06/25/07 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING JUNE 25, 2007 restructure. Police services and response time in this area can be expected to be comparable and consistent with that as in all other areas of the City. Police coverage to this area could begin immediately upon annexation and coordination of the conversion of the 911 emergency phone systems for that area. The City proves a fully staffed, full time fire department housed in 11 fire stations strategically located throughout the city. The Annexation Area will be serviced primarily by Station #10, located at 5301 York Road, approximately 2.1 miles away. Additional Fire Departments units would respond from Fire Station #8 located at 2402 Twyckenham Drive which is approximately 3.5 miles away. The South Bend Fire Department does not foresee any unusual fire protection problems related to this annexation. Response times will be comparable to other areas of the City. No additional equipment will need to be purchased or personnel hired to service the Annexation Area. Adequate water supply will be necessary as development takes place. The Fire Department will continue to review and monitor response times in this area and make necessary recommendations to improve response times that are comparable to other areas of the City. The City, under contract with St. Joseph County, provides emergency medical response to the unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County. Of the seven ambulances currently in service, 3 are dedicated for response to the unincorporated areas. These are Medic Units # 10, 11, and 12. The Annexation Area is currently being serviced by Medic #10, located at Fire Station #10 at 5303 York Road. Upon incorporations, the Annexation Area will be serviced by Medic #1, also located at Fire Station # 10. Emergency medical response will continue to be provided by the City of South Bend. Response times will be comparable to other areas of the City. No additional equipment will need to be purchased or personnel hires to service the Annexation Area. The City of South Bend provides a wide range of services including the Mayor's Office, Legal Department and the Park & Recreation Department. These services are available upon the effective date of the Annexation. Full and dedicated response for non-capital services will be in place within one year of the effective date of the Annexation. Costs for these services have not been calculated. The incorporation of the Annexation Area will not effect the provision of other services currently provided to this property on a county-wide basis. The St. Joseph County Health Department, the St. Joseph County Public Library, the Area Plan Commission and the St. Joseph County/South Bend Building Department are some of the county-wide agencies and their services that will continue to provide the same type and level of services to the Annexation Area. County-wide services will continue to be supported by the County and Township tax rates that will remain in effect. As with any new development, the proposed use and development of this site becomes important relative to its relationship with the existing, surrounding uses. City Plan, South Bend's comprehensive plan, notes that land use relationships, pedestrian movement safety and vehicular site access are important elements to be addressed in developments of all kinds. City Plan also expresses a need to consider how buildings relate to the street. Building design that is sensitive to massing, shape, scale and fmishes will ensure that private development will enhance and reinforce the City's commitment to development and design of the highest quality. Mr. Vitton advised that given the surrounding zoning and development patterns, the proposed "CB" zoning classification request is appropriate for the annexation area. However, more detailed land use planning is needed for areas to the south and north of Kern Road to ensure that future development occurs in a coordinated fashion. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution, Councilmember Kirsits made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. RESOLVE INTO THE COMIyIITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:15 p.m. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember White, Chairperson, Committee of the Whole, presiding.