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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-92 Personnel & Finance ~ Committee Report PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE To the Common Council of the City of South Bend: The October 26, 1992 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by it's Chairperson Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4 : 00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Coleman, Kelly, Ladewski, Duda, Luecke, Puzzello, Washington, and Slavinskas; Sam Hensley, Tom Scarbeck, Norman Primus, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Puzzello noted that the first item that would be reviewed would be Bill No. 82-92 which is an Appropriation Ordinance for funds from the Leaf Collection and Removal Services Operation Fund. Mr. Hensley and Mr. Scarbeck made the presentation. They also reviewed the 1992 proposed budget Releaf Program (copy attached) and reviewed the total revenue of $89, 382 . 00 and the total expenses of $89, 078 . 00. Mr. Hensley noted that there was a five (5) year lease payment program in effect with the final payment being in December of 1992 . Council Member Ladewski questioned what the County policy was with regard to leaf burning. Persons present were unaware of the current policy. Following further discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion seconded by Council Member Ladewski that Bill No. 82 92 be recommended, favorably to Council . The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 73-92 which would set annual salaries for the Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer and Council Members for calendar years 1993 through 1996. Council President Luecke reviewed the Bill. He noted that the proposal recommends that there would be no increase for 1993 , that there would be a 1 and 1/2 per cent increase in 1994 , that there would be a 3 percent increase in 1995, and that there would be a 2 percent increase in 1996. He stated that none of the elected officials qualify for bonus under the Merit Bonus Plan and that no other bonus is proposed. Council Member Puzzello voiced concern with regard to percentage increases and noted that this was the same concern she voiced during the non-bargaining Salary. Ordinance discussions. Council Member Coleman stated that a decision on salaries for elected officials was an "in house decision" . He suggested that there be no increase during the term of office. He stated that the City of South Bend has the highest paid Council in the State of Indiana and that this would be a symbolic message to the public. Council Member Ladewski voiced support for Council Member Coleman's suggestion, however questioned whether it should apply just to the Common Council. Council Member Slavinskas stated that three (3) years ago he recommended a policy of no increases during the Council term in office. He stated that the Council is well compensated and that these are not full time positions. He further stated that the Council position should not be the sole source of income for Council Members. He voiced opposition against a middle of the term increase, especially since the Council holds the purse strings. Council Member Puzzello stated that she had not heard of this proposal before. She stated the the Council proposal is small over the term of four (4) years and believes that it is reasonable. She stated that she would support the Bill as originally proposed. Council Member Washington noted that over this four (4) year period the Mayor would receive an increase of $4 , 246. 00, the Clerk's salary would increase by $2 , 300. 00, and the Council 's salary would increase by $930. 00. He stated that there is a considerable amount of time put in by the Council Members and that he does not believe that a $930. 00 raise over a four (4) year period is unreasonable. He further stated that he knows for a fact based on discussions with Council Members from East Chicago that in addition to their base salary, that they receive an additional amount per meeting to attend Council Meetings. He further stated that he agrees with a symbolic message being given, however he does not believe that the City of South Bend Common Council is the highest paid in the State. Council Member Kelly stated that it makes little difference either way whether the Bill is passed as originally proposed or amended as Council Member Coleman suggests. He stated that he does not believe a change should be made for the Mayor or the City Clerk. He further added that he believes that the City receives a "bargain" for all the hard work done by the Mayor in light of his salary. Following further discussion, Council Member Coleman made a motion seconded by Council Member Ladewski that Bill No. 73- 92 be sent to full Council without recommendation. The motion passed. Council Member Washington stated that he does not see the need for a continuance. It was also noted that Bill No. 61-92 which would amend the City Code with regard to budgetary and salary procedures would be continued indefinitely to allow further discussion between the Administration and the Council. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 4 : 38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ann Puzzello Chairperson, Personnel and Finance Committee