HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-12 Personnel & Finance CommitteePERSONNEL & FINANCE COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 27, 2012
Committee Members Present:
Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, David Varner, Henry Davis
Citizen Member: Tamara McNally
Other Council Present:
Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis,
Others Present:
Jon Burke, Kevin Allen, Kareemah Fowler, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand; Sherri Miller -
Story, Pat Crowley, Mayor Pete, Mike Schmuhl, Debra Johnson, Gary Gilot
Agenda: Bill No. 12 -16 - Approving Scrap Licenses
Bill No. 12 -17 - Initiatives for Fuel Efficiency
Bill No. 12 -16 Approving Scrap Metal Licenses
Committee Chairperson Karen White noted that a quorum was present there being three
of four Council Members and Citizen Member Tamara McNally.
Chairperson White called upon Kareemah Fowler, the Ordinance Violation Bureau Clerk,
to report on license applications and renewals for 2012. Kareemah reported that 17
applicants had met inspection criteria noted in the ordinance. These included inspections
from the Police Department, Fire Department and Code Enforcement. All inspection
reports had been documented by Kareemah who was available for questions from public
and Council. (List Attached)
Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., expressed concern about the persistent problem of
illegal dumping of tires. Both he and Karen suggested the city report to the Council the
extent of the problem and any success with imposing fines. Chairperson White also said
with scrap metal prices on the rise, the police should give extra attention to yards
accepting stolen metals.
Councilmember Varner motioned a favorable recommendation. Councilmember Henry
Davis seconded and all affirmed.
Bill No. 12 -17 — Initiatives for Fuel Efficiency
This bill recommends stepped -up initiatives to implement more "best practices"
emphasizing more fuel- efficient sustainable programs. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.,
was the primary initiator of this resolution and was given first opportunity to explain its
intent. Henry started by giving credit to Councilmember Oliver Davis for his willingness
to co- sponsor the bill. Councilmember Henry Davis then said in light of rising fuel prices
the city should be open to new, different, and innovative ways of deriving increased fuel
efficiency mindful of both the environment and the budgeted bottom line.
Oliver Davis, who is the Council appointment to the TRANSPO Board of Directors, said
similar initiatives were being explored by TRANSPO. He suggested inter - agency fuel
cooperatives be explored to see if fuel cots might be lowered.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic interjected by asking Henry if he had spoken with the city's
energy director, Jon Burke, about the issue. Henry stated he had not, but wondered why
the Energy Commission established by ordinance in 1982 now defunct should be
reinstated.
Councilmember White noted that the more recently constituted Green Energy
Commission be the appropriate group to take up this needed discussion.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic observed that the bill in its present form calls for reinstating
the 1982 Energy Commission. Henry responded saying it did not, but relied upon the
city's "energy czar" Jon Burke be the focus.
Both Gary Gilot and Jon Burke agreed that productive work had been recently done
under Burke's direction. This audit report they stated was near final draft stage and
would be sent to Council forthwith.
Councilmember Gavin Ferlic continued to express discomfort with specific language in
the bill as did Councilmember Schey who had reservations about the efficacy of
promoting ethanol as a positive carbon footprint alternative.
Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand agreed to work on acceptable amendatory
language before the evening meeting.
With that Councilmember David Varner motioned favorably. Councilmember Henry
Davis added a second which was affirmed by all.
Under miscellaneous Chairperson White announced a budget workshop would be
scheduled for March 14 from 4 -6 to help familiarize everyone with the budget process.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson
White adjourned the meeting at 4:11 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
aren White, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee