09-07-94 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comm Wu Attport: Personnel and Finance Committee -Co t t Common Council of the City of bouthj The September 7, 1994 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Vice Chairperson, Council Member Gene Ladewski at 4:15 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Ladewsksi,Washington, Kelly, Puzzello, Luecke, Zakrzewski, and Duda; Mayor Joseph Kernan, Kevin Horton, Jeff Rinard,Tom Scarbuck,William Eagan,Don Porter,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. In the absence of Council Member Coleman, Council Member Ladewski stated that he would like to proceed ahead with the overall review of the budget. Mr.Horton noted that each of the Council Members should have received a multiple page document entitled"Budget Revisions"dated September 2, 1994. Mayor Kernan then addressed the Council. He noted that he had been in contact with several of the Council Members to have informal discussions with regard to proposed non-barginning salary ordinance modifications (copy attached). He noted that the City's financial position has improved and is in its strongest position since the Property Tax Control Program was put in effect.He stated that the City wishes to remain competitive and fair. He noted that four individuals have left this year, two to seek employment with St. Joseph County, one in Elkhart, and one in LaPort County. He stated that all of the proposed changes total approximately $30,000.00. He believes that they are fair and are within the means of the City financially. Council President Puzzello questioned the structure of group one "Department Heads/Policy Level" and in particular listing of the Building Commissioner and the Community Affaires Director. She also stated that she believes that the Code Enforcement Director should receive more compensation. Council Member Zakrzewski voiced concern with regard to the proposed salaries for the Police Chief and the Fire Chief. He noted that the Fire Chief has developed several new and innovative programs and effectively manages a department of over 200 individuals. He noted that especially in light of the proposed increases for the Mayor's Administrative Assistants, that the Chiefs salaries should be reconsidered and increased. Mayor Kernan noted that he is open to discussion on all of these items. Council Member Kelly stated that the City must remain competitive in the salary area. Mr. Horton then reviewed the three page summary of all budget changes. Council Member Ladewski questioned whether there is ongoing discussion with regard to his recommendation of last year to combine the Weights and Measures Department between the City and the County. Mr. Horton noted that the City is interested in this proposal.