HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-08 Personnel and Finance Committee Meetingy.a_.._
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Personnel and Finance Standing Committee
2008 South Bend Common Council
The February 11, 2008 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South
Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member
Thomas LaFountain at 3:31 p.m. the Council's Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, LaFountain, Varner, White,
Kirsits, Rouse, Henry Davis, Jr., Puzzello and Oliver Davis; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke,
City Clerk John Voorde, Interim City Controller John Murphy, Mark Lyons, Martha
Lewis, Rita Kopola, Donald Pinckert, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member LaFountain noted that the Committee Members include Dr. Varner,
who serves as Vice-Chairperson, Council Members Oliver Davis, AI "Buddy" Kirsits and
himself, who serves as Chairperson.
2"d Substitute Bill No. 10-08 Fixing Maximum Salaries for Non-Bargaining City
Employees:
Council Member LaFoutain called for a formal presentation on 2"d Substitute Bill No. 10-
08 which would amend Ordinance No. 9790-07 which established the maximum
salaries and wages of appointed officers and non-bargaining employees of the City of
South Bend for calendar year 2008.
Mayor Stephen J. Luecke made the formal presentation. He stated that the bill would
provide an additional 1 % for the non-bargaining employees. This would bring those
employees to the same percentage level as the Teamsters. The Mayor noted that the
Council at his request passed the additional 1 % in a separate ordinance for the
Teamsters at the last Common Council meeting, and that he was urged to file the Bill for
the non-bargaining employees for a comparable wage increase. The Mayor stated that
the costs for these increases can be handled within the existing budget, noting that
often there are vacant positions and other savings which could be used to pay such
costs. If there are not sufficient cost savings to cover such expenses, he would come
back to the Council later. in the year for an additional appropriation. Mayor Luecke
added that the ordinance would also correct the salary ordinance for some positions
which had been omitted. With the change in Police Administration, Police Chief Boykins
has determined that a new civilian position is not necessary.
In response to a question from Council Member Oliver Davis, Mayor Luecke stated that
both the Teamster employee ordinance and the non-bargaining employee ordinance
would be retroactive to January 1, 2008.
Personnel and Finance Committee
February 11, 2008
Page 2
In response to a question from Council Member Dieter, Mayor Luecke stated that the
Services Division Chief is being kept and that the Community Relations Officer duties
will be assumed by Gary Horvath.
Donald Pinckert, Fiscal Management Director for the South Bend Police Department
noted that no new sworn officer positions will be created. A Captain position will
perform duties such as a quartermaster and other related duties.
In response to a question from Council President Rouse, Mr. Pinckert stated that there
would be "minimal effect" on the Police Department budget.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello, Mayor Luecke stated that
2nd Substitute Bill No. 10-08 does not address the Council Attorney, since she is a
contractual position. He added that the Council could file a separate ordinance to
reflect an additional 1 % increase for that position.
Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Oliver Davis that
2nd Substitute Bill No. 10-08 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion
passed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member
LaFountain adjourned t om ittee meeting at 6:15 pm.
Reis ,c , I ted
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ou ember Thomas LaFountain, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
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