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030734
| 0 | 1) | Budget | Communication from the Mayor transmitting the 2004 City Budget.
Minutes note: Also appeared: Joseph Czarnezki - Director (DOA-Budget), W. Martin Morics (Comptroller's Office), Marianne Walsh, Manager (Fiscal Review), Cassandra Patterson (Special Assistant to the Finance and Personnel Committee)
Library
Appeared: Angelyn Ward, Kathleen Huston, Jennifer Gonda, Arthur Harrington (President of the Board of Trustees of MPL), Paula Kiely, Patty Yunk, Ald. Don Richards, Judith Zemke and Sandra Lockett
The Library consists of the Central Library, twelve neighborhood libraries, and Mobile and Outreach Services. The Central Library serves as the resource library for the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. The Milwaukee Public Library provides a full array of library services to Milwaukee residents. The Central library also houses the state funded Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
A view of the 2003 Budget includes the following significant Library activities and changes: 2003 Budget Adjustment, New Washington Park Library, Villard Ave. Library and other library issues. In the 2004 Proposed Budget MPL's direct labor hours (DLH's) are 559,890, a decrease of 21,366, -3.7%, from 581,256 in the 2003 Budget. The proposed authorized positions for 2004 are 399, a decrease of 46, -10.3%, from 445 in the 2003 Budget. There are currently 88 vacancies. The 2004 Proposed Budget includes eliminating, transferring and adding various positions. The total operating expenditures are $1,976,751, a decrease of $145,153, -6.8%, from the 2003 Budget of $2,121,904. Funding for Equipment Purchases in the 2004 Proposed Budget is $2,117,204, a decrease of $252,235, -10.6%, from the 2003 Budget of $2,369,439. In the Proposed Budget, $900,000 is the estimated Reciprocal Borrowing costs. This is a decrease of $230,000, -20.4%, from the 2003 Budget of $1,130,000. The 2004 Proposed Budget indicates that MPL anticipates receiving $1,496,731, in total Grant funding, a decrease of $111,260, -6.9%, less than the 2003 Budget of $1,607,991. In the 2004 Proposed Budget, the Comptroller's Office projects MPL will generate $2,324,400 in revenues, an increase of $65,400, 2.9%, from the 2003 Budget of $2,259,000. It also provides the Library with $2,000,000 for capital improvement projects, an increase of $1,010,000, 102.0%, from the $999,000 provided in the 2003 Budget. The new Washington Park Library opened in 2003, replacing the Finney Library. The new two story structure offers traditional library programs, services and collection for adults, young adults and children, state-of-the-art computer technology and utilizes geothermal heating ventilation and air conditioning, requiring little maintenance and is cost effective and energy efficient. MPL is the first to install this type of equipment in southeastern Wisconsin. Due to the hiring freeze, as of April 1, 2003, MPL had 34 vacancies out of 445 authorized positions, resulting in an 8% vacancy rate. As of August 18, 2003, there were 77 vacant positions, a 17% vacancy rate. MPL was allocated $15,784,500 (without fringe benefits) for the 2004 Requested Budget. The library complied with the allocation by submitting a 2004 Requested Budget, reducing the number of authorized employees from 445 in 2003, to 376, a decrease of 69 positions. This was to be accomplished through eliminating vacant positions, possibly laying-off employees and closing three branch libraries, effective January 1, 2004. In the 2004 Proposed Budget, the Comptroller's Office projects MPL will generate $2,324,400 in revenues, an increase of $65,400. Villard Library was authorized to be closed on August 5, 2003. It is scheduled to be closed December 20, 2003. Mr. Harrington stated there is no question that the city of Milwaukee is experiencing financial stress. Mr. Harrington stated they should follow the recommendations outlined by the Mayor and Ms. Huston. He feels if they have to have cuts, they should close Villard. Mr. Harrington quoted a poem which stated: “Library, here is where people one frequently finds, lower their voices and raise their minds.” Of the 57 positions being slated for layoff, 55 are vacant, 1 is retiring at the end of the year and one is slated for layoff. They met with neighbors at the Center Street Library to see what the people would like. $368,000 plus fringe benefits is what it would cost to keep the Villard Avenue Library open. $1 million is in the budget for capital. Ald. D'Amato stated he feels the library is one of the best run departments we have in the City. There are two processes for waivers: State mandate waiver process and where the Dept. of Public Instruction can waive the requirement. If not granted we could get kicked out of the Federated Library System. The result of that is, we would lose money and our citizens would not be able to use the libraries in the suburbs. There is a slight chance that the state would change the State Statute issue. The MPLS board is on record opposing a change in this status. Surplus in salary account is at least $200,000. Ald. D'Amato asked how we could carry this money over to the Library and not put it in the TSF. Mr Joseph Czarnezki stated we would be robbing from Peter to pay Paul. The library charges $1 a week for certain first run books. State law does not allow them to charge more for videos. MPS (Clark Street School) might take over the Center Street Library and are still pursuing it. It will rest with the council as to what they want to do. They will operate the Center Street Library, just as it is till June. If MPS will not take over it in June what would happen to Center Street Library. Michelle Nate from MPS stated they are very excited about taking over the Center Street Library. There will be a reduction of one position of assistant coordinator. For the average user, there will be no change. The coordinators do work with volunteers. Librarians now go from school to school. In one week, they could go to 3 or 4 schools. Ald. Hines would like the presence of the MPLS in the Center Street Library even if it is taken over by MPS. There are contractual relationships with the unions and at this point neither of the unions have been contacted about it (Center Street Library being taken over by MPS). Even if we keep the Villard Avenue library open, we would have to deal with the asbestos and that will be expensive. Ald. Richards asked the committee to find a way to keep Villard Avenue Library funded this year and then they will look for funding in future years. Phyllis Wolford, 1620 N. 20th St. stated she lives next to the Washington Park Library, and feels if they need to close a library, they should close the Washington Park Library.
Recess: 10:22 AM
Reconvene: 10:40 A.M.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Appeared: Sandy Rotar, Chief William Wentlandt, Mark Sain, Greg Gracz, Bobby Wilbur, Ald. Willie Wade and Emma Stamps
The Fire Department is responsible for the protection of life and property from fire and other catastrophes. In addition to the maintenance of a fire fighting force to accomplish this primary objective, the department is also responsible for overall emergency medical and rescue service and fire prevention. Through a 1991 service agreement, the City became responsible for fire protection and emergency rescue services for the Village of West Milwaukee. The 2004 Proposed budget reduces authorized personnel from 1,146 in 2003 to 1,094. 18 to 21 Engines will operate using 4 staff compared to the current 5 staff. The 2004 Proposed Budget creates a Business Operations Manager that, if authorized in the city budget, will be studied by the DER to determine the appropriate title and pay which may be adjusted. Milwaukee County requires that MFD maintain 25 Paramedics on duty every day, 24 hours per day. In 2004, a fire captain or fire lieutenant who is certified as a paramedic may be assigned to the engine company assigned in a house with a MED unit. The proposed budget provides for combining the Emergency Medical Services and Special Teams into a Bureau of Special Operations, resulting in the elimination of one Deputy Chief position. The proposed budget provides for one recruit class with approximately 40 recruits.
The 2004 Proposed Budget provides $88,243,402 for the operating budget, compared to $78,433,193. The 2004 proposal to reduce the daily minimum staffing requirements affects the number of firefighters at 18 to 21 engines; sworn administrative personnel are not affected. Significant personnel changes are proposed based on an initiative to combine the Bureau of Special Operations and Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The Fire Budget and Finance Manager proposal is substituted with a Business Operations Manager. The 2004 Proposed Budget provides funds to implement a new Paramedic MED unit on the northwest side. The 2004 Proposed Overtime Compensated (Special Duty) increases $330,258 (or 6.16%) to $5,197,339 compared to $4,896,081 provided in 2003. It provides $608,506 for Equipment Purchases, compared to $358,736 in 2003 and proposes $462,000 in CDBG funds for FOCUS. The Common Council in a resolution dealing with 2004 CDBG fund allocation has already approved this amount. It provides $5,840,000 for capital improvement projects, an increase of $735,000 from the $5,105,000 in the 2003 Budget. The Milwaukee Fire Department expects to apply for and receive a total of $5,047,428 total from grant sources in 2004, although the Milwaukee County Paramedic Grant will be recognized as revenue instead of grants and aids. The 2004 Proposed Budget Charges for Services general fund revenue estimate $6,093,304 includes the $4,865,304 Milwaukee County Paramedic Grant but does not include Tunnel Rescue Services because those funds are now considered reimbursable. In 2004, the City will work to establish Basic Life Support service contracts with private ambulance companies for the 2005-2009 contract period. The proposed budget provides $608,506 for Equipment Purchases, compared to $358,736 provided in 2003. The $249,770 or 69.63% increase is related to costs associated with a new initiative introduced by the Fire Chief that focuses on firefighter safety equipment. No known grants are available for this initiative. The 2004 city budget proposes $462,000 in CDBG funds for FOCUS. The FOCUS allocations will transfer salaries and wages and fringe benefit costs from the tax levy. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District reimburses the Fire Department for the provision of tunnel safety rescue services. The 2004 Proposed budget estimates a $178,588 MMSD Tunnel Safety Rescue reimbursement for salaries for Tunnel Safety Rescue services. The Fire Department faces some tough challenges to maintain an adequate level of funding and services. They made a decisions that they would not close any fire stations. They have used lots of effort to recruit minority fireman. They added a MED unit as the result of the action taken by the EMS system by the County. The focus of 2004 is not only to add value but focus on firefighter safety. Ald. Donovan asked about the reduction of manpower and what effect it will have on the public. Engine companies are first responders. The busiest companies have 4 or 5 personnel. The challenge in focusing on the fire department budget by lowering the amount of personnel to 4, constituents will receive the same level of service. This must be approved by the Fire and Police Commission. Other cities of our size are truly a leader in fire fatalities. Our staffing levels compared to the 23 largest cities, only 3 major cities staff with 5 personnel. They are having a medical oversight study to look at cardiac events. The study could take up to a year. The City of Milwaukee was rated as the third best in the country (study was from USA Today). In the Rescue study they are partnering with Milwaukee County. The Budget Manager position, they have a person on board that is doing an outstanding job, but they feel more good could be done with that person working with other communities to perform services for them, assisting the Chief and the Deputy Chief to work with grants. He feels if you have an $80 million dollar organization and you add a $50,000 person, the Chief feels that he can get a lot more out of that person than $50,000 (grants, etc.). Ald. Wade asked about the chart on 2002 Fire Fatalities, if the other departments have the same amount of staff that we have. The Chief replied they would have to study that and see how many personnel they are putting on training. The fire department educates and puts in smoke detectors and put over 20,000 children a year through the survive alive house. In 1990 we had 26 fatalities, and they would have had similar staffing to what we had today. Milwaukee Fire Fighters Association feels they are cut to the bone and can no longer accept any cuts. Everyone has an agenda, but Mr. Gracz feels its time to put agendas aside and realize that this budget if enacted will have a severe impact on our citizens. The major part of the budget is money and staffing levels. We were just recognized by USA today and were rated as one of the top 3 Paramedic (EMT) units in the country. This did not happen by accident. It's because they had 5 people at a station. They started out with a team leader situation and that did not work in the city of Milwaukee. On Wednesday they had to close down an engine 37 (5300 N. Teutonia) house because they had training. Ladder 15 was closed for 30 minutes to an hour the other day. They want to be able to provide the type of service they feel this city deserves. The fire department did install smoke detectors. Ald. Murphy feels they should hold the capitol project and he would like to see a chart, a flo chart, so we do not have an over run on expenditures.
Recess: 11:43 AM
Reconvened: 1:10 PM
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Appeared: Chief Jones, Dep. Insp. Sucik, David Schroeder, Ald. Breier, Ald. Nardelli, Mark Ramion, Rudy Konrad, Cheryl Olivia, Capt. Glenn Frankovis, Mr. Horlick, Ed Ellenberger (MPSO), Bradley DeBraska and Barb Butler
The Police department is responsible for the protection of life and property through the apprehension of criminals and for the preservation of the public peace and order. The department assists in the safe movement of pedestrians and a vehicle on city streets, acts on citizen complaints, provides crossing guard and juvenile services and investigates persons applying for various city licenses.
The 2004 proposed budget for the Milwaukee Police Department is $178,481,318 and increase of 5% from the 2003 budget. The MPD proposed budget includes 2,830 positions, a reduction of 122 authorized positions from the 2003 budget. This reduction includes 113 vacant police officer positions. The Capital Expenditures in the 2004 proposed budget are $6,510,000. Major capital projects include $5 million for digital radio conversion and $950,000 for renovation and remodeling needs for the firing range at the Safety Academy. The MPD Print Shop is eliminated in the 2004 proposed budget. Three currently filled positions will be eliminated and MPD will contract out for its printing needs. MPD produces approximately 650 different forms, brochures and reports for the various sections of the police department. In addition to printing duties, MPD Print Shop staff has been cross-trained in other duties at MPD including operation of lighting systems for stage productions at the Safety Academy, installing video cameras and monitors at district stations and department bureaus, assisting in video documentation of training material and repairing damaged department issued badges, cap shields and name tags. The Overtime allocation for 2004 is $9.8 million, an increase of $700,000 from the 2003 budget. 140 officers have graduated from the Safety Academy, to date, in 2003. MPD is budgeted for two police classes in 2004. In 2004, 149 sworn members will be eligible for retirement. Vacancies relative to retirement are difficult to predict, as eligibility to retire does not necessarily mean that the officer will retire. MPD anticipates receiving $500,000 in CDBG reprogramming funds to pay for officers' overtime when patrolling in Neighborhood Strategic Planning Areas. MPD is estimating that $9.7 million will be received from various grant sources in 2003, funding 31.5 positions, in whole or in part. The 2004 proposed budget for capital expenditures includes a total of $6,510,000. $5 million is proposed to continue the work on the digital radio conversion. It also projects the receipt of $757,500 in revenue. Chief Jones said he was informed 10 minutes before the budget was published on the impact it would have on the Milwaukee Police Department. Chief Jones said he was talking about the reorganization of the Police Department. Mr. Konrad stated the opinion is what is the effect of the passage of the budget. The budget specifies certain positions at certain locations to be eliminated. The Council can determine the number of positions that can be established in the police department, but the placing of these officers is strictly under the responsibility of the chief. The adoption of the budget will not automatically be put into effect. The council does not have the authority to eliminate a sergeant in the property bureau. That authority is given to the chief of police and the Fire and Police Commission. He told the Mayor “We cut through muscle, we cut through skin and now we are cutting bone.” The Mayor told him we have nothing to discuss. If the cuts suggested were to go forward it would effect the MPSO and MPA. The fire and police commission is the body that would have to adopt rules to govern this layoff/bumping down. The process for creating a position is: the chief writes up a proposal, sends it to the Fire & Police Commission, who sends it to DER and back to the Commission and then back to the chief. Ald. Gordon asked the budget how they arrived at the position cited for elimination. He said it looked like “cherry picking” to him. The 79 individuals cited for layoff, several of them contacted Ald. Gordon and other members of the Fire and Police Commission. Every position targeted to be cut, was filled by a female and 6 of them were of color. Ald. Breier stated we have two unions we are dealing with MPA and MPSO. The chief stated elimination of the print shop is totally irresponsible and they are fully prepared to explain the negative impact. They is no provision in the budget to even buy these printers the budget office told them they would get. The Chief said their print shop is an award winning print shop and they could do printing work for other departments. Ald. Nardelli said he felt the budget put together for the police department in his mind was a whopping. (Dispute between the Mayor and the Police Chief) Ald. D'Amato said the new chief will get $178 million (93% of that goes to salaries and fringe benefits) to fight crime, effectively and responsibility. Citizens are pleased to see police officers walking the streets in their neighborhoods. The funding for police recruit classes, 2 were budgeted, 1 class was actually held and graduated Oct. 1. Only one recruit class will graduate in 2004, so the officers can not patrol on their own till 2005 (after field training). We are left with 1,117 officers after retirements and terminations. Recruit classes have either been postponed or not held at all. The equipment and operating budgets are the two budgets the chief has some control over and if you look at those budgets, they have decreased since the Chief was appointed. The police sought out grant funding of over $6 million. The chief will retire November 18, 2003. They would not have 250 vacancies at the end of the year if they were able to have the classes that were authorized. Priority one calls are up 138% over the last years. 3rd District Capital Project is not yet operational and it will be up and running possibly by November 16, 2003. Ald. Gordon suggested to the Committee that they invite Chief Nan Hegarty so that we can hear some of the concerns she may have with the proposed budget. The budget director stated that they are going to look at combined the Police print shop with the DOA print shop. Cheryl Olivia stated paper is the least effective way of spreading information. Deputy Inspector Sucik stated they print, at the direction of the police department, Milwaukee's Most Wanted. They post them in the police stations. Someone came in and recognized one of these people and that most wanted person was quickly taken into custody. Ald. Gordon expressed his gratitude to the Chief and his great command staff. Mr. Czarnezki stated he had a relationship with the chief where they both have a mutual respect for each other. Mr. Horlick executive director of the union that represents the civilian members of the police department spoke on the damage of eliminating the print shop. Ed Ellenberger from the MPSO read a prepared statement. Bradley DeBraska (MPA) stated he agreed with the chief of police. | HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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