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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-83 Personnel & Finance Iii n mt'ttn Erpo t P flit Mammon Counrdi of tiir (IIttg of 0nutii limb: Personnel and Finance Committee The August 16, 1983 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairman Councilman Joseph Serge at 10: 00 a.m. in the Council informal meeting room. He noted that this was the continuation of the review of the proposed 1984 Civil City Budget and the 1984 Utilities Budget. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Crone, Voorde, Zielinski, Serge, Szymkowiak, Harris and Beck, Richard Hill, Sherrie Petz, Joseph Kernan, Howard Goodhew, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and various individuals listed under the specific department headings. CITY ATTORNEY, PAGES 8-9 This budget is proposed at $244,649 which represents a 7% increase over the current budget. It was noted that the law books line item was proposed at a 36% increase bringing it to a total of $3,000. Mr. Hill explained that this amount was necessary due to increased cost of supplement services. Discussion also took place on the 24% increase for the 2 •Assistant City Attorneys which had already been approved in the salary ordinance. • Councilman Harris asked Mr. Hill if there would be a salary decrease since duties of the three Board members would be descreased if the Citizen Board for the Water Works Department is created. Councilman Crone stated it would be like paying six people to do three people' s work. Mr. Hill disagreed and stated that their duties would not be significantly decreased. The disparity in salaries between the various Boards was also discussed. SELF-INSURANCE, PAGES 68-69 This account is proposed at $622,261 representing a 13% increase. The major line item increase was for safety equipment from $2,500 to $11,500 representing a 360% increase. Mr. Hill explained that this was necessary to implement the safety glass program which is projected at $10,000. He believed it would reduce potential liability overall. It was also noted that $51,260 was listed as a transfer of administration costs in this budget. Councilman Crone questioned the Administration's program of overseeing the safety glass program. Councilman Voorde noted various problems in the past with the safety helmet program and items disappearing. Councilman Crone questioned line item 399 Other Contracturals and was informed that it would cover costs of appraisals, depositions and various discovery costs. She also questioned why line item 391 was proposed at an 82% increase for a total of $100,000 in awards, refunds and indemnities. Mr. Hill stated that because of lawsuits being filed over the last three to four years that many of these were now being settled. PARK DEPARTMENT, PAGES 49-53 • This budget is proposed at $3,629,745 which represents a 3% increase over the current budget. James Seitz, Robert Goodrich, and Robert Niezgodski . were on hand to answer any questions. •A[[ Pat.. .dab. rusItomeme Co. Page 2. Personnel and Finance Committee' Councilman Serge asked about the television ads and was informed that private individuals are paying for them. Mr. Seitz pointed out that the greenskeeper at Studebaker was listed at a 17% salary increase. Overall he stated that it would be difficult to get by with what they have but they will do the best they can. Councilman Beck asked whether the Park Department provides floral arrangements for public buildings. Mr. Seitz stated that they do provide outdoor arrangements but not. indoor. She also questioned the maintenance program of Island Park and was informed that he would be meeting with Mr. Stancotti on this issue. Mr. Seitz also stated that the canopies by Century Center should be replaced or repaired but that this money is not included in his budget. Counc map..;S;zymkQw:iak asked about vandalism in the various City parks. Mr. Seitz stated that overall it was down. He believed that items are being better designed against vandalism and gave •an example of . testing the light fixtures by the east race. ` Lexon is being used instead of glass. Restrooms are always a high, area of vandalism. The curfew imposed at the City parks ' is 11: 00 p.m. on weekdays and 12 .midnight on weekends. Councilman Voorde -asked about the east race. Mr. Seitz stated that the raceway would be officially dedicated on June 30, 1984. He saw a' definite need for increased security in the parks. He would be meeting with various. State of Indiana officials to discuss the issue. They are also discussing the possible resignation of fishing sites and and fish cleaning sites since the salmon will begin going through our area in 1986. Councilman Voorde also asked about the Fredrickson house. Mr. Seitz stated that the City may lease the building to an organization which would be responsible for- maintenance and improvement. The rentals received would then be used to help maintain the Fredrickson Park. The location of this park still has not been disclosed. Councilman Voorde then questioned the recent sale of two acres of Voorde Park and suggested that such proceeds be used to maintain the park itself. Mr. Seitz noted that effective September 1, 1983 a designated fund can be established to receive such monies and used for this purpose. Councilman Serge noted that parkin in that area is needed. Councilman Voorde asked whether another park bond would be necessary and was informed that in Mr. Seitz opinion a bond issue would be needed for capital improvements. The. Notre Dame Boathouse builtalong the St. Joseph River will be dedicated September 18, 1983. The Councilmen expressed favorable comments regarding this structure. A. pier would also be built in this .area. Councilman Voorde suggested that the land by A.M.' General be considered. for the Fredrickson Park. Councilman Serge asked about the mowing of the area by Lock Joint Tube and stated that they are doing a good job of maintenance. The public right of-way to the lagoon in the Pinhook. Park area was also discussed and Mr. Seitz stated that since 1958 the City has been obligated to provide such a right-of-way and was against selling park property which would affect it. Page 3. Personnel and Finance Committee Councilman Crone asked whether the City was still paying for the utilities at the Ice Box. She was informed that the City was and that since the utilities alone cost over $53, 000 that it -was impossible at this time for the Ice Box to take over the cost. The ice time is now at $65-75 per hour and the hockey league has approximately 800 youths involved. A meeting with Pat McMann would be set up. She also questioned the money received on concessions and was informed that the majority of it would go to the hockey league. Mr. Goodrich noted that the ski rental at Erskine would be there again this winter. Councilman Crone questioned the $40,000 in motor equipment. Councilman Szymkowiak expressed concern why the City had still not purchased a high ranger for triming around City lights. He believed that much money throughout the City was being wasted. He believed it was a matter of priority. People who pay taxes should get this type of service. Many trees should be removed for safety reasons but are not allowed because they are in the tree lawn area. Councilman Szymkowiak suggested that since $100- 125, 000 would be saved by the City not having a City cleanup that it uses'. this money to assist citizens in trimming trees around City lights. He also believed that forcing a property owner to remove such trees when it is deemed necessary is an undue financial hardship to the property owner. Mr. Goodrich stated that he has sent three letters to the Controller' s office requesting that the car eliminated by the Council several years ago be replaced since it is needed. Councilman Beck also expressed concern about the requirement of making property owners trim around City lights. She also felt it was an undue hardship and suggested "turning the trees back to the Park Department" . Mr. Seitz stated that he had figures from several years ago on this topic. Councilman Crone also questioned the procedure used in allowing individuals to remove trees from the tree lawn. Mr. Seitz explained that often times it depends on the type of tree and rather than allow the tree to be cut down he suggests cutting the roots of the tree which cause the uprooting of sidewalks and driveways. He acknowledged that it is a financial burden to persons on fixed incomes and that he received many calls on this issue. Councilman Voorde stated that approximately a year ago he asked Mrs. Barnard to look into the cleaning of the river banks by the Marine Corp. Mr. Seitz stated that the area along Lincolnway East and Miami is a virtual jungle and that there were bank problems in many areas along the river. Councilman Crone questioned why the landfill account was being proposed at the same level of $6,000 as last year. CEMETERIES, PAGES 2"0-21 This account is proposed at $90, 902 representing a 9% increase. Councilman Szymkowiak complimented M . Niezgodski and his staff for the excellant maintenance of the City cemeteries. The Department is still having a need for the pickup truck which was funded this year but cut out of the budget by the Mayor. Page 4. Personnel and Finance Committee YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU, PAGES 38-39 This budget is proposed at $76, 832 which represents a 4% increase. Sherrie Petz informed the Committee that the Administration cut a Secretary III position from the budget and utility expenses. The City would pick up telephone costs. Councilman Crone questioned what the impact would be indthe elimination of 701 funds. She noted that this is the only Bureau of the City that has fund raisers to raise money for their operational expenses. Councilman Voorde asked about the current status of the telephone system. He noted that this issue was raised 2-3 years ago in the hope that a more cost-efficient system would be used. Mrs. Petz stated that the City is looking at the system in conjunction with the County. Mr. Goodhew noted that the new centrix system is much less expensive than the present system. Mrs. Petz also noted that the four positions in this budget would have their group insurance, social security, and PERF expenses paid by the Controller' s budget. It was also noted upon questioning by Councilman Serge that a coordinator for the Rent-a-Team Program was hired last week. Following further discussion by the Committee the meeting was recessed until 125 p.m. The meeting was recessed at 11:35. The meeting was called back to order at 1:25 p.m. by Councilman Joseph Serge in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Crone, Harris, Zielinski, Szymkowiak, Serge, Voorde, and Beck; Jim Wensits, Sherrie Petz, Howard Goodhew, various members of the new media, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and specific individuals named under the various department headings. HUMAN RIGHTS," PAGES '37-37A This budget is proposed at $55,239 representing a 5%increase. Deborah Kroll the Senior Investigator presented the budget in the absence of Larry Johnson. Overall this budget includes salaries for three individuals with the social security, PERf and Group Insurance being paid by the Controller' s budget. Councilman Harris asked about the housing specialists and was informed that it is being paid entirely by HUD. FIRE PENSION, PAGE 65 Ernie Rozanski, Assistant Fire Chief, stated that this budget is for a total of $2, 049,445 representing a 10% increase over the current budget. The City is obligated to meet what other contributions do not address. This amount would cover at least ten pensions. POLICE PENSION, PAGES 66-67 Carp., T,J., Dek.a, presented the budget which, is proposed at $1,831, 078 which represents a 10% increase. He is elected by the pension board and serves for a period of three years. There were two increases, one in travel expense so that four seminars held in various parts of the State can be attended, and the postage line item was increased. Between 35-40 officers are Page 5. Personnel and Finance Committee eligible to retire. Fifty-five is the minimum age for retiring. Upon questioning by Councilman Zielinski of the $2,400 listed for legal services it was explained that due to a change in the law effective September 1st which allows widows who remarry to pension benefits, that such services would be needed. MORRIS AUDITORIUM, PAGES 100-102 This budget is proposed at $76 ,029 representing. a. 14% increase over the current budget. Mr. Pat Martin, manager explained the budget. He was given a $1, 000 adjustment in salary for increased responsibilities. He noted that many sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, that the stage floor is deteriorating, and that the air conditioner is in need of repair. He is addressing safety and lighting needs. He projects $60, 000 in potential rental revenue with $25-30, 000 being received from regular rental clients , Mrs. Petz noted that the budget is more reflected of what they actually spent with transfers being needed in the past from Century Center. DISCOVERY HALL, PAGES 103=105 This budget is proposed at $140,.669 representing a 8% increase. In attendance at this portion of the Committee meeting. were Gus Saros, Brian Hedman, Terry Miller, and Ron Rydecki. Councilman Serge stated that the program is very controversial., lrg Saros noted that school children get into the exhibits free and that Tuesday is a free day for senior citizens. It was noted that there were three. $1, 000 adjustments in salaries in personnel.. Councilman Crone raised several concerns that were raised last year during the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting. She noted that last year she requested and never received a breakdown of proposed expenditures for the Studebaker museum. She therefore made another request for such expenditures. Mr. Saros noted that a budget breakdown of approximately $1.16,000 would be needed to run the Studebaker museum for next year It was noted that this amount would be needed in addition to the amounts absorbed in the Discovery Hall budget. Upon questioning by Councilman Zielinski it was learned that 50% of the personnel costs would be for the Studebaker Museum and at least 10% of all other line items would be for the museum. Terry Miller voiced concern that there may not be enough_ money to keep the museum open through the end of the year It was noted that a not-for- profit corporation had been created entitled The Studebaker Museum, Inc.. Officers of this corporation are F.J. Nimtz, President, Doug Hunt, Vise_President Donna Brassier, Secretary; and Joseph Kernan, Treasurer. Mr. Ronald P. Rydecki passed out a letter (attached) and stated that he believed the not-for-profit corporation was a political ploy to short- circuit the. City Council budget review. He noted that the City subsidizes 50 cents per head for zoo patrons and $5. 00 per head for museum patrons. He believed that artifacts of the collection are being destroyed because of sunlight, humidty, and high temperatures of the Freeman-Spicer Building. He suggested withholding funding and the creation of a citizens committee. Councilman Voorde stated that a plan is necessary for it would be a crime if the display is left to deteriorate. Everyone in attendance agreed that there were problems that had to be addressed. • Page 6. Personnel and Finance Committee Two motions were made by Councilman Beck and seconded by Councilman Harris,but were withdrawn. A motion then was made by Councilman Beck, seconded by Councilman Harris to make no recommendation on the Discovery Hall budget and to take a tour of the Studebaker Museum at 3: 30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. The motion never went to vote. CENTURY CENTER, PAGES 106-109 Century Center budget is proposed at $1,412, 788 which represents a 4% increase. Approximately one-half of the Center' s budget is raised through food, room rentals etc. He expressed concern over rising utility costs. Terry Miller expressed concern on the income side of the ledger. It was noted that the other contractural line item was up 27% which would allow for the creation of a new banquet room at a cost of approximately $31, 000. Councilman Serge was complimentary of the catering company out of Naperville, Illinois. Mr. Miller noted that service and quality were chief concerns of all caterers. PARKING GARAGES, PAGES 57-59 This budget is requested at $534,779 representing a 5% decrease. Mr. Ted Latowski noted that one attendant has resigned. The electrical wiring and new sodium lights are working well. Upon questioning it was learned that this budget will be in the red $100, 000 at the end of this year and $303 ,000 in the red at the end of 1984. It was speculated that revenue sharing may be used to make up the shortfall as well as looking to group rates for various employers. WATER WORKS, PAGES 70-75 This budget is proposed at $4 ,461,34.1 representing a 2% increase. Michael Vance and Paul Freeman presented the budget. It was noted that there will be three less people next year, one radio operator, one data processor-coordinator, the janitor at the main street building. It was further noted that the Superintendent IV's who supervise teamsters will receive an 8% increase, and those that do not will receive a 4% increase. $97, 940 is included as a transfer of administration costs. WATER WORKS DEPRECIATION FUND, PAGE "76 Mr, Vance proposed that Line Item 416 be amended from $621,500 to $326,500 and that the cost center total be amended to read $751, 750 rather than the proposed $1, 046 , 750. Mr. Vance noted that approximately 15 to 16 months of the new water rate increase were lost due to the inaction of the public service commission. Councilman Beck made a motion seconded by Councilman Harris to accept the amendment made by Mr. Vance which would decrease the budget to $751, 750. The motion passed unanimously, BUREAU OF WASTE WATER, PAGES 80-84 This budget is proposed at $3,537,675 for an increase of 19%. Mr. Vance Page 7. Personnel and Finance Committee noted that one new Project Engineer would be included. Oil expenses were down 15%because of better maintenance. He also noted that $489, 046 was included as payment in lieu of taxes. He noted that the waste water treatment plant may also be under a citizen board in the future. Upon questioning he stated that Miles Laboratory had not sent anything to be services since December, 1982 because of a problem with their concentrator. Mr. Goodhew asked whether in 1982 Clay Utilities showed an income of $22,822 and expenditures of $30, 074. He was informed that these figures were correct but that in 1983 there would not be a loss. SEWAGE WORKS DEPRECIATION, PAGE 88 This budget is proposed at $807, 700 for an increase of 29%. Mr. Vance noted that since the plant was built in 1956 that many of the repairs are needed, however he would not be against cutbacks of some of the proposed expenditures if the Council believed this was necessary. SEWAGE WORKS SINKING FUND, PAGE 90 This budget is proposed at $69.6,248 an increase of 1%. Next year would be the last payment on the original bond issue for the plant with the subordinate bond issue of 3. 1 million dollars taking over. BUREAU OF SANITATION, PAGES 85'=-87 This budget is proposed at $1,690, 396 for an increase of 10%. The only change in personnel would be three temporary laborer positions and a new Mechanic IV. Because of the conditions of the landfill the City is experiencing five fires per day on their trucks therefore an increase of 45% in the tires and tubes line item was requested. Approximately 50% of their operation is spent on snow removal in the winter. Mr.Morgan Peck was commended for the operation of his Bureau. SEWER REPAIR FUND, PAGE 79 This account is proposed at $19, 875 for an increase of 5%. It was noted that no interest had accumulated on the account even though it was a dedicated account because money had been borrowed from it throughout the year. BUREAU OF SOLID WASTE, PAGES 62-64 Thissaccount is proposed at $771, 145 representing a 9% increase. Following discussion by the Committee it was recommended that line item 376 uniform rental be decreased by $2,000 leaving a requested budget of $4 ,000. This would amend the cost center total to $699,145. Mr. Vance noted that the landfill line item was not adequately budgeted since prices have increased from 85 cents per cubic yard to $1.85. in the last year. Following discussion Councilman Beck made a motion seconded by Councilman Harris to recess until 2 :30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. The motion carried at 5 :25 p.m. Page 8. Personnel and Finance Committee Respectfully . submitted, Joseph Serge, Chairman Personnel and .Finance Committee The Personnel and Finance Committee was reconvened at 2 :30 p.m. on August 17, 1983 in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Serge, Szymkowiak, Beck, Zielinski, Harris, Voorde, and Crone, Joseph Kernan, Doug Hunt, Ed Nowack Dick Maginot, Donna Bressler, Brian Hedman, Gust Saros, Ron Rydecki, Terry Miller, Duke Newburn, Clifford McMillan, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilman Serge noted that today' s meeting was to continue the discussion of the 1984 budget and to specifically highlight the Discovery Hall and Studebaker Museum budgets. Mr. Kernan recognized that there are additional costs involved in running the Studebaker Museum which are not addressed in the Civil City Budget. He stated that the Studebaker Museum, Inc, whose officers are in attendance today are determined to work toward solving the budgetary problems. Various grant applications have been applied for. He noted that the site selction committee headed by Ernestine Racklin which had Councilman Beck and McGann on it suggested the Freeman-Spicer building over 18.. 'months ago. Terry Miller stated that he saw two primary issues : financial and administrative which had not been addressed. He stated that a minimum of $116 , 000. is needed to operate the museum annually. He voiced concern over having a not-for-profit corporation oversee a public museum. He believed that the. City Council should be involved in the decision making process. Ron Rydecki voiced concern over the deterioration of the Studebaker collection. Doug Hunt stated that all of the meetings of the corporation were open to the. public. Mr. Kernan stated that over two months ago a written agreement was proposed and rejected by the Century Center Board of Managers to address the very issues raised by Mr. Miller. Councilman Crone stated that the issue is not one of money being improperly spent, but rather the creation of a separate budget for the Studebaker Museum.. She stated that it was requested last year and to date has Page 9. Personnel and Finance Committee not been received. Mr. Kernan stated that they would provide a more detailed listing of proposed costs for the Studebaker Museum. He also 'noted that Clifford McMillan had spent much time completing fund applications and preparing for membership drives. To date $40, 000 has been raised, with another dinner planned at Tippecanoe Restaurant which netted $5,000 last year. Mr. Nimtz the president of the Studebaker Museum, Inc. hoped that we would "all pull together". Following further discussion Councilman Beck made a motion seconded by Councilman Harris to recommend the proposed Discovery Hall budget favorably to Council. The motion passed unanimously. Terry Miller asked where the additional $116,000 would come from. . Councilman Crone stated that keeping Discovery Hall and costs of Studebaker Museum in the same budget did not give a true indication of Discovery Hall';s budget. Councilman Voorde asked how much money would be needed to keep the museum open to the end of the year These questions were left unanswered. Council Attorney brought to the Chairman' s attention that the Art Association budget and the Barrett Law budget had not been reviewed. She additionally noted that the Committee had taken no formal action on the Civil City budget and the Utilities budget. Councilman Serge stated that this would be discussed at the meeting of his Committee next Monday, August 22 at 4 :00 p.m. Councilman Zielinski made a motion seconded by Councilman Harris that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 3 :40 p.m. All persons in attendance were then invited to take a tour of the Studebacker Museum. Respectfully Submitted, Joseph Serge, Chairman RECAPITULATION Recommended changes: CIVIL CITY BUDGET: Page 30 Weights .and Measures Inspector III, change current budget to read $16,372 and change requested budget to read $17,026. Requested changes: UTILITIES BUDGET: Page 63 Bureau of Solid Waste Line Item 376 Uniform Rental change requested budget from $6 , 000 to $4, 000 and cost center total to $699,145 •' Page 76 Water Works Depreciation Fund, Line Iteri 416, change requested budget to $326, 500, change cost center total to $751,750