resolution passed 5-0.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
8. Youth Bureau
A. Request to Amend 1990 Recreation Department Budget
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to
amend the Recreation Department Budget. Director Cohen
noted that this request is a return from last month and the
items that he is requesting are as follows:
1. Adding additional income of $26,178 to
Revenue, based on new fees.
2. Increase hourly wage rates for seasonal,
part-time staff, total $7,875.
3 . Add an additional $5,500 to cover increased
hours at the Cass Park Pool.
Mr. Danker,Vice Chair of the Youth Bureau Board, stated
that the Recreation Committee considered the Youth Bureau
fee increases and made a recommendation to the Youth Bureau
Board that was approved. Both the Recreation Committee and
Youth Bureau Board agree that the fee increases were
substantial and that further increases over the $26,178 are
not appropriate at this time. Both the Committee and the
Board agree that wage increases for the part-time seasonal '
staff are essential in maintaining quality programs and the
level of service the City has come to expect.
It was the consensus of the Committee to handle these
three requests separately. After a brief discussion the
following motions were made:
RESOLVED, that the 1990 Budget be amended as follows:
1. Increase General Fund Revenue Account A2001
Recreational Program Fees by $26,000 (corrected
figure) , to reflect increased Program Fees
recommended by the City Youth Bureau Advisory
Board. Resolution passed 5-0.
2 . Increase General Fund Appropriation Account
A7310-120, by $7,875 to fund salary increases
for part-time seasonal staff at Cass Park and
Stewart Park. This would raise all part-time
seasonal staff by $.45 per hour. Resolution
passed 5-0.
3 . Increase General Fund Appropriation Account
A7310-120, by $5,500 to fund salaries for
extended hours of service at Cass Park.
Chairperson Booth stated that he was not in
favor of this resolution to increase the hours
at Cass Park. Resolution passed 4-1.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
Chairperson Booth dissented.
B. Request to Amend the 1990 Youth Bureau Budget
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to
amend the 1990 Youth Bureau Budget by adding $5, 000 to
income and $5,000 to the part-time seasonal account to
reflect a grant to the Youth Employment Service from the
Cornell Exploring Careers in Informational Technologies
(CIT) .
Director Cohen noted that there is no cost to the City
for this program and when the program monies run out, the
program will end. The Youth Bureau will provide the City
Controller with an agreement regarding this program. The
following resolution was made:
RESOLVED, that the 1990 Budget be amended as follows:
1. Increase General Fund Revenue A2070 Contribution
for Youth by $5, 000, to reflect a grant to be
received from the (CIT) Program.
2. Increase General Fund Appropriation for the
Youth Bureau, Account A7310-120 Part-time
Seasonal Salaries by $5,000, for the
implementation of such program within the
Youth Employment Service Division of the Youth
Bureau.
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the operation of this Program remain budget
neutral, with said authorization being granted on a
temporary basis, subject to the availability and receipt of
specific outside funding. Resolution passed 5-0.
C. Request for Replacement of GIAC Copy Machine
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request of
$4,724 to lease a new copy machine to replace the current
machine, which is five years old and which needs a large
amount of costly replacement parts. City.
Controller Cafferillo noted that all leasing options
must be evaluated before an agreement is reached. After a
brief discussion, this item was tabled until next month.
9. Chamberlain Report on Trash Tags
City Chamberlain Parsons presented a memo update on the
current trash tag status. Chamberlain Parsons stated that
the City has verbal agreements with three local entities to
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
sell trash tags for the City (TOPS, Wegmans, and the Cornell
Campus store) . Other entities are being looked into at this
time.
Currently the trash tag mailings are up to date as of today
and currently 3000 sheets have been issued. Other items
discussed included the following:
1. Possibility of a Senior Citizen's Discount -
City Attorney will evaluate.
2. Enforcement Program - the County will enforce the
adherence to the tag system with fines possible.
The Committee moved into executive session.
10. Report from Executive Session
Chairperson Booth noted the following items were acted on
during the executive session:
A. Youth Bureau - Maternity Leave Request
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Youth Bureau be
temporarily amended from May 24, 1990 to May 24, 1991 to
accommodate a maternity leave request, as follows:
Delete: 1 Youth Program Coordinator (full-time)
Add: 1 Youth Program Coordinator (17 hours/week)
Resolution passed 5-0.
B. Appointment of Administrative Secretary -
Youth Bureau
RESOLVED, that Marilyn Hall be provisionally appointed to
the position of Administrative Secretary in the Youth Bureau
at an annual salary of $19,043, that being Step 7 on the
1990 Compensation Plan for Confidential Employees, effective
March 12, 1990. Resolution passed 5-0.
RESOLVED, that the 1990 Budget be amended by increasing
General Fund Appropriation Account A7310-105 Staff Salaries
by $3, 000 to fund additional salary requirements relative to
the appointment of Marilyn Hall to the position of the
Administrative Secretary.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
C. Merit Increase Senior Stenographer - Finance
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has recommended Connie Holcomb for
an Employee Incentive Award pursuant to the terms of the
CSEA Administrative Unit Contract, and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has provided the B&A Committee with
substantial justification for granting the Employee
Incentive Award, and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk's recommendation complies with the
procedure and guidelines outlined in the CSEA Administrative
Unit Contract, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Connie Holcomb's salary be increased by eight
(8%) percent, to an annual salary of $20,570, retroactive to
January 30, 1990. Resolution passed 4-1. Alderperson
Golder dissented.
11. Youth Bureau - Request Authorization to Repair Van
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to authorize
repair of the Recreation Department's 15-passenger van,
#154. Director Cohen stated that the van was involved in an
accident and the estimate to repair the van was $6,400 -
$7,000. The value of the van, if not damaged, was
approximately $14,000. The determination of whether the van
should be fixed or a new van purchased was not made, and the
Committee recommended that the Youth Bureau look into all
possibilities. The item was tabled until next month's B&A
meeting unless the information gathered was ready to be
discussed at next week's Committee of the Whole meeting.
12. Review of the City Income Tax
Alderperson Daley presented a resolution to reject the idea
of a City income tax for the City of Ithaca. Alderperson
Daley noted that even though there is no proposal for a City
income tax, the Ithaca business community is taking this
seriously. He felt that the City should reject the idea
before businesses begin to move out of the City.
Alderperson Golder stated that the idea should not be
rejected until it has been studied and evaluated. More
discussion on this topic should be done.
Alderperson Cummings noted that the question is, does a City
income tax merit the time and effort of staff and will it
improve the City's current financial position. Alderperson
Cummings felt that the City income tax does not merit
further discussion.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
A discussion on how serious the local businesses are taking
this issue followed. Chairperson Booth stressed the fact
that currently there is no proposal before Common Council to
consider a income tax in the City of Ithaca. Alderperson
Romanowski stated that the resolution presented by
Alderperson Daley should be passed to curtail further
concerns over the possibility of a City Income tax. After
further discussion on the income tax, the following motion
was made:
To refer the topic of consideration of a City
income tax to the Committee of the Whole in order
to hear the Mayor's and other Council members'
position on this topic. Motion passed 3-2.
Chairperson Booth and Alderperson Golder vote
against the motion.
13 . Finance - Payphone Service
City Controller Cafferillo presented information relating to
a proposal by RCI to service the City of Ithaca's payphone
long distance service.
Alderperson Cummings discussed the possibility that these
rates would be higher because they are operator assisted,
instead of Direct-Dial rates.
Alderperson Romanowski suggested that the proposal state
that this is a change of the City's long distance carrier,
not a change of the physical phone service. After a brief
discussion on service, this item was tabled.
14. Finance - Bond Resolutions
City Controller Cafferillo presented information relating to
the authorization of the issuance of Serial Bonds. These
projects were approved in the 1990 budget, and this request
is to get the bond resolutions to fund these projects. It
was noted that the actual bond resolutions will be received
from the City's Bonding Attorney before the March Common
Council meeting. A discussion on the bonding amounts and
projects followed. Chairperson Booth asked the Controller
to bring the actual bond resolutions forward to the March 7,
1990 Common Council meeting for approval. No further action
was made.
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BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/21/90
15. Finance - Equalization Report Update
City Controller Cafferillo noted that the equalization
report which he is preparing should be ready in draft form
by the end of the week. The draft report will be
distributed to the Mayor, Chairman of the B&A Committee and
County Assessor. No formal action was taken.
Meeting Adjourned at 12:05 A.M.
16
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 21, 1990 - 7:30 P.M.
COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A G E N D A
A. Mayor Request to transfer $5,000 from Restricted Contingency to
provide funding for: Rental Housing Commission, Cornell-City
Relations Study Commission and Opportunities for Youth
_ Request to purchase equipment for Mayor's office
B. �11 Building Department 1) Request to purchase equipment using the New York
State Code Enforcement Funds
C. ✓ Fire Department 1) Request to amend the 1990 Equipment List
D. Department of Public Works
1� Request funding to negotiate and execute a contract for consulting
firm services to perform a feasibility analysis study for the City
Court Facility Plan. Possible Resolution .
Design plan for consolidation of Water & Sewer with Streets E
Facilities. Possible Resolution .
,3�) Design phase of the Joint Transit Maintenance Administration
V Facility. Possible Resolution.
E. Youth Bureau
✓ice
1) For executive session -a. Request to extend a staff maternity leave
✓+"�. Request for authorization of salary for
Administrative Secretary
Discussion of liability for van damage
,�Request to add $5,000 to income and $5,000 to the parttime
seasonal account to reflect a grant to the Youth Employment
Service (YES) from the Cornell Exploring Careers in Infor-
mational Technologies (CIT) Program.
3) Request authorization to repair the Recreation Department's
•15-passenger van.
Request s to cover emergency replacement of the GIAC
opy machine.
5) Request to amend 1990 Recreation Deprtment Budget.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE AGENDA PAGE 2 Feb. 21, 1990
F. Finance Department 1) Payphone Services - discussion '/06�
2) Personnel Item (Executive Session) ✓
i
A) Approval of Bond Resolutions for several authorized
projects:
a. Computer Acquisition
b. Fire Equipment Acquisition
c. Telephone System Acquisition
G. Review of City Income Tax - this item referred from 2/7/90 Common Council.
N0
Amor