11-05-04 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Luecke noted that development and job growth have been points of emphasis for the city,and that they have had inside/outside strategies. Council Member Kirsits noted that he is aware of an individual who purchasing properties in the city, rehabs them and then sells them. However, in light of the current real estate situation,he may have to go into new construction instead. State Representative-Elect Warlorski stated that people are very open to ideas, since revenue is needed and areas need to be broadened with the focus being not just the property owners. Mayor Luecke noted that the Commission on which he sits is a 2-year Commission. Council President White then asked if there were any other issues which should be discussed. Council Member Kelly raised the issue of school funding, especially in light of all-day kindergarten which he supports. He noted that he sits on the South Bend Education Foundation and that successful results are emanating from programs at Lafayette and Hay schools. Commissioner Dobson noted that many teachers do not see all day kindergarten as a benefit. Council Member Puzzello noted that the last two (2) years of her teaching career were spent as a teacher of English as a 2nd language. She noted that that program is very beneficial, as well as the benefits of all-day kindergarten. State Representative-Elect Warlorski noted that ISEP programs need to be reviewed, since our citizens need to be prepared to compete in a global economy. Questions of how to pay for all-day kindergarten; the current state debt; and how do we fairly fix the system are all critical issues. Commissioner Bodle suggested that exemptions for the elderly also need to be addressed, especially those on fixed incomes. Council Member Kuspa suggested that a summary of how properties have been affected along with pictures would be helpful. Commissioner Bodle stated that the County Engineering Department is currently working on such a system. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the sewer districts. Commissioner Dobson stated that they are addressing areas with environmental problems such as those in Wyatt where there was raw sewage, and then will be expanded to problematic areas in the county. Council Member Kelly inquired about current septic regulations in the county. Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council November 5,2004---Page 5