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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/07 Committee Meeting MinutesPersonnel and Finanee Standing C©m~nittee ~: 2007 South Bend Common Council The March 26, 2007 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:03 p.mn the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Puzzello, Varner, Rouse, Kuspa, White, Kelly, and Kirsits; Citizen Member Diana Hess, Mayor Stephen Lucke City Clerk John Voorde, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Assistant Fire Chief for Services Richard Switalski, Battalion Chief Michael Damiano, Police Division Chief for Community Relations Gary Horvath, Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Parks Superintendent Phil St. Clair, City Attorney Charles Leone, Pam Meyer, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Dr. Varner noted that the Committee Members include Council Members Pfeifer, Kuspa, Kirsits and himself, as Vice-Chairperson. Bill No, Ofi-07 Ca ital Bud et Re nest of A roximatel 18 million Dr. Varner called for a presentation on Bill No. 06-07 which received a recent review at a Saturday morning Committee meeting. City Controller M. Catherine Fanello provided a 7-page handout entitled "2003-2007 Capital Budget History" (copy attached} which supplements her memo dated 03/21/2007 addressing "Status of Capital Questions" {copy attached}. She added that Code Enforcement Director Catherine Toppel provided information to the Council dated march 19, 2007 on the EI Buen Vecino Building located at 1242 W. Western Avenue (copy attached); that a "Summary of 2006 Capital Expenditures" was previously supplied to the Council {copy attached); that a "2007 Capital Budget Department and Fund Summary" was submitted earlier {copy attached}; and that Pamela C. Meyer provided multiple documents in response to a request from Council Member Dieter {copies attached). The only item outstanding is a breakdown of proposed expenditures by Councilmanic District, In response to a question from Dr. Varner it was noted that the revenues from the Morris and Palais Royale go into the General Fund for operational expenses. Mayor Luekce stated that the bond payments come from C41T. Council Member Dieter praised Pam Meyer for supplying valuable written information on the after school programs, Neighborhood Partnership Centers; and Workforce Diversity noting that 61 % of the individuals with that program have criminal records. In response to questions from Council Member Dieter, Ms. Meyer stated that salaries for the after school leaders may vary depending on the duties assigned. Personnel and Finance Committee March 2fi, 2007 Page 2 Council Member Dieter stated that in light of the effects of the Circuit Breaker, although there are many good programs, all of them should be put on notice that funding may be reduced and that everyone needs to step up and help with responsible parenting and responsible actions. Mayor Luecke stated that many persons are returning to our community and many of the programs are aimed at helping provide "positive life styles" to help reduce recidivism. Council Member Dieter suggested that other sources of funding should be pursued at the state, federal and private levels. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, the City Controller confirmed that DTSB, Inc. is not funded via the proposed capital budget. Mayor Luecke stated that the Administration is not ready to make a recommendation on DTSB, Inc. at this time He noted that he has had conversations with Paul Meyer and that Community and Economic staff assistance will be provided on an interim basis. He assured the Council that no monies will be spent until they are appropriated by the Council. Dr. Varner stated that in the past DTSB, inc. has received parking revenues, TIF and COIT funds. Mayor Luecke stated that COIT dollars are under consideration. In response to inquiries from Dr. Varner, Mayor Luecke stated that the $SDO,DD is set aside in a sinking fund for NFF and that no specific requests from it are set forth in Bill No. 6-0~. Dr. Varner noted that as discussions continue on the potential effects of the Circuit Breaker that alternative funding sources must be carefully considered. He added that he was recently in Louisville where the hotellmotel tax was 15% and there was also a 'I % transient merchant tax. He suggested that visitors to our community should be tapped to the extent that we can. Dr. Varner also suggested that programs be systematically reduced since residents are paying plenty of property taxes. Council Member Dieter Hated that there is a need for an update from the City Attorney on his meeting with the Prosecutor's Office. Mr. Leone stated that he would provide the Council with that update in the appropriate forum. Dr. Varner inquired about the negotiations for the Coveleski stadium lease, noting that the Kane County Cougars remit $~ million back each year to their community. Personnel and Finance Committee March 26, 20fl7 Page 3 Mr. St. Clair stated that the negotiations are ongoing. Council Member Kuspa inquired about the Krac Center on park property. Mr. St. Clair stated that the Board of Park Commissioners are involved in the transfer of property and he believes that that will be a great project. Council Member Kirsits asked on behalf of Council Member Pfeifer for an update on the $25,000 far Muessel Park. Mr. St. Clair stated that in 2005 there were various upgrades made for fencing, goal posts, and bleachers. He added that they have not had a lot of dialogue with Holy Cross. Council Member White inquired about the Leeper Park tennis courts. Mr. St. Clair stated that $4D0,000-$450,000 for new courts will be allocated plus additional funds are needed for lighting and fencing upgrades. A grant has been applied for and that work will probably not begin until September an this project. There was no one present to speak in favor or in opposition from the public on Bill No. 06- D7. Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Hess that Bill No. 06W07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member White thanked everyone for supplying needed information on the various projects addressed in the capital budget, and also thanked the Administration far supplying valuable information on parking concerns relative to the two (2) pending proposed ordinances. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 4:28 p.m. Respectfull- ubm/fitted, ,~" Council Member David Varner, Vice-Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments