HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-09 - 2010 Budget Hearings` ~ f r,
2010 BUDGET HEARINGS
PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE AUGUST 3, 2009
The August 3, 2009 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting was called to order by its
Vice-Chairperson Karen L. White at 3:30 p.m.
Committee Member's in Attendance: Oliver Davis; David Varner
Other Council Member's: Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello; Tim Rouse; Henry Davis; Al
"Buddy" Kirsits
Other's Present: Pam Meyer; Beth Leonard; Don Inks; Martha Lewis; John Murphy;
Catherine Fanello; James LaHood, AMPCO; Mikki Dobski; Tom Price; Mayor Luecke;
Deborah Jennings; Diana Hess; Catherine Toppel; Gary Libbey; Chuck Leone;
AGENDA: Budget Presentations:
• COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• PARKING GARAGES
• CODE ENFORCEMENT
• LEGAL
• ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
PARHING GARAGES
In Chairperson Tom LaFountain's absence, vice-chair Karen White directed the hearing.
Karen began by recognizing Don Inks from the Community & Economic Development
Department who had asked that the Parking Garages budge be heard first. Acquiescing,
Don introduced James LaHood from AMPCO Parking Systems. Don said AMPCO had
won a 3 year contract extension just last year to manage both the garages and flat lots.
Their contractual service contract performed by 17 employees was let and monitored by
the Redevelopment Commission in that funds come from and are returned to the TIF
area. Councilmember Henry Davis speculated that perhaps an opportunity to get more
efficiency DTSB could manage the garages & surface lots. Don Inks in reply, pretty
much dismissed the suggestion.
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Jeff Gibney, Director, Community & Economic Development Department, though
absent, submitted a letter for the Council outlining the cuts and re-organization that.
hopefully will allow Community & Economic Development to operate effectively within
budget guidelines. The attached letter #1, emphasizes the economies found as early as
'08 in anticipation of the pending crisis. Councilmember Henry Davis interjected, asking
how effective a job creation effort had been over the last couple of years. Beth Leonard
of Community & Economic Development responded saying all efforts and corresponding
measurable results were found in the Departments Annual Report. Don Inks stated that
Project Future and the Chamber of Commerce were partners with Community and
Economic Development in job creation and retention. This led Karen White and Tim
Rouse to ask how much money we give to Project Future and whether these dollars were
well spent. The administration promised to review and report at a later date.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Catherine Toppel began by recounting actions already taken to approach the nearly half-
million dollars her department was asked to cut. This dollar amount includes over
$200,000 already cut from'08 operating expenses. Most notably, Code eliminated take
homes cars, cut hours and cut pay to meet expected shortfalls Code's efforts as well as
those of other departments reviewed in today's hearings are proved in attachment #2.
Each Councilmember in turn, Rouse, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis and White had questions
and concerns relating to the departments ability to continue quality services under these
stressful financial conditions.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
City Attorney Chuck Leone made the presentation for his department. He stated the
department goal was to cut 2010 personnel costs by 24% compared to 2009. This would
be accomplished, in part, by allocating costs to other funds when providing services and
by eliminating paid legal interns. He noted in comparison to other larger cities in Indiana
South Bend not only compares favorably; but even spends less in total legal fees than
others. By keeping work "in house" considerable savings are realized annually he said.
Councilmember Rouse rose to say this good effort needs to be told.
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
Catherine Fanello began by re-counting efforts to find economies in'09 have resulted in
savings of over $80,000, a reduction of 9%. Consolidation, training, and restructuring
along with elimination of positions continue to be a work in progress.
Vice-Chairperson White thanked everyone noting the Personnel & Finance Committee
Budget Reviews would continue Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Vice-Chairperson White
adjourned the meeting at 5:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen L. White, Vice-Chairperson
Personnel & Finance Committee