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Personnel and Finance Committee <br /> September 5, 2000 <br /> Page 3 <br /> Council Member Kelly noted that a lot of tough decisions are required to revitalize our <br /> neighborhoods. He cited the closing of a partnership center as being a tough decision but a right <br /> one. <br /> Council President Pfeifer requested that the Council be more involved in <br /> the overall process and requested that they be invited to meetings. <br /> Mr. Hunt reviewed the various measures he proposes for improved accountability of the <br /> Department. Mr. Hunt noted that over the next fifteen (15) months they will be <br /> reviewing priorities and will keep the Council updated. <br /> Beth Leonard of the Division of Financial &Program Management noted that the previous <br /> five (5) divisions have been consolidated into three (3) divisions. The revenue sources include: <br /> federal program grants such as CDBG, HOME, ES, and UDAG; civil city support through general <br /> fund transfers;EDIT fund grants through interfund transfers, state grant funds,staff contracts with <br /> not-for-profit corporations;interest income and service fee revenues. <br /> Council Member Kelly inquired about the promotional costs. Ms. Leonard stated that the <br /> department prints various types of brochures and provides various types of activities through the <br /> Good Neighbors/Good Neighborhoods program under this line-item. <br /> Dr. Varner inquired about the GIS allocation. Don Inks stated that it is important and that <br /> $ 10,000 is a reasonable annual amount for maintenance. <br /> It was noted that they are developing"quality of life"indicators;utilize crime data;and have <br /> several confidentiality issues. <br /> The Council Attorney inquired about bike patrols in light of Police Chief Bennent's <br /> concerns that the issue is not one of funding but rather one of having adequate manpower to fill the <br /> requests for bike patrols when neighborhood groups request them in addition to the needs for them <br /> in the Fast Race and the Howard Park areas. <br /> Mr. Hunt noted that there is a problem in the area of bike patrols and directed patrols, and <br /> that several of the commercial corridors have made requests for them. Mr. Hunt stated that a <br /> "united front" should be jointly developed by the Administration and the Council <br /> on bike and directed patrols before next Spring. He noted that New York City utilized <br /> this approach as well as small group meetings. <br /> Council Member Aranowski suggested that a meeting of the Administration, <br /> the Council and the Chairpersons of each of the corridors be held to discuss bike <br /> and directed patrols. <br /> Dr. Varner and Council President Pfeifer suggested that all possible <br /> alternatives be reviewed and discussed with regard to the individuals used for the <br /> DARE programs with retired police officers being considered as possibilities of <br /> added manpower. <br /> Council Member Aranwoski further suggested that DARE, school resource <br /> officers, bike patrols and directed patrols all be carefully studied by the Council's <br />