09-26-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE SEPTEMBER 26,2012 . 4:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Dr. David Varner, Henry Davis, Jr. Citizen Members Present: Tammy McNally Other Council Member's Present: Tim Scott, Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter, Dr. Fred Ferlic (5:30) Other's Present: Dennis Andres, Jan Hall,Rahman Johnson, Caleb Hartman, John Murphy, Mark Neal, Mike Schmuhl, Beth Leonard-Inks, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Kathryn Roos Agenda: 2013 Budget Review Karen White, Chairperson began this session of her committee to review the administration's 2013 budget proposals. The purpose, intent, ground rules, review process, were briefly covered by Karen referencing a hand out(a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk) which also explained the three budget bills before the Council. This summary handout prepared by Council Attorney Cekanski-Farrand and three others by City Controller Mark Neal prepared in response to earlier hearings were provided to the Committee and are a part of these minutes. Having covered the preliminaries, Karen called upon each Committee member in turn, followed by other Councilmembers allowing each up to 10 minutes to share observations and ask questions of the administration. Vice-Chair David Varner was first. He directed his comments to bigger policy questions as opposed to specific line item or dollar amounts in a specific budget. He wondered what the Professional Sports Development Fund would be used for once the College Football Hall of Fame closes this year. He also advocated a downtown location for Miracle Park. Henry Davis, Jr., was next. He focused on the needs of the second district. His specific references were prefaced with an expression of disappointment with the administration maintaining they had not shown a sense of concern for the second district. Despite his own repeated efforts to draw attention to the underserved, at risk, youth and seniors, in his district he sees little evidence that the Mayor shares those concerns. Specifically, Henry pointed to the lack of development along the LWW corridor. The absence of a plan for neighborhoods plagued with vacant and abandoned houses, the neglected needs of Kennedy&Belleville Parks, and the continued deterioration of the Chase Building. The ill-defined role of the youth violence coordinator and the role the MLK and Black Centers are expected to play. He closed saying he could not support a budget that had these apparent shortcomings.