Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-81 Personnel & Finance OinlnlItttrn Erpnr# • ahi tip (somnwn monnrtt zif Or efttg of#unt1i Win): PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE The August 11, 1981, meeting of the Personnel-and Finance Committee, was called to order at 9 a.m. in the Council informal meeting room by its Chairman, Councilman Beverly Crone Persons in attendance included:Councilmen: Voorde, Szymkowiak, McGann, and Crone; Jon Hunt, Sherrie Petz,' Pat Miller, members of the news media, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, and bureau and department heads as later indicated. Councilman Crone then explained the procedures followed by her Committee reviewing the 1982 proposed budget. She answered several preliminary questions asked by Pat Miller. The Committee then reviewed the proposed budget for the Board of Safety. The Human Resources budget was again reviewed with Councilman Crone question- .ing why the travel budget went up 50%, from $5, 000 to $7,500. The Committee again suggested to the administrative members that this cost center be eliminated, and that the proposed funds be included in another cost center. HUMAN RIGHTS • Larry Johnson, Director of Human :Rights then reviewed his proposed budget': He noted'that -the: positions of`part-time attorney and clerk-typist had been eliminated. He explained that Human Rights also receives federal funds which run from October 1st to September 30th. Approximately $50,000 would be received for 1981; and approximately $61,800 were received for 1980. He noted that he would be before the Council for an appropriation ordinance for the federal funds. The Commission averages 10 cases per month, with' a substantial amount having no probable cause findings. Mr. Johnson was commended for a fine annual report by the Committee. Council Voorde noted that the Administration had listed the deletion of $55, 000 from Human Rights if the general obligation bond was not approved earlier in the year. Mr. Hunt noted that the Administration was not- considering any further cuts of that nature. COMMON COUNCIL • The Committee then reviewed the Common Council budget. Councilman McGann explained that 93% of the budget is made up of salaries for the councilmen and fees for legal services. He noted that car allowance was being reduced by 74%; travel expense reduced by 11%; instruction reduced by 80%; and office equipment reduced by 50%. The Committee discussed the allocation of the Travel Funds which are proposed at $5, 333 for 1982. Councilman Crone noted that she did not anticipate using any public funds to finance educational trips. It was suggested that the budgeted amounts be divided by 8, thus allowing each Councilman to use a maximum of $665 in 1982 for Council-related travel_,expenseE The Committee also discussed the concept of establishing "per dier'Fmounts; however Councilman McGann noted that from his review of procedures in this area RR[[ IR[li odispo. PUBLI[NING CO. that since there was such a wide variance present, that "reasonable.' charges should be the guideline. The Committee recommended that the procedure outlined allowing a maximum of $665 per councilman be discussed at the next informal meeting of the Council, and then adopted as the guideline in this area. MORRIS CIVIC AUDITORIUM Brian Hedman reviewed the proposed budget for the Morrice Civic Auditorium proposed at $89, 913 for a 10% overall increase. He voted that promoters pay for usher costs directly; and that the manager receives con- cession rights. DISCOVERY HALL Gus Saros then reviewed the budget for Discovery Hall proposed at $114 , 054 for an overall increase of 1%. He noted that Discovery Hall should be opening in October after a major renovation. He indicated that one (1) CETA person would be picked up from the "Central Labor Pool" overseen by the Century Center. Councilman Szymkowiak suggested storing cars in the Central High School as a possible alternative to the space problems. Mr. Saros explained that they presently had a balance of $102,000 in account No. 372, "Building Rental" which was primarily funded from a $6, 000 gift from a will, and $179, 000 of grant monies. He noted that $60, 000 would have to be expended from this account to pay for "Design and Production" costs. Councilman Crone questioned whether box office receipts were prorated for October thru December when figuring the $7,900 request in the 372 line item account for 1982. Mr. Saros indicated he would check. He noted that approximately $10, 000 was received in box office receipts last year. Mr. Saros noted that they presently have a grant pending with the Institute of Museums for $18, 3000 which would fund an "Educational Coordinator. " He will find out in October whether it was approved. He assured the Committee that this position was not geared at being worked into future city budgets, but rather would be a "one-time position. " CENTURY CENTER George Murray and Brian Hedman then reviewed the Centry Center budget which is proposed at $1,251,186, for an overall increase of 21%. Mr. Murray explained that of this money, $670, 000 was coming from outside revenues; $390, 000 from Hotel/Motel Tax; and $210, 000 from the City. He noted that the City' s share was approximately 10% less than this year, and would be 18% of the Center' s total operation budget. Mr. Murray explained that in 1981 there were a total of 57 employees, of which 33 were full-time, 6 part-time, and 18 CETA. In 1982 there would -2- be 38 full-time, and 11 part-time. Mr. Hedman indicated that 6 CETA employees would be picked up into the budget for 1982 and be a part of the "Central Labor Pool. " A considerable amount of discussion then took place over the positions of a Sales Coordinator and a Clerk I position proposed at $9,771. Mr. Murray said that both of these positions are presently being funded by Hotel/Motel funds. Mr. Hedman indicated that he hoped to hire five more part-time employees, thus doubling the part-time staff. He also noted that several of the increases in maintenance and supplies, and repairs were needed because the building was 3 1/2 years old. ART ASSOCIATION The Committee then reviewed the Art Association budget proposed at $36, 000. Mr. John Bryce explained that he has a staff of 12, and an over- all budget of $300, 000. He noted that the sum of $36, 000 had been the same figure for the past three years, and basically represented rental charges of $3, 000 per month. Mr. Hedman announced that the Civic Center Fund would be used to fund the new elevator which will be by the Marriott entrance. Following discussion, Councilman McGann made a motion to recess for lunch, seconded by Councilman Voorde. The meeting was recessed at 12 :40. WATER WORKS Councilman Crone reconvened the meeting at 1: 30 p.m. . Michael Vance began by reviewing the Water Works budget proposed at $4, 135,396 for an overall increase of 9%. He gave an update on the water rate increase,which had a hearing on April 23rd. It was indicated then that a decision would be made in four to six weeks. The matter is still pending before the Hearing Officer. Mr. Vance speculated that the issues of a "lifeline rate" and "apartment rate concerns" were probably affecting the decision. Overall the Water Works Department willbe down three (3) employees in 1982. Councilman McGann raised several questions regarding positions which were apparently upgraded. Since these were done under John Leszczynski, he was unable to offer an explanation. Councilman Crone inquired into the P E R F amounts. Mr. Vance explainer that the amount is figured by taking the amounts in the 110 and 130 accounts, times 6%. P E R F is paid quarterly and is a set amount. It was pointed out that there had been a surplus in this amount in the past. It was explained that a 7% figure may have been used, however he would check into it for the Committee. -3- Mr. Vance noted that the department was presently $1,243, 880. 57 in the red; and that each month that a delay was made on the new rate, that the amount would increase. WATER WORKS DEPRECIATION The Committee then reviewed the Water Works Depreciation Fund proposed at $972,332 for a 22% increase. Mr. Vance explained that the $109, 000 budgeted for "Equipment Repair" would go toward major repair to 6 heavy equipment units at $23, 000; $23, 000 for meter repairs, and $25, 000 for Edison Station repairs. Mr. Vance suggested cutting $6,500* from Account 427, "Motor Equipment" . He noted that since the Fellows Booster Station was not done, that approximately $74, 000 budgeted last year had not been used. Of the $465, 000 proposed in line item 416 for "Buildings, Structures, Improvements" $241, 00 would be for a well field in the Northwest area, which would have four wells and a high pressure district; and $45, 000 would be for a new roof. WATER WORKS SINKING FUND The Water Works Sinking Fund was then reviewed, proposed at $15,620. 16. This represents the lease-purchase on the River Commons system. WASTE WATER Mr. Vance then reviewed the Waste Water budget proposed at $2, 851, 705. 00, for an overall increase of 9%. He noted that the "Employ- ment Coordinator" was formerly a CETA position. The Committee questioned the $6,400 budgeted for travel, since $5,181 was left unspent of the $5,400 budgeted in 1980. Councilman Crone questioned the $10, 095 proposed for "Subscriptions and Dues" which would be a 159% increase. Mr. Vance explained that the costs were as follows: $5, 000 Indiana Assoc. of Cities and Towns, $4,000 National League of Cities, $4,000 U.S. Conference of Mayors,$500 American Public Works, $80 Wall Street Journal, $60 South Bend Tribune, $650 Utility Magazines, and $1,600 miscellaneous. SANITATION Mr. Vance then reviewed the Sanitation Budget proposed at $1, 371, 017 for a 16% increase. He noted that the bureau was not in the red. Morgan Peck oversees this bureau. Mr. Vance noted that account 254 "Salt" budgeted at $240, 000*, for a 50% increase may be lowered since the Board of Public Works had already received bids on this item. The Committee questioned the $1, 800 proposed for travel, since $1,100 in 1980 was not spent. Mr. Vance explained that this was for schooling. -4- . The Committee then discussed the effect of the Sewer Insurance ordinance Mr. Vance said that they have been billing for about 2 1/2 months and have collected approximately $55, 000. $6,433 of this amount has been spent on ,10 jobs. Councilman Crone requested a memo from Mr. Vance on how the ordinance might be . improved based on his experience. SEWAGE WORKS DEPRECIATION (Waste Water) The Committee then reviewed the Sewage Works Depreciation budget proposed at $240,400 for a 29% decrease. A large percentage of the "other equipment" was moved to line item 416 "Buildings, Structrues, and Repairs" . This account is proposed at $234, 000 to cover pump replacements, well pumps, a building addition, compressors, chains and sprockets, new roofs, and needed diesel work. SEWAGE WORKS DEPRECIAITON (Sanitation) The Sewage Works Depreciation budget is propsed at $65,500 for a 56% decrease, SEWAGE WORKS SINKING The Sewage Works Sinking Fund is proposed at $684,148 for an increase of 3%. SOLID WASTE The Solid Waste budget proposed at $751,208 for an increase of 14% was then reviewed. Mr. Vance indicated that 2 CETA employees would be picked up into the budget. Part of the increase was due to the increase costs projected for the Landfill. He noted that the City was considering going from a 5-day schedule to a 4-day schedule. The Committee discussed several possible alternatives to improving the solid waste operation. Following much discussion, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4 :50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Beverly D. Crone, Chairman *Denotes suggested cut by department head -5-