12-09-91 Human Resources & Economic Development

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Mr. Slavinskas asked who would comprise the Consolidated Building Board. Ms. Mueller responded that the Mayor of the City of South Bend, the President of the County Council, the City Controller, and the County Auditor would comprise the Board. Mr. Niezgodski asked why two elected officials were representing the County while one elected official was representing the City. He asked why the City' s second representative was the Controller and not an elected official such as a Council Member. Ms. Mueller suggested that she was not present when that decision was made but assumed that since the City Controller was the City equivalent of the County Auditor that is why the Controller was designated. Mr. Slavinskas questioned the ability of the Board members to appoint designees. Councilman Ladewski asked about the proposed cost savings, in light of the concerns raised by the County Auditor. Mr. Fozo responded that there was no real dispute. Ms. Mueller noted that the start up costs would eat into the County budget in the first year in a way that would not occur in succeeding years. Kathy Dempsey, of the City's Department of Code Enforcement, presented financial objections to the Committee for its consideration. Councilman Soderberg pointed out that neither department pays for itself. Mr. Niezgodski raised the concerns previously raised by the County officials that this might be a step towards Unigov. Mr. Fozo responded that it was not proposed as such. He further noted that the similar functions undertaken by the separate building departments made it a natural arena to consolidate and attempt to save costs. Ms. Mueller pointed out that the consolidation contract was in effect for one year with an automatic renewal clause and an opt out provision. Mr. Fozo pointed out that Allen County, Indiana, operates a county wide building department with a great deal of success. Ms. Mueller pointed out that the City' s financial contribution for 1992 is a dollar for dollar match of the County's contribution. Motion to send the bill to the Council with a favorable recommendation made by Council Person Slavinskas, seconded by Council Person Duda, and approved unanimously. The meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee adjourned at approximately 5:45 p.m.