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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-09 Personnel and Finance Committee Minutes;rte ~~ ~~ Personnel and Finance Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The July 29, 2009 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Thomas LaFountain at 3:132p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Kirsits, Rouse, White, Henry Davis, Jr., LaFountain, Puzzello, and Dieter; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Police Chief Darryl Boykins, Police Division Chief Gary Horvath, Police Fiscal Officer Don Pinckert, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Assistant Controller John Murphy, Rahmon Johnson, City Attorney Charles Leone, Ken Marks, President of South Bend Firefighters Local # 362 and his granddaughter, Chris Baker, Gerard Ellis, Martha Lewis, Tom Price from the Mayor's Office,Jeff Parrot of the South Bend Tribune and other news media personnel, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member LaFountain noted that the Committee Members include Council Members White, Varner, Oliver Davis, and himself; and that a quorum was present. Presentation on the Proposed 2010 South Bend Police Department Budget:. Council Member LaFountain noted that today begins the budget hearings on the proposed 2010 civil city budget. M. Catherine Fanello and John Murphy from the Department of Administration and Finance passed out summary sheets for the cost-centers to be heard today (copy attached) Ms. Fanello stated that the city received its 2008 settlement today and that there was a 95.75% collection rate. Police Fiscal Officer Don Pinckert made the formal presentation. He provided a 1-page handout entitled "South Bend Police & Communications 2010 Adjusted Budget-Proposed Changes". The "2010 Preliminary Budget" notebooks set forth the following summary sheets for the South Bend Police Department and the Communications Center: Pages 1-31 and 1-32 2010 recommended budget $23,919,884 SBPD Reflects 13°1° cut = $ 3,510,709 Page 1-33 2010 recommended budget $1,771,549 Communications Reflects 9% increase = $ 140,503 Mr. Pinckert stated that the budget figures set forth in the 2010 Preliminary Budget are those prior to the passage of the LOIT and Public Safety LOIT. Therefore the items highlighted in his handout are the priorities which the South Bend Police Department would like to address. The top priority is to restore sworn personnel back to 260 officers. The budget information currently reflects a reduction in sworn personnel of nineteen (19) Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 2 officers with seven (7) current openings for a total reduction of 26 officers. Nine (9) civilian personnel would also be restored. Mayor Luecke noted that with the federal stimulus monies where were just announced yesterday, thirteen (13) positions would be funded by this grant. Mr. Pinckert stated that the Police Cadet program started three (3) years ago; one is in the budget and they proposed to add back in two (2) more positions. Mr. Pincket stated that police overtime costs for the department over the past two (2) years have been reduced by $320,000, with this year's projected reduction being $200,000. He commended Chief Boykins and his staff for increased departmental efficiencies which resulted in those cost savings. In 2007, $2 million was spent on overtime; $1.6 is projected to be spent in 2009. Mr. Pinckert noted that gasoline is being budgeted at $3.00 per gallon. He noted that several programs which are critical to the community would like to have the following programs funded with the amounts listed requested to be restored: • $40,000 Police Athletic League (Former Summer Youth Program) • $60,000 Downtown/East Race Patrols • $30,000 VIPS/CVO • $40,000 Special Events He noted that they are seeking tax exempt status for the Police Athletic League; that the Downtown/East Race Patrols were formerly funded from capital dollars; that VIPS/CVO represent 70-80 volunteers whose costs are now being paid from the Police Department budget; and that the Special Events category would include some of the costs for Presidential visits, Sun Burst Marathon which does reimburse the city so that the cost is a wash. Council President Dieter noted that the Council is looking into special events so that at least a portion of the costs incurred is restored to the department. He has suggested that Riverside Trail be used for charity walks to help contain costs and provide better cost management and containment. Mayor Luecke stated that the various walks should have some fees to cover some of the city's expenses but he does not expect them to cover all expenses incurred. He also sees Rum Village Park as another venue for charitable walks. Mr. Pinckert noted that the Public Safety Officers (PSO) who are at the Front Desk at SBPD have been transferred to the Communications Budget, and that the amount is $300,000 being transferred with no actual increase in operations overall. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 3 Mr. Pinckert stated that the crossing guard program is being kept. Some previous crossing guards have applied and interviews are taking place this week. The program is proposed at $25 per day per crossing -guard without benefits. Formerly it was $41 per day with benefits. Twenty (20) crossing guards are proposed. The cost savings projected with these changes is $250,000. The Police Department has stayed within the guidelines proposed by the City Administration. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the E911 fees and was advised by the Controller that they are deposited into the General Fund. In response to questions from Council Member White, City Controller Fanello noted that the Police Department had cut approximately $3.5 million to meet the Administration's guidelines. She suggested that they re-work their numbers in light of the federal grant and come back to the Committee in about two (2) weeks. She added that the new program proposed for the crossing guards will reflect a savings of 68%. In response to questions from Council President Dieter, City Controller Fanello stated that she has spoken with Pam Meyer and that the Weed & Seed Grant should be about $43,000. Extra monies from "Operation Pull Over" are also anticipated. In response to inquires from Council Member White with regard to the process and parameters utilized, Mr. Pinckert stated that they were given dollar amounts by the City Administration. Keeping sworn officers was their top priority followed by determining critical positions on the civilian side to be re-instated. Police Chief Boykins added that three (3) additional police officers are anticipated to leave the department by the end of this year which would bring the department down by ten (10) police officers. He noted that it takes at least six (6) months of training before an officer could be added. Council Member Rouse asked if the crossing guard program was re-examined in light of LOIT and the federal grant. Mr. Pinckert stated that it is the same program. Chief Boykins noted that surveys have been conducted on what intersections should have guards. Discussions with the school corporation began this week. Division Chief Gary Horvath noted that the costs for the crossing guard program are equivalent to funding five (5) sworn police officers. In response to questions from Council Member LaFountain, Division Chief Horvath stated that the federal grant monies would fund entry level officers and some fringes but would not cover costs for uniforms, patrol vehicles, equipment, etc. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 4 In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Division Chief Horvath stated that the department can hire officers in phases, and the goal is to get to 260 sworn police officers on the department by the end of 2010. Mr. Pinckert added that it takes almost a year to get a person through the Police Academy in Plainfield. Mayor Luecke stated that the SBPD is down by seven (7) officers now with three (3) more vacancies anticipated later this year. The guidelines given to the Police Department were to decrease the department by 26 officers. His goals is to be at full-strength of 260 officers by the end of 2010. Presentation on the Proposed 2010 Police Pension Fund Budget: Pages 5-3 and 5-4 2010 recommended budget $12,314,846 SBPD Reflects 2% cut = $ 250,473 Don Pinckert noted that he is also the Secretary of the Police Pension Fund. He stated that would like to review the proposed 2010 budget with the Committee. Mr. Pinckert provided a 1-page handout entitled "South bend Police Pension Fund 2010 Adjusted Budget' (copy attached). Mr. Pinckert stated that the city is responsible for the retired officers under the 1925 Fund. There are six (6) officers under this fund each of which have 32 or more years of service on the Police Department. The City also pays the costs for the seven (7) active officers under the 1977 Fund who converted. All other officers are part of the program where the city receives pension relief which is almost 100% reimbursement. The 1St reimbursement installment was received in June. Mr. Pinckert noted that if negotiations result in new numbers on the pension base, that this would have to be reflected in the budget. City Controller Fanello noted that the state reimburses for pension costs only and would provide additional information later. Dr. Varner stated that with the state's reimbursement for such pension expenses, it becomes a cash flow issue. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. Pinckert stated that no one singed up for DROP this year but two (2) have signed up for it in 2011 with one of those positions being reimbursed by the state. Council Member LaFountain suggested that once the numbers are worked on reflecting LOIT and the federal grant that he would like to schedule a time to have a new Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 5 presentation on the adjusted Police Department budget. He thanked Mr. Pinckert and Police Chief Boykins and Division Chief Horvath for their presentation. Presentation on the Proposed 2010 South Bend Fire Department Budget: Following a brief recess, Council Member Tom LaFountain reconvened the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting and called for a presentation on the proposed 2010 South Bend Fire Department budget. Mayor Luecke stated that the City will continue to address its top priorities, with the budgets being heard today being the "best that the City will have". Joining the Committee at this time were Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, ll, Assistant Chief for Operations Jim Lopez, Assistant Chief for Services Mark Nowicki, Assistant Chief for Inspections and Fire Prevention Federico "Chico" Rodriguez, Battalion Chief of EMS Stephen Cox. Mayor Luecke stated that he has authorized the Fire Department to add $3 million back into their proposed 2010 budget from the cuts that they had made; and that he had authorized the Police Department to add $2 million from the cuts that that department had made. The Mayor further stated that the Fire Department will be applying for fire grants. He added that the Park Deparkment has also authorized the Park Department to add $900,000 back into their proposed 2010 budget; with the rest of the City Departments being "bare bones". Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, II stated that any fire grant money would be in addition to the proposed 2010 budget which they are presenting. Their MOU is for 248 sworn fire fighters; and the SBFD currently has 240 sworn fire fighters. The Fire Department projections are that they would have to use $800,000 more in overtime monies if these positions are not filled; plus the draft 2010 does not reflect any financial impact which may result from negotiations. If the Council had not passed the LOIT and Public Safety .Tax along with the County Council, the SBFD would be looking at the elimination of 44 positions; with all of those being sworn personnel except for one. Since the SBFD is already down eight (8) sworn positions, a total of 52 firefighters would have been affected. In response to questions from Council Member White, Chief Buchanon and the Council Attorney noted that they are continuing to work on a new user fee ordinance for the inspection bureau; which is being carefully crafted in light of the many statutes involved. City Controller Fanello stated that the SBFD budget which the Common Council has reflects the City Administration's suggestion to cut $4.4 million from the 2009 budget for the 2010 draft budget. In light of the passage of LOIT and the Public Safety tax, the SBFD has been requested to add back in $3 million of those cuts and return to the Council with an updated presentation. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 6 In response to questions from Council President Dieter, Chief Buchanon stated that he would like to stay at the same staffing levels for sworn fire fighter personnel as budgeted for 2009, and therefore he will need an additional $800,000 in order to meet that goal. If those additional funds are not found, staffing will be affected which will result in additional overtime costs. Chief Buchanon noted that it is his understanding that under the Safer Grant, that the SBFD will only be allowed to apply for three (3) sworn firefighter positions. In response to questions from Council Members Kirsits and Dieter, Mayor Luecke stated that the Administration will be requesting that an additional $250,000 be transferred from the EMS revenue account to the General Fund in 2010 for operational costs for the SBFD. Battalion Chief of EMS Stephen Cox stated that they would be meeting with St. Joseph Medical Center staff next week to discuss the projected increase in operation costs to the SBFD to take people by ambulance to their new location in Mishawaka which opens on 12 ~ 14-09. Mayor Luecke stated that many legal issues are being addressed in light of this upcoming move, all aspects of it are being reviewed, and the Administration will keep the Council updated. Dr. Varner suggested that it may be appropriate to start seriously looking at the recommendations made in the Kernan-Shepard Report. Chief Buchanon stated that the issue becomes one of taking South Bend ambulances to Mishawaka, and the potential of having all available ambulances in Mishawaka at one time. Mayor Luecke stated that there are mutual assistance agreements in place, but that all aspects of this upcoming move of the hospital are being researched and discussed. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Battalion Chief of EMS Stephen Cox. Stated that if a transport to the Mishawaka hospital is necessary as a result of a gun shooting, protocols would require police personnel to also be in Mishawaka. He further noted that patient choice is a national standard with regard to hospitals. Traffic concerns, especially during the holiday season will extend the response times, which is also a concern. In response to questions from Council Member La Fountain, patient choice is driven by the type of insurance coverage which a person has; their religion; and other factors. Council Member Kirsits suggested that updated information be given to the Council, similar to what Ted Foti presented from Memorial Hospital, with regard to Medicare patients, etc. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 7 City Controller Fanello stated that she forgot to invite the Fire Pension Secretary to today's meeting ,and suggested that that presentation be given when the Fire Department comes back to give their updated proposed 2010 budget. Council Member LaFountain thanked the Fire Administration for their presentation and stated that he looks forward to their updated information. Presentation on the Proposed 2010 Park Department Budget: Council Member Tom LaFountain then called for a presentation on the proposed 2010 Park Department budget. Joining the Committee at this time were Park Superintendent Phil St. Clair, Administrative Director Betsy Harriman, Fiscal Officer Bill Carleton, Zoo Director Terry DeRosa, Director of Recreation Susan O'Connor, other Park Department personnel who did not speak, and Director of Communications and Special Projects Mikki Dobski Shidler. Mr. St. Clair stated that his department will face significant challenges in light of HEA 1001. For example, in 2008 they received $8.5 million in property tax support; in 2009 $7.5 million and in 2010 it is projected that they will receive only $6.0 million, which reflects an overall reduction of 30%. In 2008, they had 121 full-time employees and are projected to have in 2010 88 full-time employees, reflecting a 28% decrease. He then highlighted a series of other significant reductions if the Council had not passed LOIT. In response to a question from Council Member White, Mr. St. Clair stated that the projected 2010 budget would be $ 6 million, plus the additional $900,000 which the Mayor has authorized be added back in. Even with those dollars, the Maintenance Division will be significantly cut. They will make their best efforts to keep facilities open. In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, Mr. St. Clair stated that in three years the Park Department will be doing basic things. Mayor Luecke stated that the Police and Fire Departments will have some capital dollars; but that some needs in the older fire stations will not be able to be addressed. $4 million is projected from EDIT, which he would be proposed be prioritized for capital across the city. Mr. St. Clair stated that those park and recreation programs which are funded by user fees were most vulnerable. Council President Dieter stated that the Youth PAL should coordinate with Youth Squads Coordinator which is currently vacant. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 8 In response to questions from Council Member White, Mr. St. Clair stated that the golf courses are close to being self-supporting; and that O'Brien also falls into this category. The skateboard park has not been attended as well as they had projected; but that the splash parks have been packed all over the city. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. St. Clair stated that splash parks begin at $85,000 in costs and run into the seven digits. In response to questions from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Mr. St. Clair stated that there are costs differences for operations of the various pools throughout the city and that he will provide that information to the Council. There are no fees coming back to the city for the UND Women Basketball tickets being sold on city property. Susan O'Connor noted that the university contacted the city about space so that residents would have easy access to tickets. The university provides the staff for this, with no city personnel being use. Council Member Puzzello brought concerns of Martha Lewis about the Conservatories and their future operations to the Committee's attention. An additional $50,000 is needed at a minimum to which Mr. St. Clair stated that it would be discretionary. In response to questions from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. St. Clair stated that $1.4 million was spent which is helping the Potawatomi Zoo during its accreditation process. The initial report from the AZA is favorable and that they will get final word by the end of August. Having AZA accreditation allows selected species to participate in programs with other zoos. The St. Joseph Community Fund has also partnered with the Park Department successfully on many ventures. Zoo Director Terry DeRosa stated that today's inspections showed no non-compliance items by the USZA. He added that zoo attendance is up over 20,000 to this point in time when compared to last year. Council Members Puzzello and Kirsits were very complimentary of the zoo operations. Dr. Varner inquired about other revenue sources and how they were being pursued, noting that Fort Wayne has extensive zoo sponsorships. Mr. St. Clair stated that many efforts are under consideration. He knows that Fort Wayne has been very aggressive in pursuing support groups from companies and business for many years. Council Member Rouse noted that the NNRO's work at Coquillard Park of about $100,000 is just one example of grass roots support and partnerships. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 9 Council Member LaFountain thanked all of the members of the Park Department for the information which they shared with the Committee. Council Member LaFountain then adjourned the meeting at 5:53 p.m. Resp s t , ber Thomas LaFountain, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments