02-25-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2013 BILLS - FIRST READING BILL NO. 08-13 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW ARTICLE 11 ENTITLED BLOCK PARTY REGULATIONS This bill had first reading. Councilmember Scott made a motion to refer this bill to the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on March 11, 2013. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., advised that he is not satisfied with the demotion of Chief Boykins or the firing of the Communications Director. He stated that he is not thrilled about the hiring of a new police chief. He stated that he does not know the new Police Chief, however he does not like how he was brought in. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., then asked for three action items to be addressed: 1. A breakdown of the City of South Bend workforce. 2. The status of Jersey Mike’s communication with the City. 3. Block Party applications. Councilmember Oliver Davis thanked the city administration for their help in turning on the pumps at the New Energy (Ethanol) Plant. He asked the City Administration and the Public Works Department to address the concerns raised by the Farmers who have land around the New Energy (Ethanol) Plant. He also noted that the Council recently passed a Resolution noting that March 23, 2013 would be recognized as Schuyler Colfax Day. He advised that there will be more information coming forthwith. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand advised that she met with Interim City Attorney Aladean DeRose to address the “Whistleblower” policy for the Police and Fire Departments. Council President Dieter stated that he would like the South Bend Police Department’s Fraternal Order of Police and the Fire Fighter Union to be included in the discussions on the “Whistleblower” policy. REPORTS FROM AREA BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS BILL NO. 13-16 – SPECIAL EXCEPTION – 2221 PRAIRIE AVE Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., made a motion to refer this bill the Zoning & Annexation Committee and set this bill for Public Hearing and Third Reading on March 11, 2013. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 13-19 - CONFIRMING TAX ABATEMENT FOR DOUGLAS ROAD LAND PARTNERS SOUTH, L.P./HARRINGTON ORTHODONTICS-SET FOR 2-25-13 Councilmember Tim Scott made a motion to refer this bill to the Community Investment Committee and set this bill for Public Hearing and Third Reading on March 11, 2013. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.