02-02-01 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Qounttl fillinutts: Informal Muting of tflt food) 3�szn4 (tommou tounril The first Luncheon Meeting with the local Indiana State Senators and State Representatives for the calendar year 2001 was called to order by President Charlotte Pfeifer at 12:04 p.m. on February 2, 2001,in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members White, Pfeifer, King, Kelly and Kirsits; Senator Broden, Representative Kromkowski, Representative Mangus, Commissioner Crone, Commissioner Bodle, Commissioner Hamann, Mayor Luecke, Charles Leone and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council President Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the luncheon and expressed a hope that this forum would promote open and regular communication between the various public officials. She then asked each of the State Senators and State Representatives to provide their perspectives on the current legislative session. State Representative Thomas S. Kromkowski noted that the session is off to a slow start. He highlighted progress on the budget, noting that he is working closely with Representative B. Patrick Bauer to bring back as much back to this part of the state as possible. He noted that there are Bills pending to address pension relief for the police officers and firefighters. In response to a question from the Council Attorney, he noted that a Council Resolution in support of these measures would be beneficial. Representative Kromkowski also noted that the census data for re- districting would not be received until March. He noted that there will be three (3) meetings to be held in South Bend, Indianapolis and in the southern end of the state for input. He noted that in light of federal decisions, the population deviation must be close to zero between districts. He speculated that re-districting may end up in a five-member commission which would include himself as Chairman of the Elections Committee, the Speaker of the House, the Speaker Pro Tempore and two others. Council Member King inquired about brownfield mediation. It was noted that no formal action has been taken on the revolving loan concept, however it would probably be addressed in the budget. Commissioner Bodle and Commissioner Crone inquired about election machines for the County. Representative Kromkowski and Representative Mangus noted problems with the punch card system. It was noted that the Ways and Means Committee will be reporting out favorably on a Bill which would provide monies for all ninety-two(92) counties to begin addressing this issue. State Representative Mangus noted that this is his 15th budget year. He sees one of the main issues being reapportionment. Mayor Luecke asked about the reassessment process. It was noted that discussion is taking place on gambling bills as well as welfare measures which will impact the overall budget. Mayor Luecke also voiced concern over pending bills which call for a cap of 4 % on assessments, especially in light of the fact that the City has several long-term contracts in place calling for increase which utilized the current 5% limit. Commissioner Crone voiced concern that the Assessors have not received any manuals and that the overall deadlines may not be met.