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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/1988WORK SESSION MINUTES May 3, 1988 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Mayor McKinley, Brown, Dell, Buck, Fox, Angel, Wright and Budak. Mayor McKinley announced that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible layoffs due to the funding levels that have been established in the newly adopted budget for the year beginning July 1, 1988. He stated that the ground rules of the meeting would include discussion by Council members only. He stated that staff members were present to answer questions if necessary. Discussion of possible layoffs was precipitated by the recent request of the Human Rights Commission for reinstatement of its current year funding level to avoid cutting of a full-time position to half time. Potential positions that would not be funded in F.Y. 1989 budget were reviewed. Mayor McKinley stated that the F.Y. 1989 budget contains approximately $26,000 of uncommitted funds and that he would propose that said money be reassigned to various departments. He asked whether or not the issue of no layoffs was the number one priority of the Council. It was the consensus of the Council that layoffs should be avoided if possible. Mayor McKinley reviewed the following departments and pending attritions and potential layoffs as a result of the F.Y. 1989 budget. They are as follows: DEPARTMENT ATTRITION OR PENDING ATTRITION Library 1 librarian II - June 30, 1988 (resignation) 2 P/T - Library Aides currently vacant Library Assistant reduced from F/T to 3/4 Human Rights 1 Human Rights Specialist reduced from F/T to P/T Parks Engineering * Fire * based on revenues. Police 1 management position reduced 1 Senior Engineer - currently vacant 1 Engineer Inspector - vacant October, 1988 3 Lieutenants - currently by attrition 1 fire fighter by attrition current FY 89 funding levels and no * 1 Clerk II - currently vacant 2 F/T, 2 P/T Matrons lost due to reorganization 4 officers lost already to attrition * temporarily being filled by Gracie Thompson POTENTIAL LAYOFFS 4 shelvers - p/t - 20 hrs per week June 11, 1988 6 fire fighters - layoff increase in 4 crossing guards 4-6 employees - either civilians or officers will be laid off - depends upon negotiated increase. Work Session May 3, 1988 Page 2 The Mayor recommended that the $26,000 of uncommitted funds be allocated as follows: 1) That $6,572 be allocated to the Library to increase the 3/4 time Library Assistant to full time. 2) That $7,562 be allocated to the Human Rights Commission to restore the half time position to a full time Investigator position. 3) That $11,900 be allocated to the Library to restore the four shelvers positions. Mayor McKinley also stated the possibility of the Human Rights Commission moving back to City Hall in the area soon to be vacated by the Park Department. He stated that the move would avoid the potential problem of Human Rights employees reporting to work and the reduced hours that the Library will be open. Mayor McKinley stated that the Fire Department budget would need an additional $150,000 to be restored to current levels. Chief Stapella has proposed a schedule of funding sources that could possibly avert the lay off of six fire fighters. These ordinance changes, which will include fees for fire inspections, will be presented to the Council at a future work session in one to two weeks. One hundred, twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) is needed to restore the Police Department to the current budget. Negotiations with the police union are currently under way. Depending upon the outcome of contract negotiations, it is difficult to predict the funding levels for the Police Department. Councilperson Buck asked if there would be any savings if the Human Rights Commission were to move back to City Hall. Mayor McKinley stated that there would be no dollar savings except that employees would be available at normal office hours. Mayor McKinley also stated that the space at the Library could be rented out and generating income. The Mayor also stated that for the past two years, it has been the recommendation of the Citizens' Budget Review Committee that the Human Rights Commission be moved to City Hall. It was also suggested that it may be helpful for the Human Rights Commission to maintain night time hours to serve their clients. Members of the Human Rights Commission and staff were present to voice their concerns with the relocation of their offices to City Hall. The stigma that clients sense when entering City Hall could be a deterrent to their clients. Councilperson Dell stated that the Citizens' Budget Review Committee concerning the relocation of the Human Rights Commission have been clouded with "personality disputes". The Council was urged to separate the issue of relocation of the Human Rights Commission and the funding of the part time position. The Mayor stated that it was his intent that there not be any layoffs July 1, 1988, but that the situation must be closely monitored to be sure that adequate revenues are available. He also stated that non -bargaining positions pay increases have not been discussed by the Council. The Mayor was clear to point out that firefighters would not be laid off, only if adequate revenues were not generated from the proposed fire inspection fee schedule. Fire Chief Stan Stapella outlined the fee increases that are being proposed, including the monitoring of fire alarms, commercial inspections and increase in the rental housing inspection fees. Chief Stapella stated that the department will be losing one apparatus next week but should revenue sources increase, reinstatement of this piece of equipment will be considered. He also stated that Elk Run Heights has approached him concerning fire protection at an annual rate of $10,000. The once proposed decrease in the Personnel Analyst position was reviewed. It was stated that this layoff will be avoided by funding a portion of this position with savings in the workers compensation fund. Work Session May 3, 1988 Page 3 Councilpersons Angel and Wright expressed concern of the possible lay off of Gracie Thompson. Jim Rodemeyer, Personnel Director, stated that this issue will go before the Civil Service Commission and will be done in accordance with State law. Mayor McKinley stated that he his working diligently to prevent any layoffs. It was the consensus of the Council to approve the Mayor's recommendation in the allocation of the $26,000 as discussed by Mayor McKinley. Major issues that must yet be addressed by the Council include: 1) The use of the soon to be vacant space of the Park Department within City Hall. 2) Future funding of outside agencies. 3) Possible savings in the street lighting area. With no further business before the Work Session, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor