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. t <br /> Joint Meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee <br /> and the Personnel and Finance Committee <br /> would simply codify procedures related to the performance-based budget which the city has used <br /> since the Peoria,Illinois budget in this area was shown to the city. The process has been used <br /> but has never been formally adopted. <br /> Mayor Luecke noted that the needs and desires of the Council with regard to reporting are <br /> important,and he apologized for missing some of those requests on occasion. He noted that the <br /> Board of Public Works does post agendas on the city's website,however they do not post their <br /> minutes currently. <br /> Dr. Varner noted that the summary sheet from Fort Wayne(copy attached) is very informative. <br /> He sees the process as being constructive and assisting in accountability. He urged that there be <br /> a"transparent process"especially now that the Council receives very little or no reporting in the <br /> local newspaper. He noted that greater awareness of the process is necessary so that the Council <br /> is able to carry out its duties. He noted that South Bend has the highest or 2nd highest property <br /> taxes in the State of Indiana. He again stressed the need for"transparency and public <br /> information"since we have over$186 million in investment as reported in the Controller's <br /> Report which could be expanded. <br /> Council Member Kelly hoped that the Bill would not be just more bureaucracy and add more <br /> layers. <br /> Mr. Leone voiced concern with regard to the provisions on IRS Form 990. He noted that the <br /> Council is well aware that there must be a"rational basis"for their legislative initiatives. He <br /> further noted that a sound legislative record is critical in order for his department to properly <br /> defend any legislation which may be challenged. He commended the Council for"one of the <br /> best legislative records he has ever seen"on the adult business ordinance and in particular the <br /> Council's development of"negative secondary effects". He questioned the overall basis of such <br /> disclosures as it would apply to Project Future, South Bend Heritage, for example. <br /> Dr. Varner noted that he was primarily concerned about 501(C)(3)non-profit organizations and <br /> that the information would be useful. He noted that filing of such public information may mean <br /> alot to some and be meaningless to others,but that it would be responsible to have it. He noted <br /> that Bonnie Stryker and Becky Bonham provided information on their organizations when he <br /> requested it during budget hearings,but that no one else did which is part of a"culture of <br /> non-disclosure". In light of the amount of dollars involved,disclosure should take place. He <br /> noted that this has not happened all at once but rather over a series of years. <br /> Dr. Varner noted that the most of the general public cannot attend a 9:30 am meeting of the <br /> Board of Public Safety. He then asked how much money is currently given in grants to such non <br /> profits? Mr. 011ett stated that he did not have that information with him. <br /> Mr. Littrell noted that alot of effort has been devoted to the dissemination of information in <br /> Engineering, water works and environmental services. When they get requests in writing which <br /> are clear and understandable,they respond. It was noted that a summary sheet like Fort Wayne's <br /> could be produced locally. <br /> June 2,2004 Page 2 <br />