05-28-96 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee Report Personnel and finance Committee May 28, 1996 Page 2 Council Member Luecke took issue with Mr.Jensen's comment that the City was trying to put the Humane Society out of business. He stated that the City's intent is to look at the most efficient services and that it does not create patronized jobs. Mary Wadsworth spoke in opposition to the proposed expenditures. She stated that 4 and one-half individuals are not enough to run a program and the facility.It was noted that there will be 60 dog runs at the remodeled fire station. She questioned why the Humane Society receives between 15 to 20 calls per day which deal with the City's Animal control program. She stated that 8 calls per day which has been the City average for the month of April is low. She also noted that the projected income she does not believe is realistic since the deadline for licensing in the City is March and that the revenue should trail off thereafter. She also voice concern with regard to the number of vehicles in light of the total number of individuals working for the Animal Control program. She noted that on the average the City of South Bend under their program is responding to 295 calls where the average when the Humane Society was in charge of the Animal Control program it averaged 498 calls. She stated that she does not believe that the facility will be large enough for the South Bend program and that the cost projections are too high for the number of calls received per day. Mr. Oakley voiced concern with regard to the vans purchased and was advised that the vans purchased by the City had between 79,000 to 90, 000 on each of them. This information was made available by Mrs. Dempsey. Mrs.Dempsey also provided letters in support from the various Neighborhood Associations Presidents. She stated that the number presented to the Common Council are accurate. She also stated that if the City needs an over-load facility that San-Mar Kennels would be available. Following discussion Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman that Bill No. 36-96 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Following discussion Council Member Pfeifer made a motion, seconded by Council Member Coleman that Bill No. 37-96 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. With Council Member Washington abstaining on both motions. There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned at 5:02 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke Chairperson,Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments