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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-05 Personnel & Finance . } T Personnel and Finance Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The March 9, 2005 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Pfeifer and Kuspa; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Executive Director of Community and Economic Development Sharon Kendall; Beth Leonard, Tom Skarbek, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Assistant Fire Chief Richard Switalski, Rahmond Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Rahmond Johnson, Don Inks, Jack Dillon, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, Bill Carlton, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Assistant Police Chief Rick Kilgore, Dennis Andres of the Morris and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Kelly noted that the committee is composed of Council Members Varner, Kuspa, White and himself as Chairperson. Council Member Kelly then called upon Mayor Luecke to provide a presentation on the proposed capital budget set forth in Bill No. 13-05. Mayor Luecke noted that approximately a week ago he gave a brief summary on the proposed capital budget. A substitute bill will be filed since the original filing shows amounts which have already been appropriated which are bolded in the attachment (copy attached). Mayor Luecke noted that he made an announcement earlier today that the"plug had been pulled on Erskine". Mayor Luecke then highlighted major projects. Under Administration and Finance, the $2 million for the Colfax Garage purchased by TRANSPO for a total of$ 4 million will result in $200,000 payments for the next 20 years. He noted that remaining $2 million will be used for demolition work of the old stamping plant. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, Don Inks noted that the Baker&Daniels office project& garage is proceeding with current discussions addressing bids for air rights. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mayor Luecke stated that this project will not take place at the old Osco site, and that they are continuing discussions with the principals of the Chocolate Factory. Sharon Kendall added that they have streamlined their proposal and a meeting is schedule for March 24th. Under the police expenditures, it was noted that it will be used for equipment for the squad cars and digital cameras. Mr. Gilot added that GIS and GPS upgrades are needed and will enhance operations. In response to a questions from Council Members Kelly and.Kuspa,Mayor Luecke noted that the Work force Diversity Initiative will work with Dismaas in assisting ex-prisons back into the workforce; and that reports are filed annually. March 9,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 1- Mayor Luecke noted that the Arts Everywhere is a new initiative for$200,00 for the next two(2) years. Dr. Varner suggested that since it has not been designated whether this money would be used for operation expenses for endowment, he thought it should go to endowment. He noted that this would be a better investment. Mayor Luecke noted that they hope to re-invigorate and bring groups together, and noted in response to a question from Council Member Kelly that the Civic Theater would be involved. Council Member Kelly stated that the fine arts group on LaSalle do outstanding work. Mayor Luecke stated that he will see that there is an agreement with regard to the endowment suggestion. He added that the funding for the Charles Black Center Director is in the 2nd year of a 3-year commitment with the Park Department being required to fund it thereafter. Mayor Luecke stated that they are in the 10th to 1 1th year of the curb & sidewalk program; and that the Lamppost Program was started last year. VIP is receiving public acclaim. Pam Meyer, the Director of the Division of Community Development, noted that she has a list for the Neighborhood Plan Implementation Fund proposed at $327,231. She agreed to provide copies to the Council at the request of Dr. Varner. Ms. Meyer stated that $45,000 of weed & seed monies will be used in three (3) neighborhoods including LaSalle Park and St. Casimir's and that they are working on brochures. Rebuilding Together is the old"Christmas in April"program which will be in the Near Westside this year. Don Inks noted that the $100,000 of SE acquisitions is the triangle area where they are acquiring one(1)church property so that the SE Park can be extended. In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Ms. Meyer stated that the West Indiana Avenue Plan Implementation for $300,000 addresses the old Oliver School site which would be spent if there is a viable alternative proposed by a developer. The Mayor then highlighted some of the special projects proposed for $50,000. Some past expenditures included expenses related to the Harlem Boys Choir, Black Men's Think Tank, our Sister City Program,Mamas Against Violence, etc. The Mayor then reviewed the CCDF proposals. He noted that there is a substantial savings due to the refurbishing programs in place. Mr. Gilot noted that the life of a vehicle is extended by 7 years with payments being made for five years. Under computer equipment & networking, the Mayor noted that Bob Allen proposed the AV plasma screen for the Council Chambers proposed for $5,000. It is proposed to secure the line item. Dr. Varner suggested more discussion on the actual needs and types of equipment should take place before any purchases take place. March 9,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 2- 1 Mr. Gilot noted that GPA will assist in route management and will give a footprint after a storm. Jack Dillon added that it will also assist in accident resolutions. The Mayor then reviewed COIT proposed expenditures. He noted that the ones listed are a priority and that they are feeling the squeeze in available dollars. The retail/restaurant study of $75,000 is for the west side and downtown and will be done by a Texas company. Council President Pfeifer requested information on this company, and suggested that they also look at Lincoln Way. She further suggested that they use focus groups as part of the assessment process,noting that people need to feel that they are included in the process. Mayor Luecke stated that they will focus first on Wester Avenue, and if dollars remain, may be able to expand. He noted that with the amount of data which they have,there may not be a need for focus groups. The Mayor then highlighted the proposed expenditures for development at Ireland & Michigan. Mr. Gilot noted that this is a partnership with the state and Anchor. 20% of the $750,000 will be forgiven. The Mayor stated that the street scape cost of $200,000 is part of the CSO/Stormwater reconstruction, which will take place during the summer. The United Drive relocation will have funding from 2 sources. The will buy the former adult property owned by Ford. The Mayor noted that on page 3 of the detailed handout under Community & Neighborhood Development there needs to be a correction. "Western Avenue" should be deleted and "South Gateway" should be added. The Mayor noted that Downtown South Bend receives $250,000 of TIF monies and another $250,000 from COIT. Council President Pfeifer noted that at a recent neighborhood meeting, concerns were raised over DTSB, Inc. paying $30,000 per year to water and maintain the downtown planters, noting that they do a "wonderful job". She suggested that a Park employee should be used instead. S he added that she would like planters in other parts of the city. The Mayor stated that the cost includes the actual plants also. He noted that it was DTSB, Inc.'s decision to use a landscaping firm, and he would like to honor their decision. He noted that planters will be purchased for Lincoln Way and that the businesses will be"adopting them". Mr. Gilot noted that this is not a baseline level of service,but rather is considered a"value added service". The businesses themselves will fund this pilot program for a limited period of time. Council Member Kelly inquired about the ownership of the baseball team at the Cove. Mayor Luecke noted that there are two(2)groups currently interested. March 9,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 3- '1 In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer, the Mayor noted that no decision has been made on the greenhouse. COIT monies will be used for a fire station equipment building to house some of the additional equipment purchased with Homeland Security monies, which will be located behind equipment services. Fire Chief Luther Taylor stated that the refurbishing will save $60,000 per unit and will extend each units life by approximately ten(10)years. Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's) will be placed in the two (2) Chiefs cars. They will be networking the fire stations. The Fire Station Study begun in 2003 will continue. Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski noted that the proposed expenditures will allow a 2nd fire ground to be established and the $57,500 for radio equipment will help secure another frequency. Gary Gilot then reviewed LRS proposed expenditures. Council President Pfeifer suggested the Lincoln Way markings be looked at. Mr. Gilot noted that that area is a balancing act related to parking concerns. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Mr. Dillon stated that trash containers will be distributed in June and July. He agreed to provide a map to the Council by May of the areas. He also agreed to set up a time with Council Member Puzzello to see a demonstration of their new trucks. Mayor Luecke noted that the water works proposals are "pretty skinny", and noted his appreciation of the rate increase. Mr. Gilot noted that the 1st phase of the CSO is proposed. Alot of infra structure will take place near Memorial Hospital and Park Lane. Mr. Dillon noted security measures at the water works and that similar concerns for the sewage treatment plant are being studied in light of the types of chemicals, etc. The Advisory Committee will soon be studying rates and revenue needs and should have information available by the end of May or the first part of June. It was suggested that Utilities Chairperson Al "Buddy"Kirsits be added to the email list and that updates be given through that committee. Council President Pfeifer inquired about neighborhood after school programs. She noted that many children are stating that they are being threatened/intimidated. The Mayor stated that Lyn Coleman makes visits to such sites and does not believe that any sites funded by the city have any problems. The Mayor suggested that this could be a topic for a Departmental meeting with the Council. Council President Pfeifer added that there needs to be a greater emphasis on reading and writing as part of the after school programs. March 9,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 4- Dr. Varner inquired about the Troyer study noting that backflows may be addressed with a partnership of the city and the affected property owner. Mr. Gilot noted that some of the problems may involve walk-out basements. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, it was noted that wheel tax monies are deposited into the local road and street account. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the status of Fire Station No. 2. The Mayor stated that Memorial is focusing on a cancer center in addition to the heart center. It is part of a study and is currently not on the front burner. Station No. 9 is also part of the study. Mr. Gilot noted that growth is in the northwest portion. Council Member Kelly thanked the Mayor and administrators for their presentation. He then called for a motion. Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kuspa that Bill No. 13-05 as to be amended by substitution,be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 4:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Roland Kelly,Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachment March 9,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 5-