10-23-80 Personnel & Finance Committee

Home Browse Search

Mayor Parent responded by stating that there were many miscon- ceptions present. He had gotten a "clear message" from the Council that the total bond issues were too high. Since the news media have an 11: 00 a.m., deadline, he felt that he had to propose his cuts today. Mayor Parent further stated that the Park Department may be eligible for 1-1. 2 million dollars in reimbursable grants, and therefore made his proposed cuts accordingly. Councilman McGann stated that several weeks ago the Council had agreed by an 8-1 margin with Councilman Crone in the minority, to accept the Park Bond issue as presented. He further stated that the Mayor's earlier press conference was an attempt to make the Council look "spend-crazy. " Councilman Voorde agreed with the remarks presented by the Councilmen. He stated that he had met yesterday with Mike Vance and Councilman Crone to discuss proposed cuts. He then stated that the Council could have gone to the press, but would have been accused of "one-upmanship. " He added that he had voted to support the Park Bond Issue as presented, and believed that that was a commitment. Chairman Crone called the meeting back to order and added that she could understand the position that the Mayor is in. She stated that she believed that both bonds are still too high. Mr. Hubner was then asked what was the Park Board' s position. He stated he preferred the original Park Bond presented to the Council, but had seen the Mayor's proposed cuts, Park Bond Issue Vote Following further discussion, Councilman McGann made a motion to stay with the Park Bond Issue as originally proposed and agreed upon earlier by the Council, Councilman Voorde seconded the motion, The motion carried by a 3-1 margin, with Councilmen Szymkowiak, McGann, and Voorde in the majority, and Councilman Crone in the minority. The. Mayor's proposed Park Bond cuts of $859, 000 were closed to further debate. General Obligation Bond Chairman Crone then explained that she had met yesterday with Mike Vance to discuss proposed cuts, The Committee then reviewed the Mayor's October 23, 1980 memorandum, the list of proposed cuts resulting from the informal meeting with Mr. Vance, and further narratives explaining the line items of the G.O. Bond issue. The Committee then reviewed the proposed bond issue by department. Police Department Councilman Voorde stated that if the Police Chief believed he could cut $50, 000 from the proposal and could still run an efficient department, then it should be cut. -2-