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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-90 Utilities and Personnel & Finance 1 Otnm mttrt load • Joint Meeting of the Utilities and Personnel & Finance Committees illy It Comm Conrail of the 01113 of'wttli The November 16, 1990 of the Utilities and Personnel & Finance Committees was called to order by the Personnel & Finance Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello at 3 :40 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Voorde, Puzzello, Zakzrewski, Niezgodski, Luecke, and Coleman; Lee Ann Bassi, Joseph Agostino, John Leszczynski, John Leisenring, Terry Coleman, Katie Humphries, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Puzzello noted that the first item on the agenda was to review the Water Works General Budget. The Water Works General Fund is summarized at pages 6 through 9 of the Preliminary Budget of the Enterprise Funds. The requested 1991 budget is for $5,573,227. 00 representing a 2.84% increase. Mr. Agostino noted that there are no new positions created. Three increases have been made over and above the 3 . 6% increase realized by the 110 employees. Council Member Niezgodski questioned the actual beginning balance and was advised that the figures on the Water Works 1991 budget summary on page 5 should be modified to have a beginning balance of $743, 000.00 as opposed to the $618,258. 00 listed. There should be $100, 000.00 left additional at the end of 1991. In response to a questioned raised by Council Member Puzzello, it was noted that the City is changing the chemicals used. In the past, the City had over-budgeted in this area and that they were experimenting with new iron control and would be using a different kind of polyphosphate. Council Member Voorde questioned whether there were any unfilled positions. It was noted that 107 are budgeted with 102 actual employees. Some of the unfilled positions include a Meter Reader, a Customer Service Representative, and the Assistant Superintendent. It was also questioned whether the City would be moving the location of the Water Works administration operations to another facility. Mr. Agostino and Mr. Leszczynski noted that the City Administration is currently reviewing this matter and that $125, 000. 00 is 2 w requested to be budgeted in the sinking fund for a lease- purchase possibility. It was noted that the location would be downtown and that a decision would be made later this year. Mr. Agostino noted that PERF and group insurance are being increased and that stationary and paper costs are increasing in light of the fact that the City will be sending an envelope along with it's water billings, effective March 1991. It was noted in response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello that this would eliminate many citizen complaints in this area. It was also noted that the cost for postage in light of the new billing and envelope would also be increased. The overall cost would be an additional $50,000. 00 to change from a postcard to an envelope billing procedure. Counci Member Niezgodski had several questions with regard to gasoline, maintenance, and supplies and was advised that the other supplies cost reflect the actual spending. Council Member Voorde voiced concern with regard to the lack of input by the Council with regard to the possibility of building options for the Water Works facility. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the City needs definite figures and that the City Administration would sit down with the Council in Executive Sessions before any decisions are made. Council Member Voorde suggested that a combined services center should be considered and perhaps joining other public entities in a facility should be pursued. Council Member Luecke questioned whether the computer charges reflect the new system and was advised that they do. Council Member Puzzello noted an increase in instruction and was advised that the instruction necessary for the electronic leak locator training was the reason for such an increase. Council Member Puzzello also questioned whether there would be increased rates in 1991. The Committee was advised that the rates would not be increased in 1991, but they would be recommended sometime in the future. Mr. Augostino also noted that rate reviews should be done every four years. The Committee then reviewed the Water Works Depreciation Fund, located on page 10 of the Preliminary Budget book which is requesting a 1991 budget of $1, 015,558.00. Mr. Agostino noted that the figures on page 10 should be corrected to reflect this figure as opposed to the $1,215,558.00 set forth in the budget. He specifically noted that line item 363 entitled "Equipment Repair" should be $164, 621.00 as opposed to $264,621. 00 3 Council Member Puzzello questioned the customer advance, lined item 382 and was advised that this addresses the connection fees. It was also noted in response to a question raised by Counci Member Niezgodski that other equipment line item 429 reflected an increase to pay for the electronic leak locator. The Committee then reviewed the Water Works Sinking Fund located on page 11, requested at $125,000. 00. It was noted that this amount is requested in light of the lease purchase possibilities. In response to a question raised by Council Member Voorde, it was noted that the Cleveland Road well site is sufficient to address the needs for Airport Project 2010. It was also noted that if Mishawaka would ever need to be hooked up to the City for water, that that possibility exists with approximately one week of preparation. It was noted that currently, the City of Mishawaka does not see such a need. In response to a question raised by Council Member Voorde, Mr. Leszczynski noted that when new subdivisions especially in the South end of the City are reviewed, that water lanes in particular are addressed. Compliments were give to Mr. Leszczynski, Mr. Bill Dillon, and Mr. Joe Agostino for their advanced planning for future growth of the City. It was also noted that Mr. Leszczynski began his 10th year as City Attorney in October of this year. It was also noted that the River Commons Bond was paid off. The Committee then reviewed South Bend/Clay Water General Operating Budget found on page 12, requesting a 1991 budget of $242,800.00. It was noted that this is an identical budget to the 1990 budget. $96,000.00 in the other contractual line item is a management fee paid to the City to operate the system. The Committee then reviewed the South Bend/Clay Water Sinking Fund located on page 13 in the amount of $64,738. 00. The purchase of Clay Utilities will be paid off in the year 2001. This is the identical budget as the 1990 budget. In response to a question raised by Council Member Niezgodski, it was noted that along State Road 23 the City has fire hydrants to the Center for Senior Living. It was also noted that a 21% surcharge is used by the City for those outside of the City limits. In response to a question raised by Council Member Niezgodski, it was noted that the lawsuit is still pending against the City by the Town of Roseland. 4 There being no further to come before the joint meeting of the Personnel & Finance and Utility Committees, the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann Puzzello, Chairperson Personnel & Finance Committee Don Niezgodski, Chairperson Utilities Committee