HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-93 Personnel & Finance (ommittcc J&cport of tit Vi rzonnt1 and j'inan c (ommitttc:
The August 17, 1993 meeting of the Personnel and Finance
Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Councilmember Ann
Puzzello at 3:05 p.m. in the Council Informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Councilmembers: Coleman, Luecke,
Puzzello, Washington, Duda, and Zakrewski; Kevin Horton, Jeff Rinard,
Ed Talley, John Leszczynski, Isabelle Hernandez, Kelly Pickett, Deanna
Steffenhoffer and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Mr. Horton opened by the meeting by noting that the overall
decrease in City personnel will be 14 positions.
Engineering Department:
Engineering: '93 $ 3,729.643
1994 Proposed: $ 5.221.925
Board of Works '92 $ 2.556.558 (actual)
Traffic & Lighting '92 $ 518.865 (actual)
Mr. Leszczynski then reviewed the Division of Engineering Budget of the
Public Works Department. Proposed changes includes consolidation of
complaints for customer services in utilities, increased accountability,
decreased budgets and increased services. Deanna Steffenhoffer then read
the "Division of Engineering Budget Request".
Council President Luecke questioned the savings of going to sodium vapor
lights and Mr. Leszczynski stated that he would report back with that
information.
In response to a question from Councilmember Washington, it was noted
that Teen 2000 and the Ducomb Center are regularly used for employment
assistance with little success from the Portage Township Trustees Office.
Councilmember Washington suggested the use of non-violent offenders
from the Traffic and Misdemeanor Division of the Superior Court.
Personnel and Finance Committee
August 17, 1993
Page 2
Councilmember Puzzello also suggested looking into using County jail
inmates since programs in Columbus, Georgia and throughout the South
are regularly used efficiently. Mr. Horton stated that the Park Department
would be in need of additional personnel and that programs should be
looked into especially with regard to supervision of such individuals.
Councilmember Coleman asked several questions regarding hydrant rental
fees. It was noted that $158,000 is the past due amount of the $577,127,
which is required to be paid pursuant to the directive of the Public Service
Commission.
Council President Luecke noted that the new state law permits the City
Council to pass an ordinance whereby the rate payer would pay such rental
fees. Mr. Horton noted that such a fee would realize approximately one-
half million dollars. Mr. Lescycnski noted that the fee is based on the size
of the meter with 5/8" being $.82 per month. There are 34,000 5/8"
meters in the city. A 2" meter would be $2.15 per month. He added that
all new homes have 1" meters. The Council Attorney noted that the City of
Indianapolis passed such an ordinance in July. Mr. Horton stated it was
worth looking into.
The Council Attorney requested the City Engineering to send his
recommendations to Councilmember Puzzello on any fees which may be
appropriate for his department, such as preparation of vacation of public
way maps, preparation of legal descriptions, etc.
Central Services:
1994 Proposed:$ 1398.761
Kelly Pickett then reviewed the proposed budget. Most of the purchasing
was done through the Controller's office up until April of 1992. The
Central Purchasing Review Committee oversees policies for purchasing.
Currently they are looking as minority vendors.
Councilmember Duda inquired into recycled materials. These are being
considered.
Personnel and Finance Committee
August 17, 1993
Page 3
Century Center is not a part of Central Stores however discussions are
underway with them as well as TRANSPO. Central Stores is also studying
bar codes and scanning. No personal property tax or inventory taxes are
incurred by Central Stores.
Maintenance Agreements are being reviewed with new policies to be
implemented over the next two years. Their overall goal is to get all
departments on line.
Building Maintenance:
'93 $ 7,089,078
1994 Proposed:$ 5.869.086
Mr. Leszczynski then reviewed the budget. Total budget change is
$583.00. There is now 97% fleet availability and the City has the best fleet
ever.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the
meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
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