06-27-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 27, 2011 giving one facility light and upgrading the other would take priority versus what they are voting on tonight. Mayor Luecke stated that he has not had any communication with Councilmember Henry Davis concerning this. He stated that he would be glad to look into it. Councilmember Henry Davis stated that it is being held up in purchasing. Gregg Zientara, City Controller, advised that the money is available in the current budget; it is not being held up in purchasing. He stated that the Engineering Department is working with the Park Department and Purchasing Department to determine how is it best that this move forward given the purchasing laws in the State of Indiana. He stated that they are working to make sure that there is no violation in choosing the vendor. He stated that a vendor has been identified, Mooseco Lighting Systems, however, with the existing lighting there were some details that needed to be addressed. Councilmember Kirsits asked if the 1.2 million dollars was coming out of EDIT Funds. Mayor Luecke stated yes. Councilmember Kirsits stated that the money is replenished about 7 million a year cash reserves. Mayor Luecke stated that was correct. Councilmember LaFountain made a motion to limit discussion both in favor and opposed to one-half hour each. Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. The following individuals spoke in favor of the bill: James, Harris, 1125 South Bend Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has lived in the area his entire life and is very concerned with neighborhood. He stated that he is in support of this bill because he believes that partnership with St. Joseph High School will enhance the development of the East Bank and Phase II and Phase III of the Eddy Street Commons Development. Mr. Harris stated that the St. Joe High School Facility will be state of the art and is in favor of partnering with the SBCSC so that all can benefit. He urged the Council’s favorable consideration. Susan Lightcap, 1839 N. College Street, South Bend Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she has been a resident of South Bend for 43 years. She stated that she and her husband have been very loyal supporters of South Bend. She stated that she is also a proud member of the St. Joseph High School Faculty for the past 30 years. She noted that she is not Catholic. She stated that she has witnessed St. Joseph High School serving both students and their families for those 30 years. She stated that she wanted to touch base on the many contributions that St. Joseph High School has made directly to the City of South Bend. She stated that she has been a moderator for a group called HOPE, Helping Other People Endure for the last 16 years. She stated that their food drive alone has generated over $25,000 in helping people in the community over come their food insecurities. She stated that is only one of their activities and that they are active throughout the year. She stated that she truly believes that the 1.2 million dollars that they are asking for tonight is totally justified. She stated that St. Joe has been a very good neighbor to South Bend and have contributed a great deal. She stated that this project will bring other opportunities in the area. She likened this to throwing a rock in a pond. She stated that the 1.2 million dollars may be a sizable rock, but it is still a rock and it is going to make one splash, but those ripples that it will make will go to the corners of South Bend and will be a remarkable gift for South Bend. She thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak and urged their favorable consideration. 7