09-26-05 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The September 26, 2005 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 4:40 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, White, Puizzello, Kirsits, Rouse, Varner, Kuspa; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Sharon Kendall, Mrs. Kopola, City Attorney Charles Leone, Tom Skarbek, Fred Thon, Jack Dillon, Martha Lewis, Jane Hobing, City Clerk John Voorde, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member White, the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee noted that in the absence of Council Member Kelly she would conduct the meeting. She noted that the other Committee members included Council Member Kuspa and Varner. Council Member White called for a presentation on Bill No. 69-05 which would amend Chapter 20 of the South Bend Municipal Code to increase the fine provided for parking in areas designated by signs as no parking areas during certain hours on dates of special events. City Attorney Charles Leone made the presentation. He noted that the proposed bill grew out of discussions with Council Member Puzzello, residents of Wooded Estates, Lyn Coleman and residents in the 4th Councilmanic District. He noted that there are two (2) primary issues, front yard parking and on-street parking. Many of these streets are posted no parking on one side of the street to allow public safety vehicles clearance to get through. However during Notre Dame football weekends there are additional problems related to people parking on both sides of the streets. With only a $10 fine for such parking it is believed that a $100 fine would be more effective. He noted that a substitute bill would be submitted which would include language that the fine would be paid to the Ordinance Violations Bureau. Council Member Puzzello noted that parking problems and other public safety problems have been problems for a long time. She noted that the University has fewer parking lots now and as a result problems are now in Wooded Estates, Harter Heights, Pokagon, Peashway, etc. She noted that there are problems with tailgating, resulting in safety hazards. Council Member White then called for those wishing to speak in favor of the Bill. Jane Hobing of 1616 Scottswood Drive which is located in Wooded Estates spoke in favor of the Bill. She noted that she has lived there since 1972 and not until the early 1980's was there traffic problems in the residential areas. She noted that there was a resident who had a heart attack and that the ambulance could not get into the area. She noted that the current signage helped until Notre Dame expanded the stadium. She and others in the neighborhood have worked with Council Member Puzzello to address the safety concerns so that emergency vehicles can get into the area. September 26,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -Page 1-