City Council

June 1, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:30 PM P.H. – Revised Hours of Operation for Drinking Establishments 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement with the PBA EXECUTIVE SESSION Discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a person or corporation. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 5/24/10 City Council Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Payroll 5/21/10 $368,720.94 5. Approve Payroll 5/28/10 $370,950.70 6. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWMAY2 $11,882.37 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10JUNE1 $689,455.14 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations for the Concerts in the Park 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order with Bast Hatfield for Fencing at the Indoor Recreation Facility 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Collective Bargaining Agreement with PBA ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Award of Bid for Field Sprinkler Inspection Service to SimplexGrinnell 2. Discussion and Vote: Identification Card Policy 3. Discussion and Vote: Proximity Card Policy FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations – Saratoga’s All-American Celebration 2. Discussion and Vote: Contingency Transfer General Fund and City Center Authority 3. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfer City Council Meeting 6/1/10 4. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Church Street Change Order #4 2. Discussion: Yard Debris Pick Up 3. Announcement: Senior Give Back Day PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Announcement: Acknowledge Promotions in Fire Department – Captain and Lieutenant 2. Discussion and Vote: Permission from the Council to Fill the Vacant Position of Senior Account Clerk Within the Salary Range as Stated in the Union Contract 3. Discussion and Vote: Permission from the Council to Fill Two Vacant Dispatchers Positions 4. Discussion and Vote: Permission from the Council to Hire a Temporary Parking Enforcement Officer for the Summer to Fill a Vacancy Created by a Leave of Absence SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. NYS Racing Bill 2. Guardian House Update 3. Sustainable Saratoga Community Gardens Matt Veitch 1. Geyser Road Bridge 2. Congressman Murphy Round Table on Upstate NY Economy 3. County Animal Shelter Construction 4. Sundae on the Farm ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 JUNE 1, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Ken Ivins, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Richard Wirth, Commissioner of DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Kate Jarosh, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Joe Scala, City Attorney RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. Public Hearing Revised Hours of Operation for Drinking Establishments Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. Commissioner Franck stated this is not on for vote this evening. Chief Cole had made numerous statements regarding his contacts with other chiefs - Potsdam, Oswego, Alfred, Fredonia, and Plattsburgh. He requested the e-mails a couple times but has not received them; he has however received a synopsis. Each community listed is primarily a college town only. With a quick look he is seeing different statements from each chief; some are saying they are concerned about the 2 a.m. and other communities are saying they would like to go to 1 a.m. He has requested the public hearing remain open. John Baker of 155 Circular Street and owner of Gaffney’s stated he is opposed to changing the hours. It will hurt business and reduce employment. He also doesn’t feel it is going to help reduce the police overtime. People will stay in other areas rather than coming to Saratoga and there will be a mass exit at 2 a.m. Saratoga is noted for its nightlife and he hopes we can continue that and keep the closing hour at 4 a.m. Commissioner Scirocco asked what time Commissioner Franck suggests for last call if closing time is 2 a.m. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Commissioner Franck stated last call will be 2 a.m. He believes the law states they can remain open for a half hour after last call. Oswego states in their e-mail that people leave orderly from 2 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. In Fredonia they allow the bars to stay open for 45 minutes after last call and provides a bus from the downtown Fredonia area back to the college. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated the 5 towns being used as examples have been 2 a.m. forever so he is not sure how true of a comparison Saratoga is to these towns. The only difference is these areas are isolated with the next town being a distance away. We have everything contained within a 6 – 10 block radius rather than the total parameter of the City. If you are talking about closing down 270 days x 2 hours per day; you are talking about losing $2 million in revenues for a combined total for the bars in the City. Commissioner Franck stated if you take the average of what a person buys per hour between 2 and 4 a.m. based upon the number of people going into the bars and fire code; your numbers are off the charts. There are expenses associated for the bar owners. If you are taking a 7 day a week number; the numbers aren’t right. He is not opposed to putting a sunset clause on this. What he hears is people are afraid that if this works out, the 2 a.m. last call will become year round. He would like to get the full e-mail from Chief Cole to see how he asked the question because the communities are making his argument for him. Phil Diamond of 29 Waterview Drive stated he doesn’t know enough about the problem to form an opinion. If the primary factor of consideration is safety, close what can be served; for example stop serving hard liquor from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. Limit it to serving beer and wine. Jasper Alexander of 199 East Avenue and owner of Hattie’s stated that he is not sure they are doing enough with the enforcement of the laws we already have. Adding another law to mitigate the closing times is not the answer. If you start putting out early hours there will be a tendency for people to start loading up. With proper planning and a good group effort we can corral this problem without having to create a new law for closing times. Jeff Clark of 480 Broadway and president of the DBA stated he doesn’t have stats to bring tonight but the DBA does have a concern regarding the downturn they have all faced with the hard economic times. We don’t know what is being promulgated here with the closing at 2 a.m. No bar owner would be staying open after 2 a.m. if they weren’t generating profits and tax revenue for the City. He would like to know what the Council’s backup plan is for the revenues that will be lost through this resolution. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. and kept the public hearing open. Commissioner Franck stated the Chamber of Commerce is not come out with an opinion and his understanding is the DBA is not coming out with an opinion. He asked Mr. Clark to send him an e-mail with the DBA’s position. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:05p.m. Mayor Johnson said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes each according to the rules approved in February of 2004 by the City Council. Joe Dolan of 4 Arapahoe Path, firefighter and president of the Saratoga Springs Firefighter’s Union stated their participation in parades has been a long standing tradition. They do this to honor the flag and show the citizens what they are and what they do. There are many events where they don’t require or look for compensation. The firefighters were unaware the event coordinators receive a bill for their participation in Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 the parade. The firefighters want to participate in that parade and be a part they way they always have. He encouraged the Council to communicate with the firefighters to include them in the parade. As of now the firefighters have been ordered by the chief not to be in this parade. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:08 p.m. PRESENTATIONS Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement with the PBA Mayor Johnson stated this was not an easy process. He thanked the PBA and Sgt. Catone for their assistance to reach this proposed agreement. He reviewed the presentation originally presented on May 24th at the special City Council meeting and explained the following:  Historically binding arbitration does not work to the advantage of management.  Negotiation history with the PBA.  Agreement must be accepted or rejected in its entirety.  Salary increases. The PBA has agreed to not take a retroactive pay increase.  Comparison of wage increases to surrounding communities.  More employee contribution towards health insurance.  Comp time is capped at 240 hours.  Sick leave accumulation will be capped at 120 hours.  Training hours have been capped at 40 hours.  Educational pay will be made only upon completion of degree. Executive Session Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to move to executive session for discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a person or corporation, including collective negotiations on behalf of the City at 7:41 p.m. Ayes - All Council returned from session at 8:48 p.m. Mayor Johnson stated the Council did not come to any decisions; therefore there is nothing to report to the public. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 5/24/10 City Council Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Payroll 5/21/10 $368,720.94 5. Approve Payroll 5/28/10 $370,950.70 6. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWMAY2 $11,882.37 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10JUNE1 $689,455.14 Ayes - All Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations for the Concerts in the Park (10-149) Mayor Johnson stated the donations are from Stewart’s in the amount of $500, Saratoga Springs Teacher’s Association for $100, and Adirondack Trust Bank for $250. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to accept the donations as listed. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order with Bast Hatfield for Fencing at the Indoor Recreation Facility (10-150) Mayor Johnson stated the change order is in the amount of $1,570 for 42 linear feet of fencing. The additional fencing is for the parcel of land that was bought and added to the project. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner With seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the change order with Bast Hatfield. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Collective Bargaining Agreement with PBA (10-151) Mayor Johnson stated this contract is for 2009 – 2012. By law he is bound to vote in favor of this proposal and present it to Council. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner With seconded to accept the collective bargaining agreement as previously described. Commissioner Wirth stated he is personally satisfied with this agreement. He thanked the mayor and Sgt. Catone for getting together and bringing the proposal to where it is today. Commissioner Franck stated we don’t have a choice because of the Taylor Law. Unless something changes at the state level, he doesn’t know how we are going to pay for this. He wishes he had numbers to compare this to. This just means higher property taxes and we still have other union contracts. Mayor Johnson stated he and Commissioner Ivins disagreed on some of the figures. It is important for the Council to be aware of what might have been if they went to arbitration. The projected arbitration process would result in at least a 3% increase per year. We looked at what our options were as we move forward. Commissioner Scirocco stated his concern is where the money going to come from. There are 2 other contracts still to come. Commissioner Ivins thanked Sgt. Catone. He had some concerns at the last meeting and still has those concerns. Binding arbitration is not in the best interest of the tax payers. Ayes – 3 Nays – 2 (Commissioner Franck and Commissioner Ivins) ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Award of Bid for Field Sprinkler Inspection Service to SimplexGrinnell (10-152) Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the bid for field sprinkler inspection services to Simplex Grinnell for an additional year for the same terms and conditions. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Identification Card Policy (10-153) Marilyn Rivers stated the original policy was done March 2007. The policy had to be updated due to the technology has changed and the Police Department is the holder of that technology. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to adopt the identification card policy as presented. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Proximity Card Policy (10-154) Marilyn Rivers stated the proximity card policy has been established with pieces from the workplace violence policy. There are 3 licenses to this technology; Fire Department, Police Department, and Risk and Safety Department each hold one license. IT holds the license for this entire program. Safety Committee has worked on this. Commissioner Scirocco stated the DPW has been left out the whole process. They are in charge of fixed assets. Marilyn stated DPW has keys to every office in the building and can override the system because of having keys. Commissioner Scirocco stated his understanding is the Safety Committee would grant access to places within City Hall. Marilyn stated each department head assigns who is allowed access to their area. DPW has keys to get in everywhere there are swipe cards with the exception of the IT Server Room door; only the IT manager and his 2 workers have access to the IT Server Room. This is because of the subpoena powers associated with the police servers. Public Works personnel participated in the creation of this policy through their participation on the Safety Committee. Commissioner Scirocco stated he was concerned with the language in the policy where it states “The Office of Risk and Safety shall have administrative control over the City’s civilian occupied properties in support of the City’s Workplace Violence Program.” He believes DPW should be included in that. Marilyn stated he is for his respective properties that he controls. He would grant access to those areas. Commissioner Scirocco stated it is like we are vesting all our authority in regards to the building to the Safety Committee; it says “….shall have administrative control over City’s civilian occupied properties in support of the City’s Workplace Violence Program.” This sentence just vests everything over to Risk and Safety and doesn’t say anything about the Safety Committee. Marilyn advised the Safety Committee has its own section. Risk and Safety only administers the swipe cards. If someone is requesting a report they have to follow the applicable laws associated with those reports. Commissioner Scirocco stated he does not agree with that sentence. It vests all authority to Risk and Safety and none to his department. It says “The Office of Risk and Safety shall have administrative control over the City’s civilian occupied properties.” Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Marilyn stated it is solely for the swipe card technology. Commissioner Scirocco stated we have swipe card technology throughout the City. Commissioner Franck read the sentence as it appears in the policy showing Commissioner Scirocco didn’t read the whole sentence. He left out the end of the sentence that says “…..in support of the workplace violence program.” Commissioner Scirocco stated it’s self explanatory. Should it say with Public Works? They are responsible for fixed assets. Marilyn advised all she is doing in regards to this program is verifying employment, passing out the swipe card and recording the number. Commissioner Scirocco stated he needs to know who is getting what regardless of where it is. It would benefit him to know who is going where in any City owned public building. Mayor Johnson explained if you have the power under the Charter the power can’t be taken away. This is to execute the Workplace Violence Program. Commissioner Scirocco doesn’t read it that way. People will get swipe cards for different buildings based upon what commissioners allow them to have within their departments. Marilyn stated individuals already have swipe cards for their own departments. We are catching up with this policy. Commissioner Scirocco stated he feels DPW needs to know who is getting the swipe cards for any City owned building. There should be a report he receives to tell him who is going into the buildings. Marilyn advised the Police Department will not move their server until this policy is passed. This has been worked on by the Safety Committee for 2 months. Right now DPW is the only one with a key. Commissioner Scirocco stated this policy says Risk and Safety will have control over who goes where in what buildings. Marilyn stated that is not correct; all she is doing on behalf of the mayor and commissioners is issuing the card. Risk and Safety does not have the capacity to issue a card on its own. The department head has to be in writing to have the card issued. Commissioner Scirocco stated his understanding is there is a report generated by the swipe cards. Marilyn stated the report is not arbitrarily generated; a written request must be filed to get the report. Commissioner Scirocco stated DPW should know who is going in these buildings and what time of the day. This policy is stating Risk and Safety will have control of who will or won’t get a swipe card without the consent of the Publics Works commissioner. Marilyn stated that is not what this policy says. This is vested in each commissioner and mayor with regard to their own respective areas. Commissioner Scirocco stated his concern there are buildings that employees go in that are not their respective areas. His concern is they are giving keys out and swipe cards out and they won’t know who is going where. Marilyn stated the Safety Committee is presenting this policy and have crafted it to the best of their ability. Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Commissioner Scirocco stated he feels this violates the Charter. Marilyn stated this policy has been reviewed by legal. She assured Commissioner Scirocco that the Charter has been abided by along with the City’s ordinances. Commissioner Scirocco stated the Charter states he is responsible for fixed assets. He wants to know who is going in the buildings. If he needs a report he needs to be able to see that. Marilyn reminded Commissioner Scirocco that the report is there for his asking. Commissioner Wirth asked Commissioner Scirocco if he would want to ask the city attorney’s opinion. Mayor Johnson stated an important feature of this proposal is the administrative support by Risk and Safety is in support of the City’s Workplace Violence Program. That is the sole context of which Risk and Safety can get involved; there is no authority beyond the Workplace Violence Program. Marilyn stated she has none. The commissioners decide for their own units. Commissioner Scirocco asked who gives out the swipe cards. Marilyn advised she gives out the swipe cards from her office. She stated she spoke with Commissioner Scirocco who would get a swipe card for his area. No one from his area took a card. Commissioner Scirocco stated he believes the janitor took a card. Marilyn advised the swipe cards are there for the convenience of the employee but the key overrides the swipe cards in every place of this building. If you are an accounts employee you can’t get a swipe card to finance; if you are in finance you can’t get a swipe card to accounts. Commissioner Scirocco stated he feels he should have authority when it comes to issuing cards to anyone in City Hall when it allows them access to doors other than their own respective departments. Marilyn stated this policy only allows a card to their own department. Commissioner Scirocco stated he is not going to support this as he feels it is in violation of the City Charter and vesting this away from him. Mayor Johnson suggested if this passes tonight, Commissioner Scirocco should take the issue through his department’s attendance at the Safety Committee to address the issues. If language needs to be clarified or modified bring it back to the Council and they will consider revising the policy. Commissioner Scirocco stated all he is asking is to add commissioner of Public Works. Mayor Johnson stated there is some difference as he is not part of the City Workplace Violence Program. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to adopt the proximity card policy as presented to the Council. Ayes - 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Scirocco) FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations – Saratoga’s All-American Celebration (10-155) Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to accept the donations for the All- American celebration. Commissioner Ivins stated the following donations have been received: $500 from Sanctuary Spa, $500 from Bonacio Construction, $500 from Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union, $500 from Gideon Putnam Resort, $250 from Saratoga Springs Republican Committee, $250 from Kodiak Construction, $250 from First Niagara, $100 from Jones Ferradino, $125 from Parting Glass for the barbeque and desert fest registration, and $40 car show registration. The total is $3,015. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Contingency Transfer General Fund and City Center Authority (10-156) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the contingency transfer as previously distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated the total previous balance was $293,122.44; the total transfers were $253,500.00; total new balance is $39,622.44. These were necessary due to anticipated expenses in Public Safety and the City Center. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfer (10-157) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the Department of Public Works payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated the transfers are from highway labor, highway overtime, public works director water portion to DPW sick leave, social security, water administration overtime, water administration phones. Ayes - All Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated he has nothing additional to report at this time. **Addition to Agenda Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to add an item to his agenda regarding authorizing the mayor to sign a contract addendum with Bollam, Sheedy & Torani to perform a state single audit. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Mayor Johnson) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract addendum with Bollam, Sheedy & Torani to perform the state single audit for the amount not to exceed the amount of $2,500. Commissioner Ivins explained the City signed a 3 year contract with Bollam, Sheedy & Torani in 2008 for the annual audit. A letter was received from NYSDOT in May of this year requiring the City to conduct a state single audit and report the results to DOT. To make the state single audit more cost effective, he wants to hire Bollam, Sheedy & Torani to conduct this audit while the documents are already being reviewed for the federal single audit. During this audit, they will be looking at the CHIPS program. Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Commissioner Wirth confirmed what the $3,500 amount listed is on page 28. Commissioner Ivins stated that amount was for the original audit. The additional work required by the state is going to cost $2,500. Mayor Johnson stated the agreement in 2008 stated the amount of hours the firm would expend in the course of the audit on behalf of the City. In each of the 3 years it was estimated the hours would be 245 hours. He asked if those hours have been exceeded. Commissioner Ivins stated he is not sure if they have exceeded that yet. Mayor Johnson stated based upon his legal experience and running a law firm; before he asks for more money he wants to be sure he exceeded his contracted amount. He is not comfortable with the process here as this came is late to the agenda. His understanding is this was rejected by the city attorney. Commissioner Ivins stated he was told it was rejected because it was not in the standard format. He asked Joe Scala to advise what this would take for his approval. Joe Scala, city attorney stated to his knowledge this contract has not been put into the general format. The biggest issue he has right now is this firm didn’t do the type of report that is requested by DOT. The report they said they were going to do was based on an A133 Single Audit. There was a portion of that reportthat wasn’t provided. Why is what they were supposed to do not done? Commissioner Ivins stated they talked to the State Comptrollers Office last year and it was agreed upon between their office and ours that it was not needed at that time. This year they said they want to see it. Joe Scala stated none of that information was provided in the information sent around this afternoon or on Friday. He also doesn’t know what that has to do with the A133 they said they were going to provide us, which they have not. Why are we going to another contract when they haven’t provided what they were supposed to under the existing contract? Commissioner Ivins stated we are not going to another contract; we are amending the current contract. Joe Scala stated the current contract allows for additional services to be billed at an hourly rate. Why are we not being billed at an hourly rate under the existing contract terms? Commissioner Ivins stated the current contract is for additional work beyond that initial contract; that is where the $2,500 comes from. Joe Scala stated that contract says they can do additional work under the original contract for an additional amount of money. Commissioner Ivins confirmed that Joe states they don’t need a contract at all; only Council approval to spend the additional money. Joe Scala stated based upon his review that is true. Commissioner Ivins stated that would come out of professional services budget and move on. Joe Scala stated if he has money allotted to it. Michele Boxley, deputy commissioner of accounts stated she was going to speak to the matter of the original agreement which is held in her office. It is a 3 year agreement which is why it is not put in the new format. When we get another contract with this vendor, we will get it in the new format. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Joe Scala stated the version he reviewed had 11 pages missing. The reading of what he had would indicate Commissioner Ivins has the ability to order the additional services. Commissioner Ivins asked if he is suggesting he withdraw this item and make it happen. Joe Scala advised he has the legal ability from the contract to do that. Commissioner Ivins withdrew this item from his agenda with the thoughts from the City’s legal counsel. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Church Street Change Order #4 (10-158) Commissioner Scirocco passed out the change order details to show the correction that has been made from Myrtle Avenue to Myrtle Street. The change order is to repave Myrtle Street from McNeary Alley to Church Street. The net dollar change to this project is zero because of past miscellaneous deductions in the contract. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve change order #4 with a net zero dollar impact. Ayes - All Discussion: Yard Debris Pick Up Commissioner Scirocco stated as of January 1st they lost 28 laborers. Their night crew has gone from 3 trailers to 1 trailer. He has worked with his deputy to come up with a system based upon their limited resources. They are focusing their resources over the next few weeks to pick up debris. It would be helpful if people would use containers; it will speed up the pick up. Announcement: Senior Give Back Day Commissioner Scirocco stated on Friday May 28th there were 15 – 20 high school seniors in High Rock Park cleaning up the hill. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: Acknowledge Promotions in Fire Department – Captain and Lieutenant Commissioner Wirth stated Pat Rocco has been promoted to Captain and John Stewart has been promoted to Lieutenant in the Fire Department. Discussion and Vote: Permission from the Council to Fill the Vacant Position of Senior Account Clerk within the Salary Range as Stated in the Union Contract Commissioner Wirth stated on May 29, 2010 this position became vacant. This position collects over $350,000 in fines and acts as a liaison between departments in City Hall, issues all handicap permits, etc. This is a revenue generating position. The lateral transfer of a person from another department would make this position budget neutral. Commissioner Wirth moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the filling of the vacant senior account clerk position. Commissioner Scirocco asked if this figure provided includes benefits. Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Commissioner Ivins stated they have discussed trying to do more with less. The 2011 is going to be a tough budget year. At one point this was going to be a part time position and something has changed your mind. He would be more comfortable voting yes on this if it was changed back to part time. Commissioner Wirth stated they looked into the part time and found the substitution of a part time employee for a full time employee would have to be negotiated. Commissioner Scirocco asked if he thought about creating a new position. Commissioner Wirth stated they did consider that. They only have 2 people. Commissioner Scirocco stated he only has 2 people in his front office. Mayor Johnson confirmed if the dollar amount does or does not include benefits. Commissioner Wirth stated it does include benefits. Deputy Commissioner Dudla stated the person is already receiving benefits so there is no change/increase. Mayor Johnson stated he is not opposed to this but would like more time to discuss this with Commissioner Wirth. He suggested tabling this for this evening. Commissioner Wirth asked if he had specific questions in the numbers. Mayor Johnson stated he would like to discuss with Commissioner Wirth after this meeting. Commissioner Wirth tabled this item for this evening. Discussion and Vote: Permission from the Council to Fill Two Vacant Dispatchers Positions (10-159) Commissioner Wirth stated due to budget reductions, the number of dispatchers was reduced from 12 to 10. Due to promotions and lateral transfers, they are now down to 8 dispatchers. The remaining dispatchers are working overtime and can’t continue to work 16 hour days and be effective. Commissioner Wirth moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the filling of two vacant dispatcher positions. Commissioner Scirocco asked how long these two positions have been vacant. Deputy Commissioner Dudla stated the vacancies have occurred between the beginning of the year and now. To date they have spent 63% of their overtime budget to fill these positions. From May 1st to May 28th they had 372 hours of overtime at an average rate of $30.02 per hour; $11,235.44 in overtime. Mayor Johnson asked if they expect overtime to be eliminated with the filling of these 2 positions. Deputy Dudla stated they don’t expect to eliminate overtime entirely but it will drastically reduce it. They are coming up on vacations. They are looking at expending $89,000+ in overtime for the rest of the year; they would be in the hole. The dispatchers are working 60 hours a week and it is getting to the point where when they are called for overtime they don’t answer the phone. By law he can’t staff them for more than 16 hours and they also have to have 8 hours off between shifts. Commissioner Ivins stated it has been 10 people for a while. He stated when you take into effect the benefits, etc. it would cost less to pay overtime. The money in that line may run out but a transfer from the salary line to the overtime line can be made. He is torn; maybe replace only one. Deputy Dudla stated replacing 1 will take care of half the problem. Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Mayor Johnson stated he doesn’t want whoever the person is filling these positions to be in jeopardy because of not knowing what next year will bring. He will support the commissioner on this tonight. Commissioner Scirocco offered a friendly amendment to fill only 1 position. He understands the dispatchers are under duress but doesn’t want to see the people get laid off. Commissioner Wirth stated the dispatchers are getting burned out. He would rather have 2, but if the Council is only going to vote for 1 he doesn’t have a choice. He will accept the friendly amendment to hire 1 dispatcher at this time. Mayor Johnson seconded. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Franck) Discussion and Vote: Permission from the Council to Hire a Temporary Parking Enforcement Officer for the Summer to Fill a Vacancy Created by a Leave of Absence (10-160) Commissioner Wirth stated in June 2010 they will have a parking officer go on a leave of absence for 10 – 12 weeks. The streets are very busy this time of the year. Commissioner Wirth moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve to hire a temporary parking enforcement office for the summer to fill a vacancy created by a leave of absence. Commissioner Scirocco asked if this person will get benefits. Commissioner Wirth advised they will not. Commissioner Ivins asked how many hours per week they will be working. Commissioner Wirth stated 35 hours. Deputy Commissioner Dudla stated this is a temporary position, not part time. They don’t get benefits. The DBA won’t appreciate having only 1 person on the street during July and August. Commissioner Ivins stated a lot of downtown merchants have bent his ear because they see the 2 officers walking together rather than separately. They question why 2 are even needed if they are going to walk together. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Ivins) SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen NYS Racing Bill Supervisor Yepsen reported the bill was passed last Monday and went into effect immediately to save more than 40,000 racing jobs, to ensure the Saratoga meet will happen this summer, etc. This loan will need to be re-paid by March 31, 2011 or by 30 days after the execution of the MOU with the operator of the Aqueduct VLTs, whichever comes first. Final bids for VLTs are due June 29, 2010. The winning bidder is scheduled to be announced by August 3rd. Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/1/10 Guardian House Update Supervisor Yepsen reported this project was launched one and a half years ago. The funds raised to date are $135,000. When the VA grant is confirmed, they could be looking at the opening by the end of the year. A few fundraisers are scheduled. Sustainable Saratoga Community Gardens Supervisor Yepsen reported their first community garden has started. She thanked Stonequist Apartments and the Housing Authority for being one of the first. Some of the high school seniors participated as part of the Give Back Day to create the plots. “Safe Routes to School” is back in the picture. The task force is meeting again and will have special speakers from leaders of other communities. Matt Veitch Geyser Road Bridge Supervisor Veitch reported this project is scheduled to start in the next few weeks. The bridge will go to one lane on June 21st. Congressman Murphy Round Table on Upstate NY Economy Supervisor Veitch reported Congressman Murphy is holding a roundtable meeting tomorrow in Clifton Park to discuss his Renew Upstate New York Economic Development Plan. County Animal Shelter Construction Supervisor Veitch reported construction is 60 – 70% complete. Curbs have been installed and the brick walkway area is ready. A ceremony will be held in July to install the bricks. The shelter should be completed by August and under budget. Sundae on the Farm Supervisor Veitch reported the County will do sundae on the farm on Father’s Day – June 20th at the Arnold Haven Dairy Farm. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 6/15/10 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 15 of 15