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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-82 Committee of the Whole •.OrrtnmWWWn {Pport Ws tilt Mammon (IIounrIt of tip 034 of*nut!, limb: COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The October 4, 1982 meeting of the Committee of the Whole was called to order by Councilman John' Voorde at 4: 00 p.m. in the Council meeting room. • Persons in attendance included: Councilmen McGann, Crone, Szymkowiak Voorde, Zielinski, Taylor, Beck, and Harris; Mayor Parent, Eugenia Schwartz, Kathrine Barnard, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and the news media. Councilman Voorde noted that Mayor Parent had requested time to briefly discuss the proposed computerization. The Mayor noted that since the meeting in the Mayor's office where Crowe, Chizek representatives were present, several members of the Common Council took the opportunity to see their computerization first hand. Mayor Parent noted that between ;$7,48000 has been spent on consulting fees to date. Mayor Parent expressed his desire to move ahead with the first phase of the computerization which would include Community Development, Economic Development, Redevelopment, Department of Public Works, Engineering, the Mayors Office and the City Clerks office. It would also include purchasing some of the hardware for other City departments: The next step involved would be to prepare bid specifications which would cost between $10-11, 000. Equipment would be in place by early next year. The Mayor further noted that some monies have been ear-marked in CD and revenue sharing however the City might consider a lease-purchase arrangement. He also noted that he had talked with Elroy Kelzenberg but had not talked with the County Commissioners. Several councilmen questioned what system was actually being proposed and the amount of money involved. Mayor Parent stated that he would contact Crowe, Chizek to see if a representative at Thursday' s Council meeting to answer such specific questions. Councilman Voorde then began the review of Bill No. 76-82 which is the proposed reorganization ordinance. He called upon Eugenia Schwartz to update the Committee. Mrs. Schwartz stated that the Bill was proposed for two basic purposes: to satisfy Home Rule with regards to establishing executive departments and to continue the recodification process. She then reviewed the Bill page by page Councilman Beck questioned the role of the hearing officer and was assured that it could be sustained if legally challenged. Councilman Voorde made the following suggestions: (1) an update on Action, Inc. (2) that the Common Council appoint their own members to the Mayor' s Citizens Traffic Commission instead of the Mayor (3) the exemption policy regarding leased vehicles and Fire and Police vehicles and its inclusion in the Code (4) that the Energy Commission look into making recommendations into the Fire and Police Stations regarding energy efficiency. Councilman Crone suggested that the Bill address the following: (1) an interim Mayor provision being included- in the event that the Mayor became incapacitated (2) to include the filing of annual reports by each 'wit HI[I• olfabo Iuso•ums co. Page 2. Committee of the Whole Department and Bureau. She also questioned whether the Crime Commission should be revamped in light of the COP program. Councilman McGann had several questions regarding the role of the Board of Public Safety as it related to the Police and Fire Departments. He also questioned p;roposeg Section 2-139 regarding perpetual care of cemetery lots. Mrs. Schwartz stated that she would check this Section in light of the current State law. Councilman McGann also noted that he was waiting for an update from George Herendeen on the proposed City Court. The Committee then focused on the proposed Department of Code Enforcement. Several Councilmen questioned the role of the Building Commissioner and who he would be accountable to. Several Councilmen expressed concern that since the Building Commissioner must be a licensed architect or engineer and have five years of experience, that there may be problems with being included in this proposed department. Mrs. Barnard thought that the proposal would strengthen the position of the Building Commissioner. No proposed salary increase was being suggested for Mr. Markle. Mrs. Barnard further noted that the "Citizens Service Center" would basically handle citizens complaints. Councilmen . Szymkowiak and Beck had several questions pertaining to proposed departments. Councilman Crone also had several questions regarding the proposed organization chart of the Department and questioned Bill No. 108-82 dealing with proposed salary increases for five positions within the Department. Mrs. Barnard noted that the cost for 1982 would be $2,200 however the source of this funding was unknown as of this date. Councilman Taylor noted that there would not be an increase in position by the creation of the new department and that a considerable amount of cross training would take place. Mrs. Schwartz stated that she would prepare amemdments to Bill No. 108-82 in light of the, concern expressed about reflecting the actual salary increases for 1982, and would have a further update on Bill No. 76-82 in light of the proposed changes which the Committee had recommended. Following further discussion Councilman Zielinski made a motion seconded by Councilman Taylor to recess the meeting until Thursday at 4 :00 p.m. The meeting was recessed at 6:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, John Voorde, Chairman