|
CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
<br /> Mr. Dunn then stated, I'm just saying that, to me, it is very important we get a look at those
<br /> underlying presumptions that come along and say, "Hey, we think this is a good deal." Well, let's
<br /> find out.
<br /> Mr. Parker replied, Yes, absolutely.
<br /> Committeemember Broden stated, Just a couple of remarks. The reports, you know, the analysis
<br /> that's done, we've all sat here,but I think the process primarily has been,it's in our packet, then we
<br /> have the experts come the same day as we're looking at it. And I'm just being honest on this. So, I
<br /> think, if we really want inclusive decision-making, there's that expert outside analysis, and of
<br /> course who pays for it, you know, you pay what you get, or you pay what you're asking for
<br /> sometimes. I think the benefit of having that early, in front of stakeholders, including the public,
<br /> and just to basically poke at its contents, it's assumptions, you know, things like that. I think that
<br /> that serves us better as a community. The poking is important, but so is the educational process
<br /> that can come from that, and I think at least in my short tenure, it's always been kind of late to the
<br /> table and not shared broadly enough in a way that would beget a thorough and good discussion.
<br /> So those are my feelings from the process, heretofore. I'll say that we have, as Council, at times
<br /> put the brake on and have said come back with more information, but that's more overall the
<br /> exception rather than the rule. So, it's mostly almost a "we'll trust you." And I think that we are
<br /> only as good as the information that we get and can actually absorb. To me, sunshine and public
<br /> input is important. I'm saying these remarks in that I think we are far more transparent than most
<br /> government entities in Indiana. We're off the charts, I think. However, I think our community is
<br /> just trying to not be comfortable with where we are all the time in that transparency.Transparency
<br /> after-the-fact really is not transparency, I guess is what I want to say. Not that this should be the
<br /> final takeaway, but I think it is better if it's out there. We do a good job for the most part, but I do
<br /> think for educational purposes of the Council and of the general public,we would be better served
<br /> by getting that stuff early and then kind of kicking at it and poking at it and just making sure it's
<br /> solid and all the assumptions and the analysis really kind of holds up.
<br /> She continued, And then, I think, somebody mentioned it with regards to the Century Center, I
<br /> loved your quote, and it wasn't just relative to that. "Your research allocation follows priorities."
<br /> Mr. Parker replied, I say it all the time.
<br /> Committeemember Broden followed up, Oh my gosh, where have you been? Because on that one
<br /> (1), it really feels like we are really out over our skis. That's how my dad would say it. It's almost
<br /> like "Wow, great idea! Is it our priority?" Sort of after-the-fact. So, I don't know who the
<br /> stakeholders are,but it doesn't feel like the public as a whole. I'll speak for myself, I don't feel like
<br /> I am as a Council Member. I was blindsided by that presentation and it was jaw-dropping. It really
<br /> was. You hit it on the head in terms, and I'm not trying to blow a cannon through this thing before
<br /> it even hits more daylight, I just think that there's a ramp up to this stuff,that is necessary. Relative
<br /> to these other huge deeds that we have in our community. To me, the pie is only so big, and it's
<br /> not going to get much bigger, if anything, it's shrinking. So, we have to figure out a way to ramp
<br /> these up,to introduce these things, and to have a little bit longer. That's my point is that I just think
<br /> longer, earlier, begets better decision-making and better representation from us.
<br /> Mr. Banicki-Critchlow asked,Two (2) quick things. On the revenue side do you know what we're
<br /> losing due to the Dark Store rulings?
<br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
<br /> 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 I 1 U 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov
<br /> 23
<br />
|