06-08-09 Community and Economic Development Committee

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CED June 8, 2009 Page ~Z Council Member Oliver Davis asked how the decided what was core vs. what was non- core services. Mr. Chasey stated that the City Administration and Departments met and discussed what their customers and citizens feel are core services and those that are non-core or vital to the everyday operation of the department. Get employees involved in the reporting process. Mr. Chasey stated that the cities are examples and customized to what works for their individual city. Effective, efficient, services are the common goal. Partnership, network, get in touch with the community to determine those core operations vs. non-core operations. In closing he stated that the bottom line is being an effective organization, during budget constraints trying to do more with less. He stated that municipal employees are excellent workers and need training to be able to understand what their new responsibilities are and what is expected. He stated that they need to help the employees feel empowered and not afraid of the changes that are taking place. Citizen Member Steve Cooreman asked is this the first step? Chairperson Rouse stated that he and Council Member Henry Davis drove to Ft. Wayne to see HPG in Ft. Wayne and then asked for HPG to come here to give the presentation to the entire Council and City Administration. Chairperson Rouse stated that there is a 3 year commitment to join HPG and there is a service fee involved. Council Member Puzzello asked how the Park Departments faired in the Core vs Non- Core services. Ms. Love-Jacobson stated that they used the City's Comprehensive Plan to determine those core services as well as prior budgets. Some things were eliminated and some were kept. Mr. Chasey stated that he remembers that one of those services that was let go was that of closing a neighborhood pool. Also, tree trimming in City Parks. He stated that this past winter the City of Ft. Wayne experienced a really bad ice storm, and by not keeping up on tree trimming those limbs fell and cut power lines and the City really lost on that by having to clean up all those limbs. So this year they are looking at brining back some tree trimming services.