07-09-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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V Personnel and Finance Committee 2012 South Bend Common Council The July 9, 2012 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Timothy A. Rouse at 4:25 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Scott, Henry Davis, Jr., Dr. Ferlic, Dr. Varner, Oliver J. Davis, Dieter, Gavin Ferlic and White; Gary Gilot, P.E., Don Inks, Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose, City Controller Mark Neal, Chief of Staff Mike Schmuhl, Murray Miller, Bernice Freeman, Vera Peel, Sheri Miller Story, Mr. Shabazz, members of the news media and Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White noted that the members of the Personnel and Finance Committee included Dr. Varner as the Vice - Chairperson, Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis, Jr., and herself as Chairperson. Council Member White noted that Bill No. 20 -12 addressing proposed whistleblower regulations was mistakenly added to the Agenda and would be heard at the July 23rd Committee Meeting. Bill No. 27 -12 Proposed Transfer of $20,625 Within General Fund No. 101 to an Office Rental Account in the South Bend Human Rights Division: Substitute Bill No. 12 -47 Proposed Resolution Determining that A Lease for the Property at 319 Niles Avenue is Necessary for Use as General Office Space: Council Member White stated that Bill Nos. 27 -12 and Substitute Bill No. 12 -47 would be heard together at the Committee City Controller Mark Neal stated that the Administration should have provided more information sooner to the Council on this matters. The condition of the Human Rights Office presently located at Howard Park is not meeting reasonable standards needed for these operations. Council President Dieter inquired about the information he has heard that as soon as the Human Rights Office vacates their current location, that Parks would be moving in. Mr. Neal stated that he is unaware of any department having plans to move into this location and that there are no plans to spend money for needed upgrades to the building. In response to questions raised by Dr. Varner, Mr. Neal noted that the approximate 3,000 square foot space is needed for the six (6) full -time employees and one (1) part-time employee. The conference room would be used for hearings and as a Board Room. With regard to the proposed lease costs, the City reviewed locations at or below market. The proposed rental space is not Class A space. Before the leasehold improvement costs are added the cost would be $10.75 per square foot. Confidentiality of the clients filing claims and parking are also criteria used.