03-07-03 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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b Informal Meeting/Working Session of the South Bend Common Council March 7, 2003 Page 3 and commissions need to provide better notice especially on issues that directly affect neighborhoods. Bill 1897 deals with landlord/tenant matters and addresses an exemption for universities, hospitals and nursing homes. FIB 1881 passed which requires 24-hour notice from the landlord to tenants before they can enter, except in cases of emergencies. Council Member Pfeifer inquired about SB 493 dealing with elderly living at home and receiving health care. Senator Broden stated that a "watered down" version passed but that it does not contain any funding mandates. He stated that it is a significant first step. A soda pop tax may be a possible funding source. Dr. Varner suggested that the legislators consider a concept that if a person agrees to participate that they would agree to have a lien against their estate if there are any expenses that need to be recouped after their passing. Senator Broden stated that that is an excellent concept and that he would look into it. He noted that the bill also looks at community-based care. Council Member Kuspa inquired about S. 377. It was noted that that bill is dead. Mayor Luecke noted that a bill on the tort limitations for cities would raise the exposure from $300,000 to$750,000 and then to$1 million in four(4) years. Senator Broden stated that the Indiana Tort Claims Act took effect in 1974 and has not had any changes for twenty-eight(28) years. He noted that the $300,000 amount established in 1974 now is equivalent to paying for$48,000 of medical bills. He noted that Indiana is in the middle when compared to other states on this issue. He noted that it passed in the Senate and is on its way to the House. Mayor Luecke inquired about the status of video cameras at stop lights. Senator Broden stated it passed in the Senate and was sent to the House. It would require the police department to sent out tickets after a review. Mayor Luecke stated that he would like similar legislation for railroad crossings and for speeding. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she would like such a bill for dumping. State Representative Dvorak stated FIB 1896 addresses general obligation bonds and passed by one vote. He noted that FIB 1895 authorizes joint investment funds which should result in saving on administrative fees and costs. Mr. Leone inquired about bill #2032 addressing annexation. State Representative Dvorak stated that it was seen as a clean-up bill which would put St. Joseph County with everyone else. When the Indiana Supreme Court struck down the special legislation addressing annexations in St. Joseph County,it has raised several constitutional issues. He noted that there are over 800 special acts of legislation now codified in the Indiana Code, with 70-80 of them affecting St. Joseph County. State Representative Dvorak stated that 51% for annexation is fair for everyone. Mr. Leone noted that consideration of sharing the tax burden for hospitals,etc. should be discussed. Mayor Luecke stated that he prefers a voluntary annexation process for growth, however for