11-30-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 30, 2010 before coming in this evening and remembered that the letter of the law and the spirit of the law are two different things. The spirit of the law is that there is no appearance of wrongdoing is there. As well as the letter of the law states that no more than 50% of your income. He stated that it was his objective that the appearance of some of the letters of law so again he stated that he was not very comfortable with it but let’s move forward. Councilmember Rouse made a motion to accept the opinion of Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion. The motion carried by a voice vote of seven (7) ayes, one (1) nay (Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr.) and one (1) recuse (Councilmember Derek Dieter) Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. asked when doing this regional baseball stadium plan did anyone consult with the building department or code enforcement. He also questioned whether the Council received the proper information as to what the actual criteria is for a Single A Team? He stated that he received the power point showing what they would like to do, drawings, mock-ups etc. Councilmember Henry Davis likened it to when Century Center came before the Council with their improvement projects for the boiler, restrooms, etc. th Mayor Stephen Luecke, 14 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, advised that he does not believe that they have supplied specific language to the Council concerning the deficiencies in writing or other issues. He stated that what they brought to the Council is when they came before the Council concerning Century Century plans as the to renovation of Discovery Ballroom and put that in detail as to why the needs were there and that is what they brought to Council concerning the stadium as to what the state standards for restrooms are and the additional enhancements to the facility. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. reiterated that is why he is asking the question now as to what are the standards and who is requesting them. Additionally, he asked if private investment was sought. Mayor Luecke stated that they had not sought private investment, however, they have had discussions with several parties that were interested in the area. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., asked if the team owners had come forward and stated that they were willing to pitch in a certain percentage? Mayor Luecke stated that the teams owners have made numerous investments over the years in a variety of areas such as upgrades to the concession areas and other things at the stadium. He stated that they are not proposing them as part of this particular package but they know that there will be other opportunities for their private dollars to be invested in enhancing the fan experience. Mayor Luecke reiterated that as the proposal has been presented to Council there is no participation from the team. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that Rev. Derrickson’s Church has some concerns with their parking during events at the stadium. He asked what kinds of measures are in place to help alleviate the parking concerns. Mayor Luecke apologized that he did not know the specifics of the discussions. The plan is to have the church remain at that site. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked Mr. Derrickson to elaborate on his concerns regarding parking around the church. Chris Derrickson, 1134 N. Cleveland Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that his concern is that when all the demographics are done that the church is going to be boxed in. He stated that it is very difficult for members of the church to enter into the parking lot when events are being held at the stadium. Especially when they block off Monroe Street, he stated that he has to go all the way around to get into the church parking lot. 3