City Council

August 20, 2013 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:40 P.M. – P.H. – Amend 2013 Capital Budget – Carousel Renovation Project 6:45 P.M. – P.H. – 2014 – 2019 Capital Program 6:55 P.M. – P.H. – Veteran’s Memorial Park Improvements – Saratoga Brigade 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. 2014 – 2019 Proposed Capital Program CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 8/5/13 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 8/6/13 City Council Minutes 3. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 4. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 5. Approve Payroll 08/09/13 $450,940.66 6. Approve Payroll 08/16/13 $451,168.98 7. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWAUG1 $104,486.53 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 REG – 13AUG2 $647,025.62 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Copeland Coating, Inc. 2. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation Saratogarec.com 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Car Charging Group, Inc. for Car Charging Stations at the 6 Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage 4. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of Two Prints from Chester Racecourse 5. Announcement: Design Review Commission Terms of Office ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Direct Energy for Utility Rates 2. Award of Bid: Grand Avenue Pump Station Emergency Generator to Kasselman Electric Co. 3. Award of Bid: Carousel Windows to Allerdice Glass & Mirror City Council Meeting 8/20/13 FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Resolution for the Use of Reserve – Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings 2. Discussion and Vote: Capital Budget Amendment - Carousel 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Interfund Transfer for Retirement 4. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers - Benefits 5. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers - Payroll 6. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Contingency 7. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – City Center Contingency PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amend 2013 Capital Budget – Carousel Windows 2. Discussion: Paving Schedule 3. Discussion: Update on the Senior Center Emergency Remediation PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Ambulance Report Update 2. Discussion: Noise from Outdoor Entertainment District SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Update from Full Board Meeting 2. Early Intervention Program 3. Status of County Finances Matthew Veitch 1. Update: Public Safety Committee 2. Update: Public Health Committee 3. Update: Early Intervention Program 4. Update: County Audit Report 5. Update: Quarterly Budget Report ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 August 20, 2013 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Sharon Kellner-Byrnes, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, 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 Amend 2013 Capital Budget - Carousel Renovation Project Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco stated this is to replace the 10 sliding glass windows in the carousel. They have had a problem over the past couple of years securing the windows and locking them. The amount is $40,147. No one spoke. Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. 2014 – 2019 Capital Program Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Mayor Johnson advised he will take further comments after the capital program presentation. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Phil Diamond of 55 Railroad Place stated the EMS on the east side is #11. Having lived out there it is very important. He suggested raising the number of its priority above #11. Joe Russo of 33 Cliffside Drive stated he read the mayor is proposing to put money out for an emergency medical facility on the east side. They should study with the growth of this city where these facilities should go. Try to save a life that is needed out there. Jean Cockcroft of 13 Flying Dutchman Way stated you should look beyond just servicing the east side. There is the huge complex on Weibel Avenue and possibly a full casino. The City is going to need more emergency services. John Willson of 3 Waterview Drive stated his is a member of the East Side Emergency Committee and the Summer Wind Homeowner’s Association stated he spoke previously with the Council about this. A facility on the east side does not mean that it is dedicated only to that area any more than the facility on the west side is dedicated only to that area. Constructing a firehouse and EMT facility on the east side would provider greater flexibility, efficiency, and complement and enhance the existing system. Kay Watkins of 34 Vista Drive stated when she moved here 25 years ago the east side had nothing. Over the past 25 years they have all been good citizens and tax payers. She asked the Council to take the emergency facility seriously Morgan Lindsay of 51 Regatta View Drive stated she does care about the emergency response times. We hope to be better than twice the national response time. Keith Kaplan of 67 Stafford Bridge Road stated you can’t get any further east than he lives. We need to look at alternatives other than building additional infrastructure. This is wasteful, inefficient, and highly short-sighted. He believes we should be collaborating with surrounding towns. We shouldn’t be building additional buildings and hiring additional people just to get someone on the spot quickly. We are looking at operating costs, bonding costs, and paying for all that. He also believes the land swap is a bad idea. Joseph Brady of 95 Fifth Avenue asked where the ambulance is that was purchased 5 years ago and still not in service. He asked the Council to think about how we can achieve emergency services on the east side. Have we thought about or looked into point dispatch. You have to learn to do more with less. Suzanne Marshall of 50 Tyler Drive stated she agrees with everyone except for the gentleman who is feeling that it is not something that should be on the capital budget. She sees other items such as glass that can go towards a portion of the money needed for the emergency service on the east side. Chris Hoyt of 26 Regatta View Drive stated he would like to add his voice that he would like to see the emergency services on the east side as quickly as possible. Jack Barron of 22 Cliffside Drive stated she had the need for 3 visits from the EMS. The first time they didn’t know where Cliffside Drive was and the other times they responded with a fire truck. Brian Finneran of 32 Sicata Street stated his son is a fireman in Florida. His son is proud of the number of lives they have saved. We are talking about lives here and not just dollars. The more he hears from his neighbors, it strengthens his resolve in the need for an east side EMS station. He appreciates everything the Council does but does not appreciate having to wait for an EMT station on the east side. George Shuloff of 55 Regatta View stated he has been here many times over the past 5 years to stress the need of fire and EMS on the east side. This station could serve a lot more than the east side. It is time to start moving on the land purchase. Commissioner Mathiesen advised a fire truck responds to all calls because it is a matter of who gets there first. All our firemen are paramedics and EMTs. The back of every fire truck says fire/EMS. In addition, if there is another call, they can go directly to that call. He also advised we have 2 ambulances and neither Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 is sitting idol. No one is taking this issue lightly. We want a station that will serve the plateau, the race track and the east side of the City. Commissioner Franck advised he was given a statement to submit as part of the record (attached). Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Veteran’s Memorial Park Improvements – Saratoga Brigade Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Palma Burke of 8 Coesa Drive and member of Southwest Neighborhood Association stated they are in support of having the recreation building at the Veteran’s Memorial Park. They are interested in have more information regarding the design of this building. Matthew Veitch of 2 Casino Drive stated he lives right across from where this is going to be built. It is a great addition to the park. The neighborhood would like to see a little more of the project before it moves forward. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. Mayor Johnson asked for a moment of silence out of respect to former Mayor Ray Watkins for the loss of his wife. PUBLIC COMENT 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. Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:13 p.m. Allison Daboval of 9 Skidmore Drive stated she is a cadet Girl Scout. She is looking to achieve the silver award by defining dark skies for Saratoga Springs. Her definition of dark skies is when light from street lights are not overlapping and are not too harsh and bright. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:16 p.m. PRESENTATIONS Presentation: 2014 – 2019 Proposed Capital Program Mayor Johnson advised the proposed capital program is on file in the Accounts Department and the City library. The back-up information is also included. The Capital Program is mandated by the City Charter to identify over a six year period the capital needs of the City and the proposed means of financing, indicating the amount proposed to be financed by local taxes, and the amount, if any, estimated to be received from the federal government, the state government, any other government, non-government or private entity, or Page 5 of 15  City Council Meeting 8/20/13 any other source of funds procured for the project. The recommendations were made by the Capital Program Committee which is made up of representatives from the Departments of Finance, Public Safety, Public Works, and Accounts; the City Planner; the City Engineer; Chair of the Planning Board; a representative of the Recreation Commission, and the Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation. The current long-term debt bonding capacity is $75,037,221. This year the Committee’s recommendation is to bond $4,535,686 for 2014 of which $1,150,000 represents water and sewer bonds which are excluded from the debt limit. The anticipated debt retirement for 2014 is approximately $1,903,499. The total net increase in bonding, should all 2014 projects go forward, would be $3,385,686. 2014 Proposed CAPITAL PROJECTS 2014 2014 TOTAL BOND DEPT NOTE DESCRIPTION RANK PROJECT REQUEST Infrastructure Improvement and DPW # Replacement Project (Water) 1 $950,000 $950,000 Waste Water Pump Stations Annual DPW # Upgrades (Sewer) 2 $200,000 $200,000 IT-Server Room Upgrade and FINANCE SC-1 Consolidation 3 $268,400 $268,400 Thermal Imaging Camera Upgrade and DPS SC-3 Replacement 4 $43,200 $43,200 DPS SC-2 Portable and Car Radios 5 $99,803 $99,803 DPW Street Sweeper #85 6 $180,000 $180,000 DPW Loader/Tool Carrier Machine #6 7 $152,000 $152,000 Woodlawn Parking Garage: Security DPW SC-5 Cameras, Emergency Phone 8 $45,240 $45,240 DPS Ambulance 9 $130,000 $130,000 West Avenue Fire Station Infrastructure DPS SC-4 Renovation Project 10 $57,542 $57,542 DPS SC-6 East Side Fire and EMS Facility 11 $192,500 $192,500 DPW Canfield Casino Rehabilitation Program 12 $200,000 $200,000 DPW Dump Truck w/ Plow Equipment #18 13 $174,000 $174,000 City Buildings and Facilities Repairs and DPW Upgrades 14 $200,000 $150,000 Police Evidence and Records Management DPS SC-7 Facility 15 $572,000 $572,000 REC SC-8 Recreation Security Expansion 16 $25,166 $25,166 Woodlawn and Putnam Parking Deck DPW Repairs & Renovations 17 $125,000 $125,000 MAYOR * Geyser Road Trail 18 $1,454,000 $290,800 DPW ## Spirit of Life Restoration Project 19 $50,000 $25,000 DPW Street Sweeper #81 20 $180,000 $180,000 DPW Dump Truck w/ Plow Equipment #47 21 $174,000 $174,000 Page 6 of 15  City Council Meeting 8/20/13 DPW Saratoga Arts Council Renovations Project 22 $25,000 $25,000 Lake Avenue Fire Station Window DPS SC-10 Replacement Project 23 $21,120 $21,120 DPW Mower 24 $54,915 $54,915 REC Court Resurfacing 25 $72,500 $0 East Side and West Side Rec REC ## Improvements 26 $30,000 $0 REC Playgrounds and Facilities 27 $22,000 $0 MAYOR * Route 50 Gateway Reconstruction 28 $4,000,000 $200,000 REC Field Rehabilitation 29 $95,000 $0 TOTAL BONDED PROJECTS $8,843,386 Less projects funded by Water and Sewer Funds $1,579,000 Less projects funded by Other Funds $3,678,700 NET AMOUNT - TOTAL INCREASE IN DEBT LIMIT $3,585,686 $3,585,686 Anticipated Debt Retirement in 2014 $1,903,499 SC - Safety Committee Ranking # Indicates Water and Sewer Funds ## Indicates other funding source * Contingent on Grant Funding The total amount of the projects is $8,843,386. When projects funded by the water and sewer funds ($1,579,000) and projects funded by other means ($3,678,700) are deducted, the total increased amount of bonding would be $3,585,686. Mayor Johnson advised the next public hearing is August 27th at 1:00 p.m. and another on September 3rd at 6:50 p.m. prior to the regular scheduled City Council meeting. This must be voted on by September 15, 2013 and then will be forwarded to Commissioner Madigan for inclusion in the entire City’s budget. Mayor Johnson opened the floor at 7:57 p.m. for additional comments. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated #11 has no specific location; the location is critical. He believes a better job can be done from the fiscal side. From an operational side, the services have been outstanding. Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Commissioner Mathiesen asked if the vagueness and wording of the use of the funds going back to 2011 capital budget when the use of the funds were proposed for an ambulance station at the Waterfront property. Mayor Johnson explained that in 2011 (proposal for 2012) the proposal was designed to be at the park and if the location was to change, the funds would still be available. Commissioner Mathiesen confirmed the numbers come from those deliberations. Mayor Johnson advised the wording was done that way per suggestion from bond counsel so that if the location didn’t have we wouldn’t be locked in. You don’t want to have language that is too specific that it ties your hands. Mayor Johnson ended the public comment period at 8:04 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 8/5/13 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 8/6/13 City Council Minutes 3. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 4. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 5. Approve Payroll 08/09/13 $450,940.66 6. Approve Payroll 08/16/13 $451,168.98 7. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWAUG1 $104,486.53 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 REG – 13AUG2 $647,025.62 No comments. Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Copeland Coating, Inc. (13-288) Mayor Johnson stated this is a continuation of what was previously awarded by bid. This is in the amount of $59,000. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Copeland Coating, Inc. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation Saratogarec.com (13-289) Mayor Johnson advised this donation is from Amy Smith, a local resident, for a domain site called thesaratogarec.com for the Recreation Department valued at $45. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to accept the donation as described. Ayes – All Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Car Charging Group, Inc. for Car Charging Stations at the 6 Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage (13-290) Mayor Johnson advised this is at no cost to the City. It is a 10 year agreement which after has a 1 year renewable agreement. The City will receive 10% of the revenue. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Car Charging Group, Inc. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of Two Prints from Chester Racecourse (13-291) Mayor Johnson advised the Chester Racecourse donated these prints as a gift for our 150th anniversary. These are 2 limited edition racing prints of Chester. These prints will be on display at the City Center. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to accept the donation with gratitude and grace. Ayes – All Announcement: Design Review Commission Terms of Office Mayor Johnson advised this should also be considered amendments to the appointments of that board. They set forth 5 year staggered terms for that board. The proposal is to be able to create continuity and better operation of the DRC. Beginning 7/1/12, the terms of the members are as follows: Steve Rowland 2013 – 2018 Richard Martin 2013 - 2018 Tammie Ehinger 2013 - 2017 Robert West 2013 – 2016 Karen Cavotta 2013 – 2016 Robert DeMarco 2013 – 2015 Georgeanna Lussier 2013 - 2014 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Direct Energy for Utility Rates (13- 292) Gene Salerni of EnergyNext explained they are an energy consulting firm that runs the Chamber of Commerce’s energy alliance program. The City has been taking advantage of the program since 2001. National Grid no longer generates energy; they are just a supplier. Electricity is generated by independent power plants and the price changes daily. If you choose an energy supplier you can lock in at a price over time. The City has the opportunity to lock in at 5.7¢/kwh (kilowatt hour). The City has done a good job managing energy. Commissioner Franck asked when this contract will come into play if they vote on it tonight. Gene Salerni stated it will come into play with the next meter reading. Commissioner Franck asked when the rate is locked in. Gene advised the rate is locked in today and may take effect the first of the month. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Mayor Johnson confirmed this is being offered to us through the Chamber of Commerce. He stated asked if Direct Energy is a new company as he doesn’t recognize the name. Gene advised it was NYSEG Solutions for electric for many years and Energetix for gas. They were bought by Direct Energy in the past year. Mayor Johnson confirmed that they are the only ones authorized by the Chamber to act in this capacity. Gene advised that is correct. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Direct Energy for utility rates as described. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Grand Avenue Pump Station Emergency Generator to Kasselman Electric Co. (13-293) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Grand Avenue Pump Station Emergency Generator to Kasselman Electric Co. in the amount of $46,792.00. Commissioner Franck advised they were the lowest qualified bidder. Funding is in line H3638332 / 52000 / 1167. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Carousel Windows to Allerdice Glass & Mirror (13-294) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for Carousel Windows to Allerdice Glass & Mirror in the amount of $40,147.00. Commissioner Franck advised they were the lowest qualified bidder. Funding is in line H3517132 / 52000 / 1208. Ayes – All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Resolution for the Use of Reserve – Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings (13-295) Commissioner Madigan advised this is to use the capital reserve fund, known as the building reserve fund, for the repair of the carousel windows. This fund currently has $695,813 in it. This fund is replenished each year from the carousel and chair rentals at the Casino. The Council agreed to waive the reading of the following resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS NEW YORK (For Expenditure of Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings) WHEREAS, the City Council of the city of Saratoga Springs established the Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings (“Buildings Reserve Fund”) on November 7, 2006 to accumulate moneys to finance the cost of the construction, reconstruction, or acquisition of buildings and additions to or conversion thereof as described in subdivisions 11 and 12 of §11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and WHEREAS, the Council now finds that an expenditure of $40,147.00 is required to replace the windows at the Carousel. This expenditure will be made in accordance with the purposes of the Buildings Reserve Fund; Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 NOT, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the above described expenditure is hereby approved in accordance with the Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the resolution for the use of the capital reserve fund to finance the construction, reconstruction or acquisition of buildings as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Capital Budget Amendment – Carousel (13-296) Commissioner Madigan stated this in conjunction with the capital project for the replacement of the carousel windows. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2013 capital budget amendment for the DPW carousel window project which was distributed with the agenda. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck - Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Johnson - Aye Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Interfund Transfer for Retirement (13-297) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2013 budget amendment - interfund transfer which was distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Benefits (13-298) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – benefits which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (13-299) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Contingency (13-300) Commissioner Madigan advised this is to cover the 2013 general fund budget adjustments required due to contract settlements to the firefighters and police lieutenants. This is not retroactive pay. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – contingency which were distributed with the agenda. Commissioner Madigan advised the current budget amount in contingency is $585,194; there will remain $222,783.24 after these transfers. Ayes – All Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – City Center Contingency (13-301) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – City Center contingency which were distributed with the agenda. Commissioner Madigan advised this has been approved by the City Center Authority. The current budget amount in the contingency line is $15,211.02 and there will remain $4,211.02 after the transfer. Ayes - All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amend 2013 Capital Budget – Carousel Windows (13-302) Commissioner Scirocco stated the project will replace 10 sliding glass windows in the carousel. It has been difficult to secure these windows and move them when necessary. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to amend the capital program in the 2013 capital budget to add carousel windows to the capital program and amend 2013 capital budget in the amount of $40,147 for the Carousel Window project. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck - Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Johnson - Aye Discussion: Paving Schedule Commissioner Scirocco advised of the following paving schedule:  Monday, August 26th they will pave Dutchess Court from Rip Van Lane to the cul-de-sac  Tuesday, August 27th they will pave Curt Blvd. from Hathorn Blvd. to White Birch Path  Wednesday, August 28th they will pave Arapaho Path from Quevic Drive to the cul-de-sac Discussion: Update on the Senior Center Emergency Remediation Commissioner Scirocco advised there has been issues with a leak that created other issues. They were advised of the leak on August 5, 2013. DPW attempted to find the leak to no avail but did find a large area that appeared to be mold. Quick Response found mold in the men’s room, ladies room, and janitor’s room. An air quality test was performed. Per their conversation with Lois Celeste, director, it was agreed the Senior Center needed to be closed. He believes DPW will be able to block off an area that will allow them to work on rebuilding while the center is open to the public. Lois Celeste stated she hopes to open on Monday. The air results should be in by then. Commissioner Madigan asked how they plan to do a re-build; will it come out of their budget. Commissioner Scirocco stated they will probably take it out of their buildings’ fund. Commissioner Madigan stated it sounded like it should be a capital budget item. Commissioner Scirocco stated he doesn’t know what it is going to take to put it back together. Commissioner Madigan stated at this point they need an appropriation. Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Commissioner Scirocco stated he is not going to wait. They have money in their building fund. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion: Ambulance Report Update Commissioner Mathiesen advised this is a report after 18 months of service. The number of calls were 4,824 with 3,526 transports. Most of the expenses in 2012 related to start up costs. It is expected that their expenses will now be more predictable starting with 2013. They have been able to manage personnel well with the requirements of the ambulance; overtime has been kept consistent. Revenues continue to outpace predictions. The revenues for 2012 were $578,695 and are $498,069 for January – July of 2013. (copy of powerpoint presentation attached). Commissioner Mathiesen advised options include: contract with a for-profit ambulance provider and give up the 800k to 900k in revenue each year and raise taxes to maintain same staffing and services; lay-off 9 or more firefighters and go back to staffing levels of the 1970’s eliminating services, driving up overtime and giving sole control to a for-profit ambulance provider; or continue to provide a quality Fire Department ambulance service generating $800,000 - $900,000 per year helping to keep City taxes the lowest in the state. The services are better coordinated than they have been in the past. They have given papers to the mayor to sign for the certificate of need. Mayor Johnson advised he is being asked to certify and verify that we are in full compliance with all rules and regulations of New York State in the operation of the EMS. He has no personal knowledge of that and has concern about that. He spoke to legal counsel and as of last week he is being advised that regardless of how he feels, the Department of Health is stating they need him to sign. He is trying to figure out how to sign that without it being a sworn statement by him that we are in full compliance. He doesn’t run that department. He offered to sign as CEO of the City but indicate it is upon information and believe. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he will accept that. Per minutes of a meeting on January 17, 2012, the City Council is to decide if they wish to continue with the ambulance service. The first big step is the certificate of need then they need to bring this back to the Council. Mayor Johnson asked what 79.2% of the budget means on the bottom of the ‘revenue’ slide. Commissioner Madigan advised it the percentage collected of the revenue. Mayor Johnson asked if the deposits (last page of handout) are gross billed or net receipts. Commissioner Mathiesen advised they are net receipts. Mayor Johnson asked how much of the total service provided is a contractual write-down or write-off. Commissioner Mathiesen advised he can’t disclose that information in public as Multi-Med is in a competitive position with other clients. He can provide that information in private. Commissioner Madigan confirmed the rent to Empire Ambulance was reduced and we guarantee them a specific number of calls. Commissioner Mathiesen advised we did reduce the rent, we guarantee at least 1 call per day, and we are offering gas through the City to be more cost effective. We are trying to do everything we can to work with them. Commissioner Franck asked if there is a revenue number attached to the eastern ridge or is it just to reduce the response time. Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Commissioner Mathiesen stated putting a third station out there will not increase the number of calls it will make us more available for calls in the City with the stations all working in conjunction with each other. A third station would be for the entire east side, not just the east ridge. Discussion: Noise from Outdoor Entertainment District Commissioner Mathiesen stated they have been trying to deal effectively with the noise from the outdoor entertainment venues in the City. Last year they worked with the Accounts Department and the assistant city attorney to word the City licenses so that repeat complaints of noise could result in the loss of an establishment’s right to have outdoor entertainment for the remainder of the season. They will devote a portion of the next Public Safety forum on October 24, to this issue of noise. He believes there are solutions. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Update from Full Board Meeting Supervisor Yepsen reported the County Offices of Emergency Services will be holding a local emergency coordinators meeting on September 18th. The Racing Committee has set up free admission at the track on Monday, August 26th for County residents. The Public Defender’s Office advised they will be taking on an assistant public defender. The next property auction will be September 17th and their Economic Committee is still putting SEDC in the wings. Early Intervention Program Supervisor Yepsen reported there are deficiencies in the state’s administration of the Early Intervention Program (EIP). A resolution was passed today in hopes to prevent the collapse of the EIP network. They have failed to provide timely response in processing the EIP claims; therefore, many providers are threatening to cancel their agreements with DOH. Status of County Finances Supervisor Yepsen reported they received a second quarter budget report. Matthew Veitch Update: Public Safety Committee Supervisor Veitch reported a few resolutions were passed. They changed some of the fee schedules for the animal shelter. They lowered the adoption fee for cats from Aug. 13th – Sept. 15th. Other items that they were collecting fees less than their costs were increased to cover to their costs. Update: Public Health Committee Supervisor Veitch reported the County decided not to hire a new billing person at Maplewood Manor to replace the person who left. Outsourcing the process will cost some money upfront but will allow for faster payments to the County by the state for reimbursements and may allow for increased revenues until the facility is privatized. Update: Early Intervention Program Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 8/20/13 Supervisor Veitch reported this program serves about 300 children. He disclosed both of his children are in parts of this program. The County ran this program up to this budget year. Update: County Audit Report Supervisor Veitch reported the County received an unqualified report for 2012. There were 3 main concerns that were outside the daily finances: IT security, the Board of Supervisors need to adopt a fund balance policy; and out of date capital assets software. Update: Quarterly Budget Report Supervisor Veitch reported most numbers are in line with their projections from December. They have not taken any revenue from Maplewood Manor as projected in the budget and the revenues from the sale of the landfill have reduced their amount of unassigned fund balance they need to balance the budget. Commissioner Mathiesen provided clarification of the ambulance fees; the City has received $1,076,766 based upon services provided after write-offs and commissions. If the City were to give up the ambulance service, there would be a tax rate increase of 4%. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 9/3/13 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 15 of 15