20210217 - Village Council Special Public Budget Meeting Minutes

A SPECIAL PUBLIC BUDGET MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD VIA ZOOM, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ON FEBRUARY 17, 2021 AT 5:00 P.M.

 

1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG     SALUTE

 

Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 5:03 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  Deputy Mayor Sedon read a required announcement regarding the remote meeting format.  At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Perron, Reynolds, Sedon, Walsh, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; and Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer.  

 

Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as well as in a Moment of Silence for the men and women serving our nation and our First Responders.

 

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

Karen Orlen, 143 East Ridgewood Avenue, stated that she is a member of the Ridgewood Arts Council and they are proposing a request for funding from their trust account, with $5,000 in the current budget that the Village Council should be receiving shortly. She added that she is passionate about arts and cultural activities and supporting those in our schools are what makes Ridgewood great.

 

There were no additional comments from the public.

 

2. DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

1. Review of Departmental Budgets and Capital Budgets

 

1. MIS/I.T.

 

Dylan Hansen, Director of MIS, listed his goals from last year including getting many of the Directors working on VPNs from home in the beginning of the pandemic, and building communications between them and the residents.  For the operating budget, there have been a couple of small increases on subscription services for CISCO and Spatial Data Logic.  They will be replacing one employee this year, to be shared with the Water Department.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked what the solar wind mapping was.  Mr. Hansen stated that was a new program used to monitor the fiber loop system.  Councilwoman Walsh asked about the new hire and if they could be a consultant or what was the reasoning for hiring a third person.  Mr. Hansen stated that originally, it was a team of two but they wanted a person to pick up some of the slack in the Water Department.  Ms. Mailander added that the Water Department has always wanted their own dedicated I.T. person, and in this way, the new hire will have duties in both the Water Department and in the Village.  Councilwoman Walsh asked why the Water Department doesn’t hire an I.T. person for the Water Department as it sounds like they should have a dedicated person.  Mr. Hansen stated that if that person is out sick or on vacation, they don’t have anyone to back them up, adding that they want to have redundancy throughout the different networks.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that they budgeted for another $60,000 position for I.T. and it shows a cross ledger to Ridgewood Water for $30,000 so are they assuming that the new person would only work half of their hours per week at Ridgewood Water.  Mr. Hansen stated that they would be keeping track of it with the help desk, so anything that is being done by the employees in I.T. will be able to say how much time they spend in each Department.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if Ridgewood Water should have their own I.T. person.  Mr. Hansen stated that their network is conjoined to the Village network and they intend to cross train every employee so there is always a backup person.

 

Mr. Rooney stated that they tried this with the last person they hired and tried to give half of their time to Ridgewood Water, because they were willing to fund half of that person’s salary.  That never really got off the ground because they had to bring that person back to the Village for other functions.  He added that they are not sure how much time that person would have to be in the Water Department, but they could probably use three more people in I.T., not just for Water.  Councilwoman Walsh asked about the salary for the last person that was hired.  Mr. Rooney stated that the salary is what the market bears.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that I.T. is an area that is only going to get more intense. She thinks they need to be prepared from an I.T. perspective with the right people, in place to manage the kind of technology the Village and Ridgewood Water have.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about the budget from last year, compared with this year, if there were the same amount of people.  Mr. Rooney stated there was a point in time where they had three working in I.T.  There was additional discussion about the budget.  Mr. Rooney stated he would get the details to support that.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked about other contractual services.  Mr. Hansen stated that they want to upgrade the Microsoft Office subscriptions and it is a per license charge.  Councilwoman Perron asked if Village employees were using desktop PCs or laptops.  Mr. Hansen stated that most are using desktop PCs.  Mr. Hansen also explained the ruggedized PCs for the Police Department.  Councilwoman Perron asked if there was any kind of State funding for the server for the bodycams.  Mr. Hansen stated that they haven’t heard anything yet, but they need to be prepared, because there could be a plethora of data coming in that they need to store and maintain.

 

There was discussion about redacting of video footage, and Mayor Knudsen added that there was high quality redaction software and perhaps they should look into it.  Mr. Hansen stated that the current car camera system server comes with a really good redaction software and he thinks that can be applied to the body camera system as well.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked about the Wi-Fi project.  Mr. Hansen stated that they had expanded the Wi-Fi coverage at Graydon Pool, at the Stable, Recycling Area, Fire Department, Village Hall, and the garage facility. This year, the Wi-Fi will be expanded to Memorial Park at Van Neste Square and the Central Business District.  Councilwoman Perron asked if they could save money by holding off on the expansion of the Wi-Fi.  Mr. Hansen stated that they could do that, but it is already partially funded, and having these areas available when the Police cars are by them, the Police Officers can use that Wi-Fi to upload the videos from the cars, as well.  He added that the expansion of the Wi-Fi can also help with the ESRI project.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the fire suppression server room.  Mr. Hansen stated that the Elks Club, which is being renovated for Ridgewood Water’s headquarters, is going to be building a new server room and they are going to split some of the costs, because this will give an alternate working site to store some of the data for both Ridgewood Water and the Village.  The fire suppression system at Village Hall currently has sprinklers, which he would like to change to a Halon system, which is a gas system that sucks all of the oxygen out of the room. If there is a fire with a Halon system, it will suppress it and seal the room.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the public access channel.  Mr. Hansen stated that is the back room in the court room which he wants to upgrade and replace some of the outdated equipment. 

 

2. Health Department

 

Dawn Cetrulo, Director of the Health Department, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic as of February 17, 2021 has 1,118 positive cases and 39 deaths, with 8 of those not being long term care cases.  They managed to successfully keep the school system operating, the vaccine was released and they started immunizing on December 30, 2020.  Total immunizations given as of today are 1,246.  Her goals and accomplishments for 2020 include that they were still able to inspect all food establishments according to the State guidelines.  With the award of the Vulnerable Population Outreach Coordinator, they are able to hire someone who will be working on the outreach to those who are homebound, which began with Councilwoman Walsh’s “Adopt a Senior Program”.  Goals for 2021 include to immunize at least 70% of the population, and to continue contact tracing and case investigation in an effort to keep the COVID numbers low in Ridgewood.

 

Ms. Cetrulo added that she was able to receive two grants last year, one of which is for mental health.  Her budget is the same except they have increased their staffing, due to the COVID clinics and investigations. A good portion of the increased staffing is offset by the grant.  Mr. Rooney asked for the award letters for the grants.

 

Ms. Cetrulo stated that she received a car from the Police Department in December, which is a 2004, but she was hoping to have two cars for her and her staff, including the Vulnerable Population Outreach Coordinator, who will need a car to visit those who are homebound. 

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if they saw any additional funding to cover costs in the Health Department.  Ms. Cetrulo stated that she did, and there is an additional grant with the County that she just heard about and she would look into that.  She added that there is FEMA funding as well.

 

Councilwoman Walsh commended Ms. Cetrulo and her team this year.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if Ms. Cetrulo would consider leasing a hybrid or an electric car.  Ms. Cetrulo stated she would love that, her only request is that it be four wheel drive.  Mr. Rooney added that Mr. Rutishauser has shared the lack of success they had with electric cars, so they have to be cautious as to set up costs.  Councilwoman Perron added that a hybrid might be easier.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that she spoke to PSE&G a few years ago, and they said as long as there is a conduit they could add the charging station.

 

Mayor Knudsen and Ms. Mailander commended the Health Department for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic as well.

 

3. Tax Assessor

 

Tony Rinaldi, Tax Assessor, stated that his budget remains the same from last year, with a slight increase in regard to education.  They saved a bit this year regarding not having to do any educational travel. 

 

Mr. Rooney stated that the big increase that he put in the budget is $75,000 for tax appeals, because he believes that it is something that they should put in the bank to mitigate those increases.  Mr. Rinaldi stated that they extended the filing window for filing tax appeals last year from April 1^st to July 1^st, which increased the amount by about 50%.  He detailed the results of the tax appeals and the status of the new multi-family housing developments.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked when the last town-wide revaluation was done.  Mr. Rinaldi stated that was 2013, and he spoke with the County as far as the ratios.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the amnesty program.  Deputy Mayor Sedon detailed the program regarding construction and getting a permit after the fact.  Mayor Knudsen added that they could then assess the upgrades, but she suggested doing a window of opportunity at some point.  Mr. Rinaldi stated that they do that now, in the sense of people who have moved into a brand new home, filing the permits that were not obtained by the previous owners.

 

4. Central Business District Advisory Committee (CBDAC)

 

Councilwoman Perron stated that the Central Business District (CBD) contributes a significant portion of the Village’s revenue.  The CBDAC was created five years ago to promote and enhance the CBD.  The subcommittee would like to ensure that there is some stream of funding, so that they can help do that.

 

Michael Pickholz, a member of the CBDAC, spoke about some of their ideas, including beautifying the downtown throughout the year, adding that there were also a number of smaller items.  Deputy Mayor Sedon stated that to him, it seems like it is taxpayer-funded Business Improvement District, and if the businesses want to have a Business Improvement District, they should establish one.  Mr. Pickholz stated there is a line item for exploring a business improvement district, but there was discussion of putting projects together, to fund the outreach programs and seasonal decorations, as a result of the income that the CBD provides. 

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she agreed with Deputy Mayor Sedon about the Central Business District, adding that it is the landlords who contribute to the tax base, so it is their job to get their tenants for their stores.  The Village Council spoke about the public relations funding that was listed in the CBDAC budget, which was to inform residents of the multi-family housing about the offerings in the CBD.  Mayor Knudsen stated that if she were one of the businesses on Route 17, she would be upset at being left out of this advertising. This is why there is importance in the Business Improvement District, which is driven by the landlords and fueled by their efforts.  Mr. Pickholz stated that would only be if they were restricting the advertising to just the downtown, but they plan to include all retail areas in Ridgewood.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the miscellaneous line item in operations.  Mr. Pickholz explained that is the proposed budget and consists of helping supplement the Grab and Go parking.  There was discussion about the current discounting of the Grab and Go parking spaces.  The other item for $25,000 is for a rental of an ice skating rink which would be a massive draw for people to the downtown.  There was discussion about the skating rink and its potential location.  Mayor Knudsen stated that in her experience and what she has heard, these types of events do not translate into any revenue for the business and in fact, hurts them.

 

Councilwoman Walsh stated that this is what the advisory committees are for, to bring all these great ideas and typically, the Village Council liaison will get some small funding for their advisory committees.  Over the years, the Village Council has seen mismanagement in funding, so what has worked in the past is that an advisory committee has a specific budget line item for a project they want to accomplish. She would feel more comfortable if CBDAC picked one item.  She added that she is cautious in terms of process.  Mr. Pickholz stated that in terms of how they handle this is that they are looking at doing it in conjunction with the businesses and landlords, and doing it with different Departments.  Ultimately, it would be something that Parks and Recreation would run.  Councilwoman Walsh stated that hadn’t come up in Parks and Recreation at all.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that it was unprecedented that an advisory committee was listed as a Department and doing a budget presentation like this.  She added that she thinks this is a Business Improvement District and there are other advisory initiatives that the CBDAC could have taken on that didn’t have a price tag associated with it, such as empty storefront displays.

 

5. Fire Department

 

James Van Goor, Fire Chief, stated that last year they did 2,293 fire calls and they conducted 2,689 fire inspections.  A new fire engine was purchased to replace a 1984 fire engine, they hired a new Firefighter, and there was also the Broad Street fire, which caused Bagelicious to burn down.  Due to the growing population, he was looking to hire two new Firefighters.  He added that the Firefighters could replace the daytime per diem EMTs as it would be more cost effective to have the Firefighters in a dual role.

 

Chief Van Goor stated that his budget is going up 2% and that is due to the settlement of the FMBA’s union contract.  Mr. Rooney clarified that it was two Firefighters, in addition to the one that was just hired in December.  Councilwoman Reynolds asked about that cost.  Mr. Rooney stated $37,000, plus benefits, per Firefighter.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the current response on emergency medical calls.  Chief Van Goor stated that in 2019, the Firefighters started responding to the second ambulance calls and then last year, they moved the first ambulance to the Fire House to respond with the per diem EMT and the Firefighter. They are now looking to eliminate the per diem EMTs and respond with Firefighters.  Mayor Knudsen asked about what aspect the volunteers would handle.  Chief Van Goor stated that right now the volunteers start at 7:00 P.M. and run all the ambulance calls until 6:00 A.M. on weekdays, and on weekends they handle all ambulance calls, so that wouldn’t change.

 

Mr. Rooney asked if there was any more overtime cost that has to be added until he brings the two new Firefighters on board.  Chief Van Goor stated that they should be okay with the overtime that is currently budgeted.  Mayor Knudsen stated that the money they are saving on the per diem EMTs could be rolled into the Firefighters, if necessary.

 

Chief Van Goor stated that for capital he has a new clothes washer and dryer, which gives them the opportunity to wash six sets of turnout gear at a time.  There is an additional request for radio microphones, because the wires are starting to fray.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked how big the washer machine and dryer were.  Chief Van Goor stated they were like the ones at the laundromat. Councilwoman Perron asked about the extractor.  Chief Van Goor stated that is the type of washing machine they wish to purchase.

 

Ms. Mailander added that the Village Council has to make the decision if they want to stop paying EMTs during the day and put that money towards a new Firefighter.  There was agreement amongst the Village Council to do so.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked about the hydrant rental.  Chief Van Goor stated that the number of hydrants has increased.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about the new multi-family housing complexes and if there was sufficient ladder equipment for the height of those buildings and for multiple trucks.  Chief Van Goor stated that right now, they have a rig that goes up 100 feet, and if they need more trucks, they would rely on mutual aid.  In the future, they may be looking at adding a ladder truck.

 

6. Police Department

 

Chief Luthcke stated that the coronavirus pandemic forced them to change how they do day to day policing.  They created a new staffing model and reallocated staff to eliminate large groups of Police Officers in headquarters at the same time.  She detailed their management and planning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Chief Luthcke stated that their upcoming e-ticketing platform will allow for a source of revenue for the Village.  They are working to implement the body-worn cameras in order to be compliant with the Attorney General’s Directives and provide Police Officers and the community with the highest level of transparency.  The purchase of the body-worn cameras is one of the biggest items on her capital request, but even if they are able to obtain some funding from the State, the Village has to purchase them first and then the State will consider some reimbursement. 

 

Chief Luthcke stated that she has asked for an additional civilian position to assist with the video redaction process.  Right now, all of the video redaction is being done by one of the Detectives.  She detailed her plan for the civilian position.  She would also ideally like to hire more Police Officers for the January 2022 Police Academy.

 

Chief Luthcke stated that this year, the vehicle leasing is a bit higher due to the cost of vehicles.  They want to add a van to a lease. 

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if they were anticipating any retirements this year.  Chief Luthcke stated that no one has said they will be retiring, but they do have officers that can go at any time.  There was some discussion about overtime costs.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked about the multi-family housing complexes and if the Police Department anticipates any specific types of calls that may come from those types of complexes.  Chief Luthcke stated that the calls are as varied as they are at other apartment complexes right now.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the clothing and uniforms increase.  Chief Luthcke stated that because they didn’t hire anyone in 2020, they didn’t use as much money in this line item as they will in 2021.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that she feels strongly that they should have someone in the Police Academy by July 2021.  Chief Luthcke stated that if she could put someone in the Police Academy in July and still hire the civilian that she desperately needs, she would take that in a heartbeat.  Ms. Mailander stated that it is up to the Village Council if they would like to fund both positions.  Mayor Knudsen asked if the budget was reflecting two hires, why they wouldn’t do that.  Mr. Rooney suggested leaving it the way it is right now, and finish the other Department’s budgets and then see where the budget numbers are at that time.

 

Mayor Knudsen stated that public safety is so critical, compounded with having the new multi-family housing developments coming online, and an increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic, she feels like the video redaction should be handled by technology.  Chief Luthcke stated that the video redaction can’t be done by technology, it must be monitored to determine what should be redacted so there still needs to be a human listening to and watching the video.  Mayor Knudsen stated that from their perspective, they understand that, but it is also important to have another Police Officer in the field.  Chief Luthcke agreed, but added that if she doesn’t get a civilian position, then she is losing Police Officers anyway.  Deputy Mayor Sedon agreed with Chief Luthcke.  Mayor Knudsen added that the additional Police Officer was 18 months out, so they should leave both the Police Officer, and the civilian position in this budget to see how it works out.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds agreed with Mayor Knudsen.  She asked about the overtime budget.  Chief Luthcke stated that the overtime they have been working, but adding two new Police Officers won’t help, as it was strictly related to the call volume.  There was additional discussion about the hiring of a second officer, as well as the civilian hire which allows more officers to be on the road.

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked how many videos have been looked at, and redacted, over the past year.  Chief Luthcke stated that the volume of the video redaction is due to OPRA requests and discovery requests.  Councilwoman Walsh asked how many they have had in the past, to which Chief Luthcke stated that there have been multiple days spent by the Police Officer putting together the discovery request.  Captain Lyons stated that currently, they have 14 pending discovery requests, which average two to four hours each.  There was additional discussion about those cases.  Sergeant Chuck added that the work is currently only on the car cameras, but once the body-worn cameras are purchased, the work is tripled because then the redactions for the body-worn cameras must be managed as well. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked what the law was in terms of redactions.  Captain Lyons stated that you will never see personal identification, including radio calls.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if there are services that do the video redactions.  Mayor Knudsen stated that it is automated software that will automatically blur out data.  Sergeant Chuck stated that it is a marriage of management and technology, and detailed instances for redaction. There was additional discussion about software options.

 

Councilwoman Perron asked if there was a rule of thumb as to how many Police Officers a town needs based on population.  Chief Luthcke stated that there are FBI statistics, but she would verify the numbers.  There was also discussion about the crossing guard contract.  Mr. Rooney added that the crossing guard contract contributed to a significant decline in Police overtime.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked how many body-worn cameras are in the budget.  Chief Luthcke stated that because of the number of large events that are held in the Village, she was looking at a body-worn camera for every Police Officer.

 

Deputy Mayor Sedon asked about the Drug Takeback Program.  Chief Luthcke stated that the drop box cannot be in an unsecured location.  There was discussion about a trailer where the new barricades will be stored.  Mayor Knudsen stated that she thought they determined there was a location in the garage for storage.  Sergeant Chuck stated that wherever the barriers go, they will destroy the ground.  Chief Luthcke stated that things they can easily carry could be stored there.  There was additional discussion about the storage options for the vehicle defeating barriers and efficiency in setting them up.

 

7. Office of Emergency Management

 

Jeremy Kleiman, Emergency Management Coordinator, detailed accomplishments for 2020, including interpreting and advising enforcement of the 118 Executive Orders that came from the Governor regarding the COVID pandemic.  There was also a tremendous effort spent trying to procure COVID-related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  They currently have surgical masks, N-95 masks, cloth masks, PPE gear, surgical gloves, and face shields stockpiled, as well as a fairly substantial supply of sanitation equipment.

 

Mr. Kleiman stated that the main goal for 2021 is communication, including the migration from Swift Reach to a new notification system.  His budget is flat this year, except for the rental of a storage unit for the PPE, and there is a line item for $15,000 for PPE and sanitizing equipment.  Ms. Mailander added that the Village is responsible for providing PPE to employees.

 

Mayor Knudsen asked if there was a shelf life on the PPE materials.  Mr. Kleiman stated that there are shelf lives, but they are constantly rotating that equipment every year.  Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if the line item for PPE is a not to exceed.  Mr. Kleiman agreed, adding that just about all of the supplies they bought this year were covered by the CARES Act or FEMA reimbursement.

 

Mr. Kleiman listed his capital requests, including a Triband mobile radio for the command vehicle, and funds to replace traffic cones and barricades.  There was discussion about the markings on the traffic cones.  

 

8. Building Department

 

Paul Kalksma, Director of the Building Department, stated that the parking garage was a big accomplishment in 2020, and they are keeping busy with the multi-family housing projects.  He added that they have been able to keep on top of inspections and moving forward, they plan to keep the permit process and inspections moving in a timely manner. 

 

Mr. Kalksma stated that they are looking for a vehicle to be used by the inspectors, in their capital budget. 

 

Councilwoman Walsh asked if there were any specific inspections that have slowed things down in the multi-family housing complexes.  Mr. Kalksma stated that they are inspecting the multi-family housing complexes a couple of times a week and there is nothing holding them up.  Councilwoman Walsh asked if there were any statutory inspections.  Mr. Kalksma stated that they do inspections until the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, and then the Building Department’s work is done. 

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked if new residents are requiring Zoning Board of Adjustment approval for changes to their new homes.  Mr. Kalksma stated that the Zoning Board of Adjustment is always busy.

 

9. Public Library

 

Nancy Greene, Director of the Ridgewood Public Library, stated that one of the highlights of 2020 was the creation of virtual events and the attendance was higher.  There was a lot of connecting with individuals, which was very rewarding.  They also had a very good year with their donor organizations. The Friends of the Library donated $60,000 and funded other areas as well.  They also had the Ridgewood News digitized from 1891 to today, allowing patrons to search by topic.  They also did a lot of work with the Reimagine Project for the renovation of the library, to define it, so that it was more practical and more widely accepted in the community.  She detailed the funding sources for the library renovation, adding that they are applying for round 2 of the funding through the State grant for library renovations.

 

Ms. Greene stated that their main goal is to fully reopen as soon as possible, and they are hoping to do so on July 1^st.  As of yesterday, they reopened sections of the Library for use.  This year, they received a $10,000 grant from the National Library of Medicine to provide mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are hoping to restart the on-site service fee producers, including room rental and technology center classes.  They will be leasing the Pease Building upper levels to be viable commercial space, so that they can have a long term source of non-taxed income.

 

Ms. Greene stated that the staff does a lot of communications and programs from home, because the library computers lack what they would need to do Zoom, including cameras and microphones.  They also wish to add a security camera to the patio area.  The HVAC unit has one compressor that failed.  They also wish to add more digital materials.  She added that there are also 2022 union salary negotiations.  She added that this is the sixth year that they have not asked for any additional funding in their appropriations.

 

Rei Shinozuka, Treasurer of the Library Board of Trustees, shared the proposed operating budget for the library.  The two big changes from 2020 were in patron revenues and rental income.  To make up for this loss of revenue, they are using $35,000 in reserves, in addition to the $57,000 carry-over from 2020.  He highlighted the big changes from 2020. 

 

Mayor Knudsen asked about the computer camera and monitor line item, there was a decrease to $20,000 and she asked what that would get them.  Ms. Greene stated that one thing they had requested was a PA system which was about $9,700, and detailed instances when that system would be used.  Mayor Knudsen asked about the issuance of 12 laptops to staff.  Ms. Greene stated that sometimes her staff has to work from home, and recently, they have been doing more work from home, due to the COVID pandemic. There was discussion about the laptops and their purpose.  Gail Campbell, President of the Library Board of Trustees, added that they have been very fiscally responsible this year. 

 

10. Emergency Services

 

Ryan Savaria, Chief of Emergency Services, stated that they were able to address the State’s ever-changing policies and with the use of PPE they were able to keep all of the staff safe, while operating in the Department.  Time was spent trying to manage supply.  Training has been an issue, and the State did issue some waivers and all of those operational needs have been pushed into 2021. 

 

Mr. Savaria stated that there was increase that was driven by materials and supplies, including medications.  Some of the HVAC units at EMS headquarters, located at 33 Douglas Place, are problematic.  There will be some changes to salary and wages, and if a decision is made that would change that amount.  The capital request to keep up with equipment includes upgrading of the defibrillators.  There is also a line item to replace some of the furniture at EMS headquarters.  Portable radio replacement is included for five additional units, to allow for speaking with all agencies at the scene.  There is also a request for an extractor and 100 units of reusable PPE.

 

Councilwoman Reynolds asked about the expense for the washer/dryer machine.  Mr. Savaria stated that line item was for the PPE and the machines, and he was able to estimate the cost.  There was a discussion about the washing of the PPE and the use of a specific detergent.  Mayor Knudsen asked about the cost for one unit, and it was about $209 per unit.  Mr. Savaria stated that it is a proprietary material for the PPE.  There was a discussion about the PPE material and coating.

 

11. Finance

 

Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer, stated that Salaries and Wages are flat to last year.  In Other Expenses, the big difference is in other contractual services which is a fixed asset system.  This would eliminate the time it takes to generate the reports that are needed, before someone comes in and puts it into a readable fashion.  There are additional storage costs, but if he has the opportunity to get an intern, he may be able to use Laserfiche to digitize some records, reducing the storage space needed. 

 

12. Tax Collector

 

Mr. Rooney stated that there are contractual salary increases, but nothing significant in the Tax Collector budget.

 

13. Parking Utility

 

Mr. Rooney stated that his revenues for the parking utility aren’t completely finished, so until that is done, he doesn’t want to speculate on those numbers.  Salaries and Wages are basically flat.  The line item for Other Contractual Obligations for the parking garage maintenance, is roughly $100,000 greater than last year, and provides for capital reserve.  One of their greatest concerns is the effect of salt on the parking garage, so they have to come up with some method on a maintenance basis.  The other increase over last year is the first principal payment on the debt.  Mr. Rooney added that they have been moving $300,000 from the parking utility to the current fund over the past several years, and he won’t know what that amount will be this year, until the revenue stream has been calculated.  Deputy Mayor Sedon asked if the debt service includes the kiosks.  Mr. Rooney stated that the kiosks are leased, and that is in the Parking Utility Budget.

 

2. Wrap-up and Next Steps

 

Ms. Mailander listed that the February 22, 2021 budget meeting will include Parks and Recreation, Graydon Pool, Project Pride, Community Center, Water, Solid Waste, Recycling, Landfill, Debt Service, Headcount, and Revenues.  Mr. Rooney added that they can talk about Trust Funds and Capital at that meeting as well.

 

3. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

 

There were no comments from the public.

 

 

 

 

 

4. ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Deputy Mayor Sedon, seconded by Councilwoman Perron, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Special Public Budget Meeting was adjourned at 9:18 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

                                                                                                      Susan Knudsen                        

                                                                                                                         Mayor                        

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________

              Heather A. Mailander

      Village Manager/Village Clerk