10-27-04 Personnel & Finance, Public Works and Property Vacation

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Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee Council Member Schmidt noted that a resolution gives an opinion while an ordinance involves affirmative action. He stated that because an ordinance requires someone to do something,that he believes that is why Fort Wayne uses an ordinance. Mr. Gilot asked about the number of ordinance handled per year by the Council which are over the $100,000 amount. Council Member Schmidt stated that he was uncertain of this amount, but probably included 1-2 per meeting. He stated that this may be too low,but it is not a burden. Dr. Varner noted that the city could review how many projects have been handled by the Board of Public Works to get an idea locally. Mr. 011ett noted that annual appropriation ordinances have to be passed by September 30th of each year, and inquired why that process was not enough. Council Member Schmidt stated that Fort Wayne's budget is approximately $161 million. All items should be scrutinized, however since the Council has reviewed departmental budgets closely in the past they currently look at budget requests that are over 3% more closely. He noted that he is the Finance Chair and knows that financial reviews can be long and tedious. The "Schmidt Rule" has been developed over the years that reviews take place in 2-hour increments, since often times going beyond that period of time at one setting is not as productive. • Council Member Kelly noted that many concerns have been raised, however he is concerned about just developing another layer of government. Council Member Schmidt stated that it is the Council's job and duty to see that dollars are spent wisely. The process performs the role of a proper check and balance. Mr. 011ett inquired why such a formal process is used in Fort Wayne, especially in light of the Board of Public Works role. Council Member Schmidt stated that the Board of Public Works is an appointed board, and therefore not as accountable to the public as the Council. There is no community oversight over the Board of Public Works. Even if the Council would get the information, there is no formal way of getting it rectified. He noted that the Council has turned down at least two (2) contracts and have mutually agreed to many others. He stated that the process is not a burden to the Council or to the Administration. Dr. Varner noted that change is difficult. The digest page gives a synopsis from start to finish. He then gave the example of the recent furniture purchase for the new Central Fire Station in South Bend. He noted that information came to the Council after the fact about many concerns on a purchase which involved$700,000-800,000. Folks called after the fact and October 27,2004 Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee&the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee-4