HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-94 Personnel & Finance Comm Wu Attport:
Personnel and Finance Committee
-Co t t Common Council of the City of bouthj
The September 7, 1994 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was
called to order by its Vice Chairperson, Council Member Gene Ladewski at 4:15 P.M. in
the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Ladewsksi,Washington, Kelly,
Puzzello, Luecke, Zakrzewski, and Duda; Mayor Joseph Kernan, Kevin Horton, Jeff
Rinard,Tom Scarbuck,William Eagan,Don Porter,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
In the absence of Council Member Coleman, Council Member Ladewski stated that
he would like to proceed ahead with the overall review of the budget.
Mr.Horton noted that each of the Council Members should have received a multiple
page document entitled"Budget Revisions"dated September 2, 1994.
Mayor Kernan then addressed the Council. He noted that he had been in contact
with several of the Council Members to have informal discussions with regard to proposed
non-barginning salary ordinance modifications (copy attached). He noted that the City's
financial position has improved and is in its strongest position since the Property Tax
Control Program was put in effect.He stated that the City wishes to remain competitive and
fair. He noted that four individuals have left this year, two to seek employment with St.
Joseph County, one in Elkhart, and one in LaPort County. He stated that all of the
proposed changes total approximately $30,000.00. He believes that they are fair and are
within the means of the City financially.
Council President Puzzello questioned the structure of group one "Department
Heads/Policy Level" and in particular listing of the Building Commissioner and the
Community Affaires Director. She also stated that she believes that the Code Enforcement
Director should receive more compensation.
Council Member Zakrzewski voiced concern with regard to the proposed salaries
for the Police Chief and the Fire Chief. He noted that the Fire Chief has developed several
new and innovative programs and effectively manages a department of over 200
individuals. He noted that especially in light of the proposed increases for the Mayor's
Administrative Assistants, that the Chiefs salaries should be reconsidered and increased.
Mayor Kernan noted that he is open to discussion on all of these items.
Council Member Kelly stated that the City must remain competitive in the salary
area.
Mr. Horton then reviewed the three page summary of all budget changes.
Council Member Ladewski questioned whether there is ongoing discussion with
regard to his recommendation of last year to combine the Weights and Measures
Department between the City and the County. Mr. Horton noted that the City is interested
in this proposal.
Committee Report
Personnel and Finance
September 7, 1994
Page 2
Council Member Coleman joined the meeting at this point.
Council Member Luecke noted that the revised budget sheets for the Council budget
did not reflect what he thought was tentative agreement on increasing the amount for the
Council Attorney. Council President Puzzello recommended that $500.00 be taken from
travel and$500.00 be taken from promotion to allow an increase for 1995 for legal services
paid to the Council Attorney. She presented that sheet to Mr. Rinard.
Mr. Horton noted that the overall City budget includes a$700,00.00 surplus.
Council Member Ladewski also requested when a presentation on CAGIT &
COGIT would be made. Mr. Horton noted that in light of ongoing discussions with Mr.
Lentz,that October would be the earliest possible date for such a meeting.
It was noted that the Public Hearing would take place on September 12, 1994 on all
three of the budget related ordinances with the vote to take place on September 26, 1995. It
was also noted that Bill No. 85-94 would probably be continued at the meeting on
September 12, 1994 to allow further discussion with regard to the proposed changes
recommended by the Mayor.
Mr. Rinard also noted that a multiple page document regarding the estimate of
miscellaneous revenue and a two page summary of cash balances and budget estimates was
also among the material to be reviewed by the Committee.
There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was
adjourned at 5:10 P.M.
Respectively submitted,
Eugene Ladewski,Vice Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
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