08-17-16 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Corporation Counsel Brisco was excited to report on the successes of the Subrogation Office. The staff member responsible for this function recovered his full salary within three weeks. The Office makes it possible for the City to pursue third party at -fault insurers in regard to accidents regarding City equipment or staff. Legal Department accomplishments include the following highlights: the Pokagon Agreement, Smart Street negotiations, Police Department Duty Manual, Economic Development projects, APRA requests process and collections. Legal Department goals include interdepartmental transparency to facilitate Legal Department efficiency in regard to APRA requests. Secondly, to provide one (1) in- person training to all departments' entire staff for APRA requests, ethics code and Open - Door Law. In the past, all training was reserved for administrators but Corporation Counsel Brisco would like to extend it to all departments' staffers. The Legal Department would like to complete the Duty Manual for the Fire Department, the Volunteer Handbook for Animal Care and Control, policies regarding diversity and inclusion, and develop SOPs for taxi cab licensing. The department also needs to renegotiate the CSO Consent Decree. Corporation Counsel Brisco wrapped up her presentation and Committee Chair White turned the discussion to Committee for questions. Councilmember Broden asked Corporation Counsel Brisco to address the issue of staff turnover. Corporation Counsel Brisco mentioned that her talented staff is constantly at risk for being recruited by the private sector at the lure of more money, fortunately, all are passionate about their work with the City. But, it is important that the Council consider what it takes to be competitive within the field and to retain and attract staff. Councilmember Broden asked why staff members left in 2015 and 2016. Corporation Counsel Brisco responded that one (1) was appointed to a judgeship while all others left because of more money. Councilmember Broden asked to be informed more about the collections graph depicted in the presentation packet. Specifically, she said, what are we attempting to collect from people? Corporation Counsel Brisco responded that information would be helpful to Council and that some of that information is unavailable due to the statute of limitations. Councilmember Broden applauded the efforts of the Department to improve efficiency in regard to APRA requests. She also wanted more information regarding the specifics of what requests are received and sent.