HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-14 Personnel and FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE MARCH 24.20144:10 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter, Dr. David Varner, Henry Davis
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic
Others Present: Eric Horvath, SBPD Chief Ron Teachman, Kathy Cekanski-
Farrand, SBFD Chief Steve Cox, Todd Shwarcan, Carol Davis,
Matt Chlebowski, Shubhada Kambli, John Murphy, Cecil
Eastman, Leanna Balou
Agenda: BillNo.18
-14
Amend Chapter 4— Vendors
Bill No.
19 -14
Appropriation for Century Center
Bill No.
20 -14
Departmental Budget Transfers
Bill No.
21 -14
Appropriations for Various Departments
YTD —Spending Quarterly Update
With a quorum present, Personnel & Finance Chair Valerie Schey opened the hearing with four bills and
one quarterly spending update on the agenda.
The first item, Bill No. 18 -14, proposed to amend the city code to address licensing of open -air business
and donation boxes. Valerie noted a request from the City legal department asking for a continuance
until the April 14th Council Meeting. This request would be accepted at the evening Council meeting.
The next three bills were all presented in turn by City Controller John Murphy.
The first, Bill No. 19 -14, requested on appropriation of just over $106 thousand from the Century Center
Fund # 671. John explained this was actually an appropriation of money set aside last year primarily for
elevator repairs. There was no one to speak for or against the bill. Following brief Council questions
Henry Davis moved to recommend Bill No. 19 -14 favorably. Derek Dieter seconded and all affirmed.
Before moving to the next item Valerie took a moment to introduce Leanna Balou, the new manager of
Century Center.
Bill No. 20 -14 requested budgeted transfers from one fund or department to another for 2014. The
Controller said these transfers were part of the City's plan to report transfers on a quarterly basis as
opposed to past year end transfers.
These more frequent transfer reports had been requested by the Council. The discussion that followed
revolved around the Council's desire for clarity and transparences for the Council and public interested
in meaningful budget reports. Valerie, the lead advocate for these practices, cited the Police
Departments budget as one that budgets for 260 officers even though typically the "body count" would
be 12 -15 officers less. Police Chief Ron Teachman responded describing the difficult recruitment
process. He said most recently, 80 potential recruits were to take the physical tests. Thirty two passed
and qualified for the written tests. Only 8 -10 were expected to pass muster.
Following further discussion Derek Dieter moved to recommend favorably Henry Davis seconded and all
affirmed.
The final Bill No. 21 -14, the Controller explained, was another transfer/ appropriation request. He
offered additional detail for a few "big dollar" appropriations calling upon Todd Skwarcan and Chief Cox
to explain the acquisition of a new aerial apparatus. They said by buying a demo unit they saved over a
quarter million dollars from new.
Matt Chlebowski, director of Central Services spoke of building modifications needed to accommodate
ventilation for the new CNG trucks. Other major modifications were to replace 22 year old hoists and to
update diagnostic software.
Shubhada Kambli, director of Neighborhood Code enforcement, provided a handout detailing her
department's efforts to collect and measure data resulting in data driven decisions. The goal was to
optimize allocation of resources to better serve the public. Shubhada also touched on the City's efforts
to implement data driven decision making across the board for all City provided services.
These comments prompted Henry Davis to offer a caution that over - reliance on technology risks person
to person response in service provision. He said these cautions were particularly relevant for seniors
and economically disadvantaged citizens.
Ultimately Derek Dieter motioned Bill No. 21 -14 be sent to Council favorably. Valerie seconded and all
supported except Henry.
The final agenda item was a report from John Murphy detailing YTD spending totals for key budget
properties. These updates were also in response to Council requests. Valerie Schey designed the
reports format which John Murphy agreed provided a helpful and informative format.
Karen White asked whether John's handout (attached) tracked the additional dollars the Council desired
be applied to downtown and neighborhood police patrols. John said he would provide a more specific
update on that Council priority.
Valerie adjourned at 4:46 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie Schey, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee