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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-05 Personnel & Finance Personnel and Finance Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The September 26, 2005 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:40 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, White, Puizzello, Kirsits, Rouse, Varner, Kuspa; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Sharon Kendall, Mrs. Kopola, City Attorney Charles Leone, Tom Skarbek, Fred Thon, Jack Dillon, Martha Lewis, Jane Hobing, City Clerk John Voorde, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White, the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee noted that in the absence of Council Member Kelly she would conduct the meeting. She noted that the other Committee members included Council Member Kuspa and Varner. Council Member White called for a presentation on Bill No. 69-05 which would amend Chapter 20 of the South Bend Municipal Code to increase the fine provided for parking in areas designated by signs as no parking areas during certain hours on dates of special events. City Attorney Charles Leone made the presentation. He noted that the proposed bill grew out of discussions with Council Member Puzzello, residents of Wooded Estates, Lyn Coleman and residents in the 4th Councilmanic District. He noted that there are two (2) primary issues, front yard parking and on-street parking. Many of these streets are posted no parking on one side of the street to allow public safety vehicles clearance to get through. However during Notre Dame football weekends there are additional problems related to people parking on both sides of the streets. With only a $10 fine for such parking it is believed that a $100 fine would be more effective. He noted that a substitute bill would be submitted which would include language that the fine would be paid to the Ordinance Violations Bureau. Council Member Puzzello noted that parking problems and other public safety problems have been problems for a long time. She noted that the University has fewer parking lots now and as a result problems are now in Wooded Estates, Harter Heights, Pokagon, Peashway, etc. She noted that there are problems with tailgating, resulting in safety hazards. Council Member White then called for those wishing to speak in favor of the Bill. Jane Hobing of 1616 Scottswood Drive which is located in Wooded Estates spoke in favor of the Bill. She noted that she has lived there since 1972 and not until the early 1980's was there traffic problems in the residential areas. She noted that there was a resident who had a heart attack and that the ambulance could not get into the area. She noted that the current signage helped until Notre Dame expanded the stadium. She and others in the neighborhood have worked with Council Member Puzzello to address the safety concerns so that emergency vehicles can get into the area. September 26,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -Page 1- The Council Attorney noted that in her memo she noted that the time period to pay the fines in a timely manner was not spelled out and that it did not address increased fines for second offenses. Mr. Leone stated that those issues are still under discussion and if necessary would be addressed in a subsequent Bill. Following discussion, Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 69-05 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business, Jack Dillon provided a handout to the Committee dated October 6, 2005 which addressing the "Rate Study" for the upcoming sewer rate increase to be requested by the Administration. (copy attached). Under miscellaneous business, Dr. Varner addressed Bill No. 53-05 which includes monies for the College Football Hall of Fame. He noted that the City of South Bend is supposed to be in the middle of negotiations, however the Council has not received any updates to date. Monies for admissions are less than what have been projected; sponsorship is nil; and 2000 was the Iast time that the NFF contributed. He stated that he would be suggesting this evening to amend the $631,000 requested amount to$500,000,with a moratorium being suggested for 200 7. He stated that we are supposed to be partners, however they have let us down and are now raising monies for their own endowment. Money is transferred to a joint committee which reports to no one. He noted that he was criticized a year ago and therefore is bringing this concept to everyone's attention now. Council Member Rouse stated that he understands Dr. Varner's concerns however he would hope that persons could get together to address the aggregate issue. The city needs to be more pro-active and more thorough. Dr. Varner noted that the matter has been taken out of the Council's hands and that the Council's sole function is funding. There have been no real reports to the Council, except for the presentation by Mr. Walls. Mayor Luecke requested that the $631,000 be approved. They are looking into a phased in 4th reduction in the Internal Agreement and are also looking at the hotel/motel tax and the professional sports development distribution. Dr. Varner stated that the professional sports development funds are for all four (4) entities as addressed in the ordinance, namely the Hall of Fame, Century Center, Morris Civic and the Cove. He noted that the Council is charged with wisely spending city monies, and especially now that there are property tax problems. Council Member Dieter noted that he has many of the same concerns as Dr. Varner and Council Member Rouse. He was "blown out of the water" by comments made by Mr. Fallon. Nothing has been done since the football game was lost. He voiced strong concern that no one reports to the Council and that request made by him as PARC Committee Chairperson are basically ignored. He believes that a message should be sent like the one which the Council sent last year. September 26,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -Page 2- Council Member Puzzello stated that there is a definite lack of information and lack of respect for the Council by the NFF. When the Council was asked to meet in groups of two Mr. Fallon acted"irked"if any one asked questions. Council Member Kirsits stated that he too was upset with Mr. Fallon and what he said about South Bend. Council Member White stated that this level of discussion should have taken place during the committee meetings. Council Member Rouse stated that the Mayor is asking for more time and that "we cannot cut his legs out tonight". We need to be more proactive and address the aggregate problem. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m. Respectful) submitted, z c — zs:%' , Council Member Karen L. White, Vice-Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachment September 26,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -Page 3-