HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-90 Personnel & Finance CoK
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PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
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The June 11, 1990, meeting of the Personnel and Finance
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Ann
Puzzello at 4:45 PM in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Zakrzewski,
Coleman, Voorde, Niezgodski, Puzzello, Soderberg, Luecke,
Slavinskas, and Duda; Officer Ron Glon, James Caldwell,
Richard Nussbaum, Katie Humphreys, John Leisenring, Jenny
Pitts Manier, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the first item on the
agenda was to review Bill No. 31-90 which would appropriate
monies from the Next Door Neighbor Program Fund in the
amount of $25,000. Mr. Caldwell noted that fifteen (15)
groups received grants totalling between $32 . 00 and
$1000.00. A total of twenty-two (22) groups applied of
which eighteen (18) where approved, however, three (3) did
not follow through with all of the requirements but would be
reapplying the current year. In response to a question
raised by Council Member Voorde, Mr. Caldwell noted that
notice was given of the program by letters being sent to all
neighborhood groups as well as through the news media. This
year that same notice procedure would be used but all
neighborhood watch groups would also be contacted. He
indicated that there was a rating system instituted by the
nine (9) committee members with sixty-five percent (65%)
being a passing percentage.
Council Member Puzzello questioned the cut-off for
application. Mr. Caldwell noted that last year the deadline
was too early and that was being taken into consideration
this year. Council Member Puzzello stated that the program
has had a very positive affect with neighborhood groups
thinking about beautification programs and other positive
measures for their neighborhoods.
Council Member Coleman suggested that perhaps citizen
appointments should be considered for at least two (2) of
the Council positions. Currently Council Members Niezgodski,
Duda, and Coleman sit on the committee. It was noted in
response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke that
$13,521.61 was awarded with $12,065.07 being spent last
year. It was further noted that the monies were generated
from the Coveleski Stadium.
Council Member Duda stated that she believes that the
program has merit but questions many of the types of
projects which were funded. As an example, she indicated
with concern some of he banner programs used throughout the
Personnel and Finance Committee
June 11, 1990
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city. She suggested that items such as sidewalks and curb
repair should be incorporated or other long-lasting
projects.
Council Member Luecke stated that approximately one year ago
when the Council considered this program, that Council
Member Luecke saw it as a "symbolic" program for the
neighborhood and that he saw it as a "participatory program"
for the neighborhoods. He believes that those same
descriptions are evident today. He also noted that the
banners on Main Street, as an example, have a positive
influence, but suggested that perhaps programs involving the
Park Department were also worthy of consideration.
Council Member Zakrzewski stated that he believes that a lot
of other projects can be done with the money. He cited, for
example, that routine maintenance in the Park Department,
Alley programs, and other Public Works projects were in need
of additional funding.
Council Member Voorde stated that the program is unique in
light of the fact that all groups vying for monies know that
$1000.00 is the maximum. He indicated that there were a lot
of other unmet needs which saw it as a helping hand to the
neighborhoods.
Mr. Caldwell noted that three (3) groups utilized the banner
concept with the neighborhood program fund providing
$1000.00 and $2000.00 being provided by private funding.
The smallest program was $32.00 for a neighborhood garden
which had a very positive effect on the elderly in that
particular neighborhood.
Following further discussion, Council Member Voorde made a
motion, seconded by Council Member Luecke , that Bill No.
31-90 be recommended to Council. The motion passed with
Council President Zakrzewski voting in the minority.
There being no further business to come before the
Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5: 05 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Council Member Ann Puzzello
Chairperson, Personnel and Finance Committee