08-08-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 8, 2011 for those six years he cut the grass and spent most of the summer away from his wife and kids. He stated that he made it a field of dreams. He was delighted when he heard that Challenger Little was going to play ball at Chet Waggoner and then crushed when he learned that the base paths weren’t wide enough for children and the field was not accessible for wheelchairs. He was shocked to learn that they used the farm field which was a trash field because it was flatter and more accessible for the kids. He stated that he had hoped that Chet Waggoner would be able to support Challenger Little League but that did not happen. Little League in itself has many challenges in trying keep kids playing, having the parents support the ballpark and their players. The idea of having District 11 try to raise funds to build a park, but that did not come to fruition. He stated that this is a difficult project, but so was the East Race, Coveleski Stadium, and the Belleville Softball Complex did not come without controversy. He stated that he could not imagine South Bend with out those facilities. Councilmember Kirsits stated that if this project is done right it could be something major for the community. He reiterated that he wasn’t sold on the site selection and he doesn’t believe in giving money to do studies, however, he does believe in Phil St. Clair and how he manages the Park Department Budget, pinching pennies, make his employees work with less and have seen the accomplishments that Phil has made. He stated that it those reasons that the City needs this park and needs to step up and make this happen. He stated that he will be voting in favor of this bill because he believes that Phil will be a good steward and use the money appropriately to the city of World Class Challenger Little League Park. Councilmember Dieter stated that he appreciates everyone’s input and encourages everyone to speak their mind. Whether it is in favor or against a project that is why they are here tonight to hear everyone’s opinion and made a decision on what’s best for the City of South Bend. He stated that sometimes in government things are not just spelled out A, B, C, and that is why they have discussions and meeting after meeting to get the fact and understand where everyone is coming from, that is the nature of government. He stated that he too agrees with Councilmember Kirsits that Mr. St. Clair will do the right thing with the appropriation and will be voting in favor of this bill. Councilmember Rouse stated that they can pass this bill tonight because the vote would be 5-3 in favor. He stated that some Councilmember’s are uncomfortable with just giving the entire $200,000 appropriation. He suggested making the money available like a grant and every time that they are planning to do something they would have to before the Council before they could go forward with drawing on the appropriation. Councilmember Rouse complimented Mayor Luecke in rethinking the strategy and not asking for the $1 million dollars. He stated that he believes this project has been going on for approximately 35 years in his lifetime and started with Logan and the Special Olympics. He stated that he believes this project is crucial to South Bend. He stated that he would still like to see the City look at Bill Hojanacki’s process, and bring in other partner’s like St. Joseph County because South Bend has to look at other funding sources and cannot foot the bill by itself. Mayor Luecke stated that he is unfamiliar with the process that Councilmember Rouse is suggesting. He asked if every time money is spent out of that appropriation they would report back to the Council or every time money is needed they would have to come before the Council t ask for it. Councilmember Rouse stated that because some Councilmember’s are uncomfortable with just giving the entire $200,000 dollar appropriation at one time this would be a better way to handle it. Phil St. Clair stated that when they are approved for capital improvement appropriations they are scrutinized by the Board of Park Commissioners and are mandated by the State Board of Accounts to do that. He stated that the Board of Park Commissioners must sign off of any capital improvement projects. He assured the Council that there will be considerable oversight. Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion 16