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Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 2000 Page 4 this for City-owned lots. It was noted that the minimum charge to clean a lot is $ 116 plus administration expenses. Ms. Davis noted that Larry Magliozzi is currently working on a program to divest the City of as many city lots as possible which total around 300. Ms. Davis stated that she would keep the Council updated on further updates on the city-owned lots. The Council Attorney and Dr. Varner voiced concern about the former fire station on Lincoln Way East (south side) with regard to weeds. Ms. Davis stated she would follow up on the former Lincoln Way East fire station property being cut on a regular basis, noting that she believed it was under the control of the Park Department. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, it was noted that the Hearing Officer is required to order an individual clean-up each time and that a new citation must be issued each time and a new file and new letters sent on the same property. Trash, garage and grass all go to the Hearing Officer. There is a 75%compliance rate as a result of letters being sent. Dr. Varner inquired about the property located at York and Byron which is in the hands of a mortgage company. Ms. Davis noted that most companies are non-responsive to requests for maintaining the property, noting that more and more properties are controlled by out-of-state companies who obtain them through tax sales. Dr. Varner suggested that further discussion on this topic take place. Dr. Varner inquired about the lien status of lots cleaned by the City. Ms. Dempsey stated that John Lentz has informed her that the County's computers are not capable of placing charges for lawn mowing/cleanup on the tax bills. The Committee requested an update on this topic. Ms. Dempsey noted that the City utilizes Small Claims Court and a collection agency to pursue collection for charges provided by the City. She then provided a one-page handout on collections(copy attached). WEIGHTS & MEASURES (FUND # 101-1202): 2000 Total Projected Expenditure: $40,796 2001 Total Projected Expenditure: $46.167 2.5 % Increase Ms. Davis noted that approximately five (5) years ago the city and county weights and measures operations were consolidated. There is now a contractual agreement in place and the city receives payment once per year. Mishawaka has been asked to join but has declined. Ms. Davis noted that state law would need to be changed in order for fees to be charged for these services. CODE HEARING OFFICER (FUND # 101-1203): 2000 Total Projected Expenditure: $50,896 2001 Total Projected Expenditure: $52,677 3.5%Increase Ms. Davis noted that this operation is now done on a contractual basis. It was changed in 1999 when it was determined that the Code Hearing Officer who had been receiving all City-paid benefits for several years was not entitled to such benefits. Council Member Aranowski noted that IRS rulings have gotten more stringent in this area recently.