09-02-03 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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I 1 Personnel and Finance committee September 2, 2003 Page S Dr. Varner stated that to him it looks like they are trying to close down Studebaker. He noted that if that is the plan that there will be many disgruntled people. People have felt sate to drop off their children to play golf here,but in light of the staffing cuts,the atmosphere has changed. Dr. Varner asked that the Council be kept updated on Studebaker golf course. Mr. St. Clair stated that they do not plan to close Studebaker Golf Course. He noted that surveys will be make available at the golf courses and on the Parks website. He also noted that the Parks website was voted the best of parks and recreation websites for cities having a population between 75,000 to 200,000. They also received two(2) awards from the Indiana Department of Parks and Recreation. The 1st meeting on the proposed Park Master Plan will be tonight. Council Member Kirsits asked about the future plans for Rum Village in light of the storm damage. Mr. St. Clair stated that the first thing they are focusing on is cleaning it out. They are discussing using outside agencies, in-house, having the public come in, or selling the wood. At this point they have not ruled anything out, and they have not discussed replanting at this point. Council Member Kirsits suggested that new playground equipment is needed, and he would hope that it will be addressed in the new Park Master Plan. He noted that several neighborhood groups have brought this to his attention in addition to individuals. Council Member Kirsits also thanked Betsy and Mike for their assistance in responding to his requests this year. Dr. Varner thanked all of the Parks and Recreation staff for their presentations. 2004 South Bend Common Council 2003 Expenditures $408,924 General Fund # 101-0301 2004 Expenditures $427,166 Council President Karen L. White made the presentation. She presented a 12-page handout entitled"2003 Council President Report" and a 5-page handout entitled"Council Attorney Annual Report"(copies attached). Council President White noted that her chief objective has been to improve communication at all levels. She thanked the Council, the Council Attorney and the Mayor for their assistance to help enhance communications. She noted that she meeting monthly with the Mayor and that she instituted the monthly meetings with department heads. She noted that she had asked for input from the Council prior to filing the four-year salary ordinance which will have its public hearing on September 8th. She noted that the contractual arrangement for the Council Attorney reflects a 4% increase which is in keeping with raises for non-bargaining and Teamster employees. She noted that the Council Attorney does not receive any paid benefits such as PERF, insurance, etc. She also noted that in light of next year being a negotiating year with the firefighters, that she has maintained the line-item for"Additional Legal/Professional Services" so that the Council would be properly represented in a successful negotiating process. She noted that t he Council Attorney received preliminary information from the County Auditor's Office which indicates that the election expense which is budgeted at$110,000 may not be enough to cover the City's share. Council President White then highlighted key portions of the annual report. She noting that in light of added responsibilities being taken on by the Council relative to the Youth Advisory Council,and the need to maintain and update the Council's brochure, that she did not believe that any major reductions could be made to the Council's budget without negatively impacting its operations. She then highlighted some of the major accomplishments which are detailed in the report.