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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1990-03-21 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. MARCH 21, 1990 Present: Committee Members: Booth, Peterson, Romanowski, Golder, Cummings (excused until later in the meeting) Others Present: City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy Controller - Thayer Police Chief - McEwen Fire Chief - Olmstead City Chamberlain - Parsons City Engineer - Gray City Attorney - Guttman Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani Director, Planning and Development - Van Cort Personnel Administrator - Walker Youth Bureau Director - Cohen BPW Commissioner - Reeves Activities Center Coordinator, G. I.A.C. - Fort Members of the Media Members of the Board of Fire Commissioners 1. Opening Comments Chairperson Booth opened the B&A meeting by introducing the members of the B&A committee. Chairperson Booth asked the public if anyone wanted to speak to the committee; there were no speakers from the public. Chairperson Booth stated that the following items will be added to tonight's meeting: A. Mayor - Request from Tompkins County for Trash Tag Subsidy B. D.P.W. - Status of the Hudson Street Project C. City Attorney - Request for staffing D. City Prosecutor - Request for Computer Equipment 2 . Police Department A. Request for Emergency Phone Stickers Police Chief McEwen presented a request to insert emergency phone stickers in the tax bill mailings of June 1, 1990. Chief McEwen distributed the new phone stickers to the members of the B&A Committee. Chief McEwen stated that these were new phone stickers and that he had discussed with the City Chamberlain the possibility of inserting the phone stickers in the June tax bills. Chief McEwen stated that the City Chamberlain had no problem with the phone stickers being included with the tax bills. After a brief discussion by the Committee, the following resolution was made: i BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 WHEREAS, Police Chief McEwen has requested permission to enclose an emergency phone number sticker with the second installment of the 1990 city tax bill, and WHEREAS, it is necessary for Common Council to approve all such enclosures; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Common Council approves and authorizes the enclosure of an emergency phone number sticker with the second installment of the 1990 city tax bill. The motion was approved 4-0. B. Request for Standardization of Police Department Radio Equipment Police Chief McEwen presented a resolution to standardize the Motorola brand radio equipment as the type of radio equipment to be used by the Ithaca Police Department for 1990. It was noted that a standardization resolution such as this is annually done, consistent with prior years. Alderperson Golder asked the Chief if other radio equipment manufacturers were compared to Motorola for price and quality. Chief McEwen replied that the Police Department continually compares price and quality in order to get the best buy for the city. After Chairperson Booth made some minor changes to the proposed resolution the following resolution was made: WHEREAS, this Common Council has been requested by the City of Ithaca Police Department to standardize on Motorola radio equipment as the type of equipment to be used by the Ithaca Police Department, and to authorize the city to purchase approved equipment from the manufacturer, or a representative thereof, and WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the city for reasons of efficiency, compatibility and economy to approve such standardization, as were fully spelled out in the following items: 1. The City of Ithaca Police Department presently has all Motorola radio equipment and Console. 2. This action will minimize the inventory of repair parts which would have to be maintained for the service of said radio equipment. 3 . Labor costs for maintenance and service of a standard type of equipment will be less than if required to service several different types of equipment. 2 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 4. Present Motorola radio equipment has been satisfactory to the uses of the City of Ithaca Police Department. 5. Standardization provides the need for only one service contract for its entire radio system, whereas additional contractual agreements would be required for other types of equipment; 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 Motorola radio equipment as the type of equipment to be used and purchased by the City of Ithaca Police Department during the year 1990. Said resolution passed 4-0. C. Request Standardization of Police Department Badges Police Chief McEwen presented a resolution to standardize on badges manufactured by the Entenmann-Rovin Company as the badges to be used .by the Ithaca Police Department for 1990. It was noted that a standardization resolution is done annually by the City. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, this Common Council has been requested by the City of Ithaca Police Department to standardize on badges manufactured by the Entenmann-Rovin Company as the badges to be used by the Police Officers of the Ithaca Police Department, and to authorize the City to purchase approved badges from the manufacturer, or a representative thereof, and WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the city for reasons of efficiency, uniformity, compatibility and economics to approve such standardization, as were fully spelled out in the following items: 1. The City of Ithaca Police Department presently has all Entenmann-Rovin badges. 2 . This action will provide for the standardization of all badges for the Police Department so that all Police Officers will have the same type badges which will be easily recognized by members of the public as the official badges of the City of Ithaca Police Department. 3 . Present Entenmann-Rovin badges are satisfactory to uses of the City of Ithaca Police Department; 5 1 - BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES 3/21/90 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 badges for the City of Ithaca Police Department for the year 1990. Said resolution passed 4-0. 3. Finance Cith Chamberlain Parsons presented two requests to expunge penalties related to school tax and the first installment of city tax. A. Request to Expunge Penalty on School and First Installment Tax The first request was made by Bruno Mazza for the State Theater property. It was noted that Corners Community Center, Inc. purchased the State Theater property. A form to change the owners name on the tax bill with the county was filed. However, the tax roll was not changed and the Corner's Community Center, Inc. never received the 89-90 school tax bill. The base tax amount was $5, 025.89 with a penalty of $463 .97. City Chamberlain Parsons stated that historically, requests of this type have been denied on the basis of Real Property Tax Law, Section 922. After a brief discussion the following motion was made: WHEREAS, a request has been received on behalf of Corners Community Center, Inc. to waive the penalty on the 1989 School Tax, currently being collected by the City Chamberlain, because the owners did not receive the bill, and WHEREAS, Real Property Tax Law provides that failure to receive the bill shall not affect the validity of the tax or interest penalties; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the request to waive penalty on the 1989 School Tax for 117 W. State Street be denied. Said resolution for denial passed 4-0. B. Request to Expunge Penalty on Real Estate Taxes City Chamberlain Parsons presented —the—second request to expunge the penalty related to real estate taxes for Orthopedic Associates of Ithaca, P.C. It was noted that Orthopedic Associates of Ithaca, P.C. delivered the real estate taxes, due on January 31, 1990, to the City on February 1, 1990. Orthopedic Associates stated that they had done this in the past and felt that they could continue to do this in the future. City Chamberlain Parsons stated 4 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 that since she has been here, she has not accepted this practice. After a brief discussion, the following resolution was made: WHEREAS, a request has been received on behalf of Orthopedic Associates of Ithaca to waive the penalty on 1990 city tax, first installment, for 831-915 Cliff Street, 821 Cliff Street and 815 Cliff Street because the bills were presented to the Chamberlain's Office on February 1st, the same day the bills would have been received by the Chamberlain's Office had they been mailed, and WHEREAS, the City Charter and Real Property Law provide that penalties will be collected on bills not paid or post- marked by January 31st, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the request to waive penalties on 1990 city tax, first installment bills for Orthopedic Associates' Cliff Street properties is denied. Said resolution for denial passed 4-0. 4. D.P.W. Analysis Study of City Court Building Chairperson Booth stated that the City has been directed by New York State to improve the City Court Facility. The D.P.W. has had an analysis done on the different options the City may pursue in order to improve the court facility. The City has received this analysis report, and depending on the Committee's decision tonight, this matter will be acted on at the special Common Council meeting scheduled for next week. Superintendent of Public Works Thadani, B.P.W. Commissioner Reeves and Police Chief McEwen spoke to the B&A Committee regarding the analysis study performed on the possibility of improving the City Court Facility. Superintendent Thadani stated that all interested parties have received a copy of the study, and most have commented on the report. The study arrived at three possible options to improve the City Court Facility. A. Usage of the City Hall Annex; B. A four-story addition to the rear of the existing Hall of Justice; C. A new building across the street from the existing Hall of Justice building. Superintendent Thadani stated that most of the comments from the report have favored the third option - a new building across the street from the existing Hall of Justice building. Commissioner Reeves stated the Board of Public Works also recommends the site across from the Hall of Justice as the best option. Commissioner Reeves stated that 5 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 the City Hall Annex was not chosen because Police access to embark and disembark prisoners would require renovations and the distance from the Police Station was much greater than the Chief would like. The addition to the rear of the existing Police Station does not address fully the space needs of either the Police Department or the City Court, and this option would require a complete rearrangement of the way the existing building is utilized. Police Chief McEwen stated that he also feels the new building across from the Police Station is the best option. He stated that an addition on the back of the existing Hall of Justice does not address the space needs of the Police Department or the Court. Chief McEwen stated that a new building would address the space and parking needs of the Department. He felt that a four-story building could be built with the first two floors used for parking and storage, and the remaining two levels would be City Court offices. A discussion followed on the height of the building and the application of the Zoning Ordinance in that area. Also a discussion on the possibility of a bridge or tunnel linking the current Police Station to a new City Court facility across the street took place. Chairperson Booth noted that a decision tonight to approve the concept of a new Court Facility across the street from the Police Statnion would not include a determination as to wheter or not such a bridge or tunnel would be built. It was noted that no one spoke in favor of the option to add a four-story addition to the rear of the existing Hall of Justice or of the option to use the City Hall Annex. Chief McEwen stated that even if a bridge or tunnel is not incorporated into this project, the option to construct a new building is the best option. The following conceptual resolution was put on the floor: WHEREAS, the Ithaca City Court is currently housed on the fourth floor of the Hall of Justice building, located at 120 East Clinton Street in Ithaca, and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 825 of the 1987 Laws of New York State, Representatives of the State Office of Court Administration have identified various deficiencies in the existing City Court Facilities, and WHEREAS, pursuant to further direction of the Office of Court Administration, the City has been directed to designate the proposed site and location of such facility no later than March 31 of 1990, now therefore, be it 6 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby proposes in concept, the construction of a new City Court Facility of approximately 6, 000 square feet, to be located on East Clinton Street, across from the Hall of Justice, subject to all environmental and site planning considerations. Said resolution passed 5-0. (Note - Alderperson Cummings arrived during this discussion) Chairperson Booth asked Superintendent Thadani to give a report back to the Committee in a month on the details of developing a schedule for the design, review, and consideration of this project. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the option selected was a good solution financially because it is a controlled project. There would not be the possibility of unforeseen problems, which may occur if an addition to the existing building was done. 5. Sale of Fire Station No. 6 Chairperson Booth stated that the City has undertaken the construction of two new fire stations, one on West Hill and the other on South Hill. Many City officials felt that because the City was constructing the two new fire stations, Fire Station #6 would become surplus. In the 1990 budget there is a revenue line of $200, 000 anticipating the sale of Fire Station #6. The Board of Fire Commissioners has recently passed a resolution that states that Fire Station #6 is needed by the Fire Department and should not be sold. Chairperson Booth suggested to the Committee that the question tonight is how to proceed with this item. Fire Chief Olmstead stated that he was not aware of the possible sale of Fire Station #6 until the 1990 budget discussions last November. For the past two years the Board of Fire Commissioners has been looking at the option of retaining Fire Station #6 for offices and storage only. The Board of Fire Commissioners took action March 13th to retain Fire Station #6 to meet existing and future space and program needs: specifically storage space, office space and a training center. The request to retain Fire Station #6 was communicated to the Mayor early last year and to the Capital Improvement Committee in May of last year. The Capital Improvement Committee dropped the request during the budget discussions. Chairman of the Fire Commissioners Cornelius stated that the Mayor had ignored many requests by the Board to meet with them to discuss the retention of Fire Station #6. The Fire Department needs Fire Station #6 for future storage and program needs. 7 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 Alderperson Golder suggested that a study of the space needs for the Fire Department should be undertaken to determine if Fire Station #6 is actually needed by the Fire Department. A discussion on the future possibilities for the fire station #6 building, including selling the building, using the building as a homeless shelter or keeping the building for the Fire Department followed. Chairperson Booth stated that several items regarding this issue must be considered, including: A. As the Charter is now written, it gives the Board of Fire Commissioners the power they assume they have. B. While he had previously supported the Board of Fire Commissioners in their wish to retain Fire Station #6, the $200, 000 is in the budget, and the Committee must seek that revenue. C. If the station is to be sold, the Committee has to determine the conditions under which the City wants to sell it. D. The Committee has to determine if it is necessary to change the Charter. Alderperson Romanowski stated that he was not in favor of a Charter change, but at the same time the City needs the revenue. Alderperson Cummings stated that she supports the disposal of the property by either a sale or lease transaction. If the building were sold what conditions would be attached? Chairperson Booth suggested to the B&A Committee that the following items be undertaken respecting this issue: A. The City Attorney be prepared to make a recommendation to resolve a possible legal conflict between Council and the Board of Fire Commissioners. B. Director of Planning & Development Van Cort (Staff Director of IURA) be requested to solicit comments regarding the sale or lease of the fire station and the conditions that might be attached to its sale or lease. C. The Board of Fire Commissioners be requested to set out their needs and make their recommendations. 8 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 Fire Board Commissioner Reeves stated that the building is needed for training volunteer firemen. The new stations do not have large public rooms for training. After further discussions on this issue, no action was taken. The item will be taken up again next month. 6. D.P.W. - Request for Release of Restricted Contingency Funds City Engineer Gray presented a request to release restricted contingency funds for a study, with Cornell, on the South Hill drainage situation. Engineer Gray stated that $30, 000 was set aside three years ago to do this study and now the D.P.W. has signed an agreement with Cornell to do the work. Engineer Gray stated that $12, 000 of the $30, 000 set aside in restricted contingency would be used to perform a Calibration Study, and $5, 500 would be used for supplies and equipment. The total requested to be released from restricted contingency is $17, 500. Engineer Gray stated that the Calibration Study will verify a paper study done a few years ago on the drainage of water in the southwest area. Cornell is being used because of a cheaper labor rate and the City can learn from Cornell. The agreement is proposed for one year. Alderperson Romanowski discussed the fact the proposed baling station would have some type of impact on this study. Alderperson Cummings agreed that the drainage study and the proposed bailing station be linked and maybe assist the City in its pursuit of the County regarding the baling station. Alderperson Cummings suggested that the Drainage Study name be changed to Southwest Drainage Study. The. Committee agreed. After a brief discussion the motion was made: WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received a proposal from Cornell University to perform a run-off calibration study for the period November 1, 1989 through December 1990, in connection with the overall Southwest Drainage Study, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to enter into an agreement with Cornell University for the basic study and other professional agencies for related support analytical testing, and be it further RESOLVED, that $17, 500 be transferred from Account A1990 Restricted Contingency to Account A1440-435 Contractual Services in the amount of $16, 000 and $1, 500 Account A1440-425 for the preparation of such study. 9 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 This motion passed 5-0. 7 . D.P.W. - Request to Amend the Water/Sewer Authorized Equipment List City Engineer Gray presented a request to amend the 1990 Water and Sewer Department authorized equipment list. The amendment requested was to substitute a small pick-up truck for the sedan originally budgeted. The funds are already in the budget, and the substitution would be less than the original budget amount. After a brief discussion the following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the authorized equipment list for the water and sewer funds be amended, by deleting one full size sedan and adding one pick-up truck. This motion passed 5-0. Chairperson Booth asked the City Controller to propose to the Committee how we might streamline these type of requests in the future. If a department is changing funds within an existing line, perhaps the department should not have to come to B&A to request this change. The City Controller will make a proposal on this issue at a future meeting. 8. City Hall Annex Report Director of Planning and Development Van Cort presented a memo to the Committee regarding of the City Hall Annex. Director Van Cort stated that the IGR Committee asked that a very complex series of appraisals be prepared for the City Hall Annex, assuming a sale or lease of the building; additionally they wanted a variety of assumptions made on the restrictions that might be placed on the building. Director Van Cort recommended that the appraisal be kept simple and not as complex as the IGR recommended. A discussion on the building followed. Director Van Cort recommended that an updated survey be made on the building. The cost for such a survey update would range from $1, 000 to $3, 000, which could probably be funded from Unrestricted Contingency. Following a discussion on the updated appraisal and the building, the Committee tabled the item until next month's B&A meeting. The Committee suggested that Director of Planning Van Cort determine the cost of an updated appraisal, take the process to the IGR, and have a recommendation for next month's meeting. No action was taken. 9. D.P.W. - Hudson Street Update 10 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 Superintendent of Public Works Thadani gave an update on the current status of the Hudson Street project. Superintendent Thadani stated that the project was signed by the contractor for approximately $1, 300, 000. The project was expected to begin on Monday the 19th; however, because of negative reaction by the Hudson Street residents over the removal of approximately 30 trees, the Mayor contacted the D.P.W. to hold off on the project until another public meeting was scheduled. Superintendent Thadani also stated that NYSE&G began work Monday morning on gas lines, but has been advised to hold off on any further work. Basically, the project is in a holding pattern at this time. The Board of Public Works does not want to cancel this project, but felt alterations to the current project will probably be needed. Possible legal action may be made by the contractor if the project does not continue on schedule. Following a brief discussion on the project and the public meeting the Committee voted to go into executive session to .discuss possible legal issues related to the Hudson Street project. 10. Report from Executive Session Chairperson Booth stated that the Committee discussed the legal issues with respect to the Hudson Street project, and no action was taken. The Board of Public Works and the Council will discuss this issue next Wednesday, March 28th at their regular and Committee of the Whole meetings. 11. D.P.W. A. Request for Consulting Services Related to Acoustical Tiles Superintendent of Public Works Thadani and Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a proposal from Miles Edwards, contractor, for consulting services in the development and design of acoustical sound barriers in the Youth Bureau building. Youth Bureau Director Cohen stated that the money was put into restricted contingency last year. The request tonight is for $3, 000 for consulting services relating to the acoustical problem at the Youth Bureau. The product of the consulting services proposal would be to recommend to the City which materials to purchase and how to install them in the Youth Bureau to correct the acoustical problem. A discussion on the project, the proposal and other alternatives took place. The Committee took no action on this issue. This item will be brought back next month. 11 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 B. Trash Tag System Update - Report Superintendent of Public Works Thadani gave the Committee a brief update on the Trash Tag System. Superintendent Thadani stated that approximately 10, 000 sheets have been sold,and the trash tag system appears to have a 95% compliance rate at this time. The new tags have just come in, and they should stick much better than the first batch. The old stickers can be exchanged (full sheets only) for the new stickers. Superintendent of Public Works Thadani stated the B.P.W. will look at the possibility of a half-tag at a less expensive cost to the public. Enforcement of the trash tags is expected to be done by the County with assistance from the City. Enforcement is still weak, but is improving. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the contracts with the local supermarkets will be amended because they are having a difficult time paying the City in cash for the trash tags. A new system to bill the supermarkets either weekly or monthly will be implemented shortly. C. Trash Tags - County Subsidy Chairperson Booth read a letter from Jim Mason, Chair of the County Board, on the Trash Tag System. The letter stated that the County Social Services Department has established a program whereby county residents that fall below a certain income level may receive a subsidy for their trash tags. The letter also stated that the County is asking the City to waive their $1. 60/sheet administrative handling fee for tags purchased by the Department of Social Services and delivered to city residents eligible for this subsidy program. It was noted the Mayor supports this program. The remaining $8.50/sheet will continue to be paid by Social Services. The Department of Social Services is currently buying 758 sheets at $10. 00/sheet. If the administrative fee were waived by the City, the difference would be $1,212 .80 for the first 758 sheets. Following a discussion on this issue the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Department of Social Services has established a program to subsidize the sale of trash tags to low income residents, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain is authorized to sell 758 sheets of city trash tags to the Tompkins County Department of Social Services for the base tipping fee cost of $8.40 per sheet, and be it further 12 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 RESOLVED, that Common Council reserves determination of future city participation in this program, subject to an evaluation of the criteria established by the County for the distribution of such tags by Social Services. Said motion passed 4-0. It was noted that Alderperson Cummings was excused for the remainder of the meeting during the discussion of the trash tag issue. 12. Youth Bureau - Request to Replace the GIAC Copy Machine Youth Bureau Director Cohen and Activities Center Coordinator, GIAC, Fort, presented a request to replace the current GIAC copy machine. City Controller Cafferillo discussed the possibility of leasing three different copy machines. The rates were also compared on a 12, 24, 36 month basis between the copier companies and a local bank. It was noted that the money was available in the budget to lease a machine for the remainder of the year (or for most of the remainder of the year) . Controller Cafferillo recommended that GIAC go with the lease option and monitor the budget activity. It was noted that this could be done within the existing budget and no authorization amount would be needed by the Committee. No formal action was taken by the Committee. Controller Cafferillo stated that at a future meeting he would like all Departments to evaluate and follow a City policy of reducing the number of copies distributed. 13. Youth Bureau - Request to Replace/Repair Damaged Van City Controller Cafferillo presented a damage report from Ward's Auto Damage Appraisal Service regarding the Youth Bureau's 15-passenger van damaged in an accident. This appraisal report was requested last month by the B&A Committee. Controller Cafferillo stated that based on the report the salvage value of the van was only $567 in its existing condition, with no insurance recovery possible. A new van, on State Contract, would cost $15, 000 - $17, 000. The following two estimates to repair the van were available: A. Ward's Appraisal - $8,200 B. Auto Body - $6, 300- $7, 000 After a brief discussion on the van and related repairs the following motion was made: 13 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $7,000 be transferred from Account A1900 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A7310-476 Equipment Maintenance, for renovations to a 15-passenger van, which was damaged in an uninsured accident in December of 1989. Said motion passed 4-0. 14 . Prosecutor - Request for Computer Equipment A letter from the City Prosecutor to the B&A Committee was included in the Committee's packet for tonight's agenda requesting a $1, 500 transfer, within the Prosecutor's budget, to purchase a Word Processing system. A brief discussion on the fact that the money is already in the budget and would only need to be transferred from another account followed. The following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the authorized equipment list for the City Prosecutor's Office be amended to include one Word Processing system, for an amount not to exceed $1, 500, and be it further RESOLVED, that $1, 500 be transferred from Account A110-430 Contractual Services to Account A1110-210 Office Equipment for the procurement thereof. This motion passed 4-0. 15. It was noted that the Committee deferred action on the request to hire a Pay Equity Consultant until the next meeting. The Committee then went into executive session. 16. Report from Executive Session Chairperson Booth reported on the following items from executive session: A. Youth Bureau Request for Employee Incentive Awards A request by the Youth Bureau for eight percent employee incentive awards for eight Youth Bureau employees was made by Youth Bureau Director Cohen. After a lengthy discussion on City and Youth Bureau salaries the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has made a request for an eight percent employee incentive award for eight Youth Bureau employees to better reflect their responsibilities and duties, and WHEREAS, the City does not normally give incentive awards to a large number of employees, of the same Department, simultaneously, and the Committee feels a decision to grant 14 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/21/90 all of these requests at one time would badly hurt the City's efforts to provide merit increases, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Budget and Administration committee denies the eight percent employee incentive awards for eight Youth Bureau employees. The motion to deny the incentive awards passed 4-0. B. City Attorney Office Staffing Chairperson Booth stated that this item was discussed, but that no action was taken. 17. Finance - Equalization Rate Report City Controller Cafferillo gave a brief report on his Equalization Rate report. Controller Cafferillo stated that he has distributed the Equalization Rate draft report to various members of the City, State, and County Government and City School District. He stated the reaction to the report has been positive to this point. Controller Cafferillo stated that the report presents a strong argument in favor of establishing a fair and equitable distribution of County and School taxes amongst the County population. A brief discussion on this issue followed. Chairperson Booth suggested the following to the Committee: A. That Committee members meet with the Controller, individually, to discuss the report. B. That Council members discuss this report and the need for action on this issue with their County Board counterparts. It was noted that a resolution regarding this issue should be put forth on next month's B&A agenda. No formal action was taken on this issue. 18. An item dealing with steps for reducing the use of copy machines throughout the City government was postponed until a later meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12: 30 A.M. 15