07-22-02 Residential Neighborhoods Committee and Health & Public Safety

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r f t nun itt a *. port: joint Meeting of the Zesitiottia1 1/eigljborboais Committee ara the Igaith antt uble 'afett Committee The July 22, 2002 joint meeting of the Residential Neighborhood Committee and the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by Residential Neighborhood Committee Chairperson Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members White, Varner, Kirsits, King, Coleman, Aranowski, Pfeifer, and Kelly; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Lonnie Douglas, Terry Bland of the 'outb ligenb EribU a and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Pfeifer called for a presentation on Bill No. 02-55 which is a proposed resolution condemning the "promotion of hate, racism, bigotry, prejudice, terrorism, and discrimination, and supporting the efforts of UC4Peace to encourage unity and cultural diversity in our city, state and nation". Mayor Luecke made the presentation. The Mayor noted that the Council would be "voting for Mom and apple pie" when they take action on Bill No. 02-55. In light of the KKK rally in South Bend in 2001, and events planned outside of South Bend later this month, it was thought that events should take place to down play those events. The resolution would affirm that the City of South Bend stands for human rights. Lonnie Douglas noted that he has been with the South Bend Human Rights Commission for eleven (11) years. Mr. Douglas stated that the proposed resolution is"just and right". Dr. Varner questioned why "terrorism" was in the resolution, noting that he believes it "disjoints the overall message". Mayor Luecke stated that he would not object to having it deleted and addressed in a separate resolution. Council President Kelly noted that terrorism is in many different forms and does not believe that it should be in the resolution. Following discussion, Council Member King noted that the resolution would send a message that the city is against violence. He then made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that all references to"terrorism"in Bill No. 02-55 be deleted. The motion passed. Council Member Coleman stated that the Administration should draft a resolution condemning terrorism,violent acts and violent extremism. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that the City coordinate with IUSB on the topic"Who is against Violence". Council Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Kirsits that amended Bill No. 02-55 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Mayor Luecke stated that he would have a substitute version of the Bill ready for the 7 p.m. Council Meeting.