12-12-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2011 Councilmember Rouse made the presentation for this bill. He stated that the purpose of the resolution is to focus attention on the lack of small business economic development in the minority/women segment of South Bend’s population. He stated that it is his opinion that by far the largest source of untapped economic potential in South Bend is the 26,000 plus African Americans who make up 26.6% of the city’s population. He stated that the resolution’s intent is to initiate a study to highlight the need for a coordinated economic development plan for the minority community in South Bend. He stated that hopefully the study will provide a roadmap to enhanced economic opportunity for these communities in need. Councilmember Rouse stated that the result should bring a litany of tangible social and economic benefits to the entire region. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There was no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution. Councilmember Rouse made a motion to adopt this resolution by acclamation. Councilmember Kirsits seconded the motion which carried RESOLVE INTO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At 8:27 p.m. Councilmember Oliver Davis made a motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole. Councilmember LaFountain seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. Councilmember Timothy Rouse, Chairperson, presiding. Councilmember Rouse explained the procedures to be followed for tonight’s meeting in accordance with Article 1, Section 2-11 of the South Bend Municipal Code. Councilmember Rouse stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council Chambers explaining those procedures. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 58-11 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 717 EAST LASALLE STREET, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46617, COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT NO. 4, IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Kirsits disclosed that his is a graduate of St. Joseph High School and that he had donated and left in an escrow account for the athletic fund. He stated that after discussion with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it was determined that no conflict exists. Councilmember Dieter disclosed that he is a graduate of St. Joseph High School. He stated that after discussion with Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand it was determined that no conflict exists Councilmember Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning & Annexation Committee, reported that this committee met on this bill this afternoon to discuss the pros and cons and voted to send it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. th Ms. Christa Nayder, Staff Member, Area Plan Commission, 11 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Nayder advised that the petitioner is requesting a zone change from MU Mixed Use District to SF2 Single Family and Two Family District to allow uses permitted under the SF2 Single Family and Two Family District classification. On site is the former Family Dollar store. To the north is the site of the new St. Joseph High School zoned SF2 Single 10