GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Steve Wagner, 30 Post Avenue, commented that the Hamilton Park project is more than a park project; it is the revitalization of a neighborhood.
Jim Haadsma stated despite the budget difficult decisions, he asked the Commission to consider funding Hamilton Park renovations. Secondly, he noted the exemplary job that Kim Yarger has done as Fire Inspector and hoped her position would not be eliminated.
John Cash encouraged the Commission to budget the two Neighborhood Organizer positions by taking the Neighborhood Inc. funds and allocating them to Neighborhood Services.
Chuck Asher, 961 Glencroft, was opposed to the elimination of the Fire Inspector position as it serves an important role in the Fire Prevention program. Mr. Asher noted the many on-going and future fire prevention services that the two Fire Inspectors provide.
Rev. Dale Bennett was puzzled by the budget modification to fund the two Neighborhood Organizers and asked if there were other alternatives that the Commission could consider.
David Nielson, NPC #4 Chairman, suggested decreasing the Neighborhood Inc. funding so that the organizing services could be maintained at Neighborhood Services as a function of connecting residents to the City.
Jason Pancost, of Freedom Makers Neighborhood Association, believed there were other areas in the budget to find funding to retain the two Neighborhood Organizers.
PRESENTATION BY THE CITY MANAGER
Ken Tsuchiyama recapped what had been presented at the Budget workshops. In addition to the original budget recommendation, the City Manager noted that a Senior Code Compliance officer has accepted a retirement incentive and, at the last workshop, Comm. Simmons requested a 5-10% reduction in the City Commission budget. Further adjustments were made and Mr.Tsuchiyama suggested the elimination of one Fire Inspector as an alternative to eliminating the two Neighborhood Organizers. The City Manager noted that the city is in difficult economic times and there needs to be some significant changes to balance the budget. There is a $2M shortfall for the current fiscal year, a $230,000 reduction in current fiscal year state shared revenue, a $3.4M shortfall in the next four years, and an anticipated $2.9M deficit in the Major and Local Street Fund for next fiscal year. Most of the budget shortfall for FY 09/10 was accomplished by eliminating vacant positions.
If the Neighborhood Organizer positions are transferred to Neighborhoods, Inc., Comm. Thompson asked how would the transition take place.
Ken Tsuchiyama answered the approach was placed on a back burner because of the outcome of the last budget workshop.
Comm. Yankama remarked that he would like to see some money available for the Hamilton Park renovations in this budget.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated if it is the Commission's desire to fund a one time cost/capital improvement, like Hamilton Park, staff will look at what they can do to fund it, but it does not have to impact the operating budget.
Comm. Sofia asked for an explanation.
Historically, staff have identified funding for budget and the capital improvement fund. Staff has not looked at capital funds yet. Mr. Tsuchiyama stated that staff would be willing to look further to identify capital dollars for Hamilton Park.
Comm. Simmons noted there are many items in the Capital Improvement Plan that are a number 1 priority. He asked if there is something short of $150,000 that can be done, he would be supportive of that.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated staff could look at the CIP fund and see what can be done.
Comm. Simmons asked what is the likelihood of finding another alternative in not funding the Fire Inspector's position or the Neighborhood Organizers.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated if we don't make the difficult budget decisions now, the City will be making massive changes in services in the future.
Comm. Hersha felt there was a tremendous amount of consensus with the recommended budget. The items of controversy is only a small portion of the budget. The focus has been on personnel cuts and Comm. Hersha noted tax abatements given to businesses. The Commission is now faced with only one alternative. He did not see the logic in the transfer of Neighborhood Organizers. Furthermore, the Post/Franklin neighborhood is only asking for a safe neighborhood park and he did not feel it was an extraordinary expenditure.
Comm. Godfrey stated the neighbors have shown that there is great value in the Neighborhood Organizers. By taking a Fire Inspector's position away, it puts the Commission in a difficult position. There has been a change in fire calls for service because of the fire prevention programs. He did not think the City could afford to eliminate the Fire Inspector position and asked if the City has canvassed the departments for the need for all the clerical support.
Comm. Baldwin could not support the loss of a Fire Inspector as fire safety is too important to eliminate.
Mayor Behnke asked staff to look at CIP funds for Hamilton Park and state funds. Mayor Behnke asked the City Manager on how the decision to eliminate the Fire Inspector position was reached and the allegation that the position needs to be discussed with the bargaining unit.
Ken Tsuchiyama looked at ways of not reducing staff. There will be opportunities in the future of what clerical employees do versus supervisors. Staff are looking at services the City will provide and overall costs. He reminded commissioners that we have eliminated two street sweeping crews and only respond to snow of 4 inches or more. It's just not Neighborhood Services and the Fire Department. The Fire Inspector does spend much time on fire prevention that should continue. Firefighter staff can help support the program without a dedicated employee to serve in that roll and it is possible that some functions could be covered by the Inspection Department.
Mayor Behnke asked the Commission to give the City Manager direction regarding the budget.
Comm. Simmons was supportive of the original recommendation from the City Manager.
Comm. Hersha would prefer taking care of Hamilton Park now and funding the two Neighborhood Organizers and the Fire Inspector.
Comm. Godfrey agreed with Comm. Hersha. He asked the City Manager to bring the Commission another recommendation.
Comm. Baldwin was in favor of the original recommendation from the City Manager as there are more major cuts to be done next year.
Comm. Sofia could not support eliminating the Fire Inspector and felt there should be some transitional time for the Neighborhood Organizers. She would support a more phased in approach.
Comm. Thompson spoke with Neighborhoods Inc. and would support the orginal budget as presented.
Comm. Yankama would support the original budget with the exception of Hamilton Park.
Mayor Behnke supportedHamilton Park renovations and could give up one Neighborhood Organizer, but not the Fire Inspector.
Ken Tsuchiyama stated he will have discussions with the residents regarding Hamilton Park as part of the CIP rather than part of the budget adoption process. In terms of the Neighborhood Organizers, Mr. Tsuchiyama stated it would be a challenge to keep one Organizer, but not two.
Mayor Behnke thanked everyone for their input during the workshop. |