Laserfiche WebLink
REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2006 <br />thanked the Council for this honor in recognizing diversity in the City of South Bend and <br />its value to all who reside here. <br />Mr. Greg Jones, (no address given) stated that on behalf of the St. Joseph Valley Project <br />he would like to thank the Council for this honor and that diversity is an important park <br />of their company and they value very highly. A diverse community is a successful <br />community and it has been shown over and over again. He welcomed this recognition. <br />Mr. Bill Eagen (no address given) stated that on behalf of the Human Rights Commission <br />he thanked the Council for their cooperation in this Resolution and acknowledging <br />equality for all. <br />There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council in opposition to this <br />Resolution. <br />The following individual spoke in favor of this Resolution. <br />Ms. Rhonda Redman, 518 N. Scott Street, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this <br />Resolution. <br />Ms. Redman advised that she supports equality and inclusion for all of the residents in <br />South Bend. Passing this Resolution tonight is a wonderful start to putting South Bend <br />on the path to being a truly inclusive City. She stated that she took some time to read <br />through some of the information on the race equality and inclusive communities’ week, <br />that was put out by the National League of Cities, the organization responsible for putting <br />on this initiative. She was struck by the words of Jim Hunt, the NLC First Vice-President <br />and a Councilmember from West Virginia. “While noting divisions along the lines of <br />race and ethnicity, wealth and class, political party, religion, gender, disability, and <br />sexual orientation, he said that there are still too many thems in America.” She noted that <br />from personal experience these barriers that we build up between us and them aren’t good <br />for anybody. He further states that real progress in a community requires leaders to take <br />a risk and make a stand. Such wisdom should not be ignored. She read from the NLC <br />2005 Future’s Report, Inclusive Communities for All, Local Officials can lead the way, <br />Cities and Towns are the natural place, the best place to make inclusiveness an everyday <br />priority, yes there are risks involved, including the risk of offending established interest, <br />but the greatest risk lies in doing nothing. Ms. Redman reiterated that the passage of this <br />resolution is a wonderful start. She stated that her hope is that this Resolution is just the <br />beginning of a real effort to make South Bend a truly inclusive City. She thanked the <br />Council for putting forth this Resolution and the support. <br />Councilmember Kelly made a motion to adopt this Resolution by acclamation. <br />Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried. <br />RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE <br />At 7:33 p.m., Councilmember Kelly made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the <br />Whole. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of <br />nine (9) ayes. Councilmember White, presiding. <br />Councilmember White explained the procedures to be followed for tonight’s meeting in <br />accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code and that <br />pamphlets were available to the public, which outline the Council rules and procedures, <br />and are located on the railing in the Council Chambers. <br />PUBLIC HEARINGS <br />(BILLS 55-06, 56-06 AND 57-06 COUNCIL PORTION ONLY) <br />5 <br /> <br />