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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-16 Personnel and FinancePERSONNEL & FINANCE APRIL 11, 2016 4:10 P.M. Committee Members Present: Karen White, Regina Williams- Preston, John Voorde Absent: Gavin Ferlic Other Council Present: Oliver Davis, David Varner, Tim Scott, Jo M. Broden Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Alkeyna Aldridge, Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Adriana Rodriguez Agenda: Bill No. 15 -16 — Enterprise Funds appropriation Bill No. 16 -16 — Transfer Ordinance Bill No. 17 -16 — Civil City Funds appropriation Bill No. 16 -32 — Approving an Agreement with the Pokagon Band Chairperson Karen White called the Personnel and Finance Committee to order. She entertained a motion to hear to Bill Nos. 15 -16, 16 -16, and 17 -16 once. Councilmember Voorde properly motioned which was followed by a second by Councilmember Oliver Davis. The motion carried by four (4) ayes. Chairperson Karen White invited the presenter to the floor to address the Council. John Murphy, City Controller with offices on the 12th floor, explained that the practice of the Office of Finance and Administration is to come to Council once per quarter for additional appropriations and budget transfers. John Murphy went on to discuss various line items and accounts giving a detailed explanation of Bill Nos. 15 -16 regarding Enterprise Funds. He mentioned it's not an actual additional appropriation or expenditure, but rather a transfer of funds to a specified account which is required because the bonding agency prefers a separate account. Chairperson Karen White asked if Committee members had questions regarding Enterprise Funds. Dr. Varner clarified if this money was already set aside, and this bill simply allows for it to be separately accounted for? He asked, what happens to this account when the bond is paid off? John Murphy explained that the funds probably wouldn't revert back to the general fund but rather to the specific fund that money originated from. Chairperson Karen White asked if Council had additional questions. Councilmember Williams- Preston asked a question regarding the Consolidated Building Fund and a specific line item regarding illegal dumping. She asked if we actually spent approximately $600,000 a year on illegal dumping. John Murphy responded that it's an estimate for the year and stated it's a pretty healthy program. Chairperson White asked City Controller John Murphy to update and overview Council on the Illegal Dumping Program as we get closer to budget season to understand how the City addresses the issue of illegal dumping. Councilmember Williams- Preston followed up asking whether or not the $600,000 was spent on actually cleaning up illegal dumps or if there's any money spent on preventative measures. John Murphy responded that the line items are actual picking up costs and salaries. Chairperson White added the Council discussed a camera program to deter illegal dumping as a preventative initiative. She concluded the discussion on Enterprise Funds, asked for further questions. Seeing none Chairperson White transitioned to Bill No. 16 -16. John Murphy introduced Bill No. 16 -16 explaining that the funds are not additional appropriations, but rather interdepartmental transfers between funds. He went on discuss the details of each line item and fund. There were no questions from Council concerning Bill No. 16 -16, so Chairperson White moved on to Bill No. 16 -17. John Murphy introduced Bill 16 -17 as the Civil City funds (e.g. property tax, LOIT tax, non- enterprise funds) and explained the various appropriations and line items. Chairperson White thanked Mr. Murphy for his presentation. Seeing no questions from Council, Chairperson White opened the public hearing portion. There were none present to speak in favor or opposition of the three bills. Councilman John Voorde moved for all three bills to be sent favorably to full Council. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Williams- Preston and carried with a vote of three (3) ayes. Chairperson White introduced Bill No. 16 -20 and entertained a motion to recess and reconvene in the large Council chambers. Councilman John Voorde motioned to recess and reconvene. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Williams- Preston and passed unanimously. Chairperson White clarified to the public that the Pokagon Resolution would be heard in the large Council Chamber. The meeting recessed was at 4:28 p.m. Chairperson White called the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting back to order at 4:37 p.m. in the large Council Chambers. She went on to explain the rules of public hearing which would end at approximately 5:40 p.m. She welcomed the petitioner Corporation Counsel Cristal Brisco to the podium. Corporate Counsel Cristal Brisco, Offices on the 12th Floor County -City building. Ms. Brisco thanked the Council and went on to introduce the Pokagon Band's proposal for a tribal village and Class 2 gaming facility in the City's Sixth District. The proposed resolution 16 -20 is a local intergovernmental agreement offering payments in lieu of taxes. The purpose of the payments are intended to broadly address issues of unemployment and poverty within the City. The payments to the City will not be less than one (1) million dollars annually depending upon the number of games played. The payments will commence one (1) year after the casino has been in operation for an entire calendar year. Chairperson White turned questions to Council regarding the Pokagon resolution. Councilmember Dr. Dave Varner asked if the whole document was available for Council review. Corporation Counsel Cristal Brisco explained that the document was filed in the Clerk's Office March 16th and is available for review in full. Councilmember Jo Broden asked for clarification regarding the distinction between Class 2 and Class 3 gaming, and the different level of City commitments at each level. Corporation Counsel Brisco explained that we will support the Band in their efforts to petition for Class 3 gaming to the State, and that the City will not support any other facilities gambling that could potentially come down the road. Councilmember Williams- Preston asked for clarification regarding the extent of City support of the Pokagon of the Pokagon Band versus other outside entities. Corporation Counsel Brisco reiterated that the City would continue to support the Band and would not support other outside entities interested in gambling inland or otherwise. Chairperson White thanked Corporation Counsel Brisco for meeting with Council to answer questions and concerns regarding the Pokagon resolution and asked her to briefly discuss its significance. Corporation Counsel Brisco explained what a big win the resolution represents for the City in the way of mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation. Councilmember Broden asked a question concerning the status of the Band's federal application with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Corporation Counsel Brisco explained that the paperwork was pending and under review per the federal government's timeline. Councilmember Davis asked if the resolution would accompany the BIA paperwork to support the Band. Corporation Counsel Brisco explained that the City of South Bend hasn't been a part of the Band's application process, but they could submit the resolution if they chose to do so. Chairperson White concluded Corporation Counsel Brisco's formal presentation and opened the floor to public hearing. There were none to speak in favor or opposition of the bill. Chairperson White closed the public session and entertained a motion. Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston moved to send the Bill 16 -32 to full Council with a favorable recommendation. Committee Member Tim Scott seconded her motion which carried by a vote of three (3) ayes. With no further business, Chairperson White adjourned the Personnel and Finance Committee at 4:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Karen White, Chairperson