HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-12 Personnel & FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE 8 -20 -12 4:00 P.M.
2013 BUDGET REVIEW — SESSION #2
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. David Varner,
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Valerie Schey (4:11 p.m.), Oliver
Davis (5:10 p.m.)
Citizen Members Present: Tamara McNally, Julaine James
Others: Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Kathryn Roos, John Murphy, Scott Ford, Chuck Bulot,
Kevin Allen, Rahman Johnson, Don Inks, Greg Downes, Pam Meyer, Jitin Cain, Aaron
Perri
The second session of the 2013 budget review process conducted by Karen White,
Personnel & Finance Committee with both citizen members and all committee members
save one, attending.
Karen called upon City Controller, Mark Neal, who briefly reviewed the format before
asking Building Department Commissioner Chuck Bulot to present his departments
proposals.
Chuck opened by reminding the Committee that the Building Department was not
supported by tax dollars; but being an enterprise fund was supported by fees for permits
and inspections. Chuck's presentation was augmented by using a handout ( #4) and a
powerpoint. As is the case for all department heads the presenter covered the vision, the
goals, accomplishments, and initiatives of the department before turning to the actual
budget sheets.
Upon completion of the presentation, Karen opened the hearing to Council questions.
Tim Scott emphasized the need for adequate dollars in the budget for training. Valerie
Schey urged emphasis on being "business friendly." Citizen Member Tammy McNally
voiced appreciated of Bulot's disposition to frugality. Dr. Ferlic asked about training
requirements for inspectors. Council Attorney Cekanski - Farrand asked for Chuck to
provide the latest fee schedule to be published in the Code, to be provided a copy of the
inter -local agreement establishing the commission and a list of members and meeting
dates.
That department completed, Mark Neal called upon the Director of Economic
Development, Scott Ford to review his budget proposals. Scott used handout #5 to assist
in his presentation. Structurally the Economic Development Department may be the one
department most changed so far according to Scott. He spoke to a department
reorganization on an integrated approach guided by an interdisciplinary team. As had
other department heads Scott spoke to the goals strategies, accomplishments and
challenges facing the department.
Council questions were wide - ranging and considerable in number. Karen asked for
further explanation of the organizational structure. David Varner wanted to know what
had really changed in terms of performances measures. Valerie Schey's questions
focused on specific line item dollars. Karen interjected by asking if Project Future was
still going to be funded. Yes was the reply, to the tune of $110,000 from EDIT funds.
Varner wondered if we're going to fund CPEG, the new regional approach to economic
development. The Mayor said this had yet to be determined. Kathy Cekanski - Farrand
cautioned that the Code affected by these changes needed to be amended by November 1.
In closing Varner said he was looking for results not efficiencies.
The Parking Garage funds were next and were illustrated in handout #6 covered by Don
Inks. Aaron Perri, Director of DTSB was also present to answer questions. Oliver Davis
questioned whether, if so and how customer satisfaction was measured. Aaron Perri said
a DTSB newsletter, a website, and signage all were being employed with positive
feedback. Tim Scott and Valerie Schey both weighed in on additional marketing
suggestions.
Century Center's presentation was next, as seen in handout #7 provided by and presented
by Jill Schicctano, Century Center's Director.
Jill presentation prompted a variety of questions from Council. Valerie Schey wondered
about the overall ROI or return on investment. Varner more specifically wanted to raise
awareness of a declining trend in hotel -motel tax revenues suggesting management need
to focus efforts on a "break even" point or a gross revenue per square foot number to
target. Oliver Davis questioned how we compare to other centers and what we are doing
to complete for business. Tim Scott was quite adamant about the need for additional
maintenance. He expressed great concern about a reduction in dollars set aside for
capital needs.
In his summary remarks, Mark Neal, briefly referred to handout #8 which provided more
detail about the $80,000 expense line item the Council questioned in the first review
session.
Karen White reminded everyone about session #3 scheduled for Wednesday, August 22,
2012 at 4:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Personnel & Finance Committee at
this time, Chairperson White adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted.
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee