LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on October 29. 1991, at 7:00 p.m. , with Chairman Weyaiidt presiding. Members preseiit were Councilmen Hare and Lynn and Mr. Leary. Other members of Council present were Mr, Levitt, Mr. Salters. Mr. Daisey, Council President Christiansen and Mayor Richter.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Lyiin moved to accept the agenda, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR THE LONG-RANGE INFORMATION SYSTEMS PLAN

During their meeting of August 12, 1991, Council approved the concept of a Long Range Information System Strategic Plan. The plan is the result of a combined work effort on the part of Systems and Computer Technology (SCT) and the Information Systems Planning Committee.

In order to effectively implement. the master plan, Mr. Worley explained that the City must enhance the Data Processing Division and upgrade its staff capacity. He stated that the entire staff has been unable to develop or plan for developments. and could not implement the long-range strategic information systems plan. The plan recommended that the City begin implementation of short-range and long-range planning through an aggressive program of new systems development and acquisition. Mr. Worley advised members that enhancement of Data Processing staff is necessary in order to effectively manage the new technology that will be acquired.

Staff recommended that the City hire a consultant to upgrade the Data Processing center, as well as begin to implement the Long-Range Information Systems Plan. Mr. Worley explained that a consulting firm would be sought to implement the plan and retrain current staff in the Data Processing Center so that they can become self functional. He stated that the costs will vary with the length of the contractual agreement. The longer the length of the agreement, the less expense per year because of start-up cost amortization. Mr. Worley advised members that the preliminary estimates indicate that a five year contract could be carried out tinder the same cost parameters as enhancing in-house staffing or a public/private partnership. Mr. Worley stated that a request for proposal process would be required in order to examine third party alternatives, which would take approximately three to four (3-4) months. At this time, staff recommended thatfees be authorized to seek information from firms on the costs involved in implementing the plan.

Mr. Hare moved to recommend that staff be authorized to immediately proceed with bringing back proposals to implement the plan, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Mr. Worley stated that dates will be provided prior, to the next Council meeting.

1992 GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ISSUE

Mr. Worley recommended @hat a workshop be held by City Council on Tuesday, November 5, 1991, at 7:00 p.m., to discuss the proposed 1992 General Obligation Bond Issite.

Those members of CouDcil present concurred with the scheduled workshop.

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Ttie State of Delaware Bureau of Archaeology and Historic Preservatioll requesting grant applications from local governmenLS and mtinicipalities for projects to be funded out of the Federal Historic Preservation Fund for the purpose of conducting surveys and planning activities to identify and protect significant historic and archaeological resources within the State of Delaware.

Mr. DePrima explained that the City would match the State's graiit with funds, inkind contributiotis, or a combination of both. He advised members that the Planiiing staff has met with Mr. Terry Jackson of The Friends of Old Dover. Staff, along with The Friends of Old Dover, recommended that the City submit a grant applicatioii for the followiiig activities:

1)Expailding the Historic District Boundaries to include portiolis of the State Victorian Historic District which includes numerous properties that are on the National Register of Historic Places, aiid

2)Developnieiit of a Historic Preservation Ordinance which identifies the types of architecture present witliin the Historic District and which details the types of construction and redevelopment activities that wotild be appropriate within the Historic District Boundaries, and

3)Establishment of a Historic Preservation Commission which wotild serve as a formal review board for development projects within the Historic District.

Mr. DePrima stated that the estimated costs for the above projects total $15,000. He explaitied that altliough the City's portion would total $7,500, staff will be providiiig in-kind services; therefore, it will oiily be necessary for the City to budget approximately $2.500 to $5,000 in fiscal year 1993.

Mr. Hare nioved to recommend that staff be authorized to apply for the Historic Preservation Grant, seconded by Mr. Leary and tinanimously carried,

Noting that the grant applica'uioii niust be submitted by November 8, 1991, Mr. DePrima requested a cotisensus from members of Cotiticil to proceed with the application. There were iio objections to his request.

QUARTERLY UNCOLLECTIBLES REPORTS

Ambulance

A list of uncollectible anibulance bills, in the aniount of $15,788.05, was submitted for the comntittee's review. The list represeiits the secotid list of uncollectible ambulaiice bills for FY92.

Mr. Weyandt referred to Medicaid accounts for whicli the City accepts assignnient

and suggested that all accounts over three years old should automatically be written off.

Mr. Worley stated that staff will look into the possibility of a one-time write-off of all uiicollectible ambulance bills that are over three years old.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that $15,788.05 in ambulance fees be written off, seconded by Mr. Hare and uiianimously carried.

Electric the amount of $14,720-88, was A list of uncollectible electric bills, in

submitted for the coniniittee's review. The list consisted of those accounts from April iggo through Juiie 1990 which have shown no collection activity for a period

of one year or longer.

Having concern with the antount of the bills being written off, some members felt that staff should investigate the possibility of an increase in deposits.

Notiiig that there are resideiitial billings that amount to several months of electric tisage, Mr. Salters qtiestioiied the cut-off procedures. it was his

feeliiig that the City sliould not provide electric service to those customers that do not pay ttieir bills. Mr. Saiters stated that the amount of these itidividual bills could be reduced if the City were to cut their electricity off before they

were able to accumulate additional usage.

Members directed staff to review the policy on electric cut-off's for a report back to the committee.

Mr. Leary moved to recomniend that $14,720-88 in electric bills be written off, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

CITY MANAGER'S MONTHLY REPORT - SEPTEMBER

The committee reviewed various sections of the City Manager's Report for the montli of September, but took no official action,

Mr. Leary nioved to recomniend acceptaiiee of the City Manager's Report, seconded by Mr. Lynii and unanimously carried.

Mr. Lynn moved for adjournnieiit, seconded by Mr. Leary aiicl unanimotisly carried.

Meeting Adjourtied at 8:00 P.M.

Respectfully stibmitted,

Francis R. Weyandt

Chairnian

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