08/27/07 Personnel and Finance Committee

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August 27 2007 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 Bill No. 50-07: Permit Fees and Amendments to the South Bend Municipal Code: Council Member Pfeifer called for a presentation on Bill No. 50-07 which would amend various sections of Chapter 6, Article 1 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing permit fees and the definition of pluming contractor. Building Commissioner Don Fozo made the formal presentation. He stated that this would update the fees which help fund this enterprise operation, noting that no tax dollars are used in their operations. Mr. Fozo stated that there has been a lack of construction when compared to other years. He has discussed the proposed changes with the St. Joe Valley Trades, home builders, PHCC, etc and that he has not received any opposition. Mr. Fozo noted also that the last increase in fees was in 2004. Mr. Fozo stated that the proposed definition for plumbing contractor will be consistent with Indiana state law. The square footage coast is increasing; renovation costs will not change; and that demolition and sign permits have not changed since 2004. He noted that many of the requested changes are still below charges in other communities. In response to a question from Council President Rouse, Mr. Fozo stated that the minimum charge for a permit will be $20.00. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. Fozo stated that Mishawaka has there own Building Department and that their rates were similar to South Bend's prior to filing the current ordinance under consideration. Council Member Kuspa made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 50-07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Bill No. 51-07: Fees for Documents and Amendments to the South Bend Municipal Code: Council Member Pfeifer called for a presentation on Bill No. 51-07 which would amend Chapter 2, Article 18 of the South Bend Municipal Code setting and adjusting fees for documents and services. Thomas Bodnar, Assistant City Attorney made the formal presentation. He stated that as a result of House Act 1379 he is requested four (4) changes to fees and procedures for documents. He then briefly highlighted each of the changes set forth in the Bill. Council Member Pfeifer and Varner suggested that "real time changes" reflecting the actual time for some of the services related to documents should be studied by the City Administration. Council Member Kuspa suggested that the hand gun license should be at least $500.