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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-96 Personnel & Finance 4tommttttttort: Personnel and Finance Committee Co the Common Qtounttl of tbt City of 0outb grub: The September 17, 1996 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Steve Luecke at 3:15 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Kelly, Pfeifer, Varner, Zakrzewski, Broden; Paul F. Niezgodzki, Rick Switalski, Mikki Dobski-Schlidler, Jeff Rinard,Cathy Roemer, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. CCDF 1996 BUDGETED $ 301,855 1997 REQUESTED $1,042,835 Jeff Rinard then reviewed the CCDF budget. He noted that this is based on the twelve-cent ($.12) per One Hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation which generates approximately three-quarters of a million dollars of revenue. He noted that proposed budget includes the lease for the Police Department vehicles which is$3,394,000 over five years financed at 5.25%. It is currently a deficit budget and is dedicated solely to Public Works related equipment. CCIF 1996 REVENUES $664,248 Budgeted Expenses $626,916 1997 PROJECTED REVENUES $674,6001 Projected Expenses $619,657 Mr. Rinard noted that this Fund is dedicated to real property or real property improvements. It will cover the Century Center rent and MSF rent as indicated in the Line Item budget. STADIUM BOND 1996 BUDGETED $927,700 1997 REQUESTED $467,200 Mr.Rinard noted that the final payment on the Coveleski Stadium will be made in 1997. Council Members Coleman and Luecke again voiced interest with regard to considering this avenue for possible funding for other park projects. It was noted that this is a Redevelopment Bond issue. Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 17, 1996 Page 2 STUDEBAKER CORRIDOR BOND 1996 BUDGETED $430,113 1997 REQUESTED $422,113 Mr. Rinard noted that payments are required on this bond issue through the year 2006. EDIT 1996 PROJECTED REVENUES $1,382,670 1997 PROJECTED REVENUESR $1,382,670 1996 BUDGET EXPENSES $313,000 1997 REQUESTED $464,141 Mr. Rinard noted in reviewing the Line Item detail that this includes the five-year commitment to Project Future. (A copy of Resolution #2354-96 is attached which shows the City's intent from 1997 through the year 2001 for a five-year commitment at$100,000 each year.) POLICE PENSION 1996 BUDGETED $3,305,271 1997 REQUESTED $3,549,184 Mr. Paul F. Niezgodzki and Rick Switalski then reviewed the Police Pension budget. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that Mr. Niezgodzki has been in this position as secretary to the Pension Board for just a few weeks. He noted that the Fire Department is under the 1937 and 1977 laws whereas the Police Department is under the 1925 and 1977 laws. Approximately $2,000,000 is projected. They noted that they must budget for all eligible officers who could retire. To date,eight police officers have retired and three on disability. It was further noted that $75,000 has been budgeted with $624,279 in reserve. Each officer must have the necessary years of service and be at least 55 years of age also to be eligible for pension benefits. Currently 86 are eligible but of that number 45 officers are eligible for payments. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the 1997 Fund is now becoming an increasing burden to cities and towns throughout the State. • YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU Bonnie Stryker then joined the Committee to review the Youth Service Bureau Budget. She noted that from 1972 until 1986 they were part of the Civil City Budget and then at the request of Mayor Parent became a not-for-profit corporation in 1986. The budget detail . line item should be corrected for a request of $57,750 which is an increase from 1996 which was budgeted at $52,500. Overall, the total Youth Service Bureau Budget is approximately$800,000. Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 17, 1996 Page 3 ,. Ms. Stryker then highlighted the four basic purposes in programs of the Youth Service Bureau. The first is Safe Station located at 1322 Lincolnway East which assists teenagers from the ages of 10 to 17 with the availability to help ten children. The second program is "Young Mom's Self Sufficiency Program." An increase in light of the demand in this area is being requested with 20 women currently being assisted. The third program is the"Youth Development Services"which helps youth under the age of 12 and the Court-Appointed special advocacy program which currently has 65 volunteers. It was noted that St. Joseph County also provides money and has since 1976 and the City of Mishawaka also provides funding. Council President Kelly spoke in favor of the proposed increase and Council Member Broden spoke about the outstanding services performed by this Agency to the community. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 1996 BUDGETED $175,066 1997 REQUESTED $ 98,946 Mikki Dobski-Schlidler made the presentation. She noted that they are currently concentrating their focus during this transition period. As indicated when the Committee reviewed the Park Department budget two positions were transferred to that Department in the Events area. The focus is now on external communications and marketing. She then reviewed a handout. Council Member Pfeifer requested that a brochure be developed on the City of South Bend to help promote the city. It was noted the Mayor's office should have a visitor's guide however that would looked into. STUDEBAKER MUSEUM 1996 BUDGETED $125,000 1997 REQUESTED $213,000 Mr. Ron Radecki the Director of the Studebaker Museum then joined the Committee. He noted that the increased budget reflects the City's commitment to the Museum. He noted that "Dinosaurs Alive" will be again a part of the programs offered at the Studebaker Museum which basically focuses on a market for youngsters between ages of 3 to 7 years old. He also noted that the car collection is currently on track with volunteers to begin working on two vehicles for restoration. He also noted that the Studebaker Museum has become a member of a national organization. They are currently learning much from information received from the Henry Ford Museum as well as the Corvette Museum. Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 17, 1996 Page 4 Three restoration projects with many volunteers are currently underway. Another significant program to be offered at the Museum will"Backyard Monsters". In 1997 the International Meet will also be taking place in South Bend. The Marriot and Century Center will be committed to this with this Meet being held here for the first time since 1988. President Kelly is on the steering committee for the Studebaker Museum. ART ASSOCIATION 1996 BUDGETED $66,000 1997 REQUESTED $66,000 Susan R.Visser,the Director of the Art Association then joined the Committee. She noted that the budgeted amount is identical to last year which is a rent or occupancy fee which basically is pass through. She noted that the renovation and expansion has been very positively received by the community. She offered to have a walk through for a"City Night" and is currently working on many other exciting projects. She provided a brochure (copy attached)of the Fall programs. She also noted that the 50th Anniversary will be held in 1997. The Art Association began in the carriage house behind Tippecanoe Restaurant then moved to the YWCA and then housed in the-Century Center for the past 20 years. She also noted that increased awareness of the programs being offered at the Charles Martin Youth Center has increased participation by the youth. Council President Kelly complimented Ms. Visser and her staff for the outstanding programs. CENTURY CENTER 1996 BUDGETED $2,577,875 1997 REQUESTED $2,726,084 Brian Hedman, the Director of the Century Center and Carmen Piasecki a board member, then joined the Committee. Mr.Hedman noted that the Century Center finance committee had not reviewed the proposed budget prior to today's presentation. He noted that this is an enterprise fund with corporate trade-shows being the major economic component for the Century Center. He highlighted significant energy savings which now reflects a balanced budget. Council Member Pfeifer questioned the catering service and was surprised that the same caterer has been there since 1985. Mr. Hedman did note that a new chef was currently on staff and he would check in to her concerns. He also noted that when Chris Shenkel of the national news media came for the Football Hall of Fame banquet that he specifically noted that that was the best dinner he had ever experienced at a public forum. Mr. Hedman also noted that the current caterer signed a six (6) year contract which provides for significant improvements with the caterer paying a substantial portion of those improvements. In response to a question raised by Citizen Member Cathy Roemer, it was noted that 83% of the business is repeat business for the past five years. Currently the facility has approximately 60,000 square feet of convention space. High school graduation activities and proms also play a significant role in the Century Center. Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 11, 1996 Page 5 MORRIS CIVIC, 1996 BUDGETED $278,566 1997 REQUESTED $314,850 Cleo Hickey then joined the Committee. She noted that the Morris Civic has a seating capacity for 2,400 patrons. Currently a surcharge of$.50 is added per ticket for special improvements with proceeds receded to Fund No. 416 which has approximately a $196,000 balance. They will be celebrating the 75th birthday of the Morris Civic. Cleo Hickey then reviewed several handouts which talked and highlighted philosophical changes with regard to being more proactive by promoting certain concerts in-house. In response to a question raised by Citizen Member Cathy Roemer is was noted that the artist's fee in marketing is the biggest item. Council President Kelly noted that this is a "risk and reward"concept overall. Dr. Varner suggested that the surcharge be considered being increased to$1.00 to generate needed revenue. Ms. Hickey noted that the surcharge began in 1984 and has not been increased since that date. In response to questions raised by Council President Kelly and Council Member Luecke, it was noted fund raising to date has raised $4.2 million in pledges with approximately $1 million collected. The goal is to have $5 million committed before proceeding ahead. Leadership gifts of$25,000 each with payments of$5,000 over a five year period were the initial emphasis. Ms. Hickey noted that the building has the original wiring which is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. Dr. Varner also suggested that more local companies and stock gifts be considered with regard to fund raising which may provide more versatility and more revenue in the long run. Ms. Hickey stated that she would follow up on such suggestions. The Committee agreed to a proposal increase for possible in-house promotions. Following further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke,Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments