Council
Chambers
Special
Session
August 30,
2006 6:00 PM
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper
E)
THIRD
A) ORDINANCE
TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2006.
Mr. Schneider commented that he does not believe the Budget Analyst can be afforded at this time. Mr. Schneider then mentioned a list of items that cannot be afforded including replacing police cars, firetrucks, salary increases, Network Administrator, Network Equipment, new street sweeper, ice monitoring system for the Norwood Lateral, bathrooms at parks, and a list of many other items. Mr. Schneider stated that funding this position is sending the wrong message to the citizens.
Ms. Kelly mentioned that in this case we are spending money to make money. This is a manner to do things better and more efficiently. This is responsible spending.
Mr. Mumper added that the list of items that Mr. Schneider read would require millions of dollars. This Ordinance is moving $25,000 to fund the Budget Analyst position that will hopefully help us budget for these major upgrades in future years.
Mr. Gabbard asked Mayor Williams for his perspective on the roles and responsibilities of the position. Mayor Williams responded that this person would be responsible for working with Council, the Administration, and Department Heads to budget, track and analyze budget needs ongoing. This position will help define expected service levels and then analyze the budget necessary to meet these levels. Mayor Williams mentioned that this is not an original idea and that this follows the model of many other municipalities. Mr. Jones agrees with this concept as well, this is a way to change the way our City does business. Mayor Williams also responded that this will be an appointed position, reporting to the Director of Public Safety-Service.
Mr. Sanker mentioned that during his first years on Council each position was looked at to determine if it was performing at the right level. For example the Project Director position was eliminated after assessing the value the position was providing the City. If this Budget Analyst position is not working or the individual in the role is not effective actions will be taken, up to and including removing funding for the position.
Mr. Gabbard asked a question through the Chair to Mr. Sanker and asked where the money was coming from to fund the position. Mr. Sanker responded that this money is coming from the State Auditors Reporting key from the savings we will realize by not performing the CAFER audit.
Mr. Barlow added that he is strongly in favor of funding this position. This breaks the mold of “this is how we have always done it”.
Mr. Mumper added that this position has the opportunity to change the way the City does business. This can increase the effectiveness of the City expenditures and budgeting process.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to hear the third reading of the Ordinance. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider.
F) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to excuse the absent member. All members present voted YES.
G) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council