09-08-04 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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eonVitittEE GEf20'Lt of the Et •/1 1 !�! !!1 _• • • _ J� L_! Junk Vehicles (General Fund# 101-1204) $ 70,064 1.9%increase Animal Control (General Fund#101-1207) $454,756 5.2% increase At approximately 6:35 p.m., Neighborhood Code Enforcement Director Catherine Brucker and Administrative Services Director Gary Libbey joined the Committee meeting to review their various budgets. Ms. Brucker stated that there are thirty-six (36) full-time employees and three (3) part-time employees in their operations. She provided a 48-page handout to the committee which was highlighted during the presentation(copy attached). The Weights & Measures budget reflects the contractual agreement with St. Joseph County. There are no major changes for the Code Hearing Officer. Ms. Brucker stated that 30% of amount collected are paid to credit bureaus for their collection efforts pursuant to an ongoing contract. They are currently working with the Legal Department to see if they can get a better rate. She noted that the average cost for a house demolition is $3,500. The city utilizes Southside Auto for storage at the cost of$500 per month. Council Member Dieter noted that he believes that this should be a city operation, noting that Ms. Brucker has spoken with Chief Fautz with regard to the storage yard concept. Dr. Varner inquired whether the city should look into having animal control services provided by the Human Society, and inquired if they have been asked to submit an RFP. Ms. Brucker stated that they have had communications with the new director of the Human Society of St. Joseph County. She expressed concerns over possibly losing control over the response time, noting that the city has five (5) employees on the road. Ms. Brucker stated that there is a growing pit bull problem in the community. She also noted that the veterinarians will now only provide spay/neutering services at a discount. Administrative Services Director Gary Libbey stated that the animal control division is a 24/7 operation, with eight (8) full-time employees. Running-at-large letters are sent and appear to work initially. They are requesting that two (2)part-time employees be added to this division for next year. They have partnered with Pet Refuge and Pet Connect. Council Member Kelly stated that this area is a tough operation and that they do their jobs well. In response to a question from Council Member Dieter, Mr. Libbey stated that they need a new shelter which would have a projected cost of$1.5 million. Ms. Brucker stated that their long-term goal is the possibility of having one(1)unified shelter. The Friends of South Bend Animal Control, a 501 C(3)is looking into grant possibilities. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of September 8, 2004 Page 6