HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-14 Personnel and FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE AUGUST 11, 2014 4:40 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Derek Dieter, Henry Davis (AB)
Citizen Members Present: Chris Huff
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Karen White
Others Present: Mark Neal, Jessie Davis, Janet Cadotte
Agenda: Bill 14 -75 Personnel Polices for Elected Officials
2015 Budget Overview — Mark Neal
Valerie Schey, Chair of the Personnel and Finance Committee with a quorum present called the meeting
to order in the Council Caucus Room and promptly accepted a motion from Dr. Varner, seconded by
Derek Dieter to recess and reconvene in the Council Chambers.
Two items were listed on the committee agenda. As a courtesy to Deputy Mayor Mark Neal,
department heads and the three dozen or so members of the public attending, Valerie allowed Mark
Neal to present a 2015 budget overview.
Using an overhead slide presentation Mark outlined the main priorities to be reflected in the budget
submitted to the Council for review, and ultimate passage, at the last meeting in October. He also
emphasized the financial challenges the City will face again in 2015, namely rising costs of services with
flat, at best, revenues. Mark went on to thank the Council for sharing their perceived priorities, pledging
a cooperative, collaborative budget review process.
The budget overview and financial challenges are depicted in the attachments to these minutes.
During the Council question portion citizen member Chris Huff had a few questions about economic
development monies. He wanted to know the level of overall spending, the sources of ED funds as well
as where they are spent and by whom.
Dr. Ferlic reemphasized that public safety was and always should be the top priority.
Karen White again put emphasis on quality of life issues in neighborhoods. Karen felt clean and safe
neighborhoods should be a top priority.
Valerie Schey made reference to a letter she had written expressing a litany of concerns. Among her
concerns were the escalating costs per home of demolition costs. The true costs of the "smart streets"
initiative. Getting a better handle on CSO separation mandates including scope and scale of the
program. Here Valerie set an admittedly optimistic goal of cutting the CSO separation costs by 25 %.
Valerie added the hope that the City could fashion a more comprehensive curb and sidewalk program
without requiring a 50/50 match as presently operated.
In the public portion Jessie Davis said he would advocate for a smaller overall budget, a smaller TIF
program, and an expanded curb & sidewalk program.
Bill 14 -75 was next on the agenda. This resolution was initiated by Dr. David Varner Chair of the Council
Rules Committee. David explained that he would through the resolution, begin conservation as to
whether and to what extent the Council should impose a standard of decorum and conduct for elected
officials. In light of recent controversies, which have proved to be a distraction from Council work, the
need to establish a code of conduct was, to him, obvious.
To develop such a policy he suggested the Council could work with the City Human Resources
Department the Council Attorney, and Corporation Counsel Cristal Brisco.
During the Council portion Oliver Davis took great exception to the proposal questioning, the legality of
such a code, the fairness of any sanctions, and the question of enforcement of such standards.
For the record a letter from Corporate Counsel Cristal Brisco was entered with the Clerk and distributed
to Council. The letter asked for the Mayor to be exempted.
Derek Dieter voiced opposition to exempting any of the eleven elected officials.
In the public portion Janet Cadotte, the Human Resources Director for the City said she already has
interns surveying other governmental units around the state to discern "best practices ".
Jessie Davis supported the adoption of standards and said no elected officials should be exempted.
Ultimately on a motion from Derek dieter and a second from Dr. Varner along with an affirming vote
from all the bill was sent to full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Valerie Schey adjourned the meeting at 5:50 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie Schey, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee