09-03-02 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 3, 2002 Page 2 Engineering Division 2002 Expenditures $ 7,044,458 General Fund # 101-0602 2003 Expenditures $ 3,749,572 Mr. Littrell noted that approximately one-half million dollars is being generated and deposited into the General Fund as a result of the hydrant rental fees. Transfer ordinances are expected to be filed later this year. He noted that there are two (2) proposed changes in the titles of employee positions. An $18,000 increase is sought in temporary and seasonal to assist on the GIS System. An increase of$12,500 is requested for education, training and travel, all of which is related to the GIS System. Once the employees are trained, they would all then be cross-trained. He noted that Community Development have offered to pay for one(1) engineering position for engineering and inspection services related to such projects as the Good Neighbors/Good Neighborhoods. Mr. Littrell highlighted the many public works projects such as TJX, Tech Data and other demolition projects, corridor projects, bridge programs, signal modernization, sewer and water extensions, and storm water management. Phase II of the storm water management had a deadline of March 3, 2003 which is expected to be pushed back by 6-9 months. A storm water management plan will help alleviate basement and intersection flooding. Mr. Littrell stated that he hopes to have a draft of the Storm Water Management Plan ready by the end of September: and he will send it to the Council for review and comment AEP has made changes in the downtown area and has lowered the voltage system. As a result the fences seen in the downtown have been taken down. AEP is now operating at 13 KV and have invested approximately$8 million. Mr. Littrell commended Investigator Marcia Qualls for her action with customers and improving communication. He stated that on-line bidding for public works projects is being utilized using South Bend Drafting. As a result additional costs for reproduction are anticipated. Mr. Littrell stated that GIS is"moving along nicely"and that the county has started to bring across "deliverable data". He noted that the infrastructure protection program a/k/a"Holy Moly Program" has worked well and there were no major underground lines cut this year. Dr. Varner inquired what part of the GIS would be available online and what portions would be available to the general public. He noted that it appears that there is a reluctance based on what he has heard at MACOG meetings and that it appears to be counter to what other communities are doing in this area. Mr. Gilot stated that the City are partners in the project but are not the lead agency. Since significant taxpayer monies are involved the data and access should be as available as possible. Dr. Varner requested Mr. Gilot to pass on this position that the GIS should be accessible, and if a letter from the Council is necessary he would suggest that that be done, noting that$4-5 million would be spent on the project plus yearly expenses. Mr. Gilot noted that in the area of public works, 4 employee positions in Streets, 8 employee positions in Water Works, 7 employee positions in Solid Waste, 1 employee position in Traffic & Lighting and 4 employee positions in water/sewer have been eliminated by attrition.