07-19-06 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting 2DD6 South Bend Common Council The July 19, 2006 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa, at 4:20 p.m. in the Council's Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Pfeifer, Varner, Kuspa, Rouse, Kelly, Kirsits and Puzzello; Citizen Member Ed Talley, Community and Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Kendall, Cade Enforcement Executive Director Catherine Toppel, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Kuspa noted that the Committee Members consist of Council Members Kirsits, Dieter and White, and Citizen Member Ed Talley. He stated that those who wish to be recognized should state their name and address for the record. Ne added that the Committee makes advisory recommendations to the full Council on proposed legislation which has been sent to the Committee for review and recommendation. Council Member Kuspa noted that this meeting was called at the request of Council Member Puzzello, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee, to begin discussions on regulations to clarify front and side yard parking which was filed today with the Office of the City Clerk. Bill No, 46-06: Front and Side Yard Parkin IZonin Re ulations: Council Member Puzzello noted that next Monday Bil! No. 46-06 will have first reading. The proposed Bili is proposed to clarify front and side yard parking. She noted that unfortunately past regulations addressing this topic were left out of the new zoning code. She indicated that yard parking is a problem city-wide and the law needs to be re-enacted. She noted that many residents have contacted her on this in light of the quality afi life issues that it raises. She Hated that the Legal Department draft the ordinance which had input from Catherine Toppel in light of the many complaints which her office also receives. Catherine Toppel, Director of Code Enforcement stated that she was elated to see the ordinance coming back to again start discussions. She agreed with Council Member Puzzello that the problems in this area are city-wide, noting that her phone rings off the hook. She added that mast churches are in the process of addressing their parking problems by attempting to reach agreements with adjoining property owners. The intent of the ordinance is to prevent people from parking in front yards and side yards thereby negatively impacting the quality of life in their immediate neighborhood. She noted that such activities bring down the aesthetic values and too often cause muddy ruts in lawn areas when it rains. She stated that she is proud to co-sponsor the proposed ordinance along with Council Member Puzzello.