06-27-05 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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storage and the upstairs being for prayer and meditation. He concluded his remarks stating that the Catholic Worker of Michiana have attempted to address all concerns in good faith. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. Nemeth stated that the food would be limited and just basic snack-type food. Council Member Kirsits noted that code requires a suppression system if the food distribution becomes more developed. Les Fox, CEO of Real Services spoke in favor of the special exception request. He noted that in his forty (40) years of service to the community he truly believes that no one elects to be homeless. He sees the type of service which would be provided by the Catholic Worker of Michana as complimenting President Carter's housing activities for those less fortunate. No one spoke in opposition to the Bill. Council President Pfeifer inquired who the on-call person would be, to which Mr. Baxter stated that there would be a schedule of volunteers from the community. If they "got stuck", that would close the doors. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the Board of Directors. Mr. Baxter stated that Ben Peter, Margaret Pfeil, Jay Landry and former Notre Dame Law School Dean Thomas Schaffer are on the Board. The Council President then asked for a copy of their insurance certificate for the property. She suggested that training courses be established and that there be procedures for those who break the rules. She inquired if there was a regional board. Mr. Baxter stated that there is not a regional board. He noted that the Catholic Worker community was founded in 1933 and that there are 150 worker houses throughout the country with no central office. They operate under the Bishop. Letters in support were then provided to the committee (copies attached) which included June 27, 2005 letter from Maria Kaczmarek, Executive Director of Dismas House of Michiana; June 27, 2005 letter from Rev. John M. DeRiso, C.S.C. of Saint Joseph Catholic Church; June 24, 2005 letter from Stephen H. Camilleri,Executive Director of the Center for the Homeless; January 27, 2005 letter from Olga Lorimer,Executive Director of La Casa De Amistad,Inc.; undated letter from Karen DeLucenay, Director of Hannah's House; and June 27, 2005 letter from Linda S. Baechle, Executive Director of the YWCA of St. Joseph County. Council Member Rouse inquired whether there have been any lawsuits since they began operation in 1933. Mr. Baxter stated "yes" however they have been limited in nature. Council Member Rouse noted that several communications have been received in support of the special exception request, and he would hope that the Catholic Worker group would work with them. Les Fox stated that he would. Mr. Baxter noted that he meets with Sister Suzanne regularly. Council Member Puzzello noted that she knew very little about the Catholic Worker group and accepted an offer to have soup with them and learned a great deal about their services. June 27,2005 Zoning and Annexation Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 2-