10-15-03 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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r 4 � informal Jiliguing of tie *ours AignO u%ommon ounctl The October 15, 2003 informal meeting of the South Bend Common Council was called to order by Council President Karen L. White at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, Varner, White and Kuspa;Mayor Stephen Luecke, Studebaker National Museum. Inc. Director Rebecca Bonham, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Don Inks, Bill Schalliol, Jacquelyn Rucker, John G. Farrell,Mark McDonnell,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council President White welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that this was an opportunity to continue discussions with the City Administration and Department Heads, after a break in such meetings during the budget review. She noted that such meetings enhance communication as the Council and Administration work to make the City of South Bend a world-class 21st century city. Council President White then introduced Jacquelyn Rucker, Director of Community Relations for the University of Notre Dame. Ms. Rucker noted that the University's Community Relations office has been moved to downtown South Bend. She noted that they have been located in the Robertson Apartment Building for approximately three(3)weeks. She added that the University's School of Design, the Urban Design Studio Classes, the tax assistance programs for seniors, and the Art Department's "Cross Roads Gathering" are just some of the interactive community programs underway with South Bend. Ms. Rucker stated that the Community Likelations Office would have a grand opening on October 30th and would be inviting the Council. Council Member Kelly thanked Ms. Rucker for coming and stated that he thinks that this concept is a great opportunity for building an even stronger relationship with the University of Notre Dame. Mayor Luecke stated that he and his staff are very excited about having Notre Dame's Community Relations Office in downtown South Bend,and believes it is a great move for all. Ms. Rucker than provided her business cards to the Council (copy attached). Mayor Luecke then began discussions on the Studebaker National Museum. The Mayor noted that former Mayor Keman committed $5 million to this project to match $5 million which would be raised by private donations. This concept was reaffirmed when he became Mayor. Mayor Luecke stated that he believes that the City of South Bend has an obligation to provide a home for the Studebaker collection. The museum has raised$1.5 million. Mayor Luecke sought the support of the Council. He further noted that they are generating excitement in the community with the re- defining of the Board and focusing on business leaders. He noted that they have broadened the focus of the museum by including the stories of industrial growth in the city. Mark McDonnell, President of the Board of Trustees for the Studebaker National Museum then addressed the Council. Copies of"The Studebaker National Museum Long Range Business Plan 2003-2009, October 1, 2003" (copy attached) were then provided to the Council. He noted that the business plan was finalized last week. The proposed move involves a multiple parties, namely the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, South Bend Heritage, and the Studebaker National Museum, Inc. A multi-party agreement is currently being worked on by the various attorneys representing each entity. Design RFP's were made public in September resulting in twenty-one (21) responses. In response to a question from Council President White, Mr. McDonnel stated that the city's commitment would be five million dollars with the private donations of $1.5 million. The project