CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW CASTLE

BUDGET WORKSHOP

JUNE 5, 2008

6 P.M.

Present:

Others Present:

Cathryn Thomas, City Administrator
Marian Delaney, Finance/HR Supervisor
Gregory Sarnecki, City Accountant
Joseph Freebery, Director of Public Services
George O’Neal, Public Works Supervisor
Debby Pullan, Public Services Specialist

A motion to begin the Budget Workshop was made and seconded. The meeting began at 6:05 p.m. Roll call was taken.

A pre-budget meeting with Public Services personnel was conducted with Ms. Delaney, Mr. Freebery, Mr. O’Neal, and Ms. Debby Pullan in preparation for this meeting. Ms. Delaney reviewed overtime and salary matters.

Personal Service

Building Code Tech I – This is a full-time position.

Housing Code Enforcement – One half of this figure represents John Lloyd’s salary; the other half is shown under Board of Health.

Overtime – Appropriated $15,000.

Health/Life/Dental – Increasing.

Pension Plan – Figure is low because of the number of temporary personnel last year. (Discussion followed.)

Vacation & Sick Sellback – Increase to $7,500.

Professional Development/Training – (Discussion about different trainings took place.) Appropriated $7,500.

Software Updates – Debby Pullan is requesting a new permit program; cost is unknown. Currently she is working in DOS which is an outdated program. It is not known what Jeff Bergstrom’s computer needs are. The appropriation of $1,500 is subject to change based on Jeff Bergstrom’s needs. (There was discussion about various software programs being considered.)

Computer/Hardware – We pay a retainer ($5,000) to Technology Matrix. Computers for Jeff Bergstrom ($1,330 for computer and monitor) and George O’Neal (should be less than Jeff’s). (Discussion followed about City employees who should receive new computers and training for same.) $8,500 was appropriated.

Office Supplies/Equipment/Printing – Appropriated $3,000.

Operating Supplies – Appropriated $14,000.

Postage – Appropriated $2,500. It was noted that John Lloyd sends out certified notification letters that comes from the administrative postage budget.

Bldg. Appeals & Revolving Fund – Appropriated $5,000. (Discussion followed.)

Film & Development – Appropriated $500.

Administrative Expense – Appropriated $500.

Contractual Service

Fuels & Lubricants – Appropriated $45,000. Council President Blest stated we need to be more fuel efficient going forward.

Landfill Fees – We receive a refund in August creating a drop in fees. Dropping collection days from two to one day, yard waste and recycling was discussed. It was decided that accounting will be separate for landfill costs versus City costs concerning recycling. This process will show us true landfill costs versus Delaware Solid Waste costs. (Lengthy discussion followed.) Appropriated $200,000 (Landfill Fees, $174,000; Recycling Contract DSWA, $26,000)

Safety Equipment & Signs, Markings – Appropriated $12,000.

Small Tools, Equipment Repairs & Maintenance – Appropriated $11,000.

Radio Repairs – Appropriated $2,000. (Radios are installed in the trucks.)

Traffic Light Maintenance & Equipment Rental – Appropriated $250.

Truck/Vehicle Repair & Maintenance – Appropriated $40,000.

Uniforms – Appropriated $7,000.

Special Event Overtime -- $2,500 was appropriated. (Summer concerts is included in this line item.)

Street Materials -- $3,500 was appropriated.

Public Services Capital

Director Vehicle – No monies are being budgeted. Mr. Freebery stated he does not need a new vehicle. He would like to consider replacing the lesser-efficient vehicles in his fleet. Discussion about four-wheel drive vehicles took place.

MSC Scanner/Generator – No monies are being budgeted; Ms. Delaney reported that the City received a $6,500 grant from DEMA to offset this expense.

Del. Coastal Mapping Software – No monies are being budgeted.

Community Transportation

Buttonwood Drainage – Councilperson Petty informed that a pipe is still needed to drain water. There is a new home being built in the area that is adding to the problems.

A motion to adjourn the Budget Workshop was made by Councilperson Churchill and seconded by Councilperson Petty. The motion was unanimously passed. The Budget Workshop was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Turner,
Stenographer

(Stenographer was not in attendance; minutes transcribed from tape.)