Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-96 Personnel & Finance €Comm f ttss It$por t: Personnel and Finance Committee tbs Common tout ufl of i s City of foutYj sn : The September 11, 1996 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Steve Luecke at 2:13 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Kelly, Pfeifer, Varner, Coleman and Broden; George Zanna, John Stancati, Carl Littrell, Jeff Rinard, Cathy Roemer, Jo Ann Harper, Loretta Duda, Jack Dillon, Kelly Picket, Kay Pola, Al Miller, Matt Chlebowski, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Luecke noted that the City Clerk has a conflict in the scheduled time for her presentation and that she has requested to be heard today. CITY CLERK 1996 Budgeted $218,870 1997 Requeted $237,430 Loretta Duda, the City Clerk then presented the City Clerk's budget. She noted that her salary for 1997 would be frozen. She then introduced Jo Ann Harper her chief deputy to the Committee and reviewed her line item budget. In response to a question raised by Council Member Pfeifer,it was noted that the Common Council did have a brochure under the Parent administration with the cost of such brochure coming out of the Common Council budget as opposed to the City Clerk's budget. She noted that the promotion and business accounts are new. She indicated that such accounts are necessary since the City of South Bend will be hosting with other cities in the district the City Clerks and Clerk-Treasurer's Convention next year. When reviewing the Ordinance Violation Bureau statistics she noted that in 1995, $121,646 were collected and to-date the Bureau has collected $141,111. Ms. Duda also noted that new policies and procedures have been implemented with regard to final notice and the filing of petitions with the Small Claims Court She was instrumental in changing the grace period on traffic tickets from five days to fourteen days and has been proactive with regard to the pulling of registrations on past-due tickets for those effected violators. She also indicated that $10,000 was being requested to begin codification next year. DIVISION OF EOUIPMENT SERVICES AND CENTRAL STORES Equipment Services: 1996 Budgeted $1,754,974 1997 Requested $2,550,029 Central Stores: 1996 Budgeted $2,150,792 1997 Requested $2,358,643 Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 1996 Page 2 Matt Chlebowski then introduced George Zanna and Kelly Picket to the Committee. Mr. Chlebowski then reviewed the budget summaries and highlighted increases. He noted that two new programs would be on line which would include the maintenance of the fire fleet and the transfer of mechanics from the Fire Department and also the inspections of taxi cabs. It was noted that security is being increased with fencing being installed. Council Member Luecke questioned the paint room and whether there were environmental concerns. It was noted that this has been looked at and that all regulations are being met. It was also noted that incentives for mechanics and increased training are being encouraged which results in an increase in the education and training budget. In response to a questions raised by Council Member Luecke, Mr. Zanna noted that Central Stores is on line with their projections in that there is better overall participation. Currently Central Stores is bidding with the South Bend School Corporation on limited items. Mr. Zanna also noted that ongoing discussions with the School Corporation, county and city officials are taking place with regard to the bidding out of other supplies. Council Member Coleman noted that many innovated programs have been implemented and that over the past three years there have been tremendous strides in these areas. ENGINERING BUDGET 1996 Budgeted $4,980,075 1997 Requested $5,089,089 • Mr. Carl Littrell noted that the overall Engineering budget reflects an 1.8%increase overall. He noted that there are five basic divisions which constitute the Engineering Department, namely the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting; Design and Administration; Public Construction; Good Neighbors,Good Neighborhoods; and Interdepartmental Transfers. Mr. Littrell noted that the department is very multi-faceted. He noted that there are 108 inter-connected enclosed loop systems in the city. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that there are currently nine proposals with regard to U.S. 31 alternatives. Mr. Littrell also noted the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices approved by the Feds,will be adopted by each state which will result in capital projects and capital monies. These new regulations will require changes even in street signs. There are ongoing negotiations with regard to taking over certain state highways that meet city standards. In response to a question raised by Cathy Roemer it was noted that the Telephone Telegraph reflects long distance calls and that salt is bought at the beginning of each year for the entire year. She also noted that an additional sum equal to that in the Engineering budget for salt is in the Street Department budget. In response to a question raised by Council President Kelly, it was noted by Mr. Rinard that they do bid out long distance carrier service and that currently individuals must use a calling code in order to activate long distance service. Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 1996 Page 3 Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to the curb and sidewalk program. It was noted by Mr.Littrell that they had three contractors which they utilized however they could have utilized twelve contractors. Problems overall included contractor performance and meeting deadlines. The city is divided into zones and penalties are set forth if a contractor does not meet a specific deadline. It was noted that backlogs in this area are still being addressed. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that new areas within the city should open up next year. Council Member Luecke thanked Mr. Littre11 and his staff for providing opportunities for bikers in making the city more"bike friendly". Mr.Littre11 noted that this was a by-product of MACOG Bicycle/Pedestrian Use Committee and that he does plan to respond in a "Michiana Point of View" to the concerns raised. He noted that the major problem is passing on the right. He also noted that"traffic calming devices"are being reviewed and may be implemented in the future. Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to the use or non use of yellow caution lights and specifically brought to Mr.Littrell's attention her concern of Jefferson Boulevard by the Century Center in light of the pedestrians and bikers. The Committee thanked Mr. Littrell for his presentation. WATER WORKS GENERAL 1996 Budgeted $5,821,269 1997 Requested $5,995,186 Mr. John Stancati, Director of the Water Works and LeAnn Bassi, Utilities Finance Director, then presented the Water Works budget. It was noted that metered sales for residential customers were up to $3,276,383. Approximately 150 new customers have been added. Backflow prevention inspections are up to$75,960. Approximately one-half million dollars in reserves is being maintained plus $1,000,000 in deposits. Backflow prevention is required by law to be done twice each year. In response to a question raised by Council Member Broden noted that sprinklers will not be addressed for the next three to five years. Chemicals have been increased in the line item in order to make the city water supply iron free by the year 2,000. Building repairs are down in light of the new Water Works Facility Building. A rate increase is being anticipated and thus fees of approximately$37,000 and fees of approximately$53,000 for a rate and bond study are included within the budget. A new well field will take place in the year 1998. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke regarding the protection of ground water,it was noted that contamination travels over a five to ten year period and that the city is working in cooperation with the county with a county-wide ordinance which should improve and protect water supplies. In response to a question raised by Council President Kelly it was noted that automatic pay of the approximate 25,000 customers is only at a 6% rate. Mr. Stancati noted that automatic pay by NIPSCO customers is at a 4%rate. It was also noted that cash in lieu of taxes is back on the tax rate and that fixed assets are up with 1996 being at$301,913 and 1997 projected to be$389,277. • Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 1996 Page 4 Mr. Stancati and Ms Bassi then reviewed the South Bend Clay Operation which has approximately 1,200 customers and is on a lease purchase program. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that there is no update with regard to the Roseland suit. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke regarding the IURC, it was noted that information is planned to be sent out with the Fall billings and will also be provided at the Scottsdale Mall "City on Display". Council President Kelly questioned where the IURC question would appear on the ballot and no one could confirm its location. The Committee thanked Mr. Stancati and Ms.Bussi for their presentation. RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - COMMUNICATION BUREAU 1996 Budgeted $239,981 1997 Proposed $248,842 Mr.Al Miller the Director of the Communications Bureau made the presentation. He noted that his bureau deals with 2-way communication. The biggest change is reflected in repair parts. One hundred new police department vehicles and computers will be on line by the next budget year. One hundred eight new portable radios are being purchased with 108 being provided to the uniform patrol division. Mr. Miller and Captain Horvath of the Police Department are working cooperatively for a smooth transition in this area. It was also noted that the grant provides for training of the police officers. The Committee thanked Mr. Miller for his presentation. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 1986 Budgeted $8,843,442 1997 Proposed $8,935,357 Mr. Jack Dillon the Director of Environmental Services noted that the proposed budget reflects a 1% increase. He then reviewed the Sewer Operation and Maintenance Fund (#641); sewers organic resources has been changed to reflect approximately $50,000 in revenue projected. He then reviewed the Sewer Depreciation Fund (#642); Sewer Sewage Works and M Reserve (#643) and Sewage Works and Sinking (#649) which should be $57,000. The Sewer Operation and Maintenance Fund (#621) includes no personnel changes and addresses the Environmental Complaints Program. Disposal of Hazardous Waste will be increased significantly from$10,000 to$60,000. He then reviewed several handouts. Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 1996 Page 5 WASTEWATER 1996 Budgeted $5,349,259 1997 Projected $5,855,718 Mr.Dillon then introduced Mr. Robert Toppel,Process Specialist and Amy Schmanski the Auditor for the Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Committee. He noted that they are bringing seven organic resource personnel into the budget. The digesters were last cleaned in 1988 and are budgeted next year at $301,000 for the cleaning. Mr. Dillon noted that they should be cleaned every five years. Mr.Dillon noted that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management recommended the South Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant for an award from the Environmental Protection Agency. He noted that the City of South Bend received a second place nationally. The Committee congratulated Mr. Dillon and his staff for this national recognition. He noted that they had reorganized the department to four 10-hour days following much discussion which has been implemented very positively. Mr. Leroy Kingsbury was then introduced to the Committee. It was noted that the Performance Indicator Poll will reflect permit complaint standards. Mr.Dillon also noted that he hopes to sell Class A sludge in 1997 which would be the first time for the City of South Bend. Mr. Sam Hensley, the Director of the Street Department then joined the Committee. He • noted that the city needs more machines in order to properly service the 400 miles of sewers throughout the city. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that the city currently handles 37,000,000 gallons per day of sewage and under the state rating could handle 60,000,000 to 70,000,000 gallons per day. They are currently working on a 20 year facility plan with a capacity of 62,000,000 gallons per day. Council Member Pfeifer raised concern with regard to problems in her district. Mr. Hensley noted that it could be a water table level problem if water indeed was coming through the walls. She suggested a neighborhood meeting with maps and brochures and personnel being available for questions. Mr. Hensley and Mr. Dillon noted that the Solid Waste revenue projection for 1997 is $3,085,725 up from 1996 of$2,980,813. It was also noted that the landfill budget item has been reduced by $150,000. The Committee was advised that since January of 1994 trash has been taken to Berrien County, Michigan where approximately 95% of the trash goes to Michigan. This has resulted in approximately$600,000 of savings on tipping fees alone. f k Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 1996 Page 6 The Sewer Repair Insurance Fund was then reviewed which is the same amount as 1996 projected to be $454,362 in 1997. The program requires the homeowner to pay the first $500 with the insurance kicking in thereafter. Seventy-one cents per month is collected per residence for the program. The average repair cost is $1,500 with a roaimatcl ZQQ sewer repairs being done annually. John Lykj eSC�ins rity;Meeting. Ile noted that the sewer repair insuranc ,'pro � 4 r,Jolned t�e 6ommittee with long term plans and goals being reevaluated. p 5 cunuy being revamped Mr. Sam Hensley,Street Department Superintendent and his staff then joined his staff then joined Committee to review the Street Department Budget. The Personnel and Finance Committee continued discussion until approximately 6:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke,Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments