Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-05 Personnel & Finance Personnel and Finance Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The August 16, 2005 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Pfeifer, White, Kirsits and Kelly; Mayor Stephen Luecke, City Clerk John Voorde, Becky Neese, Building Commissioner Don Fozo, members of the Fire Negotiating Team, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski, Code Enforcement Director Catherine Toppel, Gary Libbey, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly called for a presentation on the proposed 2006 Fire Department budget. Fire Department (Fund# 101-0901) 2006 Revenues $ 2,491,740 2006 Expenditures $21,736,879 Fire Chief Luther Taylor noted that the Fire Department's proposed budget was prepared following the budget guidelines. In light of the ongoing fire negotiations, the salaries were plugged in at 2%, pending the outcome of those negotiations. There was a 0% increase in supplies and a 5% decrease in services. Station maintenance and repairs have pooled resources and should be an overall costs savings. Assistant Chief Rick Switalski then reviewed the summary sheet and the line-item detail. In light of the mandated increases for insurance and PERF contributions changing from 4.25% to 4.5%; the 100 accounts are showing a 4.9% increase. He noted that every new firefighter is at the 21% PERF level. 93% of the budget is personnel related. There are a total of 248 sworn firefighters and all but 14 are on 24-hour duty detail. He also noted that he projected utility costs for the new Central Fire Station will be adjusted, noting that there will be an increase of$10,000 for water service and gas& electric will also be adjusted. The 300 accounts will increase $105,000. Chief Switalski noted that the training account has been reduced by $14,550, and in light of this adjustment they hope to do more in-house training. A transfer of$1.3 million is anticipated to cover the pension costs. The contract with St. Joseph County is for $1,776,000 with $250,000 going to the general fund and the rest remaining in the dedicated fund. Chief Switalski noted that he had some preliminary discussions with Commissioner Bodle on this. Other miscellaneous revenues include $380,000 for neo-natal services for Memorial Hospital which have been in place since 1989; they bill Notre Dame and use off-duty firefighters for the Bengal Bouts,hockey,football&basketball games, etc. Chief Taylor noted that there is a per game charge in place and approximately$50,000 has been budgeted. There is also revenue generated from the 911 EMS contract. August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 1- ' EMS Capital Fund (Fund#288) 2006 Revenue $1,414,800 2006 Expenditures $ 434,202 Chief Switalski noted that this dedicated fund was created by the Common Council in the 1970's, and has benefited the department by providing funds for equipment, turnout gear, etc. OSHA requires that turnout gear be replaced every 6-7 years, and the cost of turnout gear per firefighter is $1,400. for a total cost of$400,000. This year there was revenue from a fire grant which was used to by the new fire tanks. The department was able to get 3 of 4 of the grants for which they applied. One lease is coming off next year of$94,000. A new billing system is being looked at in light of the federal law requirements, noting that fines of $50,000 can be levied for violations. Currently they have four (4) people who do billings. 18,000 ambulance calls have been will be billed out. This averages out to 3,200 of claims per billing person. Goshen has gone to a 150% over the approved rate recently for their ambulance service. The City must accept assignment from Medicare. The city does not want to take any action where a senior citizen would hesitate to call 911. Chief Taylor noted that Homeland Security funds are being used to purchase laptops, and paperless reports will be used. He noted that they are carefully reviewing their short and long-term capital needs. During the Spring inspections, it was again noted that bedding needs to be update throughout the stations except for Central and Station # 10. Chief Taylor also noted that SCBA replacement is done consistent with applicable guidelines. Dr. Varner suggested that it may be less expensive to use one (1) additional person for billing purposes, and in that way the city may be exempt from the potential fines. It was his understanding that if you do not file electronically that you are exempt, noting that clearing houses were pulling off social security numbers and other data from such electronic filings. He also suggested that this fund might be considered to support the pension concerns. Chief Switalski noted that 51 paramedics are used in the EMS operations. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the miscellaneous revenues. Chief Switalski stated that it includes the fire grant monies and the monies from the sale of former fire station# 13. False alarm fees have brought in $4,100 through the first 6 months and $10,000 is being projected for 2006 in this area. He also noted that the Notre Dame revenue goes into miscellaneous revenue; and that there are 21 firefighters utilized for services provided to St. Joseph County. In response to questions from Council Member Puzzello, Chief Switalski stated that in 2007 DROP will affect the fire department the hardest, with 30 firefighters leaving the department. It is anticipated that a recruit class would be held in January of 2007 and in July 2007. Normally the department has 5-6 retirements a year. There are currently 84 on the eligibility list for the recruit classes. He also noted that there are currently four(4)women on the department. Council President Pfeifer noted that it appears that the fire department is doing a good job with regard to diversity, however getting women on the department appears to be more challenging. August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 2- She suggested that they work with the police department in order to assist them in getting more persons for color. She also questioned whether there is enough money being budgeted for training and inquired about how many firefighters speak Spanish. Chief Taylor thanked the Council President for her remarks but noted that they too have challenges with regard to diversity on the department. He noted that he has worked with Chief Fautz and will continue to do so. Chief Taylor stated that they hope to do more in-house training in light of the new Central Fire Station and its classrooms; and he continues to work toward a regional training facility. Chief Taylor noted that a voluntary program for Spanish has been ongoing for quite some time and that there are firefighters who know Spanish who work out of Station# 4 and# 6. They also have CD's available for Spanish which are being utilized. Chief Taylor noted that the education incentive program which began this year and was created by the Council is working well. Chief Switalski stated that of the $21,500 budgeted for the program, $19,000 has already been committed. They are trying to spread this benefit to as many firefighters as possible. The partnership with Ivy Tech is working well with paramedic classes and advanced classes now being available there instead of at the hospitals. Chief Switalski noted that in 2007, 8 of the 13 Chiefs will be retiring. Council Member Kelly thanked Chief Taylor and Assistant Chief Switalski for their presentations. He then called for a presentation on the Building Department. Building Department (Fund#600) 2006 Revenue $1,414,240 2006 Increase $ 41,837 3.0% 2006 Expenditures $1,352,231 2006 Increase $ 39,723 3.0% Building Commissioner Don Fozo made the presentation. He noted that Becky Neese, his Fiscal Officer and Office Manager was also available to answer questions. Mr. Fozo noted that his department has followed the suggested budget guidelines for this enterprise fund. In November 2004 the new fee ordinance took effect because of the budget deficit at that time. 4 1/2 positions have not been filled; however they are now interviewing to fill two(2) of the inspector positions. The supply accounts are the same as this year. They rotate their vehicles every four (4) years instead of every three(3)years; and wages have been proposed at a 2% increase. Mr. Fozo noted that building permits are starting to pick up. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, he noted that the number of permits being issued is good. Red tags are used when necessary in order to get compliance. They work with bonding companies. He noted that the assessor gets a copy of all permits and the Building Department makes sure that all new construction and remodeling is safe. Architects and engineers working with the Building Department are part of the team. Mr. Fozo noted that in his 26 years with the department, the University of Notre Dame utilizes his staff for inspections whereas N South Bend and Ivy Tech do not in light of governing state August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 3- , law which provides for that exception. He noted that his staff provides services for all of the county and all communities except Mishawaka and New Carlisle. Mayor Luecke stated that there is an interlocal agreement in place between the city and the county for the Building Department's operations. The President of the County Commissioners, the Mayor, the City Controller and the County Auditor oversee the operations also. It has been an enterprise fund since 1994. In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer, Mr. Fozo stated that inspectors have take home cars however they are not permitted to use them for personnel reasons. Their W-2's show a benefit of$3 per day. They rotate their fleet between county and city use to make sure that the greatest amount of use can be obtained from each vehicle. Mayor Luecke noted that the airport also is exempt from using the Building Department for inspections. Mr. Fozo stated that the terminal renovations were done by his department. Each year he offers his department's services to the Airport Authority Board who have not been receptive. Council Member Kelly thanked Mr. Fozo for his presentation and then called for a presentation on the proposed Code Enforcement budget. Neighborhood Code Enforcement (General Fund# 101-1201) 2006 Expenditures $1,340,109 2006 Increase $ 39,440 3% 2006 Revenue $ 410,300 Total of All Operations $2,172,536 Catherine M. Toppel, Director of the Depai tment of Code Enforcement made the presentation along with Administrative Services Director Gary Libbey. They provided a 7-page handout entitled "2006 Budget Department of Code Enforcement" (copy attached) which Ms. Toppel reviewed with the Committee. She noted that 160-180 lots are owned by the city which they maintain which costs $32-36 per lot. In response to a question from the Council Attorney,Ms. Toppel stated that she would look into a community service component in light of the new state law which permits this for ordinance violations as a possibility to help maintain these lots, and would also check with the Township Trustees. Ms. Toppel noted that the Center for the Homeless have a maintenance crew. Council President Pfeifer noted that in the past adult crews from the Ducomb Center were used. Ms. Toppel stated that that service stopped two (2)years ago,in light of supervisory concerns. Ms. Toppel stated that a new line item is the "inter-fund transfer". Code Enforcement partners with Solid Waste. Adopt-A-Block is working well, with only trash bags having to be replaced. Each of the eight(8)inspectors must be re-certified on a regular basis. Council Member Pnzzello inquired about the gasoline line-item. Ms. Toppel stated that it is proposed at the same amount as this year. August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 4- • Ms. Fannello stated that she is working with Matt Chlebowski in Central Services noting that the city is using$1.75 as a rate with the cost today being$2.33. Weights& Measures(Fund# 101-1202) 2006 Expenditures $ 43,000 0% Ms. Toppel noted that weights and measures is governed by a contractual agreement. Code Hearing Officer (General Fund# 101-1203) 2006 Expenditures $ 56,976 Ms. Toppel stated that the proposed budget is the same as this year. Unsafe Building Department (General Fund# 101-1205) 2006 Expenditures $ 195,000 Ms. Toppel noted that 37 homes were saved last year and taken off the demolition list, noting that they work with the neighborhood associations when possible. Bonds are required to be posted. Council Member Kirsits stated that he recalls Senator Broden introducing a Bill which required rapid demolition for emergency situations affecting public health and safety. He also inquired about the boarding costs. Mayor Luecke stated that he was uncertain of the status of that Bill. Ms. Toppel stated that they use a general contractor for boarding who charges $10 per board and has a 24-hour contract. Junk Vehicles (General Fund# 101-1204) 2006 Expenditures $ 71,678 2.3% Ms. Toppel noted that towing is for Code only, however they do partner with the Police Department for sting operations. There was a change in the state law and abandoned vehicles must be marked and tagged. If a vehicle is under $500 in value it can be scrapped with the previous owner being obligated for the overage in towing and storage costs. They do have concerns about the new state law. It is her understanding that South Bend is the only city which does its own towing in this area. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Ms. Toppel noted that the cars are stored on a lot on Sherwood Avenue across from Miller Supply. Animal Control (General Fund# 101-1207) 2006 Expenditures $465,773 2.4% Gary Libbey stated that persons may now go to any licensed veterinarian, however they also use the Zoo vet. Council Member Puzzello noted that a veterinarian is need for the Animal Control Commission. August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 5- In response to Council Member Kirsits, it was noted that pit bulls are a growing problem in the city. Mr. Libbey stated that having a pit bull is now a "status symbol". A Pit Bull Task Force utilizing NEST and the Prosecutor's Office is in place, since it is a felony to own and use a dog for fighting and this also covers attack dogs. Fights are going on in vacant houses, in basements and the persons involved use lookouts. There are also dog fighting websites. The city will soon be reviewing the current dangerous dog ordinance to see if amendments are needed and will work with Council Member White and the Health and Public Safety Committee. Council Member Kirsits noted that Denver has banned pit bull ownership and inquired about after hour service. Ms. Toppel noted that St. Joseph County has been reviewing changes to their animal control ordinance which if passed would be more restrictive than the city's current ordinance. She further noted that pagers are used by Code employees and a voice mail will go to a pager for emergency situations. On-call is used. Mr. Libbey noted that"evidence of ownership"for pit bulls are things such as logging chains and tires in the yard. He noted in response to a question from Council President Pfeifer that tasers can be used and that he is aware that one pit bull was tasered twice before it went down. Pepper spray and tranquilizer guns are also used. He noted that there "is a huge concern for the safety" of the personnel and the public. Personnel use 2-way radios and cell phones. Pit bull fighting usually rotates among locations. Intimidation is present. Council Member Kuspa stated that two (2) years ago he brought locations to the departments attention, and that they are still a problem. The situation is becoming "a bubble with the problems spreading out and nothing is being done". Yet the department is going after a 94 year old lady living on Huron who now has a hearing date. He also cited the ongoing graffiti problem on Meade Street, and noted that if he can see it surely a code enforcement officer could see it. "Weeds in some locations are sky high". Dumping is going on at Gertrude. He stated that "if the city is to be a clean city these problems must be turned around". He urged the department to issue citations and take the violators to Small Claims Court. He noted that when he goes to events such as weddings the conversation always goes to Code Enforcement. Ms. Topple stated that inspections are done on a regular basis and that Council Member Kuspa's comments are a reflection on the department. She noted that she cannot disagree with some of the problems cited. Graffiti is a "huge problem". She stated that she personally toured the 6th District in June. Her department does not have the capability to make repairs. Council Member Kelly noted that Code Enforcement has a tough job, perhaps one of the toughest in the City. He thanked Ms. Toppel and Mr. Libbey for their presentations and then adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:57 p.m. Res tfully submitted, 0 41 :s Council Member Roland Kelly, C irperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachments August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 6-