07/09/07 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 9, 2007 that they keep the Council abreast. The Council needs to have the opportunity to respond to some of the recommendations that the department is making. She noted that the Council's makes commitments based on what is presented to them, from the administration and when that information changes, it is critical that the Council is given a heads up. Councilmember White appreciates the Mayor's opening statement indicating that this lack of communication will not be the case in future discussions. She felt very uncomfortable opening up the South Bend Tribune learning that the neighborhood partnership centers will be closing. Mr. Gibney stated that he was just as surprised to read it in the South Bend Tribune. He stated that he sent the Council a quarterly report for the first three months on the progress that Community and Economic Development are making. The Council will receive the second quarter report that will detail all the findings that they have on the not-for-profits that they have reviewed and the budgets and recommendations that they will be making. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:20 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. Councilmember White explained the procedures to be followed for tonight's meeting in accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Councilmember White stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council Chambers explaining those procedures. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 29-07 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1201 S. MICHIGAN ST., COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT SIX (6) IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Puzzello made a motion to accept the substitute version of this bill. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Al "Buddy" Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning & Annexation Committee, reported that this committee held a meeting this afternoon to hear the pros and cons and it was the consensus of the committee to send this substitute bill to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Mr. Robert Nemeth, Staff Planner, Area Plan Commission, l la` Floor County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana, presented the report from the Commission. Mr. Nemeth advised that the petitioner is requesting a zone change from MU Mixed Use District to LB Local Business District to allow for a paint store. On site is a vacant building zoned MU Mixed Use District. To the north across Stull Street is an office zoned MU Mixed Use District. To the east across Michigan Street is a church and fue station zoned MU Mixed Use District. To the south is a vacant property zoned MU Mixed Use District. To the west are two businesses zoned GB General Business District. The LB Local Business District is established to provide for small business groupings located outside of the village style mixed use concept and which provide for the full range of convenience uses necessary to meet the daily needs of nearby residential districts served and are limited in size and scale to promote pedestrian access. The site is approximately 0.56 acres. There is a proposed 5,825 square foot building covering 25% of the site. Parking and drives will cover 28% of the site. The remaining 48% will