HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-12 Personnel & Finance Committee MeetingPersonnel and Finance Committee
2012 South Bend Common Council
The February 8, 2012 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend
Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Karen L. White at
5:30 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Varner, Karen L. White,
Tim Scott, Henry Davis, Jr., and Valerie Schey; and Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand, Council
Attorney.
Council Member White welcomed everyone to the Organizational Meeting of the Personnel and
Finance Committee whose membership includes Council Members Gavin Ferlic, Henry Davis,
Jr., Dr. David Varner who serves as Vice - Chairperson of the Committee, and Karen L. White
who serves as Committee Chairperson. She noted that all Committee Members were present. and
therefore there was a quorum.
Council Member White provided a folder for all Committee Members which consisted of an
Agenda for today's meeting and a copy of the 2011 Annual Report of the Personnel and Finance
Committee filed by Council Member Tom LaFountain who chaired last year's Committee.
(copies attached).
Council Member White noted that the powers and duties of the Personnel " and Finance
Committee are to oversee "the activities performed by the Department of Administration and
Finance and reviews all proposed salaries, budgets, appropriations, and other fiscal matters, as
well as personnel policies, health benefits and related matters ". She emphasized the
Committee's focus and then reviewed last year's Annual Report. Some of the items Council
Member White recommended included:
• That this year's city budget review process begin earlier
• That the Committee receive an update from the City Administration on implementation
of the block party regulations
• That discussion of City Plan be ongoing so that there is a heightened awareness of how it
fits into strategic planning for the City
• That a good working relationship continue to be developed with the negotiating teams
representing the SBFD and SBPD
• That there be greater transparency and sharing with Committee Members and herself as
Chairperson so that there would be "no surprises" when a Bill is sent to the Personnel and
Finance Committee
Council Member Ferlic agreed that greater transparency and sharing of information should be a
priority and so that item as being very beneficial.
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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of February 8, 2012
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Council Member White noted that information must be presented in a timely fashion in order for
the Committee and the Council.
Dr. Varner recommended that all Council Members familiarize themselves with the Controller's
Monthly Cash Report. That document which has been developed over the years provides timely
financial information on all funds by opening fund balance, receipts, disbursements, interest
earned, and other items. It is a good mechanism to track each fund from month to month.
Council Member White stated that she will also be seeking quarterly reports to the Committee by
the City Controller.
Council Member Gavin Ferlic noted that he is reviewing the City of Hammond's ordinance on
requiring new city employees to live within the city limits; incentives for sworn members of the
police and fire departments; and various options on employee pensions..
Council Member White noted that she had sent a memo out earlier this week to all Council
Members on Bill No. 01 -12 which proposes salary adjustments for various non - bargaining
employees. She urged all Council Members to send items they would like addressed to her by
Friday morning so that she can share them with the City Administration.
Council Member White thanked everyone for their input and then adjourned the Committee
meeting at 6:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
raren. White, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
Attachments:
Agenda I
2011 Annual Report of Personnel and Finance Committee
January 19, 2012 TIF 9 -page document