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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 02/02/1992CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 2, 1992 The South Burlington City Council Special Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairman Michael Flaherty at South Burlington City Hall. Members Present: Michael Flaherty, Chairman; John Dinklage, William Cimonetti, James Condos, Robert Chittenden Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peg Strait, Assistant City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk; Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator; James Goddette, Fire Chief; Albert Audette, Highway Superintendent; Dennis Johnson 1. Comments and Questions from the Public (not related to Agenda Items): No issues were raised. 2. Liquor Control Board Mr. O'Brien was present at the City Council meeting to represent his place of business, Frannie Os, and requested a change in his beverage license. The license that was approved by the City Council was a individual license and Mr. O'Brien is requesting a Corporate First-Class beverage license. After the State of Vermont processed the individual license, they recognized to have an individual license you have to be a resident of the community where your establishment is located; therefore, the license at the request of the State has to be changed to a corporate beverage license. Mr. Flaherty made a motion to approve the Corporate First-Class Beverage License for Frannie O's Corporation, and Mr. Condos seconded the motion. Mr. Cimonetti asked the question of whether the information on the corporate form had been answered indicating the officers of the corporation etc. Mr. O'Brien assured Mr. Cimonetti that those questions had been answered. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Flaherty moved the Liquor Control Board adjourn and reconvene as City Council. Mr. Dinklage seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Budget Review Workshop Mr. Dinklage began the discussion by asking Mr. Hafter what guidelines he gave his department heads. Mr. Hafter explained that the department asked that there be no mandatory cuts, but that they be able to work together to prepare their own budgets knowing that there would be no increase. The same salaries from last year were used along with last years insurance costs. Mr. Hafter pointed out that by the time all was said and done the operating budget was $28,000 less than last year. Mr. Hafter stated that he would like to begin with the comparison summary of the budget and tax rate. Even though the data before Council may seem very confusing it is data legally required by the Charter. Mr. Hafter spent time requesting that several important numbers be circled in the budget to help make the budget easier to follow. He pointed out that the '92-'93 estimated Grand List is $6,981,000 compared to the '91-'92 Budget Grand List of $6,912,000 which is a 1% growth. When the budget process began it was based on a 2% growth but Dick Underwood contacted some large South Burlington personal property owners and found that there would be approximately a 1% growth. This decline is based on some lose of value in personal property in South Burlington. The maximum budget increase is 1% the maximum operating budget tax rate is 64.1 cent ($.63 last yr x 1% inc.). The operating tax rate for this budget is .630 less than the 64.1 permitted by the Charter. The tax rate is made up of 2 components. The first is the operating tax rate .665 and the second bonded tax rate which is 10 cents. The bottom line of the '92-'93 budget is $7,627,244 compared to the '91-'93 budget of $7,496,000 ($131,000 higher) which includes the $78,000 of debt service, $50,000 in essence an accounting function (collecting for WPC to pay tax debts). City Council Budget: City Council salaries will remain the same for the second year in a row. All salaries for boards and commissions are level funded with the prior year. GBIC was funded at $3,500. Mr. Hafter explained to Mr. Chittenden that GBIC is the industrial development for the county. The VLCT has an increase in rates this year. It went from $.42 to $.43 cents per capita based on a population count of 12,800 for South Burlington. The Chamber of Commerce has been level funded at $4,000. Mr. Hafter explained to Mr. Chittenden that the Chamber handles marketing and bookings of any conventions that come to the area. They also make tourist brochures. Mr. Chittenden's concern is that the tax payer is paying for promotion of private industry. Mr. Dinklage pointed out that the private industry that benefit are quite often heavy tax payers and hopefully many businesses would benefit from a convention which might come to South Burlington with the encouragement of the Chamber. Mr. Cimonetti explained that most of the Chamber monies come from individual members, and about three years ago the Chamber requested donations from several communities. Mr. Chittenden wants to go on record as opposing the monies contributed to the Chittenden County Chamber of Commerce. He would rather be spending these monies on our own community. The SSTA will be the responsibility of the CCTA due to the American Disabilities Act and Social Agencies will be level funded at $34,000 this year. Therefore, the SSTA will not show in the Social Responsibilities requests. Mr. Hafter has requested that the SSTA submit data this year giving the total number of South Burlington riders. Mr. Cimonetti expressed the need that before budget time is completed that there will be more conversation on the CCTA. The CCTA revenue changes on a daily basis due to the federal funding and; therefore, the Council may ask them to come before Council again to discuss their needs. Mr. Hafter stated that the South Burlington Social Responsibility Committee will be spending time with the Council stating how they have come up with amounts for several organizations. Administrative insurance costs have been budgeted at the same level as the previous year. Life insurance is the same, the dental insurance has increased and the pension is funded at the same level. The Advisory Personnel Committee is involved in the cost of group health insurance. A possibility of increasing the benefits of early retirement. The City Manager account includes the cost of the part-time engineer, the agenda delivery (includes all agendas). Paying for delivery is less expensive than mailing. Mr. Chittenden expressed that the police should be delivering the agenda. Mr. Hafter pointed out that this would call for negotiation. Also included in the City Manager's account is the salary of the health officer and other salaries which might come up depending on what studies may be needed by the City. The Comp-Time Reduction Plan will be continued again this year. There has been some progress and the City hopes to continue this. The office supply account was over this year and, therefore, there is much discussion and planning for a centralized purchasing system. Several areas have been identified. Mr. Cimonetti mentioned that State has set up a centralized supply system to benefit municipalities. The location is in Middlesex, VT. No cuts have been made in the our supply lines. Mr. Cimonetti pointed out that there will be a significant increase in the monthly usage rate on the new telecommunications compact. Mr. Hafter pointed out that the City does not have a WATTS line. The City has what is called a AT&T PRO-WATTS line. This offers a very reduced rate. Mr. Hafter pointed out that the major costs show in alarm lines and having individual lines. Mr. Stitzel has assured the City that there will be no increase in retainer cost for this year. UVM Ambulance is a tremendous bargain for the City and is on a contract with a 5% increase for this year. Equipment contracts (typewriters, computers, lazer printers) will remain the same. There are no capital items in the City Manager's for this year. Mr. Chittenden asked about the maintenance care of the building. For Police and City Hall is about $9,000 per year. This cost includes: contracts for the heating unit, elevator, rugs for the building, painting, fixing flashing for the roof, painting etc. City Clerk's Budget - presented by Margaret (Peg) Picard The Council expressed their appreciation of the TV program which was done on the City Clerk's office ("Meet Your City Clerk"). Peg mentioned that the Clerk's office have had many positive comments from the community. The salaries are fixed by City Manager and there is an increase in BCA salaries for this coming year due to the big (national) elections. Election workers' salaries are increased because we will have four (4) districts. Mr. Cimonetti pointed out that because of the voting districts being changed it is important that there be enough money in the budget to cover these costs, particularly the start-up year. Leave-time turn in is controlled by City Manager. The City Clerk's budget is up mainly because of elections. City Clerk's office is requesting a new copier. Peg pointed out that all copies cost $1.00 per copy. The $1/copy is set by law. Mr. Cimonetti suggested that Peg check into the state supply center in Middlesex, VT for prices on a copier. Peg Strait presented the General Ledger Payroll Account and the Assessing Tax Account Peg started by asking Council to look at accounts 3400 and 3500 together. The salary for our tax collector has been removed from the 3400 account and placed 100% in account 3500, and the name was changed. The tax collection function has become a full-time position. In the general ledger the office supplies is 60% computer paper and binders for the annual report. We are processing about 348 accounts payable checks a month. About 90% of those are mailed and at this rate postage will run around $1100. Auditing is a 3-year contract and next year the cost will be $7900. The computer services at $400 is an annual support agreement with New England Municipal Resources Center who wrote and support the software for the General Ledger. Printing for Accounts Payable Checks, Payroll Checks, W2s and 1099s: because the ordering of checks last year was very low the cost will be higher this year to make up for the shortage. Travel and training is budgeted at $200 per person. Peg expressed that this is her preference because she encourages all to get out at least once a year for a course of learning especially with so many learning the Lotus software package at this time. The Champlain College computer courses run about $195 per course. Mr. Chittenden asked Peg how many Accounting firms were asked to bid on the City audit. Peg explained that she was not part of that process and that the Council chose A.M. Peisch after requested bids from several other auditing firms. The contract with Peisch is in its first year of a three-year contract. Office supplies were based on $300 per person and is in general supplies. Postage costs were given to Peg by the Tax Collector and this cost is based on delinquent tax mailings. Dues and subscriptions are for the membership to International Association of Assessing Officers. Legal and consulting fees cover the tax lien sales. Printing is for tax bills and maps. Mr. Hafter pointed out that the legal, and consulting fees show up as an expenditure but if a tax lien sale is necessary it also shows up as a revenue. Fire Chief James Goddette Sr. presented the 1992-1993 Budget for the South Burlington Fire Department Jim began his presentation by pointing out the community efforts which have been made by the Fire Department and the success that these efforts have made. UVM Rescue Squad is still handling our emergency and ambulance calls but because of the increase in calls the department is placing medical equipment on our vehicles, and we are also having to call in other ambulances. Any time the emergency number is called here in South Burlington it is received at the UVM Rescue Squad. The large fire calls are down and Mr. Goddette believes that much of this is due to fire prevention activity. Education in the schools has played a major part in decreasing the large fires in the home. Mr. Condos supported this thought and belief of Chief Goddette. Chief Goddette pointed out that he is willing to take on the inspection responsibilities whereby other departments refuse to take on this responsibility. The only change is the increase in the salary account and this is due to a federal requirement in the way the salaries were figured. This was corrected and the City went back two (2) years to meet federal requirements. Mr. Hafter pointed out that volunteers are extremely beneficial in keeping the Fire Department and Police Department budget in line. Thought should be given to showing appreciation toward the volunteers on behalf of the City. Chief Goddette generally does not believe in service contracts but when dealing with the copier machine he believes the $300 contract has been very beneficial. Mr. Chittenden suggested that the Fire Department use the Manager's copier or Clerk's copier instead of having their own. Mr. Goddette pointed out that this copier is used at night many times when City Hall is not open, and he was also concerned that the department would be tying up the copiers in City Hall when using it. The only cost to the City from the Fire Department copier is $300 per year to keep it running. Mr. Condos pointed out the necessity of recognizing the cost to the City when employees time is used inefficiently. Mr. Goddette explained what is included in the fire fighting equipment. (Fire fighting clothing, work uniforms for the ten paid people, medical supplies for engine #1 and engine #2, blood pressure kits, fire extinguishers, maintenance tools,) The Fire Department does small work on the engines, and the bigger jobs are turned over to the highway department. The telephone costs are largely the cost of the many lines. There are very few long distance calls. Subscriptions and dues include the memberships to the Vermont State Fire Fighters Asso., Chittenden County Fire Fighters Asso, Fire House Magazine. Liability insurance is up, and unfortunately the department has no control over that. Laundry and bedding includes the cost of laundering the sheets, dish towels etc. twice a month at Gadue's Laundry. Mr. Chittenden asked whether it might be better for the department to have their own washer and dryer. Mr. Hafter explained that this is in the discussion stage with the employees. Mr. Chittenden want the department to go ahead and have a washer and dryer. Mr. Goddette feels that it would cost a minimum of $1,200 to set up for a laundry area including the cost of the machines. Radio maintenance is $900 which covers the cost of the upkeep of the motorola dispatcher contract for the Police Dept. which is charged to the Fire Dept. Fire Station maintenance of $3,600 includes cleaning supplies, paper towels, light bulbs and small repairs, etc. Overhead doors are of most importance. Vehicle maintenance at $9,000 is to maintain the fire trucks. Mr. Goddette pointed out that he is running about $2,000 deficit on this line item this year. Radio repair is about $2,000 and is used for the repair of portable pagers, truck radios etc. Training materials ($2,000) is for schools for the call people. Fire prevention materials is the literature purchased and used in the school programs and student handouts. Mr. Condos asked why the major increase in gas and oil for the vehicles. Mr. Goddette pointed out that he is averaging 4200 gallons of fuel per year. The department is in the process, mandated by state and federal law, in updating the present gas tanks. There is a $.10/gal increase to department to help in defraying the cost. Films and books ($500) is for updating code books and buying some training tapes. Utilities is the gas and electricity for both stations. The 8301 Replacement Vehicle in last years budget is $62,332, this year is only budgeted at $35,958. The reason for this is that this is the budget whereby monies are put away to purchase new equipment. With this amount and the $22,000 in the account presently, it will pay the three debts which are owed on the Engine #1, Engine #2 refurbished and the tower truck. The amount of $26,324 was put into the replacement of firefighting gear. Mr. Ward was asked to present what the Safety Committee would like to propose to the Council. Mr. Ward is the Chairman. Mr. Ward pointed out that it has been a long time since any of the clothing has been updated and some of the clothing is contaminated. The cost for upgrading the equipment is about $600/fighter. Presently there are 36 outfits that need replacement. This year it is proposed that all the helmets, bunker pants and jackets be replaced. Hopefully next year the boots can be replaced. Mr. Goddette pointed out that most all equipment in the department is approximately 22 years old. Mr. Hafter met with the committee and he stated that they have done everything right and this can be written up in the budget presentation. Mr. Hafter fully supports the major equipment purchases. The only thing Mr. Hafter insisted on is that if the City buys bunker pants for firefighters they will wear them, and this goes for head gear as well. Mr. Ward pointed out to Council that the committee will also be talking about the responsibility and care that is required of firefighters' equipment. The committee is working to get duffle bags as part of the bid, and everyone will be required to carry the clothing in these bags. The Association has offered to lend the City ($13,000 to $14,000) to purchase all necessary equipment at the same time. It would be impossible to pick the people to wear the old gear and those for the new gear. Mr. Chittenden asked the cost of the top of the line gear compared to the middle of the line at $600/fighter. Mr. Ward estimated $1,000/firefighter. As a whole the Council agreed that the proposal is one that makes a lot of sense to them. Chief Goddette expressed the need for replacing some of the department pagers. Many of them are very old and it is important to replace some this year and the rest next year. This is a 3-year replacement program, and the final year will be next year. The Highway Department 1992-1993 Budget was presented by Albert "Sonny" Audette, Superintendent of Highways The new gas tanks which were mentioned by Jim Goddette are not in the budget at this time. Sonny explained the State and Federal requirements have to be met by the City. The South Burlington Police Department tank at City Hall not in compliance at this time. One of the Highway Department tanks expires in April or May. After discussing the approach which should be taken it was decided that there should be one new tank and one location at the Highway Department. This would make it easier to control the dispensing of the fuel. Sonny suggested that the tank have a computer system on it to monitor where the gas is dispensed and apply the cost to the proper department. This tank will be both gas and diesel. The school has also expressed an interest in coming in with the City but there has been no final decision on this. They have a temporary set up now with the diesel fuel and the gas comes from the Highway Department. In another year or two there will be no more propane buses. All buses being replaced now will be replaced by diesel. Mr. Cimonetti asked how the computer printout on the tank would be helpful. Mr. Hafter expressed that the most important issue is the inventory control. The computer will indicate the vehicles that need maintenance and tuneup, and this would be especially helpful with a diesel vehicle. The discussion is based on one new buried gas tank and one new buried diesel tank. Mr. Cimonetti asked whether it is important to consolidate to one central tank. Mr. Hafter suggested that this is the way to go. Mr. Cimonetti asked that this item be treated in a straight forward fashion for the budget. He suggested that the best estimate be budgeted for fuel with a capital expenditure for the cost of upgrading the tanks. Mr. Chittenden expressed his support for a computerized card system on the tanks. He sees this system as very helpful in maintaining the vehicles. Sonny also stated that he would like to put in a computer program to record the maintenance on all the City vehicles. He would like to be able to break down the expenses of the fleet in a more efficient manner. Mr. Dinklage felt that this was a good idea and was interested in where the cost of this shows up in the budget. Part is left over from this year in office supplies and some of the funds will come from the line next year. The reason that he wants it in office supplies is because it is such a broad spectrum. Mr. Cimonetti asked that it be illustrated in the budget as whatever it costs and for what your going to get. Chuck has asked Sonny to put into place a work order system. It is important that we see how effective the City is compared to private garages. Mr. Chittenden asked that this begin with a proper "paper trail." Park Maintenance salaries are down because a long-term employee left in the early part of the year due to illness. Mr. Dinklage asked why the overtime cost was so high. Sonny pointed out that this is for cleaning and for what the Recreation Dept. needs done off time. The two (2) summer employees are represented in the $49,000 along with the two (2) full-time employees. Mr. Condos asked where the City is with the maintenance of the bike path, and new parks. Sonny pointed out that equipment wise the City is prepared for this year. The maintenance can be handled this year because everything will be new. Mr. Cimonetti is concerned that there is nothing in the budget for the maintenance of the bike path. Sonny said the Park Maintenance people will find the bike path their responsibility. Mr. Hafter pointed out that Brian Searles budget, Police, includes some monies for Bike Path Patrol. Mr. Cimonetti has asked that a budget line item be created for the parks and bike path. It is important that a line be designated to satisfy the Council and the Citizen. Mr. Chittenden asked what the Parks Maintenance workers do in the winter. This winter they have been remodeling JC park, taking care of skating rinks, upgrading benches and picnic tables etc., shoveling City Hall walks. Mr. Chittenden asked Sonny what kinds of supplies he has to purchase for the parks. Sonny mentioned fertilizer, lime for lining the fields, fencing, grass seed, back stops for baseball fields, etc. Sonny is proposing that between Highway and Recreation Department budgets the basketball courts be repaved. The total cost of repaving is $15,000. Rec has $10,000 in budget and Highway has $5,000. The baskets and backboards will be replaced which is another $3,000 and move the picnic shelter toward the pavilion. It is too isolated and therefore being used for beer parties. Monies left over will be used for the "tot lot" for repairs and improvements. Mr. Hafter feels that it is very important to put some time and monies into JC Park because this neighborhood will not have the bike path entering their neighborhood at this time. Mr. Flaherty thanked the department heads for their budget presentations. Mr. Dinklage made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:52 PM and Bob Chittenden seconded this motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:52 PM. Respectfully submitted: Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.