One notable issue at the meeting was the appropriation of $320,000 from free cash to the Department of Public Works (DPW) snow and ice removal expense account. The funds are intended to cover the costs associated with snow and ice removal, including salt, overtime, and personnel expenses. Committee members acknowledged the relatively mild winter while discussing the fluctuating costs of salt and the financial implications. A motion was recommended to the full council for approval.

Following the discussion on snow and ice removal, the committee shifted its attention to the DPW repairs and maintenance expense account, which required an additional $35,000 from free cash to cover overages in repairs and maintenance for DPW vehicles and equipment. The committee probed into the staffing shortage and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year to ensure adequate funds for these repairs. Approval was recommended to the full council.

The committee also considered an appropriation of $24,000 from free cash to the DPW energy and utilities account, necessitated by fuel and energy costs for the DPW. Questions were raised about the breakdown of fuel and electricity costs and the budget for the next fiscal year. The order was subsequently recommended to the full council for approval.

Another financial concern was the mayor’s unclassified termination leave expense account, which required an appropriation of $50,000 from free cash. This allocation was to cover the payout of accrued time off benefits for retiring or resigning employees. The committee inquired about the current deficit in the account and the interim funding process before the appropriation. A recommendation for council approval was made.

The purchase of a new ambulance was a topic of considerable debate, as the committee deliberated on appropriating $4,000 from free cash to the ambulance repairs and maintenance account for chassis work and rust issues on the current ambulance. There was a discussion about the potential to keep the existing ambulance as a backup due to delays in the delivery of the new one and the necessity to maintain the current ambulance in serviceable condition. Approval was recommended to the full council.

The committee also discussed an appropriation of $77,000 from free cash to the airport various expense accounts. This funding was earmarked to cover overages for maintenance and repairs at the airport. The Mayor highlighted the need for these funds. Details of this discussion were not fully provided in the transcript.

Additionally, there was a focus on updating the city code, specifically the personnel ordinances for non-union employees, which had not been reviewed since 2004. The Mayor emphasized the need to align the ordinances with current practices and make them more competitive in the market. This comprehensive review and update of administrative legislation and personnel ordinances were deemed essential for the city’s ongoing operational efficiency.

Requests for additional review time were made for certain items, including the resolution to rename the City Council chamber and the ordinance appropriating $30,000 from free cash to the city’s lawsuit expense account. These items highlighted the committee’s thorough approach to fiscal management and legislative updates.