HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-12 Personnel & Finance PERSONNEL & FINANCE SEPTEMBER 26,2012
. 4:00 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Karen White, Dr. David Varner, Henry Davis, Jr.
Citizen Members Present: Tammy McNally
Other Council Member's Present: Tim Scott, Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter,
Dr. Fred Ferlic (5:30)
Other's Present: Dennis Andres, Jan Hall,Rahman Johnson, Caleb Hartman,
John Murphy, Mark Neal, Mike Schmuhl, Beth Leonard-Inks,
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Kathryn Roos
Agenda: 2013 Budget Review
Karen White, Chairperson began this session of her committee to review the
administration's 2013 budget proposals. The purpose, intent, ground rules, review
process, were briefly covered by Karen referencing a hand out(a copy of which is on file
in the Office of the City Clerk) which also explained the three budget bills before the
Council. This summary handout prepared by Council Attorney Cekanski-Farrand and
three others by City Controller Mark Neal prepared in response to earlier hearings were
provided to the Committee and are a part of these minutes.
Having covered the preliminaries, Karen called upon each Committee member in turn,
followed by other Councilmembers allowing each up to 10 minutes to share observations
and ask questions of the administration.
Vice-Chair David Varner was first. He directed his comments to bigger policy questions
as opposed to specific line item or dollar amounts in a specific budget. He wondered
what the Professional Sports Development Fund would be used for once the College
Football Hall of Fame closes this year. He also advocated a downtown location for
Miracle Park.
Henry Davis, Jr., was next. He focused on the needs of the second district. His specific
references were prefaced with an expression of disappointment with the administration
maintaining they had not shown a sense of concern for the second district. Despite his
own repeated efforts to draw attention to the underserved, at risk, youth and seniors, in
his district he sees little evidence that the Mayor shares those concerns. Specifically,
Henry pointed to the lack of development along the LWW corridor. The absence of a
plan for neighborhoods plagued with vacant and abandoned houses, the neglected needs
of Kennedy&Belleville Parks, and the continued deterioration of the Chase Building.
The ill-defined role of the youth violence coordinator and the role the MLK and Black
Centers are expected to play. He closed saying he could not support a budget that had
these apparent shortcomings.
Tim Scott was next. His comments were directed to public safety concerns and curb and
sidewalk infrastructure in the 1st District. Tim questioned the budget dollars for the
police department. Feeling they were too inadequate to make a positive difference.
Tim then said as good as the curb and sidewalk program has been; there are too many
folks who could not afford to buy in to the needed improvement program.
Oliver Davis, 6th District, followed. He began expressing appreciation for the intent to
make Martin Luther King's birthday an official city holiday. Then he turned to open and
newly proposed positions in the budget. He said new positions were ill-defined and
should have been discussed with Council. The Police Chief's position and the Director
of Public Works positions had been vacant too long. The dollars sent to fund a position
with the Chamber should be re-directed to other Chambers like the Minority Chambers.
He also echoed a call for Miracle Park to be downtown, more funds for parks, and a more
affordable curb and sidewalk program.
Gavin Ferlic's comments were read as he requested, in that he was out of town. His
comments were generally supportive of the Mayor's proposals for new positions, salary
adjustments, and departmental requests. He also suggested the Council reduce its budget;
setting an example for other departments.
President Derek Dieter followed directing most of his comments to the budget of the
police department, his area of particular expertise. He maintained the numbers were a
"joke." He said the numbers, meaning staffing levels for beats,just don't add up. As
submitted he could not even consider supporting the budget.
Karen White emphasized her support for programs that improve the quality of life in
neighborhoods like dollars for clean-up of illegal dumping and graffiti abatement. In
terms of supporting any new positions, Karen wanted to know the funding source, the job
description, and defined expectations. She also thought longevity and performance of
city employees needed to be rewarded. Karen also voiced more support for park
improvements.
Everyone present having had an opportunity to speak, a discussion of where to go next
ensued. From that the Council decided they would address the budget approvals on a
piecemeal or departmental basis. This, it was felt, would help the approval process move
along.
Finally the administration primarily through Mark Neal was given a chance to respond.
Mark offered clarification to questions such as the proceeds from "Triangle"lot sales, the
Pro Sports Fund use, the need for a current youth program audit, and a promise of a better
accounting of police department funds. He said the curb and sidewalk program funding
was increased by 40%, reflecting demand. Gary Gilot said he would work with Council
to develop more affordable approaches,hopefully tested in pilot programs. Henry Davis
said this is an opportunity to use minority contractors. Mark said Park Department
capital needs numbering over 50 already might require a park bond in 2013. This would
be the first park bond in over 30 years.
Dave Varner urged more creative uses of TIF funds to free up general fund money for
other needs.
Tim Scott and others voiced support for a new sales position for the Morris/Palais budget.
Though currently not supported by the Mayor, Mark promised to give it another look.
Dr. Ferlic,who had arrived late, urged a close control of costs of EPA mandates. He also
urged more public/private partnerships for development.
There being no further business to come before the Personnel &Finance Committee at
this time, Chairperson White adjourned the meeting at 5:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Karen L. White, Chairperson
Personnel&Finance Committee