01-11-99 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Poisoned and Roane Committee South Bend Common Council The January 11, 1999 meeting of the Personnel &Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,Council Member James Aranowski at 3:50 p.m. in the Council Informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included: Council Members: Aranowski,Pfeifer,Kelly,King, Varner,Ujdak, Coleman and Hosinski; Terry Bland, James Voll,Rober Hunt,Ann-Carol Nash, Kathy Dempsey,Lew Powell,Anthony Zappia,Don Fozo,Mike Urbanski, Steve Krupnic,Jerry Beatty,Don Shaw and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Aranowski noted that the first item on the agenda would be to have general discussion on the secondhand store regulations with no formal Committee action being taken. Aim-Carol Nash of the Legal Department noted that the City had received complaints regarding merchandise displayed outside such as vacuums,rugs, lawn equipment, etc. on Sample, Western,etc. As a result the City Administration recommended a ban of such outside displays which was incorporated into an ordinance. Kathy Dempsey, Code Enforcement Director,noted that complaints of unsightliness, blocking sidewalks, and related items were received. Such complaints were time consuming to investigate. She noted that four(4)business owners were present to voice their concerns. Mr. Steve Krupnic,the owner of Red'd Pawn Shop, stated that he believes that the broad brush of the City through its current regulations have gone too far. It has been costly to legitimate businesses. His business is 75-80%warehousing. With the City's restrictions,he has had to wholesale to other dealerships. He does not believe that the regulations are fair to a company like his which has been in operation for over 25 years. He suggested that a compromise should be sought which may include limited outdoor sale items, limitations by hours, etc. The owner of Ozark Pawn Shop voice similar concerns. He stated that he is unable to display lawnmowers in the summer and snowblowers in the winter,yet other retail operators who are not secondhand dealers are permitted to display such items. Jerry Beatty,the owner of a Western Avenue secondhand store, noted that the City has not received any complaints of his operation and believes that the current regulations are unfair and penalize such dealers. Don Shaw of Kurt's Closet,stated that none of his neighbors have complained. The store he operates with his wife,who was also present,have dropped in business over 50 %. He is located 25' from the sidewalk. He further noted that he has a large porch with a roof and has been told by the City that they cannot display items on the porch and would be in violation. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes ofJan a y 11,1999