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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-06 Personnel & FinancePersonnel and Finance Committee 2006 South Bend Common Councii The September 6, 2006 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the Soufh Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 3:07 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse, Dieter, White and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, Ci#izen Member Martha Lewis, City Clerk John Voorde, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Division Chief Rick Kilgore, Citizen Member Martin Wolfson, Community and Economic Development Director Sharon Kendall, Park Superintendent Phil St.Clair, Dan Pinckert, Beth Leonard, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Bob Goodrich, Mary Ann Myers, City Attorney Charles Leone, Catherine Toppel, Gary Llbbey, Tom 5karbek, Emily Lentyck, Ann HerndonJamie Laa of the Saufh Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Cauncil Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer noted that the members of the Personnel and Finance Committee include Cauncil Members Kuspa, White, Varner and herself as Chairperson; and Citizen Member Nikki Hutchinson. 2QQ7 Proposed Civil City Budget: Council Member Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the committee budget hearings on the proposed 2007 operating budget. She then called upon Mayor Luecke to provide an overview of the budget. Mayor Luecke noted that the line-item detail for each cost center can be accessed from the lap tap computers provided to each Council Member for the duration of the budget hearings. He noted that the proposed budget is balanced with approximately $197 million anticipated in revenue and approximately $175 million projected in operating expenses. $500,000 higher costs for gas are projected, with gasoline being budgeted at $2.50 per gallon. The capital expenditures will be reviewed in JanuarylFebruary 2007. Inter-fund transfers for the police and fire pensions in the amount of $1.1 million from the Rainy Day Fund are necessary. Mayor Luecke noted that he is working with TACT for additional funding sources. As a Member of "Hometown Matters" various legislative proposals are being prepared addressing such topics as local income tax, food and beverage taxes, sales taxes at the local level, etc. Lake, Marion and St. Joseph Counties will be impacted the hardest by the 2% circuit breaker. Health care costs are increasing, however new categories will be added so that city employees will have more choices next year. PERF expense are rises from 4.5% to 5.5% for non-sworn officers; asphalt costs are up 35%; fire and Septerr~ber 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 police increases at 2.5%; Teamsters are proposed to increase at $D.38 per hour or 2.5%; non-bargaining employees are proposed to receive a 0% increase on their base wage however are proposed to receive a "supplemental pay" of $75D each payable aver two {2) checks. Mayor Luecke stated that "the Administration has been creative, but have been also required to make painful decisions". There are twenty-five {25) fewer positions proposed; and they are reviewing the take home car policies for departments other than the Police Department for possible reductions. They are also looking at a centralized mowing program. Mayor Luecke stated that in order to reach the "reduction in head-count", they will be laying off employees in the Cade Clean-Up Crews, mainly because Solid Waste can na longer afford to staff the program. Currently there are nine (9) employees and with lay- offs it will be reduced to five (5), which will be down on a seniority basis. Mayor Luecke stated that the Administration will be asking to close fihe greenhouses which will save the City approximately $100,DD0 per year. Mayor Luecke noted that there "is a rea! success story at the Wastewater Treatment Plant". Far example methane is being used during high energy time periods which is saving about $20,DDD in costs in energy per month (Chart attached). He closed his remarks by adding that the proposed 2007 civil city budget is fiscally sound and he seeks the Councils support of it. Tom Skarbek, Director of Budgeting & Financial Reporting then provided multiple handouts to the Committee members (copies attached). Neighborhood Code Enforcement [A-4'I]__General Fund #101-12D1 Junk Vehicles A-4~ General Fund # 101-1204 Weights & Measures [A-4G] General Fund # 101-12D2 Code Hearing_Officer (A-4G) General Fund # 1.01-1203 _Unsafe Building [A-46) General Fund # 1D1-1205 Animal Controll (A-501 General Fund # 101-1207: Catherine M. Toppel, Director of Neighborhood Code Enforcement then presented their proposed budget. She provided a multi-page handout entitled "2007 Budget Department of Code Enforcement" (copy attached) and highlighted portions of it to the Committee. In response to a question raised by Dr. Varner, Ms. Toppel stated that she would look into publication of notices an the Internet as a passible way to save money far legal notices. September 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 Council Member Pfeifer stated that she have received complaints from neighbors that Code Inspectors do not communicate with them. Ms. Toppel stated that the Department is going to hand-fields and wireless devices for the Inspectors, and that they do not receive emails currently. Inspectors have not been rotated since 2002 and she attends many neighborhood meetings to hear the concerns of the neighbors. In response to a question from Council President Rouse, Ms. Toppel stated that the electronic system is to be purchased early next year. Council Member Dieter inquired about the procedures addressing abandoned vehicles, noting that there may be a substantial cost-savings if the impounded vehicles from Code and Police would be combined. He added that he did smock-up with the City owning their own yard which may result in revenue coming back to the city. Mayor Luecke stated that the state law holding times have caused much frustration, especially with regard to junk vehicles. No changes are proposed to the Weights & Measures budget which is again proposed at $43,000 for 2007. Na changes are proposed to the Code Hearing Officer budget proposed at $56,976, with Andre Gammage being the Hearing Officer. Ms. Toppel and Administrative Services Director Gary Llbbey Hated that from January 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006 351 pit bu11s have been brought in to their operations. Forty {40) pit bulls were returned to their owners with proper licensing and 311 pit bulls were euthanized. Fifty-five (55) warrants were served from January 1, 1006 through September 5, 2006. They have a total of five {5} Animal Control Qfficers. Council Member White stated that she has heard conflicting stories with regard to enforcement ranging from "slim to none". Ms. Toppel stated that is why they are presenting the facts on pit bulls, noting that dogs are protected under the 4f'' amendment citing a San Jose, California case. Council Member White asked for Indiana or Midwest cases may be a better comparison in this area, especially Haw that dog fights appear to be increasing. Ms. Toppel stated that Gary and Fort Wayne are not doing what South Bend is doing, with South Bend being very pro-active in this area and not ignoring such situations. She stated that she would be willing to meet with the Council's Health and Public Safety Committee, noting that the City of Denver now bans pit bulls. September 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 4 Council President Rouse stated that too often pit bulls are used as a means of intimidation, resulting in many persons being afraid to do anything in fear of retaliation. Council Member Kirsits stated that he has seen pit bulls running free in some of the City Parks, and stated that this is prohibited under the Cify Code and that the Code also calls for muzzles on dangerous dogs. Council Member White stated that she is happy to hear about the efforts being made by the City with respect to pit bulls, however there is a different public perception in this area. She noted that she and the Council Attorney have made contacts to the County Council in the hope of implementing similar county-wide and city-wide regulations. Council Member Kelly voiced support of the City's program but thought fihat similar regulations in South Bend, Mishawaka and the county would be helpful. Ms. Toppel stated that she would like to bring Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash into these discussions since she enforces the regulations when legal action is necessary. Counci! Member Pfeifer suggested that perhaps acounty-wide ban of pit bulls should be considered. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Ms. Toppel stated that there is a minimal fee for non-city residents use of the crematory, with the crematory being used 1-2 time per month. In response to a question from Council President Rouse, Ms. Toppel stated that their vehicles are replaced every 4-5 years. In response to questions from Council Member White, Ms. Toppel stated that they will have eight (8) inspectors. She also agreed to provide a listing of the crew by gender, years of service and race per Council Member White's request. Emily Lentyck of 710 South Grant Street noted that more persons need to take bags with them when they walk their dogs. She noted that years ago the City provided them and they were used. Park and Recreation Department (B-1): Administration (Fund # 201-1100} (B-4] Recreation Division (Fund #201-1103} (B-11) Maintenance (Fund # 2201-1101} {B-6) Golf Division [Fund # 201-1102} {B-9) Potawatomi Zoo {Fund # 201-1104] (B-12): September 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 5 Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair then joined the Committee meeting and introduced his staff: Fiscal Officer Bill Carleton, Administrative Director Betsy Harriman, MarketinglPromotions Mark Bradley, Randy Nawacki of the Gvlf Offices, and Director of Recreation Susan O'Connor. Mr. St. Clair provided a multi-page handout entitled °2007 South Bend Parks & Recreation Department Proposed Budget" (copy attached) and highlighted portions of it. He noted that there are forty-seven {47) city parks and 1,300 acres of park property in the city. Operations are divided into Park Administration, Park Maintenance, Golf, Recreation and the zoo. He then reviewed with Mr. Carleton Fund 201 expenses utilizing the handout and alive-year budget comparison and Fund 203 which is the non- reverting fund established several years ago by the Council. Mr. St. Clair stated fihat he has requested that the greenhouses be closed, noting that far the past five (5) years attendance has been about 4,OOD individuals. With increasing NIPSCO costs he is finding it cost-prohibitive to operate. The facility is aging and contacts were made to the Morris Family and they are not interested at this time in financially assisting the city. He has no recommendation far a future use far this area. Council Member Dieter suggested that the City Administration contact other greenhouse operations to see how they are managed and run more energy-efficiently. Council Member Kelly noted that he has been contacted about the proposed closing and that a petition is being circulated against it. He stated that it has long been a great recreational location in the 3~d District, and hopes that its cast could be handled if at all possible. Mr. St. Clair stated that the operating budget is $290,000 and that it is projec#ed to cost between $1.3 and $1.7 million to revamp the facilities. It is projected to cast $3 million to relocate it to the zoo. Two (2) positions would be eliminated In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. 5t. Clair stated that the tree lawn maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner, except in cases of "immediate danger" where the Forester would recommend immediate action by the city. If the city takes action a bill is sent requesting payment within thirty (30) days far work done by the City. It was Hated by Council Member White that the 2% Administration Fee was shifted from Fund # 201 to Fund # 203. Dr. Varner noted that the Administration fee has increased by $30,000. September 6, 20D6 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 6 Susan O'Connor, Director of Recreation, reviewed several new programs proposed far next year including a weight winners camp which will be year-round. All user fees are approved by the Park Board for such programs before they may go forward. Leeper Tennis has been moved to Fund # 203, with user fees accounting for about 3Q% of all park operations. Fund # 203 are fee-based and support about 50-60 recreation programs. Athree-minute video was then shown to the committee. In response to a question from Counci[ Member Kirsits, it was noted that daylight savings time is extending many programs and is generating more revenue. Council Member Pfeifer thanked that Park Department for their assistance on the Civil Rights Heritage Center at the farmer natatorium. Ann Herndon, of 330 West Colfax, noted that she is Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Commission. They are being besieged with telephone calls about the City Administration's proposed closings of the greenhouses and conservatories. She stated that there is a "groundswell of support for them". She requested a "stay of execution" for these great facilities in South Bend. Jan Tehminkowski of '1117 South 31St confirmed that a petition is being circulated to save the greenhouses and conservatories. She suggested that things like plant sales and befiter marketing should be taking place. She noted that there has been very little maintenance done on them by the city with broken pipes being evident. She said the conservatory is not fifty years old. People have offered to volunteer and no one has contacted them. The turnstile rarefy works and no one shows to take people around. She stated that these facilities are "gems in our community" which are "uniquely designed" which should be saved. Catherine Hostetler of 708 South St. Joseph stated that eighteen (18) months ago she met with the City and asked to be "kept in the loop" about the greenhouses. They were "completely blind-sided" by the announcement of their closing. She urged this decision to be re-accessed since more time is need to work on grants. In response to a question from Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. St. Clair stated there is no exact date for closing. In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. St. Clair stated that the Park Board has not taken former action since they would have to make a declaration that the buildings are "obsolete". September 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 7 Dr. Varner requested costs of running the utility operations so that the Council could have better information. He noted that the MorrislMuessel addiotns were added in 19fi3 and 1967. Century Center (F-41) Furtd # 67U. Tom Davis, Finance Director of the Century Center then joined the Committee meeting. Anthony Douglas had a conflict and could not be here for the presentation. He noted that Brian Nedman is the interim Executive Director acting as a consultant. The Century Center Board of Managers is working on seeking a replacement. He noted that Sandy Lee in sales has also left and that David Hicks is filling in on those duties. Mr. Davis stated that the only real change in their budget request is with regard to the Professional Sports Development Fund, where there used to be a NF1= management fee of $50,000. $100,000 under the new contract reflects when had been given out in services and is earmarked for capital only. HotellMotel allocations must be approved by the Board. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about whether a management firm is being considered. City Controller Fanello and Council Member Kelly acknowledged that that concept is being considered. Mr. Davis noted that security services are being look at, with three (3) shifts being utilized. A person is hired as an "Operational Director" on a contractual basis who is performing two (2) separate services. The cost for the three (3) shifts is $90,000 per year per contract and the "Operating MgrlSecuring Manager is at $70,000 per year. $1$.00 per hour is charged for events. Council Member Kirsits suggested security cameras be placed on the Island and in the parking lot of Century Center. Council Member Pfeifer thanked everyone for attending and then adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments