Board of Aldermen |
FY2009 Budgetary Hearings |
Thursday, 17 April 2008 |
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Appropriations Committee |
Chairman Chairman Brodeur, Boisselle, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Forbes, Wright, Seaboyer, Medeiros, Conn Absent: Infurna, McAteer-Margolis In attendance: Cemetery Commissioner Ralph Moore, Cemetery Director Mike Hughes; City Planner Denise Gaffey; Parks Commissioner Mike Interbartolo, Recreation Manager Chuck Person; City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo; City Engineer Bob Beshara, Deputy City Engineer John Scenna
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Appropriations
called to order by Chairman Brodeur at 7:34 p.m.
Mr. Hughes says he would like to acknowledge the work done by so many boards and commissions in the City; it is the lifeblood of what happens in the cemetery. He says that Commissioners Ralph Moore, Paul Spencer and Richard Wallace allow him to feed off their knowledge. The cemetery continues to be staffed by John Rossi and Michael Gattozzi. When the department became part of Public Works all resources were pooled, allowing a collective labor force. There is excellent cooperation with Public Works and in the future, with the addition of Dan Hearn, maintaining the cemetery will be more effective. The Wyoming Cemetery has had 26,016 internments since its inception. The FY2009 budget is level-funded. Revenues are generated through the cemetery's operations and require no funds from the City. He is seeing a change in internments from casket burials to cremations – from 20% three years ago to 30%. A new section in the cemetery will allow expansion of both gravesites and an above-ground crematory site. Alderman Seaboyer says the City is advertising a new position for a Parks, Trees and Cemetery Supervisor and asks how that will affect the cemetery. Mr. Hughes says the position has been filled by Dan Hearn. He has a lot of knowledge and experience. He is very hands-on and will assume some of John Scenna's responsibilities. He says it is a win-win situation. Alderman Seaboyer says he is concerned with utility costs. Mr. Hughes says the cemetery is somewhat different than other departments. He is able to retain a certain percentage of revenues and utilize those funds to do a number of projects in the cemetery. Funds are also reinvested. He says he will be able to work with the budget as presented. Alderman Forbes says a bypass project to alleviate flooding in the cemetery is about to take place; he asks if it is successful, will it allow him to sell more graves on the back corner. Mr. Hughes says he hopes so. Alderman Mortimer motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Alderman Tramontozzi motions to open Public Participation, 2nd by Alderman Medeiros. All in favor. No one comes forward. Alderman Mortimer motions to close Public Participation, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor.
Ms. Gaffey says the increase in the Planning Board budget reflects the Mayor's plan to put the City Planner's position back in the budget. This is the last year of the three-year plan and it is fully funded through the City. The Housing Planner position is funded through grants and the two part-time positions are funded off budget using revolving funds.
Alderman Boisselle asks about the $20,000 Professional Services in FY2008 and zero dollars in FY2009. Ms. Gaffey says those funds were used for the feasibility study for the High School upgrade project. Alderman Boisselle asks if there are no new studies in the works. Ms. Gaffey says none that are reflected in the budget. Alderman Boisselle asks about the solar panels at the Middle School. Ms. Gaffey says the engineer is readjusting the scope and the project is out to bid again; they should be in by mid-May.
Alderman Boisselle motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Mortimer. All in favor.
Mr Interbartolo says that in the past this budget included the Salary and Wages and funds for EMARC; the Mayor has decided that the department should be self sustaining and the director's salary be paid from the revolving fund.
President Conn asks the amount of revenue generated last year; Mr. Interbartolo says $140,000. President Conn asks what other uses that money is used for. Mr. Interbartolo says it pays for all programs; between $20,000 and $25,000 was netted. President Conn asks if he thinks that amount can be doubled to cover the salary. Mr. Interbartolo says he hopes it works out; if not he'll go back to the Mayor. President Conn says he thinks it's nice the Mayor wants to do this but it's a lot of money to raise.
Alderman Boisselle asks how many clients are being served. Mr. Person says between 2800 and 3000 year round. Alderman Boisselle asks which program is the most popular. Mr. Person says basketball in the winter and the summer one-day events. Alderman Boisselle asks what age group is the largest. Mr. Person says the middle school age group is down, and the high school age group is difficult because a lot of kids work.
President Conn says the Recreation Department has to pay the School Department for using its facilities and asks if the rate is discounted. Mr. Interbartolo says he thinks the Rec Department gets a better rate than the private sector. President Conn asks how much was paid to the School Department in FY2008; Mr. Person says it was roughly $18,000; he's finding it easier to get gym time with the new school. President Conn says the rent covers use of the gymnasium and custodial services. Mr. Interbartolo says the Park Commission allows High School teams to use Mount Hood at no charge. Chairman Brodeur says the School Department's FY08 revenue is $90,000 and it's projected to be $240,000 in FY09.
Alderman Seaboyer says he saw the activities schedule for summer and asks what expenses are expected to produce the activities. Mr. Interbartolo says if the minimum numbers aren't met, the program won't run. Alderman Seaboyer asks if fees were raised to become self sufficient. Mr. Interbartolo says they haven't raised fees. Mr. Person says they went up on a few things if the vendor raised fees.
Alderman Tramontozzi says the notion of the Recreation Department being self supporting at the directive of the Mayor seems like a lot of money changing hands. He asks who controls the cash flow. Mr. Interbartolo says it goes to the revolving account through the auditor and is signed off by the Park Commission. Alderman Tramontozzi asks if the auditor controls the account; Mr. Interbartolo says yes.
Chairman Brodeur asks if the Board will see a request to increase the revolving account's cap given the salary will be coming out of it; Mr. Interbartolo says yes.
Alderman Mortimer motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Forbes. All in favor.
Mr. Interbartolo says the salary line is decreased to $39,000. The Superintendent's responsibilities are split between overseeing capital construction projects and the permitting and monitoring of parks to be sure they are maintained.
Chairman Brodeur says roughly 2/3 of the budget is for mowing and asks what year FY2009 is of the contract. President Conn says it is the second year.
Alderman Wright compliments the Park Commission, DPW and Nick Gove, who is no longer with the City, for the good work at Gooch Park. Mr. Interbartolo says a lot of the credit does go to Nick Gove.
Alderman Seaboyer asks about the $23,000 Supervisor salary and asks if it is the vacant Park/Tree/Cemetery Supervisor position. Mr. Interbartolo says that's Joan Bell's position; she has been appointed as Interim Supervisor. Alderman Seaboyer asks if the salary of the for the new Public Works care of trees supervisor coming on will be $79,000. Mr. Dello Russo says it will be $56,000. Alderman Seaboyer asks if that position also receives $23,000 out of the Park budget. Mr. Interbartolo says there is $4,000 for an arborist. Mr. Dello Russo says the confusion is caused by split funding. Alderman Seaboyer asks who is getting $11,000, who is getting $23,000 and who is getting $4,000. Mr. Interbartolo says the $11,000 is Joan Bell's old position, $23,000 is the interim position, and $4,000 is the arborist. Alderman Seaboyer asks if the Supervisor for Parks is the same position as the DPW Park/Tree/Cemetery Supervisor. President Conn says the question is if the salary is $23,000 plus $56,000. Mr. Interbartolo says they are two different positions.
Alderman Forbes says there were problems with the lights on Morelli Field and the football field and asks if anything has been done. Mr. Interbartolo says there has been no discussion lately.
Alderman Medeiros motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Mortimer. All in favor.
Chairman Brodeur says the biggest line-item is Professional Services and asks if it is the payment to the management company. Mr. Interbartolo says yes. Chairman Brodeur asks about the pilot program; Mr. Interbartolo says it is increasing by more than 50%.
President Conn says there is a radical decrease in the legal services line-item and asks if there is any pending litigation. Mr. Interbartolo says yes, but last year there were three settlements including one for an RFP and a $16,000 payment for litigation from several years ago. President Conn says he thinks it is good practice that Mount Hood has its own legal counsel for the bidding process to make sure the Park Commission is fully protected. He asks what capital projects are planned. Mr. Interbartolo says the front stairs and patio will be finished, including electrical work. The Commission is putting together bidding documents for a sprinkler system for the golf course. $500,000 has been spent for capital improvements, not including $200,000 for maintenance. President Conn says the pilot payment is money that Mount Hood generates and gives to the City. Mr. Interbartolo says it is payment in lieu of taxes. President Conn says it's $68,000 the City didn't have a few years ago.
Alderman Forbes says that last year the golf course was running out of water to keep the grass green and asks if any thought has been given to doing more studies to find more water. Mr. Interbartolo says the golf course spent $32,000 on City water last year and he does not anticipate digging any new wells.
Alderman Medeiros asks if the Commission has looked into barrels that collect rain water for future use. Mr. Interbartolo says no but underground perforated pipes were used when rebuilding the patio which capture rain water from the roof of the club house.
Alderman Mortimer motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Forbes. All in favor.
Mr. Beshara says it is always a challenge in Public Works to allocate funds appropriately for the year. It’s a challenge with snow and weather impacting City services. As always he tries to hold back on some money in the budget to cover costs that are beyond control. He sets the budget as he anticipates the world is going to run.
President Conn asks who receives $1,800 in overtime. Mr. Beshara says the clerical workers. President Conn asks if the $16,000 in clothing allowance is a collective bargaining item; Mr. Beshara says yes. President Conn asks if it is for the MACE union; Mr. Beshara says yes. President Conn asks if the vacant Senior Account Clerk position is filled for next fiscal year; Mr. Beshara says it will be within the next month.
Alderman Seaboyer asks if this budget will show a savings with the City's purchase of streetlights; Mr. Beshara says yes, it will reflect a decrease in costs. Alderman Seaboyer says the City now has to maintain them; Mr. Beshara says that is included in the projection. Alderman Seaboyer asks if the light maintenance has gone out to contract; Mr. Beshara says yes.
Alderman Forbes says the maintenance and contract is just for the lights and not the poles; Mr. Beshara says yes.
Alderman Mortimer motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor.
Mr. Beshara says the City Hall budget now includes a part-time janitorial position which is shared with the police station and that it is working out well. There is deterioration of the building and he is aware of what is going on and is able to point it out sooner.
President Conn asks if the private vendors are still performing services; Mr. Beshara says no. President Conn asks what the $18,000 for contracts covers; Mr. Beshara says it is used for elevator maintenance, plumbing, electrical issues that arise, and rug cleaners but not building cleaners. President Conn asks how much he expects to spend of the $30,000 budgeted last year. Mr. Beshara says most of it; if not he'll hold it back. There was a problem with the air conditioning in the IT Department.
Alderman Medeiros asks why the cleaning supplies line-item increased; Mr. Beshara says it is because his department has taken on the police station.
Alderman Seaboyer asks if the custodian's wages are completely paid out of the City Hall budget even though the police station shares his services; Mr. Scenna says he is a Public Works employee.
Alderman Forbes asks if there are any plans for building repairs; Mr. Beshara says the building has needs for repairs of a Capital nature. He is deferring those at this time. There are water and heating issues and he is trying to do the water issues in-house, one location at a time.
Mr. Scenna says small repairs use the contractual line-item; the larger repair line-item is zeroed out.
Alderman Mortimer motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor.
Mr. Beshara says the engineer salary line-item is increased to bring one of the engineers fully funded by bonds into this budget. That salary is paid for with savings from the light project. Two other projects will be completed soon and he plans to keep the engineer on for road projects and water and sewer projects.
Alderman Boisselle asks if the work is guaranteed once the projects are finished; Mr. Beshara says they are guaranteed for one year. Alderman Boisselle asks if he is having problems with some streets; Mr. Beshara says they are not contractor problems but are due to quick changes in the weather. Alderman Boisselle asks about Laurel Street. Mr. Beshara says it will be repaved. Alderman Boisselle asks if it the street is finished; there is a seam in the middle of the street. Mr. Beshara says some quick paving had to be done at the beginning of the winter. Alderman Boisselle asks if Laurel Street is still on the books for repair; Mr. Beshara say yes and the work has already started. Mr. Scenna says they hope to have it completed by June 15.
President Conn asks if all roadwork projects are bid jobs. Mr. Beshara says yes; some bid out for a project and others for yearly contracts. President Conn asks if his Department holds retainage until the City is satisfied with the work; Mr. Beshara says yes. President Conn asks what positions are eligible for the $4,500 in overtime. Mr. Beshara says there are three employees: John Scenna, Rick Cantone and Matt Shuman. President Conn asks if they are all eligible for overtime; Mr. Beshara says yes, if they are doing engineering work. President Conn asks how many unions are represented in this budget; Mr. Beshara says there's one. President Conn asks about the $30,000 in Professional Services; Mr. Scenna says those funds are used for summer interns and this year one high school student was kept on through the year. President Conn asks how much Mr. Scenna anticipates spending. Mr Scenna says that $11,000 has been spent and the remainder will be encumbered for services under contract. Mr. Beshara says the remainder is for the surveyor at the Franklin School and an engineer. President Conn asks how many employees take advantage of education reimbursement; Mr. Scenna says two.
President Conn moves to cut Professional Services line-item 529000 by $5,000 to $25,000, 2nd by Alderman Medeiros. Motion fails 3-5.
Alderman Forbes asks if the current Laurel Street contractor is the original; Mr. Beshara says yes. Alderman Forbes asks if college interns are used in the summer intern program; Mr. Scenna says this year there is an intern from Wentworth and two high school students.
Alderman Boisselle asks if the engineering work is moving technologically forward using CAD. Mr. Beshara says it is fully CAD operational and he is looking to Melrose High School to have students intern in the Public Works Department and provide a service to the City while completing school requirements.
Alderman Mortimer motions to move the bottom-line, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor.
Chairman Brodeur steps down from chair; Vice-Chairman Boisselle takes gavel at 8:48 p.m.
Mr. Scenna says this is a level-funded budget with a relatively small increase in Salary and Wages due to the newly executed union contract. Contracted bids are working at the same rate as last year.
President Conn says the betterments line-item is $25,000 and only $5,105 has been spent. He asks what the $25,000 is based on. Mr. Beshara says it's based on the betterment program – the Otis Street and Charles Street program is the most expensive betterment project the City has done since he's been here. There were no existing sidewalks at all. President Conn asks if the full amount will really be spent. Mr. Scenna says this spreadsheet shows $5,100 to date but the betterment on Melrose at Vinton was just completed and those invoices haven't yet hit this budget. President Conn says zero dollars in drain maintenance have been spent so far this year. Mr. Scenna says he has spent that money along Myrtle Street at Essex Street, and on Cherry Street and Foster Street where old clay drains were found. $15,000 is encumbered toward the FEMA account for that work. President Conn asks if the $90,000 for street sweeping is a hard number. Mr. Scenna says it's a hard number for the fall and he is projecting $44,000 for the spring. President Conn asks if this area has gotten any more competitive; Mr. Beshara says only one bid was received. Mr. Scenna says he was quite surprised to see the price decrease by roughly 2%.
Alderman Forbes says he sees traffic line painting and asks where traffic light maintenance is. Mr. Scenna says it's in Public Works Administration. Alderman Forbes asks if the boxes are being updated; Mr. Beshara says three salvageable boxes were taken from Main Street and there now are three new signals on Main Street. Alderman Forbes says the police and fire departments are trying to recoup costs from insurance companies. Mr. Beshara says he is also but has had some bad luck this year.
Alderman Wright asks if they have considered an outside company that provides the City with light poles and tries to get money from insurance companies. Mr. Scenna says the prior administration used a service like that but the City is liable and has to pay inflated costs if the person involved in the accident doesn't have insurance. Mr. Beshara says the utility companies own the light poles, not the City. Alderman Wright asks if the contractor is responsible for the issues in the grass strip on Trenton Street; Mr. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||