08-14-06 Community & Economic Development

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Joint Meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee 20Q6 South Bend Common Council The August 14, 2006 joint meeting of the Utilities Committee and the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Dr. Varner, Chairperson of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and Council Member Kirsits, Utilities Committee Chairperson at 3:46 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, White, Pfeifer, Kelly, Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits, Rouse and Puzzello; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City Attorney Charles Leone, City Controller M. Catherine Fanello, Director of Environmental Services Jack Dillon, University of Notre Dame Utilities Director Paul Kempf, City Clerk Jahn Voorde, Sharon Kendall, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. It was noted that the members of the Utilities Committee include Council Members Kirsits, Kuspa, Puzzello and Pfeifer; and Citizen Member Gene Pendl; and that the members of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee include Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Dieter, Puzzello and Citizen Member Kurt Youngs. Bill No. 19-Ofi: The Joint Committee meeting was called to continue discussions on Blll No. 19- 06 which would amend Chapter 17, Article 2, Division 5, Section 17-29 of the Soufh Bend Municipal Code addressing authorization to enter into special rate contracts for sewer service. Dr. Varner, one of the sponsors of the Bill along with Council Member Kirsits stated that he believes that Mr. Leone's suggested substitute version of the ordinance would loosen the criteria too much and would open the doors in this area. He prefers a dollar for dollar exchange which would be justified by the customer seeking the special rate contract. Dr. Varner concluded his remarks be stating that he preferred the "KirsitslVarner" substitute bill dated July 24t" Council Member Kirsits stated that he agrees with the comments made by Dr. Varner on the "short version" of Substitute Bill No. 19-06. He stated that Gary Gilot and the University of Notre Dame have done "a great job". He believes that the Common Council should play a needed oversight role, as proposed in the "short version".