Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-90 Personnel & Finance PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE The August 20, 1990, meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Ann Puzzello, at 3:05 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Voorde, Coleman, Niezgodski, Slavinskas, and Puzzello; Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Chief Mirocha, Assistant Chief Rick Switalski, Steve White, John Leisenring, Jeff Renard, Katie Humphreys, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Puzzello noted that the first budget to be reviewed by the Committee was the Fire Department. Fire Department,Pages 28-30,Proposed Personnel$4,924,982.00 3.64%Increase Overall Budget:$5,923,795.00 Council Member Puzzello noted that the Fire Department is being heard this afternoon since the Park Department was unavailable to attend. Chief Taylor then reviewed the basic provisions of the budget. He noted that the other supply items have been raised from $3,700.00 to $16,200.00 to reflect realistic spending. He noted that from this account, approximately $4,000.00 will be needed to update training manuals which are seven (7) to eight (8) years old; $3400.00 for foam which is typically not used for residential fires, but more commonly used for hydro-carbon fires; $2,000.00 for the Instruction Bureau; and $2,400 for the Inspection Bureau. In response to a question raised by Council Member Niezgodski, he was advised that Account No. 360 Building and Structure being proposed from $9,000.00 to $60,000.00 would be to address basic problems, including but not limited to: drainage, roof repairs, overhead doors, and tuck pointing at the various stations. He was also advised that in Account No. 431 "Radio Equipment," that communications pays for the repairs and that new radios are purchased by the Fire Department or on an as- needed basis. It was noted in response to a question raised by Council Member Voorde that Station No. 4 contributes to a high electrical cost due to the fact that it has a high heat loss but that it is also the second largest station. Council Member Voorde questioned the Chief with regard to his five (5) year capital improvement plan. The Chief noted that he is to meet with the Mayor tomorrow on this issue. Katie Humphreys noted that following Labor Day, that the Mayor proposes to have an informal Council/Mayor meeting to discuss the overall capital Personnel and Finance Committee August 20, 1990 2 improvement plan for the City. The Chief noted that EMS revenue would fund the Fire's Capital Improvement Plan. Chief Taylor also pointed out that he has requested a new civilian mechanic to be paid $20,800.00. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman, it was noted that line item 360 entitled "Building and Structure Repairs," were basically for monies to address catch-up problems. The Chief noted that Station No. 5 in particular has an extremely poor exterior which would be addressed. Council Member Puzzello suggested an update from the Chief with regard to items needed for the various stations. The Chief noted that he would provide such a listing to the Council. In response to a question raised by Council Member Voorde, Chief Taylor noted that the quints? are operating well for the City and that currently three and one-half (3 1/2) are operable. The Chief noted in response to Council Member Voorde, that a new Hazmat truck is sorely needed. Council Member Puzzello questioned what the Hazmat team does with contaminants at Hazmat spills. The Chief noted that the Hazmat Team is an emergency response team only, and does not bring any contaminated material back to the Station. The Chief further noted that between fifteen (15) to eighteen (18) firefighters typically retire on an average basis each year, but that this figure may be reduced in light of the recent wage package approved by the City. Council Member Puzzello questioned whether large sums of money would be necessary to upgrade the stations if women were added to the fire force. The Chief stated that the amount of money would be nominal. There being no further questions on this budget, the Committee then reviewed the Emergency Medical Service Budget. Emergency Medical Service,Pages 33-35,$540,461 Personnel Cost,2.13%Increase Overall Cost:$666,000.00 Assistant Chief Rick Switalski noted that the figure on page 35 of $653,567.00 should be amended to $666,000.00. He noted that between $625,000.00 to $630.000.00 is projected in revenue from this department. This includes the neo-natal fees. The department is currently collecting between seventy to seventy-five percent (70-75%) on its accounts. He also noted that the department is using paperless claims which has assisted the department very positively. Reimbursements are, averaging a fourteen (14) day turn-around time. Personnel and Finance Committee August 20, 1990 3 Fire Pension,Page 77,$3,069,063.00 Proposed For 1991. It was noted that an additional five percent (5%) would be added for widows and dependants bring the total benefit to forty percent (40%). Last year the Common Council approved raising this limit to thirty-five (35%). Assistant Chief Switalski noted that eight (8) retired firefighters died in 1990 to date. Approximately one-half (1/2) of the $3,000,000.00 needed to fund the pension, is received in pension relief which is paid to the City twice per year. Katie Humphreys noted, however, that both the police and fire perf costs approximately a quarter of a million dollars and is increasing and that does not ? have any pension relief. She further noted that the City cannot invest this money nor borrow it. Council Member Puzzello thanked the members of the Fire Department for presenting their budget and for the great services they provide to the City. Street Department,Pages 65-67,$1,705,120,Representing a 4.13%Personnel Increase Overall Budget:$2,804,988 Proposed For 1991 Mr. John Leszczynski and Mr. William Penn then reviewed the Street Department budget. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the only major item involving an increase was $125,000.00 in motor equipment. The adjustments in personnel reflect the union contract approved by the City. He noted that basically it is the same budget currently in effect for 1990. In response to a question raised by Council Member Voorde, it was noted that both in the Parks and the General Fund, each is budgeted at $65,000.00 for gasoline. Mr. Leszczynski noted that there are equipment concerns, and that all equipment has been evaluated. Katie Humphreys noted that MVH revenue will not support this budget. She noted that capital equipment must be replaced in an orderly fashion and that lease purchasing is anticipated. Mr. Leszczynski stated that the City may consider renting sweepers for the heavy leaf period. The City should have eight (8) sweepers plus one (1) vacuum. In response to a question raised by Council Member Niezgodski, it was noted at line item 255 "Other Materials" is used to redesign and refabricate the street sweepers. Currently two (2) Elgin Street Sweepers are being "cannibalized." Personnel and Finance Committee August 20, 1990 4 Council Member Slavinskas questioned the amount of $200.00 spent on t-shirts in line item 399, "Other Contractuals." It was noted that, pursuant to the union contract, each employee receives five (5) t-shirts which they clean at their own expense. It was noted that there were sixty-nine (69) hourly employees in the department. Council Member Slavinskas questioned the merits of the Slurry programs verses the paving program. Mr. Penn stated that the City should maintain both programs. The cost for slurry seals is approximately $.30 per square yard, and the cost for paving is approximately$2.00 per square yard. Council Member Niezgodski questioned what the current status was on the hard surface alley program. It was noted that no monies are budgeted and that the moisture is currently too high. Council Member Puzzello questioned budgeting for salt which is currently in the Board of Public Works budget. Mr. Penn noted that only one-half (1/2) barn is left of the ten (10) barns. Typically the City orders ten (10) tons for a "normal winter." Mr. Leszczynski noted that the Department of Public Works must pay back the actual dollars and the debt is reflected in the Public Works total cost. The total cost for salt is approximately $230-240,000 each year. Katie Humphreys noted that this fund is currently $139,000.00 over its projected revenue and that all capital equipment has been removed. Council Member Puzzello noted that it is a problem of allocation of the monies from the State of Indiana. Council Member Slavinskas agreed with Council Member Puzzello. He further stated that the State Legislature should be contacted as well as the Strategic Planning Committee on this topic. Council Member Voorde questioned whether the Street Department utilizes the State bidding process for purchasing. Mr. Penn noted that salt has been bought through the process and that other areas have been reviewed, however, the items are limited as to the needs of the City. Katie Humphreys noted that centralized purchasing for the City would be assisted through the new computer system. Bureau of Building Maintenance,Pages 52,53 $89,216 Personnel Costs Representing a 6.21%Increase. Overall Budget:$372,434 Pojected For 1991. Mr. Penn noted that a five percent (5%) increase has been projected in the fuel line items, however, in light of the uncertainty of matters in the Middle East, that this budget request may be unrealistic. Katie Humphreys noted that gasoline has risen $.17 per gallon in the last seven (7) days. It was noted that the tank farm has not • Personnel and Finance Committee August 20, 1990 5 been addressed with regard to the EPA requirements. The estimated cost to address the removal of the tanks is approximately $325, 000.00. Council Member Puzzello thanked Mr. Penn and Mr. Leszczynski for providing and reviewing their budget requests. Bureau of Communication,Pages 40,41 Personnel Costs$157,194.00 Representing a 3.48%Increase. Overall Budget:$192,844 Requested In 1991. Mr. Glenn Zubler who has been the director of the Bureau for the past thirteen to fourteen (13-14) years, then reviewed the budget. He noted that overall, there is a $6,000.00 increase from the current which is reflected in supplies. Mr. Lych said this is a well-run bureau. Mr. Zubler noted that a twenty (20) track tape recorder used in the Police Department for the past twenty (20) years is being "cannibalized." Replacement cost is approximately $60,000.00. Mr. Zoobler suggested that a 911 surcharge for such items should be looked into by the State of Indiana. He stated that states like Ohio and Illinois are currently utilizing such a program. Committee Members and Mr. Zubler voiced concern and reiterated the need for cooperation between the County, the City of Mishawaka, and the City of South Bend, in the Communication Area. The Committee members thanked Mr. Zubler for doing such a fine job for the City. Equipment Services,Pages 49-51 Personnel Cost$866,316 Representing An 11.92%Increase. Overall Budget:$2,541,957.00 Requested For 1991. Mr. Phil St. Clair began his presentation at approximately 5:00 P.M. He noted that three (3) personnel have been added by taking in the Park Department mechanics. He noted that a truck rebuild program will take place in 1991 where fourteen (14) single axle street trucks will be rebuilt. He noted that tool allowance was raised to $250.00 from the current $150.00 amount. He noted that employees must bring in receipts and have items approved before receiving tool allowance. Council Member Voorde questioned the preventive maintenance system used by the department. Mr. St. Clair stated that is is currently a manual system, but he is optimistic that at some point, it can be computerized. In response to a question raised by Council Member Niezgodski, it was noted that gasoline is budgeted in line item 22 at the amount of $590,000.00. Mr. St. Clair noted that all trucks are diesel, however, that Park Department does have a few gasoline trucks. He noted that diesel fuel on July 23 cost $.51 per gallon and is currently at Personnel and Finance Committee August 20, 1990 6 $.80 per gallon. He noted that gasoline on July 12 was $.64 per gallon and is now $1.00 per gallon. Council Member Puzzello questioned whether the City anticipates using Ethanol. Mr. St. Clair stated that the performance is not the same, however, the City would look at its use and other alternatives in light of the Middle East crisis. Mr. Leszczynski noted that there is a Vehicle Committee that will look into this matter. Katie Humphreys noted that at current prices, an additional $125,000.00 would be needed to purchase the same amount of fuel used by the City currently. Council Members Slavinskas questioned the personal use of vehicles and voiced concern with regard to it and again suggested a motor pool concept. Mr. St. Clair stated that eighty-five percent (85%) of the costs are related to the Police and Street Department vehicles. Street sweepers cost as much as $20,000.00 annually to maintain. He noted that some of the street sweepers are thirteen (13) years old, and when purchased new originally, their life was to be five (5) years. Mr. St. Clair noted that the Police Department beat car on the average has 50,000 miles placed on it each year. The problem, however, is the idle time which causes heat build-up. Ten (10) engines are rebuilt each year in that department. Mr. St. Clair does not see diesel engines as an alternative for police vehicles. He also noted that after 60,000 miles is placed on a vehicle, that the maintenance costs increase rapidly. Mr. St. Clair noted that the City fleet is 6,500,000 miles older that it was on January 1, 1988. He noted that vehicles are "cannibalized," resulting in no trade-ins. He noted that 1988 was the worst year for accidents, and that all body and fender repairs was done in-house. Council Member Puzzello thanked Mr. St. Clair and Mr. Penn for reviewing their Budgets with the Committee. City Engineer Department,Pages 19,20$340,396 Representing a 13.9%Increase In Personnel. Overall Budget: $356.096 Requested For 1991. Mr. Leszczynski and Mr. Jeff Renard reviewed the budget. They noted that, effective September 1, a new person will fill the "Public Construction Manager." This position is being funded by using UDAG money reimbursement. It is projected for two (2) years on a fiscal year basis with a commitment of$30,000.00 per year. Mr. Leszczynski noted that the department is having difficulty attracting qualified engineers in light of the wage limits. He noted that Mr. Meeks resigned from the City and is currently holding a position in Ohio. Personnel and Finance Committee August 20, 1990 7 Board of Public Works,Pages 16,17. $21,043,Representing a 2.47%Increase in Personnel. Overall Budget:$2,496,849 Requested in 1991. Mr. Leszczynski noted that in line item 379 "Rents?" that the figure represents the difference between salt and sand. It was noted that the State Board of Accounts is requiring the City to pay back the amount of$362,466.00 over ten (10) years. Council Member Slavinskas questioned electric current fees and charges. Mr. Leszczynski noted that there is a Street Light Policy Committee in effect addressing various concerns. Council Member Coleman questioned an update on traffic light replacement on Miami. Mr. Leszczynski noted that none are scheduled except for Calvert and Miami. Approximately ten (10) years ago three (3) intersections were redesigned, but the businesses did not want to lose parking, therefore opposed the three (3) intersection redesigns. It was noted that Council Member Luecke is a member of the Street Light Committee. Council Member Slavinskas stated that if funding source statements for positions should be incorporated into the budgetary process. Katie Humphreys stated that the new computer system should permit such a concept to be utilized. Bureau of Traffic and Lighting,Pages 36,37. $277,487.00 Representing a 3.71%Increase in Personnel. Overall Budget$527,264.00 Proposed in 1991. Mr. Renard reviewed this budget. He noted that it was basically the same as 1990. Signal repairs are done in-house with the collection rate of approximately eighty to eighty-five percent (80-85%). Council Member thanked Mr. Leszczynski and members of the Controller's Office for their assistance in reviewing the budgets this afternoon. Council Member Puzzello recessed the meeting at 6:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ann Puzzello, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee