HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-14 Personnel and FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE JULY 28.2014 4:22 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Derek Dieter, Henry Davis (AB)
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Oliver Davis, Gavin Ferlic, Karen White
Citizen Members Present: Vacant
Other Present: Spence Walton, John Murphy
Agenda: Bill 37 -14 Appropriations for City Departments
Bill 38 -14 Appropriations Enterprise Funds
Bill 39 -14 Fund Transfers
Due to the large number of attendees Valerie Schey, Chairperson of Personnel and Finance Committee
opted to call the meeting to order, to immediately recess, then to reconvene in the larger chamber.
Because of the time necessary to set up the recording equipment, 15 minutes passed before the
Committee could again be called to order.
Three bills were scheduled for consideration. The first bill 37 -14 was a request from the City to
appropriate additional funds for certain departments within the City for 2014 operations. This bill as
well as the next two, for that matter are generally routine financial housecleaning requests often
characterized as routine mid -year course corrections for budgets adopted last year. When passed the
bills reflected best guess estimates. These bills reflect reality.
By far the most controversial transfer and appropriation was the $125,000 from the general fund for the
Council's legal expenses. Most of the legal bills were for services provided by the law firm May Oberfell
& Lorber which had been hired by the Council to pursue the release of telephone tape recordings made
in the South Bend Police Department last year. Spence Walton from the firm provided an accounting of
the charges (attached) totaling $95,000 thru July 15. A trial hopefully, to resolve the "tapes
controversy" is scheduled for August 12 and 13 which the firm continues to prepare for. There was
much discussion as to the amount of the bill, who authorized the services and what the scope of
continued legal services should be.
In total bill 37 -14 requested over $4.5 million in appropriations. With legal amounts not agreed upon
the bill was sent to full Council with no recommendation on motions by Derek Dieter and Dr. Varner,
supported by Valerie Schey.
Bill 38 -14 was the same type of appropriations request for enterprise funds in 2014. This bill was like
the last, presented by City Controller John Murphy. After a few clarifying answers to Council questions,
Dr. Varner motioned the bill be sent favorably. Derek dieter seconded and all supported.
Bill 39 -14 was also sent to full Council with a favorable recommendation. Part of the same budget
rectifying process, this bill authorizes the actual transfer from one department or fund to another in
amounts addresses in bill 37 -14.
The final item on the agenda was a presentation to the city administration of what each of the nine
Councilmembers saw as budget priorities for 2015. The Council's priorities, many of which were
identified in were identified by polling each Council member and are attached as part of these minutes.
Valerie Schey pledged for the Council a willingness to collaborate with the administration.
Valerie Schey adjourned at 5:21 P.M.
VRespectf
ly Submitted, ` ' `J
Valerie Schey, Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee