02-25-08 Council Rules Committee

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• Council Rules Committee 2008 South Bend Common Council The February 25, 2008 meeting of the Council Rules Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council President Timothy A. Rouse, at 3:16 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Oliver Davis, Rouse, Varner, Henry Davis, Puzzello, LaFoutain and Kirsits; City Clerk John Voorde, Mrs. Andres, Rita Kopola, Martha Lewis, unidentified members of the public, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council President Rouse noted that the members of the Committee include Council Members Varner, Dieter, Puzzello, Oliver Davis and himself. A quorum was present. Council President Rouse then asked the Vice-President of the Committee, Dr. Varner to chair the meeting so that he could make the formal presentation on the Bill referred to the Committee. Bill No. 11-08: Amending Chapter 2, Artilce 1, & 2-10(i) of the South Bend Municipal Code: Dr. Varner called for a formal presentation on Bill No. 11-08 which proposes to amend Chapter 2, Article 1, § 2-10(i) of the South Bend Municipal Code to require the Office of the City Clerk to assist Standing Committee Chairpersons in the taking of meeting minutes and to place approved minutes on the Common Council's website. Council President Rouse made the formal presentation. He referred to the proposed ordinance and its cover letter of February 6, 2008 (copies attached). He stated that: • The proposed bill would bring conformance to the law set forth at IC 36-4-6-9 • The procedures would be comparable to those in place in Fort Wayne and Evansville • The procedures would utilize the expert clerical services of the Office of the City Clerk • The procedures would free up the Staff Attorney of the Council for other legal duties • The Chairpersons of each Standing Committee would work closely with the Office of the City Clerk in making sure that all minutes are accurate and placed on the Common Council website after their approval Council President Rouse added that this ordinance would compliment Council Member Dieter's ongoing efforts to make upgrades in other areas with Dr. Varner's Information and Technology Committee. City Clerk John Voorde stated that he is "totally supportive" of the proposed ordinance.