06-23-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 23, 2008 BILL NO. 42-08 PUBLIC HEARING ON A SECOND BILL AMENDING ORDINANCE 9790-07 FIXING MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES OF APPOINTED OFFICERS AND NON-BARGAINING EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2008 Councilmember White made a motion to hear the substitute version of this bill. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Varner, Vice-Chairperson, Personnel & Finance Committee, reported that this committee held a public hearing on this bill this afternoon and it was the consensus of the committee to send this substitute bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation by clarifying the original version by 1. The position of CED Specialist VI is not totally eliminated, but rather, reduced by one; and 2. One Project Analyst VI position (but not all) is reduced from a full-time to a part-time position. th Catherine Fanello, City Controller, 12 Floor County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Fanello reiterated that the substitute version of this bill clarifies the original version of the bill by 1. The position of CED Specialist VI is not totally eliminated, but rather, reduced by one; and 2. One Project Analyst VI position (but not all) is reduced from a full-time to a part time position. Also the inclusion of a Residential Marketing Specialist and a Communications Specialist I. Councilmember Henry Davis questioned how this change would make the department work any differently. Ms. Fanello stated that with her discussions with Mr. Jeff Gibney, Director, Economic Development, that he feels that this position is needed in the department. She stated that this is being done through a reorganization to be able to sell the City of South Bend. She stated that Mr. Gibney said this position is needed to really market South Bend and counter all the sales of homes going outside the City. They would not be selling real estate but doing their best to let the current residents and future residents know how great it is to live in the City of South Bend. th Pamela Meyer, Director, Community Development, 12 Floor County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the new position is not going to be doing what the old position did. This is an entirely different position, so the position that is being eliminated those duties would be spread across to other people on staff. She stated that as they have shut down various programs, there is staff time to handle that. The new position will be primarily focused on trying to make the City of South Bend a residential choice for people either currently living outside the City or new people coming into the area and trying to compliment and build upon all the economic development efforts and new industries and businesses and the mind project etc. and try to encourage development and the marketing and bring people into the community. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Josh Jerton, 51540 Westberry Trail, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in opposition to this bill. He stated that he does not believe that this position would be required. In order to make South Bend more attractive, the Council needs to lower the tax base. The tax rate is atrocious, and bureaucracy is overburdened. There is no real incentive to live in South Bend. He stated that he is actually looking to move out of the entire County because the taxes are too high. 17