09-06-01 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 2001 Page 3 overall staffing of the department that the good news is that the demand for litigation is currently down. He noted that since Chief Larry Bennett has taken over the Police Department that claims have dropped considerably. Council President Pfeifer noted that Professor Walt Reisler always stressed that when you have great people in place that they should always write things down before they leave. She inquired if Chief Bennett has documented the techniques he has used, since they have been very positive and successful. She thought that his management style was also one that proved extremely beneficial in professionalizing the police department. Mr. Leone stated that Chief Bennett's management style and attitude toward the public are some of the keys to his success. Council President Pfeifer again urged that Chief Bennett be encouraged to write a management manual. Mayor Luecke noted that Chief Bennett's management style, personality and his expectations for individual officers and the department have all been a positive combination. The Council Attorney requested an updated organizational chart for the City Attorney's Office and summary of duties in light of the fact that Thomas Bodnar is now full-time in the Legal Department. Dr. Varner inquired whether the legal department has taken over more responsibilities in the bonding area in light of more personnel increases. Mr. Leone stated that they have looked into this issue, however, typically when bond counsel opinions are needed they typically do not accept in house opinions. Mr. Leone noted that the Legal Departments utilizing a computerized case management system which will track litigation as well as other projects. 2002 Human Rights Commission Budget (General Fund # 101-1008) 2001 Budget: $ 239,397 Expenditure increase: 4.8 % 2002 Budget: $ 250,787 Total Expenditure increase: $ 11,390 Director of Human Rights Lonnie Douglas then reviewed the Human Rights Commission budget. He noted that HUD grants have enabled his department to partner with the community and provide seminars and brochures to promote education. Many of their brochures are provided in English as well as Spanish. Council Member Karen White joined the Committee meeting at this point. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the challenges facing the Commission. Mr. Douglas stated that this is his tenth (10th) year of service. He always has stated that his goal as Director is to work himself out of a job if he was going to be truly successful. Mr. Douglas noted that there have been increases in sexual harassment cases as well as in predatory lending. He focuses on training and education and works closely with the NAACP and the Urban League in a team effort. He is trying to be proactive and is doing training with fifty(50) small companies which have 15-25 employees or less. Council Member White inquired about the average case load. Mr. Douglas noted that e4ch investigator handles approximately twenty-five (25) cases. He noted that his department has not had a backload for the past 3-4 years. The oldest case in litigation is a little over one(1)year old.