HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-08 Personnel and FinancePERSONNEL AND FINANCE OCTOBER 27, 2008
Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Chairperson; David Varner, Vice-Chairperson;
AI "Buddy" Kirsits; Roger Hamburg, Citizen Member
Other Council Member's Present: Derek D. Dieter, Ann Puzzello, Timothy A. Rouse
Others Present: Catherine Fanello; Phil St. Clair; Mayor Stephen Luecke; Chuck Bulot, Gary
Gilot, Tom Bodnar, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Rita Kopala, Beth Leonard, Dale Devon
Opening the meeting Chairman LaFountain asked the committee for approval to consider three
related bills together for public hearing purpose. Having received acquiescence, LaFountain
turned to the Mayor for his budget '09 presentation. Mayor Luecke began by thanking the
Council for their diligent budget review over the past months. He then showed a letter (attached)
to be given to City Employees with their next paycheck. Essentially it says any cutbacks
prompted by the shortfalls resulting from HEA 1001 would not go into affect until the end of the
first quarter of'09. The Mayor also stated the school crossing guards were not incorporated in
the '09 budget proposal. He then turned to City controller Catherine Fanello who provided the
Council with a handout summarizing the '09 budget. (Attached) Dave Varner asked about the
timing of the tax distribution process. He noted with all of St. Joseph County's assessed values
now submitted to the DLGF only their certification of'08 values stood between the establishment
of a rate and subsequent issuance of tax bills. However, no estimated date other than perhaps
late November early December was speculated. This, of course the Controller explained would
cost taxpayers interest expense on tax anticipation warrants needed to meet ongoing expenses.
She noted the tax distribution delays had already cost taxpayers $640,975 in interest over the last
three years. A motion was made by David Varner, seconded by AI "Buddy" Kirsits and approved
by all to send Bill 58-08 fixing rates, Bill 59-08 appropriating money from the General Fund, and
Bill 59-08 appropriating money from the enterprise funds to the Council with a favorable
recommendation.
BILL N0.51-08 -SETTING CITY CLERK'S '09 SALARY
After some gentle ribbing from Council, John Voorde, City Clerk, explained the 2% requested
increase was in-line:. ~~vith the percent request of the administration for most city employees. On
a motion for favoratt"se recommendation from Councilmember Kirsits followed by David Varner's
second and support from all, the bill went to Council favorably.
BILL N0.52-08 - MAYOR'S'09 SALARY
Making the case for the Mayor, Catherine Fanello indicated the Mayor would honor his pledge to
donate 5% of his salary to the general fund. Councilmember Kirsits moved to recommend
favorably, Varner seconded and all supported a favorable recommendation.
BILL N0.33-08 - PREAPPROVED PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
The City Controller requested this be continued to the meeting of November 10, 2008.
Councilmember Kirsits motioned, Councilmember Varner seconded. All affirmed. This bill is
continued until November 10, 2008.
BILL N0.61-08 - ESTABLISHES A NEW NON-REVERTING GIFT AND BEQUEST FUND
The Controller explained as a result of a recent monetary bequest to the City, a new fund needed
to be created. The ordinance before the Council creating the fund was approved by the State
Board of Accounts (SBOA).
Varner motioned to send favorably. Councilmember Kirsits seconded and all supported.
Under miscellaneous City Controller Catherine Fanello reported that subsequent to a meeting
with the City Clerk new responsibilities would be assumed by that office. Namely, the issuance of
scrap-mental and off-street parking licenses would be handled by the City Clerk. Previously
these tasks were handled by a position eliminated in the'09 budget.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Chairperson LaFountain,
adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
Tom LaFountain, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance