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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-02 Personnel & Finance COMM itta loort likrzonngi firm= Commtttet The August 28, 2002 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Coleman, Kirsits, White, and Kelly;Police Chief Larry Bennett, Services Division Chief Richard R. Kilgore, Director of Fiscal Management Donald Pinckert, City Controller Rick 011ett, Director of Budgeting & Financial Reporting Tom Skarbek, members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Varner welcomed everyone to the 2nd Committee meeting on the proposed 2003 Civil City Budget. He noted that a quorum of the Committee was not present, however that they would move forward with the presentations. South Bend Police Department 2002 Expenditures $ 22,207,343 General Fund # 101-0801 2003 Expenditures $ 21,277,051 2002 Revenues $ 449,000 2003 Revenues $ 370,000 Don Pinckert, Director of Fiscal Management for the South Bend Police Department began the presentation. He noted that the proposed budget includes the reclassification of two (2) civilian positions, one of which include the Armorer which will become a contractual position thus eliminating all monetary fringe benefits. $800,000 has been eliminated as the police pension intra- fund transfer. Mr. Pinckert noted that the budget also reflects the reimbursement of monies for the overtime cost for neighborhood patrols. There are 48 Teamster employees who work in the Police Department. Effective January 1, 2002, these employees will become non-Teamster employees. By a vote of 32-2 they voted not to be represented by the Teamsters any longer, with the dues being one of the primary issues. There are 27 of these employees working in Communications, 24 in Records and 3 secretaries. Council Member White inquired about the costs for training, especially in light of the recently passed Gang and Narcotics Loitering ordinance which will become effective next January. Mr. Pinckert stated that no additional funds were included for training. Chief Bennett and Division Chief Kilgore added that much of the training will be in-house with the Legal Department and additional updates will be given during roll call. Chief Bennett noted that there are 258 officers authorized by the budget and today there are 253 officers. However, Chief Bennett noted that of these 253 officers: 7 officers retired in the last two months 2 officers are on disability 1 officer is in the military 1 officer is facing criminal charges 4 officers are injured 2 officers are in field training operations(FTO) As a result, 22 officers are not on the streets and overtime is being utilized. • Personnel and Finance Committee August 28,2002 Page 2 Council Member Pfeifer asked Chief Bennett how many officers the City of South Bend should have to properly protect our residents, and whether there were other ways to address the concerns being faced by our community. Chief Bennett stated that if we were at full strength with 258 performing their duties, the officers could handle their duties. However, Chief Bennett stated that two (2) years ago he was permitted to go over his budget by six(6) officers and that that helped considerably. Chief Bennett stated that the most amount of recall is on the day and midnight shifts with 5-7 officers per shift being paid overtime to meet minimum staffing requirements. Dr. Varner and Council Member Pfeifer asked about what are the items that keeps things from not getting done. Chief Bennett stated that most other cities do not man special units like the South Bend Police Department does. For example, SBPD sends its personnel to serve on the Special Crimes Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Metro Unit. Council Member White asked if we should require that the Chief be permitted to go six (6) above the budgeted amount. It was noted that they do not see the situation in the city getting any better. Chief Bennett noted that that is a difficult question since the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield has limited slots available. There will be two (2) persons going in October to ILE Academy. Council Member White asked what the Council could do, especially when DARE has been temporarily suspended. Chief Bennett stated that he would prefer that there be an officer presence in the schools, however he was force to temporarily suspend the program in light of officer safety on the streets. Chief Bennett noted that Fort Wayne had 50 officers retire in a short period of time recently. He stressed the need to hire,train and put officers on the street in a timely manner. Council Member Kirsits asked if the Chief had enough money. Chief Bennett stated that two years ago he noted that in light of the Bicycle Patrols and Details in neighborhoods and Commercial Corridors that he would have to use a lot of recall. He sees the corridors as asking for services over and above what would be routinely provided, and noted that South Gate Way specifically requested a prostitution sting. Chief Bennett noted that he is using his Commanders as best he can to identify what each of the four (4) regions of the City need to address most. There will be needs for extra details to address specific situations. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Chief Bennett noted that one of the officers on disability is due to the Bretrand Products incident and the other officer blew out his knee. Don Pinckert stated that next year the cash allowance for each officer will be reduced by $400, and will continue to be reduced by $400 each year, going from $2,220 to $1,800 for next year representing a budget reduction of$103,200 in this line item. To date, nine (9) officers have retired, with the average number retiring being eight (8). Twelve (12)officers will retire at a minimum this year. He also noted that one hundred bullet proof vests Personnel and Finance Committee August 28, 2002 Page 3 will be purchased next year at a cost of$400 each. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that training be increased by ten percent(10%). Services Chief Kilgore noted that in addition to the training budget they have access to other funds where the percentage of tickets, records fees, asset forfeiture are deposited. It is also hoped that the proposed Alarm Ordinance which has been in the works for quite some time would also generate additional funds for training. The Council Attorney asked how many officers were participating in the Operation Safe Neighborhoods Programand whether the Council should review the boundaries. It was noted that between 35-36 officers are currently in the program, with this program being budgeted for 40 officers. The Chiefs stated that there are some areas which should be reviewed and perhaps the Council could review their recommended changes by the end of the year Council Member Kirsits asked about an update on the Ford vehicles. Chief Bennett stated that they still do not have a definitive answer from Ford. To date they have offered to give a $3,000 deduction for future purchases. Council Member Kirsits inquired about defibulators in the squad cars. It was noted that defibulators are in all of the supervisor's vehicles, are at the station, and are with the SWAT team. The Council Attorney inquired about the number of officers who have signed up to work Notre Dame football detail. Chief Bennett stated that it was his understanding that the FOP was going to vote whether to participate. Currently there are 7 openings for inbound traffic detail and 5 openings for out-bound traffic detail. Dr. Varner inquired about the $87,355 budgeted for overtime to work Notre Dame football traffic detail. It was noted that there will be additional costs to work night games to pay for the fusees which cost approximately $1,000 a box. The City paid for the one-time cost of reflector vests previously. Council Member White inquired whether the City has ever recently approached Notre Dame with regard to paying for the cost of overtime, or at least sharing this cost. She suggested that perhaps there should at least be discussions held on this topic since the number of cars going to the games has increased with the stadium being enlarged. Services Chief Kilgore noted that the extra costs for candidates has also been raised. Chief Bennett noted that he had his first contact yesterday with the Secret Service for President Bush's visit to the city on September 5th. Two(2) shifts will be involved which with at least triple the cost of Vice- President Cheney's visit which cost$10,000. Council Member Kirsits noted that additional costs were incurred by the Fire Department also for the Vice-President's visit. Dr. Varner suggested that a food and beverage tax be looked into to possibly pay for such costs, or to look at alternative user fees. Council Member Pfeifer stressed that the City must prioritize its resources and look at all sources of revenue. Personnel and Finance Committee August 28,2002 Page 4 Council President Kelly suggested that the City look at new sources of revenue in this area so long as the process is fair. Communications Center 2002 Expenditures $1,150,085 General Fund # 101-0802 2003 Expenditures $1,157,178 Don Pinckert noted that a great deal of recall is being used to man supervisory position. They are therefore recommending that one(1) Communication Supervisor be added to the budget. Police Chief Bennett noted that he was becoming increasingly concerned about burning out the Communication Supervisors if more personnel were not added. He further noted that the City cannot afford a mistake in this area. In light of the staff no longer being represented by the Teamsters effective January 1, 2003, each employee will no longer be entitled to the$300 Teamster bonus, no longer be entitled to the night incentive,but would be eligible for a merit bonus. Stand-by pay was eliminated since these positions will now be salaried positions, however both Mr. Pinckert and Chief Bennett expressed concern about the elimination of the stand-by pay. They requested the Council to consider adding back into the budget the sum of$14,000 to cover stand- by pay calling it an absolute necessity to properly operate the Communications Center. Mr. Pinkert stated that all civilians on PERF will receive an increase from 3 %to 3.25%. In response to a question from the Council Attorney, Chief Bennett noted that the Police Department is waiting word from FEMA with regard to funding for biological suits, masks, and related equipment as well as training funds. In response to a question on attrition from Dr. Varner, Chief Bennett noted that Tony Ross on the midnight shifts will soon be leaving, that the Secretary of the FOP will soon be leaving to go to another Police Department,and that one officer has left to join the FBI. With regard to the differences in the number of women on the Police Department as opposed to the Fire Department, Council Member Kirsits stated that when affirmative action in the Fire Department was started that it did not address women. Council Member White asked Chief Bennett of his perception of the South Bend Police Department. Chief Bennett stated that he sees the men and women of the South Bend Police Department as dedicated professionals. When you give these officers quality training and direction, they will get the job done. The South Bend police officers are doing an excellent job. Council Member Pfeifer inquired whether there would be any benefits from a citizen review board. Chief Bennett stated that he does not believe that such a board is necessary,and that oftentimes it is a matter of perception and bridging the gap. He noted that when you compare the number of service calls versus the small number of complaints, he does not believe the numbers are out of line. Personnel and Finance Committee August 28, 2002 Page 5 Council Member Coleman inquired who the officers were who have retired, noting that they have given long dedicated years of service to our community. The following individuals have retired to date from the South Bend Fire Department Robert A. Badowski William Murphy David M. Dosmann Frederic P. Odusch Forest L. Milbourn Tom Williams Terry Miller Council Member Kirsits inquired whether the Police Department has a 70 year old officer. Chief Bennett stated that Al DeRoo is 70, has 40 years of dedicated service to the department, and is in excellent physical shape. Dr. Varner thanked all of the representatives from the South Bend Police Department for their presentation and candid comments. Building Department 2002 Revenue $1,096,815 Fund # 600 2003 Revenue $1,096,815 2002 Expenditures $1,126,875 2003 Expenditures $1,135,134 Building Commissioner Don Fozo and Fiscal Officer Becky Neese joined the Committee meeting. Tom Skarbek provided a replacement "2003 Budget Summary of Major Changes from 2002 Building Department(Fund#600) (copy attached). Mr. Fozo noted that they are trying keeping their vehicles from 3 years to 4 years. He noted that they are still involved in the computer software maintenance program. Three (3) years ago the building operations were moved to the Lafayette facility. They were required to pay $45,000 for three (3) years for the build-out costs. This amount will be reduced to $10,000 to cover maintenance and utility expenses. Revenue is unpredictable,with the department being $100,000 behind where they were last year at this time. Housing is up 11% in the City of South Bend and down in St. Joseph County by 12%, however the numbers in the city are still low compared to the county. Mr. Fozo provided a copy of the"Commercial Report"(copy attached). Mr. Fozo noted that the University of Notre Dame will soon begin constructing the $70 million Science and Learning Center. In response to a question from Council President Kelly, he was uncertain whether the University had applied for a permit yet on the proposed hotel project. Council Member Pfeifer inquired, given the times, is the Building Department the best it can be in addressing new issues; for example the emergence of ugly signs, double-sided billboards, and more"big city problems". Mr. Fozo stated that his department has utilized the sign ordinance for the removal of exterior signs on Lincolnway. Council Member Pfeifer stated that if the City/, eds to update its rules that it should do so and be Personnel and Finance Committee August 28, 2002 Page 6 more proactive. Mr. Fozo believes that the city has a good sign ordinance, and that it was used to remove signs from the sidewalk areas. He stated that he would look into it more. Council Member White inquired about the increasing number of people selling items from vacant lots. Mr. Fozo stated that these actions are in properly zoned locations, however Code Enforcement is the office that should be contacted as to whether they are properly licensed. Dr. Varner noted that Code Enforcement does not work on the weekends,and that that compounds the problem since the illegal sales are often on holidays and weekends. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about the possibility of licensing landlords. Mr. Fozo noted that the initial problem would be the amount of inspections that would have to take place. At Council Member Pfeifer's request, Mr. Fozo stated that he would begin preparing the projected number of rental inspections that would be required and the projected costs. Dr. Varner thanked Mr. Fozo and the other representatives for their presentation. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member David Varner, Vice-Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachments