06-17-13 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE JUNE 17, 2013 5:00 P.M. Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Karen White, Valerie Schey, Henry Davis Jr. (5:30) Other Council Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic Others Present: John Murphy, Rahman Johnson, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Mark Neal, Scott Ford, Kathryn Roos, Pete Buttigieg Agenda: City Wide Goals -2014 Budget Personnel and Finance Chair Dr. David Varner opened his committees hearing with general remarks about the Council's budget review process. He pledged an open transparent review process beginning with today's opportunity for both the administration and individual council members to declare their priorities. Dr. Varner then introduced Mark Neal City Controller, who provided council with four handouts (attached). The first also projected on an overhead begin by Mark briefly stating the city's first priority which was to develop a responsible budget in line with projected revenues, to provide a high level of city services as efficiently and efficiently as possible. The goal, he stated was to ensure a strong and open city for all its citizens. The cautionary note in this and future budget meetings was that the 2014 revenue projections have been estimated to be flat -line vis -a -vis 2013 numbers, an opportunity to streamline and innovate. Mark displayed and explained a table showing revenues of all types beginning in 2010. Summing up he listed the 11 priorities the city hoped to address in the budget. Dr. Varner then turned to council members asking them to review, measure and revise where necessary their 2013 priorities and 2014 changes. Each council member, in turn, recounted their 2013 priorities, assessed performance measures and ranked them for 2014. Henry Davis remarks emphasized economic development efforts to create jobs as well as Park & Recreation needs to add to the quality of life. Valarie Schey hoped the budget would reflect a real commitment to move ahead with the vacant and abandoned property demolition /rehab program. She also wants additional economic development dollars be directed to neighborhood strips like River Park in her district. Dr. Ferlic wants to focus on the vacant and abandoned task force recommendations as well as developing more public /private partnerships. Dr. Varner hoped to focus on more creative and productive ways to use TIF funds. Oliver Davis focused primarily on two budget issues, the dollar commitment of the city to a significant curb and sidewalk program and the issue of the use of abatement penalties from TJ Maxx /AJ Wright closing.