Minutes 04/29/1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 29, 1986 the nee~ to increase the. level of employees -- specifically, the Fire and Police Departments. Due to the unique work schedule of Firefighters, six additional positions have been budgeted. This, coupled with two new police officers and the cross utilization and reassignment of exist- ing police personnel, will permit the critical and necessary safety coverage to.our citizens at regular pay in lieu of the premium overtime pay. Eventually, I would like to work toward al- lowing the individual employee the opportunity to choose between compensatory time or overtime pay; however, that opportunity cannot yet be offered and still give an appropriate pay wage increase. Refuse Disposal The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA[ has dramatically increased the cost per ton of disposing of refuse in their landfill. ~his ra~e has increased from $12.00 per ton to $16.50 beginning July 1, 1986. This 37.5~ increase is actually smaller than the $18.00 per to SPSA originally proposed; however, the impact on the budget remains a substantial cost of $180,000. Transportation As a result of Federal budget actions, the Tidewater has had to look toward member jurisdictions for increased reductions. This year's budget represents a 36% increase, for maintaining basically the same level of service. Transportation District Commission local contributions to offset Feder; or $137,000 in local contributions Public Safety As a major breakthrough in regional cooperation in the law enforcement area, the City Managers of all Hampton Roads communities have agreed to include in their budget recommenda: tions, sufficient funds to establish a regional computer fingerprint program. Such an effort would be a tremendous asset to law enforcement, on both the north and south sides of Hampton Roads. The fingerprinting program is one of the greatest advances that we have ever experien( and should drastical~improve arrests 24% or by 200 additional arrests. Also, to improve resp~ase time in public safety services, funds are included for the implementation of computer assisted dispatching in the Department of Communications and Emer- gency Services. It is anticipated that the equipment will be installed during this fiscal year. Equipment for both'projects ia._being purchased through a lease-purchase arrangement. Our total cost for both systems is $3.3 million, and funds for the lease purchase have been included in the budget. Neighborhoods You have consistently directed me to improve the quality and variety of housing stock through code enforcement and other housing programs. Indeed, one of City Council's highest priorities is the rehabilitation and conservation of existing housing, as well as the develop- ment of new housing in our City. Last year, the Department of Housing Services and Community Development was created. I believe the program has been extremely successful in protecting our residential and commercial environments. During its first nine months of operation, more than 2,500 housing, weed and debris, and abandoned vehicle violations have been_cited, while staff members have met with many civic groups and organizations representing thousands of peopl Officials in that department, and in cooperatzon with the PortsmouthKedevelopment and Housing Authority, have also provided individual guidance to tenants and homeowners regarding housing problems. In this year's budget, I have included two additional environmental inspector posi- tions which will enable the department to focus resources specifically on litter and refuse issues. One of the greatest concerns that has been expressed to me by neighborhood groups and civic leagues has been in this one area. I consider the Department of Housing Services and Community Development a vital element in our overall continuing effort to improve the appear- ance and image of our City. It, like other operating departments, is as much an economic development tool as funds earmarked for marketing and advertising. Education Last year, because of the large percentage of increase in State funds, I was able to recommend the entire request made by the Superintendent of Schools and the School Board. However, I warned last year that in the absence of State assistance it would not be possible to continue local increases beyond 10%. In discussions that I've had with the Superintendent of Schools, modifications to the School Board budget have been made so that the City's share could still amount to approximately 10% and meet all the criteria established by the Governor and members of the General Assembly. I commend the Superintendent and his staff for submitting a realistic budget that provides mandated programs yet keeps the local increase to a minimum. Tax Relief for the Elderly I am recommending to City Council that we increase the income limit for the elderly and disabled from $10,500 to 11,000 and the financial worth from $36,750 to $38,600. If you adopt this recommendation, it would be the third consecutive year that Council has addressed an increase in tax exemption for the elderly. Public Utilities In accordance with your direction, an agreement was recently executed between the City and the Hampton Road Sanitation District (HRSD) to convey the City's sewage treatment plant. The agreement is contingent upon approval by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Control Board, If the agreement is approved by these Federal and State agencies, owner- ship and operation of the facilities will transfer to HRSD on July 1, 1988. If consummated