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:
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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