HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-30-10 Personnel & Finance Committee1~
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2011 Budget Hearings
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE AUGUST 30, 2010
The August 30, 2010 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting was called to order by
its Chairperson Tom LaFountain at 3:30 p.m.
Committee Member's in Attendance: Chairperson Tom LaFountain, David Varner,
Karen White, Oliver Davis
Other Council Member's: Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello, Henry Davis, Tim Rouse, Al
"Buddy" Kirsits
Other's Present: Mayor Stephen Luecke, Gregg Zientara, Dennis Andres, Chuck Bulot,
Tom Price, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Rita Kopala, John Murphy, Jeff Gibney, Jim
Bognar, Don Inks, Beth Leonard, Mary Ellen Smith, Denise Ziegler, Karen King, Marika
Anderson, Pam Meyer
Agenda:
Building Department
Morns/Palais
Community & Economic Development
Parking Garages
Opening the budget hearing at the designated 3:30 time Chairperson LaFountain with all
committee members present as well as all other Councilmember's called Chuck Bulot,
Director of the Building Department to begin his review.
The day's presentations followed closely the format chosen by the administration this
year. A printout of the power point presentation was provided to help the Council follow
along as well as budget summary printout.
Bulot summarized his department's 2010 accomplishments and 2011 goals in three
power point slides. Chuck indicated he was guardedly optimistic about construction
activity in 2011. Should this prove true the permit fee increases should continue to allow
this self-funding, county-shared department to remain self-funded? After Chuck's
summary Councilmember Rouse asked if the seven inspectors in the department were all
necessary give the sluggish economy and sharp drop-off in construction activity. Bulot
responded saying each inspector with their own area of expertise were plenty busy
though no new hires were anticipated if business permits increased.
Dennis Andres, Director of the Morris and the Palais was next.
His 12 slide power point for the Morns noted the year 2010 was the tenth year since its
makeover and 10th consecutive year of both cultural and financial success. Dennis cited
numerous accomplishments and awards most notably being ranked 41St in the country of
100 such venues. This ranking translates to 50th in the world. In response to Derek
Dieter's question asking Dennis what he most needs to continue this success, Dennis said
about 350 or 400 adjacent parking spaces. In other words, an adjacent parking garage. In
terms of staff Dennis said he could use another marketer and a full time house manager.
Tim Rouse spoke to the importance of the Morris and Palais as an economic magnet.
Thanking him, Dennis recounted that very sentiment expressed by Notre Dame President
Father Jenkins who has made that very point. Jenkins underlined the importance of
culture locally in recruiting professors and university staff to live and work in South
Bend. Dennis spoke to the synergy created in downtown activity by having both the
Palais and the Morris doing well.
Economic Development Director Jeff Gibney was up next to present both the Community
and Economic Development efforts he directs.
Jeff began by thanking the Council for their continued support especially for support
acquisition of properties for development. His power point focused first on the $50+
million Kroc Center which he feels will make significant contributions toward educating
those youth in most need. Also rather proudly spoken of were the Center for Latino
Studies, the Civil Rights Center and job training through Project Impact all in
development. Jeff also briefly talked of the need for and consequent effort to do strategic
planning for neighborhoods. He did though say there was little money for
neighborhoods.
Council questions followed. Henry Davis wondered what was being done to encourage
private investment and job creation. Where are the benchmarks? What is being done to
foster tax-paying entities?
Taking exception to the inference that nothing or at least not enough was being done, Jeff
noted Memorial Hospital generated over $4 million in taxes in their medical TIF. Eddy
Commons development was creating both taxes and jobs.
Not satisfied, Councilmember Henry Davis asked where the new employers were. Where
other than ND is the growth?
Councilmember White expressed concern that all the effort to develop Eddy Street
Commons has actually hurt downtown South Bend. She also wanted to know why more
"challenged neighborhood" plans were not a part of the 2011 objectives? Simply
responding "its tough" Jeff had little to add. Councilmember White followed-up saying
this lack of focus sends a band message to neighborhoods. Councilmember Rouse said a
new model for neighborhood development was needed. Past projects like the West
Washington turnaround need to be undertaken building on their success, he felt.
Councilmember Henry Davis again stated he was looking for measurable outcomes.
There being no further discussions, Chairperson LaFountain adjourned the meeting at
6:24 p.m.
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Thomas 1.,aFountain, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee