03-10-08 Council Rules Committee

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COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE 2008 SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL The March 10, 2008 meeting of the Council Rules Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Council Chairperson Timothy A. Rouse at 5:12 p.m. in the Council's informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Karen L. White, Rouse, Kirsits, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Puzzello, Varner; Mrs. Kopola, Martha Lewis, Don Brubaker, Catherine Andres, Mark Smith, Gary Gilot, Tom Price, Jamie Loo, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney, John Voorde, City Clerk, Janice Talboom, Deputy City Clerk. Committee Members present, Timothy A. Rouse, Chairperson, David Varner, Vice Chairperson, Ann Puzzello, Member, Oliver Davis, Member. Bill No. #08-22 Timothy A. Rouse then introduced his co-sponsor Buddy Kirsits who presented Bill No. 08-22 that would retain the Council Attorney with an expanded 4 year contract and a review process each year. He stated that the Attorney's contract would run the length of the current Council Members term. Oliver Davis wanted to know what the review process would be. Ann Puzzello said the resolution implies a review process but it lists no criteria for the process. Karen White agreed with Ann Puzzello that the Council needed to establish standards and criteria for the resolution. Karen White is also concerned of informal conversations on broad based issues. She spoke for the need to keep all council members involved. Timothy Rouse said that any member of the Council may submit a bill to the committee without talking to another Council Member. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand spoke to the fact that a contract would probably need to coincide with the annual budget. The review process happening around August and September when the budget is done. She also stated that she usually puts in 30 hours a week for the council being considered part time. Oliver Davis said the review process should be formalized and budget time would be a good time to do it. Timothy A Rouse asked for a continuance on bill 08-22. Dr Varner made the motion for continuance and Oliver Davis seconded the motion.