02-13-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2012 The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill: Don Reinke, 416 N. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he believes in Mayor Pete’s cry for attracting qualified candidates. He stated that with the best and the brightest we can avoid embarrassments like the Family Dollar. Jerry Niezgodski, 2930 Bonds Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He stated that the city has always been blessed with many dedicated individuals doing their jobs above and beyond. He urged the Council to favorable consider this proposal. Gary Gilot, Citizen Volunteer, stated that the Mayor will be replacing the Board of Public Works Director and the City Engineer positions. Mr. Gilot noted that as the prior Board of Public Works Director he can speak from experience that the Director of Public Works position deals with a budget of approximately $65 million dollars a year, $40-$50 million in capital projects. He stated that the Mayor needs to be able to recruit candidates who are experienced and qualified. He asked the Council for their favorable consideration. Kyle Chamberlin, 626 Peashway, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the move from a part-time City Attorney to full-time Corporation Counsel will allow for risk analysis and savings on legal advice two key factors that the Mayor and his administration will rely on. He urged the Council for their favorable consideration. The following spoke in opposition: Gary King, 730 N. Hill, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in opposition to this bill. Mr. King stated that the Council will be setting a precedent. He urged the Council to vote against this bill. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Dieter made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as amended. Councilmember Ferlic seconded the motion which carried. The bill was sent to the full Council favorably by a roll call vote of five (5) ayes (Councilmember’s Scott, Schey, Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, and Dieter.) and four (4) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Varner, Oliver Davis, White.) RISE AND REPORT Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr. made a motion to rise and report to the full Council. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. ATTEST: ATTEST: _________________________ _________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Karen L. White, Chairperson Committee of the Whole REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED Be it remembered that the Common Council of the City of South Bend reconvened in the Council Chambers on the fourth floor of the County-City Building at 9:08 p.m. Council President Derek D. Dieter presided with nine (9) members present. BILLS – THIRD READING 12