HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-10 Personnel & Finance
2011 Budget Hearings
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE AUGUST 24, 2010
The August 24, 2010 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting was called to order by
its Chairperson Tom LaFountain at 5:00 p.m.
Committee Member's in Attendance: Tom LaFountain, Karen L. White; David Varner
Other Council Member's: Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello; Al "Buddy" Kirsits
Other's Present: John Murphy, Gregg Zientara, Tom Price, Catherine Toppel, Mayor
Stephen Luecke, Cameron Dunlap-Clay, Valerie Schey, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,
Gary Libby, Betsy Harriman, Susan O'Connor, Bill Carleton, Randy Nowacki, Mike
Dyskiewicz
Agenda: Code Enforcement
Hearing Officer
Animal Control
Weights & Measurers
Junk vehicle
Unsafe Building
Park & Recreation
Capital
Greenhouse
Golf
Recreation
Zoo
Administration
East Race
Cove
Park Police
Neighborhood Parks
Chairperson, LaFountain began the days hearing by calling upon Catherine Toppel,
Director of Neighborhood Code Enforcement, to make the presentation for her
department. Using a powerpoint and handouts (attached) Catherine walked the Council
through NCE's 2010 accomplishments. As she covered vacant and abandoned houses
citing 166 registered properties Derek Dieter asked if these properties could be posted
NO TRESSPASSING. Unsure if this could be done legally, she said she would find out.
Derek also asked if discussions regarding city takeover of towing has progressed. She
said they had not. Councilmember Kirsits asked about the "boarding" of vacant,
ti
damaged homes. Catherine explained the 24 hour legal requirement for owner
notification and again for compliance. Councilmember White asked if the department
had adequate resources to accomplish their task given that quality of life issues were a
top priority for Council. Catherine said, yes, while stating her department is always
looking for more efficient, effective applications. Toppel spoke to the opening of the
new Animal Control Shelter in 2011. White cost estimates were $200,000 below bid cost
the City was committed to open on schedule. Catherine also cited the use of wireless
laptops for the inspectors as a major objective for 2011. As envisioned these would allow
faster, more accurate, reporting of violations and subsequent enforcement. A side benefit
would be a readily accessible data base to better plan and evaluate everything from
vacant lot mowing to securing and either repairing or demolishing housing to better
maintain and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
Moving to Parks & Recreation budgets, Chairperson LaFountain called upon Park
Director Phil St. Clair to make the presentation.
Using the same format of a handout (attached) and accompanying PowerPoint, Phil let
the Committee through a long list of 2010 accomplishments as well as 2011 goals and
objectives. For accomplishments Phil cited the creation of a 5010 Parks Foundation
which would go hand in hand with forming a new strategic business plan that might tap
into the Parks bonding capacity for major infrastructure like building a needed baseball
facility. As a caution, Phil said any project or activity has to be evaluated for its fiscal
sustainability.
Councilmember Dieter asked whether the Park Police force had adequate manpower and
resources. Phil said that the Park Police Force could be expanded from 3 to 5 or 6 to
adequately cover park property. Derek also asked about the golf courses, giving credit to
the grounds crews for their good condition. Phil said golf was a "tough business" in this
economy; but hoped for a turnaround.
Councilmember White asked about the skateboard park. Phil said use was down; but
steady hope for improvement.
Phil fielded several operations questions before Derek entered a list of questions for Phil
into the record from Councilmember Henry Davis who was unable to be present at the
hearing. The memo is attached and awaits response.
There being no further discussions, Chairperson LaFountain adjourned the meeting at
6:24 p.m.
ThoT!rnaFountain, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee