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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of November 6, 2008 <br />Page 2 <br />Mr. Gilot stated that the city has kept costs down and are very competitive on capital <br />projects. He then reviewed a 4-page handout entitled "Public Works 2009 Budget <br />Savings" (copy attached). <br />Council President Rouse stated that Mr. Gilot has set the standard that he would like each <br />department to model. <br />Council Member Puzzello noted that she would be interested in knowing the savings <br />realized to date by each department, noting that she made this request earlier to the City <br />Controller. <br />In response to inquires from Council Member Henry Davis, Mr. Gilot noted that the City <br />cannot afford to provide a 1" overlay curb to curb on city streets, and that often only . <br />portions of the street are addressed, with others having crack sealing ,infra red spot <br />repairs, etc. as a band-aid approach. <br />In response to questions from Council Member Dieter, Mr. Gilot noted that the next time <br />that the city petitions to remove itself from IURC jurisdiction for its water rates that it must <br />do a better job of providing information to the public on the benefits of having the rates set <br />locally by the Common Council. Mr. Gilot stated that approximately $700,000 for the study <br />required for the last rate increase which took 3'/ years to review by the IURC. <br />Dr. Varner noted that the vast majority of the cost incurred for the last water rate increase <br />was related to the 20% surcharge justification for charges to those receiving water services <br />outside of the city limits. Approximately $200,000 additional revenue is received based on <br />that surcharge, accordingly to Mr. Gilot. <br />Council Member White noted that at the October 27th hearing on the budget a number of <br />issues were raised. She stated that planning as a Common Council key priorities for <br />individual departments is essential. She and Dr. Varner stressed that the City needs to <br />know what the 2008 tax rates will be. Priority spending cannot be done unless the relevant <br />information is known. <br />Council President Rouse stated that more information on LOIT will be known in the very <br />near future. He noted in response to a question from Council Member Oliver Davis that to <br />date there has been general discussion on this topic with county officials and Mishawaka <br />officials, noting that there was a preference to wait until after the General Election. <br />City Controller M. Catherine Fanello stated that after discussions with Dr. Varner, the <br />Mayor has agreed that TIF monies can be used to pay for some of the capital costs for the <br />Fire Department and Police Department stations. <br />Dr. Varner noted that the Redevelopment Commission approved in his absence expenses <br />for professional services for MIND at their last meeting. He stated that clarification in the <br />