2012 Annual Report - Personnel & Finance Committee

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2012 Personnel and Finance Committee Annual Report November 30,2012 Page 2 • That this year's city budget review process begin earlier • That the Committee receive an update from the City Administration on implementation of the block party regulations • That discussion of City Plan be ongoing so that there is a heightened awareness of how it fits into strategic planning for the City • That a good working relationship continue to be developed with the negotiating teams representing the SBFD and SBPD • That there be greater transparency and sharing with Committee Members and herself as Chairperson so that there would be `no surprises' when a Bill is sent to the Personnel and Finance Committee [Source: February 8,2012 Personnel and Finance Committee meeting minutes] In light of four (4) new individuals joining the Common Council, I thought it would be imperative to have detailed background information provided by the new City Administration on a variety of budget and financial topics. This resulted in a series of Financial and Budget Workshops which were held in the Council Chambers which focused many topics including but not limited to civil city budget overview; city funds; tax increment financing (TIF); municipal bonding & debt policies and procedures; and economic overviews addressing revenue and expense forecasts. Other topics reviewed in committee in addition to the budgets, appropriations, transfer and multiple salary ordinances, with many being dedicated to 2013 Budget Review Sessions, including having the St. Joseph County Auditor Peter Mullen provide vital financial information during these budget reviews: —+ Creating Fund#439 Certified Tech Park Fund [Bill No. 84-11] —4 Reviewing a Council authored a Bill designating MLK Day as a City Holiday[Bill No. 12-11] — Interviewing applicants to serve on the Redevelopment Commission —+ Reviewing applicants seeking approval of scrap/junk yard licenses —* Reviewing a Council authored Bill addressing Fuel Efficiency Initiatives —* Reviewing a GLBT Bill [Bill No. 09-12] —* Reviewing a Council authored Bill seeking greater transparency of Council appointees to Boards and Commissions [Bill No. 12-25] —* Reviewing a lease for the relocation of the Human Rights Offices [Bill No. 12-47] — > Reviewing a Bill addressing nepotism [Bill No. 25-12] —> Reviewing a Council authored Bill on Whistleblower Protections [Bill No. 20-12] --p Reviewing the proposed TRANSPO Budget and proposed TRANSPO Capital Budget for 2013 which is a new requirement under the Indiana state law this year