08-14-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CLERK is to make sure that money is wisely and efficiently spent, and programs are evaluated to see whether or not they're effective. I hope in the long run that the cost of these new parks to maintain them is not going to be exorbitant. I hope we're not going to regret the projects we've undertaken. Anyway, those are my thoughts. Thank you. Committee Chair White gave the floor back to the presenters. Mr.Perri replied,Yeah.We'll certainly do a good job on consolidating these in a thorough response in writing. Just briefly, I mean we pride ourselves in the way we care for our facilities. John and his team spend an exorbitant amount of resources ensuring these places are maintained to the best degree possible. Can we always do better? Yes. Will we do better? Yes. And if there are things that need to be addressed, John's probably one (1) of the hardest working guys in the City. His team will take the call and they're on it immediately. I'm just going to spot through a couple of these. In terms of programs being cut, summer programs and things like that,that's not in the plans at all. The liability insurance, we just had our risk management team out there yesterday looking and inspecting Howard Park and the process. We're doing everything we can to make sure all standards are being met. I know the City itself is insured, but you can learn from other places and whatnot. Even putting up a swing is inherently risky. But the fact of matter is I think we followed all best practices and we're going to have a safe and enjoyable experience for our community. The $700,000 deficit I mentioned, those were the projections we had at the time for the reduction in property tax revenue.That has since been reevaluated and it's down to the$340,000 that I reported today. You asked me to address the chandelier issue. That was entirely reimbursed by Broadway Theater League. That was not paid for by tax dollars. That was paid for by that promoter. No indication at all that that had anything to do as structural. The pieces that fell were decorative, ninety-eight (98) year old decorative pieces. Nothing to do with the other. Plenty of other things to talk about in terms of how we prioritize projects and spending and how we're spending things down in terms of the capital spending and otherwise, happy to address those as they come. Committee Chair White stated, I want to also say that most of you are aware that this Council,we have and will continue to place high emphasis on the quality of life within our neighborhoods. So, as we look at all the presentations,that becomes our top priority of course. But,we also are looking at it from a financial perspective. As we continue with our budget hearings, we'll continue to look at those areas as well as to look at ensuring that we live within our means. Thank you so much for your presentation. Thank you department heads and staff for being here and the Council Members. With no further business,Committee Chair White adjourned the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting at 6:57 PM. Respec 1 submitted,, Kare White, Committee Chair EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION 1 EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 23