Budget Hearings

MINUTES Budget Hearing Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call to Order Council Members Present: David Barranco, Sarah Cole, Alex Jensen, Rich Merkouris (Arr. 3:02 p.m.), Greg Neitzert (Arr. 3:02 p.m.), Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr Council Members Absent: None Council Chair Curt Soehl called the meeting to order at 3 p.m. 2. Budget Hearings A. City Attorney's Office City Attorney Stacy Kooistra explained that the City Attorney's Office provides legal support to the City Council, Mayor, and all City offices; safeguards equal opportunities for residents; helps ensure equal access for residents of all abilities; and, assists in City growth through business licensing. The $2.6M proposed budget reflects a $279k increase for a Public Safety records specialist, Public Works specialist, and part-time support to Housing and Human Relations. Discussion followed about support to the Multi-Cultural Center. B. Centralized Facilities Tom Huber, Assistant Director of Finance, stated that the purpose of Centralized Facilities is to coordinate the maintenance, improvement, and expansion of centrally-managed facilities as well as supporting a sustainable and strategic approach to investing in existing properties while planning for future growth and the demands for additional facility space. The $12M proposed budget invests in the longevity, usefulness, and safety of each building; provides for the efficient and effective use of each facility to deliver public services; allows for a coordinated and collaborative approach to using and sharing space; scales for growth by expanding footprints when appropriate; and, creates a positive employee and customer experience. The proposed budget includes one new Facilities Maintenance (trades- focused) position for 2023. The division is also planning for new custodial positions in 2024 for the Public Safety Training and 911 facility. The proposed budget shows increases of: $1.4M in Repairs and Maintenance; $3.8M in Capital; $100k for design, engineering, and architect services; and a $30k increase for utilities. The presentation concluded with a review of major projects over the next three fiscal years. Discussion followed about the Fire Headquarters remodel. C. Public Parking Matt Nelson, Public Parking Facilities Manager, explained that Public Parking provides safe, sufficient, and convenient parking for employees, customers, and visitors with 3,000 off-street and over 1,000 on-street parking spaces. The division operates and maintains six parking ramps, eleven parking lots, and on-street operations as an enterprise fund. Public Parking continues to invest in technology to create efficiencies and provide convenient payment options for a better customer experience. It also supports downtown businesses and events by providing available and affordable parking solutions with appropriate rates of turnover. The proposed $3.4M budget includes $41k for increases in lease, meter, and daily parking revenues; a $47k decrease in fines revenue based on trends; a $13k increase in wages and benefits; and a $10k increase in utilities. Discussion followed about: the location of City-owned lots and ramps; appraisals of parking facilities; a parking master plan; and parking at the airport. D. Entertainment Venues Shawn Pritchett, Director of Finance, stated that investments are made in entertainment and convention venues that enhance the quality of life and cultural experience for residents while also attracting business and visitors to the community. The City partners with entertainment venue managers to enhance and enrich the community; invest in maintaining and improving existing event venues; expanding facilities through timely and opportune investments; and, encouraging venue managers to provide the best return on investment for each City-owned facility. He described the City's venues, which include the Events Complex, Stadium, Washington Pavilion, and Orpheum Theater. The proposed $5.7M budget for the Complex and Stadium includes lighting, digital displays, and furniture for the Premier Center; chairs and a chiller for the Convention Center; and, master planning. The proposed $6.6M budget for the Pavilion and Orpheum Theater includes sound system upgrades for the Belbas Theater, Great Hall, and Orpheum; Kirby Science Center exhibits; and, lobby and marquee restoration. Discussion followed about: the value of investing in these venues; professional services; sound system upgrades; consulting fees; the use of private donations; and, the operating contracts. E. Police Police Chief Jon Thum explained the purpose of the department, which is to partner with the community to serve, protect, and promote quality of life; serve the public with a strong understanding of and commitment to justice; and to enforce the law, maintain order, and prevent crime through community-oriented policing. The proposed operating budget includes a $2.3M increase in contributions to Metro 911; a $200k increase to move annual video storage cost to operations from capital; a $200k decrease due to expiring coronavirus-related grants; and a $104k increase for fuel due to price adjustments. The capital budget includes funding for in-car video system upgrades; patrol and K-9 crossovers; and, radio upgrades. Discussion followed about: drone training; department organization; diversity; new officer training; vehicles; and the funding of School Resource Officers.  F. Fire Fire Chief Matt McAreavey spoke about the purpose of the department and some key indicators of performance over the past year. The focus for the department includes: investing in current facilities by repairing & remodeling fire stations to keep up with continual utilization; collaboration with SFPD and Metro 911 on the Public Safety Campus buildout & operations; working with community partners in community risk reduction to mitigate and prevent loss; and, collaboration with partners to ensure effective responses to current risks and emergencies while strategically planning for growth. The Operating Budget includes: a $238k increase due to adjustments and cost increases for fuel, new equipment & supplies, and repairs to existing equipment; a $103k increase to continue funding ongoing facilities improvements; a $75k increase for technology initiatives in connectivity and communications; and a $57k increase for part-time wages, including the addition of one part-time position to support Emergency Management operations. The proposed Capital Budget includes: Fire Engine replacements; a Fire Station Alerting System; State-funded Lifepak15 upgrades; and, a Grant-funded Hazmat Detection System. Discussion followed about: managing finances for the Public Safety training facility; how the facility will be managed; diversity in the department; and, staffing and overtime. G. Parks and Recreation Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained that the purpose of the department is to provide for parks, trails, and open spaces to foster a high quality of life and to provide recreation programming and services to aid in the wellbeing of residents and to support economic growth. The department's focus is on: planning for and managing the park system and a diverse urban forest; enhancing existing resources through projects that address aging facilities in the park system; the river; and, expanding recreational opportunities and experiences. The Operating Budget includes: an $860k increase for wage adjustments, two new positions, and step increases/cost of living allowances; $316k for support of partners focused on kids and families; and a $380k increase for taking care of the park system. The Capital Program addresses: the Sioux Falls Skate Park; the Big Sioux River Greenway; Aquatic Facilities master plans; strategic land acquisition; park roads and parking lots; the Elmwood clubhouse and cart storage; and Zoo sanitary sewer replacement. Discussion followed about: funding; access to facilities and programs; the Emerald Ash Borer; and the replacement of Ash trees. H. City Council This item will be presented at the Budget Hearing of August 16th. 3. Public Comment Sierra Broussard spoke about the police budget and divserity in the workforce. 4. Executive Session A. Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term  "employee" does not include any independent contractor pursuant to SDCL 1-25- 2(1) A motion was made by Council Member Jensen and seconded by Council Member Selberg to enter Executive Session at 5:24 p.m. Roll call vote to enter Executive Session. 7 Yes: Barranco, Cole, Jensen, Merkouris, Selberg, Soehl, Starr; 1 No: Neitzert. Motion Passed. A motion was made by Council Member Jensen and seconded by Council Member Barranco to exit Executive Session and adjourn at 5:47 p.m. Voice vote to exit Executive Session. 8 Yes: Barranco, Cole, Jensen, Merkouris, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Starr; 0 No: (None). Motion Passed. 5. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk