08-23-05 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council President Pfeifer made the presentation. She noted that the budget includes the 18% self-insurance cost increase as well as the mandated increases for PERF. The 2% increase was used legal services. She noted that she continued to budget for a 1/2 position for next year for a Council secretary. She noted that no Council Members responded to her email setting forth the City Clerk's proposal on this position. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney then provided a multi-page "Council Attorney Annual Report" (copy attached) which she noted summarizes key legal services provided to the Council this year. She stated that she has also included several "performance review" forms in light of discussions held earlier this year and urged the Council to review them so that a process could be completed before the end of the year. She added that she also was attaching to the annual report copies of the four (4) pamphlets which she developed in conjunction with the Council addressing Council procedures, tax abatement, zoning and the Standing Committees of the Council; and that the City's Print Shop had printed enough copies of this year's spiral-bound Council brochure for the Council which she has provided to the Council President, along with one for this Committee meeting(copy attached). Controller's Department of Administration&Finance (General Fund# 101-0401) 2006 Expenditures $1,636,200 2006 Decrease $7,361,005 -81.8%* Capital to be determined in February 2006 City Controller M. Catherine Fanello made the presentation. She noted that professional services and postage have been reduced; and that the merit bonus system has been eliminated. Dr. Varner inquired about the IT Division and the status of the City's website. Ms. Fanello stated that after the budget process is completed that the City's website will be her # 1 priority. In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Ms. Fanello stated that Sagamore is the lobbyist in Washington,D.C., and that they are affiliated with Baker&Daniels. Dr. Varner inquired whether they have offices in Indiana,to which no one had an answer. Legal Department (General Fund# 101-0501) 2006 Expenditures $887,906 2006 Increase $ 20,916 2.4% City Attorney Charles Leone made the presentation. He noted that salaries are proposed at the 2% recommended rate, and that all other line-items are in keeping with the City's budget guidelines. He noted that his department is now utilizing an electronic method of accessing data on a contractual basis at$27 per month per lawyer. In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer, Mr. Leone noted that each attorney is assigned to work in specific areas and that they do overlap to cover when an attorney is absent from the office. August 23,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 4-