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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-88 Personnel & Finance Otnmmfttrt Evart PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE au the Comm Comuil of tip Q Utg of ism end: The August 10, 1988 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Ann Puzzello at 2:40 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Luecke, Niezgodski, Puzzello, Slavinskas, Zakrzewski, Coleman, and Voorde; Katherine Humphreys, John Leisenring, Ron Marciniak, Don Pinckert, Steve White, Ted Latkowski, Brad Lewis, an Intern in the Controller's Office, Jim Wensitz, Members of the News Media, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and individuals specifically noted under each department. Councilman Puzzello began the meeting by .introducing members of the Personnel and Finance Committee namely: Councilmen Coleman, Slavimskas, Luecke, Voorde, and herself as Chairman. She noted that the purpose of- today's meeting as well as the meetings scheduled this week and next week were to review the Civil City preliminary budget for 1989. Katherine Humphreys, the City Controller, then gave a presentation. She reviewed the handout "Everything and Anything You've Ever Needed To Know About Advertised Tax Rates and Levies". She used a series of overhead materials throughout her presentation (copies attached) . She noted that the maximum levy allowed under the State controlled system was $26,783,800.00. She also indicated that the levy and tax rate must be advertised prior to August 5, 1988 by State law. The assessed valuation, however, would not be known until October or November and the final tax rate would then be set. She then highlighted the following information: 6.287 Current Tax Rate 9. 1945 Advertised Tax Rate 6.90 Anticipated Tax Rate for 1989 based on current assessed valuation. In a response to Councilman Luecke, it was noted that the tax rate was advertised high so that the maximum levy could be captured if the assessed valuation decreased. As of June, the actual assessed valuation as advised by the Auditors Office was $434 million dollars, and that they were advised to take 90% of that amount. It was further noted that the last reassessment was done in 1979. It was also noted that State law permits a maximum debt funding at 2%. Mr. John Leisenring, Chief Deputy Controller, then reviewed the "Twelve Line Statement" (copy attached) . 2 ` August 10, 1988 Councilman Puzzello then requested through the Controller's Office that each department provide their line item details prior to their scheduled hearing before the Personnel and Finance Committee. She asked department and bureau heads to explain all noticeable changes in their budget proposed for 1989. It was noted that the Controller's Office requested that no more than a 3% total increase to a budget be requested. Councilman Puzzello then noted that the first budget to be reviewed was the Police Department. Police Department Page 1. A.O14-16 Requested 1989 budget $7,963,627 (3.2%) increase Mr. Don Pinckert then reviewed the Police budget. He noted increases in account number 151 "Medical, Surgical, and Dental", reflecting a 58.5% increase. The request was being made because the current amount will exceed monies budgeted. Medical services are provided to all officers injured in the line of duty as well as cover exams for new recruits. The Committee then was advised about the condition of Maurice Woods who was a police officer shot in the line of duty 12 years ago. More than 50% of the account was spent on his medical bills. These include prescriptions, surgery, mileage to and from the doctors offices. He received a spinal injury and is in "constant pain. " It was also noted that between $5, 000 to $10,000.00 is paid to him reflecting mileage. Medical costs are required to be paid by State law and this policy is in effect for both the Police and Fire Departments. It was noted that line item 312 entitled "Data Processing" is projected to have a 30.9% increase. This budget is for the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and that because of this operation an additional $32,000.00 per year in these payments will be required. Line Item 130 "Extra and Overtime" is requested at a 21.5% increase. $647,800.00 was spent in this account last year and they are requesting $475,200.00 for 1989. $306, 121.00 has been spent through July. In a response to Councilman Voorde's question, Ron Marciniak noted that 10 years ago there were 265 to 267 in the department. Now the force is at approximately 230 officers and overtime is needed. Discussion then took place on whether the department should be increased in manpower. Councilman Puzzello then requested a written update from the Police Department as to whether more full time officers or paying overtime would be better with regard to cost, performance, etc. Ron Marciniak noted that extra and overtime is paid for recall, court time, and overtime with 3 ` August 10, 1988 the option of accumulative time or pay. He clarified that there are 225 officers on the police force and that Chief Hurley would be leaving August 16, 1988 and that another officer would be leaving September 30, 1988. Two individuals are currently at the Police Academy and four slots have been guaranteed to be at the Academy in January 1989. He noted that the State sets the numbers of individuals allowed to go to the Academy each year. This is a 13 week class which is offered four times per year. There are 105 individuals in each class and this includes the State Police officers. Councilman Slavinskas questioned what expenses the City pays for with regard to the Civil Defense. It was noted that the City pays for the bond for the police commissions for between 20 to 25 Civil Defense Officers. The City also provides cars which were "hand-me-downs"; and each person signs a waiver to release the City from liability. Ron Marciniak noted that the Civil Defence officers are very useful to the City. He noted that the City's Legal Department checked into the issue of carrying firearms and that the officers have been armed as long as he could remember. Councilman Voorde questioned the condition of the patrol fleet. Ron Marciniak noted that there had been a five year plan with 16 new cars being purchased this year. Five automobiles are ready but there have been delays. He believed the overall condition was "bad" and that this would be addressed in the six year capital improvement plan of the City. There are currently 35 uniform cars which do not include the K-9 vehicles. The primary "beat cars" put between 75 to 90,000 miles per year on each vehicle. In a response to a question posed by Councilman Luecke, it was indicated that Line Item 391 entitled "Refunds, Awards, Indemnities" was the fund for the "buy money". Additionally the City had received a grant in the amount of $50,000. 00 for drug control. The City Controller noted that it is still her intent to reduce the City's vehicle fleet but that the problems with regard to parking must be also addressed. Ron Marciniak noted that Senate Bill No. 461 assesses $3 . 00 in each case for court costs which go directly to the City. In 1988 between $8,000.00 to $9,000. 00 in income is expected as a result of this new State law. In a response to a question raised by Councilman Puzzello, it was noted that some of the non-used Sector buildings are currently up for sale. 4 I August 10, 1988 Councilman Luecke questioned the crossing guard procedure. It was noted that the budget calls for 20 full time crossing guards, one crossing guard captain, and four crossing guard subs; each crossing guard sub would receive $500. 00 per year to keep them on call. The budget is proposed as one level of crossing guards rather than 3 with the crossing guard 2 being maintained. It was also noted that each crossing guard (full-time) would receive 2/3 of a day per month for sick leave and would be eligible for PERF and medical benefits. After further discussion Councilman Luecke made a motion seconded by Councilman Coleman that the Police Budget be accepted by the Committee. The motion passed. Communication Center Page 1.A023 $713,094.00 requested for 1989 14.2% increase. It was noted that the reductions from the Police Department were transferred to this department. The Communications's Supervisor i is a new position. Communications dispatch is manned 24 hours per day. Discussion then took place on the type of Personnel that should be used in the Communication's Center i.e. a mix of fire and police personnel. After consultation with the Council Attorney, Councilman Puzzello recommended that votes would not be taken at the end of reviewing each budget center so that the Council had an overview of the entire City budget. Parking Garage Page 16.A.001-2 $671,123.00 requested for 1989 22.6% increase. Mr. Ted Latkowski, the Director of the parking garages, then reviewed the proposed budget. He noted that July of 1988 was the best revenue month for the parking garages. The new garage is anticipated to be in service by May of 1989 thus changes in personnel would be required. He is requesting one full-time parking attendant, three part-time parking attendants. it was also indicated that the numbers for attendants at $5.99 per hour should read "three" instead of five; and that the attendants at $6.14 per hour (part- time) should read "seven" instead of five. He also indicated that they may be somewhat "heavy" in the supply line items. Roof repairs expected to be completed later this year. He also noted that the Colfax garage would be closed on Saturdays, but open for special events. Councilman Luecke questioned the PERF reduction. In response to a question raised by Councilman Slavinskas, it was noted that a delicate balance between rates and 5 August 10, 1988 income generated must be struck. The current rates took effect on January 1, 1988. The following review of income was then highlighted: Revenues in 1987 $288,000.00 Parking fines for 1987 $ 90,000.00 Total Revenues $377,000.00 As a result this account was $125,000.00 short for last year. Irene Gammon, the City Clerk, noted that there are fewer tickets being issued. Councilman Niezgodski, noted that tickets have dropped dramatically because the Police Officers have many other duties to perform. Several Councilmen voiced concern with regard to the "issuing" of tickets and the "collecting" of revenue from such tickets. ** Possible adjustments to be made in parking garage account: Adjustments to Line Item 110 Attendants full-time and part- time Adjustments to Line Item 145 PERF Reductions to Line Item 200 Supplies Mayor Page 1.A001 Requested 1989 budget $136, 618.00 3.6% increase. The City Controller noted that in the past the City Attorney's budget and the Mayor's Office have used the Controller's budget for postage and other office supplies. She noted that in 1989, each of these departments would have their own line items for these classifications but that there was not a reduction reflected in the Controller's budget. It was also noted that the Controller's budget is used for travel expenses for the Mayor. Councilman Luecke requested that the Administrative Assistant to the Mayor be placed specifically in this Department so that both Mr. Jack Reed's and Mr. Jim Caldwell's positions would be properly reflected in the Mayor's budget. The City Controller stated that she would accomodate this request. Councilman Slavinskas requested written job descriptions of the two administrative assistants. 6 August 10, 1988 Controller Page 1.A002-3 Requested 1989 budget 52.873,845.00 20.2% increase. Katie Humphreys then reviewed the Controller's budget. She noted that the administrative assistant to neighborhoods located in this budget would be transferred to the Mayor's budget. It was noted that Line Item 120 "Salaries and Wages Temporary" pays for interns and special project individuals. The committee then reviewed all proposed budgets directly related to the Controller namely: Liability Insurance, TIF Debt Service, CCDF, and Art Association. The committee adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann Puzzello, Chairman Personnel and Finance Committee AP:srk Attachments