COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on March 22, 1999, at 6:45 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller, and Mayor Hutchison.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Weller moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Councilman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilwoman Malone, Councilman Leary, Mr. Gorman, and Mr. Merritt.

Review of Capital Investments Plan

Members were provided copies of the 2000/2004 City of Dover Capital Investments Plan (CIP) for their review. Staff prepares a five-year CIP every three (3) years with annual updates. The next scheduled five-year CIP is scheduled for FY 2003. This method emphasizes the City’s real needs, focuses on the completion of projects, and enables staff to monitor long-term needs of the City more efficiently. Capital projects totaling approximately $14.6 million are scheduled to begin in the next five (5) years, of which approximately $3.5 million (or 26%) is projected to be funded in FY 2000. The CIP also contains proposed vehicular/equipment purchases of $4.1 million over the next five (5) years. Vehicular/equipment purchases of $797,108 are projected to be funded in FY 2000.

Mr. Salters reminded members that the CIP is strictly a planning document designed to coordinate and communicate the City’s capital requirements for the next five (5) years. Projects in future years will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis. The CIP should be utilized as a guide, not a final commitment. Funding is committed only when City Council approves the project or equipment purchase in a budget. Mr. Salters assured members that only approved FY 2000 projects will be included in the upcoming year’s budget.

Mr. Salters moved to recommend adoption of the Capital Investments Plan for 2000-2004 (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk) as presented. Mr. Leary seconded the motion for discussion.

Mr. Lambert referred to the purchase of a ladder truck in 1993 and relayed concerns with the request of the Fire Department for the purchase of an additional ladder truck in FY 2001-2002. If the purchase of the ladder truck is necessary due to unreliability, it was his feeling that options to increase the reliability of the ladder truck should be addressed promptly. He suggested that the Fire Department present the issue and possible solutions to Council.

Mr. O’Connor stated that one of the two ladder trucks owned by Robbins Hose Company was out of operation for three (3) of the last 12 months. He suggested forming a subcommittee, consisting of himself, Mr. Lambert, the Finance Director, the Fire Chief, the President of Robbins Hose, and other Council Members to consider the options available to the Fire Department then present the options to the committee for consideration.

On a call for the question by Mrs. Malone, the motion was unanimously carried.

Proposed Ordinance Amendment - Section - 2-185(c) - Amount of Retirement Benefits

During their February 24, 1999 meeting, Pension Board members considered implementing periodic reviews of pension benefits and suggested instituting a mechanism that would require an annual review of the pension benefits paid to retirees. The Pension Board recommended adoption of an ordinance amendment to Section 2-185 of the City Code that would require an annual review of the pension benefits paid to retirees for the purpose of submitting a recommendation to City Council no later than the third Monday in February.

Mr. Salters moved to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance, seconded by Mrs. Malone.

Mr. Leary noted that the amendment includes a list of possible indices to be used in considering adjustments to the benefits, however, it is not limited to those indices. He explained that there are many indices that vary and suggested that the ordinance include more specific indices to be used. He relayed concern with maintaining the current benefits and suggested that the amendment be reworded to include “maintenance of standards” language. Mr. Leary also suggested that rather than annually, the pension benefits should be reviewed bi-annually to coincide with the actuarial study.

Mr. Salters withdrew his motion, as did Mrs. Malone her second. Mr. Leary moved to table the proposed ordinance amendment to Section 2-185 of the City Code, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

Mr. Salters moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:08 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robin R. Christiansen

                                                                                    Council President

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