09-09-04 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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CommittEz cR4zott of az 3 zz.sonnzi and 9 t i z a n G,E C o m m i z z o f tf7.E Sou,t2 Ewa Common &anai1. Mr. Leone stated that he would explore this area. Mr. Leone then summarized some of the new items which are taking place in the Legal Department such as training sessions for taxi cab drivers and a municipal law seminar. He then referenced the handout entitled "South Bend Local Government Academy" (copy attached). 26 people registered with the first class being held last night. Mayor Luecke noted that several public works vehicles were on display. Questions were across the board. Council Member Deiter inquired about the in car cameras and its effect on cutting down claims in the police department. Mr. Leone stated that that is one factor which helped cut down claims in addition to having won a few cases. Council Member Deiter inquired about the status of the Always Open. Mr. Leone stated that there are still eleven (11) claimants who have claims against the city, but there are no criminal claims pending. Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose stated that the city is getting good value for their services with the hourly rate averaging $46 per hour compared to private rates of$200 or more per hour. The attorneys in Legal Department are specialized. Approximately$190,000 has been collected this year. Contingency fees of 33% are charged and they are looking into this area for more possibilities. Council Member Deiter inquired what is the success rate of collection from the City Clerk's Office through the Ordinance Violations Bureau, as well as by types of city ordinance violations. Mr. Leone stated he would calculate this information. He also added that Small Claims Court will go from$3,000 to $6,000 next year City Clerk John Voorde inquired whether the amount which can be collected by the Ordinance Violations Bureau will be increased from its current amount of $100 per violation. County Option Income Tax(COLT) Fund#404 2005 Projected$2,608,229 City Controller Rick 011ett stated that this account will receive $1,101,276 less in revenue which is related to the homestead credit regulations recently enacted. Dr. Varner inquired about the $2,889,388 which is listed as the projected COIT funds available for capital projects. Mayor Luecke stated that this money is part of the capital budget in 2005. Tom Skarbek stated that the 10% reserve amount of$610,841 would be the balance in the fund at the end of 2004. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of September 9,2004 Page 5