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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-95 Personnel & Finance t tl tom.mtttu Z*port: Personnel and Finance Committee Z0 the QCommott QC0untti1 of the City of 6otttb *n : The September 13, 1995 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was reconvened by Council Member Steve Luecke, Chairperson at 4:05 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Zakrzewski, Duda, Ladewski, Puzzello, Coleman, and Luecke; Denise Sullivan Sanford, John Leszczynski, John Stancoti,Al Miller, Carl Littrell,Bob Crowe,John Wiltrout,Lee Ann Bassey, Citizen Member Cathy Roemer,Tom Scarbek and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Mayor's Budget:. 1995 = $269, 801.00 1996 = $291, 175.00 (requested) Denise Sullivan Sanford made the presentation. She noted that there is one personnel change where a new position for a secretarial position which was formerly shared with other departments. She noted an increase in general office supplies of$250.00 and a decrease in travel of$1, 000.00. South Bend Water Works: 1995 = $5, 366, 958.00 1996 = $5, 821, 269.00 (requested) Mr. John Stancoti introduced Lee Ann Bassey, Bob Crowe and John Wiltrout from his office. Lee Ann Bassey then reviewed the color handouts (copy attached). She noted that the Water Works Department is now open till 6:30 P.M. on Wednesdays. In response to a question raised by Council President Ladewski it was noted that the Water Department currently does not accept credit cards however, it was concept he recommended that should be considered. Council Member Duda voiced concern with regard to the shut-off policy. It was noted that individuals can set up a specific payment schedule and that shut-off personnel do accept payment personally and can extend a shut-off for up to 24 hours. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello it was noted that the life of a well in basically unpredictable however the City of South Bend has a good aquifer. It was further noted that service valves are owned by the customer. The biggest increases for the overall budget is for laboratory testing which is currently at$30, 000.00 which s proposed at$90, 000.00, stationary and printing, and bad debt expense of approximately $30,000.00. r Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 13, 1995 Page 2 Mr. Stancoti noted that the City is currently looking at new well fields at the southern end of the City and that additional dollars for consultants are necessary. It was noted that each well test which is done each month costs$6,225.00 to check for"VOC". In response to a question raised by Council Member Zakrzewski, it was noted that the building renovation is currently on the back burner for approximately 2 to 3 years and that the overall safety for employees is safe. Council President Ladewski questioned when all of the fire hydrants would be painted throughout the City. It was noted that 800 were painted this year with kits for "Alive With Pride"being provided.There are 3900 fire hydrants city-wide. Communications Bureau: 1995 = $232, 150.00 1996 =$239, 981.00 (requested) Mr. Al Miller made the presentation. Mr. Miller noted that the Communications Bureau maintains 2-way radios city-wide.Additional systems are now up and running for the Water Department, Environmental Services, Park Department, and the Engineering Department. Increasing equipment has been added to all of the police squad cars with all requiring new antennas. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that the radios are aging with most being GE Radios from 1989. He noted that parts are becoming increasingly unavailable for such radios. Mr. Miller also noted that in 1996 a significant number of police radios must be replaced. Ideally they should be changed every 7 years however the average life for radios in the City of South Bend is between 12 to 15 years with the overall system remaining the same. Engineering Department: 1995 = $5, 111, 668.00 1996 =$4, 980, 075.00 (requested) Mr. John Leszczynski noted that the budget proposed for 1996 is a 2.5% decrease. He then requested Mr. Carl Littrell to review the handouts. It was noted that 2 personnel are getting certificates and as a result will be able to do construction inspection and would allow the City to receive a 20% match as result of such certification. One additional Engineer is being requested at$22,000.00. In response to a question raised by Council President Ladewski, it was noted that street lights are a continuing problem. It was noted that"street lights outages"are listed in the blue pages of the telephone book. Mr.Littrell noted that it is monitored and the City is to receive credit. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 13, 1995 Page 3 Council Member Kelly also voiced major concern with regard to Indiana Michigan Power Company and that he has telephoned many complaints with regard to street light outages into them directly. He noted that those in the southeast neighborhood especially have not been promptly responded to and it is a growing concern. He further noted that he always receives the excuse that there is a problem with the underground line. Mr.Littrell noted that each street light which has ordinary wooden pole cost$12.00 per month with no credit for outages being given until after 3 days. Council Member Duda also noted that there are several lights out on Twyckeham. In response to a question raised by Citizen Member Cathy Roemer, it was noted that the telephone line item did decrease since each department now must pay its own telephone bill. It was noted that there are 12 take home cars for the department and that City Policy does not permit Non-City employees to ride in such vehicles nor does it allow such vehicles to go outside of the City limits. Council Member Zakrzewski questioned the status of concrete streets. Mr. Littrell noted that the contractor is to begin work next Monday. Mr. Leszczynski stated that he would provide a listing of those to be addressed. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that the Redevelopment Department has not paid for engineering services for the past 2 years. Mr. Tom Scarbek then reviewed the Board of Public Safety Budget which remains the same for 1996 at$10,200.00 which pays the salary for the 3 Board Members. He also reviewed the Youth Services Bureau budget and the Studebaker Museum budget. Following question and conversation by the Committee the meeting was recessed at 5:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke Chairperson,Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments