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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-01 Informal Meeting Qounttl fillinutts: Informal Muting of tflt food) 3�szn4 (tommou tounril The first Luncheon Meeting with the local Indiana State Senators and State Representatives for the calendar year 2001 was called to order by President Charlotte Pfeifer at 12:04 p.m. on February 2, 2001,in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members White, Pfeifer, King, Kelly and Kirsits; Senator Broden, Representative Kromkowski, Representative Mangus, Commissioner Crone, Commissioner Bodle, Commissioner Hamann, Mayor Luecke, Charles Leone and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council President Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the luncheon and expressed a hope that this forum would promote open and regular communication between the various public officials. She then asked each of the State Senators and State Representatives to provide their perspectives on the current legislative session. State Representative Thomas S. Kromkowski noted that the session is off to a slow start. He highlighted progress on the budget, noting that he is working closely with Representative B. Patrick Bauer to bring back as much back to this part of the state as possible. He noted that there are Bills pending to address pension relief for the police officers and firefighters. In response to a question from the Council Attorney, he noted that a Council Resolution in support of these measures would be beneficial. Representative Kromkowski also noted that the census data for re- districting would not be received until March. He noted that there will be three (3) meetings to be held in South Bend, Indianapolis and in the southern end of the state for input. He noted that in light of federal decisions, the population deviation must be close to zero between districts. He speculated that re-districting may end up in a five-member commission which would include himself as Chairman of the Elections Committee, the Speaker of the House, the Speaker Pro Tempore and two others. Council Member King inquired about brownfield mediation. It was noted that no formal action has been taken on the revolving loan concept, however it would probably be addressed in the budget. Commissioner Bodle and Commissioner Crone inquired about election machines for the County. Representative Kromkowski and Representative Mangus noted problems with the punch card system. It was noted that the Ways and Means Committee will be reporting out favorably on a Bill which would provide monies for all ninety-two(92) counties to begin addressing this issue. State Representative Mangus noted that this is his 15th budget year. He sees one of the main issues being reapportionment. Mayor Luecke asked about the reassessment process. It was noted that discussion is taking place on gambling bills as well as welfare measures which will impact the overall budget. Mayor Luecke also voiced concern over pending bills which call for a cap of 4 % on assessments, especially in light of the fact that the City has several long-term contracts in place calling for increase which utilized the current 5% limit. Commissioner Crone voiced concern that the Assessors have not received any manuals and that the overall deadlines may not be met. Informal Luncheon Meeting of the South Bend Common Council and the State Senators and Representatives February 2, 2001 Page 2 Council Member Kelly inquired about the inventory tax and was advised that the debate continues on this issue. Discussion then took place on the solid waste bills which are currently pending. Representative Mangus noted that waste reduction was his concern and that he has been considered the"Father of Environmental Management". However, he took issue with the local communities taking their waste to Michigan instead of in-state. He noted that the regulations are more stringent in Indiana with regard to bonding and environmental concerns. Electricity is currently being generated with two (2) more generators being possible which could generate enough supply for the City of South Bend. Representative Mangus further noted that he understands that the Michigan landfill is experiencing problems with methane and warned that the liability may fall to the users of that facility in the long-run. Discussion took place between the initial understandings of 1984 where there were commitments by South Bend and Mishawaka to use the Indiana-based landfill. Labor costs in Indiana average $ 25.00 per hour, whereas in Michigan they average $ 12.00 per hour. Representative Mangus noted that the revenue source for the Indiana-based landfill was reduced by 40%when the local communities elected to use the Michigan landfill. Mayor Luecke noted that the costs in Indiana are 80 % higher than those in Michigan with regard to tipping fees. Upon questioning by Commissioner Hamann, Representative Mangus stated that he opposing the mandatory nature of residential waste pick-up and commercial establishments not being required to adhere to similar standards. Council President Pfeifer suggested that a "state of the landfills" discussion might be in order to address the environmental concerns, the costs, and short and long term effects. She urged that discussion on this topic continue between all parties. Senator Braden noted that the timetable for legislation moves very quickly. He appreciates hearing from constituents and the opportunity for meetings of this type with elected officials. He noted that the pension relief measure was voted out of the Senate Committee by a 11-0 vote. He also believed that a Council Resolution in support of this measure would be helpful. Mayor Luecke noted that Senator Adams has sponsored a Bill for electronic cameras at intersections. He suggested that this Bill also address railroad crossings. He also noted that he has requested assistance on a sales tax incremental financing bill to assist Scottsdale Mall. Council Member King inquired about the diversity of sources of revenue. State Representative Kromkowski voiced concern about the economy however he and Representative Mangus noted that a county-wide sales tax, a food and beverage tax, innkeepers tax may be worth discussing further if they are project specific with regard to the use of such revenue. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the limited access highway between Indianapolis and South Bend. Representative Mangus noted that four (4) more traffic lights have been approved in the Kokomo area. Representative Kromkowski also noted that the Governor did not address this topic in his State of the State address. Mayor Luecke noted that the discussions on this topic are focused on three(3) sections of 31 currently. Council Member King inquired about the time zone bill, noting that the time zone maps which are printed internationally should be consulted to realize the gravity of the problem. Council President Pfeifer thanked everyone for coming to this luncheon and reminded those Informal Luncheon Meeting of the South Bend Common Council and the State Senators and Representatives February 2, 2001 Page 3 present that the next Luncheon Meeting with our Indiana State Senators and State Representatives would be on Friday, April 6th at noon. There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Pfeifer adjourned the Informal Council Meeting at 1:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer Council President KCF:kmf cc: South Bend Common Council Mayor Luecke St. Joseph County Commissioners Bodle, Crone and Hamann State Senators Adams and Braden State Representatives Bauer, Dvorak, Fry,Kromkowski, Mangus and Zakas City Clerk's Office