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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/20/07 Committee Meeting MinutesPersonnel and Finance Sanding Committee 2007 South Bend Common Council The September 20, 2007 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was coiled to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:38 p.m. the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Rouse, Kuspa, White, Pfeifer, and Varner; Citizen Member Diana Hess, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Assistant Controller John Murphy, Pam Meyer, Tom Cavanaugh, Bonnie Strycker, Paul Meyer, Kay Ball, Marco Mariani, Crystal McCain, Patrick McMahon, Susan Visser, Mr. Hardie Blake, Ken Peczkowski, Phil DeMicco, George Lane, Jamie Loo of the Sou#h 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. Today's committee meeting would continue discussions of the proposed 2008 Civil City Budget Ordinance. Project Future, pale 295: Council Member Pfeifer called for a presentation on the financial request of Project Future. Assistant Controller John Murphy provided a 1-page handout to the Committee which set forth the listing of budget presentations, their funding source(s), budget page number(s), 2007 and 2008 budget amounts (copy attached}. Patrick McMahon, Executive Director of Project Future noted that their request of $110,OD0 is the same amount that is being currently funded this year. He then reviewed his first 4- page handout (copy attached} which focused on: • Regional Marketing Study Metronet • Local Business Counseling • Other Existing Businesses • Rail • Technology Park • New Investment • inquiries He stated that there should be announcement this Fall on the Tech Park. Mr. McMahon then reviewed his 2~a handout entitled "The Greater Mlchiana Area-Tier One Automotive Capacity" and information from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic September 20, 2007 Personnel end Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 Opportunity (copies attached). He suggested informal sessions with the Council in the new year. In response to questions from Dr. Varner, Mr. McMahan stated that the Board of Public Works in Mishawaka approved an agreement on Metronet. Dr. Varner noted that $300,000 of T1F were used for Metronet and that service lines were extended to the University of Notre Dame, while Mishawaka has made a minimal investment. He suggested that there should be a plan for cash recovery to South Bend, noting that he believes that South Bend is getting the short-end of this financial arrangement. Mr. McMahan suggested that there be a separate meeting to address Metronet. Metronet's Executive Committee meets once per month. In response to questions from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. McMahon noted that he met with Councii Member Dieter's Community and Economic Development Committee in June and that additional meetings through that committee are anticipated. He stated that Project Future once LaSalle Square has a plan that they would be pleased to join the process, lend their expertise, and be engaged. Council Member Pfeifer stated that she believes that Project Future should ear-marked same of their activities to the inner city and persons of color. Human Riahts. uaae 134: Crystal McCain, an Investigator with Human Rights, noted that Lonnie Douglas, the Human Rights Director was at a national conference and that she would review their operations. She noted that they are continuing to investigate, train and do out-reach. Their current case load is lower which gives them more opportunities to provide educational out-reach programs. They focus on housing, education, public accommodation and employment. In response to questions from Council Member White, Ms. McCain stated that they currently have forty (40} cases in total, where in prior years each of the four (4) investigators had this number of cases themselves. She noted that cases are down across the state. The Human Rights office located at 30'1 S. St. Louis Boulevard since 2001 with may expressing that they like the new location. Human Rights has four (4) investigators; three (3) who are primarily in the employment area and Fred Harris, Jr. who does the housing cases. Council Member Pfeifer asked for a chart which compares the cases handled for the past three (3) years. September 20, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Ms. McCain stated that the typical investigation takes about six (6) months, however this year they are able to doing many in a 2-3 month period. if there is probable cause, a case would take about a year. Ms. McCain noted in response to questions from Council Member Pfeifer that she has done two (2) training sessions this year on disabilities; and that Fred Harris has done such sessions on housing. On October 16t~' EEOC will be coming for a conference with the business community. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the two (2) Council interns are working with the Human Rights Housing Investigators. Ms. McCain noted in response to Council Member Pfeifer inquiry that two {2) of the investigators are fluent in Spanish; and that they offer services to the Hispanic community event if persons are not legally in the country. Assistant Controller John Murphy then reviewed the financial side of Human Rights. There are five (5) employees paid from the Genera[ Fund (see page 135) where their salaries are proposed at a 2% increase in 2008. $8,853 is budgeted for cleaning the Human Rights offices. On page 137 the Human Rights grant which is the EEOC portion funds one (1) person; and on page 138 the Housing and Urban Development funds one (1) person. There is a cash balance of $400,000 in Federal Grant Fund # 258. Council Member White requested additional information for the past three (3) years on the trends in each of the areas where Human Rights has investigators. She would like to have the case numbers for each tracked in that report and the various types of services provided. She would like Lonnie Douglas to come to a future meeting to review all of the material which has been requested today by the Council Members. Council President Rouse requested that demographics of clientele be provided in the material requested, so that patterns can be studied. Mr. Murphy noted that the annual HUD audit was favorable. At this point in the meeting, Council Member Pfeifer left and Dr. Varner, Personnel and Finance Committee Vice-Chairperson conducted the remainder of the meeting. Weed and Seed: Pam Meyer, Director of the Division of Community Development noted that a new site is being applied for with the Council taking action at the next Council meeting on the application for $58,333. They are working on seeking in-kind matches; with the response to this latest application probably not being received until next Summer. The new program would begin Octaber 1, 2008. Septernber 20, 2007 Personnel and Pinance Corncnittee Meeting Minutes Page 4 The existing Weed and Seed site is addressed in COIT Fund # 404 in the amount of $200,000. Ms. Meyer then reviewed a 2-page handout entitled "Weed & Seed Area Neighborhood Restoration Improvements (2004-present)" (copy attached). Under the public portion, Mr. Hardie Blake stated that for the past 2-3 months he has been working with youth in the community to address violence and crime. They would like a more "formal way to address these concerns". He stated that this initiative is youth driven, but they are getting frustrated. They have agreed to stop the violence and stop using guns; but because many cannot pass drug tests; andlor have felonies there are many road-blocks. He does not want this group of youths to give up. Dr. Varner encourage Mr. Blake to keep working with the youth and suggested that they might want to pursue anon-profit status. Pam Meyer noted that Weed and Seed is meeting with this group of youth. Council President Rouse noted that a meeting is taking place right now at a local chapel which brings youth and people together; with all persons trying to make a difference. Workforce Diversi#y lni#ia#ive, page_295: Pam Meyer introduced Tom Cavanaugh to review this program. Mr. Cavanaugh stated that the program is designed to help train ex-offenders so that they will have work skills. None of the monies go directly to the ex-offenders; with all monies being used for training and administrative staffing. Mr. Cavanaugh reported that: • Aril '! 2005 -March 31 2006 Pro ram Year: They placed 228 through Work One with the average wage being $9.32 per hour fora 35-40 hour work week; and that $70,000 was spent on training • April 1, 2006 -March 31, 2007 Program Year: They placed 193 through Work One with the average wage being $9.62 per hour; with $73,000 spent on training • April 1, 2007 to present_Program Year; They placed 92 through Work One with the average wage being $9.95 per hour; with $99,500 spent on training • Retention on the Job being defined as_"still employed": shows: 85% working after 30 days 77% working after 60 days 40°/a working after six (6) months with return on wages projected to be from a high of $1.4 million to $587,000 September 20, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 5 Council President Rouse noted that the program needs to be expanded so that long-term effectiveness would be a component part. The "fall out" on retention he stated needs to be addressed. He noted that nurturing should be part of the process and that there are agencies would could contract with Work One for such services. Council President Rouse asked for a written document which sets forth this information. Dr. Varner voiced concern about recidivism and not holding a job long-term; and that dialogue along these lines should continue. He noted that this is the first time that any one from this program has spoken to the Council. In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. Cavanaugh stated that there are one-on-one communications initially and contacts with employers. He stated that there is "intensive follow-up for the first six (8) months". Council Member White requested abreak-down of the staffing for this program. Mayor Luecke stated that the program was not designed for follow-up, but rather to open doors for employment. He noted that he appreciates the discussions on this topic. Mr. Cavanaugh stated that he welcomes the discussion and ideas to re-design the program. President Rouse noted that the program was initially designed to open doors for employment for ex-offenders. Its intent was to "touch lives, have less crime, and help stabilize neighborhoods" based on discussions long ago with Jon Hunt. He suggested that Mr. Cavanaugh have discussions with Mr. Hardie Blake. Art Association, page 9 23; Susan Visser, Executive Director of the South Bend Regional Museum of Art, noted that the $65,000 request is a rent pass through for their occupancy at the Century Center. She noted that this is their 80~'' year. She provided the following handouts to the Committee (copies attached): • Festival of Banners Live the Arts 2007 brochure • Art As Real As Life brochure • Great American Salon Series • South Bend Regional Museum of Art Annual Report 2008 President Rouse and Dr. Varner noted that the development of the arts has been very successful, and encourage Ms. Visser to continue such fine efforts. September 20, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting M'snutes Page 6 Downtown South Bend. Inc., ~aqe 295: Paul Meyer, DTSB, Inc. Board Chairperson noted that he, Kay Ball and Marco Mariani were present. He stated that this has been a year of re-energizing the organization and maintaining successes. DTSB, Inc. is now in the black with all outstanding indebtedness being satisfied. He provided a copy of the "Football Fridays Tent Party 2007 Season" (copy attached) to the committee. He highlighted that several changes have been implemented which address accounting and reporting; creation of a finance committee; conflict of interest policies; and an internal audit system. They have helped facilitate the growth of Art Beat; sponsor Football Friday Tent Parties; installed bike racks in the downtown; oversee $SD,DOD in facade grants; have an effective Ambassador program which assist in public works items, public safety; etc.; have a weekly newsletter; and at their meeting on October 1st will have a new person with 25 years of marketing experience far event coordination. Mr. Meyer stated that the Eddy Street Common will be good competition. Aboard nominating committee has been formed with an emphasis on seeking more small business and minorifiy representation for better strategic planning. Mr. Meyer stated that they are efficienfily using fihe monies provided. He noted thafi the Board now reviews requests for facade grant requests. President Rouse stated that he appreciates the collaboration. Marco Mariani noted that it has been five (5) months of the current staffing arrangement. DTSB, inc receives $250,OOD EDITand $275,ODD TIF. Dr. Varner suggested that the Office of the City Clerk be added to the weekly newsletter. He also requested that copies of all new procedures which DTSB, Inc. has implemented be sent to the Office of the City Clerk. Mr. Meyer noted that it is an email newsletter and it can be sent directly to each Council Member as well. He added that he met earlier this year with Council Member Dieter's Community and Economic Development Committee and looks forward to future meetings wifih that Committee. Under the public portion, Ken Peczkowski circulated various pictures he had taken of areas of the downtown along with a copy of a recent contract approved by the Board of Public Works. He questioned the amount of money spent on cleaning the downtown with many of the pictures depicting trash in flower beds. He added that he had contacted Don Inks about this earlier. Mr. Mariani noted that clean-up is a new scope of work far the Ambassadors, noting that he receives detailed reports from the Ambassadors on their services and duties performed. September 20, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 7 Charr~ber of Commerce: Mayor Luecke introduced Phil DeMicco to the committee. Mr. DeMicco provided cone-page handout entitled "The Business Growth Initiative-a City of South BendlChamber of Commerce Partnership" which he then reviewed (copy attached). Dr. Varner suggested that actual numbers be provided in the future instead of percentages. He stated that this is a good program. Youth Services Bureau,__page 122: Bonnie Strycker, Executive Director of the Youth Services Bureau noted that they are requesting $75,000 which is the same amount that has been budgeted for this year. She noted that they have been providing services since 1972; and went private in 9985. She stated that they have a good mix of federal, state and local monies in addition to private donations. All South Bend fire stations and all TRANSPO busses are now Safe Stations. Last year they had over 450 calls on their crisis line. They work closely with young people and try to assist them in solving problems. They work to "capture their enthusiasm and their momentum". Ms. Strycker noted that a growing area of concern is reflected on the following numbers: • 2006; Four (4) 18-year olds were homeless who they assisted • 2007 to date: Eighteen (18) 98Tyears olds were homeless who they have assisted They are facing many challenges as a result of having a waiting list for the Young Moms Program and with St. Joseph County cutting their funding for next year from $82,500 to $50,000. Their Board of Directors is very, very concerned. Council President Rouse inquired what component parts should be part of the solution. Ms. Strycker stated that they deal wifih: persons who are born into issues many persons who do not value education persons who have lived in a situation where drugs have been present She stated that she believes that there should be a great emphasis on treatment rather than the criminal justice system. There should be a great emphasis on drop-out programs and alternative educational programs. September 20, 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 8 Dr. Varner stated that he attended a conference on Bridges Out of Poverty and is interested in the feedback which Ms. Strycker will have in working with them. Ms. Strycker provided a file folder entitled "Youth Service Bureau 2x08" to the committee (copy attached). Car~cast Cade TV: Dr, Varner noted that the last item on the agenda was the terminafiion of Gomcast Cable TV filming the SBCC meetings, with next Monday's being the last one that they will cover. Mayor Luecke noted that his office recently receive a letter to this effect. He stated that it is a result of the state law changing which only requires that a channel be provided. He stated that the contract protects the revenue stream and that he will be meeting with officials from Camcast next week. The city receives approximately $600,000 in fees each year which are deposited into the General Fund. Dr. Varner suggested that Ivy Tech, WNIT, the public library, etc. all be contacted to see who might be interested in providing such services. George Lane and other unidentified individuals voiced their concern about the loss of this service. He noted that the need to "give people their voice". He suggested that the state legislators be lobbied. Dr. Varner thanked everyone for the information provided today. He then adjourned the Committee meeting at 8:38 p.m. Re pectfully submitted Council Member Charlotte. feifer, Chair erson p Personnel and Finance Committee ~r:~ avid Varner, Vice-Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments