City of Central Falls
City Council Workshop & Special Meeting
Monday, June 7, 1999
City Hall Council Chambers
Budget Workshop at 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting at Rise of Workshop
A Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Councilman Noury
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Weber
Councilman Canavan
Councilwoman Moreau absent due to illness.
Council President Canavan presided.
A) Discussion Budget Items.
The Council began discussion on the Public Works Department Budget. They questioned the reduction in the Salary Account and asked if this was a result of a layoff of a Public works employee.
Mayor Matthews stated that this is not a Highway person but rather the janitor's position at the City hall.
Council President Canavan questioned the addition of an additional employee in the Public Works Department.
Mayor Matthews stated that the budget doesn't allow for any additional employee.
Councilman Noury asked about the union contract and the right of that employee relative to the contract.
The Mayor explained that some employees may not be trained to perform those duties and would not be trained for that position.
Councilman Noury and Councilman Weber stated that they are concerned about the City's services to the taxpayer relative to these positions.
Councilmen Weber questioned the fuels account.
Finance Director Kuzmiski explained the $28,000 and the cost involved for all departments including Highway, Police and Fire. He stated that the amount is requested due to past experience.
Mayor Matthews explained that the underground tank at the Public Works Department had to be removed due to DEM regulations. He also explained that any unleaded fuel is being pumped at the fire station. However, no matter where the consumption is a wash. He also stated that the fuels are not broken down between diesel and unleaded. The only fuels are the heating fuels and the vehicle fuels.
Councilman Weber questioned the School Department's allocation and asked if the School Department pays for their fuel.
Discussion between Councilman Weber and Mr. Kuzmiski relative to fuel cost.
Councilman Weber asked then how much is off in other accounts if this is off.
Mr. Kuzmiski stated that this is estimated based on 8 months of experience. He also stated that this is not like having the benefit of an audit from which an audit has the benefit of detail.
Councilman Weber asked what was expended to date for the Fire Department.
Mr. Kuzmiski stated $6,766.34.
The Police Department $18,076.00
Highway Department $12,075.00.
Mayor Matthews stated that this is a best guess effort when budgeting for fuels. He stated that in the Highway Department alone all that is needed is one bad winter, where plows and sanders are out for a period of time and the fuel consumption can be eaten away. He stated that this year the City's been lucky.
Council President Canavan questioned the School Department's usage and how it is reflected in the Budget.
John Kuzmiski stated that this is not revenue and that it is credited to expenditures.
Mayor Matthews stated that the Council had requested that the Chief of Police be at this meeting, but he was unable to be here because he took this day as a vacation day in order to move into his home. He stated that the Commander is not available.
Council President Canavan requested that both the Chief and Commander be available.
The Mayor responded that the Commander could be available on a night that he is scheduled.
Comments from Councilman Weber and Council President Canavan about the Commander's attendance at a meeting and the cost to the City.
The Council then focused on the Fire Department.
Council President Canavan questioned the overtime in the Fire Department.
Why$455,000 when $300,000 was requested?
Chief Coutu explained that there are 3 positions that had to be filled. The Chief said that he anticipated a figure of $480,000.
Council President Canavan asked why the budget is well over $300,000.
Chief Coutu stated that he originally requested $450,000 and based this on the 9-man minimum.
Questions pertaining to this issue continued.
Councilman Noury commented.
The Chief explained the benefits of a 9-man minimum and that it is a great benefit.
Councilman Noury stated that there is a cost involved in this. He then asked the Chief how do you cut the cost of labor.
Chief Coutu stated that he doesn't know how you would cut this cost.
Councilman Ferri questioned the manpower.
The Chief stated that he is in favor of a 9-man minimum. He also commented on the men that are injured and out on sick leave.
Councilman Weber asked the number of hours the average man worked per week.
Chief Coutu responded that they are on an 8-day week averaging 48 hours per week.
Councilman Weber asked how many men were out due to stress.
Chief Coutu stated only one.
Council President Canavan asked if the Chief is in favor of a 9-man minimum rather than an 8-man minimum. The Chief responded yes.
Matthew Oliverio, Assistant Solicitor responded that there is no intent in negotiations to reduce this minimum.
Councilman Noury asked the Chief about the equipment request in the Budget.
The Chief stated that there is a 1993 Engine a 1975 pumper and a 1970 pumper.
He related the condition of each vehicle and the age of each. He stated that there would be some major work to be done to keep operating. He also spoke on the command vehicle, which is a 1988 with over 100,000 miles. He stated that this is a very important vehicle as it is the first person on the scene and relates the information to the Station and also carries a lot of command equipment. He also commented on the Rescue. He explained the repairs done to this vehicle and he commented on the class action suit relative to this vehicle. He also stated that this vehicle also does more trips to such places as Rhode Island Hospital for major trauma. He stated that the pick up requested would be used for errands, plowing at the station and dead ends etc.
Mayor Matthews requested a copy of the memo that the Chief submitted relative to the number of hours that the men have been out over the past year.
28 days bad back
48 days blood pressure
52 days bad back
56 days bad ankle
32 days cyst on eyes
32 + 10 knee injuries
64 days broken ankle
8 days back
12 days back
12 days back
6 days foot
8 days viral infection
He related that 3/4 are not job related.
The Mayor commented on the 9-man minimum and questioned the Chief about the advantages of this number.
The Chief stated that this allows 2 guys on every truck and this is a safety issue.
Councilman Noury stated that there is a cost involved.
Chief Coutu spoke of 10 men.
Councilman Weber stated that least there is a control involved with 10 men. He asked the Chief how many would be needed in the Department.
Mayor Matthews responded that the 1997/8 salary + overtime is $1,726,848
1998/9 is $1,695,162. Less than the 1997/98. 1995 $1,691,146 five years later what's being saved are the Salary, blue x, pension, taxes, training, supplies, clothing etc. He reminded the Council that you have to take in consideration. He spoke of the number of retirements and how many are on disability.
The Mayor explained that the City takes the best figures possible and everything must be considered.
Councilman Noury stated that he also took time to look at figures. 1998 -1,898,323 vs. 1,603,00 increase of $295,000/ spoke of the Police Department increase.
He stated that he doesn't see what the Mayor is. He commented on the retirements and stated that this is a managerial problem.
Discussion ensued on retirements and cost in the Fire Department.
Councilman Weber questioned the number of people injuries.
Council President Canavan commented on the salary of the firefighters.
Councilman Weber questioned the contract.
Matthew Oliverio stated that the statute says the contract will continue except on those areas where a change is proposed.
Discussion continued on increases and the arbitration for the firefighters.
Meeting recessed at 8:30 p.m.
Meeting resumed at 8:40 p.m.
Council President Canavan questioned the revenues.
The Council discussed motor vehicle tax phase out, general revenue sharing and the current year revenues and carryover account.
Councilman Weber commented on carport $45,000 in June 1998 and the capital program. It was related to the Council that this is not a General Fund amount.
Councilman Weber commented on all accounts in the audit report. He spoke of the $20,000 in the soft ball account. He asked that a copy of this report be issued to the council on 6/8/99.
Discussion took place relative to the Capital Reserve Account for the School.
Council members discussed in detail the revenue and expenses of this account.
The Council reviewed future projects.
The Mayor responded that some may not happen and some projects may change.
Discussion took place on possible repairs to the High School roof, windows etc. other school issues included Vets School, bathrooms for Robinson School and furniture.
The Mayor explained the renovation issues.
Councilman Weber asked whether the Mayor has the authority.
Council President Canavan asked if education money is being used for these.
Councilman Noury asked about a full time Animal Control Officer.
The Mayor stated that there has never been one.
Discussion continued on the Boarding of animals and the cost of an animal shelter etc.
The Council questioned the Minimum Housing Salaries.
The Mayor stated that there will be one position less, this is one inspector.
Councilman Noury questioned the Recreation Department salaries.
Director $20,000
Summer Help/Seasonal Help $45,748
Reduce the number of hours.
Discussion took place on the boiler replacement cost of $20,000 at YMCA.
Other issues included the landscaping of the ballfields, the clay at the field turns to cement, comments were made on Community activities- concerts, car show, mill celebration, the 2000 celebration and all the events for the year including the recycling sponsorship.
Councilman Weber stated that when the City is putting people out of work there is no money for celebrations.
Councilman Noury commented on the revolving loan, assets, will not ball below $250,000.
Comments were made regarding Contingencies.
Employee benefits $130,000, compensated absences, accumulated vacation etc.
Mayor Matthews stated that if the City is to continue its services to the taxpayer then only the following measures can be taken to provide the benefits:
budget /raise taxes
lease purchase
bond
The savings would be towards privatization, or the purchase of trucks for rubbish etc.
A. Labor Relations as provided in Exemption # 2 of the open meeting law.
The Council did not recess to Executive Session
Council President Canavan opened the meeting to a Public Hearing.
No comments. Public Hearing closed.
1. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance (General Fund)
2. The Annual Capital Budget
3. The Annual Capital Program
4. Salaries for Police Officers and Firefighters
5. Amending Wage Schedule Generally
6. Pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads & Others in unclassified service
7. Establishing the Classes of Positions, the Maximum Number of Employees and the number of employees in certain classes in the City Departments, as amended.
8. Transferring certain funds in the FY 1998/99 budget- generally
Councilman Weber commented on the time schedule and the date expected to complete the budget process.
Councilman Noury stated that the budget could be passed no later than 5 days prior to the end of the fiscal year.
The Mayor commented that this is not a sophisticated budget, he known that there are staffing issues and that things have to be done to do with less people, but that he respectfully request first passage of the budget.
Motion to approve first passage collectively was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Weber.
Councilman Noury present
Councilman Ferri yes
Councilman Weber yes
Councilman Canavan no
Motion dies. 2 yes 1 no 1 present 1 absent.
A) Discussion to Amend Budget Ordinance FY- 1998/1999
None
None
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Ferri. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:04 p.m.
______________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk