Citizen Engagement Budget Session on Proposed 2012-13 Utica City Budget
City of Utica Council members Frank Vescera 1st District and Jim Zecca Council At-large will host a series of “Plain Talk Sessions” with the Public and Council Members.
The first two meetings will be held this week, Wednesday February 29th at the Europa Restaurant (Former Pescatore’s Restaurant), 705 Albany Street (corner of Mary & Albany) and Thursday, March 1st at Tiny’s Grill on State Street where 2nd District Councilman Dave Testa will join in. The meetings will run from 6 to 7:30 pm.
The series of face-to face meetings are designed to give residents the opportunity to provide direct feedback to council members on budget and tax items for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
The sessions also include a presentation on the City's budget outlook for the future.
Residents who have ideas or comments on the city budget & taxes are invited and encouraged to participate in all of these meetings. All Council members are also invited.
These interactive sessions are intended to engage residents in conversation about the City's budget and tax items and how these will align with the City's Strategic Plan, goals & initiatives.
The City Budget must be completed and approved by the Common Council by March 20th and will go into effect April 1, 2012.
Contacts:
Frank Vescera (Tel 272- 8235) 1st Ward
James Zecca (Tel 725- 3771) Council-at-Large
Dave Testa (Tel 507- 4513) 2nd Ward
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Utica budget includes 18.19 percent tax increase and proposed fees on nonprofits
The Utica OD reported on Mayor Robert Palmieri’s first budget presentation Thursday hit with a thud against the expectations of city officials who had hoped for a more optimistic picture.
It included the elimination of 38 positions – many of them in the police and fire departments – and an 18.19 percent property tax increase. For a home assessed at $50,000, that means $230 more a year.
Still, Palmieri promised that his spending plan was an “honest and real” accounting of the city’s financial situation, and said he will focus on getting Utica back on sound footing.
“These are real numbers,” the mayor said. “It’s very transparent.”
And it promises tense weeks ahead for the Common Council – which has roughly a month to vet the budget, recommend changes and then to approve it.
Under the proposal, 60 percent of the council would have to vote to circumvent the state-imposed 2 percent property tax cap and approve corresponding legislation to lower the staffing limits in city departments.
“I don’t think anybody’s surprised by what was presented,” said Councilman Edward Bucciero, D-at-large, who chairs the council Finance Committee. “The council needs to analyze the cuts proposed and the appropriation of funds to seek additional cuts.”
The mayor proposed his budget Thursday at the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. It passed 4-0, with council President William Morehouse absent.
Public safety leaders, meanwhile, immediately sounded the alarm about the cuts. In addition to the other cuts, Palmieri’s proposal also would trim seven senior officers out of the police and fire departments through attrition.
“I’m worried about the safety of my officers,” police Chief Mark Williams said. “I’m worried about the safety of my citizens.”
Before the cuts, staffing levels included 135 firefighters and 180 police officers -- though the police department only currently has 154 officers because of long-term injuries, military leave and vacancies.
The path to oblivion
Palmieri called it a “day of reckoning,” but how did the city get to this point?
Palmieri’s recent predecessors spent through millions of dollars in reserves to gird against tax increases and layoffs. By the time Palmieri took office, 55 days ago, there was nothing left.
But costs such as retirement and health care again rose dramatically, by $2.2 million.
In all, it added up to a multi-million dollar budget hole that the administration had to plug.
The storm has been brewing for years, but Thursday was the culmination of several weeks of particularly bad news.
Read more here including the Mayor's idea of fees for nonprofits
It included the elimination of 38 positions – many of them in the police and fire departments – and an 18.19 percent property tax increase. For a home assessed at $50,000, that means $230 more a year.
Still, Palmieri promised that his spending plan was an “honest and real” accounting of the city’s financial situation, and said he will focus on getting Utica back on sound footing.
“These are real numbers,” the mayor said. “It’s very transparent.”
And it promises tense weeks ahead for the Common Council – which has roughly a month to vet the budget, recommend changes and then to approve it.
Under the proposal, 60 percent of the council would have to vote to circumvent the state-imposed 2 percent property tax cap and approve corresponding legislation to lower the staffing limits in city departments.
“I don’t think anybody’s surprised by what was presented,” said Councilman Edward Bucciero, D-at-large, who chairs the council Finance Committee. “The council needs to analyze the cuts proposed and the appropriation of funds to seek additional cuts.”
The mayor proposed his budget Thursday at the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. It passed 4-0, with council President William Morehouse absent.
Public safety leaders, meanwhile, immediately sounded the alarm about the cuts. In addition to the other cuts, Palmieri’s proposal also would trim seven senior officers out of the police and fire departments through attrition.
“I’m worried about the safety of my officers,” police Chief Mark Williams said. “I’m worried about the safety of my citizens.”
Before the cuts, staffing levels included 135 firefighters and 180 police officers -- though the police department only currently has 154 officers because of long-term injuries, military leave and vacancies.
The path to oblivion
Palmieri called it a “day of reckoning,” but how did the city get to this point?
Palmieri’s recent predecessors spent through millions of dollars in reserves to gird against tax increases and layoffs. By the time Palmieri took office, 55 days ago, there was nothing left.
But costs such as retirement and health care again rose dramatically, by $2.2 million.
In all, it added up to a multi-million dollar budget hole that the administration had to plug.
The storm has been brewing for years, but Thursday was the culmination of several weeks of particularly bad news.
Read more here including the Mayor's idea of fees for nonprofits
Mohawk Valley Leaders April 24th Program: Identifying, Enlisting and Motivating Board Members for Your Non-Profit Organization
This presentation is being funded by the CORPORATE PARTNERS PROGRAM of The Community Foundation of Herkimer
& Oneida Counties: a collaboration of generous area businesses and The Foundation to
promote nonprofit excellence and community advocacy. The 2012 Partners are Bank
of Utica, Birnie Bus Service, Carbone Auto, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield,
Fastrac Markets, M. Griffith Investments, NBT Bank, the Observer Dispatch,
Pacemaker Steel, Staffworks and Strategic Financial Services. We
appreciate their support.
Presented by Jim Donovan
Jim is the author of two books:
Copies of Jim's Books will be available for purchase at a discount the day of the seminar.
More information on the speaker Jim Donovan can be found on his website: http://donovanmanagement.com/wptest/ceo-profile/
This seminar will provide you the criteria in identifying potential board members, how best to enlist them and how to motivate them, including their role in asking for gifts. It will also emphasize the best practice of Board Driven and Staff Supported fund raising. Volunteers are on top. Staff is on tap.
Register Here
Date: April 24, 2012
Presented by Jim Donovan
Jim
Donovan is originally from Chadwicks, New York and the son of the late Senator
James H. and Esther Donovan. The family has a Donor Advised Fund at the
Utica/Herkimer Community Foundation which has provided dozens of scholarships
and grants to local students and groups.
Jim is the author of two books:
50
Ways to Motivate Your Board
Take
the Fear Out of Asking for Major Gifts
Copies of Jim's Books will be available for purchase at a discount the day of the seminar.
More information on the speaker Jim Donovan can be found on his website: http://donovanmanagement.com/wptest/ceo-profile/
This seminar will provide you the criteria in identifying potential board members, how best to enlist them and how to motivate them, including their role in asking for gifts. It will also emphasize the best practice of Board Driven and Staff Supported fund raising. Volunteers are on top. Staff is on tap.
Register Here
Date: April 24, 2012
Time:
9:00am-12:00pm
Fee: $5.00
(payable at the door)
Location:Mohawk
Valley Community College
(IT/Theatre Bldg: Excellus Blue Cross-Blue Shield Training Room IT
225)
1101 Sherman
Drive
Utica, NY
13501
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN ANNOUNCES BOLD PLAN TO REVITALIZE AND REFORM NEW YORK’S NONPROFIT SECTOR
NYS Attorney General Releases Nonprofit Report
More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/201Attorney General Announces Nonprofit Report: Recommendations Guided by the Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization
New York State Attorney General Schneiderman unveiled a new plan on Thursday to reform and revitalize New York's nonprofit sector.
Announced before an audience of nonprofit and business leaders, the plan includes legislation to eliminate outdated and costly burdens on nonprofits, strengthen oversight and accountability, and reaffirm his office's commitment to policing fraud and abuse.
Acknowledging that organizations throughout New York State face historic financial and strategic challenges, the Attorney General's plan also includes several new partnerships with the business and academic communities to enhance nonprofit governance.
"New York is the proud home of the world's most dynamic and vibrant nonprofit sector, but for too long, our state's regulatory framework has placed unnecessary burdens on these essential organizations. This plan will unlock the full potential of our nonprofit community, and improve the lives of the countless New Yorkers they serve every day," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to make New York a hospitable environment so nonprofits can continue to carry out their vital work. At the same time, we must maintain the public's trust by ensuring that nonprofits are governed effectively, and with meaningful oversight."
"NYCON applauds the Attorney General for his leadership in putting forth a positive agenda for reform of state and nonprofit relations," said Doug Sauer, NYCON CEO. "In the spirit of cooperation and partnership, we are hopeful that the AG, Comptroller, Governor and Legislature can work together to further shape and support the recommendations."
In 2011, Attorney General Schneiderman convened a Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization with 32 nonprofit leaders, including NYCON CEO Doug Sauer, to recommend proposals that would reduce regulatory burdens on nonprofits, while strengthening governance and accountability.
Today's legislative and reform initiatives are responsive to the committee's recommendations.
They include:
The Nonprofit Revitalization Act, to be proposed by the Attorney General;
"New York on BOARD" and;
"Directors U" designed to improve nonprofit governance
More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2012/feb/feb16a_12.html
2/feb/feb16a_12.html
NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today unveiled a bold plan to reform and revitalize New York’s nonprofit sector. Announced before an audience of non-profit and business leaders, Attorney General Schneiderman’s plan includes legislation to eliminate outdated and costly burdens on nonprofits, strengthen oversight and accountability, and reaffirm his office’s commitment to policing fraud and abuse. Acknowledging that organizations throughout New York State face historic financial and strategic challenges, the Attorney General’s plan also includes several new partnerships with the business and academic communities to enhance nonprofit governance.
“New York is the proud home of the world’s most dynamic and vibrant nonprofit sector, but for too long, our state’s regulatory framework has placed unnecessary burdens on these essential organizations. This plan will unlock the full potential of our nonprofit community, and improve the lives of the countless New Yorkers they serve every day,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to make New York a hospitable environment so nonprofits can continue to carry out their vital work. At the same time, we must maintain the public’s trust by ensuring that nonprofits are governed effectively, and with meaningful oversight.”
In 2011, Attorney General Schneiderman convened a Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization with 32 nonprofit leaders across the state to recommend proposals that would reduce regulatory burdens on nonprofits, while strengthening governance and accountability. Today’s legislative and reform initiatives, announced at a breakfast forum hosted by Crain’s, are responsive to the committee’s recommendations. They include the Nonprofit Revitalization Act, to be proposed by the Attorney General, and two initiatives, “New York on BOARD” and “Directors U,” designed to improve nonprofit governance. The Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, led by Bureau Chief Jason Lilien, will assist in the development and promotion of these initiatives.
More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2012/feb/feb16a_12.html
More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/201Attorney General Announces Nonprofit Report: Recommendations Guided by the Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization
New York State Attorney General Schneiderman unveiled a new plan on Thursday to reform and revitalize New York's nonprofit sector.
Announced before an audience of nonprofit and business leaders, the plan includes legislation to eliminate outdated and costly burdens on nonprofits, strengthen oversight and accountability, and reaffirm his office's commitment to policing fraud and abuse.
Acknowledging that organizations throughout New York State face historic financial and strategic challenges, the Attorney General's plan also includes several new partnerships with the business and academic communities to enhance nonprofit governance.
"New York is the proud home of the world's most dynamic and vibrant nonprofit sector, but for too long, our state's regulatory framework has placed unnecessary burdens on these essential organizations. This plan will unlock the full potential of our nonprofit community, and improve the lives of the countless New Yorkers they serve every day," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to make New York a hospitable environment so nonprofits can continue to carry out their vital work. At the same time, we must maintain the public's trust by ensuring that nonprofits are governed effectively, and with meaningful oversight."
"NYCON applauds the Attorney General for his leadership in putting forth a positive agenda for reform of state and nonprofit relations," said Doug Sauer, NYCON CEO. "In the spirit of cooperation and partnership, we are hopeful that the AG, Comptroller, Governor and Legislature can work together to further shape and support the recommendations."
In 2011, Attorney General Schneiderman convened a Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization with 32 nonprofit leaders, including NYCON CEO Doug Sauer, to recommend proposals that would reduce regulatory burdens on nonprofits, while strengthening governance and accountability.
Today's legislative and reform initiatives are responsive to the committee's recommendations.
They include:
The Nonprofit Revitalization Act, to be proposed by the Attorney General;
"New York on BOARD" and;
"Directors U" designed to improve nonprofit governance
More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2012/feb/feb16a_12.html
2/feb/feb16a_12.html
NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today unveiled a bold plan to reform and revitalize New York’s nonprofit sector. Announced before an audience of non-profit and business leaders, Attorney General Schneiderman’s plan includes legislation to eliminate outdated and costly burdens on nonprofits, strengthen oversight and accountability, and reaffirm his office’s commitment to policing fraud and abuse. Acknowledging that organizations throughout New York State face historic financial and strategic challenges, the Attorney General’s plan also includes several new partnerships with the business and academic communities to enhance nonprofit governance.
“New York is the proud home of the world’s most dynamic and vibrant nonprofit sector, but for too long, our state’s regulatory framework has placed unnecessary burdens on these essential organizations. This plan will unlock the full potential of our nonprofit community, and improve the lives of the countless New Yorkers they serve every day,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to make New York a hospitable environment so nonprofits can continue to carry out their vital work. At the same time, we must maintain the public’s trust by ensuring that nonprofits are governed effectively, and with meaningful oversight.”
In 2011, Attorney General Schneiderman convened a Leadership Committee for Nonprofit Revitalization with 32 nonprofit leaders across the state to recommend proposals that would reduce regulatory burdens on nonprofits, while strengthening governance and accountability. Today’s legislative and reform initiatives, announced at a breakfast forum hosted by Crain’s, are responsive to the committee’s recommendations. They include the Nonprofit Revitalization Act, to be proposed by the Attorney General, and two initiatives, “New York on BOARD” and “Directors U,” designed to improve nonprofit governance. The Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, led by Bureau Chief Jason Lilien, will assist in the development and promotion of these initiatives.
More Details & Full Report
http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2012/feb/feb16a_12.html
Monday, February 20, 2012
Utica YWCA looking to move to new location.
The Utica OD reported that the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley is looking to move.
Last summer, the nonprofit eliminated several programs, including the fitness center and pool, cuts which freed the organization of the need to stay in such a large building.
The move would put a damper on legal proceedings involving the YWCA and a group of Y members called Concerned Swimmers.
YWCA Executive Director Natalie Brown said the organization plans to stay in Utica.
“Without the programs, the pool and fitness center in particular, we don’t need this building. It’s an enormous amount of space,” she said. “We are committed to staying in Utica. Downtown is preferable.”
The YWCA has been at 1000 Cornelia St. since 1916. The nonprofit announced the closure of the pool, fitness center, children’s center and the end of the Ygirls program June 13 due to financial concerns. The pool closed June 30.
The organization has just started to look for a different location and currently does not have any possible sites, Brown said.
“It would be a big decision,” she said. “There are a lot of factors to consider.”
Reasons for staying downtown include proximity to advocates in the court houses, police station and clients, she said.
A meeting several weeks ago between Brown and Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri left the mayor with many questions, he said.
“I don’t know where the savings would be,” he said. “They would still have the responsibility of maintaining the property. I think it would be adding another expenditure.”
Palmieri said he wasn’t sure whether the organization was looking at selling or leasing the building.
“I certainly hope they would stay,” he said. “I think their location now is a great location for them.”
Palmieri also cited the organization’s location to its clients, as well as the bus station, state, federal and county office buildings.
Palmieri also questioned what would happen to the building’s historic value.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings that began last summer over the closure of the pool and programs still are continuing.
Concerned Swimmers, represented by attorney Mark Wolber, is looking for State Supreme Court Justice David Murad to overrule the board’s decision and either call for a meeting of the members to vote on the issue or for the reopening of the pool.
In court on Aug. 24, the YWCA, represented by attorney Merritt Locke, agreed to withhold from taking steps to disable the swimming pool or to dispose of any pool or fitness center equipment until decisions are made by the court.
Wolber said he did not know how the possibility of the YWCA moving to another site would affect the case’s outcome.
“It appears clear that the objective has been to eliminate the aquatics and fitness programs in order to justify closing the building and moving quarters,” Wolber said.
Brown said that was not a factor.
Locke could not be reached for comment.
The next court date is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21.
Last summer, the nonprofit eliminated several programs, including the fitness center and pool, cuts which freed the organization of the need to stay in such a large building.
The move would put a damper on legal proceedings involving the YWCA and a group of Y members called Concerned Swimmers.
YWCA Executive Director Natalie Brown said the organization plans to stay in Utica.
“Without the programs, the pool and fitness center in particular, we don’t need this building. It’s an enormous amount of space,” she said. “We are committed to staying in Utica. Downtown is preferable.”
The YWCA has been at 1000 Cornelia St. since 1916. The nonprofit announced the closure of the pool, fitness center, children’s center and the end of the Ygirls program June 13 due to financial concerns. The pool closed June 30.
The organization has just started to look for a different location and currently does not have any possible sites, Brown said.
“It would be a big decision,” she said. “There are a lot of factors to consider.”
Reasons for staying downtown include proximity to advocates in the court houses, police station and clients, she said.
A meeting several weeks ago between Brown and Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri left the mayor with many questions, he said.
“I don’t know where the savings would be,” he said. “They would still have the responsibility of maintaining the property. I think it would be adding another expenditure.”
Palmieri said he wasn’t sure whether the organization was looking at selling or leasing the building.
“I certainly hope they would stay,” he said. “I think their location now is a great location for them.”
Palmieri also cited the organization’s location to its clients, as well as the bus station, state, federal and county office buildings.
Palmieri also questioned what would happen to the building’s historic value.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings that began last summer over the closure of the pool and programs still are continuing.
Concerned Swimmers, represented by attorney Mark Wolber, is looking for State Supreme Court Justice David Murad to overrule the board’s decision and either call for a meeting of the members to vote on the issue or for the reopening of the pool.
In court on Aug. 24, the YWCA, represented by attorney Merritt Locke, agreed to withhold from taking steps to disable the swimming pool or to dispose of any pool or fitness center equipment until decisions are made by the court.
Wolber said he did not know how the possibility of the YWCA moving to another site would affect the case’s outcome.
“It appears clear that the objective has been to eliminate the aquatics and fitness programs in order to justify closing the building and moving quarters,” Wolber said.
Brown said that was not a factor.
Locke could not be reached for comment.
The next court date is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21.
Monday, February 6, 2012
NYCON CEO Doug Sauer Testifies at Public Hearing on Executive Compensation at Not-for-Profits
Public Hearing: To examine executive compensation at not-for-profit organizations receiving State funding and the actions needed to prevent State tax dollars from being wasted on excessive salaries
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
Chair: Senator Carl L. Marcellino
NY Council of Nonprofits CEO Doug Sauer shares feedback and testimony on the Governor's Executive Order addressing Executive Compensation for Not-for-Profits. You can hear Doug's comments beginning at 49:30. Watch for more from NYCON shortly. Interested in joining the NYCON mailing list? Subscribe here.
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
Chair: Senator Carl L. Marcellino
NY Council of Nonprofits CEO Doug Sauer shares feedback and testimony on the Governor's Executive Order addressing Executive Compensation for Not-for-Profits. You can hear Doug's comments beginning at 49:30. Watch for more from NYCON shortly. Interested in joining the NYCON mailing list? Subscribe here.
Steering Committee: 2012 Planning
Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group
Steering Committee Meeting December 14
2012 Planning
January 18th Partnering for Financial Success Program
• Panel reconfirmed and program announced
• Need moderator for panelist discussion and Kevin Marken has volunteered
2012 Program Focus
• Theme: Strengthening Nonprofit Leadership in the Mohawk Valley
o Programs in April, August and November
• April Program
o Nonprofits and Government: The Win-Win Partnership
Panel discussion featuring elected officials
Provides opportunity for nonprofits to develop better relationship with elected officials and emphasize impact and importance
Approach Richard Hannah and Kristin Gillibrand first and set date
• Kevin Marken will approach
• Additional people to approach: James Seward, Joe Griffo, Angelo Roefaro, Marc Butler
• August Program (Breakfast meeting)
o Nonprofit Leadership: Good to Great
Program featuring Keith Fenstemacher, retired CEO of Faxton-St. Lukes
• Lorraine will approach
• November Program
o Nonprofit Leadership and Transition
Approach James A. Donovan, author of 50 Ways to Motivate Your Board: A Guide for Nonprofit Executives (1997) and Take the Fear out of Asking for Major Gifts (1993)
• Offer Mentoring Program
o Match up new EDs with established leaders
Carry out survey
Steering Committee Meeting December 14
2012 Planning
January 18th Partnering for Financial Success Program
• Panel reconfirmed and program announced
• Need moderator for panelist discussion and Kevin Marken has volunteered
2012 Program Focus
• Theme: Strengthening Nonprofit Leadership in the Mohawk Valley
o Programs in April, August and November
• April Program
o Nonprofits and Government: The Win-Win Partnership
Panel discussion featuring elected officials
Provides opportunity for nonprofits to develop better relationship with elected officials and emphasize impact and importance
Approach Richard Hannah and Kristin Gillibrand first and set date
• Kevin Marken will approach
• Additional people to approach: James Seward, Joe Griffo, Angelo Roefaro, Marc Butler
• August Program (Breakfast meeting)
o Nonprofit Leadership: Good to Great
Program featuring Keith Fenstemacher, retired CEO of Faxton-St. Lukes
• Lorraine will approach
• November Program
o Nonprofit Leadership and Transition
Approach James A. Donovan, author of 50 Ways to Motivate Your Board: A Guide for Nonprofit Executives (1997) and Take the Fear out of Asking for Major Gifts (1993)
• Offer Mentoring Program
o Match up new EDs with established leaders
Carry out survey
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