03-07-03 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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f Informal Meeting/Working Session of the South Bend Common Council March 7, 2003 Page 2 for clean-up. He noted however that it may be earmarked for rural areas. Senator Broden stated that he would look into this matter. Council Member Coleman noted that he is a member of the Solid Waste District Board. He inquired about State Representative Fry's objections to the Energize Indiana bill. It was noted that the state representative contends that the bill is a form of"corporate welfare". State Representative Mangus noted that the City of South Bend has five (5) full-time employees who work in the solid waste area, while Elkhart has two (2) part-time employees which will be increased to three (3). Elkhart met their goals and is very successful in a volunteer recycling program, while South Bend did not meet its goal. State Representative Mangus noted that there is no regular recycling done in the County-City Building. He noted that when there is a landfill operating in the county, that he believes that they should get the tipping fees. South Bend sends its trash to Buchanan, Michigan and Mishawaka sends its trash to Elkhart County, rather than to the landfill in the county. State Representative Mangus stated that the result is a loss of$1.45 million each year. He stated that he and County Commissioner Hank Ferrettie met with Mayor Kernan in 1986-1987, and that he has been in at least four (4) landfill fights. Circuit Court Judge John Montgomery issued a temporary restraining order, and the State Board of Accounts noted inconsistencies in accounting. He noted that he has been a State Representative for thirty-two(32) years and knows the difference between a fee and a tax. He added that originally the landfill int he county was to have a life of twenty-five (25) years, but now it is proposed to have a life of fifty (50) years. Council Member Coleman noted that the significant amount of recycling may have contributed to extending the life of the landfill. He also noted that billing procedures have been improved. State Senator Broden inquired about recycling programs at IUSB. Council Member Pfeifer noted that IUSB has recycling containers throughout the campus and that the recycling campaign was student initiated with a History Professor. She added that she feels guilty that there is not a better program in place in the County-City Building. Mayor Luecke noted that there is a voluntary recycling program for white paper and newspapers in the building, as well as aluminum cans. City Clerk Loretta Duda noted that her office recycles aluminum cans and donates them to local churches. Senator Broden stated that the wetland bill passed 42-5 and would have some affect on St. Joseph County. He noted that he is a member of the Local Government Committee and that there were not many bills sent to it. Council President White inquired about HB 1897 dealing with landlord/tenant matters. Senator Broden stated that NRTSC proposed several ideas for consideration including notice of public meetings which came out of committee 5-4. IACT has made several proposed amendments which- 1 be included. It is hoped that any new legislation in this area would help eliminate situations like the BZA matter involving Leeper Park and a parking area, noting that other boards