09-18-06 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 18, 2006 Page 7 Kendall's Office does not have the time or the money to do that. He stated that everyone who is successful has a team of people working far them behind the scenes. Commitments to provide information to the Council have been a problem. Council Member Kuspa suggested getting opinions from companies who have chosen to locate in South Bend should be contacted to see what role Project Future played in their overall decision to locate here. He would like to know first-hand how Project Future has promoted South Bend, and company representatives could provide that needed information to the Council. He would support their request for next year. Council President Rouse stated that he is very concerned about the perception. In an article that appeared in the South Bend Tribune on Saturday, Mayor Rea and Mayor Steve were quoted and it Hated that Mishawaka cut their contribution to Project Future from $44,000 to $22,000. Their request for five (5) years is being made in light of the additional fund-raising which they would have to do to meet their projected budget demands. A one-year approach would raise questions and perception problems of how much South Bend believes is necessary to keep South Bend moving ahead with regard to development. Council Member Pfeifer questioned the need for afive-year commitment via a resolution. Dr. Varner stated that afive-year statement in the resolution would be non- binding. Council President Rouse asked the Council Attorney to address this issue, to which she stated that the resolution is basically a position statement of the Council. 1n the draft resolution which she has seen there is a section which would make any proposed appropriation subject to the city having the financial capability for such an expenditure. Council Member Kirsits stated that it would "be tough to support an increase for Project Future when its Director makes more than our Mayor and the Mishawaka Mayor's salaries being combined". He voiced concern that Project Future never comes to the Council and requests input on proposed development ideas and that they just come to the Council when they are asking for money. Council Member Kirsits stated that he could support the current amount of $110,000 for a single year, but is very concerned that Mishawaka is only willing to pay $22,000 next year.