City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting &
Budget Workshop
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, June 1, 1999
At 8:00 p.m.
A Special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 8:17 p.m.
Councilman Noury
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Weber
Councilman Canavan
Councilwoman Moreau could not attend due to illness.
Quorum present.
Council President Robert Canavan presided and led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter Eight (8) of the Revised Ordinances entitled "Animals." As amended.
The City Council stated that this Ordinance would be taken up at its next regular meeting.
Council President Canavan turned the Chair to the Finance Committee Chairman to conduct the remainder of the meeting. The Council President stated that he was unable to make the Review Commission meeting on May 27th and said he wished he was present so that he could respond to the statement that the Audit of the Police Department was a "Witch Hunt". He said this was totally inappropriate and that the purpose of the audit is to make sure checks and balances are in place so this unfortunate incident does not repeat itself.
Chairman Weber directed the Workshop to page 1 of the proposed budget relative to Revenue.
42095 the Finance Committee requested information in the form of a breakdown on all rental property, what is involved in the legal contingency fund and a view on how to save money.
The Mayor presented the Council with a portion of their request stating that the remainder of their request is forthcoming.
Council President Canavan questioned 42155 finger printing fees & traffic fines.
John Kuzmiski responded that these are based on the best assumptions of Chief DeNaro and the Director.
Mayor Matthews commented.
Council President Canavan questioned the ACO and his duties as Parking Violation Officer.
Mayor Matthews explained that the ACO & Parking Monitor are two different positions and that there are no meters to qualify how long someone has been parked in a certain area, therefore, there is no need for a Parking Monitor. He stated that they did try to mark tires but ran into problems, and since he had to make some cuts, this was an area that could be cut.
Council President Canavan asked if there are more cuts.
The Mayor stated that all of the cost of an employee is more than just salary, it is benefits as well. And, revenue fluctuates by changes made at Police Department.
Councilman Weber questioned the investment interest from 278,000 -280,000 to 200,000.
John Kuzmiski explained that the current year will bring on more interest from the special account and that this is a one-year recognition of prior year interest.
Council President Canavan noted there are no Minimum Housing Fines listed this year.
The Finance Director responded that it comes through the Minimum Housing Court.
Councilman Weber asked about the tax revenue drop. He asked about the properties that were torn down and what it amounts to relative to tax revenue. He also asked about the phase-out and commented on the tax collection rates.
The Finance Director responded that the phase-out for automobiles is 6 years and tangible over 10 years. He stated that he is awaiting figures from Jim Savage's Office about the method used by the City to calculate the phase-out.
Discussion took place relative to the General Revenue portion of the budget.
Councilman Weber asked about the water rebate and why it is lower.
Mayor Matthews related the amount of payment that is expected to be received and what has been received.
Discussion continued on this issue.
The Council questioned the income produced from the Detention Center and asked if this is a representative figure.
The Lease & rental income was discussed and the income was from Quality Gym, Scoop at the Falls and Children's Friend and Service.
Councilman Noury stated that the continuos use of the Surplus which amount to $532,000 over a two year period is dangerous and it was said by the Review Commission that the City must prepare to raise taxes.
Discussion ensued on revenues.
The Council began discussion on the expenditure portion of the budget.
The Council questioned the Salaries Account in the Mayor's Office and asked how the Salary of both the Administrative Secretary & Pauline Khabbaz was paid they asked that this information be supplied by June 7th meeting.
Mayor Matthews explained.
Councilman Weber stated that Laura worked on a lesser pay than Pauline and this may be an area to cut some money.
Mayor Matthews responded that the Salaries are within the Mayor's realm of authority and generally speaking that someone new coming in has a learning curve and the salary reflects that time period when a new person is learning the position. He stated that the Salaries are well below what other communities pay and that this city walks a fine line in paying for these positions.
Discussion continued on the Mayor Office expenditures and appropriations.
The City Council began discussions on the Council's Budget and stated that an adjustment needs to be made relative to the Camera Operator's Salary.
Councilman Weber asked why the cut in Salary for the Camera Operator when he is now working two meetings per month.
Mayor Matthews responded that there are cuts throughout the budget and it is not easy to give up. The cost is the cost that the City can afford to pay.
Councilman Noury asked if this is level funding. He commented on the rampart overtime in the Police and Fire Departments.
Councilman Ferri questioned Charter review.
Council members questioned the reduction in salaries in the City Clerk's Office.
The Mayor responded that this represents one full time clerk and 1/2 floater position.
Councilman Weber questioned the salary of Ms. Khabbaz and asked how the City Clerk's Office can maintain its levels without this staff when just a few months earlier the Mayor placed Ms. Khabbaz in the Clerk's Office. He stated that there are many areas that are understaffed. No pay increases for any position.
He stated that the Municipal clerk's contract expires June 30, 1999.
Councilman Noury stated that labor relations status would be discussed in Executive Session.
Council President Canavan asked how many positions in the City Clerk's Office.
Finance Director responded City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk and a part time position of approximately 20 hours per week.
He asked why the overtime is reduced.
The response was that the Deputy Clerk was paid overtime to attend Council Meetings but since a City Clerk is in place there will not be as great a need for overtime to attend meetings as the City Clerk will attend them.
Council President Canavan asked if the City Clerk is paid overtime.
The Mayor responded that since this is a salary position, meetings are covered in the Salary and no overtime is paid to the City Clerk.
Council members directed their next questions and comments on the Personnel Department.
Councilman Weber stated that it is a shame a bilingual position was never filled.
Council President Canavan questioned advertising.
John Kuzmiski responded that this is for recruitment advertising.
The Tax Assessor's Office and other professional services were questioned.
The Finance Director responded.
Council President Canavan questioned the staffing reduction in the Finance Department.
John Kuzmiski explained that this was the M.I.S. person who has left and there are no plans to fill the position in the spirit of the overall reductions.
Councilmen questioned non-capital equipment expenditures. They stated new Signature machines were needed.
Councilmen questioned education and training. Response was to utilize State Services.
Attention was next turned to the Board of Canvassers.
Councilmen questioned the cost and number of election workers and also how many elections were running.
Members stated there were three elections: City Primary, City Election and President Preference Primary. Staffing costs were $85.00 per day and will increase to $100 per day.
Regarding 54033, Councilmen questioned the Board of Elections software cost.
Funds will be encumbered.
In the Tax Assessors Department, there will be no reduction of personnel.
City Property
Janitorial Services
Council President Canavan questioned heating and fuel cost and also the electric cost.
John Kuzmiski explained.
Mayor Matthews asked the Council for direction in Electrical Account whether to enter a five-year contract with league or stay with the current supplier.
Councilman Noury commented on this issue and stated it was more prudent to stay with current supplier. This would allow the market to be more competitive. Thirty-five out of thirty-nine cities and towns in Rhode Island have signed on to the same contract as of May 27 which bought some time.
Council President Canavan commented that Narragansett or New England Power are still going to get their K.W. as they are a larger group and will cost the city less money. Any group large enough to give power takes a gamble and can be used as a bargaining chip. He voted in favor of joining the league. Within a week, cost would be cut from $53,000 to $10,000 per year.
Street Lighting
Councilmen questioned the issue of street lighting.
John Kuzmiski commented that a five-year commitment was an uncertainty as the market is the issue or the dilemma.
Council President Canavan mentioned workers compensation stating a caller questioned the breakdown of how much money in the budget. The balance is $92,431.
Councilman Noury stated he wanted to stop group insurance and the City is looking into it.
Councilman Noury asked to recess or adjourn due to lateness in the hour.
Mayor Matthews stated he was only on page 6 and would need another two hours to discuss tax bills and getting them through.
Councilman Noury wanted to discuss same areas. No further questions.
Councilman Weber suggested members stop where they are at and asked Police Chief to meet with Council Members in June at the next Council Workshop for one hour at 7:00 p.m.; Fire Chief was asked to meet for one hour at 8:00 p.m. and Highway Director for one hour at 9:00 p.m.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Ferri. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:03 p.m.
_________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk
Interpreters for the Hearing Impaired Available with 72 Hour request made at the Office of the City Clerk
This Notice Posted in City Hall and at the Library on Friday, May 28, 1999