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Home My WebLink About10-2008 Newsletter5 0 U A6 E N D (' Octo bem 2008 �,/ts- i/ • f� 4141rrR SwpkFa 1. CtFe,4r ",V7 Letter from the Mayor Dear Friends and Neighbors, Regular readers of this newsletter are aware of critical issues facing South Bend — the potential loss of police and firefighters and closing of park facilities and recreation programs as a result of property tax caps. The City of South Bend is facing a loss of nearly 27 percent of its budget by 2010 because of new financial constraints imposed by House Enrolled Act 1001. We need to find cost savings wherever possible. THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Arts Cafe Indiana Access to Recovery Services Leaf Pickup Program Fall Yard Waste Free Leaf Bags There is a way South Bend residents can help the City cut spending, reduce bureaucracy and set fairer water rates for city residents while keeping decisions critical to South Bend's future growth in the hands of locally elected representatives rather than appointed bureaucrats in Indianapolis. How? Vote YES on Nov. 4 on the referendum to allow South Bend Utilities to opt out of redundant oversight by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Nearly 90 percent of Indiana's 388 cities and towns have already opted out form IURC review and their residents say the move is a good idea. Not one of these communities has elected to opt back in. Here are more reasons why you should vote YES: 1. Local control: Water rates already are approved by the South Bend Common Council, which is elected by city residents. Even without IURC oversight, there is a rigorous analysis to determine the cost of providing service. The IURC, appointed by the governor, is not accountable to South Bend residents. It has not made any major changes to rates set by our Council. The Council already sets wastewater rates without this additional review. 2. Reduced bureaucracy: The IURC provides valuable oversight for private utilities, which are not accountable to the public. However, as we work to streamline government in Indiana, this costly and redundant review isn't needed for municipal utilities, which are overseen by elected representatives. 3. Fairer water rates: The City's utilities exist for its residents. City customers are owners of the infrastructure. Customers outside the city limits should pay their fair share for operating, maintenance and depreciation costs of this equipment. The IURC has consistently challenged our 20 percent differential for customers outside of South Bend, even though a cost of service study supports a much higher surcharge. 4. Improved efficiency: It took the IURC more than 3'/z years to finally resolve South Bend's last rate case, yet it did not fully resolve issues of fairness and equity. Even fast cases take 8 months. These delays ultimately lead to larger rate hikes. 5. Save Thousand$: The last IURC proceeding cost you more than $687,000. The process requires hiring attorneys and consultants, many trips to Indianapolis — and still all the issues were not resolved. You will hear contrarian voices. Some believe that city residents should subsidize rates for customers outside the city. Others will say you can't trust government. But more government is not the answer. Unlike state- appointed officials, our local elected representatives are accountable to you, the residents of South Bend. If I felt that IURC review added value for our customers, I would not seek to opt out. But it does not add value. Instead, it adds sig- nificant costs and delays, without significant changes to rates already reviewed and approved by the City Council. Opting out will give us the flexibility for smaller, gradual rate increases when they are absolutely needed. Please vote on Nov. 4. There are many important races on the ballot. Please vote YES on the referendum to opt out from the IURC review. Sincerely, OPERATION RELEAF Operation ReLeaf will begin on Monday, November 3rd., in the Northeast side quadrant and will continue clockwise twice around the City, through December 8th. Pickup schedules will be announced in the South Bend Tribune, and online at www.southbendin.gov. Schedules may change depending on weather and leaf volume. Loose Leaf Pickup Guidelines • Leaves must be raked to the curb per Releaf schedule. • If you miss your pickup, or have leaves left after Operation Releaf is completed, please use the Yard Waste pickup program. (see below). • DO NOT allow children to play in leaf piles by the curb! Residents are reminded that in order to protect air quality, burning of leaves is completely prohibited in the City of South Bend and is a violation of City ordinance. For info contact Bureau of Streets at 235 -9244, or visit southbendin.gov /releaf. Fall Yard Waste Weekly Pickup 1. Place yard waste curbside, in bags V'� or containers, by 6 a.m., separate of the federal poverty level, residing in St. Joseph County. The from trash on your regular trash three target populations are: adults transitioning into the collection day until November 30th. community after incarceration, women who are pregnant or who 2. Yard waste and brush must be N bagged or bundled in 4 feet lengths, 6 inches in diameter. 3. Use suitable containers (30 gallon trash container or smaller) -do not place yard waste in City automated trash containers. 4. Do not place yard waste in alleys. South Bend's yard waste is recycled at the City's Organic Resources Facility, diverting this material from our landfills. City residents can pick up high quality mulch and compost free if you self load. There is a minimal sliding scale fee if loading assistance is needed. Organic Resources: 287 -6841 (8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m Monday- Friday). Located at 4340 Trade Drive (off of Nimtz Parkway) 1/4 mile west of Bendix Drive. Environmental Services: 277 -8823 FREE LEAF BAGS Near Northwest Neighborhood INCORPORATED A Cafe Aveunes - Homes • Neighbors Where We Live! The Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. (NNN) invites you to the 6t' Annual Arts Cafe on Sunday, November 2 "d from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This free walking tour will open a number of houses for the community to view, showcasing the distinctive character of area homes and providing a unique backdrop for local artists, musicians, and culinary specialists to share their diverse talents. This year's Cafe will revisit Cottage Grove Avenue, between Lindsey Street and Lincoln Way West, highlighting the NNN's continued progress. Since Cottage Grove Ave hosted the Arts Cafe two years ago five more properties have been improved including one new construction and a house move! Artists' wares will be available for sale — featuring watercolor, pottery, photography, and jewelry, in addition to culinary delights. Local musicians will add to the atmosphere. Also, take a minute to stop by the Children's Activity Tent with interactive activities for youth. For more information, call the Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. at (574)232 -9182 or visit us online at www.nearnorthwest.org. Indiana Access to Recovery Addiction Treatment & Recovery Program �Nl & spc" Indiana Access to Recovery (ATR) is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Jk discretionary grant program aimed at expanding the chemical dependency ��ts�kfix recovery infrastructure in the state to include both faith -based and community organizations that have traditionally not been involved in chemical dependency recovery. The grant will also pilot the establishment of client choice at the center of chemical dependency efforts throughout the state. A limited quantity of leaf bags is Indiana ATR funds will be available for adults at or below 200% now available at Neighborhood Asso- of the federal poverty level, residing in St. Joseph County. The ciations, on a first -come, first- served three target populations are: adults transitioning into the basis. For more information, please community after incarceration, women who are pregnant or who call the center nearest you: have dependent children, and adults with a history of • La Casa de Amistad 746 S. Meade St. 233 -2120 • Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. 1007 Portage Ave. 232 -9182 • Northeast Neighborhood Council 803 N. Notre Dame Ave. 235 -9675 • Robinson Community Learning Ctr 921 N. Eddy St. 631 -8759 • Rum Village Nature Center 1031 W. Dubail St. 245 -6118 Methamphetamine use For more information on services available, how to find services, or to sign up to be a provider please visit ATR.fssa.in.gov or contact April Schmid, Program Coordinator for Indiana ATR: (317) 234 -0902. April. Schmid @fssa.in.gov. SI USTED NO ENTIENDE INGLES Y NECESITA AYUDA PARA TRADUCIR ESTE DOCUMENTO, O SI TIENE AL- GUNA PREGUNTA, POR FAVOR LLAME AL TELEFONO (574) 235 -5858 X 1000. Vsit Our Website at www SoutliBendIN.gov!