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REGULAR MEETING May 14, 2018 <br /> MOTION TO MOVE MAY 28TH COMMON COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Councilmember Karen White made a motion to move the scheduled May 28th, 2018 Common <br /> Council Meeting to Tuesday,May 291h,2018 in observance of Memorial Day. Councilmember Dr. <br /> David Varner seconded this motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. <br /> Councilmember Dr. David Varner stated, Tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. I am going to submit a <br /> letter of resignation to the County Clerk's Office. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis interrupted, Are you serious? <br /> Councilmember Dr. David Varner continued, Yes, I am. I do it, I'm happy to say, for all the right <br /> reasons. It has been twenty two (22) and a half years and I think there is some opportunity to do <br /> some travel. I felt very guilty missing some of the budget meetings last year and I know the budget <br /> season is upon us. I have enjoyed working with everybody. I have enjoyed the relationships I have <br /> built with City employees and City staff. It is educational, informational and a very positive <br /> experience for me. I have letters for you all so everyone has a copy. According to State Statute, it <br /> has to be effective immediately so when I deliver it to the Clerk tomorrow, it will be official. <br /> Again, it has been a great experience. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis interjected, I don't want it. Wow. <br /> Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, Can we not accept this? <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, I would like to make a motion that we not accept his <br /> resignation. Can we override this vote tonight? <br /> Council President Tim Scott opened the floor to comments from Council Members. <br /> Councilmember Karen White stated, I'm trying not to get emotional. Today has not been a day <br /> that was a good day. Dr. Varner, you just added to that. I'm happy for you to be able to travel but <br /> it has been a sincere joy working with you. Your integrity and commitment to doing what is best <br /> for all citizens and how you work with me and others, I highly respect all of that. I will <br /> tremendously miss you. I enjoy our conversations. Even though we did not vote the same way on <br /> certain issues we have always maintained that level of professionalism and respect. I appreciate <br /> you and I will miss you. <br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic stated,This is tough as we don't have any comments prepared. It has <br /> been really nice serving with you. Your leadership and experience has been really valuable to this <br /> Council as well as your professionalism and the level of respect you show to Council Members, <br /> especially when there are disagreements. I am happy for you with whatever you are doing next but <br /> certainly really sad to see you go. <br /> Councilmember John Voorde stated, You're the best Republican I know. I hope that there is a <br /> chance your forwarding address will be in Bloomington. Gosh, what a loss. <br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated, I've been here eleven (11) years and wow. I guess in my life <br /> this year so many of my colleagues I've worked with for a long period of time are retiring and <br /> moving on. You have added to that list. It has been a tough month for me and this is not cool. I <br /> respect you probably in ways that you could never imagine. It's been something. Wow. The best <br /> thing I would say is this. When we worked together on that whole AEP thing, that was something <br /> for me to watch how you think and process. I appreciated that because it forced me to learn how <br /> to work across isles and think of things differently. It forced me to say I don't want to lose your <br /> vote and how do we come together. I keep that in my documents under a lot of things. There are <br /> different bills you work on that you remember and that is one (1) 1 refer to a lot. I use that as an <br /> example of how we worked together on that. <br /> Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, Thanks for your commendable, long and exemplary service <br /> to the City of South Bend. You have been an outstanding voice and perspective for a long time. <br /> You are very talented. I wish you much joy and happiness as you go into your next endeavors. <br /> Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, I have not known you personally that long but I recall <br /> the first time coming into the office and you asked me if I would continue on with the projects that <br /> 12 <br />