HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-94 Personnel & Finance Committee Zport:
Personnel and Finance Committee
'Co he Common Council of the City of 6outfi Itenb:
The August 24, 1994 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 3:10 p.m. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Washington, Luecke, Kelly,
Puzzello, Coleman, and Ladewski; Jeff Rinard, Bill Eagan, Jon Hunt, Elizabeth Leonard,
Kevin Horton, Ed Talley, Pam Meyer, Kathy Baumgartner, Ann Kolata, Don Inks, Tom
Scarbuck, Cheryl Phipps, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1994 = $569,464.00 1995 = $569,464.00
Mr. Jon Hunt, the Director of the department made the presentation. It was noted
that an adjustment in the requested budget will be made. The department is asking for a
1.5% increase for a total of$8,541.00 from the current 1994 budget. Mr. Hunt noted that
actual or potential income for their budget year which runs from July through June of next
year is anticipated at $31,726,976.00. Mr. Hunt then reviewed a handout "1995
Department of Community and Economic Development" a budget and budget
narrative.(copy attached) He highlighted the Mission Statement and Strategic Focus, the
Department Organization, the 1995 Department Administrative Budget, the 1995
Department Resource and Asset Management Responsibility, Department
Accomplishments,and a Departmental Overview by division.
Elizabeth Leonard then reviewed the comparisons between 1994 and 1995. She
noted that basically there will be a 1% increase request for a CDBG monies for a total of
$9,600.00.
Council Member Roland Kelly and Council Member Steve Luecke complimented
Mr. Hunt and his entire staff for a job well done. Council Member Luecke thanked Mr.
Hunt for a very thorough document.
Mr.Horton noted that State Law changes with regard to Tax Incremental Financing
are not anticipated. It was noted that TIF monies cannot be used for maintenance,
operations,or administrative cost.
FIRE DEPARTMENT 1994 = $8,042,320.00 1995 = $8,596,445.00
Fire Chief Luther Taylor and Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski then joined the
meeting. They both made the presentation on their proposed budget and provided the
Council with several handouts. (copies attached)
It was noted that three additional personnel will be added in 1995, including one
new fire fighter and two civilianized positions. Chief Taylor noted that four individuals are
required on Rescue I.
Committee Report
Personnel and Finance
August 24, 1995
Page 2
Council Members Zakrzewski and Puzzello voiced concern over the salary paid to a
Data Entry Clerk and believed that the duties for this position warrant additional
compensation. It was suggested that the position be reclassified. This matter was to be
discussed further.
In response to a question raised by the Council Attorney, Chief Taylor noted that
the random drug testing which began in July is going well.
Chief Taylor then handed out a"Confined Space Rescue Narrative"(attached). He
noted that there will be two Tactical Response Teams, level I and level II. They will be
trained in Hazardous Materials and Confined Space Rescue and cross trained. He indicated
that this is the most inexpensive way for the City. There will be 8 fire fighters available per
shift to do this type of work. It was noted that it will require a salary ordinance change. It
was also noted that training was required by OSHA with an anticipated cost of
approximately $30,000.00. It was discussed that a concept to generate a fee to provide
Confined Space Rescue to companies and corporations throughout the City should be
pursued.
Bob Raker will be in charge of the Tactical Response Level Teams and the training
will require 2 weeks of school,5 days per week, 8 hours per day which will take place this
year.
City Controller,Kevin Horton noted that a full fledged training program is currently
in the discussion stages and will be continued to be discussed in the future.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 1994 = $9,052,641.00
1995 = $9,650,074.00
Assistant Chief Switalski then reviewed the budget summary on personnel service.
Line item detail was also reviewed.
Chief Switalski noted that if there is no activity after 120 days that a delinquent
account is sent to the Credit Bureau. The Credit Bureau collects 30%of such fees collected.
The overall collection rate for 1991 was 76%.Payments totaled$416,503.00.
Council Member Luecke questioned the computer system and statistics. It was
indicated that an upgrade of software was necessary however each of the stations utilize the
computers for Roll call.
Council Member Luecke also voiced concern with regard to the County Warning
system and was advised that it is an obsolete system. Council Member Luecke suggested
that the City of South Bend should take the lead on this, and that perhaps a fee similar to
that which is charged for enhanced 911. Council Member Kelly also voiced support for
looking into upgrading the system.
Committee Report
Personnel and Finance
August 24, 1994
Page 3
FIRE PENSION FUND 1994 = $2,972,855.00 1995 = $3,163,845.00
It was noted that the death benefit is up from$3,00.00 to$6,000.00 as required by
State Law.
It was also noted that$1.8 million dollars is received in pension relief.
Chief Taylor noted that Leon Stein of the Fire Fighter Union and himself worked
out the details with regard to confined space. Chief Taylor indicated that substantial positive
progress has been made this year which will benefit the entire department.
The Council Members present thanked Chief Taylor and Assistant Chief Switalski
for a very thorough presentation and handouts.
There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was
adjourned at 5:20 P.M.
Respectively submitted,
Sean Coleman,Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
SC:KCF:ds