09-24-18 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING September 24, 2018 Mr. Dougherty stated, Perhaps so, I am not familiar with that agreement. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, So article two (2) section two point four (2.4), there is a provision. So that is within this agreement, correct? Mr. Dougherty confirmed, Correct. Councilmember Jo M. Broden followed up, Now with regard to article thirteen (13) section thirteen point one(13.1),the mayor has the authority to exercise an appointment to the Zoo Board. I want to know if the mayor is going to exercise that authority. Ms. Dean replied, He already has. Dave Nufer is our mayoral appointee through the end of 2019. He was sworn in last year. Councilmember Jo M. Broden then asked, So in terms of payments, 2019, that is the bulk of this, right? So, $3.7 million and then again in 2023 is $1.1 million. So those will hit. Actually I will hold that thought and come back to that. If I can recall the question I had, I will. This is a big deal for the City of South Bend, right? I think this Council as a whole has been very generous in terms of recognizing the deferred maintenance and wanting to hit those. I guess in terms of partnership going forward and the timing of your scheduled improvements, I don't want to be a fund and done kind of entity because this is big. I am not going to assert a Council Member on a Board or even we make an appointment to your Board because of you track record and what you've done. But I do think we would all benefit from the Council being brought along earlier in the process in this continued relationship. Ms. Dean replied, Yes and as we discussed in Committee earlier I am more than happy to attend any meeting to update on anything anytime. I would appreciate that opportunity. Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated, This is kind of a lot like my relationship with my kids. I ask a lot of questions because I care. I don't think there is anybody on this Council that has any other motive for asking questions other than being informed and being the best stewards. I think you have done an excellent job. Thank you for that. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, I know there have been concerns regarding this back in July so I appreciate the communication. Bonds have been paid off early and I guess I want to state that if there is an opportunity to pay off the bond early, I ask we continue on with the voting tonight. If there is a way for us to be fiscally responsible and have cost savings, I am in support of that. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Bob Urbanski, 21533 Golden Maple Court, South Bend, IN, stated, I'm a retired South Bend businessman. Since my retirement I've been spending my time on charitable and civic projects. About five (5) years ago I was asked by one (1) of the Zoo Board members to get involved when they were promoting the public-private partnership. I found out some facts and did so. It has been an incredible success since the City has agreed to do that program. In fact, listening to the City Controller, the City is wanting to do that with more things like that. It is a great example. Most currently, I've been asked to help with the deferred maintenance issue which needs correction before June 2019. The work that is involved in it is staggering. The amount of money,time, effort and planning is remarkable. I understand the mortgage analogy but from my own construction experience, delaying this is going to make it more expensive. It is imperative to get this moving as soon as possible. I humbly ask for your support for the Zoo. There are amazing things happening there and it is an amazing place. Alex Georgio-Rueben, 825 South Logan Street, South Bend,IN, stated I live in River Park and the Zoo is basically my neighbor. I am the parent of a special needs child. The updates to the Zoo to make it ADA compliant and to add a new family restroom would be extremely beneficial to my family and to other families in my position. I'm asking for you to approve this. The Zoo must evolve to maintain its current exhibits not only for safety and public enjoyment but also for animal welfare. 25