01-11-10 Community Relations Committee

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p. v ,. COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE 01-11-10 Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Jr.; David Varner; Karen L. White; Ann Puzzello Other Council Present: Derek Dieter; Tom LaFountain; Tim Rouse; Oliver Davis Others Present: Amy Hill; Nick Scheu; Ryan Fenstermaker; Gary Gilot; Randal Byrd; Dave Fleckner Agenda: Presentation Young Professionals Network Snow Removal South Bend Housing Authority -Adjacent City- Owned Property Chairperson Henry Davis following through with his effort to create partnerships that encourage forums to inform and educate called the committee meeting to order. Councilmember Henry Davis stated his aim was to improve communication and encourage community involvement. To that end he introduced three representatives from the Young Professionals Network a Chamber sponsored group for Young Professional's ages 21-39 whose mission is to develop and empower local Young Professionals. Amy Hill speaking for the group provided a handout (attached) outlining the Young Professional's mission and activities. Amy said the Young Professional's were looking for more involvement with local government. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand suggested the possibility of serving as citizen members of the Council's committees. Chairperson Henry Davis suggested the possibility of setting up roundtables between the Council and Young Professional's to share ideas. After brief discussion of the Young Professional's thanked the Community Relations Committee for starting the process. Moving to the second agenda item, Chairperson Henry Davis explained the perceived need to improve snow removal from sidewalks adjacent to South Bend Housing Authority properties. Councilmember Henry Davis said he was not looking to assign blame or point fingers; but simply looking for ways to improve sidewalk snow-plowing. Recent heavy snow made it dangerous or near impossible for elderly or disabled residents to safely use the sidewalks. A resident Randal Byrd so testified. He told of having to use the street to walk around creating a dangerous situation. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand said current statutes need to be reviewed not having been addressed since 1962. Gary Gilot outlined city efforts during snow emergencies. Cooperative snow removal efforts among departments and priority requirements were discussed. South Bend