10-27-08 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL AND FINANCE OCTOBER 27, 2008 Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Chairperson; David Varner, Vice-Chairperson; AI "Buddy" Kirsits; Roger Hamburg, Citizen Member Other Council Member's Present: Derek D. Dieter, Ann Puzzello, Timothy A. Rouse Others Present: Catherine Fanello; Phil St. Clair; Mayor Stephen Luecke; Chuck Bulot, Gary Gilot, Tom Bodnar, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Rita Kopala, Beth Leonard, Dale Devon Opening the meeting Chairman LaFountain asked the committee for approval to consider three related bills together for public hearing purpose. Having received acquiescence, LaFountain turned to the Mayor for his budget '09 presentation. Mayor Luecke began by thanking the Council for their diligent budget review over the past months. He then showed a letter (attached) to be given to City Employees with their next paycheck. Essentially it says any cutbacks prompted by the shortfalls resulting from HEA 1001 would not go into affect until the end of the first quarter of'09. The Mayor also stated the school crossing guards were not incorporated in the '09 budget proposal. He then turned to City controller Catherine Fanello who provided the Council with a handout summarizing the '09 budget. (Attached) Dave Varner asked about the timing of the tax distribution process. He noted with all of St. Joseph County's assessed values now submitted to the DLGF only their certification of'08 values stood between the establishment of a rate and subsequent issuance of tax bills. However, no estimated date other than perhaps late November early December was speculated. This, of course the Controller explained would cost taxpayers interest expense on tax anticipation warrants needed to meet ongoing expenses. She noted the tax distribution delays had already cost taxpayers $640,975 in interest over the last three years. A motion was made by David Varner, seconded by AI "Buddy" Kirsits and approved by all to send Bill 58-08 fixing rates, Bill 59-08 appropriating money from the General Fund, and Bill 59-08 appropriating money from the enterprise funds to the Council with a favorable recommendation. BILL N0.51-08 -SETTING CITY CLERK'S '09 SALARY After some gentle ribbing from Council, John Voorde, City Clerk, explained the 2% requested increase was in-line:. ~~vith the percent request of the administration for most city employees. On a motion for favoratt"se recommendation from Councilmember Kirsits followed by David Varner's second and support from all, the bill went to Council favorably. BILL N0.52-08 - MAYOR'S'09 SALARY Making the case for the Mayor, Catherine Fanello indicated the Mayor would honor his pledge to donate 5% of his salary to the general fund. Councilmember Kirsits moved to recommend favorably, Varner seconded and all supported a favorable recommendation. BILL N0.33-08 - PREAPPROVED PAYMENT OF CLAIMS The City Controller requested this be continued to the meeting of November 10, 2008. Councilmember Kirsits motioned, Councilmember Varner seconded. All affirmed. This bill is continued until November 10, 2008. BILL N0.61-08 - ESTABLISHES A NEW NON-REVERTING GIFT AND BEQUEST FUND The Controller explained as a result of a recent monetary bequest to the City, a new fund needed to be created. The ordinance before the Council creating the fund was approved by the State Board of Accounts (SBOA).