04-06-01 Informal Meeting Common Council & Indiana State Senators and State Reps

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Qommttt Z port: Informal lifluting of tit outb (Common tounuiz an4 tf Untiiana state *tnatorz an *tat laortstntatiDes The April 6, 2001 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council and the Indiana State Senators and State Representatives representing the South Bend area was called to order by Council President Charlotte Pfeifer at noon in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Varner,King and Pfeifer; Senator Joseph Zakas, Senator John Braden, Representative Michael Dvorak, Commissioner Cindy Bodle, Commissioner Beverly Crone, City Attorney Charles Leone, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney, Council President Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the luncheon meeting. She noted that the next luncheon meeting will be held on June 1,2001. Representative Dvorak noted that the annexation bill will be going to a conference committee. He noted that it would expedite voluntary annexations and is a result of much discussion with the City and in particular Don Fozo. Council Member King noted the economic development impact of annexations, especially those which are voluntary in nature. Senator Broden noted that Representative Mangus has a bill which will have a hearing before the Environmental Affairs Committee which addresses recycling fees. He also highlighted a bill addressing insurance for public employees. Representative Dvorak noted that a bill has been introduced whereby not-for-profit entities would be charged a fee for police and fire services. Commissioner Crone noted that such entities should pay something and she believed that it had passed in the House. Council Member Kelly inquired about the inventory tax. It was noted that mobile homes do not pay any taxes at all currently. Council Member King noted that the South Bend area is a hub for distribution. It could grow even larger but for the inventory tax. He noted that St. Joseph County has $ 21 million and Elkhart County has $22 million resulting from inventory taxes. Commissioner Crone noted that it would be pulled out of the assessed value and would ultimately affect the bonding powers. She stressed the need to have a proper balance. SB 339 was briefly discussed which addresses environmental remediation loan funds. Senator Broden noted that FIB 457 (CREED) passed 22-1 to the Senate. This bill would assist in the development of the Studebaker Corridor. The need for a Scottsdale Mall incentive was discussed, as well as the Honeywell tax abatement in Bill 389.