2006-03-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

69 Program Changes Mr. O’Connell said that the large item pickup is proposed to be eliminated and pool hours reduced. Mr. Lynch expressed concern about cutting Parks and Recreation hours, noting that we have a significant commitment in infrastructure with our facilities. He said that the cost per child at the Juvenile Detention Center is very high. Mr. O’Connell said it would cost the City $3.5 million to buy out of the Juvenile Detention Center. Mr. Lynch said he not proposing that we back out, but the question is do we agree to sell the facility and use it for something else. Dr. Brown said that seems like an issue for a discussion bigger than this budget. Mr. Schilling said he has heard concern from citizens about eliminating the large item pickup. He asked about the significant difference in the prices charged by private haulers. Ms. Mueller said those were the responses provided when staff called the private haulers. Mr. Schilling suggested that we contract out the service privately as the cost would be roughly the same as now and we do not have to maintain the infrastructure. He said he would like to look at an analysis of what the costs are for the service, and perhaps do it like leaf collection one or two times per year which would make it more efficient. He said he would like to have it evaluated before eliminating it. Ms. Hamilton agreed with Mr. Schilling and said it is a service she wants to keep. She said she thinks we have made the scheduling for it needlessly difficult. She said it is hugely symbolic of services citizens used to enjoy. Mr. Lynch agreed and said it is a service that helps keep the City clean. Mr. O’Connell said staff will provide some options to Council. Ms. Hamilton asked if the positions that provided large item pickup are proposed to be eliminated or reabsorbed, and Mr. O’Connell said that the positions would be eliminated and the people moved to other positions. Mr. Lynch said he is not sure we should close the outdoor pools. Mr. Mike Svetz, Director of Parks and Recreation, said staff is exploring if we can do something with the indoor pools in the summer and keep the outdoor pools open. Ms. Hamilton asked for a timeline of repairs at Meade Pool. Mr. Svetz said the work is expected to begin between April and May. He said the hope is to be able to get through one more season without major renovations at Meade. Mr. Schilling asked for help understanding the proposal regarding Police positions. Mr. O’Connell said the Police Department has had a history of vacancy savings. He said vacancies will occur during the year and there will also be retirements, and it is felt that this will result in a savings of $100,000. Mr. Schilling asked what happened in the past with money saved, and Mr. O’Connell said it probably helped offset other costs.