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CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> we would like it to, again, we don't strive for anything but transparency. Sometimes our business <br /> customers demand control of when word might come out about something. So, that is one (1) <br /> consideration. I'll stop there but those are some of the more objective reasons of why we think the <br /> way it is going makes sense. As a side note, I don't think there is any objection to reformulating <br /> the meeting in some way so that the public is more involved. I heard no objections to that, but we <br /> think the meeting time works. We understand the perception of the timing and we don't want that, <br /> in any way, to mean a lack of transparency. <br /> Committee Chair Ferlic stated, If you are able, after Committee meetings,please speak together to <br /> pursue any possible amendments. <br /> Councilmember John Voorde stated, I will try to make this brief. It seems to me this is a well- <br /> intentioned resolution to increase transparency, openness and have an informed public. There is, <br /> as Dan mentioned, evidence that a later meeting doesn't necessarily increase attendance by the <br /> public. It seems to me that this could be the beginning of the call to make Board of Public Works, <br /> Century Center Board of Managers, Board of Public Safety all later. Any Board or Commission, <br /> there will always be someone who wants it after hours.We might as well put the City on the second <br /> (2nd) shift if that happens because there are all sorts of costs associated with that, whether it is staff <br /> or whatever. It seems to me,and it is kind of ironic I am the one(1)suggesting this,that technology <br /> can make things a lot more transparent. If we could live stream Board and Commission meetings, <br /> that could make them more accessible. If I knew there was something important coming before a <br /> Board that I was really interested in, I would just record that. I know not everyone has computer <br /> access but certainly they can get that a lot of places for free. But, if we make an initial investment <br /> in whatever technology it takes to do that kind of thing, then we would really be opening up the <br /> process to the public. If anyone was interested, they can look at it either when it's happening or in <br /> its recorded state. I think we could even set it up to participate live. Politically, there are all those <br /> town hall meetings where people call in. I'm not saying these meetings should go on forever, but <br /> again, the technology is there to really open up the process without having to put the City on the <br /> second(2nd) shift. That is all I'm saying. <br /> Committeemember Regina Williams-Preston stated, This is also a call for us as Council Members <br /> and whoever else who has that responsibility to make sure. I had heard the concern about trying to <br /> do it in the evening and no one came. We have to do something to engage people before there is a <br /> problem,right? Because that is where I hear most of the complaints. I do feel they should be in the <br /> evening and we have to do the job to get people to these meetings to keep people engaged and <br /> informed. <br /> Committeemember Dr. Oliver Davis made a motion to send Bill No. 19-43 to the full Council with <br /> a favorable recommendation. Committeemember Williams-Preston seconded this motion which <br /> carried by a voice vote of four(4) ayes. <br /> With no further business, Committee Chair Ferlic adjourned the Community Investment <br /> Committee meeting at 4:34 p.m. <br /> Respectfully Submitted, <br /> Gavin Ferlic, Committee Chair <br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 227W Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 ea v.southbendin.gov <br /> 4 <br />