02-08-12 Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting

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Personnel and Finance Committee 2012 South Bend Common Council The February 8, 2012 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at 5:30 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Varner, Karen L. White, Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Jr., and Valerie Schey; and Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White welcomed everyone to the Organizational Meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee whose membership includes Council Members Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis, Jr., Dr. David Varner who serves as Vice - Chairperson of the Committee, and Karen L. White who serves as Committee Chairperson. She noted that all Committee Members were present. and therefore there was a quorum. Council Member White provided a folder for all Committee Members which consisted of an Agenda for today's meeting and a copy of the 2011 Annual Report of the Personnel and Finance Committee filed by Council Member Tom LaFountain who chaired last year's Committee. (copies attached). Council Member White noted that the powers and duties of the Personnel " and Finance Committee are to oversee "the activities performed by the Department of Administration and Finance and reviews all proposed salaries, budgets, appropriations, and other fiscal matters, as well as personnel policies, health benefits and related matters ". She emphasized the Committee's focus and then reviewed last year's Annual Report. Some of the items Council Member White recommended included: • That this year's city budget review process begin earlier • That the Committee receive an update from the City Administration on implementation of the block party regulations • That discussion of City Plan be ongoing so that there is a heightened awareness of how it fits into strategic planning for the City • That a good working relationship continue to be developed with the negotiating teams representing the SBFD and SBPD • That there be greater transparency and sharing with Committee Members and herself as Chairperson so that there would be "no surprises" when a Bill is sent to the Personnel and Finance Committee Council Member Ferlic agreed that greater transparency and sharing of information should be a priority and so that item as being very beneficial.