HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-01 Informal Meeting Common Council & Indiana State Senators and State Reps Qommttt Z port:
Informal lifluting of tit outb (Common tounuiz
an4 tf
Untiiana state *tnatorz an *tat laortstntatiDes
The April 6, 2001 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council and the Indiana State
Senators and State Representatives representing the South Bend area was called to order by
Council President Charlotte Pfeifer at noon in the Council Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Varner,King and Pfeifer; Senator Joseph
Zakas, Senator John Braden, Representative Michael Dvorak, Commissioner Cindy Bodle,
Commissioner Beverly Crone, City Attorney Charles Leone, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,
Council Attorney,
Council President Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the luncheon meeting. She noted that the next
luncheon meeting will be held on June 1,2001.
Representative Dvorak noted that the annexation bill will be going to a conference committee. He
noted that it would expedite voluntary annexations and is a result of much discussion with the City
and in particular Don Fozo.
Council Member King noted the economic development impact of annexations, especially those
which are voluntary in nature.
Senator Broden noted that Representative Mangus has a bill which will have a hearing before the
Environmental Affairs Committee which addresses recycling fees. He also highlighted a bill
addressing insurance for public employees.
Representative Dvorak noted that a bill has been introduced whereby not-for-profit entities would
be charged a fee for police and fire services. Commissioner Crone noted that such entities should
pay something and she believed that it had passed in the House.
Council Member Kelly inquired about the inventory tax. It was noted that mobile homes do not
pay any taxes at all currently.
Council Member King noted that the South Bend area is a hub for distribution. It could grow even
larger but for the inventory tax. He noted that St. Joseph County has $ 21 million and Elkhart
County has $22 million resulting from inventory taxes.
Commissioner Crone noted that it would be pulled out of the assessed value and would ultimately
affect the bonding powers. She stressed the need to have a proper balance.
SB 339 was briefly discussed which addresses environmental remediation loan funds.
Senator Broden noted that FIB 457 (CREED) passed 22-1 to the Senate. This bill would assist in
the development of the Studebaker Corridor.
The need for a Scottsdale Mall incentive was discussed, as well as the Honeywell tax abatement in
Bill 389.
-M
Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council
and the
Indiana State Senators and State Representatives
April 6, 2001
Page 2
Council President Pfeifer inquired about redistricting. It was noted that the State Senate maps are
out and the House maps would be out by next Monday. They would then be sent to Committee.
Potential lawsuits on the House and Congressional Districts are anticipated.
Capital Avenue was then discussed. Representative Dvorak noted that an interstate style was being
discussed for around the community. It was noted that cooperation of the City of Mishawaka and
the Area Plan Commissions would be necessary for this development.
Council President Pfeifer thanked everyone for attending the meeting and then adjourned the
meeting at 1:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council President Charlotte Pfeifer
South Bend Common Council
KCF:kmf