HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-94 Personnel & Finance Qtommttttt Ztport
Personnel and Finance Committee
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The February 14, 1994 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called
to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman at 4:00 p.m. in the
Council Informal Meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke, Washington, Kelly,
Puzzello, Slavinskas, Coleman, Duda, and Ladewski; Joyce Boyler, William
Eagan, Robert Nagle, John Broden, Dick Nussbaum, Kathy Dempsey, Ann
Brunnel, Betsy Harriiman,Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
The first item on the agenda was to review Bill No. 6-94 which would amend
Article 8 of Chapter 16 of the South Bend Municipal Code regarding "Conditions
Constituting Public nuisances and authorizing the Department of Code Enforcement
to place amounts due and owing and tax duplicates for the property affected".
Kathy Dempsey then presented the Bill. She noted that it is a "user friendly
ordinance". She noted that there are three(3)major changes:
1. Include a 48 hour notice letter
2. Lower the grass or weed level form 12 inches to 9 inches.
3. If a property owner chose not to pay it would be added to the tax roles.
She noted that currently the City utilizes Midwest Collection Agency for
uncollected or unpaid obligations. She noted that extensions would be granted if a
property owner made a good faith effort to comply.
Mrs. Boyler voiced concern with regard to tree limbs from an adjoining
neighborhood property and was advised that that would constitute a nuisance. It
was also suggested that in Section 7 that the word "Trailers" be added.
Council Member Luecke made a motion, seconded by Council member Ladewski to
include the word "trailers"in Section 7 of the Bill. The motion passed.
Following further discussion, Council Member Luecke made a motion, seconded
by Council Member Ladewski that amended Bill No. 6-94 be recommended
favorably to Council. The motion passed.
The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 7-94 which would amend Chapter 7 of the
South Bend Municipal Code to provide for the "Regulation of Basic Service Tier,
Rates, and Related Equipment , Installation and Service Charges of any Cable
Television System operating in the City of South Bend".
Mr. Nussbaum noted that this in a pro consumer Bill. He highlighted that the
Federal Law permits local governments to regulate over the basic tier of service.
Currently the City receives 5% and in 1993 received a total of$400,000.00 from
cable fees. He noted that the deadline of passage for such an Ordinance is February
15th under the Federal Law.
Personnel and Finance Committee
February 14, 1994
Page 2
Ann Brunnel of the Legal Department noted that there are basically 3 steps
involved. The first is to file form FCC328 which has been completed. The second
step is to establish rules and regulations which would be completed this evening
through the passage of the Ordinance. The last step would be to send official notice
of intent to regulate to the Cable Companies. She added that South Bend does not
monitor customer service.
Council Member Slavinskas questioned whether the role of the Common Council
should be part of the process. He noted that since the Board of Public Works meets
during the work day and is appointed, that perhaps the Common Council which
meets in the evening and is elected should be part of the process. Following the
discussion of this item, Council Member Slavinskas voiced concern but accepted
the Bill as proposed. Council Member Duda also voiced concern with regard to the
lack of a formal role with regard to the Common Council.
Mrs. Boyler agreed with the comments set forth by Council Member Duda and
Slavinskas.
Council Member Coleman noted that he appreciates the concern of Council Member
Slavinskas however believes the Bill in its current form is most appropriate.
Following further discussion,Council Member Ladewski made a motion, seconded
by Council Member Luecke that Bill No. 7-94 be recommended favorably to
Council. The motion passed.
There being no further discussion to come before the Committee the meeting was
adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Sean Coleman
Chairperson,Person Personnel and Finance Committee
Attachments