08-23-05 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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13-page document entitled"2006 South Bend Parks&Recreation Department Proposed Budget" (copy attached). He then reviewed these documents with the Committee. Dr. Varner inquired about the GPS lease. Chad Gilmer stated that there is a 5-year agreement where there are fixed costs for two (2)years and the lease figure remains constant. In response to a question raised by Council President Pfeifer, Mayor Luecke noted that tree trimming is continuing in the tree lawn areas and that trees are replaced as they are removed. Mr. St. Clair noted it would take at least five (5) years to trim trees in the tree lawn throughout the city. Mr. St. Clair noted that user fee revenue has doubled since 2001. The Special Events budget reflects dropping the Summer in the City event. He noted that Studebaker Golf Course continues to close the gap in its finances; that the Cove is profitable; and that the Recreation Division is profitable. Council Member Puzzello inquired about the Park Master Plan. Mr. St. Clair stated that "in large part it is being implemented" and acts as a blue print or guide for his department. He added that splash parks are proposed at the Charles Black Center and two(2)other centers. Council Member Kelly complimented the golf operations and noted that South Bend has a great park system. He then called for a presentation on the Mayor's proposed budget. Mayor's Department (General Fund# 101-0101) 2006 Expenditures $790,517 2006 Increase $ 20,255 2.6% Manager of Secretarial Services Mary Ann Myers made the presentation. She reviewed a 2-page handout entitled "Mayor's Office 2006 Budget Presentation August 23, 2005" (copy attached) noting that they are in general compliance with the City's budgetary guidelines. They eliminated their membership with the US Conference of Mayors; and reduced postage, travel, and subscriptions. Promotion has been increased by$4,000; personnel is up 5%; and there is an 18% increase in self-insurance. Mikki Dobski Shidler provided copies of last year's "South Bend, Indiana Progress Report" (copy attached), an "Important Numbers" item and the new bookmark highlighting facts about South Bend(copies attached). She noted that they are trying to close the"perception gap" about the city so that it will be seen and viewed as a "destination place". She showed the new long-sleeve t-shirts and a clock-calculator which are used to promote the city. They use media training for all department heads and are working on an"answer book"about the city. Dr. Varner suggested that they consider using a CD format to promote South Bend also. Council President Pfeifer noted that she is glad to hear that the city is stepping up its marketing and communications, since "South Bend should not be in the shadow of Notre Dame". Board of Public Safety (General Fund# 101-0103) 2006 Expenditures $17,000 August 23,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 2-