HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-25-11 Personnel & Finance Committee f�^..r�+"\.
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`� ;. ' PERSONNEL AND FINANCE JULY 25, 2011
Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Chairperson; Oliver Davis; David
Vamer; Karen White
Other Council Members Present: Henry Davis; Ann Puzzello; AI Kirsits
Others Present: Mayor Luecke, Kathy Cekanski-Farrand; Phil St. Clair;
Gary Gilot; Gregg Zientara; Heidi Gray, Catherine
Toppel, Peter Helland
Agenda: Bill No. 40-11 —Appropriation Conservatory
Bill No.41-11 —Appropriation Miracle Park
Bill No. 11-47—Quality Animal Control
Committee Member David Varner called the meeting to order at 4:20 p.m., noting full committee
attending. He turned to Mayor Luecke for opening remarks. The Mayor briefly explained the
purpose of this capital fund request underscoring the city's responsibility to maintain park facilities
by investing in their long-term capital needs. The Mayor then asked Park Superintendent Phil St. .
Clair to explain the specifics. Phil provided artists renderings, a site plan, and cost projections for
the investments, in the Ella Morris Conservatory, the desert dome, and the conservatory
upgrades for the Council. (see attached.) He spoke of upgrades to the glass, and the HVAC in
the buildings. He said the growing houses were beyond repair and would be torn down.
Chairperson Tom LaFountain opened the hearing for Council comment. Councilmember Varner
went first saying that the City has a responsibility to keep facilities gifted to the City in good order.
Other potential donors might be more likely to come forward if we do a good job of stewardship.
Councilmember Henry Davis was next. He wanted to know if the city keeps a parks needs list
and if so what on the list was in the second district. He reiterated a need for a dumpster and
lighting at the 2"d District recreational centers. Councilmember Oliver Davis urged keeping up
facilities we already have. Councilmember Ann Puzzello voiced support for the Potawatomi
requests. Councilmember Kirsits asked if the city was going to continue to grow flowers for its
own use. Phil said the City would not.
Turning to the public comment portion Chairperson LaFountain recognized Heidi Gray of 517
Webster. Representing the Botanical Society, she spoke in favor of the proposals. In the Council
portion, Councilmember White asked, what criteria was used for the prioritization of projects. Phil
St. Clair responded saying there wee 3 general considerations. 1. Public Safety. 2. Costs to
operate. 3. Responsibility to maintain.
Ultimately Oliver Davis moved to recommend favorably. Councilmember White seconded and all
affirmed.
Bill No. 41-11 —Miracle Park Noting the city administration asked for a continuance until the next
meeting on August 8, 2011. Councilmember Oliver Davis motioned. Councilmember Varner
seconded and all agreed to continue Bill 41-11 until August 8, 2011.
Bill No. 11-47—Animal Control Services
This bill sponsored by Councilmember Varner asked the City to consider the Humane Society's
offer to work together contractually to provide animal care and control in South Bend.
Councilmember Varner acted as presenter. He started by saying this was not intended as a
judgmental exercise regarding the quality of the city's care. He wondered if the proposed $2
million was justified given the St. Joseph County Human Society already provided the service and
was ready,willing and able to contract for the same service with South Bend. He also added he
would submit an amended version for consideration by August 22, 2011.
Councilmember Puzzello said the Humane Society's lack of desire to form partnerships with other
care facilities was discouraging.
Councilmember Oliver Davis expressed concern over costs for the services.
Catherine Toppel, Director, Code Enforcement for the city, defended the proposal to build and
staff a center of its own.
Councilmember Henry Davis suggested we adequately fund basic services rather than take on
new ones.
At the Mayor's request the bill was continued by Councilmember White and Councilmember
Oliver Davis who moved the bill be continued until August 22, 2011.
Under miscellaneous, Peter Helland representing the idea of public access television wondered
the status of a declared City intent to make public access tenable.
Councilmember White asked for a progress report on the establishment of an affirmative action
implementation panel by August 22, 2011.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, Chairperson
LaFountain adjourned the meeting at 5:08 p.m.
Resp ully u d
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Tom aFountain, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee �