HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-B&A-1990-09-19 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
MINUTES
PRESENT:
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Booth, Cummings, Golder, Peterson,
Romanowski
OTHER ALDERPERSON PRESENT: Blanchard, Johnson
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy Controller - Thayer
Fire Chief - Olmstead
Planning Director - Van Cort
City Attorney Guttman
Police Chief McEwen
BPW Commissioner - Reeves
Youth Bureau Director - Cohen
Personnel Administrator - Saul
City Chamberlain - Parsons
Representatives of the Drop-In Center
Members of the media
Representatives of the SPCA
1. Opening Comments
Chairperson Booth stated that the following addition will be
made to the agenda:
A. A discussion on the City Contract with the SPCA
for 1991.
He also announced that the executive session for the
discussion on the Strand Theater will be moved to later on
the agenda.
2 . Public Comment
Members from the public were asked to address the Committee
on any issue. The following individuals spoke:
A. Melissa Edmonds - She is a part time Drop-In
Center employee, and she discussed the Drop-In Center. She
felt the Drop-In Center was very important to the Ithaca
area and the facility is desperately needed in the area.
The current location of the Drop-In Center (GIAC) is
convenient for many parents, but if it had to be relocated
she would support such a move as long as the Center remained
open.
Alderperson Romanowski asked the public to respond to the
question of why the Drop-In Center is a public problem
instead of a private sector problem.
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
Ms. Edmonds stated that the private sector will not take the
lead in dealing with day care needs, but that the public
sector will.
B. Heather Adams - she stated that the only way she
could go to college is with the service provided by the
Drop-In Center. The Drop-In Center is a safe, trustworthy
facility to leave your children for the day. She urged the
Committee to support the Drop-In Center.
C. Louise Endesdeni - she currently is a teacher at
the Drop-In Center. She stated that the City should support
the Drop-In Center. Day care is a very important issue
today, and the City should spend its money in the day care
area to provide quality day care to the community of Ithaca.
The Drop-In Center is important to the Community, and it
must be supported by the City. She felt if the Day Care
Center was located on the Elmira Road it would be
inconvenient and would not qualify as Downtown Ithaca.
Alderperson Romanowski stated that he was not against the
Drop-In Center, but wanted to know why the City should pay
for the costs of the Drop-In Center. The City's taxpayers
should not have to pay for the cost of the day care center.
The City has limited funds, and many facilities and programs
need to be funded. A priority has to be established on
funding such as this. It was also stated that the City
currently has a day care commitment which includes a day
care program for its employees and a rent free Drop-In
Center at GIAC.
D. Susan Backus - she stated that the Drop-In Center
is cost effective for the City and that the community needs
the Drop-In Center. With many of the other youth facilities
outside the City including the YMCA, the City needs to keep
the Drop-In Center in the City.
E. Chris Kall - she stated that the best reason why
the City should provide free space for licensed day care is
because the County, Groton and Cornell have all funded day
care.
She then read a letter from Tompkins County Area Development
representative Michael Stamm. The letter stated that TCAD
recommends that the City support the Drop-In Center. TOAD
recognizes the high demand in the City for child care and is
hopeful the City will also see the need for child care in
the community and support the Drop-In Center. TCAD is
available for their opinion on the day care issue.
F. Marge Dili - she is the Director of the Day Care
Council. She stated that the private sector cannot afford
to fund day care Centers. The public sector therefore must
help fund community day care. She felt the public sector
has supported this issue throughout the nation, and many of
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
the local governmental agencies including the City are in
support of day care.
Alderperson Romanowski stated that he is in support of day
care. However, the problem is with the amount of money
involved and the location of the day care center on Elmira
Road.
G. Valerie Kimberly - she mentioned the differences
between a day care center and the Drop-In Center. The
Drop-In Center will take children without a moment's notice.
This is the only facility in this area that is able to do
that. The Drop-In Center environment is healthy for the
community's children.
H. Alderperson John Johnson - he stated that the Day
Care Council has documented that there are at least 1600
needed spots for day care in Ithaca. The City does not have
licensed day care at GIAC, and the GIAC facility is
inadequate for day care. He stated that if the City does
not decide to go with the Drop-In Center proposal, an
alternate program should be quickly made available to
continue the day care service in Ithaca.
No other members from the public spoke.
3 . Discussion on the Day Care/Drop-In Center Issue
Chairperson Booth stated that Common Council has asked
the B&A Committee to make a recommendation to Council on a
proposal by the Drop-In Center that the City subsidize it's
rent and utilities for the first five years .at a location on
Elmira Road. Council has also requested that a negotiating
committee be established to negotiate a possible 5 year
lease of this Elmira Road site.
Chairperson Booth suggested that the Committee needs to
provide general reactions regarding Council 's requests, but
that a decision does not have to be made at this meeting.
He also noted that the Committee also needs to get
volunteers for the negotiating committee and to discuss any
other available options regarding the day care issue.
Chairperson Booth stated that he was concerned about a
number of items dealing with the Drop-In Center's proposal
respecting Elmira Road:
A. The proposal would involve a great deal of money,
more than $300,000 for five years.
B. Under the arrangement proposed by the Drop-In
Center the City would pay a commercial rent for
five years with no control over the building.
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
C. After the five year contract, the City would be in
the same situation it is today - i.e. , it would
not control a building with a day care facility
in it.
Alderperson Cummings stated that she could accept the dollar
amount proposed with this contract proposal and would like
to see a dedicated source for funding day care in the City.
Also, the City should look at some type of Business
Improvement District that would help benefit the day care
program in the City. She also stated she hoped the site
could be at GIAC, but feels the site on the Elmira Road is
adequate.
Alderperson Golder stated that he supports the proposal as
is. He would like to look into a possible Business
Improvement District that would have the local businesses
assisting in the support of day care. He stated the day
care issue is of high priority for the City. A discussion
on the day care issue followed.
Chairperson Booth stated that for the short term a decision
will be made for next year through the adoption of the 1991
budget in December. He also stated that for the short term
it may be possible to extend the current status of the
Drop-In Center at GIAC, but that a long term solution must
be found: It was noted that this proposal by the Drop-In
Center is to build a new day care facility next to the old
Grand Union building on Elmira Road. A brief discussion on
the Drop-In Center lease followed.
The Committee felt that the following alternatives should be
considered:
1. Look at the possibility of using an existing City
building for the Drop-In Center (i.e. , Fire
Station #6) .
2. Consider building a new building.
3. As a short term measure look into continuing
day care in the GIAC building.
4 . Consider buying the new building that Novarr-
Mackesey is apparently planning to build on
Elmira Road.
5. Look at the Court Street space west of GIAC in
terms of the possibility of adding on to GIAC.
Determine if the City has control of that Court
Street space.
It was noted that either Chairperson Booth or Alderperson
Peterson would serve on the negotiating committee dealing
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
with this issue. No formal action was taken on the Drop-In
Center issue.
4. City Contract With SPCA
Mr. Nappen from the SPCA discussed the proposed 1991 SPCA
Contract with the City. Chairperson Booth stated that a
Council sub-committee reviewed the other than Human Services
requests for 1991, of which the SPCA is one. The City
annually contracts with the SPCA for Dog Control Services,
and under State law the City is required to have a Dog
Control Program. The 1991 contract proposed by the S.P.C.A.
is $47, 600, compared to $35, 000 in 1990. The Human Services
Committee recommended that a $35, 000 contract be entered
into for 1991.
Mr. Nappen stated that the proposed contract included the
following items:
A. Five day a week dog service
B. 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, emergency service
for dog control
C. No dog tours
D. Bats, cats and livestock are covered by the County
Mr. Nappen also stated that the contract proposals are based
on the actual number of tickets issued and dogs impounded by
the SPCA. Last year the SPCA requested $46, 000, and through
City/SPCA negotiations the contract ended up at $35, 000.
He stated that the SPCA has looked into a City dog
enumeration as a possible means of reducing the City's
contract costs. According to Mr. Nappen, the amount of
license fees the City receives is based on the number of
dogs it has. The City currently has 950 dogs counted. If
the City in fact has the national average of one dog for
every ten people, the City would have approximately 3, 000
dogs. If the City increased its license fee from five
dollars to twelve dollars and fifty cents, the City could
realize $34,000. If the City did the enumeration, the SPCA
would do all the collection services. Accordingly, the City
could reduce its costs by a substantial amount.
Chairperson Booth stated that the City tried to perform an
enumeration some years ago and was unsuccessful.
In response to a question, Mr. Nappen stated that the Town
of Ithaca's proposed SPCA contract for 1991 is $21,667, up
from $10,618 in 1990. The Town has not reacted to the
proposed contract at this time.
Chairperson Booth stated that the Committee's concern is
over the proposed contract price. It is felt that based on
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
the population of the City, the contract fee is too high.
Discussion followed on dog control.
Chairperson Booth stated that the sense of the Committee was
that it would support a 1991 contract amount higher than
1990, but lower than the SPCA request. The Committee asked
the SPCA to provide them with a 1991 SPCA budget and the
1991 proposed municipality cost allocation schedule. No
action was taken. The contract will be added to next
month's B&A agenda.
5. Police Department - Outside Contractual Overtime for
Police Officers
Police Chief McEwen presented a request to bill the Ithaca
School District for outside contractual overtime. It was
noted that Alderperson Golder was absent from this
discussion, but would return.
Chief McEwen stated that the City School District requested
an officer be placed at South Hill School to direct traffic.
The School District is willing to pay for the service. The
Chief felt that an hourly rate needs to be established for
this purpose and that eventually a policy will need to be
adopted so that all concerns such as City liability and
insurance issues are properly addressed.
Chief McEwen and the City Controller calculated an hourly
fee of $28.50 based on time and one-half and fringe
benefits. The Chief stated that the union representatives
have reacted positively to this proposal. The Chief stated
he needs the Committee to authorize the billing amount for
the services performed relating to the School District. In
the future if the Committee wants to adopt a policy relating
to outside services provided by the City Policy Department,
it should do that.
It was the consensus of the Committee that a long term
policy for this issue should be established and brought back
to this Committee for approval. The following motion was
made:
RESOLVED, that the Police Chief is hereby authorized to
provide traffic control assistance to the Ithaca City School
District at a composite hourly rate of $28. 50.
The motion passed 4-0.
6. DPW
A. Request to transfer funds to resurface tennis and
basketball courts
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani presented a request
to transfer funds to resurface two tennis courts at Cass
Park and a basketball court at GIAC.
The cost of the tennis court resurfacing would cost $5,838,
and the GIAC basketball court would cost $1,800 for a total
cost of $7, 638. An amount of $9, 000 is currently in the
budget for a brush for the zamboni; however, that brush was
already included with the capital project purchase of the
zamboni. That leaves the $9,000 available for the items
mentioned above.
Chairperson Booth questioned the reasoning of installing the
tennis court like substance on the outside basketball court.
He felt the rough use the basketball court would get would
shorten the life of the material. He suggested that asphalt
be looked at for a possible alternative. The following
motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has proposed
resurfacing the tennis courts at Cass Park and the
basketball court at GIAC, within existing departmental
appropriations, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that $5,838 be transferred from account A7182-477,
Cass Park Equipment Parts and Supplies, to account
A7182-435, Cass Park Contractual Services, for the
resurfacing of four tennis courts, and that $1,800 be
transferred from account A7182-477, Cass Park Equipment
Parts and Supplies to account A1626-435, GIAC Facility
Contractual Services for resurfacing of the basketball
court.
The motion passed 3-1. Chairperson Booth voted against the
motion. It was noted that this item needs to be put out for
bid.
B. Request for Funds for Industrial Pretreatment
Items - WWTP
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani presented a request
by the Wastewater Treatment Plant for additional funding for
Industrial Pretreatment items.
The request is for $19, 500 which includes $9, 500 for the
revision of the Industrial Pretreatment Ordinance and
$10, 000 for additional industrial industrial pretreatment
testing and enforcement. The funding would come from the
Joint Activity Contingency account. After a brief
discussion the following motion was made:
WHEREAS, the Chief Plant Operator of the Ithaca area
Wastewater Treatment Plant has proposed a revision of the
existing Industrial Pretreatment Ordinance, and
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
WHEREAS, the Chief Operator has requested an additional
allocation of funds for testing and enforcement relative to
the existing Industrial Pretreatment Program, and
WHEREAS, the Special Joint Subcommittee of the Ithaca Area
Wastewater Treatment Plant has reviewed a proposal from
Susan Hajda Brock of the firm of True, Walsh and Miller for
the provision of legal services in connection therewith, and
WHEREAS, the Special Joint Subcommittee and the Board of
Public Works has recommended that $9, 500 be approved for the
revision of the Industrial Pretreatment Ordinance on behalf
of the joint owners, and that $10,000 be authorized for
additional industrial pretreatment testing and enforcement,
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $19,500 be
transferred from account J1990, Restricted Contingency, to
account J8150-435, Joint Activity Contractual Services for
such purpose.
The motion passed 4-0.
C. Requested Funding for Buried Tanks
Superintendent of Public Works Thadani and City Attorney
Guttman presented a request for funds for the removal of
buried tanks on Linden Avenue.
During the sidewalk replacement program on Linden Avenue two
buried tanks were found. The tanks are contaminated. The
tanks are on the City's property. The costs of removing
these tanks will vary, depending on what is found when they
are excavated. The following are the estimated costs:
Removal of tanks and soil (contaminated
soil - not hazardous) $25, 000 - $30,000
Removal of tanks and soil (contaminated soil
hazardous) $35, 000 - $40, 000
If monitoring wells are required
an additional $10, 000 - $25,000
Cleanup and in-house administrative
costs 15% of total
The DEC could set fines as much as $10, 000/day. Furthermore
if DEC comes in and removes the tanks, it might then charge
the City up to $500, 000. We must act quickly to avoid
possible large fines from DEC.
City Attorney Guttman stated that the City Attorney's Office
is researching the previous owners of the property because
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
it was once a gas station/service station in the 1920's. It
is possible that the City could recover some or all of its
costs for the removal of the tanks. However, Attorney
Guttman suggested because the research will not be a rapid
process, that the City should proceed with the removal of
the tanks with the possibility of a future reimbursement of
the cost.
City Controller Cafferillo suggested that funding could come
from unrestricted contingency funds, DPW operating funds, or
a capital project for the specific purpose of removal of the
tanks. The initial costs of the project should be
established at $40, 000, with the possibility of a future
increase of the project's costs to $100, 000. City
Controller Cafferillo stated that he would look into the
source of funding between now and the Committee of the Whole
meeting. The following motion was made:
WHEREAS, two contaminated tanks were found buried in front
of 227 Linden Avenue, on land apparently owned by the City
of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, these tanks were tested and found to contain high
levels of gasoline, which, if left intact, could pose a
serious health and safety threat, and
WHEREAS, under applicable State law the City may be
responsible for removing these tanks even though the City
did not install them; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that based on a recommendation of the Board of
Public Works, Capital Project #239 shall be established at a
maximum estimated cost of $100, 000 to dispose of said
contaminated tanks on Linden Avenue, and be it further
RESOLVED, that $40, 000 be advanced from the General Fund to
Capital Project #239 for such purpose, pending the ultimate
determination of responsibility by the City Attorney.
The motion passed 4-0.
D. Trash Talc. and Land Fill Cost Report
City Controller Cafferillo reported that 3,703 tons have
been taken to the landfill through September 19, 1990. The
projected tonnage to the end of the year would be
approximately 5, 000 tons which is equal to the revised
estimate done by the DPW and Jim Kelly. The original
estimate was 8, 000 tons.
During the 1991 budget discussions the trash tag fee for
1991 will be set based on the actual tonnage for 1990 and
increases in the tipping fee to $62 . per ton.
9
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
Superintendent Thadani stated that enforcement problems have
decreased within the past three months. It was noted that a
public hearing on the trash tag system will be scheduled for
the next B&A meeting at 7:00 PM. The City Clerk will be
directed to advertise as appropriate.
A discussion followed on the problem that will occur at the
end of the year when the current tag period runs out. The
possibility of requiring tag users to put a tag on the
existing tag so that they are not stuck with many unused
tags. Further investigation into this issue will be done.
No formal action was taken.
7. Fire Department - Request to Encumber Service
Awards Program Funds
Fire Chief Olmstead presented a request to encumber the
$30, 000. appropriated for the 1990 Budget for the Service
Awards program to the 1991 fiscal year. Further
investigation into the possibility of a change in the
volunteer status as a result of this program is continuing
by the City Attorney and the Fire Chief. The following
motion was made:
RESOLVED, that $30, 000 appropriated in the 1990 General Fund
Budget for the establishment of a Service Awards program for
Volunteer Firefighters, shall be encumbered for the purpose
of enhancing this program in future fiscal periods.
The motion passed 4-0.
8. Finance Department - Chamberlain
A. Request for a Job Reclassification
It was noted Alderperson Golder returned during this
discussion. City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request to
amend the Personnel Roster to change the title of the
current open position in the Traffic Violations Bureau. It
was determined that typing skills would be needed for this
open position. This reclassification would improve the
level of applications received for this job. It was noted
that the salary amount would stay the same. The following
motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Finance
Department be amended as follows:
Delete: One (1) Senior Account Clerk - Grade 6
Add: One (1) Senior Account Clerk/Typist -
Grade 6
The motion passed 5-0.
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
B. Recommendation to amend the City Charter for
County Tax Collection
City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request to delete the
provision in the City Charter for the City's providing for
the collection of County taxes. It was noted that the C&O
Committee has already passed this change.
The City Chamberlain presented the following information:
(1) assuming 300 properties (5%) pay in installments, the
City would have a net revenue of $340. if the City collected
the County tax.
(2) assuming 1375 properties (25%) pay in installments, the
City would have a net loss of $485. if the City collected
the County tax.
Chamberlain Parsons stated that if the County collected the
tax, the City would lose between $1,000 - $4, 600 in penalty
revenue based on the two assumptions above. It was noted
that $4, 600 in Penalty Revenue has been collected in 1990.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that based on his
discussions with County Administrator Scott Heyman, he does
not feel the City should give the collection of the county
tax to the County because of the $4,600 in loss penalty
revenue. He felt it would be likely that 50% of the
individuals would take advantage of this installment
process.
Controller Cafferillo stated that if the City should
transfer its County tax collection responsibilities to the
County and if 50% (3, 000) of the people participated in this
program, the following would occur:
Revenue to County ($1 per installment) $3, 000
Postage Cost to the County (1, 500)
Penalty Revenue Lost (4, 600) or
less
Half time additional County
employee for collection (10,000 -
(12, 000)
(25% to 30% paid by City Taxpayers)
Result - The City tax payer would absorb greater costs.
All Towns in the local area will participate in this program
because if they did not they would have to pay to have their
own bills printed, which would be a significant cost.
Controller Cafferillo suggested that the City collect the
taxes for two years and then evaluate the expense. If the
program is determined to be costly to the City, then the
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
Charter can be changed to turn the collection over to the
County. After a brief discussion, it was determined that
this should be brought to the Committee of the Whole meeting
a decision will be made at that time. No formal action was
taken because the Charter and Ordinance Committee have
already voted on this item.
9. Youth Bureau - Request to Amend Personnel Roster
Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a request to
amend the 1990 personnel roster. The change is needed
because the current Youth Worker position does not require
outdoor skills. However, it has been determined that
outdoor skills are needed, and this will enhance the quality
of applications received. There is no change in the salary
levels. The title changes, but the overall responsibilities
do not change. After a brief discussion, the following
motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Youth Bureau be
amended as follows:
Delete: One (1) Youth Worker - Grade 18
Add: One (1) Youth Development Program Leader
(Outing Program) - Grade 18
The motion passed 5-0.
10. The Committee voted 5-0 to go into executive session to
discuss Youth Bureau Personnel issues.
11. Youth Bureau - Report from Executive Session
After the Committee came out of executive session,
Chairperson Booth stated that the following actions were
taken in executive session.
A. Youth Bureau Employee Incentive Award
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has recommended Youth
Program Coordinator John Bailey for an Employee Incentive
Award pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative Unit
contract, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has provided the Budget
and Administration Committee with substantial justification
for granting this Employee Incentive Award, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director's recommendation complies
with the procedure and guidelines outlined in the CSEA
Administrative Unit Contract; now, therefore, be it
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES 9/19/90
RESOLVED, that John Bailey's salary be increased by eight
(8%) percent to an annual salary of $21, 228 effective
September 19, 1990.
The motion passed 4-1. Alderperson Golder voted against the
motion.
B. Youth Bureau Employee Incentive Award
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has recommended office
Manager Carol Wilson for an Employee Incentive Award
pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative Unit
contract, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has provided the Budget
and Administration Committee with substantial justification
for granting this Employee Incentive Award, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director's recommendation complies
with the procedure and guidelines outlined in the CSEA
Administrative Unit Contract; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Carol Wilson's salary be increased by eight
(8%) percent to an annual salary of $24, 396 effective
September 19, 1990.
The motion passed 4-1. Alderperson Golder voted against the
motion.
C. Youth Bureau Employee Incentive Award
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has recommended
Recreation Supervisor John Doyle for an Employee Incentive
Award pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative Unit
contract, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has provided the Budget
and Administration committee with substantial justification
for granting this Employee Incentive Award, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director's recommendation complies
with the procedure and guidelines outlined in the CSEA
Administrative Unit Contract; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that John Doyle's salary be increased by eight
(8%) percent to an annual salary of $30, 535 effective
September 19, 1990.
The motion passed 3-2 . Alderpersons Cummings and Golder
voted against the motion. (Chairperson Booth did not
publicly announce this item, pending further discussions
with members of Common Council. )
12. Finance Department
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
A. Controller - Domestic Partnership Report
Chairperson Booth stated that the registration ordinance
dealing with the Domestic Partnership issue, with respect to
City employees, was adopted by the C&O Committee with
recommendations to this Committee.
City Controller Cafferillo, Personnel Administrator Saul and
City Attorney Guttman presented a memo representing the
Domestic Partnership Benefits impact on the City
financially.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that in the area of
Retirement Benefits, the City has no authority in this area.
The State governs this area, and all City employees are
covered by the State Retirement System. Under the
provisions of that System married couples have more
flexibility in the distribution of earned benefits. In
summary, the City may not extend Retirement Benefits to
Domestic Partners Death Benefits are also covered by
State enactment and may not be extended to a Domestic
Partnership, although employees may choose a beneficiary
irrespective of their legal relationship.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that in the area of child
care the City is regulated by the IRS. Child care benefits
may be extended to the Domestic Partner only if they are
accepted by the IRS. No action by the City is required in
this area.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that the City does have
the authority to extend sick and bereavement leave benefits
to domestic partners. The cost to the City would be
extremely difficult to project; however, it appears it would
be reasonably low.
City Controller Cafferillo stated that the Health and Dental
benefits for Domestic Partners are very difficult to
calculate financially. The City is currently self funded
for Health Insurance, with a stop-loss umbrella coverage.
If the City were to include Domestic Partners in the Health
Insurance program, any licensed Insurance Carrier could not
carry the City and the stop-loss coverage would be dropped.
If the City were totally self-funded we could amend the
benefit to include Domestic Partners. However, the
financial implications would be significant. For this
purpose, the Controller recommends that Health and Dental
benefits should not be extended to Domestic Partners.
It was noted that Alderperson Cummings was excused from the
remaining portion of the meeting. Discussion followed on
certain examples of the Domestic Partners Benefit
possibilities.
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
A member of the public asked if Blue Cross/Blue Shield would
examine the possibility of allowing Domestic Partners to be
included in the Health Insurance Benefit. Controller
Cafferillo stated that the State Insurance Department
suggested that if State legislation were changed in this
area, Blue Cross/Blue Shield would reevaluate their
position.
Chairperson Booth recommended that the direction to go now
is to have the City Attorney draft a proposal for an
ordinance dealing with sick and bereavement leave and bring
it back to this Committee at a future meeting. The
consensus of the Committee was to have the City Attorney
draft an ordinance on sick and bereavement leave as it
applies to Domestic Partners and return to a meeting of the
B&A Committee in the future to review this proposal. It was
noted that the negotiated City contracts will be left as is
(i.e. , if the contract states "Live In Partner" leave as
is. ) . No formal action was taken.
B. City Clerk - Request to Recodify City Charter and
Municipal Code
A request was presented to recodify the City Charter and
Municipal Code for a total cost of $26, 000. City Controller
Cafferillo stated that he questioned the payment schedule,
which seemed to be front ended. The payment schedule was
different than the original payment schedule which suggested
payment over two years. A proposed contract was presented.
The contract reflected a payment schedule of 70% within one
year. The Committee had a number of concerns that needed to
be resolved before the contract would be signed. The
concerns were as follows:
1. Need to have payment over two years
50% - 50%.
2 . Need to determine what date should the
current company stop recodification, need
to determine if there is a current contract.
3 . Need to put the payment consideration into
the next two years budget, 1991 and 1992 .
The first payment can not be made until
January 1, 1991. No more than 50% during
the calendar year 1991.
4. Need to have a copy of the new Charter and
Code put in the Tompkins County Public
Library.
5. Need to make many small word changes.
6. Need to examine additional costs that are
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
mentioned on top of the basic fee. (i.e.
the appendix)
It was determined that the Committee would approve the
contract in principle, subject to the above stated changes
being made in the contract before it is signed. The
following motion was made:
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to enter into a
contract with General Code Publishers Corp. for the purpose
of recodifying and republishing the City of Ithaca Charter
and Municipal Code. The terms of the contract are that the
City shall pay to General Code Publishers Corp. a base price
of $26, 000 plus additional amounts for new subject matter
and substantial additions added to the Code after September
1, 1990, inclusion of specially composed or duplicated
matter, preparation of pamphlets containing portions of the
Code, additional volumes of the Code above the 100 copies
which shall be provided for the base price and appendix
material. Not more than one half the cost shall be paid in
calendar year 1991 with the balance of the cost to be paid
in calendar year 1992 . The form of the contract shall be
approved by the City Attorney; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is further authorized to take all
appropriate steps to determine the City's arrangements with
Municipal Consultants and Publishers, Inc.
The motion passed 4-0.
C. Controller - Capital Projects Review Committee
Report
A capital project report was presented to the Committee
giving the Capital Improvement Review Committee's 1991
project recommendations to the Mayor. It will be sent to
all Department Heads.
Next month a public hearing on the capital project
recommendations will be made at 8:00 P.M. The City Clerk is
directed to advertise the public hearing as appropriate.
13 . The Committee voted 4-0 to go into an executive session
to discuss a possible land acquisition and the Strand
litigation issue.
14 . Report From Executive Session
A. Land Acquisition
The Committee discussed the possibility of water
shed land acquisitions. The consensus of the Committee was
to direct the City Attorney to proceed with land acquisition
in the water shed area. It also instructed the attorney to
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BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION MINUTES - 9/19/90
look into other properties in that area. No further action
was taken.
B. Strand Litigation
The Attorney gave the Committee an update on
possible Strand litigation. No formal action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 A.M.
NOTE: In many cases the actual texts of the resolutions
presented in these minutes were prepared following the
Committee's deliberations and decisions on the matters
involved. The resolutions presented here are in complete
accord with decisions made by the Committee.
17