REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK July 27, :30 P.M. MINUTES

Transcription

1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK July 27, :30 P.M. MINUTES Pledge of Allegiance (RC) Present: Mayor Colin Read, Councilors Rachelle Armstrong (W1), Mike Kelly (W2), Dale Dowdle (W3), Peter Ensel (W4), Becky Kasper (W5), Joshua Kretser (W6) Absent: None MAYOR S COMMENTS: None 1. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Common Council held on July 20, 2017 are approved and placed on file among the public records of the City Clerk s Office. By Councilor Kretser; Seconded by Councilor Kasper (All in Favor/opposed) Roll call: Councilors Armstrong, Kelly, Dowdle, Ensel, Kasper, Kretser 2. PAYROLLS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS: RESOLVED: That the payrolls of the various Departments of the City of Plattsburgh for the week ending July 26, 2017 in the amount of $ 109, are authorized and allowed and the Mayor and the City Clerk are hereby empowered and directed to sign warrants drawn on the City Chamberlain for the payment thereof. By Councilor Kelly; Seconded by Councilor Armstrong (All in Favor/opposed) Roll call: Councilors Armstrong, Kelly, Dowdle, Ensel, Kasper, Kretser 3. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICES & COMMITTEE REPORTS: Report of Fire and Ambulance Responses for the weeks of July 20-26, 2017 Report from the Building Inspector s office for the week of July 17-21, 2017 Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 1

2 RESOLVED: That the reports as listed are hereby ordered received and placed on file among the public records of the City Clerk s Office. By Councilor Kelly; Seconded by Councilor Ensel (All in Favor/opposed) Roll call: Councilors Armstrong, Kelly, Dowdle, Ensel, Kasper, Kretser 4. CORRESPONDENCE OR RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOARDS: None 5. AUDIT OF CLAIMS: RESOLVED: That the bills Audited by the Common Council for the week ending July 28, 2017 in the amount of $ 1,225, are authorized and allowed and the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to sign warrants drawn on the City Chamberlain for the payment thereof. By Councilor Armstrong; Seconded by Councilor Kelly (All in Favor/opposed) Roll call: Councilors Armstrong, Kelly, Dowdle, Ensel, Kasper, Kretser 6. PERSONS ADDRESSING COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: John Linney, 11 Pleasant Street thinks the resolutions to abolish positions is extreme, doesn t support Council should Table them. Sarah Rowden, Cumberland Head asked by some city residents to come and speak since she was a County Legislator. Gave examples of County, Town and City coming together sharing services process should be done with sensitivity and others part of discussion. Gail Wilson asked the Council not to eliminate Recreation. Bob Smith, 23 Concord Ave spoke about the City Financial problems. Rosemary Redmond, Oak Street Tough task, appreciates their work to cut budget. Mr. Wilson asked Council not to eliminate Recreation it adds to the quality of life here. Terry Meron spoke about budget. Unidentified speaker city is broke. Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 2

3 Jon Seiden, City resident spoke about budget. City could put a resolution to voters to dissolve and it would go to Town of Plattsburgh. Juliette Lynch, 120 Court St works for Child Coordinating Council spoke in support of recreation. Laurie Booth is not happy with cutting jobs. Ask for community help. Maurica Gilbert spoke about priorities. City Engineer is very important. Carol Klepper appalled at this Council should Table. Herb Carpenter spoke about City Financial trouble. Sue Moore, 63 Oak Street need budget cuts. Elise Davidson spoke about employee s benefits and all the time off they get. Bruce Bordeau former employee. suggested grievance committee to have unions talk with mayor without attorneys. Edward Hamelin, Peru St. spoke about budget problems. Jesse Feiler asked Council to consider the amount of time they have had to consider these resolutions. City Engineer Kevin Farrington spoke about abolishing Engineering Department was shocked and only learned a few weeks ago via . Spoke in support of his Department, their work, Downtown Revitalization Initiative and many other projects. Environmental Manager Jon Ruff spoke in support of Engineering and IT. Recreation Superintendent Steve Peters spoke in support of his department. Shawna Mefford Kelly, Oak St spoke in support of Engineering and it shouldn t be cut. 7. OTHER ITEMS: A. RESOLVED: In accordance with the request therefore, the City of Plattsburgh agrees to resolve the pending litigation captioned as Hicks, et al., v City of Plattsburgh, et al, Index No.: 2012/1668, via a written settlement agreement in which the Plaintiffs acknowledge that the subject property has been and is currently zoned industrial and upon the City s payment of $1,000 to Plaintiffs, which payment is hereby authorized. The City Attorney is authorized to sign the settlement agreement and authorize this matter to be discontinued with prejudice. Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 3

4 By Councilor Armstrong; Seconded by Councilor Dowdle Discussion: None B. RESOLVED: In accordance with the request therefore the Common Council approves Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance to hold a parade and festival from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 30, The parade would travel on Margaret Street to Broad Street to Rugar Street and return. The group is requesting street closures and power in Trinity Park. A fee of $20 is for electricity and a certificate of insurance are required. By Councilor Kretser; Seconded by Councilor Kasper Discussion: Councilor Ensel asked group to utilize sidewalks instead of having street closures due to the Police Overtime costs that will be incurred. Kelly Metzger (group spokesperson) indicated they had approximately 350 people last year and some participants found it difficult to remain on sidewalks, etc. Councilor Dowdle suggested they start at college since the main part of their program is there with speakers, etc. and then they could walk only one way down to Trinity Park for the rest of their event. Kelly Metzger (group spokesperson) stated she could speak to Group. Councilor Kasper offered to work with group too. Motion to Table by Councilor Armstrong; Seconded by Councilor Kretser ACTION TAKEN: Tabled C. RESOLVED: In accordance with the request therefore the Common Council approves SUNY Plattsburgh Club Caribbean to hold a Street Jam Carnival on September 2, 2017 from 2pm 6pm blocking off a section of Rugar Street from Memorial Hall to Hood Hall. Insurance proof is required. SUNY Police assist the group with the entire event. Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 4

5 By Councilor Dowdle; Seconded by Councilor Kretser Discussion: None D RESOLVED: In accordance with the request therefore the Common Council approves MLD to write-off unpaid final bills April 2016 in the total amount of $4, The percentage of write-offs for this period is.28%. By Councilor Kelly; Seconded by Councilor Ensel Discussion: None E. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh ( City ) is authorized by the City of Plattsburgh Charter ( Charter ) at C3-8(B) to alter, consolidate or abolish city departments; and WHEREAS, the Charter at C5-3 lists Engineering as a department of the City; and WHEREAS, the annual payroll budget for the Engineering Department in 2017 is approximately $271,714 and the total annual budget is approximately $302,544 plus employee benefits of approximately $86,077 making for a total budgeted cost of $388,621. In addition there will be significant long term post-retirement health care benefit savings associated with not replacing these positions in the future; and WHEREAS, the function and duties of the Engineering Department are described in the Code at Chapter 48 Engineering and Planning Department (adopted by Local Law in 1966) and in Chapter 87 Department of Planning, Engineering and Operations (adopted by Local Law in 1972); and WHEREAS, the title of City Engineer is a non-competitive position reporting directly to the Mayor and the Engineering Aide and Senior Clerk titles are competitive class positions represented by AFSCME; and WHEREAS, currently, the MLD, DPW, and WPCP have engineers on staff. NOW THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh does hereby RESOLVE, that the Engineering Department of the City of Plattsburgh is abolished, effective December 31, 2017; and it is further Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 5

6 RESOLVED, that the Common Council acknowledges that the Mayor will request a certified eligible list for the position of Senior Planner, forthwith, to be located within the Office of Community Development; and it is further RESOLVED, that the MLD, DPW and WPCP Departments shall continue to provide the respective engineering functions pertaining to their department and such other engineering functions as directed by the Mayor. By Councilor Kelly; Seconded by Councilor Armstrong Discussion: Yes (Councilors Armstrong, Kelly and Ensel voted in the affirmative. Councilors Dowdle, Kasper and Kretser voted in the negative. Mayor Read broke the tie in the affirmative) F. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh ( City ) is authorized by the City of Plattsburgh Charter ( Charter ) at C3-8(B) to alter, consolidate or abolish city departments; and WHEREAS, the Charter at C5-3 lists Human Resources as a department of the City; and WHEREAS, the annual payroll budget for the Human Resources Department in 2017 is approximately $66,000 and the total annual budget line is approximately $78,000, however when all FICA, retirement and health care costs are included, the total annual expense to the City is approximately $105,000; In addition there will be significant long term post-retirement health care benefit savings associated with not replacing these positions in the future; and WHEREAS, the function and duties of the HR Department are not described in the Charter or the Code; and WHEREAS, the title of Human Resources Director is a non-competitive position and reports directly to the Mayor; and WHEREAS, currently, the City Chamberlain s Office maintains certain personnel records and performs certain personnel related duties; and NOW THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh does hereby RESOLVE, that the Human Resources Department of the City of Plattsburgh is abolished, effective December 31, 2017; and it is further RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain s Office shall to continue to provide the personnel functions it previously provided and such further personnel functions as directed by the Mayor. Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 6

7 By Councilor Kelly; Seconded by Councilor Dowdle Discussion: Yes G. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh ( City ) is authorized by the City of Plattsburgh Charter ( Charter ) at C3-8(B) to alter, consolidate or abolish city departments; and WHEREAS, the annual payroll budget for the Systems Administration or IT services in 2017 is approximately $199,000 and the total annual budget line is approximately $350,000, however when all FICA, retirement and health care costs are included, the total annual expense to the City is approximately $430,000; In addition there will be significant long term post-retirement health care benefit savings associated with not replacing these positions in the future; and WHEREAS, the title of Director of Information Technology is a competitive class position who reports directly to the Mayor, and the Micro Computer Coordinator titles are also competitive class positions represented by AFSCME; and NOW THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh does hereby RESOLVE, that the Information Technologies Department of the City of Plattsburgh is abolished, effective December 31, By Councilor Armstrong; Seconded by Councilor Dowdle Discussion: Yes Motion to Table by Councilor Kretser; Seconded by Councilor Kasper (Councilors Armstrong, Kelly and Ensel voted in the negative. Councilors Dowdle, Kasper and Kretser voted in the affirmative. Mayor Read broke the tie in the negative) ACTION TAKEN: Defeated (Councilors Armstrong, Kelly and Ensel voted in the affirmative. Councilors Dowdle, Kasper and Kretser voted in the negative. Mayor Read broke the tie in the affirmative) H. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh ( City ) is authorized by the City of Plattsburgh Charter ( Charter ) at C3-8(B) to alter, consolidate or abolish city departments; and Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 7

8 WHEREAS, the Charter at C5-3 lists Recreation as a department of the City; and WHEREAS, the annual payroll budget for the Recreation Department in 2017 is approximately $202,886 and the total annual budget is approximately $305,636 plus employee benefits of approximately $138,000 making for a total budgeted cost of $443,636; In addition there will be significant long term post-retirement health care benefit savings associated with not replacing these positions in the future; and WHEREAS, the function and duties of the Recreation Department are briefly described in the Code at Chapter 98 Recreation Department (adopted by Local Law in 1968); and WHEREAS, the title of Superintendent of Recreation is a competitive position reporting directly to the Mayor, and the titles of Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Fitness Center Supervisor are competitive positions who report to the Superintendent of Recreation ; and the titles of Recreation Program Coordinator, Recreation Activity Specialist and Clerk are competitive class positions represented by AFSCME; and the titles of Recreation Assistant, Recreation Maintenance Worker and Lifeguard are non-competitive class positions represented by AFSCME; and the title of Laborer is a laborer class position represented by AFSCME; NOW THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Plattsburgh does hereby RESOLVE, that the Recreation Department of the City of Plattsburgh is abolished, effective December 31, 2017; and it is further RESOLVED, the current title of Recreation Fitness Center Supervisor is hereby transferred to the Office of Community Development effective October 31, 2017 and the incumbent shall report to the Director of Community Development and shall continue to receive the same salary and benefits previously received by this title; and it is further RESOLVED, the current title of Recreation Program Coordinator is hereby transferred to the Office of Community Development effective October 31, 2017 and the incumbent shall report to the Director of Community Development and shall continue to receive the same salary and benefits previously received by this title; and it is further RESOLVED, the current title of Recreation Activity Specialist is hereby transferred to the Office of Community Development effective October 31, 2017 and the incumbent shall report to the Director of Community Development and shall continue to receive the same salary and benefits previously received by this title; and it is further RESOLVED, that the title of Recreation Assistant, as well as any seasonal positions related to recreation programing or lifeguards, are transferred to the Office of Community Development effective October 31, 2017 and the incumbents shall report to the Recreation Program Coordinator Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 8

9 and shall continue to receive the same salary and benefits previously received by this title; and it is further RESOLVED, that the title of Laborer, Recreation Maintenance Worker, as well as any seasonal positions related to grounds maintenance, are transferred to the Department of Public Works effective October 31, 2017 and the incumbents shall report to the Assistant Superintendent and shall continue to receive the same salary and benefits previously received by this title; and it is further RESOLVED, that the DPW shall to continue to provide such park, playground and other recreation facility maintenance functions as directed by the Mayor. By Councilor Armstrong; Seconded by Councilor Dowdle Discussion: Yes ( (Councilors Armstrong, Kelly and Ensel voted in the affirmative. Councilors Dowdle, Kasper and Kretser voted in the negative. Mayor Read broke the tie in the affirmative) I. RESOLVED: In accordance with the request therefore the Common Council approves a leave of absence for Tori Prinsen from her position as Laborer in the Community Development office effective July 28, 2017 to take a Temporary Typist position in the Department of Public Works. The leave of absence not to exceed one year from date July 28, By Councilor Kretser; Seconded by Councilor Kasper Discussion: None Roll call: Councilors Armstrong, Kelly, Dowdle, Ensel, Kasper, Kretser ************************************************************************************** 8. TRAVEL REQUEST: None 9. RESOLUTIONS FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION: None 10. NEW BUSINESS AND COUNCILOR REPORTS: Councilor Dowdle said is there future discussion of other departments being consolidated. Mayor Read said I hope not. These were the things that seemed to make sense. We ve looked at every department we ve gone through literally every department line by line looking for options. If you see something I don t, I really would love to hear it. There still are some cuts that we re going to have to make yet. Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 9

10 Councilor Dowdle said we heard the 60 day figure. Of the recent multiple contacts I ve had in a variety of ways, it s out there that the Police Department is going to be taken over by the county. Mayor Read said it s certainly not a discussion I ve ever had. I am an advocate for collaboration of any sort in a shared services kind of thing but certainly not a complete take over. I believe the citizens of Plattsburgh value the swift response of our Policeman and our Fireman as well. Mayor further spoke about Assessment consolidation with County, there will be Public Hearings from August 1 September 15 and encouraged everyone to attend. He mentioned that there may be possibility of transitional funds from the Financial Restructuring Board. 11. CLOSING PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY TOPIC: City Engineer Kevin Farrington spoke about the decision to abolish Engineering Department. Superintendent of Recreation Steve Peters spoke about the decision to abolish Recreation Department. Carol Klepper spoke about the decision to abolish departments feels you are doing a disservice to the city. Unidentified Speaker congratulated council and said they ve taken a great first step to adjust this problem. None of what you did hits the 60% cost of the general fund. Mayor Read spoke about some of the points speaker made and gave updates. Mike Trudeau spoke about the council s decision to abolish departments. Unidentified Speaker spoke about the council s decision to abolish departments. Unidentified Speaker spoke about the council s decision to abolish departments and jobs lost possibly use volunteers. Make sure we have clean water. Motion to Adjourn by Councilor Dowdle; Seconded by Councilor Kretser (RC) Roll call Councilors Armstrong, Kelly, Dowdle, Ensel, Kasper, Kretser MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:22 pm Common Council Meeting Minutes 07/27/17 10