03/15/2005 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 3/15/2005 created Staffing Committee, however no funding changes were made at this time. Concerns that remain unfunded as well are a possible shortfall in building repair and maintenance, a failing water heater, phone system and roof at Fire Station # 1. One of the fire fighters brought up the question of whether an administrative assistant position was reflected in the budget. This was discussed and, at this time, it appeared that an additional $35,000 was included in wages for this purpose. According to the Finance Director, this should not have occurred. Further, the Committee objected to this funding. If in fact the funding is present, it is to be removed. No new positions shall be created until such time as they are explained and a rationale presented. Fire Fighter union President, Dave Boatman, also raised the general concern that health care costs in the city are being over estimated, with a yearly carry over of several hundred thousand dollars over the past three years. The committee had some discussion on this, but deferred further discussion to Wednesday evening where Personnel Director Cheryl Farver can be present to address this along with Finance Director Copfer. 3) A Finance Committee budget meeting was held on Sunday, March 13. Present were committee members Kasler, Limpert and Gareau; Councilman Nashar; Directors of Law, Finance and Service; Service Dept. employees and guests. The following issues were discussed: • Law Director Dubelko raised the issue of $30,000 in legal fees in the budget. He stated that outstanding fees to Gary Johnson, the attorney who has handled fire negotiations and arbitrations, will exceed that figure and that more was needed in that line. • The Mayor's budget remained relatively the same other than all city postage is now reflected in his budget as a separate line. • The Finance Department was also self explanatory, and only suffered the removal of $ 3,500 in printing costs. • In the Service Department, the following changes took place or were suggested: 1. Funding seasonal street maintenance and seasonal brush removal to appropriate funds other than the General Fund, thereby relieving the General Fund of those amounts. 2. Computer supplies were reduced from $2,000 to $500 since this expense will be covered by borrowed computer funds. 3. Office supply line item was reduced; 4. City Hall duct cleaning was added to the budget this year in the amount of $10,000 since it has been several years since this took place. 5. Funding was included for repairing the curbs on Lorain, from Canterbury east to the city line in preparation for the State's resurfacing, curb to curb, of that area; 6