01-26-98 Health & Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods

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Health and Public Safety Committee Residential Neighborhoods Committee January 26, 1998 Page 2 He also noted that on February 6, 1998 there will be a presentation at Indiana University at South Bend by Darren L. Washington,the Executive Director of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males. Mr.James Cierzniak spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. He noted that he sees the proposed bill as "Feel goodism." He stated that he believes that it is the demeaning to blacks. He also voiced concern that of the 25 members that he did not see any members of the South Bend Police Department or church leadership. He also questioned the costs involved for such a Commission. Council Member Pfeifer noted that Police Officer presence has been a concern and has been discussed on several occasions. It is anticipated that either or both the Common Council and the Mayor will make an appointment of a member of the Police Department to the Commission. Mr. Jack Reed, the Mayor's Administrative Assistant, noted that it was discussed that Lyn Coleman, who works both in the Mayor's office and the Police Department,may be a possible candidate for membership. The Council Attorney noted that the only costs involved would be the publication and printing of the report each year for members of the Common Council,the Mayor, as well as the Commission membership with copies being made available for a fee to the public. Council Member Kelly spoke in favor of the proposed bill. He noted that there are several problems which he thinks could be addressed in a positive way through the establishment of such a Commission. Following further discussion, Council Member Kelly made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hosinski that Substitute Bill No. 5-98 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Under miscellaneous business,Mr.Hunt was called upon to give an update on the potential impact of Wall-Mart coming to the community and infield projects for the west side in particular the K-Mart on Western,Krogers and the vacant Target building. Mr.Hunt noted that $15,000 of pre-development funds and $5,000 of tiff monies are earmarked for development concerns. He stated that this money would be leveraged for matching funds form the state of Indiana. Market analysis will take place for Lincoln Way West,Western Avenue, as well as LaSalle Square. He also noted that the Lincoln Way West revitalization alliance has been formed and that upcoming meetings will be taking place with notice to the Common Council Members. Council Member Pfeifer suggested that the studies look at the LaSalle Square and attempts to make it safer, more attractive and addressing traffic patterns with the possibility of being one-way. Council Member Ujdak questioned whether any of the businesses have been contacted. Mr.Hunt noted that it has been over a year since any direct contact was made, but was willing to begin having discussions in this area. Council Member Ujdak also noted that last Tuesday, a meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee took place on the Adult Care Licensing proposed Ordinance. He noted that an official from the visiting Nurse Association and Madison Center were present. He noted that it was concluded by individuals present that the best approach