FM20050510
FINANCE COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Mayor Damaske with Committee
Members Melcher, Madden and Salentine present along with Ald. Patterson and
Schroeder, and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ald. Borgman and Buckmaster arrived during the meeting.
Mayor Damaske stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting
law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Melcher moved to approve minutes of the meeting held May 4, 2005. Ald.
Salentine seconded; motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of Interim Additional Hours for Finance Department
Ald. Salentine stated this issue was deferred at the May 4, 2004 meeting to determine if
increasing part time hours to full time would become permanent after a period of six
months. Interim Finance Director Mueller was present to respond to any questions.
Mayor Damaske reported that Atty. Swain stated that increasing the hours for an
interim period of six months would not automatically make the hours full time. Ald.
Salentine moved to recommend approval of an increase of the part time hours (55
hours) for two Finance Department employees to full time. Ald. Madden seconded.
The increase provides the department with an additional 25 hours per week. Motion
carried.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Reconsider Request for Unified Messaging System (Voicemail)
Information Systems Director Sommers was present. He presented an update
regarding replacing the City’s existing phone system. The systems looked at did not
provide a good return on the City’s investment. He then reviewed the voicemail
providers because support for the City’s existing system will be discontinued later in the
year. A new phone system option will soon become available. Phone service would be
provided through DLS Internet, the City’s current internet provider. The City could
contract with them for 130 new phones with a total payout of $42,000. Upgrades to the
company’s infrastructure are being done and phone service would not be available until
June, July or August. This may be the City’s best opportunity to save significant money
and if that is the objective, it should be considered. There are questions that need to
be answered but the system has potential. The biggest question is one of public
safety. If the internet connections are down, so is the phone system. The service is
relatively new; it has been offered to businesses in the past six months and to
residential users in the past three years.
Mr. Sommers stated that support for the existing voicemail service would be
discontinued in six to eight months. The phone system that would be provided by DLS
includes voice mail service. There have been problems with the existing voice mail
Finance Committee Minutes Page 2
May 10, 2005
system. Ald. Melcher asked what the cost savings would be over our current service
provided by SBC. Mr. Sommers stated the savings would be about $2,000/month. Ald.
Madden expressed concern with IP telephony and the risk involved.
Mr. Sommers said the City would have a blade server dedicated for its use. Our
existing (T-1) internet line would be used with another line being added.
Ald. Patterson expressed concern about public safety issues. Ald. Buckmaster also
had concerns; the hesitation with any voiceover IP is the issue of standby power that is
needed. He understands trying to keep the cost down but asked if we would be
sacrificing a benefit we currently have with SBC. Ald. Patterson was concerned that
the company’s inexperience would not meet the City’s needs. He suggested waiting to
see how the company develops other systems. Let’s make sure; this is a big step. Mr.
Sommers agreed noting that the City has to wait two to three months while the upgrade
is being done anyway.
Ald. Melcher suggested a demonstration of the system would be helpful for all the
aldermen. Mr. Sommers agreed to arrange. Ald. Madden requested a risk analysis be
put together if the City moves in the direction of IP telephony. Ald. Madden moved to
defer for thirty days. Ald. Salentine seconded; motion carried.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS
Approve Voice Mail Maintenance Agreement
With the discussion that just took place, Mr. Sommers requested the item be dropped.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Ald. Salentine moved for approval of payment of General Vouchers in the amount of
$432,234.93, Tax Checks in the amount of $2,044,901.84 and Utility Vouchers in the
amount of $30,437.71. Ald. Melcher seconded; motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Salentine moved to adjourn at 7:39 PM. Ald. Madden seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk