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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-09 Personnel and Finance Committee (2)Joint Meeting ``~'?~ Personnel and Finance Committee !Health and Public Safety Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The June 8, 2009 joint meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order at 3:25 p.m. by Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson of the Health and Public Safety Committee. Council Member White noted that her committee consists of Council Members Puzzello, Henry Davis, Jr., Rouse and herself. Council Member LaFountain called to order the Personnel and Finance Committee which is meeting jointly with the Personnel and Finance Committee. Council Member LaFountain noted the his committee consists of Council Members Oliver Davis, White, Varner and himself. Individuals present for the joint committee meeting included Council Members Dieter, Henry Davis, Jr., LaFountain, Puzzello, Varner, Oliver Davis, Rouse and White; M. Catherine Fannello, Martha Lewis. Rita Kopola, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Attorney. Bill No. 29-09 Proposed Ordinance To Establish Fees for Special Public Safety Services Provided by the South Bend Police Department: Council Member White noted that Bill No. 29-09 which is sponsored by Council Members LaFountain, Puzzello, Henry Davis, Jr., and herself was continued so that concepts and ideas of charging for special public safety services such as dignitary protection could be further discussed. She noted that information is still being gathered and that she believes that additional time will be necessary to review all relevant data. She then called upon the Council Attorney for a further update. The Council Attorney noted that she has been in contact with the Fiscal Officers for the South Bend Police Department and the County Sheriff's Office with regard to the special police details used for the University of Notre Dame commencement. All information is not confirmed at this time with regard to costs incurred by both of these entities. They are each working with Phil Johnson of UND Security. As more information becomes available she will share that with the Council. No one from the public spoke in favor or in opposition to this Bill. Following discussion, Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Oliver Davis to recommend that Bill No. 29-09 be continued indefinitely. The motion passed with Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. voting in opposition. The Council Attorney noted that the Bill would come back to the regular agenda of the Common Council under "Unfinished Business" and then be set for public hearing of the Council, thereby permitting notice to the public. Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee June 8, 2009 Page 2 Bill No. 09-39 Bill to Appoint An Agent/Negotiator to Represent the South Bend Common Council for 2009 Police and Fire Negotiations: Council President Dieter made the formal presentation on this Bill. He noted that the Council had the opportunity to discuss ideas with regard to strategy during their Executive Session. He noted that he believes that all ideas and concerns were properly addressed. He added that he has received additional information from Council Member White. Council Member White stated that there must be clear direction this year to the City's Agent and to those who will be selected by the Council President to be a part of an advisory negotiating team. She noted that as the Council and Administration are very much aware, monies are limited and discussion of such items as the take home car program and how it impacts the city financially for those who live in the city and those who live out of the city would be in order. The atmosphere in which negotiations will take place will require the Council to be engaged in the process during Executive Sessions so that clear guidance is being given. Council Members Oliver Davis and Henry Davis, Jr. concurred with Council Member White's remarks. Council Member Rouse noted that he has expressed many of his concerns. In light of yesterday's article in the South Bend Tribune, he is even more concerned in light of the Mayor's comments. The safety of our public safety officers and our citizens is critical.. The letter sent to Dr. Varner from the Controller on distressed unit appeals; the city's bond rating; etc. are all items which will have to be carefully discussed in light of the "upcoming crisis". He stressed the need for all Council Members to participate in the upcoming Executive Sessions to discuss strategy so that they are comprehensive. Dr. Varner noted that he sees the DUAB not as a solution but as a piece of the puzzle. Sharing costs for different reasons to solve issues should always be pursued. There are a number of steps which the city must go through to properly~solve our financial concerns. Council Member White stressed the need for the Council to be prepared, to do their homework and to be at the table. Following discussion, Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 09-39 receive a favorable recommendation by the joint committees. The motion passed. Miscellaneous Business: Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that he is very concerned about the increasing number of lots throughout the city which have high grass and weeds. He suggested that a Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee June 8, 2009 Page 3 joint meeting of the PARCs and Health and Public Safety Committee be called so that the Council could receive updates on what the Park Department and Code Enforcement are doing. Council Member Davis noted that many residents are calling and complaining. He believes that presentation is first and foremost and these problems need to be addressed in a timely manner. Council Member White stated that she believes a joint committee meeting on anon-Council Monday would be best. She would work with Council Member Puzzello to set up at date. Dr. Varner suggested that the Council Attorney contact Code and Parks for reports prior to the upcoming meeting so that the Council could review that information in advance. There being no further business to come before the joint committee meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m. Resp tfully submi d, l,~ ~~- uncil Member aren L. White, Chairperson Health and Publi~Safet~~.oq~mittee (~` u em er Thomas LaFountain, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments