02-05-14 Joint Meeting Health and Public Safety & Personnel and Finance

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Derek asked if employees were being shifted to space in the Building Department, a move lending credence to the de facto combination. The Mayor responded saying Toy Villa had analyzed space needs for the 311 crew and the decision to shift that group to the Building Department space was in process. Shubhada Kambli, the Director of Neighborhood Code Enforcement Department took over for the Mayor who left for a prior commitment. She outlined her efforts to bring the department into the information age. In process were efforts to eliminate paper data silos, putting the data collection, notification, and follow -up on line. Better decision making and efficiency are the stated goals. Her presentation prompted questions from several Councilmembers and considerable consternation. Valerie Schey wondered if the Naviline System could be updated. Dr. David Varner had questions about the asbestos abatement requirements impacting the pace and cost of housing demolitions. Henry Davis said the Council felt "shut off' from these changes. He and Oliver Davis said personnel changes needed to be better communicated to Council. Henry in particular said he no longer knew who to call with questions. Shubhada said she would be happy to take calls. Both Oliver Davis and Dr. Fred Ferlic urged better lines of communication. Valerie Schey asked about funding for "overlapping" Neighborhood Code Enforcement and Building Department functions. John Murphy, City Controller, responded saying a new fund 600 had been created containing funds from both departments while assuring the Council departmental funds were segregated. This seemed unsettling to Councilmembers. Henry Davis felt it added to the claim that the departments were, in fact, being combined behind the Council's back. Derek Dieter adjourned the meeting at 6:08. Re ec ully Submitted, Derek Dieter, Chairperson of Health & Public Safety Valerie Schey, Chairperson Personnel & Finance