Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-95 Personnel & Finance atommtttts Ztport: Personnel and Finance Committee IT0 tbt tOmmou E4ui ttl of the tttg of South Otu : The September 19, 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, Duda, Zakrzewski, Puzzello, Coleman, and Luecke; Jenny Pitts Manier, Richard Nussbaum, Mikki Dobski Shidler, Lonnie Douglas, Ronalda Minnis, Irene Gammon, Sandra M. Parmerlee, Jeff Rinard,Tom Scarbek and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Community Affairs: 1995 = $193, 782.00 1996 =$168, 504.00 (requested) Mikki Dobski Shidler then reviewed the Community Affairs budget. She noted the changes in personnel and the proposed reorganization. She noted that external communications has been an additional responsibly taken on and that they are shifting their focus from new events to existing events. Consistent with the SOSP they plan to reenforce the ten year celebration of the East Race, and ongoing events such as the Indiana Cities and Towns Conventions which currently being hosted by South Bend this week, the Football Hall of Fame,the Ethnic Festival,etc. It was noted that a person with technical experience who has expertise in accounting and electricity is needed by the Department. She also noted that in light of the advance technology in computers that a secretary will not be necessary. As a result, there will be one director, two events coordinators and one person at a 3/4 time position. She also indicated that they are looking for space since they have outgrown the space at the Cove. In reviewing the line item budget she indicated that most items except for health insurance and postage have been reduced. She noted that promotions will be decreased by $20,000.00 since that was the amount earmarked for the IACT Convention. The performance based budget information will be provided to the Committee at a later date. Mr.Rinard noted that he will have corrected budget pages for the Committee. The Committee commended Mikki Dobski Shilder and her staff for the great performance indicators in process such as the Football Hall of Fame and the IACT Convention. City Clerk: 1995 = $217, 475.00 1996 =$218, 807.00 (requested) t Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 19, 1995 Page 2 Irene Gammon, the City Clerk then reviewed the line item budget and the performance based budget information. She noted that capital improvements have been deleted from her proposed budget.It is her understanding that her all computer equipment which had been previously budgeted at $15, 000.00 has been removed. She noted that her computer was down last week. Mr. Rinard indicated that John Leszczynski is overseeing all capital improvements. In response to a question raised by Council Member Duda, it was noted that a one year plan is necessary to qualify for expenditures of EDIT monies. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that all capital improvements would be prioritized and would not have an impact on smaller budgets. Mr. Rinard further indicated that such capital costs would be distributed back to each department by cost centers and specific cost programs.An appropriation ordinance of this type is anticipated to take place in January of 1996. Mrs. Gammon indicated that a new line proposed at$3,000.00 for legal services is also being request in light of the new state law which allows the City Clerk to hire separate legal counsel. She also indicated a need for a index system for minutes to the Common Council meetings and software to address that need. Microfilming will take place next year, which is done every 4 years. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello, it was noted that the codification monies of$20, 000.00 reverted back to the general fund in light of the City Administration recommending that it be done in house through the City Attorney's office. Mrs. Gammon stated that she believes that a total recodification should be done and expressed concern about doing it in house as opposed to a private contractor. Mr. Rinard noted that the Controller picks up the Code update costs which are done on a quarterly bases with Municipal Code out of Tallahassee,Florida. Mrs. Gammon also noted that the citation numbers differ from those which will be presented by the City Attorneys offices. Council Member Duda suggested that a log also be kept with regard to a performance indicator regarding telephone calls since numerous citizen requests are forwarded directly to the City Clerk's office. Questions were raised with regard to better coordination between the City Attorney's office and the City Clerk's office for fines that are over the ordinance violation limit of$70.00. City Attorney's Office: 1995 = $480, 232.00 1996 =$509, 598.00 (requested) Mr. Richard Nussbaum, City Attorney and Jenny Pitts Manier the Assistant City Attorney reviewed the line item budget and the performance based budget information. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 19, 1995 Page 3 Mr. Nussbaum noted that there are three areas reflecting increases namely: an increase for Legal Interns to be competitive with the private market with a Legal Intern I being paid$7.28 per hour,Legal Intern II being paid $8.06 per hour, and Legal Intern III being paid$$8.91 per hour.He also indicated an increase in stationery and an increase of the Deputy City Attorney Ito be upgraded to a Deputy City Attorney III. He noted that a Deputy City Attorney I is requested to work ten hours per week. The person currently filling that position is the Attorney for the Alcohol Beverage Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission and puts in hours in excess of the ten hour weekly requirement. It was indicated that no parking citations are included in the numbers with parking citations being listed in the City Clerk's numbers. It was also indicated that there has been approximately 50 prostitute solicitation impoundment of vehicles which requires payment of $500.00 from the owner of the vehicle to retrieve their motor vehicle. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that the City Attorney's office has been successful in settling several claims and that this year the Department should be less than$300,000.00,which was the approximate cost for lawsuits settled for last year. Mr. Nussbaum indicated that state law has broadened the potential liability with regard to police chases and that this may impact the dollar amount number for settlements. Mr. Nussbaum also indicated that Indianapolis Mayor Goldsmith attempted to privatize many areas and found that privatizing in the legal department area cost more in light of private billings ranging from$200.00 per hour to $250.00 per hour then having in house counsel. Mr. Nussbaum indicated that private counsel is limited to those instances where a conflict arises, when bond counsel is required, and specialty areas such as environmental law. The Committee thanked Mr. Nussbaum and Jenny Pitts Manier for their presentation and for the wide based legal services provided to the City. Human Rights: 1995 = $196, 499.00 1996 =$204, 343.00 (requested) Lonnie Douglas made the presentation of both the line item and performance base budget information. He noted a increase of postage of approximately$1,500.00.He noted that some of this reflects an increase in light of the City of South Bend being elected to the International Board of Humane Rights Agency's with South Bend being the regional representative. He indicated that hearing officers currently receive $500.00 per case and that local attorneys are now being used. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 19, 1995 Page 4 Mr. Douglas indicated that there are basically three revenue sources of monies for his department,namely: City money,EEOC money and HUD money with totals being in 1995 $305, 730.00 and in 1996 projected at$313, 834.00. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello,it was noted that age discrimination is not heard however is forwarded to the EEOC. Mr. Douglas stressed the continuing emphasis of effective dialog and conversation as opposed to court litigation.He also stressed the need for continuing training which will be highlighted in the upcoming annual report.A handout in this area was provided to the Committee(copy attached). Council Member Duda noted that Work Force Development also includes the Human Rights telephone number in their packet of information.Mr.Douglas indicated that the majority of calls outside of the City of South Bend are from Elkhart County and Mishawaka. It was also indicated that there were more inquiries in light of the ADA. He indicated reactivating the Women's Concern Committee, and that the Human Rights Commission has a video library where videos can be loaned out on specific topics.He also indicated that many individuals sit on local boards with time being donated for such committees. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that there is not a significant backlog and that the only backlog presently is directly related to those cases to be heard by hearing officers. Currently there are 119 cases with approximately 40 cases per investigator. He believes that this is a very manageable case load. Case processing time for each investigator is between 90 to 120 days. Mr.Douglas noted that he would like to have an educational component increased to be on a monthly bases as opposed to the quarterly bases currently. The Committee Members thanked Mr.Douglas for a fine program and a fine budget presentation. Self Funded Employee Benefits: 1995 = $5, 196, 525.00 1996 =$5, 204, 175.00 (projected) Ronalda Minnis,Benefits Manager and Jeff Rinard then made the presentation. Ms. Minnis noted that consistent with the theme at the negotiating table that their is a commitment to hold insurance premiums in check. She noted that the budget reflects a 10% increase health claims for 1996. Ms. Minnis reviewed the employee benefit division line item budget and performance bases budget information. She noted that there will be an emphasis on a wellness program.Nationally 55%of claims made by employees are related to individual health style choices such as drinking, smoking, obesity, etc. The second emphasis is on cost containment. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 19, 1995 Page 5 She noted that each Payroll Clerk in each of the Departments and Bureaus should be trained in the benefits area. A "How To" manual for payroll Clerks is currently being proposed. She indicated that there will be 8 areas going out to bid in plan year 1996. She noted that such things as "reasonable and customary"charges, PPO,precertification, etc. have generated in-house quarterly savings. After discussion and questioning, the Committee thanked Ms. Minnis for her thorough presentation. Council Member Luecke recessed the meeting at 6:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke Chairperson,Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments