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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-08 Personnel and Finance Standing CommitteePersonnel and Finance Standing Committee 2008 South Bend Common Council The January 14, 2008 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Thomas LaFountain at 4:06 p.m. the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Varner, White, Kirsits, Davis, Rouse, Davis and Puzzello; Acting Mayor Charles Leone, Mayoral Assistant Tom Price, Interim City Controller John Murphy, City Engineer Carl Littrell, Chief Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose, Martha Lewis, Mrs. Kopola, Beth Leonard, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member LaFountain noted that the Committee Members include Dr. Varner, who serves as Vice-Chairperson, Council Members Oliver Davis and himself as Chairperson, all of whom are present and that Council Member Kirsits is also a member who is absent. Council Member LaFountain noted that today's committee meeting was called to review two (2) bills sent to committee for review and recommendation. He then called for a formal presentation on Bill No. 82-07 which would amend Section 2-213a of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing the updating of the Table of Code Violations and Penalties. Bill No. 82-07 Amending Section 2-213a of the South Bend Municipal Code Addressing the Table of Code Violations and Penalties Chief Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose made the formal presentation. She noted that the proposed ordinance is basically a housekeeping measure to update the chart. The process has been slow and tedious. In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Ms. DeRose stated that Police Officers and Code Enforcement officers have discretion in the issuance of citations. Council Member Dieter stated that enforcing loud stereo noise regulations must be a top priority, as well as the collection of the fines. He stated that the City Administration must work with the Council, the Ordinance Violations Bureau (OVB) and Code Enforcement so that the collection rates can be improved. Council Member White requested the Council Attorney to send to Ms. DeRose the chart which she prepared last Fall on the enforcement of many of the quality of life ordinances. Council Member White stated that the Health and Public Safety Committee Personnel and Finance Committee January 14, 2008 Page 2 will have has one of their top priorities better implementation and enforcement procedures which will be monitored by the Council. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Ms. DeRose noted that the Code provisions were used in developing the chart and that American Pit Bull Terriers and dangerous animals are specifically regulated. The Council Attorney noted that the chart is to set forth all. fines which can be collected by the Ordinance Violations Bureau. Often times persons are combative when coming to the OVB office, and that an updated chart would assist the OVB to help minimize confrontations. In response to a question from Council Member Henry Davis, Ms. DeRose stated that the Code Enforcement Officer acts in a quasi judicial manner. Only in severe cases of non-compliance are the highest penalties pursued. Dr. Varner inquired about the maximums listed on the chart. Ms. DeRose stated that if there is a conflict between the chart and the regulations which set forth the specific provisions by topic, that the specific regulations would prevail. There was no public input in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Council Member Oliver Davis made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 82- 07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member LaFountain then called for a presentation on Bill No. 87-07 which would create a new fund no. 435 TIF District-Douglas Road Economic Development Allocation Area. Bill No. 87-07: Creation of a New Fund No. 435 TIF District-Douglas Road Economic Development Allocation Area: Elizabeth Leonard, Director of Financial & Program Management for the Department of Community and Economic Development made the formal presentation. She noted that a separate fund need to be created. Dr. Varner noted that this involves the Memorial Hospital development on Douglas Road. In response to questions from Council Member White, Ms. Leonard stated that $14,000 was received by the city on December 31, 2007, and that $46,000 is expected to be received this year. Personnel and Finance Committee January 14, 2008 Page 3 There was no one from the public to speak in favor or in opposition to the Bill. Dr. Varner made a motion, seconded by Council Member Oliver Davis that Bill No. 87- 07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member LaFountain adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m. Resp ly i , ~~i~~ C Heil a er homas La Fountain, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments