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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMn-B&A-1991-09-19 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING 7 :30 PM SEPTEMBER 19, 1991 MINUTES PRESENT: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Booth, Peterson, Romanowski, Golder, Cummings (arrived late) OTHERS PRESENT: City Controller - Cafferillo Deputy Controller - Thayer Police Chief - McEwen Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy Planning Director - Van Cort Deputy Planning Director - Sieverding Personnel Administrator - Saul City Chamberlain - Parsons Fire Chief - Olmstead Deputy Fire Chief - Wilbur Transit Consultant - Carpenter Members of the Media 1 . Opening Comments Chairperson Booth stated the following changes to the agenda: A. The DPW item on the request for Traffic Island funding will be deferred until a future meeting. B. The Planning Department has an additional item on surveys for the Pogo Parcel and the Northside Neighborhood Park. C. The City Controller has an additional item on legislation dealing with the utilities gross receipts tax. Members of the public were asked to speak on any topics; no member of the public spoke. 2 . Committee to Proceed into Executive Session The Committee voted, 4-0, to move into executive session to discuss possible litigation items with the Assistant City Attorney. 3 . Report From Executive Session Chairperson Booth reported that the following action was taken during the Executive Session: BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 A. Attorney - Request Funds for Litigation Resolved, that an amount not to exceed $5,000 shall be transferred from A1990 Unrestricted Contingency, to account A142'0-435 City Attorney Contractual Services in connection with litigation brought against the City. The motion passed 4-0 . Alderperson Cummings was not in the room at the time of the vote. B. Attorney - Request Funds for Litigation Resolved, that an amount not to exceed $1,000 shall be transferred from A199O Unrestricted Contingency, to Account A1420-435 City Attorney Contractual Services, to pay for legal services in connection with litigation brought against the City and a City employee. The motion passed 5-0 . No other action was taken in executive session. 4 . Police Department - Request to increase Authorization for Capital Project #211 Police Chief McEwen presented a request to increase the authorization of Capital Project #211, Computer Acquisition, by $20,462 for the purchase of computer equipment. Chief McEwen stated that he has been slowly computerizing the Police Department over the past few years and that this purchase is part of that long range plan. He stated that this purchase includes hardware to implement the Police Department ' s new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAO) System and new computerized accident management and diagraming system. The Chief stated that the $20, 462 in computer equipment would include: -4 PC' s and terminals -2 Printers -1 Plotter -2 Terminals - Software package for accident management and diagraming system The Committee asked the Chief for a memo stating exactly what equipment would be purchased and the corresponding prices . The memo was requested to be received prior to the next Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting. After a brief discussion on the computer system the following motion was made: 2 1 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended that additional hardware and software be acquired to continue the Police Department' s gradual upgrade of its existing computer system, and WHEREAS, the hardware and software acquired will assist in the implementation of the new Computer Aided Dispatch System and the new computerized accident management and diagraming system, by January 1992; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Capital Project #211 Computer Acquisition be increased by $20,500, to acquire hardware and software required to upgrade the Police Department' s existing computer system, and be it further RESOLVED, that the financing for such acquisition shall be derived from the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes to be amortized over a five year period. The motion passed 4-1 . Alderperson Golder voted against the motion. He stated that he would like to see used computer equipment purchased instead of new equipment. 5 . Attorney A. Status of City Projects Compliance with City Zoning Requirements - Report Assistant City Attorney Kennedy presented the Committee with a report outlining the current status of the City' s Capital Projects compliance with the City Zoning requirements . Chairperson Booth stated that this was generated from the current zoning issues regarding the Municipal Pool Capital Project (i.e. the new pool to be built across the street from GIAC) . The report described various zoning requirements and the project ' s compliance with the zoning requirements for each of the following City Capital Projects : A. Joint Transit Facility B. City Court Facility C. BT Glass Day Care Facility D. GIAC Neighborhood Pool E. Southside Community Center The Committee stated that this report should be circulated to other members of Common Council and will be put on the Planning and Development Committee agenda and the Charter and Ordinance Committee agenda in the future. No action was taken. 3 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 B. Properties Exempt From Real Estate Taxes - Report Assistant City Attorney Kennedy reported that City Attorney Guttman circulated a memo regarding properties exempt from Real Estate Taxes, specifically, the WVBR property on Linden Avenue. She stated that the City cannot pursue litigation on the WVBR matter for this year, but could pursue litigation for 1992 . The City Attorney is looking into other properties that are exempt from Real Estate Taxes for which the City may wish to pursue litigation. As soon as that report is completed, it will be forwarded to Common Council members . No action was taken. 6 . Planning Department A. Joint Transit Facility Construction Contract - Discussion Deputy Planning Director Sieverding, Transit Consultant Carpenter, and Assistant City Attorney Kennedy presented the Committee with the latest Joint Transit Facility Construction and Operation Agreement draft. Many of the Committee members had not previously seen the latest version of the construction and operation agreement until this meeting. Chairperson Booth suggested that this item be put on the Council ' s Committee of the Whole Agenda for action. It was noted that the new draft of the agreement is basically the same as the most previous draft but has some minor language modifications . Assistant Kennedy was asked by the Committee to outline the major items of compromise in the agreement and the current outstanding items related to this agreement. She stated the following: A. The owners of the Facility are trying to keep the insurance costs lower by agreeing not to sue the other owners of the facility. B. The establishment of an easement is an issue: the City must provide easement areas for the outside of the facility for emergency access, right of way, and parking. After the easements are developed the project will then comply with the City' s zoning requirements . C. The language dealing with the role of Operations Committee has been modified to include the goals and purposes of this Joint Transit Facility. 4 L- BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 D. The Operations Committee will establish an equitable schedule for vehicle maintenance. E. Environmental Review has been completed. Neighbors around the proposed facility are not happy with the facility, but they will have the opportunity to take complaints to the Operations Committee. F. Cornell will run the facility. The City and County will own the land jointly. G. A detailed budget will be established. The bids have been received and are $760, 000 below the original budget. A new budget will be established. H. The Operation Contract needs to be approved this month. The Committee decided to put this item on the Common Council ' s next Committee of the Whole meeting for formal action. No action was taken. B. GIAC Renovations - Discussion Planning Director Van Cort presented the Committee with an estimate of construction costs for the GIAC Renovations Project. He was seeking approval of the construction budget for the GIAC Renovation Project in the amount of $550, 000 . Director Van Cort listed the construction costs as follows : Elevator $114,440 Code Related Basement Work 28,260 First Floor Restrooms 8, 000 First Floor Code Related Work 18, 100 Second Floor Restrooms 8, 000 Second Floor Code Related Work 7, 330 Roof Replacement 81, 825 Alarm System 18,750 Lighting and Power 18,500 Ventilation Improvements 58,400 Temperature Controls 21,700 Sprinkler System 74, 000 Other Project Expenses 92,795 Total Project Costs $550, 100 A representative from the GIAC Board stated that currently the GIAC Roof is leaking and needs to be fixed soon. Chairperson Booth suggested that this project approval should be deferred to next month so that the total project cost may be examined in relation to the 1992 proposed budget and that Council members be allowed to tour GIAC to actually determine what will be renovated. 5 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 It was noted that $25,000 has been established for design work for the GIAC Renovations Project. This request would increase that Capital Project to $550, 000. The Committee was concerned over the use of the GIAC Building and the relation to daycare. Van Cort stated , that the second floor of the building will continue to be used for multipurposes . Currently, the second floor is also used for rental space. It was stated the current renovation design does not incorporate the possibility of a Drop In Center. Also stated, was the fact that the building has a small space available for daycare. Alderperson Cummings stated that she was supportive of the GIAC Renovation request, but that the Daycare issue needs to be looked at in the future. Alderperson Romanowski stated that he is in favor of the funding for the renovation project, but feels that the GIAC Building can be used for additional purposes . He stated the project should be deferred until all uses are explored. He stated that the maintenance problem ( leaking roof) should be corrected now. No action was taken on this topic. It was deferred until next month. C. Request for Funds for Pogo Parcel and Northside Park Surveys Deputy Planning Director Sieverding presented a request to appropriate funds for the Pogo Parcel and Northside Park surveys . He stated that he has received a quote from T.G. Millers to perform the two surveys . The survey for the Pogo parcel would establish the outer boundaries of the Pogo Parcel which will include the boundaries of the Northside Neighborhood park. The cost of the two surveys would be as follows : Pogo Parcel $930 Northside Neighborhood Park 510 $1,440 The funds would be derived from the unrestricted contingency account. A discussion on the original survey done for this property followed. It was noted the Pogo Parcel was purchased so that in the future the Northside Neighborhood Park and the MHA Housing Project could be placed on the land. The following motion was made: 6 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $1,500 be transferred from Unrestricted Contingency to account A8020-435 Planning Department Contractual Services, in order to pay for a survey of City owned property located at 515 First Street in the City (The Pogo Parcel) , in connection with the location of the Northside Park on that site and the implementation of the MHA Housing Project. Voting results on the motion were as follows: Ayes (3) Booth, Peterson, Golder Nays (2 ) Cummings, Romanowski The motion passed 3-2 and will be forwarded to the next Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting. 7 . Fire Department - Permit Fees and Rates Fire Chief Olmstead and Deputy Fire Chief Wilbur presented a request to establish certain permit fees for a variety of Fire Department permits . This request was originally brought to B&A last month, but action was deferred until this month so that an hourly rate could be established for the Fire Department permits . Olmstead explained that the Fire Department has established a $28 per hour fee for each hour worked by a member of the Fire Department related to permit fees . He also stated that a $42 per hour fee for each hour worked that requires overtime in relation to permit fees has been established. Deputy Wilbur stated that the hourly rate covers all costs related to the establishment of the permits . This hourly rate is consistent with the Building Departmentis permit fees previously established. The hourly rate will be established for the seven permits currently established and for other subsequent permit fees to be established. It was recommended that the permit fees should be examined annually to determine if any adjustments need to be made to reflect current personnel and administrative costs related to the issuance of the permits . Chief Olmstead stated that there are seven proposed permits that still need to be reviewed by the C&O Committee. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, the Fire Department has examined their current system for issuing permits and has recommended that a fee be established to offset the actual costs of issuing certain permits by Fire Department Personnel; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Fire Department be and is hereby authorized to establish a fee for the issuance of the following permits: 7 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 Blasting Fireworks Flammable and Combustible Liquids Liquid Petroleum Gas - Permanent Installations Liquid Petroleum Gas - Temporary Installations Bonfires/open burning Asphalt kettles Welding or cutting at a rate of $28 per hour for each hour of work by a member of the Fire Department related to the above permits and $42 per hour for each hour of overtime related thereto by a member of the Fire Department in the interests of recovering the actual personnel and administrative costs involved in preparing and processing said permits, and be it further RESOLVED, that the permit fees shall be adjusted annually to reflect current personnel and administrative costs related to the preparing and processing of said permits. The motion passed 5-0 . 8 . Personnel Department - Request to Implement Civil Service Application Fees Personnel Administrator Saul presented a request from the Civil Service Commission to establish a seven dollar application fee for all Civil Service examinations . Saul explained that currently the City is charged a five dollar fee for each examination paper that is graded by the State and five dollars for each candidate who competes in a decentralized exam. During 1990, the City Personnel Department spent $1, 750 on Civil Service examinations . She stated that the 1991 expenditure is expected to be the same or greater than 1990 . Saul explained that the State allows municipalities to charge individuals who take the Civil Service examination, a five dollar fee to cover the City' s cost to the State for grading the Civil Service test. Many municipalities have implemented this five dollar fee. However, the City of Ithaca waived the fee in the interest of recruitment. If the seven dollar fee were established it would be effective January 1, 1992 . Currently Tompkins County and Cortland County do not charge a fee for Civil Service exams . Administrator Saul explained that the fee would also decrease the number of no shows to take the Civil Service exam. She would recommend, if there were no financial problems with the City, that the seven dollar fee should not be established. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: 8 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 5O.5(b) of the New York State Civil Service Law, the City of Ithaca does hereby authorize the implementation of a civil service application fee of seven dollars ($7) for all civil service examinations, effective January 1, 1992. Voting results on the motion were as follows: Ayes (3) Booth, Peterson, Romanowski Nays (2 ) Cummings, Golder The motion passed 3-2 and will be forwarded to the next Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting. 9 . Finance Department A. Chamberlain - Request for City to Purchase Liens at 1991 Tax Sale City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request for the City to purchase liens at the 1991 tax sale. Parsons explained that this has been an annual resolution since 1989 . She stated that by purchasing the liens at the tax sale it would allow the City to earn 15% on the monies invested in the liens and maintain control of the foreclosure process in the event the property is not redeemed. The following motion was made: RESOLVED, that pursuant to Ithaca City Charter Section 4.6(E) the City Chamberlain is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Ithaca to purchase all lands at the 1991 City Tax Sale, except for Tax Map No. 69.-1-8, known as the Strand Theater, without competitive bidding, for the gross amount due. The motion passed 5-0 . B. Chamberlain - Request to Reduce Redemption Period of Properties at Tax Sale City Chamberlain Parsons presented a request to reduce the period of redemption, for occupied or mortgaged properties sold at tax sale, from three years to 18 months, as allowed under Real Property Tax law. Currently, the City is carrying almost $400,000 in tax liens. Chamberlain Parsons stated that the City would only reduce the period for redemption for those properties with a commercial property class code and with a tax sale lien in excess of $2, 000 . This procedure would not affect one or two family residences . 9 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 This procedure would allow the City to accelerate the period of collection. The City would receive the outstanding tax sale lien monies in 18 months rather than three years. The interest on the liens is ten percent per year with a cumulative total of 30% . This procedure would reduce the interest to a cumulative total of 25% . After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain' s office has informed the Budget and Administration Committee of Common Council that substantial sums of unpaid City taxes remain outstanding for the entire three-year redemption period permitted under State Law for occupied properties, and WHEREAS, since 1989 the City has been the purchaser of all City tax liens, thereby incurring a substantial loss of revenue for the years in which the taxes are owed, and WHEREAS, Section 1022 (2) of the New York State Real Property Tax Law permits a purchaser of tax liens to reduce the period of redemption for real property by serving appropriate written notices as provided in that statute, and WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain' s Office has requested the authority to shorten the redemption period by use of the notice provisions under Section 1022(2) ; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain' s Office is authorized to reduce the period for the redemption of real property from thirty-six (36) months to eighteen (18) months through the service of appropriate written notices as outlined under New York State Real Property Tax Law on all City properties on which tax liens are owed, with the exception of single-family homes and owner-occupied duplexes. The motion passed 5-0 . C. Clerk - Request to Amend the 1991 Finance Department Budget City Controller Cafferillo presented a request from the City Clerk to amend the 1991 Budget to reflect a grant that will be received from the New York State Education Department for the establishment of a records management system in the City. The grant would run for nine months and would require the hiring of two individuals for the positions of: Records Management Consultant and typist. These positions would be temporary and would be authorized only for the period of the grant. The total grant amount is $39,204 . After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: 10 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Clerk' s Office has received a $39,204 Grant from the New York State Education Department for the implementation of a records management system; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Finance Department Personnel Roster be amended as follows: Add: (1) Records Management Consultant (1) Clerk/Typist and be it further RESOLVED, that the additional roster positions established as a result of this funding are temporary positions which are subject to the continuation of the Grant funding from the New York State Education Department for the period of the grant, October 1, 1991 - June 30, 1992, and be it further RESOLVED, the the 1991 Finance Department Budget be amended as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A3989 Home and Community $39,204 Increase Appropriation Accounts: A1315-110 Staff [25,425 & 7, 113] $32,538 A1315-425 Office Expense $ 1,250 A1315-445 Travel $ 161 A1315-435 Contracts $ 1,867 A903O Social Security $ 370 A9O1O State Retirement $ 764 A9040 Workers Compensation $ 1,386 A905O Unemployment Insurance $ 868 The motion passed 5-0. D. Controller - Authorized Equipment Transfer Policy The Controller asked to have this item deferred to the next B&A meeting. The Committee agreed. 11 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 E. Controller - CPF Litigation Payment Deputy Controller Thayer presented a memo outlining the status of the final bill for the appeal process of the Central Processing Facility. He stated the following: Original Final Invoice Amount for CPF Appeal Process $4,466.27 City Attorney Negotiated Reduction of Final CPF Appeal Invoice ( 715 .56) Amount Paid to Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna per Common Council action 8/7/91 for Appeal of CPF ( 1,519 . 38) Additional Reimbursable Costs on most recent invoice received 25 . 47 Amount of Original Invoice Outstanding (including Additional Reimbursable Costs) as of 9/19/91 $2,256 .80 SUMMARY BY ACTIVITY: Funds Allocated by Common Council for litigation $22, 141 .00 Litigation Payments Made to Date: (22, 371 . 02) Amount Overpaid ( 230. 02) Funds Allocated by Common Council for Appeal $10, 000 .00 Appeal Payments Made to Date: ( 9, 769,98) Amount Underpaid $ 230 .02 Balance Due Based on Common Council Allocation of Funds for Litigation and Appeal Process of CPF $ -0- The outstanding amount due to the attorneys for the appeal process is $2,256 .80 . It was noted that this has been an outstanding issue for a number of months. The Committee agreed that the amount should be paid. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, the City has received the final bill regarding the appeal of the Central Processing Facility lawsuit decision, and 12 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 WHEREAS, the final bill is greater than the original amount estimated for the appeal process and greater than the payments made to date by the City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that $2,256.80 be transferred from Account A1990, Unrestricted Contingency, to A1420-435, City Attorney. Contractual Services, to pay the final bill relative to the Central Processing Facility lawsuit appeal. The motion passed 5-0 . F. Controller - Request City to Approve the IHA Establishment of Positions/Salaries City Controller Cafferillo presented a request from the Ithaca Housing Authority to approve the establishment of IHA positions and salary amounts . It was noted that this is an annual item. The IHA salary increase for 1991 is five percent. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, the Ithaca Housing Authority is mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, its funding agency, to demonstrate that the salaries and wages of the employees of said Housing Authority are comparable with the practices of the local governing body for all positions of similar responsibility and required competence, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca authorized a 5% increase for 1991, including step increases for qualified employees, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Housing Authority (IHA) has authorized a 5% increase for all qualified employees to bring the IHA employees closer to parity and comparability with City of Ithaca employees, and WHEREAS, the IHA has established the following positions, comparability and salary ranges for its Public Housing Section and covered by its Operating Budget: Position Comparable Position Salary Ex. Dir. Director of Planning & $43,556-64,474 (15 yrs) Devel/Controller $49,088 (oper) 8,662 (Sec 8) Salary $57,750 Assis. Dir. Deputy Dir. Planning $34,601-51,218 (15 yrs) Dept. (35 hours) Salary $40,039 Prin Acct Clerk City of Ithaca CSEA $16,580-20,979 (14 years) (40 hours) Salary $30,428 13 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 Admin. Secy City of Ithaca CSEA $17,331-21,929 (12 yrs) (40 hours) Salary $22,965 Site Mgr Planner III $21,906-27,718 (9 yrs) (40 hours) $13,353 (oper) $13,352 (Sec 8/ Salary $26,705 Vou) Tenant Relations Admin. Asst. $15,622-19,766 Asst. (1-1/2 yrs) (35 hrs) Salary $16,000 Acct Clerk/ City of Ithaca CSEA $13,226-16,735 Typist (6 yrs) (35 hrs) Salary $16,475 Sr Acct Clk City of Ithaca CSEA $14,549-18,409 Typist (1 yr) (40 hours) $11,059 (Oper. ) (Lateral transfer from City of Ithaca) 5,955 (Sec 8) Salary $17,014 Dir of Resident Recreation Supervisor $21,732-27,498 Services CSEA (7 mos) (35 hours) Salary $19,816 Super of Maint. Ithaca School Dist. ** Range not (18 years) (40 hours) available Salary $28,821 Stock Manager City of Ithaca CSEA ** Range not (6 years) (40 hours) available Salary $21,308 Bldg Maintenance Maintainer CSEA $7.00-7 .70/hr Mechanic (14 yrs) (40 hours) IHA $11.08 + OT guaranteed Salary *$23,877 Bldg Maintenance Maintainer CSEA $7 .00-7.70/hr Mechanic (13 yrs) IHA $10.49 + OT guaranteed Salary *$22,574 Maint. Worker City of Ithaca CSEA $6.36-7 .06/hr (10 years) (40 hours) IHA $8.22 + OT guaranteed Salary *$17,693 Maint. Worker City of Ithaca CSEA $6.36-7.06/hr (6 years) (40 hours) IHA $7.68 + OT guaranteed Salary *$16,519 14 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 Maint. Worker City of Ithaca CSEA $6.36-7 .06/hr (5 years) (40 hours) IRA $7.53 + OT guaranteed Salary *$16,202 Laborer City of Ithaca CSEA $5.99-6.69/hr (5 years) (40 hours) IHA $7.05 + OT guaranteed Salary *$15,204 Laborer City of Ithaca CSEA $5.99-6.69/hr (1-1/2 yrs) (40 hours) IHA $6.29 + OT guaranteed Salary *$13,572 Laborer Seasonal $5.00/hour (Summer help) $2,600 Laborer Seasonal $5.00/hour (Summer help) $2,600 Summer Camp Seasonal $13,650 Directors/Counselors Recreation $6.50/hr Assistant SECTION 8/VOUCHER Section 8 Planner II - CSEA $21,906-27,718 Admin. (14 yrs) (40 hrs) Salary $30,226 Tenant Selector Admin. Assistant CSEA $15,622-19,766 (3 yrs) (40 hrs) Salary $18,201 Account Clerk/ City of Ithaca CSEA $13,226-16,735 Typist (3 yrs) (40 hrs) Salary $14,811 Account Clerk/ City of Ithaca CSEA $13,226-16,735 (2 yrs) (40 hrs) Salary $14,613 Section 8 Assistant *See Site Manager $21,906-27,718 (Pro-rated Salary) Planner II $13,353 (Sec. 8/vou. ) (40 hours) $13,352 (oper) Salary $26,705 now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that pursuant to its responsibilities under Section 3, Article 32(1) of the New York State Housing Law the Common Council agrees that the salaries and wages of the employees of the IHA are comparable to those paid by the 15 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 City for all positions of similar responsibility and required competence. * Per U.A.W. Union Contract ** No range available from City of Ithaca Civil Service Office The motion passed 5-0 . G. Controller - Request Appropriate Legislation To Authorize the City to Impose An Increased Utilities Gross Receipts Tax City Controller Cafferillo presented a request to have the Common Council request appropriate legislation to authorize the City to impose an increased Utilities Gross Receipts Tax. He stated that last year the Governor, in his 1991 Budget proposal, was going to support legislation to allow local municipalities, by local law, to amend the Utilities Gross Receipts tax from one percent to three percent, allow counties to amend the sales tax by an additional one percent, and to establish a land transfer tax. In the Local State Budget for 1991, none of these revenue items was approved. Cafferillo stated that rather than wait to see if the Governor will act on these items again for 1992, the City has the opportunity to be added to current proposed legislation to increase the Utilities Gross Receipt Tax from one percent to a maximum of three percent. He explained that currently the City of Buffalo, City of Rochester, and the City of Yonkers have the authority to impose an increased Utilities Gross Receipts tax. The City of Ithaca can be added to the City of White Plains legislation which is currently being proposed for this purpose. Cafferillo stated that if this legislation were acted on in January 1992 by the Legislature, the City' s Common Council could then decide whether to increase the Utilities Gross Receipts tax for the City, in February. The following motion was made: RESOLVED, that Common Council hereby respectfully requests Assemblyman Martin Luster and Senator James Seward to develop and strongly support appropriate legislation to amend Section 20-b of the General City Law to include the City of Ithaca among the cities which have the authority to levy a tax on the furnishing of utility services in an amount that does not exceed three percentum of gross income or gross operating income, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the City Attorney are hereby authorized to take all appropriate steps to facilitate the adoption of such legislation including, but not limited to, 16 BUDGET AND- ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 9/19/91 the submitting of a home rule request to the State Legislature. The motion passed 5-0 . H. Controller - Capital Project Amendments City Controller Cafferillo stated that the City will begin to charge back internal costs to Capital Projects . These will include such costs as : planning, legal, engineering and financial . He stated that an hourly rate would be established, including benefits and overhead, and the rate would be attached to the professional services involved with the project. This would allow for the total actual project costs to be approved instead of just the construction and design costs which are currently being approved. These charge backs will be calculated, and existing Capital Projects will be amended at a later date. No action was taken. I . Controller - Fund Balance Discussion City Controller Cafferillo stated that in conjunction with the beginning phases of the 1992 Budget, he is going back and trying to determine the status of the 1991 Fund Balance. He stated that there are a significant number of revenue items which are below budget. He stated that certain transfers and adjustments will have to be made to cover the current shortfalls . He said he will come in, possibly next month, with adjustments to the 1991 Budget to cover the shortfalls . He stated the total shortfalls in revenues are approximately $1, 400, 000, including the State Aid reductions . No action was taken. 10 . Alderpersons Salary Discussion Alderperson Cummings stated that she will come to B&A with a proposal on future Alderpersons salaries after she has received all the time logs, which Common Council members are currently maintaining. No action was taken. The meeting adjourned at 10 :40 P.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.