Loading...
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. r _ w wd"v:5.."'xs;�.s.3 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 2 - -- ---- -- - •.:1::i:�"'Ld'Ynlh1?'Yt::.':��' "���GseYM4ti.i• �.L':'�_-wa:aa+:..iv.m.a�>v.�.—a.sa.'-,..wa:�..c:'u�ntvl... .,. ._ .. 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. -- --- 3 - ----- --- - - - - 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 4 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 - - - -- - --- - -5 _ 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 - ---- -- - - - - 6 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 7 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 8 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. 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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. 14 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 15 t 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 16 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