06-13-05 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETINGJUNE 13, 2005 and/or inquiries in the future. The Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand was especially helpful as she prepared the South Bend Common Council “Public Officials Survival Manual.” Councilmember Rouse stated that he has been assigned to Chair the Committee of Residential Neighborhoods. This Committee did not meet in 2004 and met 4 times in 2003 in joint sessions with the Health and Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Rouse stated that he has been reviewing the minutes and plans to call a meeting soon. He also serves on the Downtown South Bend Board, the Neighborhood Resource Committee, and the Waste Management Board. All three of the boards seem to be functioning well and display good leadership. Councilmember Rouse thanked all eight (8) of his fellow Common Council Members and stated that each has been cordial and he looks forward to a continued working relationship. As he viewed South Bend from an at-large perspective, he sees much good and diverse work in progress. This is a good thing as the city must exert its resources and energy on the whole city. Work is progressing in the Studebaker Corridor, Lincoln Way West Corridor near the South Bend Regional Airport, Erskine Village, Erskine Commons and the Northeast Neighborhood. Councilmember Rouse stated that South Bend has not had a comprehensive plan for over 40 years. Mayor Luecke has commissioned the Civic Alliance and the Department of Community and Economic Development through the “City Plan” to plan for the future. One of the tasks of the City Plan is to issue periodic “Current Conditions Report” (CCR) the report for 2004-2005 has been issued and a copy is on file in the Clerk’s Office. Councilmember Rouse pointed out a couple areas that he is very concerned about along with the status of the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, that has not met in over two years, are a particular concern to him as to how they, in their dysfunctional state impact on the rate of homicides. Councilmember Rouse mentions this primarily to focus of the importance of the City Plan and work being supported and encouraged to continue in a timely fashion and the man in the mirror midset. Councilmember Rouse stated that as a representative for the entire City of South Bend, he will continue to keep these issues before him and what better media than the CCR. RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 7:23 p.m., Councilmember Varner made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Kelly, Chairperson, Committee of the Whole, presiding. Councilmember Kelly explained the procedures to be followed for tonights meeting in ã accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code and that pamphlets were available to the pubic, which outline the Council rules and procedures, and are located on the railing in the Council Chambers. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 28-04 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, ANNEXING TO AND BRINGING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AND AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR CERTAIN LAND IN GERMAN TOWNSHIP CONTIGUOUS THEREWITH; STEVE & JEAN COOREMAN, 21300 BLOCK OF CLEVELAND ROAD & 52804 LYNNEWOOD AVENUE, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Dieter made a motion to continue this bill until the July 11, 2005 meeting of the Council at the request of the petitioner. Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. 3