06-22-15 Agenda, Packet & Committee Meeting Notice

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i1J� '� iGli Common Council City of South Bend Indiana Tim Scott, Council President 4'h Floor County -City Building 227 West Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 235 -5980 (574) 235 -9173 Facsimile (574)235 -5567 TTY/TDD June 16, 2015 Members of the Common Council 4t° Floor County -City Building South Bend, Indiana 46601 Re: Substitute Bill No. 22 -15 Updating the City's Tall Grass, Weeds, & Overgrown Vegetation Regulations Dear Council Members: We are pleased to recommend Substitute Bill No. 22 -15 for passage. The Substitute Bill updates the original Bill which was filed on April 20, 2015. We will provide additional updates later today at the 5:00 p.m. Health and Public Safety Committee. Based on additional input and continuing collaboration, as well as reviewing further data from many other communities, the main changes in Substitute Bill No. 22 -15 include: — Establishing a fine of $250 per violation for properties not subject to continuous enforcement —> Adding 4th District Council Member Dr. Fred Ferlic as a sponsor of the ordinance. As noted back in April when the proposed regulations were filed, they are intended to help place the costs incurred by the City for cutting lots directly on the owner of the property who fails to comply with City regulations. In this way, the City taxpayers monies may be used for other needed City services. The other goals and objectives of the proposed regulations include: • Updating all regulations on this topic in the South Bend City Code many of which have not been updated since before 1962 • Establishing a consistent maximum grass /weed height of 9" throughout the City Incorporating a program, similar to the one in City of Indianapolis, where the costs for properties which become subject to continuous enforcement, would be assessed an additional fee amount to help cover the costs of city inspections, abatement and administration, plus would be subject to higher fines