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040795
| 0 | 1) | Budget | Communication from Mayor Tom Barrett transmitting the 2005 Proposed Budget for the City of Milwaukee.
Minutes note: Also appeared: Mark Nicolini, Director (DOA-Budget), Wally Morics (Comptroller's Office), Marianne Walsh, Manager (Fiscal Review)
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Appeared: Chief William Wentlandt, Assistant Chief Mark Sain, Greg Gracz (Local #215, Fire Fighters' Association), Deputy Chief Gary Miller (Training Acadamy), Jennifer Meyer and Emma Stamps
Chief Wentlandt appeared and addressed the Committee. He complimented the budget staff and the fiscal staff for their work on the Fire Department's 2005 Proposed Budget. He then discussed the Fire Department's goals and gave a summary of the Fire Department's 2005 Proposed Budget highlights. Ms. Meyer gave an overview of her Budget highlights and Ms. Stamps recited her fiscal report.
Mr. Gracz, President of Local #215, Fire Fighters' Association, appeared and addressed the Committee. He commented that the last year had been detrimental to them. He noted that he is disturbed by the Fire Department running short on employees these days and that they are moving employees between engine houses. He then read a press release submitted by the Fire Chief that was released shortly after the 2005 Proposed Budget was released on Sept. 23, 2004. He noted that the current Fire Chief is proposing elimination of staff, whereas other Cities are looking to add staff. He then handed out and read from an article in the June, 2004 issue of “Fire Engineering” magazine. He further noted his concerns over the overtime being paid to management when they are short staff in the field. And finally he advised that the goal of the city should be to get the staffing back to the way it used to be.
Ald. D'Amato referred to the press release by the Fire Chief and asked if the staffing cuts in the Fire Department would cause a threat to the City's fire safety and what concrete evidence can he give that there are threats to the fire safety? Chief Wentlandt referred to the budget process and noted that when he submitted his 2005 Proposed Budget allocation to the budget office, he attached a corespondence related to concerns about the potential impact if the 2005 Proposed Budget is adopted. He then explained the challenges the Fire Department would face if the budget were approved as it is today. He noted that every day the Fire Department supplies many services, programs and training where they utilize a 5-person apparatus to fulfill those needs. And those needs may be for public education, for recruitment appearances or for special team training. Chief Wentlandt noted that they have a policy in place that an apparatus would not operate with less then four personnel, to ensure the safety of their personnel. He then explained their programs and noted that further reduction in personnel would prevent personnel from taken necessary training, etc. He then discussed the large amount of compensation time that employees have accumulated and they have an obligation to fill those requests.
Ald. D'Amato referred to the cuts that were made in the 2004 budget and noted that they heard the same testimony last year. He then asked if a number of the programs were eliminated or reduced due to budget cuts in the 2004 budget. Chief Wentlandt replied that in fact the training level has remained the same in 2004 as it was in 2003. Chief Wentlandt noted that they have been able to sustain that level, but it has taken a lot of creativity and a lot of organization. Chairman Murphy asked why the Chief feels so strongly that going from 5 to 4 personnel would have such an impact on training, recruitment and counseling if they were to follow through, since there was no negative impact in 2004. Chief Wentlandt explained his concerns.
Ald. D'Amato referred to comments made by Mr. Gracz on the engine houses being closed all over the City and that the Fire Department is top heavy as far as personnel. Chief Wentlandt replied that they keep a day-by-day report that tracks the closing of engine houses. Chief Wentlandt also noted that it is a misrepresentation by Mr. Gracz that houses are being closed every day. Chief Wentlandt explained that compared to other cities they have a reasonable organization structure with a blend of command staff personnel and firefighter personnel throughout the City. Ald. D'Amato noted that last year's allocation figure was revised due to the Mayor's promise of a budget freeze. Ald. D'Amato asked Mr. Gracz, how can they satisfy the state requirement and also maintain the budget freeze? Mr. Gracz replied that they have always lobbied for this City's best interest.
Chairman Murphy asked if there were any cuts in management staff last year. Chief Wentlandt replied that last year they reorganized the command staff by combining the Deputy Chief of Special Teams and the Deputy of Emergency Medical Services Bureaus and eliminated a Deputy Chief position. In addition, they are also reducing a Battalion Chief position and in the current budget there is a footnote stating that a Chief Dispatcher who is equivalent to a Command Officer is going to become a civilian position. Chairman Murphy asked that a camparison report on how many command staff is present at a fire scene be submitted to the Finance & Personnel Committee.
Chairman Murphy noted that Chief Wentlandt had indicated that they have had some savings as a result of sick leave and special duty paid and asked what is the amount saved. Chief Wentlandt replied that the sick leave was 30% over 1200 hours compared to last year. He then asked if that amount is in the salary and wage account? Chief Wentlandt replied yes.
Ald. Davis referred to the Basic Life Support (BLS) transport agreement with the Milwaukee County and asked what is the amount of revenue that contract brings to Milwaukee. Chief Wentlandt replied that the contract allows them to recover 56% of the revenue. He further noted that of all the revenue generated the City of Milwaukee produces almost 60% of that overall revenue. He then noted that the lag is about $100,000 of missed revenue. He further explained that it is important to recognize that the County supplements the County Paramedic program with the tax levy and if the policy makers see fit to shift away from the county tax roll into the city tax roll there would be a net cost to the Milwaukee citizens and it would be best for the Fire Department to take it over. Ald. Davis discussed the process the Fire Department uses in the collection of data in order to bill the County. Chief Wentlandt replied that they are currently implementing a new computer aided dispatch system and the final component, which will be implemented in 2006, will introduce the technology to acquire patient information at the scene. Chairman Murphy questioned the computer technology cost and noted that a large amount of money has been put into computerization in the Fire Department. He then asked what is the projects' annual cost for 2005 and 2006? Chief Wentlandt replied that their CAT system was very outdated and then explained how the new dispatch system will provide sufficient and effective service. Mr. Gracz commented that the most important computer is the human brain and those computers can't put out a fire, etc.
Ald. Davis asked who collects the data for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and how is it processed? Chief Wentlandt replied that there is a form that they use that is similar to the County and they enter the data on that form, it is then sent to County for them to enter data in the County database. Ald. Davis asked if they could staff internally for the input of that data. Chief Wentlandt advised that if they would take on the responsibility internally they would need to do an assessment as to what resources they would need to do that.
Ald. Witkowiak asked if they are falling behind in training, due to the staffing levels. Chief Wentlandt replied that they would cancel the training if there weren't enough staff to maintain an engine house. Deputy Chief Miller from the Training Academy explained the procedure on how they move staff from different Fire Houses so that all the staff can take the training courses without shutting down a Fire House. He noted that some of the moving around is due to vacation time, etc. and so far they haven't had to cancel any training.
Chairman Murphy commented that the Fire Department needs to have a minimum staffing level of 260 per day per the national standard. He then asked if that has drop below the 260 on a regular bases over last year. Chief Wentlandt replied that the current staffing is at 266 and they're policy is that they will hire overtime personnel everyday to maintain that level of 266. Chairman Murphy asked if the overtime level has gone up over the last year. Chief Wentlandt replied that the budget is on track, according to overtime. Ms. Stamps noted that in 2005 the special duty overtime compensation decreased by $150,000 or 2.77% from 2004 and Ms. Meyer noted that that is due to the reduction of personnel.
Chairman Murphy commented that the 12 full time equlivant (FTE) positions being eliminated in the 2005 Proposed Budget. Mr. Nicolini replied that there would be no layoffs.
Ald. D'Amato commented on the County Paramedic contract and noted that he was surprised that the reduction in revenue is only a $100,000 gap. He also commented that that isn't a bad price due to the fact that the City doesn't have to administer or collect it. He then asked if it could be a revenue opportunity for the city to provide those services to other communities. Chief Wentlandt explained that in the last 24 months, he has met with every Fire Chief and many of the Mayors and leaders in the communities and has attempted to market that service. He further discussed the different services, such as dispatching, training to other community Fire Departments and, most important , the consolidation of services at a regional level. Ald. D'Amato asked what is the total amount of money the county collects for the Paramedic contract? Ms. Meyer replied $7 million. Ald. D'Amato then asked when does the contract expire. Chief Wentlandt stated December 31, 2005. Chairman Murphy noted that the county provides the training for the City paramedic. Chief Wentlandt advised that the city never provided the training. Chief Wentlandt further discussed other options for training.
Ald. D'Amato asked if the City submitted a bid for the MMSD Tunnel Rescue Service contract? Chief Wentlandt replied that they didn't submit a bid and explained why. He then noted that it was awarded to the City of West Allis.
Chairman Murphy referred to the audit of the Department of Public Works vehicles and noted that the Mayor issued an order to not purchase any more vehicles. Ms. Meyer replied that the purchase of vehicles for the Fire Department has been delayed a number of years.
Ald. Witkowski appeared and addressed the Committee. He commended the Chief, the firefighters and all the programs the Fire Department runs. He then referred to the duplication of activities and asked if there is coordination between the Safety Commission and the Fire Department. Chief Wentlandt replied yes. He then asked if firefighters go to training or does the training go to the firefighters (fire house). Chief Wentlandt summarized the training process.
Ald. Davis referred to the acceptance and expenditure of a $200,000 grant to establish a second Survive Alive House. He then asked what problems or issues have caused a delay in that project and what are the City's obligations under the grant guidelines for completing the project or forfeiting the funds. Chief Wendlandt replied that that was a grant that they hadn't received, but they continue to keep that as part of their mission to find a site and continue to look for grant funding.
Ald. Davis commented that the Fire, Police and Health departments each have a portion of the $8 million federal UASI grant, and the Budget Office summary accredit all but the Fire Department's $1 million portion and that according to the footnote on pg. 460.15 of the green sheets; the grant does not require a city match, however, MFD proposes that the City incur $500,000 debt to leverage the grant. He asked what is the rational for not using operating funds for this project and why does the budget summary not reflect this under Fire Department's Grant and Aid fund or the capital improvements areas. Ms. Meyer replied that the money is proposed for the Fire Digital Radio System capital improvement project. Chief Wentlandt also replied that the investment for the entire new radio system is $2.5 million total and previously was projected to come out of the capital account, but they were able to secure $2 million in federal grants and allocate it to the Fire Department's upgrade portion of the radio system. He also noted that they have one more grant application pending.
Recess: 10:55 A.M.
Reconvened: 11:03 A.M.
Library
Appeared: Kathleen Huston, Sandra Lockett, Paula Kiely, Arthur Harrington (President of the Board of Trustees of MPL), Judith Zemke, Jennifer Gonda and Angelyn Ward
Ms. Huston appeared and addressed the Committee. She introduced her staff that were present and then thanked the Budget staff for their help with the Library's 2005 Proposed Budget. She then gave a summary of the library's activities over the past year, such as all of the Libraries are now wireless, they had 14,000 young people participate in the summer reading program, their Wells Street entrance is now complete and fully accessible and finally the Library staff continues to give a high level of excellent service to the community. Ms. Gonda then read her budget highlights and Ms. Ward gave a summary of her fiscal report. Ms. Ward noted the following errors in her fiscal report: On page 7 there are two corrections, under the Patron count for 2002, Mill Road should read 187,185 and Zablocki should read 235,961. On page 16, under “Mosaic & Scagliola Program should read $110,000.
Ald. D'Amato commented that the biggest issue in the Library's 2005 Proposed Budget is the cutting of library hours. He then asked what year did they start reducing hours. Ms. Ward replied that that was in 2003. Ms. Huston noted that as of September their patron total has increased from last year. Ald. D'Amato commented that with the amount of hours cut, they could close one and 1/2 branches of the library and instead of doing that they cut hours throughout all the libraries. Ms. Huston noted that cutting the hours isn't a happy proposal, but they did avoid closing a branch.
Ald. D'Amato commented that the 2005 Proposed Budget for library material shows a decrease of $1.3 million. He then noted that if the department does not purchase as many books, magazines, newspapers, etc., what will the Library do to encourage Milwaukee patrons to use the Milwaukee Public Library collection versus going to other communities? Ms. Huston replied that the number of patrons has increased and that is due to computer use. Ald. D'Amato then asked what does that mean for the average user if they cut the book budget? Ms. Lockett appeared and replied that each neighborhood library would have a decrease in monies to purchase materials and it may affect the purchase of popular materials, such as GED materials. Ms. Kiely appeared and replied that electronic databases are expensive and they will try to maintain those as best as they can, but it would mean that they would need to cut back on some specialty items and some general materials. They would also put a priority on reference materials that are needed to help the librarians do their jobs. They will emphasize on purchasing children's materials and try to purchase materials that are in high demand. Ms. Huston noted that they would make sure they don't duplicate, which will leave the libraries with less copies and they would probably not do replacement orders. Ald. D'Amato discussed the Library Foundation raising money for Library materials and discussed the agreement they made with the past Mayor. Ald. Davis commented that priorities need to be set and that the funds for the libraries shouldn't come from the Foundation and/or Community Development Block Grant dollars; it should be fully funded by the City. He then discussed the risk to the Library programs. Mr. Nicolini replied that the risk to this budget is due to the decline in state share revenue.
Chairman Murphy asked if the surrounding suburban libraries are cutting their book budget and, how much has the City previously paid in reciprocal borrowing. Ms. Huston replied that it was $1 million. Chairman Murphy asked if the suburban libraries don't sign, what would be the impact on Milwaukee's patron at those libraries. He also asked if the suburban libraries don't sign, where would Milwaukee put the half million dollars. Should they take the money back out and put it into the tax stabilization fund? Mr. Nicolini recommended that if the agreements aren't signed and they have an impact on library services available to Milwaukee residents, the Council could look at allowing the Board and the City Librarian to reallocated the funds. Ms. Huston noted that they have until Dec. 31, 2004 to sign, and so far none has been signed. She further noted that they received a letter from Oak Creek declining the funds offered by the City. She further advised that Wauwatosa stated taht they weren't going to sign the agreement offer because the funds weren't sufficient. Ms. Huston also said that they wouldn't know until the middle of January what the outcome will be. Chairman Murphy asked what would happen if they don't sign, would they tell Milwaukee residents they can't use their library? Ms. Huston replied that they declined the offer agreement, but they haven't received the member agreement from them yet. Ald. D'Amato as president of the Library Board, noted that they would consider expelling any suburb that doesn't sign and those suburbs then wouldn't have access to the Federated Library System.
Ald. Witkowski appeared and addressed the Committee. He asked what criteria went into the cutting of library hours. Ms. Huston noted that it was a long and complicated progress. Ms. Kiely replied that at the Central Library they proposed reducing the hours by 6. She noted that on Thursdays and Wednesdays they would close 3 hours earlier. And the rational in closing earlier on those days was the low patron use during those times. Ms. Lockett commented that they determined the reduction in the majority of the branches the same way. She noted that, when deciding on the closings times, they worked it out so that when one library was closed, another library close by would be open.
Chairman Murphy asked if there are any positions being eliminated? Ms. Kiely replied no.
Ald. D'Amato commented on the debate over the Villard Avenue library last year, and noted that the kids go to the library until 6:00 p.m., because the parents work later. He then asked if the reduction of hours on Fridays would affect those families. Ms. Lockett noted that they normal close at 5:00 on Fridays.
Recess: 11:50 A.M.
Reconvened: 1:11 P.M.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Appeared: Chief Nannette Hegerty, Deputy Inspector Sucik, Barb Butler (Budget Manager), Sergeant Michael Kuspa (Training Bureau), David Schroeder, Mark Ramion, Ed Ellenberger (Milw. Police Supervisors Org.), Bill Ward (Milwaukee Police Assoc.)
Mr. Schroeder read his budget highlights. Mr. Ramion gave a summary of his fiscal report.
Ms. Hegerty appeared and addressed the Committee. She thanked the Council members for their support and asked for their continuing support in 2005. She then read from her presentation, which gave a brief summary of the Police Departments 2005 Proposed Budget. (See MPD presentation attached to File 040795)
Ald. Davis questioned the use of Community Development Block Grant funds and reprogramming funds. He then commented on the targeted reprogramming funds for 2005. Ms. Butler replied that if they don't receive the funds, it would restrict the overtime that they could spend in problem areas. Ald. Davis asked when do they plan on expending those funds? Ms. Butler replied that they couldn't spend those funds until they become available.
Chairman Murphy noted that the whole Council would like to see an additional police recruit class, but it is a matter of how they could afford it. Chairman Murphy asked that the Budget and Fiscal Review Office supply the Committee with a fiscal amount if they were to add an additional class. Mr. Nicolini replied that it would be about $100,000 per pay period. Ald. Witkowiak asked if the Department every had 200 vacancies at one time in the past. Ms. Hegerty replied that yes they have and further noted that it contributed to overtime expenditures.
Ald. D'Amato asked for the overtime numbers to date and the projected number for the remainder of this year. Mr. Schroeder replied that as of pay period 21 the department has spent $9.3 million in overtime and they project that they will be $1.6 million over budget. Chief Hegerty replied that hours are down, but budget dollars are up. Mr. Schroeder noted that they are behind from last year. Ald. D'Amato referred to the chart in the budget summary, and asked if it is conceivable to reduce the overtime and move up the police class by a couple of months. Chief Hegerty replied that she doesn't know if that is a possibility. She further discussed the wage cost issue in relation to overtime. Ald. D'Amato further discussed the overtime issues.
Ald. D'Amato asked it they have some feedback yet on false alarm calls? Chief Hegerty noted that so far it has been working very well. She noted that she doesn't have the data right now, but they have been keeping a data log over the past month since the false alarm policy went into effect.
Ald. D'Amato referred to the re-employment issues and asked if that has been in effect long enough to judge how that has worked. Chief Hegerty replied that the elimination of the early power shift, which is the noon to 8:00 p.m. has worked very well so far. She noted that they just received the data back on the possible elimination of the late power shift, which is from 8:00 p.m. till 4:00 a.m. and according to the data UWM collected on it, they determined that there is no effect one way or another. She then noted that they do get better lines of command in control. The transition team is studying that data right now and will be giving their recommendation in about two weeks.
Chairman Murphy asked how the anti-gang unit is working with HIDTA and other law enforcement agencies. Chief Hegerty replied that it is working very well and then discussed the open line communication they have with the agencies and that they are working in a cooperative effort with all the agencies.
Chairman Murphy questioned the purchase of 50 patrol cars at $1 million plus, and asked the Police Chief if they have reviewed the 50 patrol car purchase carefully and are they comfortable with that number being replaced. Chief Hegerty replied that they are replacing 13 patrol cars less then last year, due to the loss of some block grant funds. Mr. Schroeder responded that in the last few years there has been a reduction in block grant funds. The Department is also trying to reduce cost by moving their sergeants into a lower cost of vehicles, similar to the regular patrol cars. Chairman Murphy referred to the federal funding that the Police Department receives, which goes though the state before it gets to the Police Department. He then asked if they could do without the middleman. Mr. Schroeder commented that there has been a shift in what the Federal government is willing to fund. A lot of funds have been shifted away from local Law Enforcement to Homeland Security and that doesn't allow the purchase of vehicles under those programs. Ms. Butler noted that the Federal Government prefers the funding to go through the state.
Chairman Murphy commented on the human trafficking issues and asked if there is evidence that it is occurring here in Milwaukee. Ms. Hegerty replied that they do have some that they discovered, but they don't know yet the full extent.
Chairman Murphy referred to the increase in gas rates and asked if they think they have a fair budget for that. Mr. Schroeder replied that there are some built in increases in the 2005 budget. Ms. Butler noted that if they use the same amount of gasoline as 2004 they would have a shortfall of about $400,000.
Ald. Witkowiak asked what are the long-range plans for the District 2 Police station in regards to capital improvements. Chief Hegerty replied that they are doing some extensive renovation there right now. Ms. Butler replied that $2 million was put in the capital budget in 2002-2003 for Distict 2 improvements and they recently received $965,000, which has been released to them and they are in the process of getting contractors to do some remodeling.
Chairman Murphy referred to the use of non-lethal weapons. Sergeant Kuspa appeared and discussed the use of the taser project. Ald. D'Amato asked what other non-lethal weapons that are being used. Sergeant Kuspa replied that a pepper ball is used on occasions. Ald. Davis asked when dealing with a juvenile do they use tasers. Sergeant Kuspa noted that they don't recommended it. Ald. Davis noted that he didn't see anything in the Budget for school patrol officers in the schools. Chief Hegerty replied that there is one squad per district and they just received a COPS grant which gives them additional funding for school patrol officers in the Metcalfe area.
Chairman Murphy questioned the Community Liaison Officer positions. Chief Hegerty replied that they have two Community Liaison Coordinators, one for the Latino community and one for the African American community. Ald. Witkowiak asked the Chief to consider adding a Liaison Coordinator to the Asian community in the 2006 Budget.
Mr. Ward from the Milwaukee Police Association appeared and commented that this is a very solid budget, but noted his concern that they don't have enough front line services and added that another recruit class would be great.
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 4:0 |
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