09-08-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIX MILLION AND 00 /100 DOLLARS ($6,000,000.00) AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING OTHER ACTIONS IN RESPECT THERETO Councilmember Kuspa made a motion to continue this bill until the September 22, 2003 meeting of the Council at the request of the Petitioner. Council President White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 59 -03 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, SETTING THE ANNUAL SALARIES FOR THE COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2004, 2005, 2006 AND 2007 Councilmember Aranowski, Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Council President Karen L. White, 1912 Malvern Way, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. President White advised that in preparation for the 2004 budget she invited each of the Councilmembers to provide input on the proposed four (4) year salary ordinance. The four (4) year term is consistent with the policies established by past Councils. In light of the request for reductions in the budget for 2004, the salaries for the Councilmembers for calendar 2004 reflect a zero per cent (0 %) increase. A 1.75% increase has been proposed for years 2005, 2006, and 2007. The budget further reflects a four per cent (4 %) increase for the Council Attorney which is consistent with the increases proposed for non - bargaining employees. The Council Attorney does not receive medical insurance. President White recommended that the budget for "additional legal professional services" be maintained at the same level as in the past in light of the fact there will be negotiations with the Firefighters Union in 2004. President White also indicated that the Council has taken on additional responsibilities with the creation of the Youth Advisory Council. Additionally, the Council will also be updating the Council brochure which has become a very popular educational guide for neighborhood groups, businesses and the public. President White noted that projects like these enhance the Council's ability to be able to keep in tough with members of the community and it also gives them additional opportunities to share information about the Council. President White asked for the Council's support of the proposed 2004 Common Council budget at this time. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There was no one present wishing to speak in favor of this bill. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill: II