Minutes 03/21/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 21. 2005 The budget includes funding for a new mobile computing system for code enforcement that has a total lease purchase cost of $221 ,250, with $82,600 in lease payments included in the FY06 operating budget. This technology will provide city code enforcement inspectors real-time access to the code enforcement database from the field. Real-time wireless access to the code enforcement database allows inspectors to view a history of property complaints and enter code enforcement cases directly from the field, allowing them to spend more time on the street completing field work and less time in the office entering case information. The State Social Services system currently requires entry of redundant data on separate computer platforms. The EZ-Filer system is a single-computer interface that reduces the amount of time that local agencies spend in accessing and updating client and case information. Casework load studies have shown a 50 percent reduction in the amount of time it takes for an eligibility worker to complete a search of State systems. The total system cost is $533,750, which is included in the Social Services Department budget, and that makes this system eligible for State reimbursements. The budget includes a technology replacement program that includes the replacement of aging computer and radio equipment. IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY CAPABILITIES In order to adjust our pay plan to bring sworn police officers more in line with our market, the following changes in the starting pay for police personnel will be included in our FY06 pay plan: police officer, from $29,844 to $31,411; sergeant, from $39,994 to $46,409; lieutenant, from $44,094 to $51,166; and captain, from $48,613 to $56,410. These adjustments will make us more competitive for hiring in the region. The operating and capital budgets include a number of activities to improve public safety capabilities. We are anticipating the arrival of our 47 -foot fireboat later this spring to provide additional fire suppression and rescue services for the Portsmouth waterfront as well as for other cities in the Hampton Roads region. We are looking forward to adding this enhanced public safety service to our region as we continue to build our capabilities. As a result of lead detection in the City's police firing range, the City will temporarily use the firing range in Moyock, N.C., to meet its required firearm certification for public safety employees until a permanent solution has been determined. Additional overtime funding has been included to support this activity. The budget includes lease purchase funding totaling $2 million, with $480,000 in lease payments included in the FY06 operating budget, for the continuing replacement and upgrading of public safety and other vehicles. It is necessary to continue our vehicle replacement program to ensure that public safety and other employees are provided the rolling equipment that is required in the performance of their duties. The FY06 capital budget includes $1.7 million in funding toward the major renovation and expansion of the Portsmouth courts facilities, which is estimated to have a total cost of more than $20 million. In addition to planned improvements, this project will include an additional courtroom for the Circuit Court in anticipation of a new judgeship. The court renovation and expansion project has been under study for some time, and we plan to continue work on the Civic Center in FY06. The capital budget also includes funding for public safety facilities improvements, including the Effingham Fire Station, Truxtun Fire Station, and Police Headquarters. STRATEGICALLY MARKETING PORTSMOUTH The City's marketing team has been working on a number of new initiatives, with the goal of creating an integrated marketing approach to promote Portsmouth's marketable assets. The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame has joined our City team in anticipation of the grand opening of that facility this spring. To date, the marketing team has developed a vision, mission statement and marketing goals. Work is now underway to complete an overall marketing plan for implementation in FY06.