09-26-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tim Scott was next. His comments were directed to public safety concerns and curb and sidewalk infrastructure in the 1st District. Tim questioned the budget dollars for the police department. Feeling they were too inadequate to make a positive difference. Tim then said as good as the curb and sidewalk program has been; there are too many folks who could not afford to buy in to the needed improvement program. Oliver Davis, 6th District, followed. He began expressing appreciation for the intent to make Martin Luther King's birthday an official city holiday. Then he turned to open and newly proposed positions in the budget. He said new positions were ill-defined and should have been discussed with Council. The Police Chief's position and the Director of Public Works positions had been vacant too long. The dollars sent to fund a position with the Chamber should be re-directed to other Chambers like the Minority Chambers. He also echoed a call for Miracle Park to be downtown, more funds for parks, and a more affordable curb and sidewalk program. Gavin Ferlic's comments were read as he requested, in that he was out of town. His comments were generally supportive of the Mayor's proposals for new positions, salary adjustments, and departmental requests. He also suggested the Council reduce its budget; setting an example for other departments. President Derek Dieter followed directing most of his comments to the budget of the police department, his area of particular expertise. He maintained the numbers were a "joke." He said the numbers, meaning staffing levels for beats,just don't add up. As submitted he could not even consider supporting the budget. Karen White emphasized her support for programs that improve the quality of life in neighborhoods like dollars for clean-up of illegal dumping and graffiti abatement. In terms of supporting any new positions, Karen wanted to know the funding source, the job description, and defined expectations. She also thought longevity and performance of city employees needed to be rewarded. Karen also voiced more support for park improvements. Everyone present having had an opportunity to speak, a discussion of where to go next ensued. From that the Council decided they would address the budget approvals on a piecemeal or departmental basis. This, it was felt, would help the approval process move along. Finally the administration primarily through Mark Neal was given a chance to respond. Mark offered clarification to questions such as the proceeds from "Triangle"lot sales, the Pro Sports Fund use, the need for a current youth program audit, and a promise of a better accounting of police department funds. He said the curb and sidewalk program funding was increased by 40%, reflecting demand. Gary Gilot said he would work with Council to develop more affordable approaches,hopefully tested in pilot programs. Henry Davis said this is an opportunity to use minority contractors. Mark said Park Department