11-16-88 Personnel & Finance and Utilities

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Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance and Utilities Committees 11-16-88 Page 2 policy with regard to take home vehicles. It was also noted that 8 people drive pick-up trucks which are taken home. Most of these are used for construction and maintenance and distribution. It was also noted that job leaders and supervisors typically take home cars. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke the property tax question in line item 394 was to be further reviewed. It was also noted that line item 525 incorporates a transfer for administrative costs in the amount of $116,779. 00 to reimburse for personnel. Katie Humphreys noted that Crowe Chizek has been hired to study this area to determine an actual amount. Water Works Depreciation - page 5 $958,237 , 000 - 3 .8% increase. Mr. Agostino reviewed this account. Council Member Coleman noted that he personally inspected the clear wells and found it to be a "facinating process" . Council Member Puzzello had several questions with regard to motor equipment in line item 427 which represented a 34 .2% increase. It was noted that a front end loader costing $75, 000. 00 was one of the primary reasons for the increase. It was further noted that the current front end loader is over 16 years old. It was also noted that vehicles would be serviced by MSF instead of being serviced in their own garage. This should result in a net savings. Line item 399 will help pay for 2 new wells at Ireland and Ironwood. The site survey has begun for that project. Council Member Voorde questioned supplementing Mishawaka's pressure and water problems. Mayor Kernan noted that a plan to tie the two systems together is currently being studied with the mechanics for public safety, etc. being discussed. Such a project would be metered and the Mayor agreed to keep the Common Council advised of further developments. Questions were raised with regard to line item 436 "General Fund Water Mains" in the amount of $284,765. 00. It was noted that the cost of pipes, the replacement of hydrants, new valves, etc. are all represented within this account. This account does receive some reimbursement when there are actual hookups. Water Works Sinking Fund - page 6- $15, 621 - 0% increase. Mr. Agostino noted that this represents the payment of the River Commons principal and interest. 1989 is the last year for the River Commons payment. The original was $111, 000. South Bend/Clay Water General Operations - page 7 - $179 ,500 - 5. 1% increase. It was noted that this account was established when the City of South Bend began the purchase of the Clay operation. The City runs the overall operation with Clay reimbursing the City. An option to purchase takes