01-04-11 2011 South Bend Common Council Officers

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January 4, 2011 News Release- page 2 • The first order of business will be to finalize the City of South Bend tax abatement ordinance. Under the leadership of Council Member Tim Rouse, Community and Economic Development Chairperson, local tax abatement policies and procedures are being carefully reviewed. so that job creation is a top priority • Implementing attendance policy and greater accountability for Council Members. Currently there are no tracking mechanisms in place in the City Code. • Improving cominunications and seeking better accountability of TIF and redevelopment monies, which are under the control of the Redevelopment Commission. The stopping of the proposed Chase Tower Project by the Council last Fall is one of the hest examples of why this is a top priority. • Upgrading city -wide policies and procedures on the use of cell phones, Blackberries, and other hand -held devices at all public meetings by City officials and employees • Improving telecasting of Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings. At the end of 2010, all Committee meetings, Informal Meeting and City Council Meetings were made available on the internet for the public. • Continuing to improve the city budget process aimed at seeking better participation by the general public. Last year the Personnel and Finance Committee, under the leadership of 3`d District Council Member Tom LaFountain, held nine (9) meetings on the proposed city budget. This is just one example of the hard -work and dedication of the eleven (11) Council Committees. President Dieter also noted that Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand was unanimously re- appointed as Council Attorney for 2011. This will mark her 37th year of service to the Common Council. The City Council is energized for a very productive 2011. The Council welcomes South Bend residents to call their Council Members so that their voices will be heard. -30-