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The Special Budget Meeting of the 25th Board of Representatives of the City of Stamford will be held Tuesday, May 5, 1999 at 8:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers of the Board of Representatives in the Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut. Minutes of the Special Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 9:15 p.m. by President Domonkos. President Domonkos read the call of the meeting, which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. INVOCATION: by Rep. Poltrack.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Conducted by President Carmen L. Domonkos.
ROLL CALL: Conducted by Acting Clerk Ellen Mellis. There were thirty-six (36) members present and four (4) members absent. Excused were: Reps. Summerville and DePina; absent were: Reps. Lasko and Gaztambide. Note: Rep. Summerville arrived after the meeting started.
MACHINE TEST VOTE: The machine was in good working order. President Domonkos stated the procedure that would be followed would be that Mr. Martin will make a motion accepting the revisions to the budget that the Fiscal Committee has made. Everyone received copies yesterday evening. Then, the budget will be reviewed page by page, using the revised budget given to the Board. These pages indicate Board of Finance cuts. The books will be used for the special revenue and capital budgets. Going page by page, Mr. Martin will indicate any pages where the Fiscal Committee has made a cut. If there is no objection to that cut, it will be accepted. If you want to make any changes or propose any cuts, in addition to the Fiscal Committee’s cuts, you need to raise your hands and a vote on additional cuts will be held. President Domonkos stated that after the page is turned, there will be no motions entertained on previous pages. President Domonkos explained that an abstention is not a vote, as agreed by the two parliamentarians. As a result, she will not know the number of votes needed to pass an item until all abstentions have been counted. Rep. Boccuzzi stated that an abstention is a vote. President Domonkos stated that the rules of the board are being reviewed, however, according to Robert’s Rules, an abstention is not a vote. Rep. Owens stated that he understands the ruling of the parliamentarians, however he believes an abstention is in fact a type of vote. Rep. Martin explained that to abstain means that one is not voting, and that either a representative votes Yes or No or he/she does not vote at all. You cannot vote by leaving the floor or abstaining. Robert’s Rules logics is that if you counted the abstentions, they would have to be counted as no votes.
Chair Martin stated that there were many representatives who attended various Fiscal Committee meetings. The Fiscal Committee met on March 15, 22, 25; April 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 19, 22 and May 1. Chair Martin stated that with a very few exceptions, he was notified of committee members who could not attend. There were never fewer than eight members present, and overall attendance was 88%. Chair Martin thanked the committee members for their hard work. Chair Martin also stated that additional meetings were held by members of the Fiscal Committee.
Rep. Martin moved the Operating Budget as recommended by the Fiscal Committee of the Board of Representatives, which reduces the Operating Budget for both the City and the Board of Education by $679,500 below the amount forwarded to it by the Board of Finance. Said motion was seconded. President Domonkos stated the two tellers were Ralph Loglisci and Lisa Poltrack. Office of Administration Page 1: No cuts recommended. Total: Page 1: $168,378 Page 2: Chair Martin stated that the Committee recommended a reduction of $25,000 in the program expansion line, specifically with the intent of postponing the addition of one staff member until the middle of the year. Rep. Zelinsky stated there was no back up material regarding the program expansion, and asked what the remaining $30,808 would be used for. Rep. Martin stated that the Office of Policy in Management is the budget forecasting arm of the City. There have been a number of requests to improve budget information, especially how money is allocated to City departments, for example, the telephone bills. This individual will be working on these areas. Total - Page 2: $656,277 Page 3: Rep. Martin stated the Committee recommended a reduction of $1,000 from the Conferences and Training line, bringing that line to $5,780. Rep. Zelinsky moved to cut $1,000 from the Conferences and Training line because last year they spent $4,390. Rep. Martin objected to this cut in that the City is in a revaluation process, and the Assessors Office will require training relating to the revaluation. Rep. Zelinsky stated he hoped that those hired in the Assessors Office, as well as any other department, are capable, qualified and trained in their particular expertise. He added there may be certain situations where an employee would have to attend a conference or a training session for a project above and beyond one’s usual activities. The motion failed by a machine vote of 4 Yes, 31 No and 0 abstentions. Rep. Zelinsky moved to cut $5,000 from the Copying and Printing line. He noted that this office spent $17,000 in the previous year. Said motion was seconded by Rep. Terenzio. Rep. Martin stated that the amount of printing and copying and the production of books to produce real-estate listings is expected to increase substantially due to the revaluation. Rep. Nakian stated that in several meetings with the tax assessor, she learned they are doing a public relations program to avoid problems that occurred in past revaluations. She added that it would be silly to cut this account and run into the same problems we had last time. Rep. Zelinsky withdrew his motion. Rep. Terenzio withdrew his second. Total - Page 3: $536,714. Page 4: No cuts recommended. Page 5: No cuts recommended. Page 6: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a $4,000 reduction from the Overtime line. Total - Page 6: $673,468 Running Total: $2,432,052 Page 7: No cuts recommended. Rep. Zelinsky asked why the Postage line increased by $7,000. Rep. Martin stated that some lines have been reallocated, and if one looks at the Office Supply account, there is a corresponding reduction. Total - Page 7: $591,089 Running Total: $3,023,141 Page 8: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 8: $480,920 Running Total: $3,504,061 Page 9: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a $4,000 reduction in the Salary line. Total - Page 9: $191,044 Running Total: $3,695,105 Page 10: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 10: $120,000 Running Total: $3,815,105 Page 11: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 11: $1,405,325 Running Total is: $5,220,430 Page 13: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 13: $323,635 Running Total: $5,544,065 Page 14: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 14: $1,050,810 Running Total: $6,594,875 Office of Operations Page 15: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 15: $7,678 Running Total: $6,602,553 Page 17: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 17: $2,825,242 Running Total: $9,427,795 Page 18: No cuts recommended. Rep. Zelinsky stated the City spent $55,636 on traffic signs last year, and this department is requesting almost the same amount this year, $55,757. Rep. Zelinsky asked if they were replacing all of the traffic and street signs? Rep. Martin stated that this department is on a street sign replacement cycle, which includes all road markings sign. Rep. Martin stated that people run over signs and signs deteriorate, therefore, they are constantly replaced. Total - Page 18: $708,922 Running Total: $10,136,717 Page 19: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 19: $245,844 Running Total: $10,382,561 Page 20: No cuts recommended. Rep. Zelinsky stated that $70,313 was spent last year on snow removal contractors. He questioned why they are requesting a $50,000 increase this year. Total - Page 20: $739,778 Running Total: $11,122,339 Rep. Martin stated that these are storm accounts and depending on when storms hit, this account could include expenditures encumbered in another year. He stated he does not agree with the way this account is calculated. Rep. Zelinsky moved for a reduction of $20,000 in the Snow Removal Contractors line. Said motion was not seconded. Page 21: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 21: $57,728 Running Total: $11,180,067 Page 22: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a cut of $2,500 to the Conference & Training line to encourage more on-site training. Total - Page 23: $1,721,628 Running Total: $12,901,695 Page 24: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 24: $189,925 Running Total: $13,091,620 Page 25: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 25: $798,070 Running Total: $13,889,690 Page 26: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 26: $984,175 Running Total: $14,873,865 Page 27: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 27: $1,719,938 Running Total: $16,593,803 Page 28: No cuts recommended. Page 29: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 29: $2,610,297 Running Total: $19,204,100 Page 30: No cuts recommended. Page 31: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended two cuts from the Program Expansion line totaling $40,000. The Committee felt the estimate for maintenance and security at the old UCONN campus was too high and reduce it by $10,000. The Committee also eliminated an accounting clerk position at $30,000, leaving a line total of $120,000. Total - Page 31: $2,506,708 Running Total : $21,710,808. Page 32: No cuts recommended. Page 33: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 33: $538,881 Running Total: 22,249,689 Page 34: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 34: $823,202 Running Total: 23,072,891 Page 35: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $50,000, allocated to the Budget Reduction Line. Page No. 36: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 36: $1,465,543 Running Total : $24,538,434 Page 37: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 37: $894,063 Running Total: $25,432,497 Page 38: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 38: $2,158,153 Running Total: $27,590,650 Page 39: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 39: $4,741,018 Running Total: $32,331,668 Page 40: No cuts recommended. Page 41: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 41: $2,348,166 Running Total: $34,679,834 Page 42: No cuts recommended. Page 43: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 43: $652,686 Running Total: $35,332,520 Page 44: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 44: $203,079 Running Total: $35,535,599 Page 45: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 45: $379,839 Running Total: $35,915,438 Page 46: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 46: $222,576 Running Total: $36,138,014 Page 47: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 47: $64,564 Running Total: $36,202,578 Page 48: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 48: $188,029 Running Total: $36,390,607 Page 49: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 49: $108,779 Running Total: $36,499,386 Page 50: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 50: $189,587 Running Total: $36,688,973 Rep. Zelinsky asked what the need for $43,200 in the Contracted Services line for the Customer Service Department was for. Rep. Martin stated that this is to set up a computer system, and they will be hiring an outside person to set up the system. Rep. Zelinsky asked what the $1,000 Travel Expense line is for. Rep. Martin replied that it is probably for car reimbursement. Page 51: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 51: $561,220 Running Total: $37,250,193 Page 52: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 52: $204,767 Running Total: $37,454,960 Page 53: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a cut of $1,000 from Conferences & Training. Page 54: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 54: $616,004 Running Total: $38,070,964 Page 55: Rep. Martin states that the Fiscal Committee recommended a cut of $1,000 from the Medical Supplies line. Total - Page 55: $235,424 Running Total: $38,306,388 Page 56: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 56: $89,430 Running Total: $38,395,818 Page 57: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 57: $25,761 Running Total: $38,421,579 Page 58: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 58: $497,181 Running Total: $38,918,760 Page 59: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 59: $267,917 Running Total: $39,186,677 Page 60: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 60: $55,602 Running Total: $39,242,279 Page 61: No cuts recommended. Rep. Zelinsky stated he thought the fireworks were donated by corporations. Rep. Martin replied that whether the funds are donated or not, it is still an expense that has to be budgeted for. Total - Page 61: $69,505 Running Total: $39,311,784 Page 62: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 62: $371,403 Running Total: $39,683,187 Page 63: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $120,000 in the Budget Reduction Line. The rationale was that the Operations Department will have some positions become vacant during the fiscal year resulting in some savings. The Fiscal Committee added up the Operations Department salaries (with the exception of the Recreation Department), then took 1% of that as an estimate of what would be a vacancy rate. Chair Martin stated that while the reduction is in the Administration - Salaries line, it is not intended specifically for the administration, but rather for Director Broom to distribute back to the operating departments as vacancies occur. Rep. Zelinsky moved to reduce the Conferences & Training line by $5,000; said motion was not seconded. Total - Page 63: $505,081 Running Total: $40,188,268 Office of Public Safety, Health & Welfare Page 64: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 64 : $151,622 Running Total: $40,339,890 Page 65: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 65: $227,443 Running Total: $40,567,333 Page 66: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $175,000 to the Salaries line in anticipation that they will not maintain the full compliment of both police and civilian staff all through the year. Page 67: No cuts recommended. Page 68: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 66: $24,191,696 Running Total: $64,759,029 Page 69: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 69: $577,344 Running Total: $65,336,373 Page 70: No cuts recommended. Page 71: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 71: $2,099,940 Running Total: $67,436,313 Page 72: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 72: $1,241,382 Running Total: $68,677,695 Page 73: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 73: $223,113 Running Total: $68,900,808 Page 74: No cuts recommended. Running Total: $68,900,808 Page 75: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 75: $1,831,423 Running Total: $70,732,231 Page 76: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 76: $614,058 Running Total: $71,346,289 Page 77: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 77: $518,019 Running Total: $71,864,308 Page 78: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 78: $1,301,058 Running Total: $73,165,366 Page 79: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $123,000 to the Salaries line. Page 80: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 80: $19,237,300 Running Total: $92,279,666 Page 81: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 81: $26,500 Running Total: $92,306,166 Page 82: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 82: $44,184 Running Total: $92,350,350 Page 83: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 83: $326,279 Running Total: $92,676,629 Page 84: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 84: $240,446 Running Total: $92,917,075 Page 85: No cuts recommended. Page 85 total: $1,184,845 Running Total: $94,101,920 Page 86: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 86: $411,150 Running Total: $94,513,070 Page 87: No cuts recommended. Page 88: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 88: $341,498 Running Total: $94,854,568 Page 89: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $3,000 to the Program Expansion line as the Committee felt it would take some time to fill the position. Page 90: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 90: $730,108 Running Total: $95,584,676 Page 91: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 91: $110,181 Running Total: $95,694,857 Page 92: No cuts recommended. Page 93: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 93: $224,282 Running Total: $95,919,139 Page 94: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 94: $180,302 Running Total: $96,099,441 Page 95: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 95: $1,100 Running Total: $96,100,541 Page 96: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 96: $652,643 Running Total: $96,753,184 Page 97: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 97: $989 Running Total: $96,754,173 Office of Legal Affairs Page 98: No cuts recommended. Page 99: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 99: $1,090,243 Running Total: $97,844,416 Page 100: No cuts recommended. Page 101: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 101: $1,018,857 Running Total: $98,863,273 Page 102: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 102: $115,505 Running Total: $98,978,778 Government Services Page 103: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 103: $453,208 Running Total: $99,431,986 Page 104: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 104: $140,295 Running Total: $99,572,281 Page 105: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 105: $223,013 Running Total: $99,795,294 Page 106: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $5,000 to the Budget Reduction so that both the Boards of Finance and Representatives could set an example of fiscal austerity. Total - Page 106: $287,625 Running Total: $100,082,919 Page. 107: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 107: $10,960 Running Total: $100,093,879 Page 108: No cuts recommended. Page 109: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 109: $598,593 Running Total: $100,692,472 Page 110: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 110: $58,594 Running Total: $100,751,066 Page 111: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 111: $549,179 Running Total: $101,300,245 Page 112: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 112: $60,000 Running Total: $ 101,360,245 Page 113: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 113: $32,500 Running Total: $101,392,745 Page 114: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 114: $280,420 Running Total: $101,673,165 Community and Cultural Activities Page 115: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 115: $175,901 Running Total: $101,849,066 Page 116: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 116: $270,000 Running Total: $102,119,066 Page 117: Rep Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction to the DSSD Ambassador Program Line of $5,000. Total - Page 117: $7,420,074 Running Total: $109,539,140 Debt Service Page 118: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 118: $22,794,184 Running Total: $ 132,333,324 Employee Taxes & Insurance Page 119: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $100,000 to the Medical & Life Insurance Line. The Fiscal Committee also recommended a reduction of $20,000 to the Labor Contract Estimate Line. Rep. Gasparrini moved the Labor Contract Estimate reduction be changed to $10,000. Said motion was seconded. Rep. Loglisci stated that many representatives raised concerns over the teachers’ assistants receiving more than a 2% raise. He stated he was against decreasing the recommended cut to this line. Rep. DeLuca stated he is against the $10,000 reduction to the recommended cut. He stated several months ago Human Resources asked for $36,000 to cover the pay plan, and then reduced their request to $24,000, indicating this amount would be sufficient to cover the increases for those in the pay plan. Rep. DeLuca said that this Board will be giving them $16,000 over and above what was approved a few months ago. He stated this should be sufficient as it is higher then the 2% other unions accepted. Rep. Lyons stated that it important for people to know that there are 23 employees in this division of pay, and a year ago there were only 13. He added that it is not in the best interest of the City to penalize those employees who are deserving of merit increases. Rep. Gasparrini stated that while he disagreed with cutting the appropriation for the teaching assistants, it differed from this situation in that it was a symbolic gesture by the Board of Representatives. Further, it was stated several times it would not affect the amount of money that the teaching assistants would receive, but merely was done to send a message regarding the Board’s dissatisfaction with the way the contract was handled. Rep. Gasparrini stated that the message he got from the Mayor was that these are some of the most valuable and highest level managers that work for the city of Stamford. He pointed out that it some employees won’t take higher level positions, especially in police and fire, because they lose overtime pay, which could result in a pay cut. President Domonkos restated the motion: those in favor of reducing the Labor Contract estimate line by $10,000 will vote yes, those opposed will vote no. The motion to reduce the line by $10,000 rather than $20,000 failed by machine vote: 8 Yes, 29 No, 0 Abstentions. The Fiscal Committee’s motion to reduce the account by $20,000 stands. Total - Page 119: $15,140,718 Running Total: $ 147,474,042 Pensions & Retirees Benefits Page 120: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 120: $2,063,834 Running Total: $ 149,537,876 Contingency Page 121: No cuts recommended. Board of Education Page 122: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 122: $137,875,000 Running Total: $287,412,876 Rep. Loglisci moved that $254,000 be cut from two proposed new programs: the pilot program at Stark Elementary school calling for 15 students to a classroom and the all-male Lacrosse program. Rep. Loglisci stated the Mayor, Board of Finance and Board of Representatives Fiscal Committee has left the entire Board of Education in tact. He added he is not asking for any cuts in current programs, however, he feels that while the City is searching for a new superintendent, the Board should not limit the new superintendent’s leadership by calling for programs to be instituted. Rep. Loglisci proposed the money be placed in the contingency fund by the Board of Finance for the hiring of additional school psychologists due to the reduction in the number of school psychologists available to provide assistance to students who are suffering from stress and anxiety. President Domonkos noted that the Board of Representatives cannot cut programs within the Board of Education budget; it can only make a bottom-line cut. Rep. Loglisci’s motion was seconded. Rep. O’Neill believes that the pilot program is necessary for the betterment of our school population, adding that Stamford needs to address why it has so many learning disabled children in our school system. He believes that if the system identifies them early, there will be more of a chance to help them before they get into middle and high school. Rep. Lyons stated that any activities that we offer the students of Stamford after school, whether it be sports or otherwise are both beneficial for the educational system and society in general. Rep. Nabel stated that the Stark pilot program is a natural follow-up to pre-school education in identifying students that might be at risk. Rep. White left the floor. The vote was by machine vote and failed: 7 Yes; 29 No; 0 abstentions. Total Budget - Board of Education: $137,875,000 Running Total: $287,412,876 Rep. Boccuzzi called for a ten minute break.
E.G. Brennan Golf Course Budget Page 354: Rep. Martin stated that the Fiscal Committee recommended a $20,000 reduction to the Salary line, reducing that line to $241,474 to specifically eliminate the program expansion of a starter position. Rep. DeLuca moved to change the reduction to Seasonal Salaries account instead of the Salaries account. Said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. Total E. G. Brennan Golf Course Budget: $891,092 Rep. Martin moved the E. G. Brennan Golf Course Budget in the amount of $891,092. Said motion was seconded.
Grants and Police Extra Duty Budget Page 361: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 361: $7,695,446 Page 370: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 370: $4,744,200 Total Grants and Police Extra Duty Budget: $12,439,646
Water Pollution Control Authority Budget Page 375: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction in the Contracted Services line of $208,000, which reflects a revised contract with the company that provides billing services. Page 376: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction in the Miscellaneous Contingency line of $200,000. The Committee also recommended a budget reduction of $10,000 to reflect positions that will not be filled immediately. Total - Page 376: $5,525,252 Page No. 379: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 379: $1,625,009 Running Total: $7,150,261 Page 382: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 382: $287,605 Running Total: $7,437,866 Page 384: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 384: $1,317,697 Running Total: $8,755,563 Page 385: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 385: $95,635 Running Total: $8,851,198 Page 388: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 388: $358,065 Running Total: $9,209,263 Page 390: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 390: $342,564 Running Total: $9,551,827 Page 392: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 392: $224,736 Running Total: $9,776,563 Page 393: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 393: $26,250 Total Water Pollution Control Authority Budget: $9,802,813
Smith House Budget Page 398: No cuts recommended. Page 399: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 399: $2,424,107 Page 401: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 401: $122,100 Running Total: $2,546,207 Page 403: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 403: $148,475 Running Total: $2,694,682 Page 405: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 405: $190,700 Running Total: $2,885,382 Page 407: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 407: $601,700 Running Total: $3,487,082 Page 409: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 409: $153,600 Running Total: $3,640,682 Page 411: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 411: $897,100 Running Total: $4,537,782 Page 413: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 413: $4,241,575 Running Total: $8,779,357 Page 415: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 415: $265,100; Total Smith House Budget: $9,044,457 Rep. Martin remarked that while the Board questions its impact at times, he recalls that a year ago the Board raised issues regarding the Health Department’s administrative structure. As a result, the staffing of the Health Department has been changed, primarily as a result of questions arising out of the Fiscal Committee. Now, the Health Department is a more efficient organization. Years ago, the Fiscal Committee requested that the administration look at workers’ compensation and other risk management accounts. Today, the City is saving over $1 million per year. About eight or nine months ago, Rep. DeLuca inquired as to monies owed citizens for overpayment of taxes. Now, the administration has published that list and citizens can receive refunds owed them. Further, the revaluation program has been split so that one firm is doing residential and another firm is doing commercial revaluation. This also was recommended by the Fiscal Committee. Chair Martin has seen most committee members ask questions that caused managers to pause and occasionally reconsider their position. This is a credit to the Fiscal Committee and to the Board as a whole. Capital Budget Administration Page 425: No cuts recommended. Page 426: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 426: $395,000 Board of Education Page 427: No cuts recommended. The Fiscal Committee, however, requested the enormous school expansion projects. The Committee is aware of the pressing needs for seats for students, however, the Committee is still surprised by the costs and believes these costs are higher than they should be. Page 428: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction to the Time Collection line from $100,000 to $0. There is some disagreement whether hand scanners should be used in the schools. Rep. O’Neill moved to restore $75,000 to the Time Collection Equipment line. He feels it is necessary for both good labor practices as well as public safety in that it will allow the administration to keep track of who is in schools at particular times. Said motion was seconded. Rep. Martin stated he was opposed to installing hand scanning devices or any other device that look to recognize the individual as opposed to the more traditional time and collection devices. He would support the $75,000 if it was stipulated that these funds would purchase more traditional time collection. Rep. O’Neill concurred. Rep. Loglisci requested a machine vote. The motion passed by machine vote of 20 Yes, 17 No and 0 abstentions. Page 429: No cuts recommended. Page 430: No cuts recommended. Page 431: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 432: $21,545,000 Running Total: $21,915,000 Ferguson Library Page 433: No cuts recommended. Page 434: No cuts recommended. Page 435: No cuts recommended. Total- Page 435: $170,000 Running Total: $22,085,000
Legal Affairs Human Resources Page 436: No cuts recommended. Total - Page. 436: $52,000 Running Total: $22,137,000 Mayor Page 437: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 437: $ 1,300,000 Running Total: $23,437,000 Rep. Sherer abstained from voting on the Housing Development Fund and from the grand total on the Capital Budget. Operations Administration EGB Golf Page 438: No cuts recommended. Page 439: No cuts recommended. Engineering Page 440: No cuts recommended. Page 441: No cuts recommended. Page 443: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 443: $687,000 Running Total: $24,124,000 Engineering Traffic Page 444: No cuts recommended. Page 445: No cuts recommended. Page 448: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 448: $475,000 Running Total: $24,599,000 Land Use Page 449: No cuts recommended. Page 450: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 450: $1,315,000 Running Total: $25,914,000 Public Service Fleet Management Page 451: No cuts recommended. Page 452: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 452: $975,000 Running Total: $26,889,000
Public Service Highway Page 453: No cuts recommended. Page 454: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 455: $2,115,000 Running Total: $29,004,000 Public Services Facilities Page 456: No cuts recommended. Page 457: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $50,000 to the Computer Infrastructure line to a $0 balance and a reduction of the Safety Standards & ADA Compliance Line of $100,000 to a $100,000 balance. Page 458: No cuts recommended. Page 459: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction to the Fencing & Guard Rails line to $50,000. Page 460: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction to the Parking Structure Renovation line by $50,000 to $450,000. Page 461: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $50,000 to a balance of $75,000 in the Government Center Renovations line. Total - Page 461: $3,435,000 Running Total: $32,439,000 Public Services Solid Waste Page 462: No cuts recommended. Page 463: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 463: $330,000 Running Total: $32,769,000 WPCA Administration Page 464: No cuts recommended. Page 465: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 465: $2,195,000 Running Total: $34,964,000 Public Safety, Health & Welfare Health Department Page 466: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 466: $100,00 Running Total: $35,064,000 Police Page 467: Rep. Martin stated the Fiscal Committee recommended a reduction of $50,000 to the Integrated Public Safety System to postpone those elements of the project that are not Y2K compliant. Also, a recommended reduction of $16,000 to the Laptop Computers Line was recommended by the Committee. The Committee wants this project held until the latter part of the fiscal year and to be a prototype project. Total - Page 467: $410,000 Running Total: $35,474,000 Scofield Manor Page 468: No cuts recommended. Page 469: No cuts recommended. Smith House SNF Page 470: No cuts recommended. Page 472: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 472: $370,000 Running Total: $35,844,000 Stamford Fire and Rescue Page 473: No cuts recommended. Page 474: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 474: $325,000 Running Total: $36,169,000 Volunteer Fire Companies Page 475: No cuts recommended. Page 476: No cuts recommended. Total - Page 476: $440,000 Running Total: $36,609,000 Stamford Museum Page 477: No cuts recommended. Page 478: No cuts recommended. GRAND TOTAL $36,609,000 Rep. Loglisci read a minority report.
RESOLUTIONS 1. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2524, Adoption of the Operating Budget (Including the Board of Education Budget), Fiscal Year July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 in the amount of $287,412,876. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. 2. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2525, Adoption of the Capital Budget, Fiscal Year July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 in the amount of $36,609,000. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. 3. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2526, Adoption of the Water Pollution Control Authority Budget, Fiscal Year July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 in the amount of $9,802,813. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. 4. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2527, Adoption of the Smith House Budget, Fiscal Year July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 in the amount of $9,044,457. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. 5. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2528, Adoption of the Grants and Police Extra Duty Budget, Fiscal Year July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 in the amount of $12,439,464. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. 6. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2529, Adoption of the E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course Budget, Fiscal Year July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000 in the amount of $891,092. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. 7. Chair Martin read Resolution No. 2523, Authorization of Preliminary Applicationf or State School construction Grants for Board of Education Capital Projects. Chair Martin moved the resolution; said motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion duly made, seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 a.m. The proceedings are available on audio tape at the Offices of the Board of Representatives. |
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