Legal Department 2016 Annual Report

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND LEGAL DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT—2016 • Robust Physical and Technological Capital Assets University of Notre Dame Hydroelectricity Project Negotiated the ground lease with the University of Notre Dame for the Hydroelectricity project executed in December 2016. Sewer Compact Fees Ordinance Successfully drafted and passed the Sewer Compact Fees Ordinance,overhauling compact fees and replacing such fees with a System Development Charge. INDOT Street Relinquishment Agreement Negotiated and finalized the Street Relinquishment Agreement with INDOT, securing $4.1 million in street funding for fiscal year 2018. Dog Park Drafted the City's first dog park lease,leading to the successful opening of the City's first dog park. • Effective, Responsive Leadership and Communication The Legal Department attorneys regularly counsel and advise their respective clients, which are comprised of the various departments that make up the City of South Bend.This valuable service is provided in-house at no hourly charge to the City and results in effective interdepartmental collaboration and joint accomplishments, driven by highly responsive and accessible legal counsel. 2017 STRATEGIC GOALS The City's Core Values provide a clear lens through which to view the effectiveness of our legal representation and client services, and their application helps us to evaluate and improve our department performance. Overall, our team is strong. We are confident in each other's abilities and we are equally confident in our department's leadership driving us to achieve success. Our department benefits substantially from our diverse personal and professional experiences, and working for the City is truly a unique experience that rewards professionalism,ingenuity,and hard work with a warm atmosphere that is reflective of our collective personality. We are extremely accountable and innovative in handling the issues that arise. Given the nature of our work,we are very inclusive, and will continue to involve our clients and encourage communication across departments and with the community.To that end,the Legal Department will: • Continue to support a department culture of proactive,energetic,client-focused planning and performance; • Support City policy and legislative interests at the regional, state,and national levels;and • Continue to demonstrate a diligent and resolute litigation strategy that supports the ability of the City to deliver good government and allows residents to live a safe, healthy, meaningful life in South Bend. 6 1 P a g e