02-24-03 Neighborhood Resources & Technical Services Corp

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work essiou Uport. §bouth Olzub Common council aub Aldgbbor*4 legour s aU4'eebtuieaGl ierbireo corporation The February 24, 2003 work session of the South Bend Common Council and the Neighborhood Resources and Technical Services Corporation was opened by Council President Karen L. White at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Varner, Pfeifer, Coleman, Kirsits, Aranowski, King, Kuspa and White; Citizen Member Isabelle Gonzalez, Marco Marian, Jean Borders, Adria Ellen Irmiger, Mike Kruk, Diana Hess, John Reese, Elonda Wilder Hamilton, Bill Stenz, Chuck Reger, Charles Leone, Pam Meyer, Eugene Kim and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand, Council Attorney. Everyone present then introduced themselves. Council President White noted that it was decided that an agenda (copy attached) would be used for tonight's work session so that communication and information sharing would be maximized. She also noted that a series of documents have been provided by Marco Mariani, namely a 14 -page handout detailing information on NRTSC and a 1 -page NRTSC balance sheet (copies attached) which was then summarized. Jean Borders noted that the NRTSC Board desired to direct some of their efforts to better communication between the various organizations, noting that the cell tower which ended up in the Keller Park neighborhood as an example where more communication was necessary. Council Member King stated that there was nothing that could have been done with regard to the cell tower in Keller Park since the property where it is located was properly zoned. Therefore no public hearings where held. He noted that discussions are currently underway however to address in the new zoning ordinance situations of this type. Council Member Aranowski stated that the City Plan should also help to address various pockets throughout the city and their ultimate use. Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to the turnover rate of the Coordinators of the Partnership Centers and suggested that insurance benefits be considered for such positions. Marco Marian stated that they are proposing to increase the hourly rate form $10 to $12. Mr. Marian noted in response to a question from Ms. Gonzalez that brochures are provided in two (2) languages. Dr. Varner encouraged the NRTSC Board to consider a neighborhood partnership center to be located in the southeast area, noting that being proactive rather than reactive may prove very beneficial for the Fox and Miami Street areas. Council Member Pfeifer also voiced support for a neighborhood partnership center in the southeast area of the city. Charles Leone then provided a state legislative update. He noted that they sat down with State Senator John Broden and he proposed SB 212 addressing fireworks which unfortunately has not gone any where; however there is a bill which is still alive which would require reporting of injuries caused by fireworks. Senator Broden sponsored SB 276 which addresses meeting notice requirements. SB 276 was reported out of committee by a, 5 -4 vote, however it was opposed by IACT.