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The November 8, 2004 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to <br /> order by its Chairperson, Council Member Charlotte D. Pfeifer at 5:18 p.m. in the Council <br /> Informal Meeting Room. <br /> Persons in attendance included Council Members Dieter, Pfeifer, Kelly, Puzzello, <br /> Varner, Kuspa, Kirsits and White; Director of the Division of Community Development Pam <br /> Meyer, Executive Director of the Department of Community &Economic Development Sharon <br /> Kendall, Rita Kopola, Director of Economic Development Don Inks, Judy Rosheck, John <br /> Sellers, Ann Kolata, , Mary Beth McAdams, Corey Hall, a member of the news <br /> media and Kathy Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. <br /> Council Member Pfeifer noted that the meeting was called to receive updates on <br /> MACOG and NRC. <br /> Mary Beth McAdams and Corey Hall of MACOG then addressed the committee. Ms. <br /> McAdams who deals primarily in the transit area noted that MACOG has representatives from <br /> Marshall, Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. Their budget is between $3-$4 million, with this <br /> year's budget being $3.4 million. It also encompasses the St. Joseph River Commission. South <br /> Bend is not a paying member of MACOG, but St. Joseph County pays $90,000 per year. Mayor <br /> Luecke and Dr. Varner are the representatives to MACOG from South Bend. They meet on the <br /> 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. It was noted that cabs in Elkhart County are <br /> subsidized. In the Summer of 1999 there were two(2)bus routes in Elkhart County. <br /> Council Member Pfeifer inquired about a link between South Bend and Elkhart. Ms. <br /> McAdams stated that that is a part of their long-range plans. Mr. Hall stated that it is in the <br /> 20-year horizon, since a forecasting model for traffic is required. The 2025 plan will be brought <br /> up to date to 2035. In 1994, they contracted with United Limo to provide service, but it was <br /> under-utilized. <br /> Council President White inquired about the process of adopting new routes, noting that <br /> there is a new senior-citizen complex at Mayflower. Ms. McAdams stated that this would be <br /> addressed by TRANSPO. <br /> Council Member Kirsits inquired about the St. Joseph River Commission. It was noted <br /> that it was founded as a result of a state law and covers seven (7) counties. It addresses water <br /> quality concerns. Such persons as Jack Dillon sit on the Commission. Documents are available <br /> on the website: MACOG.COM <br /> Mr. Corey had two (2) MACOG documents with him, one addressing Unified Planning <br /> and the 2005-2007 Transportation Improvement Program which is a 3-year program and includes <br /> Kosiousko County. It was noted that Elkhart and St. Joseph counties are in non-attainment <br /> areas. <br /> Community Relations Committee November 8,2004 Page 1 <br />