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04/27/1989 Work SessionPresent: ASSEMBLY RORK SESSION NOTES April 27, 1989 7:30 p.m. - Borough Conference Room Lorne White, Presiding Ann Barker Tom Merriman Staff: Jerome Selby, Mayor Peg Thompson, Acting Deputy Clerk Alan Austerman John Parker Wayne Stevens The assembly members asked for more information on the class action suit filed on the Borough's behalf against Exxon. There was discussion about the fact that none of them had known anything about this before it actually took place. Mayor Selby explained that the suit was basically a vehicle for Jamin, et al. to have a voice in making the decision as to who would represent various groups in the pending suits against Exxon concerning the recent oil spill in Prince William Sound. Assembly members expressed concern that this decision to join in the suit had not gone through them. They asked that the borough attorney's firm be contacted immediately with a request to supply them with more information on this issue. PACKET REVIEW Public Hearing - Regarding Ordinance No. 89 -12 -0, Assem- blyman Austerman has been attending Planning & Zoning meetings and stated that the residents in this area support the rezone. These lots are currently being used for business purposes. Regarding Resolution No. 89 -22 -R, this resolution is being placed on the agenda after the Clerk pulled it off last week to make some corrections to the text. Assemblyman White noted that it needs to be changed to by "Borough Clerk" rather than "Mayor." Regarding Resolution No. 89 -29 -R, Ms. Thompson explained that this is being recommended by Dave Crowe, Borough Engineer and Marion Stirrup, Hazardous Waste Committee member. Assemblyman White asked who was going to write the resolution. Ms. Thompson stated Gaye Vaughan, Borough Clerk had discussed this resolution with Dave Crowe. Mayor Selby pointed out that HB106 would provide matching funds up to $10,000 to deal with hazardous waste. Regarding Ordinance No. 89 -13 -0, Mayor Selby reported that the budget was based on a 10% cut from Municipal Assistance. The two main changes are in the expenditure section. One is a 3% salary increase and the other is combining Engineering and Facilities into one department. The budget will be discussed in more detail under other items. KIBS85818 OTHER Mayor Selby reported that the House Budget left school funding at the same level as the Governor's budget except in school transportation funding which was cut 20 %. Superintendent Wittenveen is looking into the effect of this type of cut on the KIB School District bus services. Power cost would have a 10% cut. Shared and raw fish taxes would be left at the Governor's request level. The Longevity Bonus program would be cut approximately $5,000,000. State Department budgets would be cut 5 %, even though this is not an across the board cut. For instance, Fish and Game's budget would be cut 4 %. The House is still working on a capital projects bill. Four of the six seats on the Budget Review Committee may be filled by legislators representing bush communities. There were no major changes in the revenue portion of the Borough's FY90 budget presented to the assembly tonight. As mentioned previously the major changes in the expenditure portion were a 3% increase in staff payroll and combining Facilities and Engineering to make one department. There was a discussion on how to deal with the 3% salary increase, whether to make it an across the board increase, depending on position ranges, etc. There was discussion on setting salaries. Should there be a salary level decided on, what and how to compare positions. After the department reorganization the budget will read Engineering /Facilities Department. This draft of the budget showed a department head (with a strength in engineering or facility management), an assistant department head (which would compliment the department head position), an engineer, a draftsman, a secretary III, and a secretary II. Assemblyman Stevens pointed out an error in the computations, and the immediate savings in combining the two departments would actually be $26,000. There was discussion on streamlining the Engineering /Facilities Department further. This will be worked out in further detail as the budget is being reviewed. Mayor Selby was asked to draw up a job description for an administrative assistant position. Assemblyman Austerman suggested going in with the City and Brechan to do some maintenance work on Pillar Mountain Road. There was discussion on how extensive the work would need to be done. Assemblyman White appointed Assemblymen Stevens, Assemblywoman Barker, and Assemblyman White to the Employee Committee. Assemblyman Stevens was named the chairperson. A citizen will be asked to serve on the committee, as well as three borough employees and a borough administrator. Assemblyman White will set a meeting date and notify members. Assemblywoman Barker asked if some of the meetings could be lunch meetings. Assemblyman Parker reiterated that the dumpsters continue to be in very bad condition. Mayor Selby reported that he had had a discussion with the contractor and had been assured that the dumpsters will be cleaned up right away. Assemblymembers discussed the burning still going on in Bell's Flats. The burning issue will be addressed in an ordinance drawn up by the Mayor. KIBS85819 Assemblymembers told Mayor Selby to go ahead with the pull tab ordinance. Mayor Selby stated that the hospital will not be placed on the back - burner. They are definitely going ahead with it. Mayor Selby reported that the Corps of Engineers was beginning to enforce wet -land violations with a vengeance. He cited a case in which the violator had filled in wet land ten years ago, and the Corps is just now serving a violation against him. This may have ramifications on actions the Borough is taking. Mayor Selby reported that DEC, in cooperation with the Borough, is conducting a disposal program for hazardous waste from households and local businesses during the month of May. KIBS8582O