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related to the flood event. Climate change is real, and I want to highlight that we individually <br /> responded. We could have sent a form letter that every resident got, but we wanted to treat our <br /> residents with respect and dignity and we took the time to review all of their claims and <br /> responded to each specific circumstance. <br /> She went on, We have also collaborated with other cities on AMICUS Briefs. AMICUS Briefs <br /> focus on anti-discrimination and inclusion. We also received a favorable jury trial verdict. The <br /> matter was Tidwell v. The City of South Bend and we are proud of that because it reflects our <br /> aggressive defense strategy. We are backing up our Departments when we know that they are <br /> right. Our firefighters and emergency responders saved a woman's life and we shouldn't get sued <br /> for saving someone's life. Lastly,we provided the legal framework for the 2017 implementation <br /> of the Municipal ID Program. We expanded the Riverfront Development boundaries and have <br /> completed preliminary agreements for the South Shore Line Project. In the past, I would go onto <br /> list our goal for 2018 but in deference to the new Corporation Counsel, Stephanie Steele, I am <br /> excited for the great work she is going to do and I will leave that presentation for her. <br /> Committee Chair White thanked Mrs. Brisco for her work and tenure throughout her time with <br /> the City of South Bend, and wished her all the best in her future endeavors. <br /> Councilmember Broden asked, With regard to APRA, is there a benchmark of the benchmarks? <br /> Mrs. Brisco replied, We have the highest volume of any government unit of our size. In terms of <br /> benchmark,though, we haven't had a violation and we are now at approximately seven thousand <br /> six-hundred(7,600) requests as of August 1, 2017. So to not have a violation makes our <br /> benchmark to make sure we don't incur a violation. We want to be able to do things right and <br /> maintain that effective work. <br /> Councilmember Broden followed up, In recognizing the responsiveness, what are the general <br /> areas that drive that volume? <br /> Mrs. Brisco replied, A lot of the time it is people requesting copies of police reports. We also <br /> have some lawyers that use it as a covert way for discovery,but it is largely requests for police <br /> reports. <br /> Councilmember Broden then asked, Is the follow-up with litigation and is there any pattern <br /> there? <br /> Mrs. Brisco replied, I should probably clarify. A lot of what we are seeing is not for litigation <br /> against the City but it is usually, for example, a copy of traffic accident reports. Sometimes you <br /> are able to foreshadow'something to come, due to the nature of the request. <br /> Councilmember Broden asked, With regard to the sixty-five (65) claims for the 2016 flood event, <br /> is there a dollar amount associated with that? <br /> Mrs. Brisco replied, We did not pay those claims so there was no dollar amount. <br /> 4 <br />