01-11-16 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE JANUARY 11, 2016 4:10 P.M Committee Members Present: Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Regina Williams Preston, John Voorde Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Jo Broden Others Present: Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Adriana Rodriguez, Jen Coffinan Agenda: Bill 78 -15 Amending excavator fees charged by Building Dept. Bill 82 -15 Establishing a police aid program and fund Karen White, Chair of the Personnel & Finance Committee, called the hearing to order with two bills scheduled for consideration. Bill 78 -15, initiated by the Building Department, requests to raise the minimum excavator contractor fees from one hundred dollars ($100) to one hundred and twenty five dollars ($125). Charles Bulot, Building Commissioner with offices at 125 S. Lafayette, was the presenter for Bill 78 -15 to the Committee. Mr. Bulot explained that last year the Council approved an ordinance which raised the various fees of the Building Department. However, due to an error the ordinance did not include the excavator fee. Mr. Bulot explained this ordinance rectifies that mistake and raises the excavator fee from one hundred dollars ($100) to one hundred and twenty five dollars ($125). Mr. Bulot also explained that the Building Department is organized as an Enterprise Fund. This means the Building Department is solely funded by permit fees. Mr. Bulot explained these fees need to be raised because the Building Department is taking precaution that if the building boom going on right now slows down they will still be able to fund their department properly. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked Mr. Bulot to clarify what areas the Building Department covers. Mr. Bulot explained that the Building Department serves South Bend and St. Joseph County but excluding the area in the county under the jurisdiction of the City of Mishawaka and New Carlisle. The Building Department does however serve New Carlisle for their larger projects such as the new power plant being built there. Mr. Bulot also explained the various scales of fees that the Building Department has for different types of construction. No one from the public spoke in support or opposition to the bill. Committee member Gavin Ferlic made a motion that Bill 78 -15 go forward favorably to the full Council. Committee member John Voorde seconded the motion which was supported by the full Committee.