JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES November 13, 2024 City Council met in a stated session for the general transaction ofbusiness. Mayor Frank Janakovic called the Workshop to order at 4:40 p.m. An Executive Session to discuss personnel issues was. held prior to the Reverend King offered thei invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members ofCouncil were present for roll call: commencement of the workshop. Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Deputy Mayor Capriotti, Ms. Huchel, Mayor. Janakovic, David. Andrews, Esquire, Solicitor; Art Martynuska, City Manager; Fire ChiefRobert Statler; Sara Williams. Executive Director; Melissal Millard, Financel Director; and Jennifer Burkhart, Accounting Assistant, were also present. Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (7). WORKSHOP: ITEMS 1. Discussion of 2025 General and Capital Fund Budget General Fund Melissa Millard, Finance Director, provided an overview ofr revenues and expenditures. She noted no taxi increase for 2025. The budget was balanced with as surplus. Shei referred to the General Fund Revenues for further discussion, noting the substantial decreases in revenue including the real estate revenue by $200,000 She noted increases in the building permits, vehicle violations, codes ticketing, and ift the switch is made to Laurel Municipal, there would be an False alarms have increased, which is being paid by JRA. Interest rates are dropping, which will have to be considered: moving forward. Revenue is down for the highway, streets, and parking meters due to more road construction this year and meters being bagged. and earned income tax by $100,000. increase. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Workshop, continued 2of5 It was noted ITC garage parking revenue. for events may increase due to the contract with the War Memorial, and all: revenue from parking garages is Ms. Millard indicated: revenue: for school resource officers and DCED grant money for City Manager were. lost. She mentioned that former Economic Development Director, John Dubnansky, and Kathy Webb, Administrator, had brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars of grant revenue, which the City isc currently lacking but would be addressed by the City Manager. Mr. Martynuska commented grants will be searched and researched. The grants will be written, then application made and administered. Ms. Millard noted that $95,000 ofthel liquidated fund, currently $1.3 million, can be used towards other expenses, including the repair and maintenance ofPublic Works vehicles. She indicated $150,000 can be used towards payrolls. She stated Chief Statler worked with her and the City Manager and was able down. tol lower the fire department down $80,000. Mr. Martynuska noted the state aidi is up in 2025. The City would receive 2-unit values for every police officer, 2-unit values for every certified uniform, and 1-unit value for every non-uniform. More state aid will be coming in 2025. The unit value is $6,900. surplus in that fund. Ms. Millard noted no change int the revenue for the liquid fuels fund, but there wasa She reported no change in the general government budget. The procurement position in the finance department was eliminated. The City Manager suggested supplies be centralized to save money and provide better control. Regarding hospitalization, the City Manager noted a 5 percent increase in hospitalization for active employees, and a 13 percent increase for retirees. He will inquire ofMockenhaupt to provide an alternative for retiree healthcare. There was further discussion regarding healthcare. Itwast noted that healthcare was not being offered to new hires. Ms. Millard reported a very substantial upgrade to hard drives and all departments It was noted there was an: increase oft those who opted outi in the fire department. have had software training. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Workshop, continued 3of5 Ms. Millard commented that Mr. Martynuska did an excellent job working with the There was discussion regarding the: removal of1 10 fire hydrants as part oft the Main Street Project as well asi removal ofsome hydrants that arei no. longer needed. Ms. Millard noted multiple meetings with Mr. Campagna in Public Works and commented hel has done very well cutting back on supplies. She also noted Carm has been signing off on all maintenance and repairi invoices that go through the shop. Asi noted previously, liquid fuels funds will be used towards maintenance of] public safety vehicles and $150,000 towards payroll. She reported no change in Parking salary and wages, and some adjustments No increase in the contract with Sargent's Stadium at the Point. The City will start contributing to Community Development salaries. There were not many expenses for the Conference Center, but Ms. Huchel commented that other entities should have started contributing to the operational expenses per the agreement. The City Manager noted the contract was delivered to the management company, and that revenue should be Ms. Millard reported energy costs have gone up across the Board in all There was discussion regarding the amusement tax which substantially increased. Collections are being aggressively pursued. Ms. Millard noted a. reduction inj payroll in the Codes Department as per previous discussion. There was: further discussion regarding the bond debt. Ms. Millard commented that thel budget is balanced but noted Council should consider an increase in tax millage. There was discussion regarding the increase in utility costs. Int the future, the $500,000 in revenue: received from ARPA interest will be lost. It was noted City tax has not increased in 14 years. There was discussion: regarding the value ofmillage. police contract. were made to Recreation and other parks. posted. Ms. Millard will review the matter: further. departments. Wednesday November 13, ,2024, Stated Workshop, continued Proposed Capital Plan 4of5 MMO will decrease substantially for 2025. A surplus of $504,000 was transferred into the Capital Fund, and once MMOS are: met, the fire pension Ms. Millard referred members to thel Proposed Capital Plan as of September 30,2024, for further discussion ofinterest, grants, and expenses. Thei new gas pump system for the City Garage brings the City in compliance. There was discussion regarding sidewalk replacement at the top oft the will receive additional funding. Inclined Plane. Mr. Martynuska requested Public Works provide aj price on a lift on the Market Street side to make City Hall more accessible. the ramp: is not conducive to those who may be challenged. Mr. Capriotti reminded Council of the. ADA grant money that will become available the beginning of2025. Ms. Millard noted parking garage maintenance is ai new line item in the amount of $250,000 for elevator servicing. There was discussioni regarding the condition oft the maintenance shed and who is responsible to: maintain it. Ms. Millard There was discussion regarding the Capital Improvement line item int the amount of Mr. Arnone inquired about the old: fire station in Conemaugh Borough. ChiefStatler The City Manager noted a variance is being drafted for Sargent's Stadium to get it into compliance as the lines run under the field and cannot be slip lined. Ms. Millard will provide al breakdown of ARPA: funds for all businesses and nonprofits. There was discussion regarding ARPA funds for community neighborhood projects, which must be spent by the end of2026. will review the agreement. $450,000 for miscellaneous repairs. noted the building is being used for storage. Ms. Millard noted an additional $15,000 in the General Fund for animal control. She will create a new line item for that category. Shei noted: no additional funds would be allocated for the land bank. Wednesday November 13, 2024, Stated Workshop, continued 5of5 Animal Control, General Fund, relates toi fines. Ms. Huchel commented that solicitor and legal fees were up quite al bit. Ms. Millard: noted that figure was based on previous years as well as this year. Ms. Huchel commented that she does not take a salary but does not want it to disappear from thel budget but be used toj purchase something necessary. Ms. Millard asked Council members contact her regarding any financial concerns and Mr. Capriotti commended the staffinvolved ini the budget process and noted appreciation for the work completed in a very short period oft time. There being no further business, the Workshop adjourned at 5:51 p.m. Ms. Ndichu be contacted regarding the CDBG budget.