Committee Report - Finance - 6-12-18 — File 206215

Finance Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 7/16/2018 June 12, 2018 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William A. White Jr. Chair Present Mary Jo Rossetti Vice Chair Present Ben Ewen-Campen Ward Three Alderman Present Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Jefferson Thomas ("J.T.") Scott Ward Two Alderman Present Jesse Clingan Ward Four Alderman Present Mark Niedergang Ward Five Alderman Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Present Stephanie Hirsch Alderman At Large Present Wilfred N. Mbah Alderman at Large Present Others present: Michael Mastrobuoni - SomerStat, Michael Glavin - OSPCD, Alan Inacio - OSPCD, Brad Rawson - OSPCD, Michael Feloney - OSPCD, Tom Galligani - OSPCD, George Proakis - OSPCD, Peter Forcellese - Legislative Clerk. The meeting took place in the Aldermen’s Chamber and was called to order at 6:10 PM by Chairman White and adjourned at 11:00 PM. The following department heads presented their FY-19 departmental budgets. OSPCD Administration - Alan Inacio Alderman Rossetti requested the total amount of grant funding represented by the proposed 13 grants (on page 109 of the budget book). Transportation & Infrastructure - Brad Rawson Alderman Niedergang spoke about wanting to see some major steps in a plan to acquire large chunks of open space and Mr. Rawson discussed the steps being taken by OSPCD to accomplish the goals that were set and said that the city does have a land use acquisition fund. Mr. Rawson was asked to provide the current balance in that fund. Alderman Niedergang requested updates on Drawer 7 Park and Conway Park and inquired about the request for $50,000 for contracted arborist services and why that work is being contracted vs. hiring someone to do the work. Alderman Rossetti asked about the delay in forming the urban forestry committee.

Finance Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 7/16/2018 Alderman Scott asked about the number of trees planted and the cost. He also asked about the number of trees removed and would like to see the numbers. He noted that, according to the 2014 and 2015 budget books, over 700 trees were planted in the city. Alderman Hirsch spoke about traffic concerns and Alderman Rossetti asked about salaries. Alderman Scott expressed concern over a 93% increase in personnel costs for the department at the same time that there was an 80% decrease in tree plantings. Housing - Milke Feloney Alderman Scott asked about the Rehab Program Manager position and Mr. Feloney explained the program, from marketing to preparing specs and loan documents. Alderman Rossetti inquired about a 1 position staffing discrepancy between FY-18 to FY-19. Mr. Feloney will provide the information. Chairman White asked Mr. Mastrobuoni to make sure that position titles remain consistent from year to year in the budget books. Alderman Rossetti said that she thinks that it’s doubtful that the requested amount in line 530000 will be used, based on prior budgets. Housing Stability - Michael Glavin Mr. Glavin said that the new Director of Housing Stability will be able to step into this role on August 13th and will be ready to explain her plan. Alderman Ballantyne said that she doesn't think that the Deputy Director position is needed at this point in time. Alderman Hirsch thinks this division should be under HHS. Economic Development - Tom Galligani Alderman Scott asked about a $300,000 Brownfields grant and Mr. Galligani said that grants are not shown in the general budget book. Alderman Ballantyne asked for breakdown of the $148,000 workforce development costs under line 530000 Planning & Zoning - George Proakis Alderman Rossetti recused herself from all discussion and votes regarding this department. Alderman Ballantyne spoke about the importance of the minimum mixed use ratio, saying that it needs to be a priority and the city needs to know what it is building to. Alderman McLaughlin asked about affordable units and building permit fees from FRIT and Mr. Proakis said FRIT will recommit to $3 million in permit fees, with the 1st payment coming before the end of this fiscal year. Handouts: • 6-12-18 Prof & Tech Services Breakdown