HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-04 Personnel & Finance enn • p�
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The August 23, 2004 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Derek D. Dieter at 4:08 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter,Kelly,Varner,Kuspa,
Coleman, and Kirsits; City Clerk John Voorde, Code Enforcement Director Catherine Brucker,
Terry Bland of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member Dieter noted that the Committee is composed of Council Members
Kelly,Puzzello,Varner and himself.
Council Member Dieter called for a presentation on Bill No. 04-91 which would
approved Code Enforcement costs imposed on property owners for clean-up.
Code Enforcement Director Catherine Brucker made the presentation. She provided a
picture of a lightning loader(copy attached). She noted that the Board of Public Works
approved the fees for the use of the lightning loader at its May 10,2004 meeting and that she is
now requesting approval of the $75 per hour rate which is based on a review of the costs to
operate it from the Council. She added that the Chapter 16 of the South Bend Municipal Code
references fees and that she will be bring another resolution to the Council to review which sets
forth all other fees charged by her department,which have been previously approved by the
Board of Public Works. Large loaders cost$106 per hour and$45 per hour is the cost for the
smaller one.
The Council Attorney noted that she discussed this Resolution with Assistant City
Attorney Aladean DeRose. Originally, Section II which requires a copy of the resolution
establishing the fee to be available for public inspection in the offices of the Department of
Public Works and Code Enforcement, since originally such language was not included. She
added that many communities post a listing of approved fees and include them in the City Codes.
In response to questions from Dr. Varner,Ms. Brucker stated that the lightning loader is a
one-man operation whose responsibility it is to pick up materials,noting that the equipment can
pick a penny up off of concrete. She noted that items cannot be mixed,thus brush must be
separated from appliances. Ms. Brucker stated that she cannot breakdown the amount of fees
collected. There are bills for equipment($106 being average cost) plus dumping fees($10.00
minimum). $196 is the average cost for dumpers/loaders which respond to complaints. Solid
waste charges by the cubic yard,with after the 1st cubic yard per month the cost being$10 for
1/2 yard and$20 for a cubic yard.
Council Member Kirsits noted that in some cases a person gets a"real bargain". Mr.
Brucker stated that the average cost is based on the fair market value since she wants the cost to
Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of August 23,2004 Page 1
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be able to be collected plus cover the costs. If there are three(3) loads on a curb there would be
three(3)tipping fees charged.
Dr. Varner inquired how busy the lightning loader is on average. Ms. Brucker stated that
it is not busy enough, maybe 2-3 times per week. In many cases it cannot be used because of
curbs and high wires since it needs a 15' radius. She noted that Jack Dillon wants a new
lightning loader and there are discussions taking place with him. If her department receives a
complaint it takes at least 48 hours notice before the loader is put into action.
Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Dr. Varner that Bill No. 04-91 be
recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Under unfinished business, Council Member Kelly noted that he has two (2)applications
from citizens who wish to serve on Council committees. He stated he would give the
information to the Clerk's Office so that a committee meeting could be held.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Dieter
adjourned the meeting at 4:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Derek D. Dieter,Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
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Attachments
Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of August 23,2004 Page 2