11/26/07 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 26, 2007 Councilmember White stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council Chambers explaining those procedures. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Bill No. 61-07 Council Portion Only) BILL NO. 61-07 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1905 COLLEGE, IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Varner made a motion to hear the substitute version of this bill. Councilmember Rouse seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning & Annexation Committee, reported that this committee held a meeting this afternoon and it was the consensus of the committee to send this substitute bill to the full council with a favorable recommendation. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney advised that under Indiana Code §36-7-ll- 6, "...buildings, structures and sites classified as historic...mustposess identified historic or architectural merit of a degree warranting their preservation. They maybe further classified as: (1) outstanding; (2) notable; or (3) contributing..." She further noted that "A local landmark is a building, site, landscape, structure, object or are that demonstrates the historic and/or architectural significance of a period in South Bend, Saint Joseph County, the region, the state, or the nation." The Common Council is required to review the proposed ordinance requesting a local landmark designation based on the following criteria: "... on historic or architectural significance, or both". She stated that is should also be noted that the Common Council has also focused its discussion on whether a building or structure was a local landmark by considering: Embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, material, or craftsmanship which represent an architectural characteristic or innovation, suitability for preservation and identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. Local landmark designations are in effect a zoning overlay. Ordinances requesting landmark designation do not receive any review by the Area Plan Commission. Councilmember Rouse advised that this bill was one of the toughest issues that he has been involved with since being on the Council. He stated that there have been good points raised on both sides and that the middle ground to this issue could be found, with more dialogue. He noted that the children are the first priority. Councilmember Rouse stated that he will be voting in favor of land marking Marquette. Councilmember Puzzello advised that she toured Marquette, Madison, and Harrison Primary Centers. She noted that when touring Marquette it was quiet evident that the building is an old structure that is in dire need of repair. When touring Madison, she recalls hearing the phrase "this is a problem, but we can work it out." She stated that the last tour was of Harrison Primary and the new building is beautiful, bright, and cheery and they have incorporated some of the old bricks and medallions into the new structure for some historic nostalgia. She reiterated that the children should be the first priority when dealing with this issue and with this new state of the art building, the children are learning more efficiently and faster. She stated that she would be voting against land marking for Marquette. Councilmember Varner stated that the cost differential is not that significant. He stated that his personal preference is to keep Marquette because it does have historic significance and that is met by the WPA connection. 2