03-24-14 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE MARCH 24.20144:10 P.M. Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter, Dr. David Varner, Henry Davis Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic Others Present: Eric Horvath, SBPD Chief Ron Teachman, Kathy Cekanski- Farrand, SBFD Chief Steve Cox, Todd Shwarcan, Carol Davis, Matt Chlebowski, Shubhada Kambli, John Murphy, Cecil Eastman, Leanna Balou Agenda: BillNo.18 -14 Amend Chapter 4— Vendors Bill No. 19 -14 Appropriation for Century Center Bill No. 20 -14 Departmental Budget Transfers Bill No. 21 -14 Appropriations for Various Departments YTD —Spending Quarterly Update With a quorum present, Personnel & Finance Chair Valerie Schey opened the hearing with four bills and one quarterly spending update on the agenda. The first item, Bill No. 18 -14, proposed to amend the city code to address licensing of open -air business and donation boxes. Valerie noted a request from the City legal department asking for a continuance until the April 14th Council Meeting. This request would be accepted at the evening Council meeting. The next three bills were all presented in turn by City Controller John Murphy. The first, Bill No. 19 -14, requested on appropriation of just over $106 thousand from the Century Center Fund # 671. John explained this was actually an appropriation of money set aside last year primarily for elevator repairs. There was no one to speak for or against the bill. Following brief Council questions Henry Davis moved to recommend Bill No. 19 -14 favorably. Derek Dieter seconded and all affirmed. Before moving to the next item Valerie took a moment to introduce Leanna Balou, the new manager of Century Center. Bill No. 20 -14 requested budgeted transfers from one fund or department to another for 2014. The Controller said these transfers were part of the City's plan to report transfers on a quarterly basis as opposed to past year end transfers. These more frequent transfer reports had been requested by the Council. The discussion that followed revolved around the Council's desire for clarity and transparences for the Council and public interested in meaningful budget reports. Valerie, the lead advocate for these practices, cited the Police Departments budget as one that budgets for 260 officers even though typically the "body count" would be 12 -15 officers less. Police Chief Ron Teachman responded describing the difficult recruitment process. He said most recently, 80 potential recruits were to take the physical tests. Thirty two passed and qualified for the written tests. Only 8 -10 were expected to pass muster. Following further discussion Derek Dieter moved to recommend favorably Henry Davis seconded and all affirmed.