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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMn-B&A-1991-02-20 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING 7 :30 P.M. FEBRUARY 20, 1991 MINUTES PRESENT: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Booth, Golder, Cummings, Peterson, Romanowski OTHER COMMON COUNCIL MEMBERS: Blanchard OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor - Nichols City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy Controller - Thayer City Attorney - Guttman Acting Superintendent of Public Works/City Engineer - Gray BPW Commissioner - Reeves Youth Bureau Director - Cohen Deputy Planning Director - Sieverding City Chamberlain - Parsons Planning Department Staff - Chatterton Members of the Media 1. Opening Comments Chairperson Booth stated that the following items would be added to the Agenda: A. The Committee will go into executive session to discuss the current situation with the Central Processing Facility and Personnel items. B. Discussion on Joint Transit Facility cost increases. C. Resolution to extend warrant for County Tax. D. Report on City Tax Sale Procedure. The public was asked to speak; no member of the public spoke. 2 . The Committee to Proceed Into Executive Session Chairperson Booth stated that the Committee will move into executive session, approved 5-0, to discuss the current situation with the Central Processing Facility (involving litigation or possible litigation) and Personnel items. 3 . Report From Executive Session After the Committee voted 5-0 to move back into regular session, Chairperson Booth stated that the following items were discussed during the executive session: BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 A. Central Processing Facility Update City Attorney Guttman gave the Committee an update on the current status of the litigation and possible agreement between the City and County regarding the Central Processing Facility. The Committee gave the City Attorney their opinions on the proposed Central Processing facility agreement and directed the City Attorney to proceed with those opinions. No action was taken at this time. B. Personnel Items The Committee discussed two personnel items relating to salaries. The Committee took no action. 4 . Youth Bureau A. Opposition to NYS Division for Youth Budget Cuts Youth Bureau Director Cohen presented a resolution passed by the Youth Bureau Board opposing the NYS Division for Youth Bureau cuts. Youth Bureau Director Cohen stated that the Youth Bureau Board is urging the City to oppose the proposed NY State Budget cuts relating to the NYS Division of Youth. He stated that the total State Aid reduction to the City relating to NYS Division of Youth would be $83, 173 . City Controller Cafferillo stated that the New York Conference of Mayors has recently issued a sample resolution opposing the proposed State Aid Budget Reductions in general terms, not just relating to the Youth Bureau Division for Youth State Aid area. The Committee discussed the possibility of passing a general resolution in relation to proposed State Aid reductions or passing specific resolutions in relation to the areas that the State Aid reductions will affect. Youth Bureau Director Cohen stated that if these Division for Youth Budget reductions actually occur, there will be major impacts on Youth Programs. After a brief discussion on the State Aid Reductions, it was the consensus of the Committee to adopt resolutions on both the City's opposition to the General State Aid reductions and the State Aid reductions relating to the Division for Youth. The following motion was made in relation to the State Aid reduction as it relates to the Youth Bureau: 2 .. -;..y.. ,.,.r..:..... .::.c:w:::�t�;_-:�;r, xucssc-x�asn.wa�vevr-z-�.'s+.rater_snx�-we.,•g�3.=.e;,.:xsa.v .-.,; ,a:. o,c.. ....x.. ..r_wn+_:.�-.-.-.e..c::,se�-�ac.::r,:.s.r, .. x =,.BUDGET AND AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES- 2/20/91 WHEREAS, the Governor's 1991-92 State budget includes a 55% reduction in the amount of Youth Development and Delinquency Prevention Program local assistance available to the City of Ithaca for Division for Youth supported programs, a 55% cut in aid for Youth Bureau administration, and an additional 27% cut in Special Delinquency Prevention Program funding, and WHEREAS, these cuts amount to a loss of $83,173 to the City of Ithaca in state aid revenue for youth services anticipated for the 1991 program year, and WHEREAS, over 11,000 youth from the City and County rely on the Ithaca Youth Bureau services supported in part with these funds, and WHEREAS, loss of the programs supported by these dollars would do great harm to the young people involved, and WHEREAS, the NYS Executive Law Article 19A Section 420 which provides per capita aid to localities for youth services has been the foundation of the State's successful youth service system for more than 45 years, and WHEREAS, the Governor's proposal to allow Division for Youth funded programs to charge fees will not generate enough alternative revenues to offset the proposed cuts in services for families least able to pay fees; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City urges our Senate and Assembly representatives and the leadership of the Legislature to oppose cuts in state aid for youth services, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City urges continued support for Executive Law Article 19A Section 420, and opposes any attempts to eliminate or weaken the State's youth service system, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be transmitted to: Governor Cuomo, the leaders of the Senate and Assembly, the leadership of the legislative committees responsible for recommending state aid for youth services, and to our local representatives. The motion passed 3-1. Alderperson Romanowski voted against the resolution on the basis that the City should only urge opposition on a general level and not get specific. It was also noted that Alderperson Cummings left during this discussion to return later in the meeting. '�97.i;;r:�aY3v.i::�:ti;�kUG�:R+ia'•:t$1'r-..Ga�.._?�'_: '� ,. V�.,.[:4��v'c. ---',.a'C':�, .. _^e�Sr.:£a�"Oa`:$i'�a`".,.. 3 S,x.Yii''�'.;;.SLK":-£� 7�f"..Fr� .��iec..".�`.Y-.=_-... . .-_."'k -. _y^...�.r BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 B. City of Ithaca Opposition to Proposed New York State Budget Cuts The Committee discussed the New York Conference of Mayors' resolution relating to the Budget reductions to the entire City. The consensus of the Committee was to modify NYCOM's resolution. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, Governor Cuomo has recommended drastic cuts in per capita State Aid to local governments, and WHEREAS, these cuts amount to nothing more than a shift of the State deficit to local property taxes, and WHEREAS, local Governments must provide essential public services and cannot abandon the health and safety of their residents, and WHEREAS, the magnitude of these proposed State aid reductions will cause significant reductions in local services plus potential tax increase, and WHEREAS, the adoption of the Governor's budget as proposed would mean a thirty-nine percent reduction in State Revenue Sharing from the 1989-90 distribution, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca would lose in excess of $936,000 from said thirty-nine percent cut, and WHEREAS, the City would also lose approximately $161,000 from a proposed State cut of thirty-five percent of the City's supposed pension savings, which would once again be taken by the State in the form of an additional cut in Revenue Sharing, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca would also be in jeopardy of losing portions of the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program Funds, Youth Bureau Aid, and various other State assisted program funding; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca calls upon Senator James L. Seward and Assemblyman Martin Luster to stand up for our taxpayers by rejecting the Governor's proposal, and to return State Revenue Sharing to its 1990-91 level, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Common Council urges the leaders of the State Senate and the State Assembly to reject the Governor's proposal for cuts in local aid and return State Revenue Sharing to its 1990-91 level. The motion passed 4-0. +m'".,=::+�a..'F dr..s`.:c. x,.;::;. �,`n�.f.. ._arte�•��a:'"�a -K. s �-� ... �,rt�t��:`t.�z`'3+Y'un;�}1a�?..'.<!»�r�'k�-X34.... ..._.a�,f'..%.73 Y.K...exs 6.� _ _ .._ ... ... .. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 C. Request To Reduce NYS Grant Amount to Expand NYS Transition-To-Work Program Youth Bureau Director Cohen stated that Common Council adopted a resolution two months ago relating to a $20,000 State grant for the expansion of the Transition-To-Work program. Youth Bureau Director Cohen stated that New York State has recently notified the Youth Bureau that the grant money has been reduced from $20, 000 to $10, 000 for the expansion of the Transition-to-Work program. New York State also stated that they would like the City to adopt an amended resolution stating that the new grant amount is $10, 000. After, a brief discussion the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the State of New York has recently reduced the grant amount to the Ithaca Youth Bureau for the expansion of the Transition-To-Work Program from $20,000 to $10,000, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca adopted a resolution relating to the $20,000 NYS Transition-To-Work Program Grant at its November 7, 1990 Common Council meeting, and WHEREAS, the State of New York has approved a $10,000 grant to the Ithaca Youth Bureau for the expansion of the Transition-To-Work Program, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau Board of Advisors has reviewed the summary proposal for the grant; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Youth Bureau to make application to the New York State Division for Youth for approval of the expansion of the Transition-To-Work Program. The motion passed 4-0. 5. Committee moved into Executive Session The Committee moved into executive session, approved 4-0, to discuss two personnel items. 6. Report From Executive Session After the Committee voted 4-0 to move back into regular session, Chairperson Booth reported that the following action was taken during the executive session: Youth Bureau - Employee Incentive Award WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has recommended Youth Worker Charlotte Walsh for an Employee Incentive Award BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative 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 recommendations complies with the procedures and guidelines outlines in the CSEA Administrative Unit Contract; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Charlotte Walsh's salary be increased by eight (8%) percent to an annual salary of $14,098 effective January 15, 1991, and be it further RESOLVED, that $957 be transferred from Account A1990, Unrestricted Contingency to Account A7310-120, Hourly P/T, for the purpose of the incentive award. The motion passed 3-1. Alderperson Golder voted against the resolution on the basis of the Incentive Award principle. 7 . Department of Public Works A. Appointment of Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Acting Superintendent of Public Works/City Engineer Gray presented a request to officially appoint Richard Ferrel to the position of acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. Acting Superintendent Gray stated that this appointment will be temporary and will be in effect until a permanent Assistant Superintendent can be appointed. After a brief discussion on the duties of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the former Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, Bernard J. Carpenter, retired from the City on January 18, 1991 and Richard Ferrel has been fulfilling those duties since that time, and WHEREAS, Richard Ferrel has received a preliminary adjustment to his salary to reflect additional duties at the time Assistant Superintendent Larry Fabbroni departed in April of 1990; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Richard Ferrel be appointed Acting Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, retroactive to Mr. Carpenter's retirement, and that his salary be increased by 5% while he is in this position, and be it further - - ----- --— - — - - - 6 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 RESOLVED, that the source of funds shall be derived from Account A5010-105, Streets Administration. The motion passed 4-0. B. Replacement of Bucket Truck Acting Superintendent of Public Works/City Engineer Gray and BPW Commissioner Reeves presented a resolution passed by the BPW requesting the replacement of a damaged bucket truck. Acting Superintendent Gray stated that the City's bucket truck, which is used for all of the City's tree trimming, was damaged in December 1990. He stated that only the bucket portion of the truck was damaged; however it would cost the City $35, 000 to repair the damages. He also stated that a new bucket chassis could be purchased for $54, 000. Acting Superintendent Gray stated that the BPW researched the possibility of renting or entering a contract for a bucket truck, but came to the conclusion that the purchase of a new bucket truck would be more feasible. He stated that they could substitute the bucket truck for the new street sweeper that will be purchased in 1991 with Bond Anticipation Notes. He stated the purchase of the street sweeper could be put off for a year; however approximately $10, 000 would have to be put into the street sweeper to keep it going for one more year. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the BANS for the purchase of the street sweeper have already been authorized, and a substitution at this point could not be done. He stated that $59, 000 currently exists in the DPW Capital Reserve account for equipment purchases and that this money could be used for the purchase of the bucket chassis. The Committee and the Acting Superintendent agreed with the proposal to use the Capital Reserve funds for the purchase of the bucket chassis and to also purchase the new street sweeper through the use of BAN's as has already been approved in the 1991 budget. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, an aerial bucket truck which had been utilized by the Department of Public Works for twenty years was damaged in December of 1990, and WHEREAS, it has been determined that $35,000 would be required to repair said vehicle, and WHEREAS, the cost of acquiring anew aerial unit to be mounted on our existing, nine year old chassis would be approximately $54,000, and - - - 7 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 WHEREAS, the cost of repairing this machinery is not reasonable when compared to purchasing new equipment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $54,000 be allocated from Capital Reserve #23 for Department of Public Works equipment for this purpose. The motion passed 4-0. It was noted that the purchase of the bucket chassis will have to be bid. The resolution would be contingent upon the BPW's agreeing to take the funds from the Capital Reserve account at their next meeting. C. Request to Amend Transit System Budget Acting Superintendent of Public Works Gray and BPW Commissioner Reeves presented a resolution passed by the BPW to request that the contract with Bernie Carpenter be increased by $10, 000 to a new total contract cost of $20, 000. Superintendent Gray stated that the service contract with Bernie Carpenter relating to services to the Ithaca Transit was originally approved at $10, 000. He stated that he would like to increase the contract by $10, 000 to reflect an increase in the scope of work of the contract, which will include services to the Streets and Facilities Division as well as the Ithaca Transit. Chairperson Booth stated that a $10, 000 contract between the City and Bernie Carpenter was included in the 1991 Budget. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the funds for this increase would come from the DPW salary lines. The salary lines would be in the red at the end of the year and would be covered by other open salary positions. A question regarding Bernie Carpenter's retirement buyout money was raised. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the City does not budget for retirements because those actions would inflate the Budget. Money remaining in any City salary lines at the end of the year from open positions will be used to cover retirements during the year. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works wishes to enter into a professional services contract with Bernard Carpenter for the provision of services relating to both Ithaca Transit and the Streets and Facilities Division, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has requested that the scope of work be expanded from the originally approved not to exceed contract of $10,000, to a revised not to exceed amount of $20,000; now, therefore, be it BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 RESOLVED, that $10,000 be transferred from Account A5630-105 to Account A5630-435, to provide the original contract amount, and be it further RESOLVED, that the additional $10,000 be transferred from Account A5010-105 to Account A5010-435 to fund the balance. The motion passed 4-1. It was noted that Alderperson Cummings returned during this discussion. Chairperson Booth voted against this motion because he felt the contract should remain at the original $10, 000 level. D. Golf Course Fees - Report BPW Commissioner Reeves gave the Committee a brief report on the increase in Golf Course fees that has been approved by the BPW. She stated that a report will be given to the BPW in July stating how the increased rates and decreased staffing have affected the Golf Course Revenues and Expenditures. No formal action was taken. 8. Planning Department - Request to Match the Certified Local Government Subgrant Applications for 1991 Planning Department staff member Chatterton presented two requests to allow the City to provide matching monies for two State grants. She stated that the grants are Certified Local Government Subgrants and will be used for the Ithaca Survey Update and CLG Training Program projects. The Ithaca Survey Update Project consists of the following: A. Updating photographic documentation of buildings in locally designated historic districts. B. Preparing a uniform series of maps showing boundaries of Historic districts. C. Updating and augmenting survey documentation produced during the 1979 Central Business District Survey. D. The City's Cash Match for this program is $3,495. The CLG Training Program consists of the following: A. Series of speakers on contemporary historic preservation practices. B. Identification of architectural styles in the City's historic district. C. Archaeological Research. D. Technical Rehabilitation Issues and local BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 ordinance procedures. E. The City's cash match for this program is $442. The total City cash match for these two grants is $3,937. It was noted that these resolutions are just certifying to the State that the money is in the budget. Planning staff member Chatterton stated that the money is already in the 1991 Budget and that the money just needs to be encumbered. If the grants are not approved, the work will not be done and the standing with this division of the State may be jeopardized. The following motions were made: WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received Certified Local Government status from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and WHEREAS, ten percent (10%) of funds allocated to New York State for preservation activities are made available exclusively to Certified Local Governments on a competitive basis, and WHEREAS, photographic documentation and existing maps of previously designated districts and landmarks in the City are outdated and inadequate, and documentation of the Central Business District collected in 1979 no longer meets The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation, and WHEREAS, the updating and upgrading of existing inventories so that they accurately represent what is known about the component historic and architectural resources are eligible activities for Certified Local Government Subgrant funds, and WHEREAS, Ithaca Landmarks Preservation commission has determined that the project will increase the capability and effectiveness of the Certified Local Government in addressing historic preservation issues, and WHEREAS, the project budget summary appears as follows: Total Cost $15,530 City of Ithaca share 6,265 In-kind 2,770 Cash Match 3,495, and WHEREAS, the City's match can be drawn from funds already allocated to the Department of Planning and Development; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Director of Planning and Development to commit and encumber funds in the - - -- -- - -- --- _10 - BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 amount of $3,495 from fees line #435 - Planning Contracts, to match the Certified Local Government Subgrant application FY 191 Ithaca Survey Update. WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received Certified Local Government status from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and WHEREAS, ten percent (10%) of funds allocated to New York State for preservation activities are made available exclusively to Certified Local Governments on a competitive basis, and WHEREAS, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has reserved $15,000 of their FY 191 funding for landmarks commission training programs, WHEREAS, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission has identified training needs and selected a preferred training method, and WHEREAS, the training program identified by the Commission is an eligible activity for funds, and WHEREAS, the project budget summary appears as follows: Total Cost $ 2,393 City of Ithaca Share 1,197 In Kind Services 775 Cash Match 442, and WHEREAS, the City's match can be drawn from funds already allocated to the Department of Planning and Development, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Director of Planning and Development to commit and encumber funds in the amount of $442 from fees line #435 - Planning Contracts, to match the Certified Local Government Subgrant application FY 191, Commission Training. Both motions were passed together with a vote of 4-1. Chairperson Booth voted against the resolutions. 9. City Chamberlain A. Request Extension of County Tax Warrant City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request to extend the current County Tax Warrant to May 31, 1991. She stated that the current County Tax Warrant which allows the City to collect County taxes expires March 31, 1991. The request allows the Chamberlain's authorization to collect County taxes be extended through May 31, 1991. 1 - BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 The following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain be authorized to request the County of Tompkins to extend its warrant for collection of the 1991 County taxes until May 31, 1991. The motion passed 4-1. Alderperson Cummings voted against the motion on the principle that she is against the City collecting County taxes. B. City Tax Lien Procedure - Report City Chamberlain Parsons gave a brief report to the Committee on the City's Tax Lien procedure. She stated that currently the City purchases all of the Tax Liens and allows the property owners up to three years to pay the Liens on their property. Currently, the City Attorney and Chamberlain are examining the possibility of reducing the time period allowed to pay the Tax Liens. The City currently has approximately $345, 000 tied up in tax sale certificates. It was stated by the City Controller that the number of properties and money invested relating to tax liens are increasing steadily. No action was taken on this item. It was noted that the City Chamberlain and City Attorney will continue to investigate the tax sale issue and report back to the B&A Committee in a few months. C. Adjustments to the 1991 City Tax Roll City Chamberlain Parsons presented the following two tax roll adjustments for approval: 1. Request to Adjust 1991 City Tax Roll The Tompkins County Director of Assessments has investigated an application for a tax roll correction based on the fact that a Veterans Exemption of $12, 000 was omitted from the taxable value of a property. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 554 (Sub. 4A) of the Real Property Tax Law, the Director of Assessments has investigated an application for the correction of an error in essential fact filed by Bodil Somkin, and WHEREAS, said investigation revealed that a Veterans Exemption of $12,000 was omitted from 2 Cornell Walk, and - - 12 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 WHEREAS, the Director of Assessment recommends that the taxable value of said property be changed from $178,000 to $166,000; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the 1991 Tax Roll for the City of Ithaca be amended to reduce the assessment of Tax Map Number 87.-1-16.41, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain is authorized and directed to make the appropriate changes in the Tax Roll and . to prepare a new tax bill for said property. The motion passed 5-0. 2 . Request to Adjust 1991 City Tax Roll The Tompkins County Director of Assessments has investigated an application for a tax roll correction based on the fact that an exemption was omitted relating to a property owned by the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services. It was noted that this property is currently vacant and is tax exempt until renovations are completed. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 554 (Sub 4A) of the Real Property Tax Law, the Director of Assessments has investigated an application for the correction of an error in essential fact filed by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, and WHEREAS, said investigation revealed that an exemption was omitted from 705 Cliff Street, and WHEREAS, the Director of Assessment recommends that the taxable value of said property be changed from $8,400 to $0; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the 1991 Tax Roll for the City of Ithaca be amended to reduce the assessment of Tax Map number 38.-3-6, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain is authorized and directed to make the appropriate changes in the Tax Roll and to prepare a new tax bill for said property. The motion passed 5-0. D. Deny Request to Waive Penalties On Taxes City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request by a property owner to waive penalties on taxes. She stated that Dr. Robin Bell was out of town at the time the first installment of the 1991 City Taxes were due and paid his taxes late. 13 -- - - - - BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 Dr. Bell is requesting that the City waive the late penalties of $27.23. City Chamberlain Parsons stated that historically the City has denied these type of requests. After a brief discussion the following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the request for waiver of penalties assessed for late payment of the first installment of City and full County Tax submitted by Dr. Robin G. Bell, PhD, with respect to property at 714 North Aurora Street be denied. The motion to deny passed 5-0. E. Request to Reduce Assessment City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request to correct an error on the 1991 Tax Roll. She stated that an error was made when transferring the taxable value of property at 452 Floral Avenue to the 1991 Tax Roll. The change represents a reduction in the assessed value of the property by $10,700. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 554 (Sub. 4A) of the Real Property Tax Law, the Director of Assessment has investigated an application for the correction of an error in essential fact filed by Arthur and Ellen Rosten, and WHEREAS, said investigation revealed an error in transferring the taxable value of 452 Floral Avenue to the Tax Roll, and WHEREAS, the Director of Assessment recommends that the assessed value be changed from $60,500 to $49,800; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the 1991 Tax Roll for the City of Ithaca be amended to reduce the assessment of Tax Map Number 99-1-6 from $60,500 to $49,800, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain be authorized and directed to make the appropriate changes to the Tax Roll, and to prepare a new tax bill for said property. The motion passed 5-0. 10. Planning/DPW - Request To Increase Authorization For Joint Transit Facility Project Design Alderperson Blanchard, Deputy Planning Director Sieverding, Acting Superintendent of Public Works Gray and BPW Commissioner Reeves presented a request to increase the Authorization for the Joint Transit Facility Project Design. Alderperson Blanchard stated that after further review of the estimated cost of the Joint Transit Facility project it BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 has been determined that the original project estimate needs to be revised to better reflect the actual cost of the project. Deputy Planning Director Sieverding presented a revised Budget for the Joint Transit Facility Project. He stated that the construction cost per square foot was originally estimated at too low a figure and that a new square foot cost has been established. He stated that the original square foot cost was $70/ft, while the new cost has been established at $95/ft, per interviews with Architectural firms. Deputy Planning Director Sieverding stated that the City's design cost for the project has increased from $45, 000 to $65,000 or an increase of $20, 000. The total project cost for the City has increased from $294, 000 to $380,970. The total project cost for all participants has increased from $4, 690, 000 to $6,443,434 . Other increases included: the Federal share increased from $3,250, 000 to $4,489,847; the New York State share increased from $449,400 to $624,047; and the local share increased from $990, 600 to $1, 229, 540. Deputy Planning Director Sieverding stated that the request for this meeting is to increase the City' s share of the design costs by $20, 000 to a total of $65, 000. It was noted that both Cornell and Tompkins County have approved their increases in the project cost. It was also noted that the estimated value of the City's land on which this project will be built has changed from $200, 000 to $346, 000 as a result of a recent appraisal prepared for D.P.W. by Northeast Appraisals, Inc. The value of the land is sufficient to cover the City's share of the local cost. The BPW stated that they were in favor of the increase and that this opportunity will not come again for the City. The Federal and State assistance for this project is available for a short period of time and will soon be gone. The consensus of the B & A Committee was that they were very concerned over the degree of the increase in the project cost estimate. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the funding for the design cost increase could come from the Capital Reserve #22 account. The B & A Committee wanted to be sure that the cost does not increase again. Deputy Planning Director Sieverding stated that he felt the revised cost estimates were accurate. Chairperson Booth stated that the Common Council needs to have a memo stating what the project costs were and what the revised costs are. He stated he was in support of this - - -- ---- -1-5 - - - BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 project because it is such a great opportunity for the City. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, after further review of the estimated cost of the Joint Transit Facility with the selected architectural firm of Kayer, Parker and Garment and representation of the Urban Mass Transit Administration, it has been determined that the original project estimate of $4,690,000 should be revised to $6,443,434, and WHEREAS, the related estimated cost of designing the project has also been increased from $294,000 to $380,970, thereby requiring an additional City share of approximately $20,000 for design costs; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that $20,000 be advanced from Capital Reserve #22 for Bus Acquisition to Capital Project #229 to fund the City's share of said design. The motion passed 5-0. 11. Police Department - Overtime Expenditures - Report Chairperson Booth presented to the Committee a memo from Police Chief McEwen listing current overtime expenditures as a result of the Persian Gulf demonstrations and investigations. The memo stated the following: Persian Gulf demonstration O/T $2,738 David Grimes Investigation 16,082 $18,820 Alderperson Golder stated that he would like to commend the Police Department on the fine job they have done in relation to the Gulf War Demonstrations. A member of the public, Eric Miller, representing the Downtown Vision Task Force, stated the Police Department might possibly look into moving the demonstrations from the Commons to one of the local parks to try and reduce the expenses related to the Gulf demonstrations. The suggestion will be passed on to the Mayor. No action was taken. 12. Finance - Controller A. Approval of 1991-1992 Civil Service Agreement Deputy Controller Thayer presented a request to approve the 1991-1992 Civil Service Agreement between the Ithaca City School District and the City of Ithaca. --- - - — - --- -16 - 1 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 This is an annual contract. It was noted that this year's contract was $24, 345. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute an agreement between the City of Ithaca and Ithaca City School District for performance by the City for services in connection with Civil Service matters, for the period July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1992, in an amount of $24,345.00, payable to the City of Ithaca on or before November 1, 1991. The motion passed 5-0. B. State Budget Update - Report City Controller Cafferillo updated the Committee on the current State budget status as it relates to the City. He stated that the proposed State budget has included a 390 State Aid per Capita reduction to the City. He stated that this reduction in State Aid equates to a $970, 000 reduction in State Aid Revenue for 1991 to the City. Controller Cafferillo stated that 10% or $244, 000, of this reduction was anticipated in the 1991 Budget. This still leaves a $730, 000 budget gap that needs to be dealt with. Controller Cafferillo stated that the Governor suggested that the following are possible areas in which the City can make up some of the State Aid reduction: A. Increase the Utilities Gross Receipt Tax - this tax is currently 1% of local telephone and NYSEG bills. This tax can be raised to a total of 3% which would increase revenue by approximately $500, 000 for an entire year. B. Increase Land Transfer Tax. C. Possible increase in the Sales Tax. D. Cutting Program Costs. E. Reducing Staff Levels. Controller Cafferillo stated that the City would try to avoid any layoffs. He stated that the City will be looking into the above possibilities and will wait to see what State budget is adopted in April. At that time it will be very likely that the budget discussions will have to be reopened. The meeting adjourned at 11: 00 P.M. --- - - 17 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 2/20/91 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. 18 -- - -- --