HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-16 Health and Public SafetyOFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER, CITY CLERK
HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 4:40 P.M.
Committee Members Present: John Voorde, Karen White, Oliver Davis, Jo M. Broden
Other Council Present:
Others Present:
Agenda: Bill No. 42 -16 — Submission of a request to participate in
Indiana's Available Insurance Program
Committee Chair John Voorde called the meeting to order with one (1) item on the agenda.
Bill No. 42 -16 — Submission of a request to participate in Indiana's Available Insurance
Program
Randy Wilkerson, Director of Code Enforcement, 13th Floor of the County City Building, this is
a request for a bill through the Indiana Department of Insurance. It is a set aside program for any
building that is on fire or explodes, or has any cost associated with it that is insured. It is a $100
fee for us, and if someone is insured and decides to walk away, there is money set aside for us to
cover any expenses that we incur in fixing that problem, whether we are boarding it up, securing
it, demolishing it, or making repairs.
Councilmember Tim Scott asked if this is an Indiana State -based program, if they cover
everything, and how it is administered through the Department of Code Enforcement.
Mr. Wilkerson stated that when a damaged building is insured, the Department of Code
Enforcement contacts them and lets them know that we have an interest in the building, and the
funds will be set aside. If the owner does not take action, those monies would come to the
department to cover the expenses.
Councilmember Scott asked what the turnaround is like.
Mr. Wilkerson stated that he does not have that information.
Committee Chair Voorde inquired about environmental remediation.
455 County -City Building • 227 W. Jefferson Boulevard • South Bend, Indiana 46601
Phone 574- 235 -9221 • Fax 574- 235 -9173 • TDD 574- 235 -5567 • www.SouthBendrN.gov
JENNIFER M. COFFMAN ALKEYNA M. ALDRIDGE JOSEPH MOLNAR
CHIEF DEPUTY/ CHIEF OF STAFF DEPUTY/ DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK
Mr. Wilkerson stated if it is involved with the explosion or the damage of the building, it would
be included.
Committeemember White asked if the owner would have any responsibilities, and what the
process would look like.
Mr. Wilkerson stated that the insurance program would normally pay the owners, but they would
hold back a portion of that money that would come to us. Instead of us paying for the demolition
and not getting reimbursed, the insurance company would be reimbursing us.
Committeemember White asked if the payment would be with the City and the owner.
Mr. Wilkerson stated his assumption is that the insurance company will work directly with the
City, and then they will settle with the homeowners.
Those from the public wishing to speak in favor of the bill:
Bill Dunn, 1620 Southwood, South Bend, this is very close to what mortgage lenders do with
their loss payee clause. If something happens to a house, money is parked with the lender until
the owner takes care of it.
Committeemember Gavin Ferlic motioned to send Bill 41 -16 to the full Council favorably,
Committeemember White seconded, and it carried by voice vote with four (4) ayes.
Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated that he has information for the gentleman who asked
about the Ciiy participating in the state plan for flood insurance and will talk to him before the
next meeting. It is a voluntary program that cities can participate in, and can sign up for without
great expense. It gets flood area people discounts in their insurance if the City chooses to
participate.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Jo oorde, Chairper "son°
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