Finance & Personnel Committee

FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE September 8, 2020 PRESENT: Chairperson Rusniak, Members Kohler, Fulop, Sikora ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Volkert, City Clerk Hetzel, Police Chief MacFarlan, Director of Public Works Kranz Call to Order – Chairperson Rusniak called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers of Hartford City Hall, 109 North Main Street. Roll Call – All members of the Committee were present. Patricia Taylor Personal Injury Claim – On January 25, 2020, Patricia Taylor twisted her ankle in the snow leaving the Harthaven Apartments parking lot. Ms. Taylor submitted a notice of claim in March; however, she did not submit the money damages being sought until recently in order for the claim to be property reviewed. Ms. Taylor is claiming $9,501 in medical bills and emergency services. The Liability Claims Adjuster from CVMIC believes the City of Hartford did not cause any unsafe condition, nor allow one to persist as it would be impossible to remove all snow from parking lots and curb areas around the complex. It is the recommendation of the City’s Insurance Review Committee, as well as CVMIC, that this claim be denied. MOTION by Alderperson Kohler, and seconded by Alderperson Fulop recommending that the personal injury claim for Patricia Taylor be denied. MOTION CARRIED. Richard Purman Property Damage Claim – On June 9, 2020, Hartford Electric was working in the area of Sunset Drive as part of a large electric underground and overhead conductor replacement project. In order to complete the project, the power to each customer is shut off during a portion of the project. Outage notifications are posted at each residence at least 24 hours prior to the planned outage. Richard Purman submitted a notice of claim in the amount of $227.00 claiming damage to a garage door opener due to a power surge. Director of Utilities Rhodes responded to the claim stating that voltage sags and swells beyond the control of the utility shall not be considered a violation of PSC rules. It is the customer’s responsibility to install devices to protect against power imperfections. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City’s Insurance Review Committee, as well as CVMIC, that this claim be denied. MOTION by Alderperson Sikora, and seconded by Alderperson Kohler recommending that the property damage claim for Richard Purman be denied. MOTION CARRIED. Part-time Floater Communications Officer Position – A former Communications Officer has expressed interest in returning as a part-time floater communications officer. Given her experience and the substantial investment the department has made to train her, it is being requested to add a third floater position for unanticipated shortages and/or major incidents. MOTION by Alderperson Fulop, and seconded by Alderperson Sikora authorizing the addition of a 3rd part-time floater communications officer to the approved staffing levels, to be filled by a former communications officer, contingent upon Police and Fire Commission approval. MOTION CARRIED. Finance & Personnel Committee (9/8/2020) Recycling Service Rate Increase – Due to the continued cost increases for the last several years from Advanced Disposal of approximately 2.5% each year, the proposed increase in operation hours at the Recycling Center, and the continued large amount of curbside brush pickup labor hours by city crews, it is being recommended that the City recycling service monthly rate be increased $0.35 effective January 1, 2021. Year 2021 will be the last year of a 10 year contract with Advanced Disposal Services. Director of Public Works Darryl Kranz provided information on the proposed increase, and responded to questions. MOTION by Alderperson Fulop, and seconded by Alderperson Kohler recommend authorizing appropriate City officials to increase the Municipal Recycling Service Rate charged on monthly utility bills from $7.00 per month to $7.35 per month beginning on January 1, 2021. MOTION CARRIED. Adjournment – MOTION by Alderperson Sikora, and seconded by Alderperson Kohler for adjournment. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, Lori Hetzel, City Clerk LH:pb FPSEPT8.20 Compiled by Pat Borlen, Deputy Clerk 2