11/03/86 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 1986 pursuant to ordinance requirements, Mr. Vance's decision not to issue a license can be appealed through the public hearing process before the Board of Public Works. Mr. Leszczynski further stated that Mr. Barnett has requested a Public Hearing before the Board concerning this matter which has been set for this date. Mr. Barnett was present and advised the Board that it is his belief that the license application was denied as a result of his background. He stated that he is an ex -felon in the State of Indiana. He further advised that he is presently employed by Acme Service Corporation, 2611 South Franklin Street, South Bend, Indiana (234-1151) and his immediate supervisor is Mr. Bill Cavana. He informed the Board that his work involves construction and construction cleaning, which is seasonal work involving seven (7) to eight (8) months of the year. Mr. Barnett submitted to the Board, evidence consisting of check stubs to verify that he has been employed. Mr. Barnett stated that he was released from the Indiana Department of Corrections on April 16, 1985 and that he spent eight (8) months at Westville. Since his release he has been gainfully and steadily employed and has no arrest record since' that time not even for a misdemeanor or traffic ticket. He stated that he is definitely trying to turn his life around and is asking that the Board approve his license application so he can work during these slow months when he is not working for Acme. He stated that with his pack peddlers permit he is planning on selling miscellaneous clothing items. He further stated that he has paid his dues to society for the last eighteen (18) to twenty (20) months and asked the Board not to deny the right he has paid for. Ms. Diane Lowry, 117 Franklin Place, Apt. #4, South Bend, Indiana, was present and advised the Board that in the last six (6) months that she has known Mr. Barnett, he has worked hard, not been in any trouble and everything he has stated is true. She further stated that Mr. Barnett is not the type of person to sit idle and he has done volunteer solicitation for sickle cell anemia through St. Joseph Medical Center and has also worked as a musician for various events. Mr. Michael Tidwell, 201 Parkwood Lane, South Bend, Indiana, was also present and advised the Board that he has known Mr. Barnett for the last year and if he hadn't known, would not be aware that Mr. Barnett was previously incarcerated. He stated that it is his belief that Mr. Barnett is a man of good character. He further stated that he can relate to Mr. Barnett's situation because he too has a pack peddlers license. He further stated that he believes that the service Mr. Barnett will be providing will be beneficial to the neighborhoods of South Bend and will provide an income to his family in these lean times. There is also the possibility that the business could grow into a storefront business if it is successful. Mr. Barnett stated that it is his opinion that it would be advantageous for the City to issue him a license in order to keep track of his activities. He stated that he wants to be licensed and in this way the City will know how to reach him should anything negative regarding this operation come to the attention of the City. In conclusion, Mr. Tidwell stated that if necessary it could be arranged for neighborhood residents to come to speak in support of Mr. Barnett and would appreciate the opportunity to do so if necessary. There being no one else present wishing to speak either for or against the pack peddlers license application of Mr. Vernon Barnett, upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Mr. Vance and carried, the Public Hearing on this matter was closed.