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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/25/07 Committee Meeting Minutes~ Personnel and lE'inance Standing Committee ~~. ~r 2007 South Bend Common Council The August 25, 2007 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 8:39 a.m the Council's informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello, Pfeifer, and Varner; Citizen Member Diana Hess, Mayor Stephen Luecke, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Parks Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Parks Administrative Director Betsy Harriman, Parks Fiscal Officer Bill Carleton, Randy Nowacki of the Golf Offices, Zoo ^irector Terry DeRosa, Director of Recreation Susan O'Connor, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the Committee Members include Council Members Kuspa, Kirsits, Varner and herself; and Diana Hess is the Citizen Member, Pro osed 20D8 Civil Cit Bud e# Ordinance Council Member Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the Saturday morning budget committee meeting. She then called upon the City Controller for an update on COIT and EDIT. COLT, Pace. 285 and EDIT on Page 284 of Draf# Bud~21t: Ci#y Controller M. Catherine Fanello noted that the amount for grants and subsidies an page 285 should be amended to read ""$745,000". She noted that: Project Future is proposed to be budgeted at $120,000 Chamber of Commerce is proposed to be budgeted at $65,000 for a business visitation position Council Members Pfei#er and Varner questioned the above-listed amounts, noting the Pat McMahon has not provided updates to the Council; and that the Chamber position was budgeted as a ~/2 position in the past. Council Member Pfeifer requested updates on both of these proposed amounts, with Mayor Luecke offering to have representatives meet with the Council. She also asked the Council Attorney to cheek the amounts previously budgeted for Project Future and report back to the Council. Mayor Luecke noted that in the past the Council has acted upon afive-year resolution expressing an intent to budget for Project Future. August 25, 2flQ7 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Page 2 The City Controller stated that if items are pulled from the draft budget, the the City Administration could come back in .anuary or February with a supplemental appropriation, Dr. Varner inquired about the capital requests. Ms. Fanello stated that the capital requests are "generic appropriations, with expenditures being required to stay within capital guidelines". In response to a question from Council Member Puzzella, Ms, Fanello stated that monies can be moved within a category, otherwise a transfer~would be requited. She added that °budgets are only guestimates for the year", Council Member Pfeifer requested an update from the City Administration on what results have been realized from having the Chamber position. Mayor Luecke also suggested that the individual come in and meet with the Council. Dr. Varner noted that the Board of Public Works recently signed a contract with DTSB for $250,000. He suggested that this appropriation only be acted upon when the City knows what goals and objectives are to be addressed. He added that DTSB should be treated like Project Future and the Chamber requested appropriations. He noted that DTSB's 990s do nat come to the Office of the City Clerk and believes that they should. Dr. Varner noted that the Council should have updates from DTSB on their accounts receivables, whether debts are being carried over,etc., in light of their past financial problems, Council Member Pfeifer stated that DTSB should come in along with Project Future and the Chamber of Commerce and address their appropriation requests. Ms. Fannello stated that Building Blocks should be listed at $85,000 and that the summary sheets need to be updated, which the Administration will do. She added that Work Force Diversity Initiative is added at $200,000. Mayor Luecke stated that the program addressing programs for returning offenders to the community to help them get employment after serving time in prison. Dr. Varner questioned whether this project fits into the City's duties, especially in light of upcoming challenges of the Circuit Breaker. ~ ~ Council Member Pfeifer suggested that a separate committee meeting be called to receive needed information on requested appropriations from representatives of Project Future, the Chamber of Commerce, DTSB, and the Work Force Diversity Initiafive. {-- ~ Ms. Fanello stated that the Neighborhood Resources Corporation {NRC} is proposed at $25,000. August 25, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Page 3 Council Member Puzzello inquired whether the next proposed Personnel and Finance Committee meeting for Saturday, September 8t~ is going to be changed in light of the many scheduling conflicts which people have with that date. Ms. Fannello suggested that a week day meeting would be better for City employees who would need to be present for such a meeting. I_iabilit Insurance Pa a 306 of Draft Bud et; Ms. Fannello stated that the liability insurance fund is in "good shape" with a fund balance of over $2 million in reserves. The currently have no major liability issues. They utilize a Claims Review Committee who is prn-active in reviewing claims. Health Insurance Pa a 309 of Draft Bud et: Ms. Fanello stated that the amount on the top line should be amended to be "14,196,435" instead of $2,454,399". Gibson insurance will be coming in during the next two {2) weeks to update her. She added that Anthem is giving much better discounts. They are trying to build up reserves. Wellness programs are in place also. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that yoga be included in the wellness programs. Dr. Varner inquired about proposed appropriations for Metro Net, noting that he would like confirmation on how the line for the University was funded. Ms. Fannello stated that no appropriations are proposed. Ms. Fanello stated that she would have Gary Gilot update the Council on Metro Net. Ms. Fanello then passed out a "Summary of Funding Sources and Expenditures" for the 2008 Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Recreation Proposed 200.8 Budget: Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair introduced the Parks and Recreation staff members who were present. He then reviewed the summary sheet {copy attached). Mr. St. Clair noted that they have five {5) funding sources: Fund 201 Parks and Recreation Special Revenue Fund Fund 203 Recreation Non-reverting Operating Fund Fund 271 East Race Fund 401 Coveleski Stadium Capital Fund Fund 405 Park Non-reverting Capital Fund August 25, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Page 4 with a total funding for 2008 being estimated to be $14,409,475; 2008 expenditures estimated to be $14,217,729 leaving a cash balance of $191,746. He noted that O'Brien has a 5-year bond payment with 2008 being the 3rd year of that bond. Capital requests for 2007 were $502,000 and in 2008 they are requesting $847,000. Mr. St. Clair stated that the AZA items for the zoo will be addressed, with the zoo last bee accredited in 2004. He noted that the greenhouses are proposed at $206,391, adding that the Botanical Society is going a good job and is being more pro-active. They will continue to make upgrades to the greenhouse complex. There are no fees from the General Fund used to operate the recreation programs, with such programs being based on fees. in response to questions from Council Member Pfeifer, Susan O'Connor and Betsy Harriman staffed that there continues to be a lot of vandalism of park property, including the facilities at the Southeast Water Park, with that being the first water park. The newest water park is at the Charles Black Center which has splash pads. Council Member Puzzello suggested that security cameras might be considered similar to those used at the skate park. Dr. Varner inquired about Coveleski parking and related items. Mr. St. Clair stated that parking is addressed in their reports and that a final statement is not audited by the city. He receives a monthly report, as well as an annual report on the Cove. He noted that this year they are working with a new ownership team. The stadium is in great shape, despite being older. They have a one year agreement currently in place. Mr. St. Clair stated that he would provide an update on the Upper Deck revenues to the Council. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. St. Clair stated that the traffic flow appears to be better in light of the street changes. Mr. St. Clair stated that $1 from each admission to the zoo and to the golf courses is used for park capital projects. From Fund # 201 they will be using $260,000 for capital projects and will be working with the Kellog Company in Michigan on a grant for accessibility upgrades. Betsy Harriman now tracks vandalism and it appears to be at a consistent level as previous years. August 25, 2007 Personnel and irsnance Committee Meeting Page 5 Council Member Pfeifer requested on behalf of Council Member White that the City consider air conditioning at the King Center. Mr. St. Clair stated that none of the city gyms are air conditioned and he does not believe the city can afford to do that. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. St. Clair stated that the Leeper Park Tennis Complex is being taken down and will be re-done. The project should be completed in late Fall. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about the maintenance of the parkway on MLK Boulevard. Mayor Luecke stated that they would look into this. Dr. Varner inquired about the flooding concerns and storm water problems in his District, especially on Chippewa and around the Erskine Golf Course. He noted that the City spent $5-$8 million to run fines for the CSOs involving Notre Dame. Mayor Luecke stated that the City spent $5 million and that Notre Dame spent $1 million to address sewer overflow matters. Addressing backups in basements he sees as a high priority. In response to questions from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. St. Clair stated that weekly rounds of golf are down, and that goff rounds nationally are down. He added that everyone is offering golf specials. Council Member Pfeifer suggested golf specials for seniors. In response to questions from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. St. Clair stated that a week day cost is $8.00 and a weekend cost is $8.00 for the 9-hole Studebaker Golf Course. Mr, St. Clair then noted that the grant for After School programs is from COLT (page 287 under grants and subsidies) far $150,000. They are currently having the contracts reviewed by the City Attorney's Office and hope to have the programs off the ground in the next six (8) weeks. Agencies apply to participate and would be subject to a contract for such services. Council Member Pfeifer stated that she recently met with the Inner City Task Force and suggested that the after school programs be inclusive and objective, and that perhaps not alf parts of the city need such services. Mayor Luecke stated that the programs will be geared to primary and intermediate school age children. Sites in the past which have had such programs will be considered. August 25, 20(}7 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Page 6 Mr. St. Clair stated that Judy Smith will remain as the point person for the remainder of 2007. The other grant is the Building Blocks Grant from EDIT. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, the $125,000 on page 13 for land improvements is not for acquisition. Mr. St. Clair stated that they currently do not have specific plans for this money. Mr. St. Clair commended Council Member Puzzello for her participation at Park Board meetings as well as Park Department staff meetings. He appreciates her commitment to the Park Department. Dr. Varner had a series of questions for the City Controller with regard to the budget process and the budget appropriation process. Ms. Fanello stated that the process used here is the same as that used in other communities throughout the state. She noted that under state law only the Redevelopment Commission may appropriate TlF monies. Council Member Pfeifer thanked everyone for attending, and then adjourned the meeting at 10:54 a.m. Respectfully submitted, ~.~~ -.~~ Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachment