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