08-29-01 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Personnel and Finance Committee August 29,2001 Page 5 concept working effectively it has brought police officers into better contact with the citizens so that problems can be addressed more effectively. Having a beat officer consistently assigned to an area is working and is being received positively by both the officers and the public. Council Member Aranowski stated that residents like seeing the"same face"and have noted to him that they like the new region concept and are getting to know their beat officers. Chief Bennett then noted an example of how important it is to have video cameras in each squad car. Council Member Aranowski thanked everyone for their fine presentation on the Police Department and Communications. At 3:55 pm the Committee then heard a presentation on the Consolidated Building Department. 2002 Building Department Budget (Fund # 600) 2001 Budget: $ 1,090,642 Expenditure increase excluding capital: 5.4 % 2002 Budget: $ 1,095,975 Total Expenditure increase: $ 55,833 Donald F. Fozo, Building Commissioner and Rebecca K. Neese, Fiscal Officer then joined the meeting. Mr. Fozo made the presentation. He stated that they followed the guidelines recommended by the City Administration in the preparation of the budget. The budget reflects the mandated increases for insurance and gasoline. Mr. Fozo noted that he is requesting that a part-time secretary be added to the budget who will not become permanent. This position is necessary in light of the commercial permits being up as well as the residential remodeling permits increasing. A new software program called "Permit Plus Program"and training will be utilized in the near future. At this point, Council Member Coleman joined the meeting. Council Member Aranowski stated that it appears that the proposed budget is a "break even" budget, and Mr. Fozo agreed. Mr. Fozo stated that this is the first year of paying off the obligations on the renovation of their building space. They paid $ 46,000 in rent each year at the old 1st Source Bank Building. The new arrangement calls for $ 45,000 to be paid each year for three (3) years for remodeling and thereafter to pay$ 10,000 each year for utilities and maintenance. The new office space has been a blessing and is much more efficient. The only problem continues to be parking, with the opportunity for the possible purchase of a private lot not being realized. Dr. Varner inquired about the new hummer plant and the inspection process. Mr. Fozo stated that they have created a "Hummer Room" where many many hours are spent reviewing plans. The bulk of the time is on plan review with less time being spent on inspections.