03/15/2005 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 3/15/20(15 Councilwoman Kasler, chairperson of the Finance Committee: 1) The first meeting of the Finance meeting with regard to the budget was held on February 24. It was basically a learning meeting as everyone had to adjust to the new computer system and method of addressing the budget. 2) A budget meeting was held on Saturday, March 12, and present were committee members Gareau, Limpert and Kasler; President O'Grady; Directors of Finance, Law and Service; the Building Commissioner; members of the Service Department and guests. The following items were discussed: • The Building Department budget. Mr. Conway stated that the budget was cut in various ways. He stated that, if funds became available, he believes he will be short in supplies. Further, he would request that money be provided for continuing to microfilm records. (The committee is not sure if this will happen, but they did ask all department heads and division people to advise where they saw a shortfall so that, if money was found in another place of the budget, those issues could be readdressed.) The subject of property maintenance was discussed again. The present plan is to continue to fund a property maintenance/ building inspector, working 50% on each function. Council members once again asked that other ideas be considered with regard to increasing the residential property maintenance program in the city. Although the Administration did not fund such an increased program, the committee requested that the Safety Director investigate the cost and procedure for a seasonal program of property maintenance inspection. It was suggested that he consult with other communities, including Fairview Park, to obtain this information. He was asked to present this information to the committee for funding consideration, and he agreed to do so at the meeting to be held an Wednesday. • The Safety Department budget was somewhat self explanatory, with the secretary to the Safety Director being funded at a lesser rate than the retired Sandy Purger, and for the remainder of the year. The Police Department budget had several corrections. Due to some calculation errors, increases are needed in Overtime, Materials and Supplies, Other Supplies, and several other areas. Some suggestions were made to fund these increases by use of STOP Funds and Hotel /Motel where appropriate. Although the Police Chief requested the hiring of a 3rd Corrections Officer, the Mayor asked that this not be included in the budget. Related arbitration is presently taking place surrounding this position. • The Emergency Central Dispatch budget remained the same as last year other than the contractually required increases. • The Fire Department budget major change is the increase to the department of two fire fighters. This was recommended by the Chief and accepted by the Administration. However, the 11 man minimum suggestion was not funded at this time. Significant discussion took place regarding the recommendations of the newly