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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-00 Personnel & Financer 1 , lommttt*t wort: ersotttttz alb tttatut eommttt* The September 5, 2000 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski at 3:10 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Kelly, Varner, Coleman and Pfeifer;M. Catherine Roemer, City Controller; Tom Skarbek, Director of Budgeting & Financial Reporting; Jon Hunt, Director of the Department of Community & Economic Development; Beth Leonard of the Division of Financial & Program Management; Cheryl Phipps, Administrative Assistant/Office Manager; Don Inks of the Division of Economic Development, Pam Meyer of the Division of Community Development; Economic Development Specialist Michael Guiliani, Flint Dille,Jim Horski,Dennis Andrews and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Aranowski noted that the Committee's budget meetings previously scheduled for September 7th will be re-scheduled to September 14th @ 3 p.m. PARING GARAGES-MAIN/COLFAX, ST. JOSEPH/JEFFERSON & LEIGHTON PLAZA GARAGES (FUND # 601) 2000 Projected Expenditures: $ 806,697 2001 Projected Expenditures:$745,234 Expenditure Decrease of 2.8% = (-21,354) 2000 Projected Revenues: $ 671,313 2001 Projected Revenues: $ 730,008 Michael Guiliani,Economic Development Specialist, made the presentation. He noted that they are working with the downtown businesses and AMPCO. He provided an overall review and highlighted proposed improvement strategies addressing: new access control equipment, purchasing a new sweeper,and the better tracking and auditing of parkers. Flint Dille stated that they are emphasizing customer courtesy items and give away candy to parkers. Council President Pfeifer inquired about other courtesy items which could be developed. Mr. Horski stated that such items would could include having coffee by the elevators, having courtesy umbrellas, giving away coupons for car washes or oil changes. Council Member Aranowski inquired about the Nebraska weekend noting that he had asked Bernie Kish to make contacts with regard to extended parking in the downtown area and to make sure that all areas would be safe in light of the additional automobile and pedestrian traffic. Council Member Aranowski noted that he was especially concerned about Thursday and Friday nights. He had suggested that banners be hung welcoming the Cornhuskers earlier,and hoped that the City of South Bend would be doing everything that it could of welcoming those from Lincoln, Nebraska to our City. The AMPCO representatives noted that no one had contacted them about special hours for the Nebraska weekend. Council Member Kelly inquired as to what the hours would be for the garages. The Committee was advised that the hours for the three (3) older garages would be 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. and that they would be closed on Saturday. The Leighton Garage would be 7 a.m. To 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. On the weekends. Personnel and Finance Committee September 5, 2000 Page 2 Council President Pfeifer also voiced concern about the parking in the downtown area. She noted that the Council has raised concerns for years with little action being taken. She noted that problems regarding the Morris which were eventually addressed. Council President requested to see a document detailing long-range planning for the garages since many events are established long in advance and the City should be well aware of the parking needs. Dr. Varner inquired what it would take to have at least one (1) garage open. It was noted that the set up price would be$ 15.00 per hour. Council Member Kelly stated that the area is expecting 30,000 from Nebraska. He recommended that the City take a chance and have at least one (1) garage open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights beyond the normal 7 p.m. closing hour and that it be well marked. Cathy Roemer voiced concern noting that years ago the City provided game day parking and shuttles which failed. Flint Dille noted that special event parking could be an option where a set fee is established. He noted that the Marriot charges $ 10.00 and Notre Dame charges $ 20.00. Mr. Guiliani stated he would talk with Bernie Kish about the need for parking and update Council Member Aranowski by voice mail. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-TOTAL DEPARTMENT (FUND # 212) 2000 Projected Expenditures: $ 2,090,670 2001 Projected Expenditures:$ 2,435,219 Expenditure Increase of 4.3 % = $100,678 2000 Projected Revenues: $ 2,202,935 2001 Projected Revenues: $2,435,219 Jon Hunt, Executive Director of the Department of Community & Economic Development provided handouts to the Committee (copies attached) which he reviewed. He noted that the organizational chart reflects two(2) major divisions within the department. Her noted that there are never are enough resources to address all of the projects. Council President Pfeifer thanked Mr. Hunt for his fine presentation and excellent handout but voiced frustration that the expectations highlighted may not be able to be reached because of the lack of resources. She emphasized that a city-wide neighborhood strategy needs to be identified and there needs to be agreements between the Administration and the Council with regard to the comprehensive use of CDBG monies. She noted that neighbors must be treated as full partners that are responsible. She noted that the planners have done a tremendous difference in many neighborhoods, however there needs to be an additional emphasis on support and training for neighborhood leaders. Mr. Hunt noted that in many areas of the City the percentage of rental properties is 60-70 % He stated that often times the City must break the mold as to how such areas will be addressed. Council President Pfeifer agreed noting that the small block groups better often times than a cookie cutter approach. Personnel and Finance Committee September 5, 2000 Page 3 Council Member Kelly noted that a lot of tough decisions are required to revitalize our neighborhoods. He cited the closing of a partnership center as being a tough decision but a right one. Council President Pfeifer requested that the Council be more involved in the overall process and requested that they be invited to meetings. Mr. Hunt reviewed the various measures he proposes for improved accountability of the Department. Mr. Hunt noted that over the next fifteen (15) months they will be reviewing priorities and will keep the Council updated. Beth Leonard of the Division of Financial &Program Management noted that the previous five (5) divisions have been consolidated into three (3) divisions. The revenue sources include: federal program grants such as CDBG, HOME, ES, and UDAG; civil city support through general fund transfers;EDIT fund grants through interfund transfers, state grant funds,staff contracts with not-for-profit corporations;interest income and service fee revenues. Council Member Kelly inquired about the promotional costs. Ms. Leonard stated that the department prints various types of brochures and provides various types of activities through the Good Neighbors/Good Neighborhoods program under this line-item. Dr. Varner inquired about the GIS allocation. Don Inks stated that it is important and that $ 10,000 is a reasonable annual amount for maintenance. It was noted that they are developing"quality of life"indicators;utilize crime data;and have several confidentiality issues. The Council Attorney inquired about bike patrols in light of Police Chief Bennent's concerns that the issue is not one of funding but rather one of having adequate manpower to fill the requests for bike patrols when neighborhood groups request them in addition to the needs for them in the Fast Race and the Howard Park areas. Mr. Hunt noted that there is a problem in the area of bike patrols and directed patrols, and that several of the commercial corridors have made requests for them. Mr. Hunt stated that a "united front" should be jointly developed by the Administration and the Council on bike and directed patrols before next Spring. He noted that New York City utilized this approach as well as small group meetings. Council Member Aranowski suggested that a meeting of the Administration, the Council and the Chairpersons of each of the corridors be held to discuss bike and directed patrols. Dr. Varner and Council President Pfeifer suggested that all possible alternatives be reviewed and discussed with regard to the individuals used for the DARE programs with retired police officers being considered as possibilities of added manpower. Council Member Aranwoski further suggested that DARE, school resource officers, bike patrols and directed patrols all be carefully studied by the Council's Personnel and Finance Committee September 5, 2000 Page 4 Health and Public Safety Committee and Chief Bennett. Council President Pfeifer suggested that commercial corridors may wish to consider hiring private law enforcement personnel. She noted that proper policy making and coordination is absolutely essential. Council President Pfeifer asked if they have received enough financial resources to address the priorities which Mr. Hunt has outlined. Mr. Hunt suggested that they will make every effort to succeed and suggested that a meeting with the Council be held in March 2001 for an update on their resources and meeting their objectives. Beth Leonard stated that there are not enough monies allocated to address the needs of the department. Council President Pfeifer voiced frustration since the Department has presented excellent handouts but one could see that they may be wasting their time since the resources just aren't there. She then inquired about servicing the needs of the public and the various programs in this area. It was noted that office space in the Trigon Building will soon be leased and that Saturday programs are being considered to be more pro-active with the residents. Tokens would be given to part in the old Hardee's parking lot. It was also noted that housing programs are county-wide and therefore training will also be taking place at Battell Center in Mishawaka. Pam Meyer noted that a"mind-set change"may be necessary in several areas. Council President Pfeifer requested a written updated on the outreach programs, training, etc. She noted that we all should be open to constructive criticism since we all need to improve what we do. Council Member Kelly stated that goal setting is extremely important and that hard decisions must be made. He welcomed the additional material requested and the upcoming opportunities for input through joint Administrative/Legislative meetings. Mr. Hunt noted that the Mayor would like to be involved in the front-end of the process. Council Member Kelly suggested a meeting with the Council be held in March. He further noted that the Council's suggestions are not to be interpreted as being critical but rather as a means to have further improvement. Don Inks of the Division of Economic Development noted that the Department is having a growing problem in keeping staff in light of the salaries. Council President Pfeifer suggested that goals should be presented before the Council gets involved in the capital budget next year so that the handouts presented today by Mr. Hunt are not just pieces of paper. Council Member Aranowski praised Mr. Hunt and his department for the great job they did with Bosch. Mr. Hunt stated that often times his department is dealing with attitudes about life and that • Personnel and Finance Committee September 5, 2000 Page 5 they will all work to do things better since the Administration and Council should all be driving toward the same goals of improving the City. Pam Meyer stated that she would be back to update the Council in October. Council Member Aranowski thanked everyone from the Department of Community & Economic Development for their presentations and insights. At approximately 4:50 p.m., the following individuals joined the meeting: Brian R. Hedman, Executive Director of the Century Center and Tom Davis, Financial Director who replaced Elizabeth Rowe. CENTURY CENTER (FUND # 670) 2000 Projected Expenditures: $ 2,749,174 2001 Projected Expenditures:$ 2,903,502 Expenditure Increase of 0.7% = $20,181 2000 Projected Revenues: $ 2,851,914 2001 Projected Revenues: $ 2,934,236 Mr. Hedman introduced Tom Davis to the Committee. He welcomed the opportunity to review the Century Center's operations. He noted that business is terrific. He stated that 65-70 weddings receptions have been scheduled for this year. Mr. Hedman noted that the Century Center has one of the highest usage rates in the industry for facilities of its size. He noted that they are currently looking for a five(5) year contract with the caterers. The budget reflects current numbers in this area. Mr. Hedman stated that the management fee from the Hall of Fame has been used for merit bonuses. He noted that 2001 should be a good year for the Century Center. Council Member Aranowski inquired about limited increases being proposed for utilities. Mr. Hedman stated that they use an energy management system which has proven very effective. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Mr. Hedman noted that one lease payment has been paid off with$9,000 being the final payment. Mr. Hedman stated that they are always trying to be on the cutting edge. He cited the addition of an ATM machine which is doing very well. The Council Attorney thanked Mr. Hedman and the Century Center Board for again agreeing to provide a room for the fire negotiations at no charge. She indicated that the service was fantastic and that everyone was very professional. She inquired about the policy for power point presentations since the City was charged over $ 300 to rent a unit. Mr. Hedman stated that he would check into their policies in this area. Council Member Kelly agreed about how great the staff at the Century Center has been, however noted that the Century Center could save some money if it would not keep the rooms so cold during the summer. • ' Personnel and Finance Committee September 5, 2000 Page 6 Dr. Varner inquired about the $ 46,00 proposed for miscellaneous contracts. Mr. Hedman noted that the monies would be for maintenance agreements on the chillers,boilers,etc. Council Member Kelly inquired as to what is one of the component's to the Century Center being so successful. Mr. Hedman stated that he believes it is because of how well the people are treated when they are at the Century Center. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the meetings which Mr. Hedman has had with the taxicab drivers. Mr. Hedman noted that taxicab drivers act as ambassadors to the City and oftentimes are the first individual a person meets when they are picked up at the South Bend Regional Airport. He noted that there have been two (2) meetings to date. He stated that much more work has to be done in this area. Mr. Hedman noted that he worked hard to have the airport named changed and that its new name is being well received. Mr. Hedman noted that the Roemer/Chocola debates are scheduled for October 11th. Council Member Aranowski thanked Mr. Hedman for his detailed presentation and wished him continued success in the year ahead. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Aranowski adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member James Aranowski, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachments