HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-11 Personnel & Finance r,...-
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`_, •., ' PERSONNEL AND FINANCE JUNE 27, 2011
Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain; Oliver Davis; Karen White; David
Varner
Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; Henry Davis; Ann Puzzello; Tim Rouse;AI
Kirsits
Others Present: Gary Gilot; Don Inks;Jeff Parrott; Mayor Steve; Gene
Oakley; Gregg Zientara; Murray Miller
Agenda: Bill No. 27-11 —Appropriation $9.2 Capital Projects
Bill No. 37-11 —Budget Transfers
Bifl No. 38-11 —Budget Transfer
Bill No. 31-11 —Block Party Applications
Bill No. 27-11 Appropriation of$9.2 Million for Capital Projects
Chairperson LaFountain opened the meeting by announcing a substitute bill which would
appropriate only$1.35 million of the original $9.2 million that had been submitted by the
administration. The balance would be taken up at a later date when more information and
discussion can be put forth.
The scaled back version accepted by the Council includes $1.2 millions for the purchase and
demolition of the Family Dollar store at the new St.Joe High School site. Three other small
requests were 1. $60,000 utility relocation on U.S. 31 S. 2. East Bank River Walk repairs of
$50,000 and 3. An Elbel Golf Course water pump, $40,000.
The Mayor made the presentation. He emphasized there was precedent for the City using public
dollars to help private enterprise assuring the Council this would pass a constitutional challenge
of separation of church and state. He went on to say these dollars are fungible that is other costs
could be substituted using the same dollars.
Oliver Davis declared opposition to spending pubic dollars for a private religious based business
enterprise. The Mayor responded saying there was precedent for this, further explaining the
fungible dollars could be assigned to infrastructure.
Councilmember Varner said the dollars amount to a gift to the church whatever iYs used for.
Councilmember Henry Davis surmised the high school construction project would go ahead with
or without the$4.2 million. Councilmember's White and Oliver Davis agreed the three smaller
projects should be voted separately from the$1.2 million. During the public section Gene Oakley
said the$1.2 to benefit SJHS was assuredly a violation of the constitutional principle of
separation of Church and state.
Tom LaFountain calling for a vote heard a motion of support for the three smaller projects from
Oliver Davis seconded by Dave Varner. All affirmed.
Councilmember Oliver Davis then moved the$1.2 million project go without recommendation.
Councilmember White seconded. All affirmed.
Bill No. 37-11
City Controller Gregg Zientara made the presentation for this transfer bill as weli as fund transfer
Bill 38-11.
Both bills are standard routine transfers this time of year according to Zientara.
After brief discussion and no comment from the public on either bill. Oliver Davis moved Bill 37-
11 go to Council favorably. David Varner seconded and all gave their assent.
Bill No. 38 also was sent favorably after a motion by Karen White, seconded by Oliver Davis.
Bill No. 31-11
This bill meant to improve and clarify the current ordinance regulating the issuance of"block
party" permits was presented by Deputy City Attorney Aladean DeRose. She explained the
higher fee would help over the costs incurred by the city once the license was issued. It would
also clarify the definition of"block parties"to help avoid neighborhood misunderstandings.
Murray Miller asked if Eddy St. Commons would have to pay for a license. Aladean said they
would.
Councilmember Oliver Davis motioned the sub bill go the Council favorably. Councilmember
Varner followed with a second. All Affirmed.
Under miscellaneous Gregg Zientara tried to explain the City's new dental plan.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
LaFountain adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.
Res ully S mitt � ,
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Tom La ountain, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee