07-08-02 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING JULY 8, 2002 estimate for the demolition portion was three hundred eighty thousand dollars ($380,000.00) and the second closest estimate was for four hundred eighty thousand dollars ($480,000.00) with neither of these amounts including abatement or removal of other contaminated items on the site. Ms. Leonard indicated that when this project was originally discussed a higher figure was stated but based on later estimates the figure was lowered and the four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($450,000.00) was supposed to be not only for demolition but for site preparation. Councilmember Ujdak indicated that he hopes that the amount being transferred is enough to cover the project. Ms. Leonard advised that they will be back before the Council if this amount is not sufficient. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Lynn Coleman, Mayor's Office, 14th Floor, County -City Building, South Bend, Indiana, advised that he was present on behalf of the Mayor who is in support of this bill. He noted that they have worked very hard with the community in that area looking for an opportunity to do something with that site. It is unfortunate that the building must be torn down but it is for the betterment and possible redevelopment of the community. Mr. Don Niezgodski, 1113 North Elliott Street, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he was previously in charge of security for the school corporation and about fifteen (15) years ago the school corporation did lend a few rooms at the old Oliver School to the Police Department for storage. He noted that at that time, the hallways of the building were being held up by two -by- fours. Mr. Niezgodski stated that the demolition of this building in long overdue and it should be taken down so the land can be used for something useful. There was no one else present wishing to speak in favor of this bill and there was no one present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. Therefore, Councilmember Coleman made a motion that this substitute bill go favorably to full Council. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. BILL NO. 47 -02 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE 3, OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED AMBULANCE/MEDICAL USER FEE AND DEDICATED FUND Councilmember Aranowski reported that the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Personnel and Finance Committee met on this bill and sends it to the Council with a favorable recommendation. Assistant Fire Chief Rick Switalski, South Bend Fire Department, 701 West Sample Street, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Chief Switalski advised that this bill would amend the user fees for ambulance service provided by the South Bend Fire Department to the citizens of South Bend. The current user fees were adopted in 1997 by the Council. The proposed user fees will bring the department into compliance with the new Medicare guidelines which went into effect April 1, 2002 which also includes mandatory assignment for users who are covered by Medicare. The proposed user fees reflect the cost of providing the service and will also bring the Department into compliance not only with Medicare but also with some recent Medicaid guidelines through the State of Indiana. -5-