HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Operations - 03/16/1992 OPERATIINS COMMITTEE IIIN >> ES
March 16, 1992
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Christi Houser
Leona Orr
Jinn White
STAFF PRESENT: Jim Hansen
Tony McCarthy
Kelli O'Donnell
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Marvin Eckfeldt
Carol Egelston
Ted Loudenback
Georgia Vorhees
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF &
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Approximately 80 people were present that were not
identified to the Committee.
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. by Chairperson Houser.
Approval of Vouchers
All claims for the period ending February 27, 1992, in the amount of $886,250.96 were approved for
payment.
Blanket Fidelity Bond and Crime Coverage
Risk/Safety Manager Chatwin informed the Committee that the subject coverage has been reviewed by
himself and the Executive Committee. The City currently carries blanket coverage for crime and fidelity
insurance on all employees at a cost of$4,300 yearly. The Executive Committee recommends self insuring
for crime and fidelity while continuing bond coverage on specific employees such as the Finance Director
and Chief of Police.
Committeemember White asked if any claims have been made in the past. Chatwin replied that he was a
aware of only one fidelity situation which had been negotiated and never prosecuted and no incidents
under the crime coverage in the past three to five years.
The Operations Committee concurred with the recommendation of dropping fidelity bond and crime
coverage at a cost savings of$4,300 annually:
Housinst and Human Services Department
Committeemember Orr noted that this proposal had been made originally in a simpler form which had been
approved by the Planning Committee and Operations previously. She asked the Assistant City Administrator
to give an overview of that proposal before the Committee proceeded.
Assistant City Administrator Hansen reviewed with the Committee the proposal for the Office of Housing
and Human Services which had been approved by the Planning Committee and Operations Committee on
January 14, 1992. The proposal creates an Office of Human Services which would have the responsibility
of administering the Community Development Block Grant Program which includes the housing repair
program; overseeing the Human Services Programs which are approved by the Human Services
1
OPETIONS COMMITTEE MIS
March 16, 1992
Commission; participation on the Regional Human Services Roundtable; development of the City's
Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Program; and, Overseeing the City's health contract. The proposed
office would have seven staff members with an annual budget of just over $1 million. The office would
have a reporting relationship to the Planning Director.
Committeemember White questioned the staffing needs of the office. Hansen replied that there would be
no increase in staff or the general fund budget as a result of this change with any additional funding needs
being absorbed by the block grant program. White asked if the health contract was charged on a per capita
basis, Hansen affirmed this. White noted that other cities been unable to reduce rates and questioned the
necessity to monitor it. Hansen responded that monitoring could result in the enhancement of services with
constructive criticism and assessments of levels of service.
Committeemember Orr put forth a motion for consideration; since approval had been given by both the
Planning and Operations Committees under different membership for the Office of Human Services, Orr
Moved to confirm Operations approval and forward the item to the City Council.
Committeemember White seconded the motion and requested to speak to it. He noted the uproar over the
reorganization and the value of the Senior Center and Special Populations Center to the City. White
affirmed his support of the Office of Human Services under the Planning Department leaving the seniors
and special populations under the Parks Department. White thanked the seniors for their participation.
Committee Chairperson Houser thanked Committeemember White for his comments and amended the
motion to the Office of Housing and Community Services and asked if that was acceptable. Houser asked
if there were any questions. A member of the audience asked for clarification of What was happening.
Hansen reviewed the proposal noting there would be an organizational change in the Planning Department
to enhance services.
Mr. Ted Loudenback asked if the Senior Center and Special Populations would be moved. Hansen stated
that they would in no way be affected or any other function of the Parks Department. Chairperson Houser
asked if there were any other questions. Mr. Marvin Eckfeldt, Chair of the Human Services Commission,
asked to address the Committee; he outlined his support of the proposed office noting that this issue has
raised a considerable amount of disgust among the citizens. He stated that the proposed office will be a
win-win for everyone involved.
After Chairperson Houser asked if anyone wished to speak to the motion on the floor,the Committee voted
3-0 to recommend the creation of the Office of Housing and Community Services.
Mr. Loudenback addressed the Committee noting the frustration of the seniors with the lack of
communication of City government. During further discussion Hansen stated that future agendas would
be sent to the Senior Center Staff to post at the center. He added that he would be happy to answer any
questions and can be reached at 859-4152.
Ms. Carol Egelston from the Childrees Therapy Center thanked the Committee for their,responsiveness to
citizens concerns.
After further discussion, Committee Chairperson Houser adjourned the meeting at 6.25 p.m.
2