09-08-03 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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tommittoe Zeport rzonttt1 ant fittaint (Committee The September 8, 2003 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Coleman, Pfeifer, Kelly, Aranowski, and Kuspa, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Mikki Dobski Shidler, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Mayoral Assistant Fred Thon, City Attorney Charles Leone, Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, City Controller Rick 011ett, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Morris Performing Arts Center Executive Director Dennis Andres, Beth Leonard, Don Inks, Kathy Bruecker, Michael Danch, Joyce Boyler and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Aranowski noted that in light of a presenter not being present for Bill No. 59-03, the Bill would be moved to the end of the Committee's agenda. Council Member Aranowski then called for a presentation on the three (3) budget-related Bills, namely Bill No. Bill No. 64-03 which would levy taxes and fix the rate of taxation for the purpose of raising revenue to meet the necessary expenses of the Civil City of South Bend for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004; Bill No. 65-03 which would appropriate monies for the purpose of defraying the expenses of designated enterprise funds of the City of South Bend, Indiana, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2004 and ending December 31, 2004, including all outstanding claims and obligations and fixing a time when the same shall take effect; and Bill No. 66-03 which would appropriate monies for the purpose of defraying the expenses of several departments of the Civil City of South Bend, Indiana for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2004, and ending December 31, 2004, including all outstanding claims and obligations, and fixing a time when the same shall take effect. Mayor Stephen Luecke made the presentation on the three(3) Bills. He noted that the Council has been very diligent in the annual process of reviewing the proposed budget documents. The proposed budget supports services at a time when other communities are making layoffs and freezing wages. Mayor Luecke noted that non-bargaining and Teamster employees would be receiving a 4%wage increase in 2004. He stated that one of the biggest challenges is the escalating health care costs. Mayor Luecke recommended that when the Committee takes formal action on the proposed Bills, that he recommend that it be favorable. No one from the public spoke in favor of Bill Nos. 64-03, 65-03 and 66-03. Joyce Boyler spoke in opposition. She voiced concern that a copy of the proposed budget was not make available. Mayor Luecke gave Ms. Boyler his copy of the binder setting for the line-item detail on the proposed budget and noted that a copy is available in the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Luecke noted that Governor Frank O'Bannon has had a medical incident while attending a conference in Chicago. Governor O'Bannon is currently in surgery, which will take most of the day. Mayor Luecke asked for everyone's thoughts and prayers for the Governor and his wife, Judy. He added that if Governor O'Bannon is unable to perform his duties that there is a process set forth in state law which addresses the role of the Lt. Governor who would be appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court, to carry out such duties. Council Member Aranowski then called for a presentation on Bill No. 67-03 which would fix maximum salaries and wages of the appointed officers and non-bargaining employees of the City