09-17-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE SEPTEMBER 17,2012 5:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Gavin Ferlic,Dr. David Varner Henry Davis, Jr. Other Council Members Present: Tim Scott, Oliver Davis,Derek Dieter Others Present: John Leszczynski, Bill Spraul,Kathy Cekanski-Farrand, Chris Kubaszak, Mark Neal, John Murphy, Rahman Johnson Agenda: Bill No. 49-12—2013 Transpo Budget& Capital Budget Karen White, Personnel &Finance Chairperson opened the meeting with full committee attending. Karen briefly described the format for budget review for the three Transpo Representatives present. They were John Leszczynski, Transpo Board President, Bill Spraul, Interim Transpo General Manager, and Chris Kubaszak, Transpo Controller. Karen then turned to Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski-Farrand who referred to the back page of the agenda she provided which cited the state statute requiring Council review as well as the limits of the review, and penalties for failure to comply with state law. City Controller Mark Neal began the presentation reviewing Bill No. 49-12 Deadlines and pointing out the Transpo budget revenues are from various state and federal sources with only 15% of the revenue coming from ridership fees. John Leszczynski briefly took over introducing the General Manager and Controller Chris Kubaszak who used a power point and handouts. On the federal level actual revenue for year 2013 will not be available until October,but no surprises are anticipated. State funding previously a%of sales tax is now a regular line item in the state budget subject to the regular state budget process. Council questions began with Dave Varner asking where Transpo's 20% share of an 80/20 federal match came from to support the purchase of new buses? The answer was budgeted operating revenue. Derek Dieter asked the number of employees? Answer 123-125. He also asked about employee health insurance and whether a wellness plan existed. The response was Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield with a wellness program offered without incentives and not very well utilized by employees. Oliver Davis,the Council's appointment to the Transpo Board of Directors asked for an explanation of bus replacement needs. The response was that a bus was expected to last 12 years. Up to 12 would qualify for replacement in 2013 using the 80/20 federal match program. Tim Scott wondered if alternative fuel buses were being considered. The answer was yes as the economy of operation is most important. For example buses currently use biodiesel at just over$3.00 a gallon locked in for the next seven months. Varner asked if Transpo was a 501 C3 not for profit, or if not what were they. The Transpo folks said they would provide that info before the Council vote on September 24, 2012 for Bill No. 42-12.