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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03/15/1988March 15, 1988 The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Special Session at City Hall Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa at 7:00 p.m. on March 15, 1988. Mayor Bernard L. McKinley in the Chair. Roll Call: Dell, Fox, Angel, Buck, Wright, Budak, Brown. The members of the Mayor's Budget Review Committee were introduced and presented with Certificates of Appreciation. The members include: Ms. Becky Hall, Mr. Marvin Simpson, Mr. Mike Atkins, Mr. Leon Mosley and Mr. Tom Siders. 91742 - Moved by Wright, seconded by Angel that call for Special Session at City Hall Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa at 7:00 p.m. on March 15, 1988 for proposed F.Y. 1989 Budget be received and placed on file. Motion carried. 91743 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Angel that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on proposed Fiscal Year 1989 Budget for the City of Waterloo as published in the Waterloo Courier on March 11, 1988, be received and placed on file. Motion carried. 91744 - HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for oral and written objections. There were no written objections. The first program area to be reviewed was Community Protection. Police Chief Roger Shook stated that the F.Y. 1989 budget would result in four layoffs plus seven through attrition. A 6 percent reduction in the current year budget equates into a $300,000 loss. Chief Shook presented several alternatives in reduction of force. Plan A: Layoff of four officers and no civilian. Plan B: Layoff of three officers and one civilian. Plan C: Layoff of two officers and two civilians. Chief Shook stated that $91,000 is needed to maintain the personnel services portion of the budget. Richard Knief, President of the Police Protective Association, questioned the Chief's number of layoffs as compared to a presentation on March 8. Chief Shook responded by stating that it is not the intention of the Police Administration to lay off anyone, since no one benefits from layoffs. He stated that the above information is presented using honest facts and figures. Officer Knief stated that in his calculations of the Police Department budget, only an additional $14,000 was needed to prevent any layoffs. He suggested that if cuts need to be made, that they be made in the civilian ranks. He also stated that the Citizens' Budget Review Committee has commented that the Police Department is at "bear bones" in terms of police officers and that officers are now living on borrowed time. The committee also reported that any excess funding in the City budget go to the Police Department. Councilperson Dell questioned the "bumping" that would result from clerical layoffs in the Police Department. It was stated that several minorities may face layoff in the clerical ranks throughout the City if layoffs occur in the Police Department. Richard McCally, 1317 Hawthorne Avenue, asked that the Council not lay off any personnel in the Police Department. He suggested that money from the Park or Recreation Commission be diverted to police activities. Becky Frisch, wife of a Waterloo Police Officer, stated that she was afraid for her husband's safety with the reduction in Officers on the street. They are being asked to do more with less back-up personnel. Officer Jim Schmidt stated that he is concerned with individual Officer safety but more importantly the safety of our community. He stated that cuts in Police Officers will result in creating a less than safe atmosphere for our citizens. March 15, 1988 Page 2 Officer Knief stated that when new businesses are looking at a community one of the first things they look at is police and fire protection. With the possible location of IBP in our community, more protection by the Police Department will be necessary. Mayor McKinley responded by saying that if IBP chooses to locate in our community, the facility would not be open until August, 1989, which is beyond the F.Y. 1989 budget. The Tannery is expected to open in the Fall, 1988. Officer Steve Frost, a 13 year veteran of the Police Department, stated that he is concerned with his personal safety if Officers are laid off. Officer Jack Lockett commented that the Department is growing older with each day. If layoffs are to occur, younger Officers will be laid off, which will result in even a faster aging Department. In response to a question from Councilperson Angel, Chief Shook commented that $60,000 remains in the budget for the purchase of police cars. There was discussion concerning the income from the Dog Track and whether or not money paid to the City over and above the cost of the road construction could be allocated to Police operations. Mayor McKinley stated that the layoffs at John Deere have now impacted the City's tax base. The Mayor stated that he does not like laying off personnel, but it is the only alternative that the City has. Dawn McGuire, wife a Police Officer, stated that the Department is a strong Department and if Officers are laid off, their safety and that of their families are greatly jeopardized. Tom Tietjens, President of the Fire Fighters Union, stated that it is sad that citizens are now calling the Fire Department for incidences that should be within the domain of the Police Department. He stated that a recent assault victim called the Fire Department instead of the Police Department since she felt the response time would be less. Councilperson Dell asked whether or not the Debt Service fund reserve of $250,000 could be diverted to Police Department operations. Bruce Meisinger, Budget Analyst, responded that they could not be transferred to such a use. Councilperson Dell also suggested purchasing fewer police cars to keep Officers on the street. Combining the Human Development Contingency of ($26,132), and funding of Jesse Cosby Parenting ($9,998), KBBG Communications ($15,810), Martin Luther King Center ($2,325) and the purchase of cars would generate funds enough to retain manpower in the Police Department. Councilperson Wright stated that she would not allow KBBG or Martin Luther King Center or Jesse Cosby to be cut from funding. Moved by Wright, seconded by Angel that the Police Operations Budget be approved at a level of $4,703,760.00 with the stipulation that $91,000 be found within the budget to avert layoffs in the Police Department. Prior to a vote on this motion, Jack Seeber, 2103 Downing, approached the microphone. He complimented Mayor McKinley on bringing a positive attitude to the City but with the many negative happenings in the City, including school reorganization, closing of a hospital, and potential layoffs of Police and Fire Department personnel, a negative shadow was being cast upon the City. He suggested that City Hall Administration be reduced and that Policemen and Firemen be kept on board. Jeremy O'Connor, son of a Waterloo Police Officer, commented that on his way to City Hall this evening, he encountered a car full of drunks at the corner of West Fifth and Baltimore. He stated that Officers are needed on the street to insure safety. A vote was taken on the above motion. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. March 15, 1988 Page 3 91745 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Brown that the Fire Department Budget be approved at $3,873,607 (plus $178,480 for civilians and $654,452 for pensions). Prior to a vote, the following discussion was heard. Fire Chief Stan Stapella stated that the F.Y. 1989 budget would result in 11 positions being affected, with four through attritions and seven layoffs. To avert these layoffs, he proposed sources of revenue (fee increases) that the Council would need to vote on at a later time. Estimated revenues through increased fees and fines (including charges for fire inspections and hazardous materials training) is approximately $250,000. He also stated that Fire Stations will be closed on a temporary basis to reflect daily manpower levels at each of the Stations. Brenda Jacks, 1140 Prospect Boulevard, asked what specific services will be cut by the City. She also questioned what "adequate" protection for our City meant. She stated that she pays a large sum in property taxes and does not feel that she will have adequate Police and Fire protection with the proposed cuts. She wanted answers to the following questions: 1) How many Officers are currently on the street each day. 2) How many Officers will be on the street with the proposed manpower reductions in F.Y. 1989. 3) What will be the response time to trouble calls. 4) What Fire Stations will be closed periodically. 5) How many fire trucks are called to a scene. Councilperson Brown expressed concern with her statement that the Council exhibits a "lack of concern" to the problem of lay offs. Richard McCally, 1317 Hawthorne, asked that the Fire Department not be cut. If the City is considering cuts, McElroy should be cut. Tom Tietjens clarified the Chief's earlier remarks by stating that Engine 8 would permanently be put out of service at Crossroads. At the time that Fire Station 2 was closed, Engine Company Number 8 was moved to Crossroads. This station now has a large area of service. Mr. Tietjens questioned the uniform replacement line item of $5,000. Mr. Tietjens also asked that consideration be given to allowing Firemen to occupy the positions now held by civilian dispatchers. With the elimination of the Assistant Fire Chief, three Captains were hired for hazardous materials. Mr. Tietjens referred to this previous Council action as a "smoke screen". There was also discussion concerning the number of Firemen that respond to a fire. It was stated that the cost per individual for layoff is $4,000 in unemployment payments. Chief Stapella explained the proposed fee schedule that will be later presented to the Council. 91746 - Moved by Budak, seconded by Angel that the original motion as stated above be amended to include that no authority be given for layoffs in the Fire Department without prior Council approval. This amendment passed unanimously. The original motion as amended was voted on and passed unanimously. A ten minute recess was declared. 91747 - The Civil Defense Program Area was discussed. It was stated that the City's contribution is based upon population and is also funded through Federal match money. Moved by Brown, seconded by Angel that the Civil Defense Budget be approved at $22,036.00. Motion carried. 91748 - The Mayor announced the time had arrived to hear comments on the Health and Human Development Area. March 15, 1988 Page 4 Councilperson Brown stated that his statements would not be popular. He stated that the funding for such agencies as Boys and Girls Club, RSVP, Food Bank, VNA, Integrated Crisis, Jesse Cosby Parenting, Martin Luther King Center, Cedar Arts Forum, Grout Musuem, the Municipal Band, and Operation Threshold represent nearly $95,000 in funding. He stated that he is not opposed to these agencies, but feels that it is not the City's responsibility to fund them. He stated that they are not a part of the City's budget and that the City is not a welfare or organization, not a foundation or a United Way Agency. Councilperson Wright stated that they should remain a part of the budget. Mayor McKinley explained that many of these agencies were initially funded by the City through revenue sharing. Since revenue sharing dollars have been cut, these agencies have maintained City budget status. 91749 - Moved by Brown, seconded by Budak that the Boys and Girls Club be deleted from the F.Y. 1989 proposed budget ($4,500). Prior to a vote on this motion, the following discussion was heard. Councilperson Dell stated that we could not equate the services these agencies provide with the loss of Policemen and Firemen. He stated that these agencies are as important to people's behavior as other City Departments. Councilperson Dell suggested that we fund these agencies another year, but let them know that in the future we may consider eliminating them. Councilperson Budak stated that some other agency should support them and not be supported with taxpayer dollars. A vote was taken on the above motion with the following results: Ayes: Buck, Brown, Budak. Nays: Fox, Angel, Wright, Dell. Motion not approved. 91750 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Wright that funding in the amount of $4,500 be approved for F.Y. 1989 for the Boys and Girls Club. Ayes: Dell, Fox, Buck, Wright. Nays: Angel, Budak, Brown. Motion carried. 91751 - Moved by Wright, seconded by Buck that all Programs in the Health and Human Development Budget be approved at F.Y. 1989 proposed levels with the exception of Human Rights and Animal Control (to be discussed later). Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 91752 - The Mayor announced that the time had arrived for comments on the Animal Control Budget. Mike Mrzlak, Superintendent of Animal Control, stated that the Department operates with three officers and provides service 99 hours per week. As a cost saving measure, Mr. Mrzlak has investigated the possibility of contracting Animal Control services with the Humane Society at an estimated cost of $155,000. Councilperson Buck asked whether there were any alternatives to providing the present service. It was stated that without an Animal Control Department most likely the Police Department would be further burdened with calls. Mr. Mrzlak also stated that his Department is trying desperately to increase revenues by increasing license revenues and enforcement of ordinances. Mr. Mrzlak estimates that there are 10,000 dogs and 4,000 cats in the corporate limits of the City of Waterloo and that currently only a little over 1100 dogs and 200 cats are licensed. Vonnie Jackson, 1838 Howard Avenue, stated that several businesses in the downtown are not paying their property taxes. Moved by Dell, seconded by Angel to approve the Animal Control Budget at $122,804, with an emphasis on increase in revenue. Motion carried. March 15, 1988 Page 5 91753 - The Mayor announced that the time had arrived to hear comments on the Human Rights Budget. B.J. Furgerson, Director, stated that a 6 percent cut would equate into the loss of $9,600. A cut of one staff member to half time or a cut in contractual services was suggested. She stated that training and out of state travel have been cut from the budget. $7,562 is needed to restore the budget to current status. Moved by Dell, seconded by Wright that the Human Rights Department be funded at $118,465 with added emphasis in finding money to keep all staff. Motion carried. 91754 - The Mayor announced that the Education Program Area would be reviewed. Bev Lind, Director of the Public Library, stated that the 6 percent reduction equates into staff reductions. Specifically, this would mean the elimination of ten positions, including two vacant positions, one through attrition and seven full and part time layoffs. Ms. Lind also stated that the Library employees would be willing to forego their pay increases to avoid layoffs. This would result in a $7,000 savings for the Library. Bill Lemke, 149 Madison Street, presented a written statement asking that the current funding level be maintained for the Library. Councilperson Angel commended the Library staff for this voluntary pay cut. Moved by Brown, seconded by Wright that the Library services, Library Gift and Memorial, Regional Library Fund, County Library Fund, and System Development Fund be approved at the F.Y. 1989 proposed level. Motion carried. 91755 - The funding for the Jesse Cosby Parenting Program was reviewed. Councilperson Dell stated that he supported a 4 percent increase in their line item request, which would be at the same rate as inflation. Leon Mosley, a member of the Citizens' Budget Review Committee, supported the proposed funding of $9,998 for F.Y. 1989. He also supported the proposed level of funding for KBBG Communications and Martin Luther King Center. Moved by Wright, seconded by Dell that the proposed funding level for Jesse Cosby Parenting in the amount of $9,998, KBBG Communications of $15,810, and Martin Luther King Center of $2,325 be approved. Ayes: Dell, Buck, Wright, Brown. Nays: Fox, Angel, Budak. Motion carried. 91756 - The Mayor announced that the time had arrived to hear comments concerning the Park Department Budget. Rich Carlson, Superintendent of Parks, stated that the F.Y. 1989 budget does not include money for capital improvements. The Department will also be realizing a savings by not filling the vacancy created by the promotion of Rick Tagtow to the position of Director. It was noted that green fees at the golf courses were increased from $5.75 to $6.25 last year. There was discussion on the use of golf fees to partially pay for the administrative portion of the budget. Moved by Angel, seconded by Fox that the Park Department Budget of $695,600 and Golf Course Budget of $412,950 be approved. Motion carried. March 15, 1988 Page 6 91757 - The Mayor announced that the time had arrived for comments on the Recreation Commission Budget. Dean Myhr, Director, stated that a 6 percent reduced budget would result in cuts of $60,000. User fees represent approximately $210,000 of the budget. Cuts would be made in part-time and seasonal employment resulting in the lay off of 14 part-time persons at the Recreation Center and approximately 35 part-time playground personnel. He stated that the Board is currently reviewing increases in user fees such as swimming pools. The McElroy Budget was also reviewed. The increase from the F.Y. 1988 adopted budget and the proposed F.Y. 1989 budget is to fulfill a contractual obligation of the City. Moved by Brown, seconded by Angel that the Recreation Budget of $864,800 and McElroy Auditorium of $190,515 be approved. Motion carried. 91758 - The Mayor announced that the time had arrived for comments on the Grout Museum Budget. Margo Dundon, Director, stated that the Museum plays an integral part of economic development and that it is a main tourist attraction for visitors to our City. The current operational budget of the Museum is $160,000. She stated that the Museum is not getting a "handout" as earlier stated. Moved by Brown, seconded by Budak that the funding level for the Grout Museum of $8,395, Symphony in the amount of $133,693 (pass through), and Cedar Arts Forum in the amount of $1,573 be approved. Motion carried. 91759 - The Riverfront Commission Budget of $4,500 was discussed. Paul Huting, Park Department, stated that grant matching monies are being investigated. Money allocated to this budget will be used for ramp and dock repair. Moved by Buck, seconded by Wright that the Riverfront Budget in the amount of $4,500 for F.Y. 1989 be approved. Motion carried. 91760 - John Meyer, Public Works Director, reported that the one dollar per month increase in garbage fee being proposed would fund Operation Pride, eliminate garbage costs from the Road Use Tax Fund (allowing Road Use Tax Fund money to be devoted to street maintenance) and would pay for the cost of street sweeping. The Operation Pride Program would be somewhat modified to allow a full-time crew of three to respond to requests for large item pick ups throughout the year, thus eliminating the need for the twice a year spring and fall cleanup. The Operation Pride crew would also enforce the weed ordinance. Councilperson Angel stated that the automatic increase in garbage, which has been figured into the budget, is not a responsible practice. Bill Lemke stated that the proposed garbage fee increase is actually a "garbage tax" since it will go to support activities other than garbage services. Councilperson Angel stated that an "on call" response to large item pick up will result in more work than the twice a year pick up and that some will take advantage of the system. Mayor McKinley supported Mr. Meyer's idea of a permanent full-time crew to address the weed problem since that has been one of the major citizen complaints during his administration. Mr. Meyer stated that the proposed Operation Pride crew and enforcement of the weed ordinance has been endorsed by the Black Hawk County Health Department. He also supported his proposal by stating that the increase in garbage fees will decrease the general fund levy. He also stated that street sweeping is necessary for proper maintenance of the „Worm Sewer System. March 15, 1988 Page 7 Moved by Wright, seconded by Buck that the Physical Environment Program Area of the budget in the amount of $7,150,691 be approved. Motion carried. 91761 - Moved by Angel, seconded by Fox that the Economic Development Program Area be approved at $421,052. Motion carried. 91762 - The Transportation Program Area was reviewed. John Meyer, Public Works Director, stated that street lighting has been reviewed by City staff on a continuing basis for additional savings. A proposed street lighting policy that would have saved the City approximately $100,000 was disapproved by the City Council six months ago. Councilperson Buck stated that City staff should bring this proposal before the Council for further review. Dick Schultz, 800 Easton Avenue, asked whether the street maintenance budget was large enough to take care of the street problems. Mayor McKinley stated that it probably is not. Moved by Buck, seconded by Wright that the Transportation Program Area be approved at $6,740,743. Motion carried. 91763 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Fox that the Policy and Administration Policy Program Area be approved at $12,825,291. Motion carried. 91764 - Moved by Dell, seconded by Wright that "Resolution approving the F.Y. 1989 Budget for the City of Waterloo", be adopted and Clerk/Auditor instructed to certify said amount to the County Auditor. Ayes: Dell (abstention on voting on the RSVP and Integrating Crisis line items), Fox, Angel, Buck (abstention on voting for the Symphony and Grout Museum line items), Wright (abstention on voting for Jesse Cosby line items), Budak (abstention on voting for fire pension budget), Brown. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1988-114. 91765 - Moved by Buck, seconded by Fox that the Council adjourn. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor