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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-01 Personnel & FinanceP tommitt* *port: ersonu i an f ittantt 4ommitta The February 12, 2001 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski at 5:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, King, Kelly, Varner, Ujdak, Coleman and Kirsits; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Police Chief Larry Bennett, Citizen Member Isabelle Gonzalez, Building Commissioner Don Fozo, Public Works Director Gary Gilot, j Bureau of Sewers and Bureau of Streets Director Sam Hensley, City Controller M. Catherine Roemer, Director of the Division of Environmental Services John J. Dillon, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Community and Economic Development Director Jon Hunt, Fire Chief Luther Taylor, Code Enforcement Director Kathy Davis, City Attorney Charles Leone, Assistant City Attorney Ann-Carol Nash, Historic Preservation Commission Acting Director John Oxian, Terry Bland of the'out) 3 tIO ITVibUttt, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Aranowski noted that the meetin g was called to continue the discussion of the He noted Council on December 18, 2000. H 2001 Capital Budget which was initially unveiled to the Cou , 2 P g Y that the capital budget is set forth in Bill No. 8-01 which will have formal public hearing this evening. g Mayor Luecke provided two (2) handouts to the Committee, namely the "Detail Listing of Expenditures of the City of South Bend's Capital Budget" and a end's 2000 Ca ital Bud et one-page "City of South Pug Y Bend-2001 Capital Budget Additions/Deletions Form 12/18/00 Council Draft"(copies attached). Mayor Luecke highlighted significant items in the handouts, noting that cash on had pays for the majority of the capital budget. He will be proposing that COIT and EDIT maintain a ten percent (10%) cash reserve in each. A possible waterworks rate increase may be considered at a later point in time. He also noted that the Administration is considering moving Human Rights to the former Park Administrative Building. Mayor Luecke noted that an infra red camera unit would be purchased from the Fire Department operating budget. Council Member Aranowski noted that that safety device remains a Council priority. Dr. Varner inquired whether the proposed police vehicles would have extended warranties on them like the Crown V ictorias had. Mayor Luecke noted that he would have someone get back to the Council with that information. The Mayor then called upon Phil St. Clair to provide additional information to the Council in light of concerns raised by Council Member Ujdak about the proposed skateboard park. Mr. St. Clair provided a one-page handout summarizing the years of operations/claims for the cities of Columbus, Warsaw, Valparaiso, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis; as well as a two-page handout form City Securities Insurance (copies attached). He showed pictures of the Indianapolis operation to the Committee. He noted that he was in Pittsburgh last week and visited Valparaiso last year. The proposed$ 250,000 skateboard park would be by O'Brien. In response to a question raised by Council President Pfeifer.,Mr. St. Clair stated that the facility Personnel and Finance Committee February 12,2001 Page 2 would be secured. Dr. Varner inquired whether there would be additional LRS funding from the state. Mayor Luecke stated that it does not look good for additional funding. He also inquired whether safety equipment would be required as well as other regulations. Mr. St. Clair stated that there would be rules and he would hope that the park would bring credibility to the sport. All of the parks listed on the handout are lighted until 9 or 10 p.m. Council Member Kelly inquired about pot hole repair. Mayor Luecke stated that the Street Department has used twice as much material than used by this point last year. Council Member Aranowski noted that the cold mix patch is in a separate material item which was confirmed by Mr. Hensley. Council Member Ujdak voiced concern about the proposed skateboard park. He is not opposed to it, however has not seen the need for it especially when the City has increasing paving needs, and especially the growing capital needs for the Fire and Police Departments. He stated that he has staffing concerns which will require additional monies. He inquired about any charge to use the facility since liability insurance alone will cost at least $ 10,000.00. Council Member Ujdak concluded that he does not see the skateboard park as a priority and that there are other public safety needs warranting attention. He stated that he would be making a motion to delete this specific project from the capital budget this evening. Council President Pfeifer inquired as to what criteria were used to select Human Rights as the one office to be re-located. Mayor Luecke stated that it is the right size, many individuals are intimidated to come into the County-City Building and that it may be the best free-standing operation. Following further discussion, Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 8-01 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mayor Luecke then provided additional information about the landfill issue which was discussed at the last State Senators/ Representatives Luncheon Meeting with the Council. Mayor Luecke noted that the Michigan site uses a double liner, is bonded and pays between $ 11 to $ 19 to its employees. Berrien County costs $ 17 per ton whereas Prairie View costs $ 30 per ton plus additional state and county fees of an additional 5%. Council Member Coleman noted that two of the three landfill bills downstate are set for public hearing on February 14th. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member James Aranowski, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee • KCF:kmf Attachments