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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-95 Personnel & Finance Committee Zeport: Personnel and Finance Committee -Co the Common CountiU of the eitp of §outb Os*n : The September 8, 1995 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was reconvened by Council Member Steve Luecke, Chairperson at 4:10 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Zakrzewski, Puzzello, Coleman, and Luecke; Becky Neese Fiscal Clerk,Don Fozo Building Commissioner,Jeff Rinard, Kevin Horton,Kathy Dempsey,Gary Libbey, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Building Department: 1995 = $818, 842.00 1996=$847, 662.00 (requested) Mr. Don Fozo, Building Commissioner reviewed the performance based budget information and the line item budget material for his department. He noted that there are 20 overall employees which included 11 inspectors.He then highlighted the upgrades in personnel. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that there is a vehicle replacement program in place.There are 12 cars owned by the City and 2 leased vehicles with 3 vehicles to be replaced in 1996. Mr. Fozo noted that certifications of his staff are up and that he is hoping to have his staff fully certified by the end of this calendar year.He indicated that he is nationally certified.In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman it was noted that there is an on going review of updating the data base system with an emphases on compatibility. Currently they are reviewing a GIS system which would coordinate with the Engineering Department. Mr. Rinard indicated that the City is looking at all possible software programs. There was a County Committee that looked at long range planning on this topic several years ago. The Committee complimented Mr.Fozo and his staff for a fine job. Neighborhood Code Enforcement: 1995 = $805, 227.00 1996 =$845, 138.00 (requested) Kathy Dempsey,Director and Gary Libbey then reviewed the line item budget and the performance budget information. Ms.Dempsey noted that she wants her Department to be more proactive with their overall goal and mission to take their Department off the tax rolls. She noted that there is a high stress level throughout her Department. Council Member Puzzello suggested that brochures be used as an educational tool for chronic violators. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 8, 1995 Page 2 It was noted that many of the partnership centers have loan programs for various equipment and that a barter system such as providing child care services for lawn care services etc. are being considered. There are loan type programs in effect in the northeast and southeast centers. The emphasis is to encourage people to take care of their own properties as opposed to having the City take care of them. Ms. Dempsey noted that all of the increases in personnel are within the 3% guideline. The Committee then was updated on the Humane Society contract which expires at the end of the year. Ms. Dempsey noted that the City of South Bend and the City of Mishawaka would like to have a joint meting so that they could establish similar terms in their contracts. Mayor Beutter wrote a letter and a meeting date has not been scheduled as of this point. Currently the budgetary amount for the Humane Society is proposed at the 1995 level of$180, 872.00. Council Member Luecke and Council Member Zakrzewski that they received letters from the Human Society requesting a meeting. Mr.Luecke noted that financial information was also sent with his letter to provide support for an additional appropriations request. Council Member Luecke noted that he would like to have the City Administration continue to work on the contract negotiation before the City Council would be involved. He indicated that he would be in contact by letter. Ms. Dempsey indicated that approximately $10, 000.00 for licensing and fees in light of the fee allocation ordinance is also sent to the Humane Society. It was indicated that the request of the Humane Society for next year is for a 15% to 18% increase. Ms. Dempsey noted numerous concerns such as the large turnover in staff of the Humane Society, the current operating budget verses efficiencies,the projected$30, 000.00 deficit, the fact that monthly reports are sometimes received 2 to 3 months late,how animal counts are taken,and overall concern of the quality of services. She noted that both she and Mr. Libbey traveled to Ft. Wayne which has a $900, 000.00 budget to cover all of Allen County. Ms. Dempsey also voiced concern with regard to animal control verses the educational component of the Humane Society. Mr. Rinard noted that the information provided by the Humane Society is an operational audit based on his review. Council Member Kelly suggested increased discussions with Pet Refuse and Council Member Luecke and Council Member Coleman suggested contacting other cities such as Bloomington,Ft. Wayne, etc. to receive additional information as to their animal control programs. Ms. Dempsey noted that in approximately 6 months the inspectors should be certified by the National Organization. She indicated that several ideas are received at attending the National Organization meetings. She is hopeful in starting a state organization for Code Enforcement. She also indicated that her department is looking at upgrading computer software. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 8, 1995 Page 3 Ms. Dempsey then reviewed weights and measures. As indicated in the performance based budget information, it is to be consolidated with the County. This should be an overall savings to the City of approximately $10, 000.00, with the County having the overall authority. The City and County are attempting to combine operations by October 1, 1995. Ms. Dempsey agreed with the Council Attorney that there needs to be a concerted effort to have the abandoned vehicle statute changed at the state level. Ms. Dempsey then reviewed the Hearing Officer budget and the Unsafe Building budget. She also reviewed the Junk Vehicle budget. Overall discussion of landlord licensing was also briefly discussed and it was indicated that an upcoming meeting will held with a landlord association on September 28, 1995. Following continued discussion and questions, Council Member Luecke thanked Ms.Dempsey and Mr.Libbey for their presentation. Council Member Luecke then recessed the meeting at 5:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke Chairperson,Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments