Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-90 Public Safety & Residential Neighborhoods g " C Qtnmmtttrt Evart JOINT MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEES coo the Gammon &until of tip QittV of f.Pmutil &at The February 22, 1990 Joint Meeting of the Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods Committee was jointly called to order by its respective Chair Persons Council Members Loretta Duda and William Soderberg at 4: 00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Niezgodski, Coleman, Soderberg, Duda,' Luecke, Slavinskas, Voorde, and Zakrzewski: John Leszczynski, Becky Moffit Carey, Rebecca Schriner, Members of the news media and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand. Council Members Soderberg and Duda noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion of Bill No. 73-89 which would address recycling collection procedures for the City of South Bend. It was noted that this Bill was filed with the Council and had its first reading on August 14, 1989 and has been subject to review since then. The Bill was last discussed at a Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods Joint Committee Meeting on November 1, 1989 and has been under. advisement since that date. Council Member Zakrzewski updated the joint committees with regard to the Intergovernmental Council and its action in this area. He noted that a solid-waste alternative program used by XL Disposal of Crestwood, Illinois currently has an automated recycling plant in this suburb of Chicago. It has been functioning since September of last year and services an area with the population of approximately 250, 000 people. Mr. John Leszczynski updated the committee members with regard to studies that are currently being carried out by the City Administration. He noted that strategic planning and a joint legislative and administrative role must be had in this area. He noted that the studies are reviewing what types of recycling efforts are available, what options are realistic, and the costs for each of these options. He noted that basically that it will involve an issue of how much are the people willing to pay for the type of service needed. It was also noted that the City applied for a $20, 000 grant through the State of Indiana last year. Four to six applicants vied for that money and the City was not a recipient. The City is currently applying for new monies made available of approximately $200, 000, however not for profit corporations have also been added to the potential list of petitioners. It was noted that a "action plan" was necessary and that a 50% match by the City would be required. Joint Meeting of the Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods Committee February 22, 1990 Becky Moffit Carey and Rebecca Schriner who are environmental planners with MACOG then briefly reviewed relevant material. They provided copies of the preliminary draft of a Bill amending Title 13 of the Indiana Code addressing solid waste management (copy attached) and also provided copies of the "Indiana Recycling Grants Program Request for Proposals Round I" which was dated November 15, 1989 (copies attached) . Council Member Slavinskas stated that he believed that the City should study what Europe is doing in the environmental area. Council Member Voorde noted that the state should have a deposit requirement for cans and bottles similar to other states. Council Member Duda stated that she believed that incremental legislation was necessary in light of the changing technology in this area. Council Member Soderberg noted that he was not willing to wait much longer on the Bill. He stressed however that direction must be given by the City since many of the residents have voiced that they are willing to become involved in such a project. He stated that the taxpayers and the costs involved must be carefully weighed. He also noted that privatization in this area should also be further studied. He noted that the program which has been ongoing in Mishawaka and through his contacts with various Mishawaka officials, that he was monitoring that type of program. Council Member Niezgodski suggested that the two MACOG representatives continue to be involved in the discussion and implementation stages of whatever plan the City of South Bend determines is in our best interests. He also stated that the economics must be carefully weighed in light of the environmental feasibility of such a project. • Council Member Slavinskas questioned whether the City was anticipating private sources or public sources in this area. Mr. Leszczynski noted that it would probably be a blend of both for it to succeed. Council Member Luecke stated that he believed that further reports from MACOG would be very informative and beneficial to the City. He also stated that he would like to hear from other individuals such as having representatives from other communities come to the joint committee to give their review of the types of programs which they have implemented. He Joint Meeting of the Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods Committee February 22, 1990 also stated that many volunteer efforts are currently in place and he also stressed the need for updates from such organizations. He also suggested that legislation from other areas also be carefully studied by the committees. Council Member Soderberg stated that he would like to meet with in the next thirty days to again continue to discussion in this area. Council Member Coleman suggested that a summary of legislation addressing recycling methods be provided to the committees. He also suggested that all of the various types of recycling within a regional area be made known to the committees. He further suggested that ongoing discussion of how to make the "economics work" in light of the environmental needs, also be a third phase. It was also noted that the first step involved in such a program would be education. In light of the various committee meetings as well as the coverage through the local news media of the anticipated legislation which has been proposed as well as other efforts, that the educational effort has begun. Following further comments by the various Council Members with regard to the types of items which should be researched and studied, the meeting was adjourned at 5: 05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member William Soderberg, Chair Person Public Safety Committee Loretta Duda, Chair Person Residential Neighborhoods Committee WSLD:srk Attachments