HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-22-13 Personnel & FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE
OCTOBER 22, 2013 5:12 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. David Varner, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Henry Davis
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis (AB), Gavin Ferlic, Derek Dieter
Citizen Members Present: Jack Smith (AB), Marc Brammer (AB)
Other Present: Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, Tim Sexton, Jeff Rea, George King, Erin Blasko, Janice Hall,
Crain, Keith, Mark Neal, Phil St. Clair, Christine Villaire, John Murphy,
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Kathryn, Roos, Eric Horvath, Cristal Brisco
Agenda: Continuing Review of 2014 Budget Proposals
To accommodate the number of department heads and other attendees Chairman Dr. David Varner
moved the meeting from the Council Caucus room to the larger Council Chambers. However, due to
technical difficulties the hearing was not recorded. The actual hearing began at 5:12 P.M.
Mark Neal, City Controller with the aid of overhead projectors and two corresponding handouts
(attached) made the presentation to the council. His comments were supplemented by Scott Ford,
Director of Community Investment who outlined the cost and benefits of the City's "Smart Streets"
initiative for the DTSB area.
Next, Mark focused on the City's "deconstruction" initiative. In this he was assisted by Chris Fielding,
Assistance Director of Community Investment. The "deconstruction" effort is one fact of the City's
approach to the vacant and abandoned housing problem. Rather than demolition, salvageable houses
would be deconstructed saving all salvageable materials for re -sale. If approved by the Council, the City
would enter into a contractual partnership with Habitat for Humanity. They would hire and train about
30 city residents who displayed a need, a desire, and a work ethic to acquire basic construction skills.
Salvaged items would be sold at a Restore outlet envisioned to be in the former K -Mart on Western
Avenue. Mark outlined the financial commitments associated with the plan.
During both presentations Councilmembers asked questions.
Valerie Schey expressed concern over the cost of the "Smart Streets" program suggesting other cities
had done similar projects at lower costs.
Derek Dieter said better comparisons of projects undertaken elsewhere and more detailed financial
projections were warranted. Tim Scott echoed those remarks.
Karen White wondered what a realistic timetable for these projects looked like. Pending Council
approval, the answer was a start in the spring of 2014. Karen also expressed a desire, shared by Valerie
Schey that the curb and sidewalk program for neighborhoods be separate from the "Smart Streets"
program and he expanded beyond the $720,000 allocation for 2014.
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Mark Neal said they were seen and accounted for separate and distinct efforts only linked as
infrastructure improvements.
The focus then shifted to the City's proposal to combine the building code and Animal Control
Departments. The Mayor Pete Buttigieg took the lead in this portion of the presentation. He defended
the combination of departments as a way of providing better services at lower costs. Before finishing
his remarks he also urged Councilmembers to favorably support the "smart streets" program, the
"deconstruction" initiative and salary increases for department heads previously proposed. In terms of
salaries the Mayor said they needed to be competitive and there needed to be parity among peers.
Before the brief Dr. David Varner wrap up; Karen White emphasized a need for better, more consistent
and reliable street lighting in neighborhoods. She emphasized it was a safety and quality of life issue.
Chairman Varner in closing noted the Personnel & Finance Committee would further review the budget
proposals on Monday October 28, 2013 and again if needed, before a special meeting to vote on the
budget called for on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 7:00 P.M.
Dr. David Varner adjourned at 7:48 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Dr. David Varner, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance
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