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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-01 South Bend Common Council & Indiana State Senators and State Reps ammttt impart: Mtxtarmaz Eluting of the gbauh V tttY (tammatt Canna nix the ltttrtatta *tat •ettatarz anti Cate litortalmtatiDes The September 7, 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 12:10 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Pfeifer; and Varner; Senator John Broden, Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Citizen Member Khadijah Muhammad, Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez, City Attorney Charles Leone, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council President Pfeifer welcomed everyone to the luncheon meeting. Senator Broden stated that the upcoming legislative session will be a short session lasting for only six (6) weeks. The 3rd Tuesday of November will be the "organizational meeting day" and the session will run from January 15, 2002 to March 1, 2002. Senator Broden noted that the Council Attorney had briefly discussed with him Building Commissioner Don Fozo's continuing concern that state owned buildings are not required to have building permits and therefore are not inspected. In response to a question from Mayor Luecke, Senator Broden noted that the gas tax receipts were approximately $ 83 million low as of July. Build Indiana Funds are received every other year. In light of the pending lawsuit filed by the Civil Libertarians regarding faith based initiatives and the receipt of public funds, several of the not-for-profit requests have been put on hold including but not limited to YWCA, YMCA, Saint Margaret's House which would total $ 60,000 in grants. Monies for governmental programs are moving forward. Dr. Varner inquired about the source of the budget shortfall. Senator Broden stated that there were high Medicaid expenditures and prescription costs which were higher than anticipated. Mayor Luecke noted that personal property inventory tax also brought in less revenues than projected. Senator Broden also noted that income tax and corporate tax revenues were also down. Several issues were then brought to Senator Broden's attention. Citizen Member Gonzalez requested an update on the ASL Program addressing a pilot program and English as a second language. She noted that there were five (5) employers selected on a statewide basis to participate in this program. Council President Pfeifer suggested that programs permitting individuals to learn Spanish should also be considered. Council Member Kelly and Citizen Member Muhammad agreed. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the priority of neighborhood revitalization programs at the state level. Senator Broden noted that Representative Dvorak is involved with the NRPES Neighborhood Program and partnership programs could be addressed as part of that program. Senator Broden noted that bills are much more successful if they are jointly initiated in both the House and Senate. He noted that Greg Server of Evansville, who is the Chairperson of the Utilities Committee,and Senator Blade of Terre Haute, have been helpful in the past. Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council and the Indiana State Senators and State Representatives September 7, 2001 Page 2 Council President Pfeifer noted there are a growing number of women in need, noting that the number of telephone calls which she has received for aid have increased tremendously. Senator Broden noted that the Ombudsman Bill was vetoed by the Governor but that Representative Dvorak as Chairperson of the Courts and Criminal Justice Committee may be of assistance. Dr. Varner inquired about the possibility of raising the gas tax in the next session. Senator Broden stated that there was an opportunity in the past session. He stated that the Governor needs to take the lead on such an issued, noting that Indiana is low by 2-4 cents on the gallon when compared to surrounding states, and down at least 1 cent on the sales tax when compared to surrounding states. Council President Pfeifer voiced concern about the growing number of strip malls in need of assistance, citing LaSalle Square and Bellville in particular. Senator Broden noted that as part of the CREED legislation one of the Fort Wayne malls was added. He noted that the state's philosophy has been not to provide tax abatement for tax abatement for retail in general and he does not see this changing on a statewide level. Citizen Member Khadijah Muhammad inquired about why the funding for domestic violence and senior issues were cut. Senator Broden noted that in the next 2-3 years that funding for the mentally challenged may also be cut. Khadijah Muhammad noted that the "Re-Entry Program" involves monies from the Department of Justice which is to be distributed to each of the 92 counties. She noted that Marion County received$3 million,and inquired about the other counties and St. Joseph County in particular. Senator Broden stated he would look into this. Council Member Kelly stated that the only way we can get things done is to develop a list of priorities and coordinate efforts to achieve them. Council President Pfeifer noted that all of us will be affected if cuts continue on social programs since those cuts will have an impact on all communities. Senator Broden stated that it is extremely important to get drafts of legislation to him early so that there is ample time to get legislation filed and sent to the proper committees for hearings. He noted that he has received several emails from Council Member King which were very helpful. Mayor Luecke inquired of the Council Attorney about the wheel tax. She noted that the former Cole Associates was the consulting firm used several years ago with either Craig or Bruce Hudson being the key presenters. It was suggested that the next luncheon meeting be held at Molly's. Council President Pfeifer thanked everyone for attending the meeting and then adjourned the meeting at 1:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council President Charlotte Pfeifer South Bend Common Council KCF:kmf