HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-14 Personnel and FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE FEBRUARY 4, 2014 4:04 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner (AB), Derek Dieter (EXAB),
Henry Davis (4:36 to 4:45)
Other Council Present: Tim Scott (AB), Dr. Fred Ferlic (AB), Karen White (AB), Oliver
Davis (AB)
Others Present: Jan Hall, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, George King, Cecil Eastman,
John Murphy, Joseph Shabazz, Mark Neal, Rahman Johnson,
Karla Tillman
Agenda: 1. Organizational Meeting
2. 2013 Diversity Purchasing Report
Personal & Finance Chair Valerie Schey opened the meeting called to address two items on the agenda.
The first being the annual organizational meeting of the Committee. The second being a presentation of
the 2013 Diversity Purchasing Program.
It should be noted, Valerie was the only Councilmember present at the start of the meeting. Committee
member Henry Davis came in at 4:36 and left at 4:45.
The lack of a quorum not withstanding precluding any official action, Valerie proceeded to welcome
everyone present. To address organizational issues Valerie distributed a handout (attached) titled
Personnel & Finance 2014 Goals and Objectives. Proceeding through the handout, Valerie stated the
overall goal of the Committee was to work with the Controller's office to ensure transparency and
accountability in tracking revenues and expenditures. She spoke to wanting quarterly progress reports
detailing how much money was spent and where it came from as the City addressed the 2014 budgeted
priorities. Both Mark Neal and John Murphy pledged compliance with the reporting format and
schedule requested by Valerie.
To begin discussion of the City's efforts to increase minority participation in winning a greater share of
the contracts the City awards for goods and services, Valerie provided a 2013 "at a glance" purchasing
report. The report by the numbers would seem to indicate some progress had been made to comply
with the Council initiated MBE /WBE (Minority Business Enterprises /Women Business Enterprises)
ordinance on the books for the better part of three years. Nonetheless, according to Valerie and Joseph
Shabazz the efforts by the City to encourage contracts have been abysmal falling far short of what might
be considered measurable positive change. Mr. Shabazz provided a two page progress report of his own
to augment his lack of measurable progress claims. (Attached)
In response the City's Purchasing Director George King and the City Diversity Compliance Officer Jan
Hall, both outlined the City's efforts, defending their efforts to comply with the MBE /WBE ordinance.
After further discussion it was agreed that the goals for increased minority participation, as stated in the
MBE /WBE ordinance and developed by the DVB (Diversity Utilization Board) need to be expanded.
The divergent points of view expressed by the City in terms of "look how far we've come ", and Mr.
Shabazz in terms of, "look how far we need to go" indicate how much work yet needs to be done
according to Valerie. She pledged the Committee will make progress a priority.
Valerie adjourned the meeting at 5:03 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie Schey, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance