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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-05 Informal Meeting Common Council Y Informal Meeting of the Common Council 2005 South Bend Common Council The March 28, 2005 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Council President Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:08 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, Rouse, Kirsits and White; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Director of the Bureaus of Streets and Sewers Sam Hensley, Director of Code Enforcement Catherine Bruecker, Rita Kopola, Martha Lewis,Ruth Conway, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council President Pfeifer noted that there were two (2) updates which the Council would receive today, one from the Bureau of Streets and one from the Department of Code Enforcement. Gary Gilot, Director of the Department of Public Works, stated that his department continues to be very pro-active. He welcomed the opportunity to share information with the Council. Director of the Bureaus of Streets and Sewers Sam Hensley then provided a handout entitled "Street Department 2005 Spring Activities" (copy attached), which he then highlighted. He noted that today is the first day of the Bureau of Streets working four(4) 10-hour days. Mr. Hensley suggested that if the Council Members had suggestions that they suggest the street and specify the blocks which they would like addressed. In response to a question from Council Member Kelly, Mr. Hensley stated that flowers in the "street islands"would be handled by the Park Department. In response to a question from Council President Pfeifer, Mr. Hensley noted that last year they started using synthetic rubber and found that although it is more costly, it lasts longer. Mr. Gilot noted that there are over 400 miles of alleys in the city and that approximately 5% of the budget is spent in maintaining alleys,with 95%being spent on city streets. Council President Pfeifer suggested looking into an alley program which would be a shared cost program 50/50 with the property owners. Mr. Gilot noted that smaller equipment is needed for alleys in light of the varying widths involved; adding that there are alot of neighborhood disputes. There would be an Administrative burden with such a program,but perhaps a pilot program in the downtown could take place. Council Member Kirsits noted that often there is just 10-15 yards in a street that needs attention. Mr. Hensley stated that in those situation an overlay is applied over the areas in need. He added that it does not look"pretty"and the residents complain,but it does the job. March 28,2005 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council -page I- Council Member Puzzello inquired about the procedures for adding signs to the entrances to the city, suggesting that David Tidmarsh is a national figure. Mr. Gilot stated that this signage is being addressed in the CIP and that all such signs will be redone. Director of Code Enforcement Catherine Bruecker then provided two (2) handouts, namely a brochure entitled "Adopt-A-Block" and a multi-page handout entitled "South Bends Spring Cleanup Gets Underway with Major Project"(copies attached). Ms. Bruecker stated that Adopt-A-Block begins on April 23rd. Another innovative idea is renting of a park. Now that the snow is thawing many environmental cases are being uncovered as detailed in the large handout. Approximately 1/2 of the properties are rentals. She noted that SBMC Section 16-53 covers notice provisions and that hang tags are placed on doors. She stated that unfortunately illegal dumping is continuing. She is working with Dave Woods on this issue. Inspections will begin April 1st in the eight(8)quadrant areas. Council Member White noted that at the last Council meeting Lucille Spalding brought up the smoke coming from 2623 Lincoln Way West. Ms. Bruecker stated that originally they did not have a permit in place, but that they do now. Odor and smoke problems have been received about Temple Tree. They are operating legally and have installed equipment consistent with manufacturer's specifications. She noted that in some cases, fuel costs can be cut by 80-85%by using such woodburning stoves. In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, Ms. Bruecker noted that James Markle sits on the committee which looks at air standards. In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Ms. Bruecker stated that inoperable cars on private property still need to be tagged under a 21-day time period to comply. Re-inspections then take place. Ms. Brucker stated that she has eight(8) inspectors for 47,000 properties.. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Ms. Bruecker stated that they pursue daily illegal parking on front lawns, noting that Miami is a prime example. Council Member Dieter stated that if a police officer sees them park on the front lawns, that they can be cited. Council President Pfeifer suggested that the Health and Public Safety Committee look into wood burning stoves. Council Member Kirsits noted that there are now devices where woodburning stoves can be used to heat water. March 28,2005 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council -page 2- Dr. Varner noted that manufacturer's specifications would control, and that ozone levels are worst in the summer. In response to a comment from Council Member Kirsits, Ms. Bruecker stated that if state legislation is necessary to address parking in tree lawns, that she would pursue it for the next legislative session. Council Member Dieter thanked Ms. Bruecker and her staff for responding to his questions. Mayor Luecke noted that it may be beneficial to look into outdoor burning and wood burning in particular. Council President Pfeifer thanked Mr. Hensley and Ms. Bruecker for their presentations and handouts. She noted that next months meeting with the Administration will include Lyn Coleman speaking on after - school programs. She added that a 2nd topic can be added to that agenda. There being no further business to come before the Informal Meeting of the Council, Council President Pfeifer adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Charlotte D. Pfeifer Council President South Bend Common Council KCF:kmf Attachments March 28, 2005 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council -page 3-