HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1990-07-24 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING 7 :30 PM JULY 24, 1990
PRESENT:
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Peterson, Cummings, Golder
COMMITTEE MEMBERS EXCUSED: Booth, Romanowski
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mayor - Nichols
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy Controller - Thayer
Building Commissioner - Datz
Director of Planning and Development - Van Cort
Police Chief - McEwen
City Attorney - Guttman
City Chamberlain - Parsons
Superintendent of Public Works - Thadani
Acting Assistant -Superintendent of Public Works - Carpenter
City Engineer - Gray
BPW Commissioner - Reeves
Youth Bureau Director - Cohen
Personnel Administrator - Saul
Commons Coordinator - Deming
Acting Facilities Maintenance Supervisor - Ferrel
Building Systems Supervisor - Miller
Richard Driscoll
Mr. Shapiro (Marty)
Hudson Street Residents
Members of the Media
1. Opening Comments
Vice-Chairperson Peterson stated that Chairperson Booth
and Alderperson Romanowski were on vacation and excused from
the meeting.
Vice-Chairperson Peterson stated that because
Alderperson Cummings would be late and two Committee members
were excused, the Committee would take the non-voting issues
of the agenda first until Alderperson Cummings arrived and a
quorum was established.
2 . D.P.W.
A. Report - Recycling Drop-Off Center Negotiations
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani gave an update report
on the Recycling Drop-off Center negotiations with the
County.
Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
Superintendent Thadani stated that the Recycling Drop-off
Center has had many problems since it opened. Two of the
main problems are contamination of the recycling dumpsters
and the Drop-off Centers hours of operation.
Superintendent Thadani stated that unrecyclable items were
being mixed with the recyclable items and therefore some
items were not being accepted as recyclable. Also, because
of the heavy traffic volume on the one day the Center was
open (Saturdays) , the Center now will be open six days a
week. However, because of the increased hours, and problems
with contamination, it is necessary to have continuous
supervision at the Center.
County and City negotiations are currently continuing on the
Recycling Center issue. The current contract does not have
a provision for the supervision issue. The City wants the
County to pick up all costs related to the recycling
activities at the Center.
Superintendent Thadani stated that he has recently received
a response to this issue by the County and he will be taking
this item to the next BPW meeting. His reaction to the
response by the County was mixed. He stated recycling
negotiations with the County would continue.
Superintendent Thadani stated to date 751 tons of
recyclables have been collected at the Recycling Center and
$1, 350 has been spent for the Center. The City is currently
billing the County for the labor now being provided by the
City at the Drop-off Center.
City Controller Cafferillo stated the City is currently
being billed for recycling pick up charges and in prior
y6ars the company that was collecting the recyclables also
sold those items and gave the City the revenue from the sale
of those items which was reflected as a "wash" on the City's
records. However, within the past four months the Company
is no longer selling the recyclable items and the City is
being billed a larger amount for the collection of the
recyclable items.
Superintendent Thadani stated that the market for the sale
of the recyclables has dried up, but because of the tipping
fee, the cost of collection of the recyclables has
increased. It is hopeful the costs of the collection of the
recyclables will be picked up by the County in the future.
No further discussion took place on this issue and no formal
action was taken.
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B. Report - Dryden Road Garage - 24 Hour Staffing
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani updated the Committee
on the status of the Dryden Road garage 24 hour staffing
test period.
Superintendent Thadani stated that for the test period,
February, March, April and May of 1990, $70,269 had been
collected at the Dryden Road garage. For the same time
period in 1989, February - May, $36, 540 was collected. The
increase represents the increase in parking fees and the 24
hour staffing at the garage. Superintendent Thadani also
stated that expenses for staffing the garage for the
remainder of the year, September - January, would cost
$12, 000 for two full-time employees.
Controller Cafferillo stated that even though the Dryden
Road garage revenue has increased from last year, the
parking revenue from the lots and garages as a whole is
currently just meeting the budget projections for 1990.
Also, sales tax on parking will be implemented August 1,
1990 as required by the State. He said he could not
recommend increasing parking revenue to offset the cost of
operation. Controller Cafferillo suggested that the DPW pay
for the two employees, needed to staff the Dryden Road
Parking garage for 24 hours daily, within existing budget
lines.
Alderperson Golder suggested that the DPW look into the
possibility of expanding the downtown lots and garages to
possibly increase revenue. No formal action was taken.
Updates on this issue will continue throughout the year.
Alderperson Cummings arrived at this point in the meeting.
3 . Appropriation of Funds for the Arts Services
Organization
Richard Driscoll, from the Arts Services Organization,
presented a request to the Committee for $5, 000 to assist in
the funding of the Arts Services Organization. Mr. Driscoll
also presented to the Committee the organization's financial
statements for the first six months of 1990.
The request for funding was for 1990. City Controller
Cafferillo stated that during the 1990 budget discussions,
$7, 500 was put into restricted contingency for the funding
of the Arts Services Organization. At the time a formal
proposal was not received from the Arts Services
Organization. It was noted that the funding for this
organization was endorsed with recommendation from the Human
Services Committee. The following motion was made:
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
WHEREAS, the Human Services Committee has reviewed and
recommended approval of a request for funding presented by
the newly established Arts Services Organization (ASO) , now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that $5, 000 be transferred from account A1990
Restricted Contingency, to account A1010-435, Legislative
Contractual Services, in support of the Phase II program to
be orchestrated by said Arts Services Organization.
Motion passed 3-0.
4 . Attorney
A. Building Permit Fees
City Attorney Guttman stated that after Mr. Shapiro, a local
attorney, spoke on the building permit fees, the Committee,
because of potential litigation relating to this issue,
should go into executive session. The Committee agreed.
Marty Shapiro stated that he noticed that in December of
1989 the City passed two ordinances dealing with the
building permit fees specifically certificate of occupancy
fees. In 1989, Mr. Shapiro noted that these ordinances were
illegal based on New York State law. he stated-he wasnot
retained by anyone, but just wanted to alert the City that
these fees were illegal because the fees charged were much
greater than the actual costs related to these permits.
Mr. Shapiro stated within the past few months he has been
contacted by many city property owners asking him to
represent them on the permit fee issue. He recently alerted
the City that he now represents the organization called the
Tompkins County Rental Housing Association. Mr. Shapiro
stated that a new proposal from the Building Department, on
these fees, would be presented tonight. He has seen that
proposal and the fees are still too high as related to costs
to perform and issue the certificate of occupancy. He
recommends that the fees should be based on an hourly basis
and that all time be maintained appropriately. Mr. Shapiro
also felt that the City should make the fees retroactive
because the fees have been in effect for almost one year,
providing rebates to persons who paid the higher fee.
Discussion followed on actual fees currently charged by the
Building Department. Alderperson Cummings stated that when
the City passed the ordinances in 1989, the Committee knew
there was an inequity in the permit fees because there was
not a charge for a certificate of occupancy even though the
Building Department was incurring costs for the issuance of
those certificates. Alderperson Cummings also stated that
she was not sure that the ordinance was the appropriate
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
corrective action, but that the City needs to change the
appropriate fee based on actual costs.
The Committee moved to go into executive session. The
motion passed 3-0.
Chairperson Peterson, out of executive session, reported
that the Committee voted 3-0 to change the flat fees in the
ordinance to $28 per hour and to change the provision
charging a fee per bedroom to a $28 per hour fee for
inspection time spent. A separate motion for staff to
investigate lesser or no charge fees for owner occupied
smaller units on first inspection with a proposal to come
from staff at a later B&A meeting. The second motion also
passed 3-0. The following were the motions passed:
An Ordinance Amending Section 26. 24 (C) of Chapter 26
Entitled "Building Code Enforcement" of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code
ORDINANCE NO. 90 -
An Ordinance Amending Section 26.24 (C) of Chapter 26
Entitled "Building Code Enforcement" of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code.
Be it ordained and enacted by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
1. That Section 26.24 (C) of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code entitled "Building Permits" be and the same
is hereby amended to read as follows:
C. Application for permit.
Every application for a permit shall be in writing on
approved form and shall be signed by the owner or his
authorized agent. In his discretion the Building
Commissioner may require sealed plans from an architect or
engineer registered to practice in the State of New York for
structural or other work, even though the cost of the work
may be below the minimum requirement of the State Education
Law, and may also require a property survey of the lot or
lots concerned in any proposed building operation.
Permit fees shall be paid before permit review can commence
according to the following schedule:
Where the total valuation of the work is:
$2, 000. 00 or less None
From $2, 001 to $25, 000 $6. 00 for each $1, 000 or
fraction thereof to and
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including $25,000.
Over $25, 000 $150 for the first $25, 000
plus $4 . 00 for each additional
$1, 000 or fraction thereof.
Other inspections and fees related to building construction:
Requested inspections outside [$25. 00] $28.00 per hour
normal business hours (mini-
mum charge; two hours in
addition to the permit fee)
Plan review for projects 50% of permit fee schedule
exceeding $5, 000 (where (amount to be applied to
no permit is requested) permit fee)
Additional plan review [$25. 00] $28.00 per hour
required by changes,
additions or revisions to
approved plans.
Building Permit Renewal $25. 00 or 10% of the original
building permit fee, whichever
is larger
Certificate of Occupancy No charge if building permit
is in effect; otherwise $25.00
for one- and two-family
dwellings; $50. 00 for all
others
Temporary Certificates of $100. 00 plus 25% of building
Occupancy permit fee
Demolition work
Up to $1, 000. 00 $12 .00
$1, 001 to $5, 000 $25. 00
$5, 001 and up $25. 00 plus $4 . 00 for each
$1, 000 or fraction thereof
over $5, 000
In the event that an application for a building permit is
not approved, the applicant shall be entitled to a refund of
fifty (50%) of the fee paid, provided no work has commenced.
If construction work has been started and the application is
not approved, no part of the fees paid shall be refunded.
Any amendment to the application or the plans and
specifications upon which the building permit has been
issued may be filed at any time prior to the completion of
the work. If there is an increase in the value of the
project as a result of the amendment, an additional fee
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
shall be paid for that increase, based on the fee schedule
above. If there is no increase in the value of the project
as a result of the amendment, but additional plan review
time is incurred, an additional fee of [$25. 00] $28. 00 per
hour shall be paid for the additional plan review time.
During the period of time that the work is going on for
which the building permit is issued, said permit shall be
displayed on the property in such a location that it is
readily visible from the nearest street.
2 . Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect
immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of a
notice as provided in Section 3 . 11(B) of the Ithaca City
Charter.
An Ordinance Amending Section 27.45(D) of Chapter 27
Entitled "Housing Code" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code
ORDINANCE NO. 90 -
An Ordinance Amending Section 27 . 45 (D) of Chapter 27
entitled "Housing Code" of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, New York, as follows:
1. That Section 27 . 45 (D) of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code entitled "Certificate of Compliance" be and the same is
hereby amended to read as follows:
[D. A fee of $25. 00 per rental dwelling unit up to two
bedrooms plus $15. 00 for each additional bedroom shall be
paid to the Building Department before a Certificate of
Compliance can be issued. ]
D. Before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued
there shall be paid to the Building Department a fee equal
to $28.00 per hour for all time spent � the Housing
Inspector regarding the premises including, but not limited
to, time spent in correspondence, review of the appropriate
files, transportation and actual inspections of the
property.
2 . Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect
immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of a
notice as provided in Section 3 . 11 (B) of the Ithaca City
Charter.
B. Sciencenter Land Sale
City Attorney Guttman stated that at the last Common Council
meeting the Council directed the City Attorney to negotiate
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
the contract with the Sciencenter with special terms and
conditions. The proposed contract was presented to the
Committee by the City Attorney.
City Attorney Guttman suggested that this contract be
approved at the September Council meeting because a 30 day
notice of sale was to be done before the actual sale. If
the proposed contract language is approved the notice of
sale can go out in August.
After a brief discussion the following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the City Clerk give public notice of the
proposed sale of an approximately one-acre of land, tax
parcel 25-2-1, to the Science Discovery Center of Tompkins
County, Inc. pursuant to proposed purchase agreement.
The motion passed 3-0.
C. Request Funding For Litigation
City Attorney Guttman presented a request to transfer money
to fund further litigation invoices related to the Control
Processing Facility.
City Attorney Guttman stated the total fee estimated by
Attorney Gitlen for the Control Processing Facility
litigation would be between $15, 000 and $20, 000. Attorney
Gitlen capped his professional fee at $20, 000 with
additional charges for out-of-pocket costs. The total
litigation costs will run between $20, 000 and $21, 500. It
was noted Council originally appropriated $12 , 141 for this
litigation and last month an additional $3 , 000 was
appropriated.
After a brief discussion on Attorney Gitlen' s invoice
amounts, the following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $7, 000 be transferred
from account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to account
A1420-430 Fees for Professional Services, in order to pay
the final bill for legal services and related expenses in
connection with the Central Processing Facility lawsuit.
The motion passed 3-0.
D. Report on possible sale of Fire Station #6
City Attorney Guttman stated that he would like to discuss
this issue next month. He stated that he has received
contact regarding proposals for the purchase of Fire Station
#6. The Committee will take this up at next month's B&A
meeting. No other action was taken.
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
E. Possible Acquisition of Property
The Committee voted 3-0 to move into executive session to
discuss the possible acquisition of property.
After a brief executive session, Vice-Chairperson Peterson
stated that no action was taken on the possible acquisition
of property.
5. Building Department - Request to purchase computers
with Building Code Aid
Building Commissioner Datz presented a request for $6, 684.75
to purchase computer equipment to be funded from the
Building and Fire Code Enforcement Account. The equipment
is needed to continue to computerize the Building Department
Data Base and to increase computer work capability in the
Building Department.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that this purchase will
have to be funded from the 1990 Code Enforcement not yet
received from the State. However, approval can be done
tonight and the expenditure can be made when the money is
received. It was noted that the 1988 and 1989 Code
Enforcement money has been spent. After a brief discussion
,. on the Code Enforcement accounts, the following motion . was
made:
RESOLVED, that the authorized equipment list of the Building
Department be amended to include one Everex 386 8x computer
to be purchased at an amount not to exceed $6, 685, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that upon receipt of the 1990 allocation of State
Building and Fire Code Aid funding, such $6, 685 shall be
transferred from account A690-10 Building'and Fire Code Aid
for 1990 to account A3620-210 Building Department Office
Equipment.
Motion passed 3-0.
6. Police Department - Request to Transfer Funds
Police Chief McEwen presented a request to transfer funds in
the amount of $3, 746 to various accounts for the purchase of
various equipment and supplies to aid in the Police
Department's Drug investigation work.
Chief McEwen stated that the money has been received in the
amount of $4, 890.90 and is accounted for in the A690-8
account of the General Fund. It was noted that the
establishment of this account was approved at an earlier B&A
meeting and it was requested at that time that the Chief
come back to B&A to transfer the funds for the purpose of
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
Drug investigation purchases. After a brief discussion the
following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Police Department has received to date
$4, 890.90 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to
enhance the Department's Drug Investigation Program; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that $3,746. 00 be transferred from account A690-8
Drug Seizure moneys, to the following line items in the
Police Department budget:
A 3120-210 Office Equipment $1,776
A 3120-460 Program Supplies $1, 500
A 3120-470 Rental of Equipment $ 470
Total $3 ,746
The motion passed 3-0.
7. Youth Bureau - Negotiations with County - Report
Youth Bureau Director Cohen gave the Committee an update
report on ongoing negotiations with Tompkins County relating
to Youth Bureau Services.
Director Cohen stated that the County is talking about
giving the City the same amount of money in 1990 as in 1989
plus an additional five percent. Director Cohen stated that
the City will request a dollar amount equal to all the Youth
Development and Recreational mainstream budget amounts. If
the County does not fund the City for that amount, programs
outside the City will decrease appropriately. It was the
consensus of the Committee that funding should correspond to
the Youth Bureau activity county-wide. No formal action was
taken on this issue.
8. D.P.W.
A. Request to Hire Engineer for Acoustical Study at
Youth Bureau
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani and Youth Bureau
Director Cohen presented a request to hire an engineer to
perform an acoustical tile study at the Youth Bureau. It
was noted that Superintendent Thadani had requested this
study several months ago, but at that time the B&A Committee
did not accept the previous proposal and tabled this item.
Superintendent Thadani stated that he reworked the study and
now has a new proposal from an engineer. The new proposal
was presented and discussed. The proposal under
consideration, from the Engineering firm of Calocerinos and
Spina, was for an amount of $3, 000.
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
It was noted that this money, $3 , 000, has already been moved
from the Restricted Contingency to the DPW appropriate
expense account and the money has been encumbered for such
purpose.
Alderperson Cummings stated she was in support of this study
as long as the City was getting a good study for the $3,000.
Superintendent Thadani assured the Committee that the firm
selected was reputable and had experience in this area.
After a brief discussion the Committee concurred with the
selection of the Engineering firm of Calocerinos and Spina
to perform the acoustical study at the Youth Bureau. It was
noted that because the $3, 000 was already approved and
encumbered a resolution was not needed.
B. Hudson Street Landscaping
City Engineer Gray presented a resolution passed by BPW that
approves a Hudson Street landscaping plan and asked for
guidance on budgetary impacts and project scope. The
landscaping plan as developed by the City Forester and the
residents of Hudson Street would cost the City an additional
$35, 000.
A discussion . on . the original project budget and the
landscaping plan followed. City Engineer Gray stated that
it might be possible to include the additional $35, 000 for
the landscaping plan without adjusting the total project
budget because of change orders that might reduce the entire
project amount. However, it will not be known until
September or October when all the change orders have been
received and evaluated.
A discussion on the ordering of the required trees for the
landscaping plan followed. A Hudson Street resident, Jim
Houghton, presented the Committee with a petition that urges
the Committee to approve the landscaping plan. The petition
letter stated that the landscaping plan was well developed
and that the Hudson Street residents were happy with the
outcome and that the trust between the residents of Hudson
Street and the City was being restored. After a brief
discussion on the landscaping plan the following motion was
made:
WHEREAS, the Common Council resolution of April 2, 1990 has
directed that "substantial additional landscaping shall be
implemented under the auspices of the Parks Commission,
Shade Tree Commission, and the City Forester working with
individual residents. . . " , and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has determined that there
is not sufficient funding currently available within Capital
Project #225 for the reconstruction of Hudson Street to
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
complete the proposed amended landscaping plan; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that capital project #225 for the reconstruction
of Hudson Street be hereby increased by $35, 000, from a
maximum authorized cost of $1, 500, 000 to a revised maximum
authorized cost of $1, 535, 000, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the financing plan for said project be
amended by transferring the statutory five percent (5%) down
payment of $1,750 from account A1990 Unrestricted
Contingency to capital project #225, and by increasing the
existing bond resolution for such project by the remaining
balance of $33 ,250.
The motion passed 3-0.
C. Request to Hire Engineer for Asbestos Removal
Capital Project
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani presented a request
to hire an engineer for asbestos removal in City Hall, Hall
of Justice and GIAC. The asbestos removal would cost
$14, 000.
Superintendent . Thadani stated that he received three
proposals for this project and this particular proposal was
the lowest priced and most experienced firm. The following
motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and Department of Public
Works personnel have reviewed three proposals for
engineering services relative to the removal of asbestos
from various city buildings; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby
authorized to execute an agreement with Buck Laboratories of
Cortland, New York, for the provision of design,
construction supervision and post construction reporting
services, at an amount not to exceed $14,000; the funding
for which has previously been authorized within capital
project #231/Asbestos Removal.
The motion passed 3-0.
Alderperson Cummings brought up a discussion on the current
situation dealing with asbestos relating to the possibility
of asbestos removal and encapsulation of the asbestos. City
Engineer Gray stated that encapsulation of asbestos is fine
in non-public places, but he would recommend that the
asbestos removal process should be used in a public place,
such as GIAC.
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
D. Report on the Joint Transit Facility
Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Carpenter
gave the Committee a brief update report on the Joint
Transit Facility. Assistant Carpenter stated that the Joint
Transit Committee has been meeting to draft a Joint
Management agreement for the Joint Facility.
Assistant Carpenter also stated that the -RFP for the design
phase of this project has also been sent out. The
management agreement and the design proposals will be
reviewed in early August. It was noted that the DPW site is
still the site selected for the Joint Transit Facility, even
after the results of the Trowbridge study.
It was noted that no formal action was taken and that future
updates will be made at subsequent B&A meetings.
E. Request to Amend the 1990 Equipment List
Acting Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Ferrel presented a
request to amend the DPW 1990 equipment list by $700 for the
purchase of a generator.
Supervisor Ferrel stated that the DPW had recently purchased
a generator to use for a free-air pump to supply air to
employees using the sand blaster. However, the generator
purchased was too small for the air pump motor.
The DPW would like to trade the smaller generator in for a
larger generator at a net cost of $700, which would be
funded within the existing DPW budget. After a brief
discussion the following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the authorized equipment list of the
Department of Public Works be amended to include one 5500
watt generator at a net cost of $1, 575, and delete one 2200
watt generator valued at $875; the net difference of $700
shall be funded within existing Department of Public Works
available appropriations.
The motion passed 3-0.
F. Amendment of Water Filtration Plant 1990 Budget
City Engineer Gray presented a request to amend the 1990
Water Filtration Plant budget by $19, 520 for the purchase of
various items.
Engineer Gray stated the items requested reflect the
operating expense to maintain the plant until a decision is
made on the possibility of renovating the current plant or
building another plant. These items requested were left out
of the 1990 budget and the new Chief Operator feels they are
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
very much needed in the current plant to operate
effectively.
It was noted the $19, 520 would come from the water fund
restricted contingency account which currently has $25, 000
and is seldom used and annually replenished. After a brief
discussion the following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the 1990 budget for the water fund be amended
by transferring $19, 520 from account A1990 unrestricted
contingency to the following appropriation accounts as
requested by the Chief Plant Operator and recommended to
Common Council by the Board of Public Works:
F 8330-225 Other Equipment $7,920
F 8330-476 Equipment Maintenance 2,300
F 8330-477 Equipment Parts and Supplies 8,000
F 8330-480 Building Supplies 500
F 8330-481 Small Tools 800
Total 19,520
The motion was approved 3-0.
G. Amendment of the Personnel Roster of the City
Engineer's Office
City Engineer Gray presented a request to amend the City
Engineer's Office Personnel Roster by deleting one
Engineering Technician and adding one Junior Engineer.
It was noted that this personnel roster amendment was needed
because of the increases in duties in the Engineer's office.
The increased duties in the Engineering Office include
computer aided drafting and design and an increased load of
construction projects that need supervision from a higher
level of personnel than that of an Engineering Technician.
The following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Department of
Public Works be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Junior Engineer
Delete: One (1) Engineering Technician
The motion passed 3-0.
The Committee voted to go into executive session to discuss
a number of personnel items.
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
9. Report from Executive Session
After the Committee voted to come out of the executive
session, Vice-Chairperson Peterson stated the following
action took place during the executive session:
A. Salary Increase - Building Systems Supervisor
WHEREAS, the duties and responsibilities of the Building
Systems Supervisor have been permanently increased by the
placement of two additional divisions (Parking Meters and
City Electrician) under his supervision, now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, that the salary of James Miller be increased by
ten (10%) percent to $32 ,980 effective June 22 , 1990, to
reflect the addition of these responsibilities.
The motion passed 3-0.
B. Appointment of Engineering Technician
RESOLVED, that Raymond Benjamin be provisionally appointed
to the position of Engineering Technician at an annual
salary of $22, 077, that being Step 5 on the 1990 CSEA
Administrative Unit Compensation Plan, effective August 6,
1990.
The motion passed 2-1 to go to Common Council with
recommendation from the B&A Committee. Alderperson Golder
voted against the motion based on his disagreement with the
policy and procedures of this appointment.
C. Employee Incentive Award
WHEREAS, the Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator has
recommended Jeffrey Soule for an Employee Incentive Award
pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative Unit
Contract, and
WHEREAS, the Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator has
provided the Budget and Administration Committee with
substantial justification for granting this Employee
Incentive Award, and
WHEREAS, the Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's
recommendation complies with the procedure and guidelines
outlined in the CSEA Administrative Unit contract; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Jeffrey Soule's salary be increased by eight
(8%) percent to an annual salary of $24,876 effective April
23, 1990.
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The motion passed 2-1 to go to Common Council with
recommendation from the B&A Committee. Alderperson Golder
voted against this motion based on his disagreement with the
Employee Incentive Award policy.
10. County Tax Installment Program
Vice-Chairperson Peterson stated that the issue of the
County Tax Installment Program was added to the agenda
because the City received a letter from the County to -act on
this issue by August 10, 1990.
City Chamberlain Parsons stated that the Committee had
approved a resolution objecting to the County Installment
Plan based on the problems it would cause the Chamberlain's
Office for collection of such tax in two installments.
Chamberlain Parsons stated that the County has received the
City's resolution and has asked the City to reconsider its
position if the County collects the county tax for City
residents.
Alderperson Cummings stated that she would rather see the
county tax payment all at once instead of splitting the
payments into two installments. She would like to stop the
County from using the installment method.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that the City could stop
collecting County tax, but this would not stop the County
from using the installment method. Controller Cafferillo
stated he projected the earnings from an individual having
the money all year and paying the tax in one lump sum and
compared that to the individual using the installment method
for the payment of taxes. He said the individual would lose
money by using the installment method. It was noted that
the County is charging a fee if individuals use the
installment method.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that the City would lose
$5, 000 in interest revenue if the County collected the
taxes, however, the gain administratively, by not having to
collect the taxes, would outweigh the loss in interest
revenue.
City Chamberlain Parsons recommended the option that the
City should continue to object to the County tax installment
plan, however, if the County decides to go along with the
plan, the City will not collect the County tax any longer.
The Committee concurred and after a brief discussion the
following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives has
requested that the City reconsider its resolution of June 6,
1990, whereby Common Council chose not to endorse the
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
County's proposed Local Law to collect county taxes in two
installments, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca
hereby reaffirms its opposition to said Local Law No. 5, and
be it further
RESOLVED, that should Tompkins County Board of
Representatives nonetheless enact such Local Law permitting
a two installment collection procedure, the City of Ithaca
shall take the necessary steps required to amend the City
Charter, thereby reverting the responsibility for the
collection of Tompkins County taxes to the County.
The motion passed 3-0.
11. Planning Department
A. Executive Session - Employee Incentive Award
The Committee voted to go into executive session to discuss
a Planning Department personnel item.
After the brief executive session, Vice-Chairperson Peterson
stated that the following action had taken place during the
executive session:
WHEREAS, the Director of Planning and Development has
recommended Administrative Secretary Marie Corina for an
Employee Incentive Award pursuant to the policy and
procedures established by the Budget and Administration
Committee, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Planning and Development has
provided the Budget and Administration Committee with
substantial justification for granting this Employee
Incentive Award, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Planning and Development's
recommendation complies with the policy and procedures
established by the Budget and Administration Committee, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Marie Corina's salary be increased by eight
(8%) percent to an annual salary of $24,316 effective July
2, 1990.
The motion passed 2-1 to go to Common Council with
recommendation from the B&A Committee. Alderperson Golder
voted against the motion based on his objections to the
Employee Incentive Award policy.
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
B. Amendment of Personnel Roster - Temporary Planner
Planning Director Van Cort presented a request to amend the
1990 personnel roster to hire a temporary Planner. The
position is needed to fill in until a Deputy Planning
Director can be hired. After a brief discussion, the
following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Planning
Department be temporarily amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Planner II
and be it further
RESOLVED, that this temporary position shall terminate one
(1) month after the appointment of a new Deputy Director of
Planning and Development.
The motion passed 3-0.
12 . Finance Department
A. Personnel Department - Request to Hire Negotiator
Personnel Administrator Saul presented a request to hire a
negotiator for the contracts with the CSEA DPW Unit, Chief
Officers Unit and City Executive Association.
The RFP process is not being used in 1990 because it had
been used in 1987, 1988 and 1989, and for the last year the
same negotiator has been hired and his negotiations have
been very well received by both the units and the City.
Personnel Administrator Saul stated his rates are the best
in the area, his service is excellent and she recommends his
services for the upcoming negotiation process. The
following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca enter into an agreement
with James P. Dennis, to provide professional services in
the field of labor negotiations in connection with the
negotiation of the 1991 CSEA DPW Unit and Chief Officers
Unit labor contracts, at a cost not to exceed $4,000 and
$3 , 000 respectively.
The motion passed 3-0.
B. Report From the New Court Facility Committee
City Controller Cafferillo stated that the Committee
involved with the new Court Facility is sending out RFP's
and RFQ's (Request for Qualifications) for selection of the
architects. The proposals will be sent to the B&A Committee
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Budget and Administration Minutes - 7/24/90
for review and selection of an architect because the capital
project and project funding has not yet been established.
No formal action was taken.
C. 1990 Water/Sewer Rates
City Controller Cafferillo presented a memo to the Committee
regarding the 1990 Water and Sewer rates. Controller
Cafferillo stated that because of Computer Support problems
and a misunderstanding created by a change in procedure, the
1990 Water and Sewer rate increases approved with the 1990
budget, have been delayed.
It was noted that because many of the budgeted water and
sewer projects have not been done this year, the Water and
Sewer rate increases for 1990 can be delayed until 1991. No
formal action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 11: 35 P.M.
Y
NOTE: In many cases the actual texts of the resolutions
presented in these minutes were prepared following the
Committee's deliberations and decisions on the matters
involved. The resolutions presented here are in complete
accord with decisions made by the Committee.
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