09-27-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 close to sealing the deal. He has had many employers wanting to move into his building, but because he can’t seem to get the City’s cooperation to close the deal, he is missing the opportunity, not because of financing or anything on his part, it’s the City not getting the job done. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., noted a customer service center mentioned at one of the budget meetings and agreed that is something that is sorely needed. But questioned how would that work, cross-training and that sounds like someone is going to lose their job. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing but efficiency is a great thing. He advised that Councilmember Rouse and he went to Ft. Wayne to look at the High Performance Government Network and the Lean Six Sigma. At that workshop they learned that other cities have bought into that network. Councilmember Rouse held a committee meeting with a presentation from the Lean Six Sigma High Performance Government Network. After the presentation it was discussed with the City Administration and decided that this was not something the City was interested at that time and felt that they could do a better job of streamlining government on our own. Councilmember Henry Davis stated how ironic it is that here we are two years later asking the same question of streamlining government and doing more with less. He also heard bike lanes mentioned in one of the presentations, and stated that the people that he represents in his district don’t care about bike lanes, it’s not a concern that they are interested in. He stated that there was an increase in the Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) that he proudly voted against, along with a major sewer rate increase, but did not hear about the 6 million dollars that was put in by the City to fund a new sewer system for Notre Dame (he wasn’t absolutely sure on the dollar amount.) However, he stated that in his district the CSO project on Bonds Avenue has been quite an ordeal for the residents of that neighborhood and they are still dealing with it. Councilmember Henry Davis noted that it has been said time and time again that a large percentage of the general fund budget goes towards public safety. He noted that was a significant number considering that the remaining 19% must go to fund other departments. He also stated that when a problem arises in his district his constituents have to call him because they can’t seem to get any satisfaction. Councilmember Henry Davis feels that he should not have to call various departments to follow up to get things done that employees of the city should be able to handle and rectify. He stated that he doesn’t mind doing it, but should not have to. Mr. Zientara clarified what has to happen next. He stated that first the assessed value has to be certified. Secondly, the Council and the City Administration have to adopt the budget. Third, after passage and approval he will submit the budget to the Department of Local Government Finance and they will make the determination on the tax rate based on the approved budget. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to these bills. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to recommend Bill No. 52-10 to the full Council favorably. Councilmember Rouse seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis.) Additionally, Councilmember Dieter made a motion set this bill for Third Reading on September 30, 2010. Councilmember Rouse seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes and one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis.) Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to continue Bill No. 53-10 in the Council Portion Only, until the October 11, 2010 meeting of the Council. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue Bill No. 54-10 in the Council Portion Only, until the October 11, 2010 meeting of the Council. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 56-10 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FIXING THE ANNUAL PAY AND MONETARY FRINGE BENEFITS OF POLICE OFFICERS OF THE SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2011, 2012 AND 2013 7